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Govt's move to fund bus purchases sparks public concern

SINGAPORE: The government's move to spend S$1.1 billion over the next 10 years to fund the purchase of 550 SBS Transit and SMRT buses has sparked concerns among some Singaporeans.

A few have written to the government's feedback portal REACH, questioning why the government is using public funds to help profit-driven companies.

SBS Transit and SMRT are public-listed private enterprises.

Analysts said the government's move to help the two public transport operators grow their bus fleet does not mean a free lunch for them. They said commuters would stand to benefit from higher service standards, which are likely to be imposed on SBS Transit and SMRT.

Observers said the government's move is not unique. In affluent cities in Europe and Australia, private operators receive public-funded buses in order to achieve a more efficient transport network.

... more, see source.

With Thanks To Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/s...72/1/.html
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Below is an interesting article or write up found on the internet, on a wordpress blog belonging to "Thoughts of a Cynical Investor".

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The Evolution of the PAP’s Strategy to the New Media
In Political governance on 21/02/2012 at 5:49 am

Trumpets please. I am quite a prophet, ain’t I. Recently I wrote, “… many more ordinary S’poreans will realise that the internet is not a “cowboy” town or injun territory where one can get away with anything. It is a place where if the authorities are determined, they can identify users … What next? A minister suing someone for defamatory comments made on the internet by the latter, comments he tot was “safe” because his identity was “hidden”? You heard it here first …”.

Since then, Yawning Bread and then TRE each got a letter from the lawyers of the Foreign Minister and the PM respectively, telling them to remove defamatory articles. I could become a fortune teller, couldn’t I?

Seriously, the letters from the ministers’ lawyers show the fifth phase of the still in progress evolution of the governing PAP’s attitude towards the New Media (internet 2.0 and the social media).

Phase 1 was to ignore the New Media. It didn’t exist, and wouldn’t affect public opinion, unlike the traditional media. Well it existed, and it did affect public opinion (for example in the 2006 general election when a photo of a WP’ rally showed S’poreans that it was true the constructive, nation-building local media were “fixing” the Opposition).

Phase 2 was to pretend to ignore the New Media while actually reading what appeared there. On the surface, the government and the PAP ignored the New Media. Examples:

– There were no official replies to queries that appeared on the ST’s Online Forum. Official replies were made only to queries published in ST’s Forum pages.

– TOC’s stories on the homeless were referred to by VivianB as “noise”, even after he led raids on the camps of the homeless.

Well this didn’t work. So Phase 3 was to continue pretending to ignore the New Media while trying to seduce the leading players by making them feel important. Example: Injun Chief bloggers were invited to have tea and biscuits in “secret” with second tier PAPpies (the NCOs) like Zaqy and Baey. Sometimes, a less important first tier PAPpie like George Yeo would grant an audience in secret. Again this tactic didn’t work. If anything, the leading New Media players were annoyed by the hypocrisy of it all, and by being courted by “lesser PAPpies”, not the ones that mattered like the PM, DPM Teo or Tharman.

Then came a phase where the New Media’s existence was acknowledged and where the likes of Zaqy, Baey and Yeo continued in private vainly to seduce the leading players to see things the PAP way.

Well, we are now in Phase 5, which I analyse to be “threatening them lightly”. In both recent cases, my understanding is that the ministers’ lawyers are not asking for damages or costs, juz for removal of the offending article and some form of acknowledgement that the piece shouldn’t have published.

What’s next? Who knows? The PAP could feel so threatened that it resorts to bankrupting bloggers that defame ministers, or it could organise a counter-insurgency campaign to try to retake lost territory (I’m available to be a hired gun if the pay is good). The Malaysian government has its sheriffs to try to tame cowboy towns. Or it could try a combination of the two.

Senior Minister of State for Information, Communications & the Arts Grace Fu said on Saturday that the challenge of increasing social diversity is likely to become greater as the society evolves and that Singapore must adapt and learn to manage greater diversity in perspectives, value systems and aspirations.

I hope that she is giving the PM and the other PAP leaders the same message and emphasising that the PAP must adapt and learn to manage greater diversity in perspectives, value systems and aspirations. I suspect not. But I’m sure she is telling them that there are emerging trends that “tug” at Singapore’s social fabric. One of these trends is the emergence of social media which has amplified voices beyond what was achievable by the traditional media.

With Thanks To Source: http://atans1.wordpress.com/
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SENIOR Parliamentary Secretary for Education Sim Ann told Parliament that 900 full scholarships are awarded each year to students from non-Asean countries to study for a degree here. This is in addition to 170 similar scholarships for Asean students yearly. Ms Sim also stated that 45 per cent of foreign scholarship holders complete their undergraduate studies with a second-upper class honours or better.

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Now we know that Singapore is paying for 900 full scholarship to students from non-Asean countries. How many full scholarships are awarded to Singapore students? And how many of such scholarship students stay behind and become Singaporeans or sink roots here? What is Singapore getting in returns for paying for almost a 1000 scholarship per year?

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Why scholarship to "impertinent ingrate" PRC student to study at NUS?

The Chinese undergraduate called the “uncles” he encountered in Singapore “annoying”, griping that they often stared at him and “complained endlessly” when he accidentally brushed past them.

He then added in his Weibo post: “There are more dogs than people in Singapore”.

The remarks of Mr Sun Xu, 25, who comes from China and is a Ministry of Education scholar, went viral on the Internet.

Disgruntled netizens called him “ungrateful” and “unappreciative”, with some even saying that he should be expelled from the country.

His university, the National University of Singapore, told The New Paper that it does not condone Mr Sun’s “disrespectful comments”, and have met and counselled him.

With Thanks To Source: http://www.tnp.sg/content/nus-hauls-chin...og-comment
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SINGAPORE: The Workers' Party former MP for Hougang, Mr Yaw Shin Leong, says he will not appeal against his expulsion from the party.

The seat for Hougang has been declared vacant from 14 February, which is the day Mr Yaw was expelled.

This was announced in a statement by Speaker of Parliament, Mr Michael Palmer, on Wednesday.

He said that at the sitting of Parliament on 17 February, he informed the MPs that the Clerk of Parliament had written to Mr Yaw, asking him to inform her in writing by 24 February if he intends to appeal against or challenge his expulsion from the Workers' Party.

Mr Palmer also informed the House that the decision on the vacancy of Mr Yaw's seat in the House would be taken when his reply is received or after expiry of the deadline given to him to reply.

On 20 February, the Clerk of Parliament received a letter from Mr Yaw stating that he will not be appealing against his expulsion from the Workers' Party.


With Thanks To Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/s...65/1/.html
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Is it really true that employers unable to find Singaporeans workers to employ?

This is a letter published on Singapore TodayOnline.com, from a Mr Edmund Lim Chuan Yang sharing his experience of applying for jobs with 2 public hospitals. Don't miss reading his real life experience assuming if it is true.

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Letter from Edmund Lim Chuan Yang

I refer to the report "Foreign labour curbs tightened" (Feb 18).

Employers such as hospitals and public transport operators seem to bemoan the lack of local applicants in nursing and as bus drivers.

I was under the Workforce Development Authority's Professional Conversion Programme to become a registered nurse and went for interviews in two public hospitals.

During the on-site assessments, some of us applicants exchanged phone numbers. None of us made it through.

Being highly selective is one thing, to cry that there is a shortage of local applicants is another.

Would these hospitals eventually appeal to the Manpower Ministry to increase the number of S-Pass holders to make up for the shortage of registered nurses? Would it be the same for bus operators?

..... more, see source.

Thanks With Courtesy To Source: http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC120...ss-choosy?
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This is a caring budget, which should have been implemented long time ago instead of siding businesses and flooding Singapore with so many foreigners.

Had PAP been more alert to the surroundings and implemented this budget, PAP then has no need to lose Aljunied GRC.

It's a pity PAP has to lose Aljunied GRC to learn a lesson not to take citizens for granted and to be more caring and really concerned about citizens.

No regrets for those loyal Singaporeans who wrote articles to make PAP more caring as they see Singaporeans are being short changed as citizens.

Had there been lesser agitators writing articles to agitate the ground to put across robustly to PAP that their citizens are being left out despite being loyal PAP supporters all these years, without doubt this caring budget will not come about.

WHCL

PS: Without doubt, loyal Singaporeans will continue to stand our grounds to watch over Singapore for Singaporeans and will not hesitate to write robustly for the future of Singapore.

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What are your views on Singapore Budget 2012? Is it a caring budget for Singapore citizens?

SINGAPORE : The Workers' Party has expelled its Member of Parliament (MP) for Hougang, Yaw Shin Leong, with immediate effect.

Party Chairman Sylvia Lim said at a media conference on Wednesday that the party believes strongly in transparency and accountability, and expects no less from party members, especially an MP.

She said transparency and accountability are key but these have not been met.

She said Mr Yaw has been accused of several indiscretions in his private life.

She said by continuing not to account to the party and the people, especially the residents of Hougang, he has broken the faith, trust and expectations of the party and the people.

The shocking announcement came after weeks of speculation and rumours that Mr Yaw has had an alleged extra-marital affair with a fellow opposition member.

Other WP MPs will cover his duties in Hougang.

Ms Lim said the decision was difficult and painful for the party.

She said Mr Yaw has been a core member of the party leadership for more than 10 years and has made significant and unique contributions to the party's growth.

She said he has also served residents of Hougang diligently.

However, the council has decided that it is in the public interest to take this step.

Ms Lim said the party believes it is only fair to Hougang residents that they have another opportunity to elect their MP.

She said the party apologises for having to put them through a by-election.

She also assured Hougang residents that they will continue to be served by the party until the by-election is called.

The Meet-the-People sessions in Hougang will continue, with other WP MPs covering.

Ms Lim said Mr Yaw was invited to attend the party's Central Executive Council meeting on Tuesday night to discuss the allegations but he did not show up.

WP Secretary-General Low Thia Khiang announced the shocking news in Mandarin.

He said the decision to expel Mr Yaw was painful but stressed that the party has to act so that its MPs can stand tall and take the People's Action Party government to account.

Also present at the media conference were Aljunied GRC MP Pritam Singh and Non-Constituency MP Gerald Giam.

Political watcher Zulkifli Baharudin said the WP's move to expel Mr Yaw shows the party holds itself accountable to the public.

Mr Zulkifli said Singaporeans expect their politicians to have clean and responsible values in both public and private life.

He said: "One signal that the WP is sending is that they are here; perhaps they are making a significant compromise in the short term, knowing that they fought very hard to have Hougang as their foothold, and entrusted that to a young member of their leadership.

"And I think they are making a huge sacrifice in this effort, simply because they are clearly focused on the long term and want to get the support of Singaporeans at large."

Meanwhile, Singaporeans Channel NewsAsia spoke to expressed shock and disbelief over WP's decision.

One Hougang resident said it is good that the party has cleared the air on the issue but felt that it should have made its position clear earlier.


Thanks With Courtesy To Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/s...69/1/.html
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Hi everyone, this is a regional chinese song writing competition that is co-organized by NUS and King Edward VII hall.
This competition gives a platform for budding song lyricist, composers, performers to express their creativity and will be conducted in a fair and professional manner like other nation-wide music competitions.
It is opened to all students in either a Singapore-registered or Malaysia-registered educational institution or music school.
You can join either one of these catergories.

Category A: Song composition. Includes lyrics, music, and performance. (The lyricist, composer and performer may not be the same.)
Category B: Lyrics writing. The music will be provided by Touch Music Publishing Pte Ltd.
Category C: Music composition. The lyric will be provided by Touch Music Publishing Pte Ltd.
Note: Participants can only enter one of the categories.

Prizes:
Category A: Winner S$800+Certificate+Prize
1st Runner-up S$600+Certificate+Prize
2nd Runner-up S$400+Certificate+Prize
Best Song Lyrics Award S$100+Certificate+Prize
Best Song Composition Award S$100+Certificate+Prize
Other awards include Best Song Arrangement, Best Stage Performance, Most Popular Original Song.
Category B: Best Lyrics Writing Award S$100+Certificate+Prize
Category C: Best Music Composition Award S$100+Certificate+Prize

The Grand finals will be held at University Culture Centre at NUS on 12th February 2012 and there are many opportunities for you to win attractive gifts and cash prizes.
You can register online or the application form can be downloaded from our facebook page or obtained from King Edward VII Hall office at National University of Singapore.
All song entries must reach the Organiser by 11th December 2011.
For more information of how to apply, please go to http://www.xqrj.com

You can also email us at Xqrj.programme@gmail.com.
Feel free to ask me any questions either here or at yuehuishan@nus.edu.sg

We hope to hear from you! (^^)/

Can we rely on PAP to look after Singaporeans workers?

Many Singaporeans who voted for opposition in the recent General Election 2011 felt justified today that they were right in not relying on PAP to look after Singaporeans workers, that it is time to wake PAP up.

Had it been not for the the brave Singaporeans who voted for the opposition to send a strong signal to wake up PAP, today 1 Nov 2011, we would not have a Straits Times headline "Don't discriminate Singaporeans" on the main front page in bold. Straits Times reported increasing cases of discrimination against Singaporeans workers and of cases whereby HR manager of a company of one nationality recruits only their own kind. That Ministry of Manpower has to step in to send a strong signal to employers not to discriminate against Singaporeans.

This is indeed very sad that our Singapore has become a place whereby Singaporeans workers are being discriminated in own country and where Singapore has been governed by PAP for many years and only after a vote swing, PAP government worked harder than before and digged out such cases of discriminations after years of complaints by many Singaporeans and thereby creating an impression that perhaps PAP can be relied upon to look after Singaporeans only after voters have to send a strong signal to wake them up otherwise if voters vote with increasing margins to PAP, possibly things would remain the same as before and everything looks to be alright when it is not so.

The other obvious thing is NTUC previously the last 5 years appears to be not as vocal as now to protect Singaporeans. It appears that the magic of voters swing against PAP is working its magic of waking up NTUC too. Thus it is not always bad to vote against PAP, it thus has its benefits too.

One important lesson, voters should learn from this is that we cannot rely on PAP to look after Singaporeans workers, we have to rely on ourselves, no longer we can rely on PAP or NTUC or trust them to do a good job; there is really no need for voters to vote against PAP or NTUC Chief Lim Swee Say if they are doing a good job the last 5 years, logical reasoning by voters?

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