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Category: Politik

  • PAP’s Leadership Renewal Not Particularly Impressive

    PAP’s Leadership Renewal Not Particularly Impressive

    People like myself who have suffered under PAP’s policies would like to see the time when they lose power. Given GE2015’s slate of candidates where no single alternative party is aiming to form the government, more opposition seats will allow them a platform to push for their alternative views while working hard for Singaporeans to safeguard their mandate in GE2020. Ultimately, Singaporeans benefit.

    Looking at the new candidates from both sides, we are seeing some whose resumes are not particularly accomplished; People such as Daryl David and Joan Pereira have deputy-director level positions which are only equal to, or weaker than, the alternative parties’ who have managed to get full professors and associate professors. In short, the PAP has declined vis-à-vis the alternative parties.

    These are new faces whose track record cannot be seen. Yet even for existing ones, does the electorate necessarily respect the new generation PAP ministers as much as they do for the first generation? For for LKY himself, there would be a day when “either because the PAP has declined in quality or the opposition has put up a team which is equal to the PAP and they say, let’s try the other side.”

    New generation ministers such as Lawrence Wong has not stuck a particularly strong cord with voters. His track record of handling issues such as the rat infestation in Jurong and handling of the SEA games saga has proven him to be a far cry from the competent first-generation PAP. What about paper generals such as Chan Chun Sing who have not proven themselves in terms of policy making?

    The fall of Aljunied GRC to the opposition has proven two things. First, LKY was right about PAP losing power. Second, the electorate is willing to reduce their standards for alternative parties relative to the PAP possibly as a result of their discontent. Moving forward, it would most certainly seem that GE2015 would be the true watershed elections.

    By denying the PAP a two-thirds majority, we can see an improvement in our standards of living. Trust me on that.

     

    Source: http://mythoughtsinafewparagraphs.net

  • Ng Chee Meng – From Botak Boy To Man

    Ng Chee Meng – From Botak Boy To Man

    There was a massive downpour on the day of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s state funeral.

    But soldiers, drenched head to toe, remained at their posts in front of the barricades.

    From among the crowd behind them, a hand held an umbrella over a thoroughly-soaked serviceman in a futile attempt to shelter him.

    That image from March 29 this year remains etched in outgoing Chief of Defence Force Ng Chee Meng’s mind.

    The gesture edged him closer to his decision to serve Singapore in a different capacity – in politics.

    “When we saw the unity of Singaporeans, it gave (me) a lot of encouragement to see Singaporeans coming together.

    “The umbrella physically did nothing for the body, but it did wonders for the soul,” he said.

    Yesterday, Lt-Gen Ng, 47, handed over the reins of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to his successor, Major-General Perry Lim.

    Before the change-of-command parade yesterday afternoon at the Safti Military Institute, Lt-Gen Ng spoke about his 29 years in the military and about his next phase of life.

    Though he is stepping down a few months earlier than the usual three-year term for a defence chief, Lt-Gen Ng said he leaves the SAF a better and stronger force than it was.

    Under his leadership, the SAF successfully carried out missions in Afghanistan and the Gulf of Aden, as well as humanitarian and disaster relief operations in the region.

    The SAF today has the best weapons and technology available and is in advanced stages of linking its fighting platforms into a network of communication systems.

    This will enable the SAF to have greater combat power beyond its size and physical numbers, Lt-Gen Ng said.

    Planning for the next 15 to 20 years has also begun, with the SAF looking at the use of robots to alleviate the manpower crunch.

    “The day we are completely satisfied… is the day that we will deteriorate.

    “The SAF is not a perfect organisation. We always scan and see how we can bring the organisation forward and serve even better,” he said.

    SAF EXPERIENCE

    Lt-Gen Ng joined the SAF in December 1986 and went on to become a fighter pilot before moving up the ranks.

    The SAF has given him a rich cache of memories, he said, fondly recalling his time in Basic Military Training (BMT) and the Air Force.

    “The SAF turned a botak boy into a man,” he said.

    As Chief of Defence Force, he was the chief military adviser to the Defence Minister and Prime Minister.

    Initially drawing a blank when asked about his most cherished memory in the SAF, Lt-Gen Ng said that the past six months, particularly during the week of mourning for Mr Lee and the period leading up to the Golden Jubilee National Day, were among the most unforgettable.

    Last week, he flew a F-5S Tiger fighter jet for the last time and was pleasantly surprised to see a rainbow when he touched down. He immediately took a picture with his wife.

    “My journey in the SAF has come to an end. I’ve chased the rainbow with my wife by my side.

    “When I finished, there was really a rainbow. How nice,” he said.

    GOING INTO POLITICS

    Lt-Gen Ng said yesterday it was already an “open secret” that he was going into politics.

    Coming to that decision was not easy – it was only after much thought and advice from his family and mentors, he said.

    Ng’s elder brother, Major-General (NS) Ng Chee Khern, 49, is the Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) at the Ministry of Defence and Second Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health.

    His younger brother, Mr Ng Chee Peng, 45, a former Chief of Navy, was appointed chief executive of the Central Provident Fund earlier this year.

    But, after benefitting much from society, he now hopes to give back.

    If he does stand in the coming election, he will be the highest-ranking military officer to do so. It will also mark the first time that a defence chief has entered politics.

    He said: “It’s been a wonderful journey (in the SAF). I would like to give back to society in small ways for all the benefits that I gained.

    “I care about Singapore’s future, about Singaporeans’ well-being… and what Singapore will be like for my grandkids.”

    Outgoing chief played multiple roles

    Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng, 47, was appointed the Chief of Defence Force on March 27, 2013.

    He held various key command and staff appointments in 29 years of service, including the Chief of Air Force.

    He was also the Military Private Secretary to the Defence Minister from December 1995 to July 1996.

    Lt-Gen Ng, who has two daughters, also sat on the boards of Singapore Technologies Engineering, Defence Science and Technology Agency, and Jurong Town Corporation.

    Most recently, he was the chairman of the State Funeral Organising Committee for the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew and was among the first set of vigil guards to stand by the founding Prime Minister’s casket as it lay in state at Parliament House.

    He also led the preparations for the Golden Jubilee National Day Parade, which was held on Aug 9.

     

    Source: www.tnp.sg

  • Rahayu Mahzam Unveiled As PAP Candidate For Jurong GRC

    Rahayu Mahzam Unveiled As PAP Candidate For Jurong GRC

    SINGAPORE: The People’s Action Party (PAP) on Thursday (Aug 20) officially introduced its new candidates for the Jurong Group Representation Constituency (GRC) for the coming General Election (GE).

    The incumbent party’s five-person team features two new faces, Ms Rahayu Mahzam, 35, and Dr Tan Wu Meng, 40.

    They replace MPs Halimah Yacob, who moves over to Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, and Mr David Ong, from the team in place since the 2011 General Election.

    They join Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Mr Ang Wei Neng and Mr Desmond Lee, the remaining members of the team that secured Jurong GRC with 66.96 per cent of the votes against the National Solidarity Party four years ago.

    On Thursday, Mr Thaman introduced what he called “a team comprising experienced and fresh hands”. They will likely face the Opposition Singaporeans First party, led by ex-presidential candidate Tan Jee Say.

    The five PAP candidates for Jurong GRC are:

    Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, 58, Deputy Prime Minister

    Mr Tharman is also the Minister for Finance. He formerly served as the Minister for Manpower from 2011 to 2012 and the Minister for Education from 2003 to 2008. He has been an MP with Jurong GRC since he joined politics in 2001, having previously been Chief Executive at the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

    Mr Ang Wei Neng, 48, senior vice president of bus operations, SBS Transit

    Mr Ang is SBS Transit’s senior vice president of bus operations for the East district, having started his career in the Singapore Police Force. He has been an MP with Jurong GRC since 2011.

    Mr Desmond Lee, 39, Minister of State, Ministry of National Development

    Mr Lee is a lawyer by training, and was formerly a deputy public prosecutor. He held positions at the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Law, as well as at Temasek Holdings, before moving into politics, winning a seat in Parliament in Jurong GRC in 2011.

    Ms Rahayu Mahzam, 35, former Deputy Registrar of the Syariah Court

    Prior to announcing her candidacy, Ms Rahayu – also a lawyer by training – volunteered in Tampines and Bukit Batok, where she said she worked with youth and disadvantaged families. She currently sits on the National Library Board, the Malay Language Council and the National Youth Fund Advisory Committee, and has been volunteering with the Malay Youth Literary Association since 1997 and is active with the youth debate activities.

    She is currently a Partner at the law firm of Heng, Leong & Srinivasan. Before she returned to private practice, she was a Deputy Registrar of the Syariah Court from 2013 to 2015.

    In the course of my professional and volunteer work, I had interacted with many families going through financial and other difficulties. I am passionate to help these disadvantaged families. I feel that it is important to have strong and holistic support for these families so that they can overcome their difficulties. I also worked with many young people and I am passionate about ensuring that the youth, especially those from low and middle income families, are given the opportunity to achieve their aspirations and potential,” she said.

    “All of us have a part to play in the community. We should do our best in whatever we do and help others along the way so that we can achieve our dreams together. With a strong leadership and a community of people who are willing to work together, I believe Singapore will continue to prosper and be a comfortable home for all.”

    Dr Tan Wu Meng, 40, oncologist

    The consultant and medical oncologist at Parkway Cancer Centre is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Singapore Society of Oncology and the Singapore Medical Association. Dr Tan takes over the Clementi ward – moved from West Coast to Jurong GRC under the new electoral boundaries – from retiring three-term MP Arthur Fong.

    From 2006 to 2009, Dr Tan served with the North West CDC as councillor and vice-chair of the Youth Works Sub-Committee. From 2007 to 2011 he was a member of the Senja-Cashew Youth Executive Committee, and sat on the Senja-Cashew Citizens’ Consultative Committee from 2010 to 2013.

    “As a doctor, I learnt early on that life can be fragile and short. My work is a daily reminder that, in our time on this earth, we must strive to do meaningful work and make a difference to our fellow Singaporeans,” he said. “I believe that whatever our personal journey, life becomes more complete when we give back to our communities, uplift those in need, and build a better home for the children of tomorrow.

    “In an imperfect world, I’m an optimist. I believe that so long as we pull together, Singapore can continue beating the odds.”

     

    Source: www.channlnewsasia.com

  • Makansutra Founder Questions Vivian Balakrishnan For Comments On Hawkers

    Makansutra Founder Questions Vivian Balakrishnan For Comments On Hawkers

    Entrepreneur-photojournalist and Makansutra founder, KF Seetoh had commented on a Facebook post that the Parliamentary speech made by Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on Tuesday, is wrong on many fronts.

    Mr Seetoh wrote on his Facebook page,

    “I wish his scholarly minders in his MEWR would get their ground facts accurately. This is wrong on so many fronts. Firstly, “ingredients from abt 60% of hawkers cost”, leh yao mo kao chor ah! If your food cost is 60%, eh, you long long close shop liao la. If you cannot do below 30%, go be a highly paid civil servant better la. Also, the “progresseive wages for hawker assistants”.. allo, they are already paid way more than your govt mandated $7+ an hour. No takers. Linda Heng is already offering $100 a day for assistant and take up is sluggish and reluctant. The problem is manpower availability, not just about overpaying them. Mana ada orang kereja !

    And please, do not make turn the hawkers into minions out to do community and political favours, they really need to make money too. No wrong there at all. Getting them to feed the poor with low priced meals is ok, many i know will happitly give out free and even big disocunted cost+ meal to the displaced, but offering it cheap across the board to all and sundry, will invariably attract the rich and kiamsiap who will invariably bitch about quality and comfort. Let market rates dictate what they will do, it’s a Sg meritocracy thingie.

    Sure, there is a big chunk of hawkers paying under $400 for rents, but these are hawkers from the President Devan Nair days still managing the old rental structure. The new stalls in decent places are all hovering at 4 figure rents. (they pay up to $3k at Maxwell). And lets see how these indie operators can “help bring the cost of food down” and make the place viable and relevant.

    I am very sad to see the marginalisation of our beloved food culture struggling to grow in our food centres.”

    Mr Seetoh noted that while there is a large number of hawkers paying under $400 for their stall rent, but that is due to the rental structure offered to them during the days of President Devan Nair. He added that the new stalls in prime location are all hovering at 4 figure rents, such as Maxwell food centre at figures up to $3,000.

    He also questions how the new food centre operators can “help bring the cost of food down” for diners, make the place viable and relevant for hawkers.

    Dr Vivian had said in parliament that over 85% of Singapore hawkers today pay less than $1,500 per month in rent, 41% (2,400) of them are paying subsidised rental ranging from $160 to $384. Half of the successful bids are now below 85% of the assessed market rent and that the tendered rentals have been falling and fell by about 3.4% in 2014, and the lowest successful tendered rental is now $1 a month.

    Two appointed hawker operator, NTUC Foodfare and Fei Siong will offer discounted bulk purchasing of ingredients to help hawkers to reduce the cost of raw material. Dr Vivian noted that it is a fact that the cost of ingredients and raw materials is the biggest cost driver for hawkers stalls, not rentals.

    Dr Vivian’s full speech posted on his own Facebook account.

     

    Source: www.theonlinecitizen.com

  • NSP Reopens Spat With WP

    NSP Reopens Spat With WP

    The National Solidarity Party (NSP) re-opened its spat with the Workers’ Party (WP), with its central executive council (CEC) member Steve Chia accusing WP of not showing respect in a Facebook post yesterday (Aug 19).

    Justifying NSP’s decision to contest in the MacPherson Single-Member Constituency (SMC) — despite earlier saying it would not — Mr Chia pointed out that at the first round of talks between the Opposition parties earlier this month, the WP had not given a deadline on its offer to give up contesting in the MacPherson ward in return for the NSP to stay out of Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency (GRC).

    WP’s representatives at the discussions also agreed to attend the second round of talks to finalise the discussion, Mr Chia said. However, WP was a no-show. WP chairman Sylvia Lim subsequently told the media that WP skipped the meeting because it “would not (have been) productive”.

    Nevertheless, Mr Chia said WP left his party “in a very unreasonable state”.

    Mr Chia, who served as a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament from 2002 to 2006, added: “Our calls, emails and WhatsApp message to them all went unanswered. There is no respect for fellow comrades in the (Opposition) cause… We can only hope WP will respect us and give up the single SMC as they had initially promised.”

    The WP, however, was not drawn into a tiff. Commenting on the matter, Hougang MP Png Eng Huat would only say that his party was “surprised” by NSP’s U-turn. He reiterated that WP will contest in MacPherson SMC, and NSP’s latest decision would have no bearing on WP’s choice of candidate there.

    Associate professor Alan Chong from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies said the latest twist was a result of “petty politics” that was typical of the opposition landscape.

    “Much as people think the opposition has turned a corner by forging what’s called an informal agreement not to produce three-cornered fight scenarios, there’s still the same old characteristics that wrought the opposition in terms of strategy — the reluctance to give up a window of opportunity as soon as it appears,” he said

     

    Source: www.todayonline.com

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