Category: Singapuraku

Lee Hsien Loong And South China Sea – “Roared Like A Tiger, But Now Quiet As A Mouse”

By: Tan Jee Say

1. In July 2016, when the Hague tribunal ruled in favour of the Philippines but against some of China’s claims in the South China Sea, PM Lee loudly and vehemently urged China to abide by the ruling, adding that only when countries respect international rules, will small nations have a chance to survive in a global world.

2. Many events have happened in the months following the Hague tribunal. US President-elect Trump had spoken on the SCS. China had flown a nuclear bomber over the SCS. But PM Lee has remained silent.

3. Staying quiet or making neutral remarks softly, is the right thing to do for a small nation who is not a claimant in the disputed territories. Otherwise we may provoke hostile reactions from parties directly involved in the dispute.

4. But after roaring on the scene like a tiger and then suddenly turning quiet as a mouse 5 months later, what does this episode tell us about the leadership of PM Lee who has said ad infinitum that Singapore requires exceptional leadership to survive. What has PM Lee shown us about his tiger-turned-mouse leadership? This reminds me of the famous line in the popular beer advertisement, “Give that man a Tiger”. Yes we want a tiger, a real tiger, not a paper tiger.

5. This tiger-turned-mouse analogy is inspired by PM Lee’s castigation of WP’s performance , “You voted for a tiger in the chamber and you got a mouse in the House” (1 September 2015). Colourful imagery, PM. Now look at yourself in the mirror.

Source: https://thesgdaily.com

December 17, 2016
Ministers Should Not Take Usage Of Public Amenities For Granted

The following is a letter from one of our readers, Maran Velayan.

—
I refer to your article, ‘Resident dismayed that “VIP Minister” Grace Fu parked her car in reserved spot’ (http://theindependent.sg/resident-dismayed-that-vip-minister-grace-fu-parked-her-car-in-reserved-spot). According to the article, the resident expressed dismay that the Minister would park in a busy carpark and in a spot which residents have to pay a fee to get season parking.

This is not the first time some of these newer Ministers are caught parking indiscriminately, setting a very bad example for many others. In September, another netizen took Minister for Education Ong Ye Kung, to task for parking his car in lots reserved for emergency vehicles at the National Library (http://theindependent.sg/netizen-alleges-minister-parked-his-vehicle-in-a-reserved-spot-in-nlb).

The National Library (NLB) was quick to jump to the defence of Minister Ong and said, “there are a total of 3 car park lots designated for invited guests. As can be seen from the photo, two of the lots were available for use by emergency vehicles, if necessary.” (http://theindependent.sg/nlb-suggests-it-was-alright-for-minister-to-disregard-emergency-vehicle-parking-lots)

What NLB did not say was, why the Minister cannot be dropped off at a convenient spot by his bodyguard/driver and be picked up later when the event is over.

All Ministers are assigned bodyguards, who often also double up as the Ministers drivers. When Ministers have to attend official functions, besides his/her personal bodyguards, another will be assigned to the Minister from the Singapore Police Force (SPF).

This means that the Minister need not be deprived of proper security at an event even when the other driver is running an errand (like parking the car). Indeed this is what most older Ministers do and they are mindful never to take the public amenities for granted. The public too respects them for such considerations.

Just like the NLB jumping to defend Minister Ong, a grassroots leader too has jumped in to defend Minister Fu. According to the Facebook page ‘We want Minister Grace Fu to resign’, Malaiya Maran S claimed that the event was organised by SPF and as organiser, the SPF has gotten permission from HDB to park at the red lot for a “short duration”.

He thinks that “keeping aside 1 parking lot for the short duration isn’t too much” to inconvenient the public. “And on many occasions, when there is no nearby parking lot available, I have seen Ms Fu drop off at the vicinity and someone will valet park at another available location,” he added.

imple logic would dictate that Minister Fu could be dropped off at the spot without compromising her security while her car is valet parked. And that is the right thing to do.

Source: http://theindependent.sg

December 17, 2016
K Shanmugam: MHA Will Review Adequacy Of Legislation Against Abuse Of Civil Service Officers

CPL Ammy of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) was physically attacked while doing her duty.

In May, she and her partner responded to a taxi driver who reported about his hostile passengers.

At the scene, CPL Ammy asked one of the passengers, Albin Lim for his particulars. Lim grabbed and pushed her to the ground. He then kicked her lower back. CPL Ammy suffered a blackout and collapsed.

Lim’s abusive conduct was terrible on several levels. He attacked a lady. He attacked an officer in uniform, doing her duty.

He has been sentenced to 10 weeks jail for this. I have asked the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to relook at the legislation, to consider whether this is adequate. I have said to MHA that anyone who attacks a uniformed officer should learn a lesson, which he will never forget; and it should be enough of a deterrence to others.

CPL Ammy is not the only Home Team officer who has suffered physical and verbal abuse when on duty. Last year, 344 cases were reported – almost one case per day! In the first 8 months of this year alone, there were 328 cases of abuse of Home Team officers.

In our current heightened security climate, the men and women of the Home Team work tirelessly daily to protect Singapore. They need our full support and cooperation.

Source: K Shanmugam Sc

December 17, 2016
Higher Parking Fees At 22 Popular HDB Carparks, During Peak Hours

Drivers popping into the city area or a crowded hawker centre in the heartland have another reason to make it quick.

Parking at 22 popular Housing Board-managed carparks across the island has become more expensive during peak hours, with the HDB hoping it will deter drivers from lingering.

This hike is on top of a nationwide increase in rates at public carparks that began on Dec 1. Overall rates increased by 10 cents to 20 cents per half hour, depending on location.

But the rise is more drastic at the 22 carparks, generally sited in the city area and near certain food centres. For instance, rates at six HDB carparks in Rochor and Duxton shot up from $1 to $1.40 per half hour. The other 16 carparks also saw a hike from 50 cents per half hour to 80 cents now.

An HDB spokesman said that this “differential pricing” model helps to better manage parking demand in the city. Season parking holders are not affected.

News of the changes drew mixed reactions from business owners and motorists who frequent these areas. At Bras Basah Complex, carpark fees went up to $1.40 per half hour for most of the day, worrying shopkeepers who believe it discourages customers from dropping by.

Said Mr Richard Cho, 55, a watch dealer at Heng Wah Watch and Pen Company: “We are already seeing a 20 per cent drop in walk-in customers this month due to the bad economy, and the increase in parking fees does not help.”

One motorist, Mr Tng Kim Guan, 50, who works in a hotel, was unhappy when he first saw the higher charges at Bras Basah Complex. But he was later relieved he was able to find a parking space more quickly.

He used to spend 10 minutes circling the carpark looking for a spot, but yesterday was able to get one immediately. “I am not sure if it is because of the higher rates, but I don’t mind paying a bit more if it makes parking easier,” he said.

The mixed sentiment is also mirrored at Golden Mile Food Centre, where peak-period rates were raised to 80 cents per half hour.

Several residents told The Straits Times they were glad the higher fees may discourage drivers from “clogging up” the Beach Road entrance to the carpark.

However, hawkers such as Mr Jahabar Ali, 47, said the traffic situation did not change after Dec 1. “If the congestion remains and drivers realise parking costs went up, who will still want to come and eat here?”

The higher HDB carpark rates are now similar to those charged by commercial carparks in the vicinity. For instance, parking at Bras Basah Complex is more expensive than at the nearby Odeon Towers, which charges $2.20 for the first hour and $1.10 for subsequent half- hour periods.

Previously, HDB did not charge extra for parking during peak periods. It first started to do so in 2009 at The Pinnacle@Duxton and Tekka Market to “manage the high demand for short-term parking space during peak hours and encourage higher turnover of vehicles”.

HDB and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) manage about 607,000 and 24,000 parking spaces, respectively. Asked if it will impose similar peak-period hikes, a spokesman for the URA said: “Many of URA’s carparks are located in the city centre, and it has been our practice to set our charges appropriately to manage parking demand in the city. This includes charging more if necessary during peak hours.”

Source: www.straitstimes.com

December 16, 2016
Life As A Female McDelivery Rider

Yes it’s her again—Marian Poon, the 153cm-tall aircraft technician whose story you might have read. And guess what? As if fixing and cleaning clogged faeces in aircrafts weren’t adventurous enough, she used to be a McDelivery and Popeyes delivery rider for 7 years. And a competitive bowler. And rugby player. Who also does ballet, rock climbing, tap dancing and photography, but we digress.

Based at the soon-to-be-defunct Bedok Princess Macs, Marian juggled 4 jobs due to financial problems when her dad passed away.

From getting hit on by customers to delivering burgers to Geylang hotel rooms, welcome to the life of a Singaporean delivery girl.

Here are 10 experiences she shared with us.

1. Creepy Deliveries During 7th Month

During the Hungry Ghost Festival, I received a 3am order from one of the Lucky Heights houses, near Bedok Camp. My fellow riders told me to focus on the road and avoid looking into the rear mirror. I wasn’t that pantang (superstitious), so I grabbed my bag and rode off. The unit was located deep inside the estate and I had goosebumps to a point where I made a pitstop to take a breather.

I’ve also delivered to Mount Vernon Columbarium. Turns out, the security guard wanted McSpicy!

2. Sleazy Customers

One night, I delivered food to Geylang Hotel 81. A man, with a towel around his waist, swung open the door while a half naked lady was on the bed. He stood there shamelessly as I dug my bag for 45 cents.

3. Being Called Singapore’s Most Beautiful Rider

Aiseh.

4. “Keep The Change”

Someone told me, “you’re the first female rider I’ve seen in Singapore, please keep the change.” It was $28. A nice aunty also offered me hot milo when I made a delivery in the rain.

A customer gave me this toy from his Happy Meal. He said “it looks like you. LOL.”

5. “Give Me The 5 Cents Change NOW”

There are rude customers who will demand for the 5 cents change. Sometimes, I’ll fork out my own money to return them the smallest change I have.

6. Gentlemanly Riders

One time, my Yamaha Spark skidded and a Pizza Hut rider came to my rescue. After I fell, he pushed my bike to the side as I organised my bag. Thankfully, I had already delivered the food. As my bike’s steering went out of alignment, he asked if I needed a ride back. *insert heart emoji*

7. Odd Deliveries

Once, I sent a cup of hot tea which cost $4.50 with delivery fee. I thought I might as well just deliver the tea bag.

IG @Sportspoon: “Finally home. Day 2 of 血汗钱. My back is aching and starting to feel a bit like fitness. Haha. I’ve clocked in about 48 orders yesterday and today. Just counting tips, I’ve received $26.”

8. Nitpicky Customers

There was an aunty living opposite a McDonalds outlet in Potong Pasir who gave me the biggest McHeadache. She ordered a Hot Fudge Sundae, which I promptly delivered. However, she rudely exclaimed, “why is it melted? I want to speak to your manager.” I agreed to pass her the number and she replied, “wah so you show me attitude now lah?”

Eventually a fellow rider sent her a replacement order but she wasn’t appeased. I’ve also handled people who were furious they didn’t get a straw.

9. Staycation And Job Offers

During the World Cup fever, some drunkards told me to stay over for dinner. As a delivery girl, you need to be firm and extra careful lest you be eaten.

Sometimes they’ll chat me up to find out about my background. When I tell them I’m a degree holder who just wants to earn some extra cash, they’ll offer me jobs in various companies.

10. Tricky HDB Units

It’s nice when people include directions to their unit in the comment section if their house is tricky to find. I was a hamster in a maze when I made a 4am delivery to a HDB flat due to the layout of the building. In the end I had to stand at level 1, count the number of floors, and climb the stairs to level 9. How’s that for cardio?

IG @sportspoon: “450km. 70 families. 1 mission. HAHHAS. $600 huat ah!”

Delivery Riders In Singapore

Like many occupations in Singapore, riders like Marian are people we frequently meet, but hardly get to know. While technology, like an online ordering system, feeds our laziness (and stomachs), we should appreciate the unsung heroes who help make our lives better.

Source: https://zula.sg

December 16, 2016