Wake Up Your Idea
Monday, October 06, 2008
Talk About Rubbish Journalism...
It has been a sad start to October with Mr J B Jeyaretnam passing away suddenly. Although most of the population are mourning the loss, it does seem that the elites of this 'promised land' are quietly smiling to themselves - not unlike the relief of having a painful thorn removed after several decades.
Whilst we have seen very poorly crafted condolence letters from senior officials of the government - and notably nothing from the MM, at least the President has been more forthcoming with his genuine sympathy.
Nevertheless, my beef is with the 'breaking news' that was posted on the online Straits Times portal on Tuesday morning (30/09/2008). I was simply appalled at the implicit and explicit descriptions given as well as the unnecessary negative information that seems to have been deliberately included. Reproduced below is the entire article as it appeared. Note the grammatical error in the last sentence and the extremely harsh tone of a report that is informing the death of someone well-known. And Mr JBJ's name is spelt wrongly to boot!
Of course, when I saw it I knew it would be replaced sooner or later and hence saved the snapshot quickly. Subsequently, by the evening, the report had taken a whole new look - albeit under the same heading and title picture of Mr JBJ. Let the following be a permanent record of the shameful report as it appeared on 30/09/2008 at 9:32am.
Whilst we have seen very poorly crafted condolence letters from senior officials of the government - and notably nothing from the MM, at least the President has been more forthcoming with his genuine sympathy.
Nevertheless, my beef is with the 'breaking news' that was posted on the online Straits Times portal on Tuesday morning (30/09/2008). I was simply appalled at the implicit and explicit descriptions given as well as the unnecessary negative information that seems to have been deliberately included. Reproduced below is the entire article as it appeared. Note the grammatical error in the last sentence and the extremely harsh tone of a report that is informing the death of someone well-known. And Mr JBJ's name is spelt wrongly to boot!
Of course, when I saw it I knew it would be replaced sooner or later and hence saved the snapshot quickly. Subsequently, by the evening, the report had taken a whole new look - albeit under the same heading and title picture of Mr JBJ. Let the following be a permanent record of the shameful report as it appeared on 30/09/2008 at 9:32am.
Click on each thumbnail to see the original image
or download and read the PDF version that was saved
or download and read the PDF version that was saved
Labels: singapore
¶ 10/06/2008 05:22:00 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Li Changjiang Quits? How Irresponsible!
"Aiyah, small problem you resign? Wasted!"
¶ 9/23/2008 10:43:00 AM 0 comments
I woke up this morning to discover that a top official in China had resigned (with the approval of the cabinet, some more) in relation to the Milk Scandal. (Side Note: A scandal might be a misnomer since they have practically made it a habit to do anything it takes to cut costs and increase profits immaterial of who dies.)
Apparently, more officials down the food chain have also been sacked. What kind of behaviour is this? I thought China wanted to learn from Singapore? One of the pillars of our governance is to NOT resign/quit/get sacked regardless of how big the calamity and in the face of the obvious. No matter what happens, according to our doctrine top officials are not supposed to resign and are instead required to close ranks and start covering each others' backs(ides).
Here, China's Premier Wen Jiabao should have immediately sprung forward to voice his unilateral confidence in Li Jangchiang and should have stated that he would reject any offer of resignation from him. Then Mr Li should have quickly followed up the wayang with his undertaking that he would see the problem through and not 'quit on the country'.
This is the way Singapore would have done it and FINE the manufacturers involved to kingdom come instead. The logic is of course that a hundred-and-one other entrepreneurs will come forward to fill the void but who can replace the god-like officials.
I am shocked and disturbed that China has not learnt this basic tenet of the incorruptible Singapore government. How can it even imagine to follow our hugely successful sheep-herding of the masses if it fails to adopt the fundamental steps to being invincible?
Someone pass Premier Wen a copy of the Mas Selamat case study please...
Apparently, more officials down the food chain have also been sacked. What kind of behaviour is this? I thought China wanted to learn from Singapore? One of the pillars of our governance is to NOT resign/quit/get sacked regardless of how big the calamity and in the face of the obvious. No matter what happens, according to our doctrine top officials are not supposed to resign and are instead required to close ranks and start covering each others' backs(ides).
Here, China's Premier Wen Jiabao should have immediately sprung forward to voice his unilateral confidence in Li Jangchiang and should have stated that he would reject any offer of resignation from him. Then Mr Li should have quickly followed up the wayang with his undertaking that he would see the problem through and not 'quit on the country'.
This is the way Singapore would have done it and FINE the manufacturers involved to kingdom come instead. The logic is of course that a hundred-and-one other entrepreneurs will come forward to fill the void but who can replace the god-like officials.
I am shocked and disturbed that China has not learnt this basic tenet of the incorruptible Singapore government. How can it even imagine to follow our hugely successful sheep-herding of the masses if it fails to adopt the fundamental steps to being invincible?
Someone pass Premier Wen a copy of the Mas Selamat case study please...
"Aiyah, small problem you resign? Wasted!"
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Selamat Spotted at Mustafa Centre
With 2 distinct flavours and a namesake that is fast becoming a legend in this hmble republic, watch out for the Selamat Wafer to become the next big thing. At least, unlike the Hello Kitty national catastrophe, here, we can tell the security guards and Police who try to stop us from bashing each other's head open over the wafers that we are actually 'fighting for the country'.
On closer inspection, the wafers are being brought in from Indonesia no less. I do wonder if 'Mr Good Gold' will be endorsing this product and whether he will claim royalties if the product were to pick up in sales. Anyway, do get your (Mas) Selamat fix when you're at Mustafa Centre the next time. At 80 cents, it is a small price to pay to have Selamat in your hands - and eat him, so to speak...
A Good Marketing Angle?
There I was minding my own business at Mustafa Centre one night when out of the corner of my eye, I spotted him. Staring defiantly at me, daring me to catch him, he just sat there. So, bound by my intrinsic patriotism, I went forward boldly and picked him up with gusto. There! I had Selamat in the palm of my hands, literally.
With 2 distinct flavours and a namesake that is fast becoming a legend in this hmble republic, watch out for the Selamat Wafer to become the next big thing. At least, unlike the Hello Kitty national catastrophe, here, we can tell the security guards and Police who try to stop us from bashing each other's head open over the wafers that we are actually 'fighting for the country'.On closer inspection, the wafers are being brought in from Indonesia no less. I do wonder if 'Mr Good Gold' will be endorsing this product and whether he will claim royalties if the product were to pick up in sales. Anyway, do get your (Mas) Selamat fix when you're at Mustafa Centre the next time. At 80 cents, it is a small price to pay to have Selamat in your hands - and eat him, so to speak...
*click on image for actual size*
A Good Marketing Angle?Labels: mas selamat kastari mole, singapore
¶ 6/26/2008 05:04:00 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Earthquake in China = Fewer Bus Drivers for Singapore?
Not to mention, the number of existing FT in Singapore right now who will heartlessly leave their well-paying (compared to third-world wages, that is) cleaner/promoter/driver jobs to attend to their families back home. Who will keep the aisles of our affordable icon of grocery shopping - FairPrice, clean in the meanwhile? What a Dilemna!
Perhaps the experience of our aged uncles and aunties can now be put to even better use and they can double up their tissue-selling/cleaning table day-jobs with second jobs involving these 'abandoned' duties. Maybe, just maybe, we can also solve the national problem of the increase in the cost-of-living for the poor at the same time by giving them these extra jobs at extremely menial pay. Wow, a silver lining!
I understand that many readers might be perturbed by my apparent lack of empathy to the plight of the people struck by this natural disaster, and to them I say - I am being patriotic and simply thinking like how my government/political party (not sure if there is a difference) would...
Still Hope: Enough Potential Bus Drivers Alive And Well
I woke up this morning to the depressing news that probably tens of thousands of 'mainlanders' were killed in an earthquake that hit Sichuan yesterday. What bothered me though was not the loss of life in an already-over-crowded world but the fact that all that potential Foreign Talent was going to waste. Imagine how many bus drivers, cleaners at NTUC , beer promoters et al have been lost to this catastrophe. The Horror and Tragedy of it all!
Not to mention, the number of existing FT in Singapore right now who will heartlessly leave their well-paying (compared to third-world wages, that is) cleaner/promoter/driver jobs to attend to their families back home. Who will keep the aisles of our affordable icon of grocery shopping - FairPrice, clean in the meanwhile? What a Dilemna!
Perhaps the experience of our aged uncles and aunties can now be put to even better use and they can double up their tissue-selling/cleaning table day-jobs with second jobs involving these 'abandoned' duties. Maybe, just maybe, we can also solve the national problem of the increase in the cost-of-living for the poor at the same time by giving them these extra jobs at extremely menial pay. Wow, a silver lining!
I understand that many readers might be perturbed by my apparent lack of empathy to the plight of the people struck by this natural disaster, and to them I say - I am being patriotic and simply thinking like how my government/political party (not sure if there is a difference) would...
Still Hope: Enough Potential Bus Drivers Alive And WellLabels: earthquake, singapore
¶ 5/13/2008 10:26:00 AM 0 comments
Saturday, April 26, 2008
When Cost Goes Up, Wages Don't Need To?
As the circled portions highlight, as far as the title goes, the question is framed (again) in the first paragraph and the answer in the third paragraph is simply 'Suck It Up' - ie. "..have a realistic expectation of wages...". Amazing how the solution can be purported to be living with it rather than expect an increase in salary.
Funny how such 'wisdom' on having "realistic expectations of wages" does not apply when it comes to the million dollar salaries of the highest public officials in the land eh?
When I read the headline "Raising Wages To Address Costs Not The Right Solution" on CNA, I thought to myself, how else are we going to solve the problem? Intrigued to find out, I read the report - of which the first 3 paragraphs are reproduced below. After reading the report, I was left perplexed as I did not notice a solution being offered. I read it again and eventually realised that the heading and the article were mismatched. The article was talking about some inconsequential law that, unsurprisingly, will benefit employers, corporations and the like.
As the circled portions highlight, as far as the title goes, the question is framed (again) in the first paragraph and the answer in the third paragraph is simply 'Suck It Up' - ie. "..have a realistic expectation of wages...". Amazing how the solution can be purported to be living with it rather than expect an increase in salary.
Funny how such 'wisdom' on having "realistic expectations of wages" does not apply when it comes to the million dollar salaries of the highest public officials in the land eh?
Labels: singapore
¶ 4/26/2008 01:52:00 PM 1 comments
Thursday, April 24, 2008
What To Do, It Has Happened...
We have a silly-looking icon which can't decide if it's a fish or a mammal. We also have a national flower with a salutation as its middle name. In addition, we aspire to be the biggest in everything we build or do - suspiciously as though obsessed with overcompensating for the lack of actual land size or population might. But what I love most about Singapore is our prodigal son [NOT Fandi Ahmad] and his wise words of wisdom.
In May 2006, he uttered the immortal words "...I'm going to spend all my time thinking what's the right way to fix them..." with regard to the opposition during an election rally. Shockingly, he still got re-elected.
Barely 2 years later, he's back with an irresistible reply to a national disaster where a 'dangerous terrorist' escaped, with a cool "...what to do, it has happened." The embarrassing incident was followed by an equally-embarrassing inquiry report worthy of only an 'O' Level pass at best, with amateurish statements from the PM (aforementioned prodigal son-of-a-...) and the Minister responsible for the fiasco that can only be described as insulting to the average sensible citizen.
Nevertheless, I have complete faith in the truest-of-the-true current 'face of Singapore' to provide timeless classics like 'Mee Siam Mai Hum'. I simply can't wait for the next pearl of insight to spew forth from his post-cancerous mouth.
I wonder if decades down the road, we will look back and say that it was this unrelated alleged terrorist - albeit indirectly - who sowed the seeds of impending doom for the ruling 'elite'. Will I be telling my children that a certain Mas Selamat changed the history of Singapore in February 2008?
New Illustrated SOP For Detention Guards
We have a silly-looking icon which can't decide if it's a fish or a mammal. We also have a national flower with a salutation as its middle name. In addition, we aspire to be the biggest in everything we build or do - suspiciously as though obsessed with overcompensating for the lack of actual land size or population might. But what I love most about Singapore is our prodigal son [NOT Fandi Ahmad] and his wise words of wisdom.In May 2006, he uttered the immortal words "...I'm going to spend all my time thinking what's the right way to fix them..." with regard to the opposition during an election rally. Shockingly, he still got re-elected.
Barely 2 years later, he's back with an irresistible reply to a national disaster where a 'dangerous terrorist' escaped, with a cool "...what to do, it has happened." The embarrassing incident was followed by an equally-embarrassing inquiry report worthy of only an 'O' Level pass at best, with amateurish statements from the PM (aforementioned prodigal son-of-a-...) and the Minister responsible for the fiasco that can only be described as insulting to the average sensible citizen.
Nevertheless, I have complete faith in the truest-of-the-true current 'face of Singapore' to provide timeless classics like 'Mee Siam Mai Hum'. I simply can't wait for the next pearl of insight to spew forth from his post-cancerous mouth.
I wonder if decades down the road, we will look back and say that it was this unrelated alleged terrorist - albeit indirectly - who sowed the seeds of impending doom for the ruling 'elite'. Will I be telling my children that a certain Mas Selamat changed the history of Singapore in February 2008?
New Illustrated SOP For Detention GuardsLabels: mas selamat kastari mole, minister, politics, singapore
¶ 4/24/2008 12:32:00 AM 1 comments
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Steve Irwin, Nick Petroulias & Singapore = SCAM
What Do Steve Irwin, Nick Petroulias & Singapore Have In Common? Apparently an elaborate scam involving millions of dollars. I chanced upon this on a tomorrow.sg post and the latest report on Reuters that was referenced does not specify the 'Singapore-based company' by name. However, digging a bit, I discovered that this issue has been floating around since late last year and the Irwin's are in fact involved in a scam to avoid paying taxes - either knowingly or unknowingly.
Nick Petroulias is apparently a disgraced former Assistant Commissioner of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) who was involved in some shady underhand work to give 'rebates' to some firms that he had a financial interest in between 1997 & 1998 and for which he was arrested in 2000. A trial is presently ongoing and he has been found guilty on some charges already.
The interesting thing to note is, in this current case involving 'Mr Crikey' and gang, the suspicious company based in Singapore is HQZ Argentum - supposedly an investment bank at 'Whitehouse' building located at Maxwell Road. The number given is 67228316 and, when called (I did), re-routes to a telephone operator in New Zealand where an automated service informs that the number no longer exists. Perhaps someone should see if the office is still there at 32 Maxwell Road #03-07 S(069115).
Where's A Stingray When You Need One
Nick Petroulias is apparently a disgraced former Assistant Commissioner of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) who was involved in some shady underhand work to give 'rebates' to some firms that he had a financial interest in between 1997 & 1998 and for which he was arrested in 2000. A trial is presently ongoing and he has been found guilty on some charges already.
The interesting thing to note is, in this current case involving 'Mr Crikey' and gang, the suspicious company based in Singapore is HQZ Argentum - supposedly an investment bank at 'Whitehouse' building located at Maxwell Road. The number given is 67228316 and, when called (I did), re-routes to a telephone operator in New Zealand where an automated service informs that the number no longer exists. Perhaps someone should see if the office is still there at 32 Maxwell Road #03-07 S(069115).
I wonder why a fraudulent establishment and/or scheme would choose (squeaky clean) Singapore as a base for operations? How did it manage to escape prosecution (or detection, at least) by our authorities? Oh wait, they let Mas Selamat go right? Oh wait wait, it's our fault for being complacent and expecting such extremely high standards of our not-so-exceptionally-paid government. And I am sure the fact that revenue from the taxation of the millions being passed through the republic goes to our national coffers have absolutely nothing to do with it.
Where's A Stingray When You Need OneLabels: Nick Petroulias, singapore, Steve Irwin
¶ 4/08/2008 12:35:00 PM 0 comments
Sunday, April 06, 2008
The Rhys Thomas Affair
A news report today informs that an Australian pilot who flew a plane into Singapore air space in January (earlier report) was fined S$5,000. Wow. Fly a plane without any communications into Singapore and you get fined. Simply TALK about flying a plane into Singapore and you get detained under the ISA indefinitely.
In the words of the typical Singaporean, "Ang Moh cannot be terrorist meh?" Perhaps it was colonialism at work...
JI Plan 'B'
JI Plan 'B'Labels: Rhys Thomas, singapore, terrorism
¶ 4/06/2008 10:23:00 AM 0 comments
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Singapore's Happiest Person & Other Tales Of Fiction
I came across this piece of news on tomorrow.sg regarding the 'search for Singapore happiest person' and thought it was quite interesting. On closer inspection though, I realised that the local media has sunk to a new low. Below is my reply as posted on the Tomorrow.sg entry regarding this distastefully disguised marketing strategy:
You guys do know that this is a marketing gimmick right? Apparently, this 'search' has been initiated by the 'Global Leadership Academy Pte Ltd' (doesn't have a website) which in turn was created by the Phillip Merry Consulting Group - owned by Phillip Merry with a staff size of 4 key persons (probably there should be other clerical staff members).In reality, all this is just a marketing ploy for an event entitled 'The New Science of Happiness and Well Being' that will be held at the Singapore Expo on April 16 & 17. That's what you will see if you visit the competition's website, simply-happy.com. In fact, the link button to the actual competition takes up about 1% of the whole home page which just advertises the 'conference' and the speakers involved in the event.
It is pretty obvious that the organisers are the least interested in actually 'searching' for the happiest person and, in all probability, will be just choosing the first best candidate they come across in the pool of entries. Although the event was arranged much earlier, at least before January, the 'search' itself is only 2 weeks long from March 16 to 30 - for a nationwide search? Not to mention the 'results' will be out within a week (April 4th) after the closing date?
Of course, as a marketing idea, it is a success because the (stupid/blind/slow-news-day) mainstream media have picked up on it and made it sound like a national campaign. Well, If you're interested in paying between S$988 and $1,388 to sit down and listen to speakers who are probably going to tell you, "you're spending too much money, that's why you're unhappy and stressed", I have nothing against that.
But for those who think this is a great (independent/genuine) campaign and the 'winner' will be really 'the happiest person in Singapore', then please think again, because this is just another lucky draw...
I have nothing against a bit of enterprise and even concede that it may be a necessary evil, but I think in this case, the public is being misled.
This Is Real Happiness, By The Way
This Is Real Happiness, By The WayLabels: happiest person, singapore
¶ 3/23/2008 12:09:00 PM 2 comments
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
The Caning Story...
CJ Expresses Deep Concern Over Extra Caning Case"The Chief Justice has directed that the District Judge be formally cautioned and that after he has cleared his outstanding criminal cases, he will be taken off judicial work which involves the signing of warrants of commitment.""Warrants of commitment will now be checked twice by another court clerk who is not involved in preparing the warrant. A second District Judge will also be involved in the checking system before the warrant is signed by the judge."
Isn't this a tad bit going overboard? Yes, the man was caned in excess. But was he an innocent man who was put to death? Basically, he's a checkered individual himself who deserves the 5 strokes to begin with. Bearing that in mind, what's another 3 strokes more? It was not like he was not to be caned, but rather, the number of strokes of the deserved caning was in error (the true crime would have been if he got LESS).
But this is not the point. Mistakes happen and, Yes, they are bad when they do occur - like in this case. But, No, it is not appropriate to get excited over the incident and start implementing inefficient things. As it is, it's good that everyone takes ownership over what has happened and it's good that apologies have been forthcoming. The problem is the excessive Soap Drama by the authorities.
The Court Clerk has resigned - for making a purely administrative mistake. The Judge has been 'quarantined' for the time being. What is all this smoke screen about? Eventually, (I estimate within 6 months) the Judge will be back to normal duties, or at worst, he would be in another position of equal importance. The poor Court Clerk, however, will probably suffer if his references are checked when applying for another job - and, oh, he can forget about getting a job in the Civil Service - EVER.
Once again, it's topsy-turvy in the land of Singapore Inc. The person who signed the document (ie. authorised/sanctioned the mistake) is none worse for wear whilst the clerical staff who prepared the document is the scapegoat who is skinned alive. In other countries, its the most senior official involved who offers to resign as a sign of remorse. In Singapore Inc, it's the least important party who is conveniently 'advised' to leave - as a misleading show of remorse.
And now, there's going to be a 'Hollywood Blockbuster' of checks and counter-checks for something that has been practised for years and years without incident. As it is, the court system is under-staffed (which statutory board isn't?) and having to do the same job twice is just going to take away time, effort and concentration from somewhere else. Therefore, this is just a case of moving problems around instead of genuinely solving them. In the first place, the fact that one staff prepares and another signs the document is SUPPOSED TO BE A COUNTER-CHECK. Now 4 pairs of eyes are needed?
Honestly, the better idea would be to employ assistants for the court clerks (perhaps at a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3) so that a fresh pair of eyes can go through the documentation. But I feel that even this is not necessary. All that is needed is for those who have made a genuine mistake to be forgiven and a general reminder to everyone to be careful.
Remember, none of us are free from guilt or free from mistakes. We are human, stop over reacting.
But this is not the point. Mistakes happen and, Yes, they are bad when they do occur - like in this case. But, No, it is not appropriate to get excited over the incident and start implementing inefficient things. As it is, it's good that everyone takes ownership over what has happened and it's good that apologies have been forthcoming. The problem is the excessive Soap Drama by the authorities.
The Court Clerk has resigned - for making a purely administrative mistake. The Judge has been 'quarantined' for the time being. What is all this smoke screen about? Eventually, (I estimate within 6 months) the Judge will be back to normal duties, or at worst, he would be in another position of equal importance. The poor Court Clerk, however, will probably suffer if his references are checked when applying for another job - and, oh, he can forget about getting a job in the Civil Service - EVER.
Once again, it's topsy-turvy in the land of Singapore Inc. The person who signed the document (ie. authorised/sanctioned the mistake) is none worse for wear whilst the clerical staff who prepared the document is the scapegoat who is skinned alive. In other countries, its the most senior official involved who offers to resign as a sign of remorse. In Singapore Inc, it's the least important party who is conveniently 'advised' to leave - as a misleading show of remorse.
And now, there's going to be a 'Hollywood Blockbuster' of checks and counter-checks for something that has been practised for years and years without incident. As it is, the court system is under-staffed (which statutory board isn't?) and having to do the same job twice is just going to take away time, effort and concentration from somewhere else. Therefore, this is just a case of moving problems around instead of genuinely solving them. In the first place, the fact that one staff prepares and another signs the document is SUPPOSED TO BE A COUNTER-CHECK. Now 4 pairs of eyes are needed?
Honestly, the better idea would be to employ assistants for the court clerks (perhaps at a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3) so that a fresh pair of eyes can go through the documentation. But I feel that even this is not necessary. All that is needed is for those who have made a genuine mistake to be forgiven and a general reminder to everyone to be careful.
Remember, none of us are free from guilt or free from mistakes. We are human, stop over reacting.
Labels: government, singapore
¶ 7/17/2007 06:41:00 PM 1 comments
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Why The 2006 Budget Is 'SOOOO GOOD'
Services with pay lagging significantly behind the private sector will get bigger adjustments, while those closer to the market will get smaller ones, he said. For example, pay in the Administrative Service has not been revised since 2000 and has fallen sharply behind private sector salaries in the past two years. Such civil servants are likely to get bigger rises to keep pace with the private sector.
Salaries of ministers, judges and statutory appointment-holders are pegged to the Administrative Service salary structure, so their pay is also expected to rise when the changes are announced.
Interesting to note that our 'poorly' remunerated ministers are going to be brought to par with private sector rates. This is yet another article that supports my theory of 'Creative Journalism'. Note how the 2 facts - a) Administrative Service getting the larger bulk of pay revision AND b) Minister salaries are pegged to this structure - were 'not so obviously' stated.
At least we can now understand why the MPs were all so 'over the moon' when the budget report was released. Parliament is starting to seriously look like a Soap Opera - overly dramatic, everybody knows about it and when its on, and, only die-hard fans will actually follow the story and believe it.
At least we can now understand why the MPs were all so 'over the moon' when the budget report was released. Parliament is starting to seriously look like a Soap Opera - overly dramatic, everybody knows about it and when its on, and, only die-hard fans will actually follow the story and believe it.
Labels: budget, minister, pay, singapore
¶ 3/06/2007 03:56:00 PM 0 comments