Category In the Heartland

Observations and non-political (I try) opinions on real issues that are close to our hearts in our nation, Singapore.

A New Creation Church Member Responds…

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Below is a letter that was published on ST Forum written by a New Creation Church member in response to the flak drawn by their $660 million lifestyle hub project in Bouna Vista. An interested read for added perspective.

Churches are not buildings. We are a body of worshippers, whose first and primary objective of gathering, is to worship our god. We build communities and social and support networks around our faith.

We gather at least twice weekly: Adults into care groups and main worship, babies and toddlers into childcare, Sunday school for the children, as well as separate programmes for teenagers, singles and the under-30s.

It is a logistical nightmare for us because we gather to a size of 17,000 to 20,000 people, and we are growing at the rate of some 15 per cent to 20 per cent annually.

Unfortunately in Singapore, there are no pastures or land for us to pitch a tent legally for all these activities regularly and consistently. The Singapore Expo or the Indoor Stadium costs $150,000 to $200,000 to rent and equip per session. And this is just for the main service. We have to keep the children at home and suspend all other activities.

Read the rest of the letter here>>>

The Great Illusion

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15 August 2008
International Herald Tribute

By Paul Krugman

Some analysts tell us not to worry: Global economic integration itself protects us against war, they argue, because successful trading economies won’t risk their prosperity by engaging in military adventurism. But this, too, raises unpleasant historical memories.

Shortly before World War I another British author, Norman Angell, published a famous book titled “The Great Illusion,” in which he argued that war had become obsolete, that in the modern industrial era even military victors lose far more than they gain. He was right – but wars kept happening anyway.

So are the foundations of the second global economy any more solid than those of the first? In some ways, yes. For example, war among the nations of Western Europe really does seem inconceivable now, not so much because of economic ties as because of shared democratic values.

Much of the world, however, including nations that play a key role in the global economy, doesn’t share those values. Most of us have proceeded on the belief that, at least as far as economics goes, this doesn’t matter – that we can count on world trade continuing to flow freely simply because it’s so profitable. But that’s not a safe assumption.

Angell was right to describe the belief that conquest pays as a great illusion. But the belief that economic rationality always prevents war is an equally great illusion. And today’s high degree of global economic interdependence, which can be sustained only if all major governments act sensibly, is more fragile than we imagine

Read the full article here>>>

Leading in the Face of Criticism

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The debate between Anwar Ibrahim and Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek on 15 July 2008

The debate between Anwar Ibrahim and Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek on 15 July 2008

One of the true marks of maturity in a person is having the ability take criticism from others. And being able to take criticism is essentially required when in a position of leadership.

Personally, I think it is necessary, especially for leaders to be secure; being not only open to listen, but also to respect the opinions and views of others.

Criticism or feedback should not be seen as a form of personal attack, but objectively taken as an added perspective that could serve well towards a (common) goal.

The Anwar-Shabery debate

I was somewhat a surprise when I read that our neighbouring country, Malaysia held a debate between Opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim and the Ruling Party’s Information Minister, Ahmad Shabery Cheek over the fuel price hike.

This was supposedly the first time such a ‘live’ debate was broadcast in the country. And it was watched carefully by almost the entire population of Malaysia.

Read the summary of the debate here>>>

Expecting criticism

I thought that the debate was a good example to illustrate how criticism should be welcomed to make room for socio-economic progression by sharing of information and involving the participation of citizens. Something that our democratic “first-world and first-class” nation can learn from.

If I recount correctly, the closes a broadcast ‘debate’ had ever sparked off was the recent confrontation between Dr Chee Soon Juan and the Lees in court over defamation charges against the former behind closed doors of the court.

As a leader, one will not be able to please everyone or meet every expectations. Hence, criticism is to be expected, even from those who might criticise for the sake of criticising.

But even if that happens, isn’t everyone entitled to his or her opinion and views as a stakeholder?

Political Leadership For a New Global Order

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July 5, 2008 | The Straits Times

TABLE TALK: WITH FAREED ZAKARIA

How might Singapore deal with a world in which people are richer than ever before and many players are jostling for supremacy? The editor of Newsweek International, Dr Fareed Zakaria, proffers his thoughts

By Cheong Suk-Wai, Senior Writer

What Singapore has done very adroitly is to have moved up the value chain – to have said that ‘okay, we can’t compete with other countries in cheap labour, and so we’re going to do value-added products, we’re going to try services, we can compete (in) these areas, we’re going to move to the next level’.’

He applauds the Republic’s ‘very clever’ forays into such areas as tourism, film-making and software design. And all this, on top of managing good relations with both the United States and China, he notes admiringly.

But he adds that Singapore is the only rich country in the world without a fully functioning multi-party democracy. That will hobble its advance in the long run, he believes, because people ‘want not only economic rights, but also freedom of association, freedom of speech and freedom of thought’.

‘You may get lucky with a particular autocrat, but what happens after him?…If you could guarantee me in advance that you’ll get Lee Kuan Yew, that’s a whole different thing. But there’s no way beforehand to know that you’re going to get a leader like Lee Kuan Yew.’

He adds wryly, wondering whether this would get into print: ‘I think that the political system is rigged in favour of the People’s Action Party (PAP). Some of it is formal…Some of it is informal. But all of it is largely unnecessary.’

Singapore is already ‘a very open society in many ways’, he points out. ‘I often say this to people because they have an image of Singapore which is essentially incorrect…It is a place where you would certainly feel as if you had many, many freedoms and liberties…It has been lucky in having very wise leadership.’

But it has to widen its political outlook much more, he insists.

Read the full article here>>>

Latest Album by DPM Wong Kan Seng

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Inspired by the recent news after the toilet escape of Mas Selamat Kastari, www.TalkingCock.com Records presents– Wong Can Sing! Party Favourites Vol. 1

Hurry and grab yours today!

Wong Can Sing by Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng

Album available at all major minor music stores! Ha ha…

Where Every School is a “Military” School

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I chanced upon the following entry which I thought was most disturbing because in my opinion, what was presented seemed to bare an element of truth. If this is really true, then I understand better why I am the way I am today. Do read it and decide for yourself what is the truth.

Dr. Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Education and Second Minister for DefenceNothing is accidental in Singapore. I have come to learn that these past nine years.

It is no accident, therefore, that Singapore’s education ministers come from military backgrounds. They are all former staff of the armed forces. Clearly, they have been chosen for a reason. Clearly, they are expected to bring their military experience to bear on the task of guiding the nation’s education.

A military man is not to be put in charge of education, unless one wants that education to have a military flavour. That military men are always chosen, to be education minister, rather confirms the impression of my South American friend, that Singapore’s schools are rather like military schools from overseas.

Indeed, it is most telling that the new education minister, whose name eludes me right now (he has just been appointed), is also, as I understand it, 2nd Minister for Defence. The connection between education and the military could not be more explicit, therefore.

Read the full entry here>>>

Nation-building the Pro-Singapore Way

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Last Saturday I “incidentally” turned up for a private event organised by Ms Chee Siok Chin of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) at the Excelsior Hotel.

One Nation Under Lee

Read the event coverage here>>>

The good side of the screening

The movie was a political documentary by Honest Productions titled One Nation Under Lee and it presented the unscrupulous ways Mr Lee Kuan Yew wielded his power since entering into the political scene.

It is very informative and factual with news reports and interviews of individuals that were victims of Mr Lee’s political regime and ambitions. Much of what was presented is unknown to Singaporeans, especially the 2nd and 3rd generation of Singaporeans like myself.

This is a must-see, though it is certain never to be approved or released by the authorities.

The ugly side of the screening

Though I applaud some of the individuals’ courageous and sacrificial stance in championing the cause for a democratic political system, I do not agree with their course of actions undertaken during the event.

For instance, the emcee boldly crushed a letter from MICA which warned them of the consequences and legal implications of screening the movie, and threw it on the floor with defiance in front of the audience.

When MICA officials arrived, shouting could be heard from inside the room. Though I wasn’t at that scene to witness who were the ones shouting, but sometimes I think we forget that whether we are government officials or politicians, we are still fellow Singaporeans.

Moreover we are all in the same plight, and perhaps even sharing the same common goal. But just on opposite sides.

Building our ideal future

Personally, I do empathise with the frustrations of the opposition wards in not been given a fair playing ground to pit against the ruling party. As it remains a fact that it is almost impossible to be a voice or have a say in our country.

Dr Chee in a protest in 2006However, I am not a supporter of outright rebellion and civil or uncivil disobedience against our government or towards any particular politician. Even how unfair the playing field might be, a basic respect still needs to be rendered to our authorities when we engage with them without being mired by personal grievances.

When we render respect, we can safely expect respect to be reciprocated. And that is how I believe we can earn the right and credibility to speak and to be heard.

Being pro-Singapore first

Without a doubt I am certain we do not want the younger generation to learn from us in becoming a disrespectful or unruly bunch in the course of exercising their freedom of speech or rights, for it is said that true freedom is being able to do the right thing at the right time.

In the course of achieving our democratic goals, I think it is far more important to impart the right values and virtues such as love and respect to our people especially the younger generation. This would surely build a more gracious, cohesive and inclusive society that we all hope for.

Because in the final analysis, it is not the political system that needs the reforming, but the people in the system that needs the reforming.

Therefore, if we truly want to convey the right message, I believe the reforming begins with each one of us first before we attempt to change or overthrow others.

Or else, how different are we from those we attempt to change?

TOC’s New Look

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TOC's New Look

Theonlinecitizen (TOC) has a new look!

It is amazing how this non-partisan site has grown in readership and prominence with fellow Singaporeans in such a short span. And I am privileged to be able to share and play a bit part in it as a national service.

For those who are clueless to this site and current affairs, this is a site to visit for alternative views besides those we frequently read from our predictable and lop-sided mainstream media.

I forsee that TOC will play a significant role in the years to come in informing, educating and empowering Singaporeans in being more active in shaping the future of our nation.

Visit the website here>>>