Please sign this petition if you don't like being threaten by the PAP govt.
I agree with and had signed the petition.
If you too believed that upgrading should be a separate issue from the General Election then please consider signing this petition.
Petition online:
Upgrading should be a separate issue from the General Election
To: The Secretary-General of the People's Action Party
We are concerned about the linking of public housing upgrading and estate renewal programmes to electoral support for the PAP in a constituency.
The prioritisation of upgrading programmes should be based on sound criteria and be kept a separate issue from the general election.
These are the reasons:
1) In selecting a precinct for upgrading, the age and condition of the estate and the flats should be foremost considerations. As national agencies, the HDB and the MND have the responsibility to improve the living environment of all Singaporeans.
2) Residents in the opposition wards are fellow citizens and they contribute to this country just like you and me. It is against national cohesion and irresponsible for the government to alienate them by denying them of upgrading programmes and public amenities in their constituencies. The people of Singapore certainly have not entrusted the PAP government to misuse public funds to advance its self-interests.
3) It is important not to turn our parliamentary elections into local council contests. The government should be elected based on their policies and plans for Singapore - not municipal issues. To intimidate voters with withholding upgrading programmes seems to suggest that the ruling party is trying to avoid serious debates on national policies.
The elected government of the day should work for and together with all Singaporeans transcending political factions. The provision of upgrading programmes and public amenities must not be dominated by narrow party self-interests.
We, the undersigned, request that the vote in a general election not be linked to upgrading programmes.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.
Frankly, I am sick and tired with the
PAP government for threatening Singaporeans with issue of upgrading during each election season since 1997.
Come on, who is the PAP government trying to kid? Where does the money for the upgrading comes from?
PAP ah? No, it is US, the TAXPAYERS who are funding the upgrading! So on what basis should the PAP government deny the opposition wards of upgrading if their estates needed it? It is not as if that people in Potong Pasir and Hougang do not need to pay taxes.
Moreover, residents still have to “co-pay”, whatever that means, for the upgrading. As if the money that the PAP government used for the upgrading does not come from US, the TAXPAYERS.
However, the most fundamental question is, why wasn't the flats designed in such a way that the all floors are serviced by a lift in the 1st place? Frankly, I find it very stupid that we have lifts that don't stop at every level,
and that happens even for the point blocks.
Before SM Goh start boasting about
how Hougang can be “as beautiful as Marine Parade”.
Lets us not forget about the botch up of the upgrading project in Marine Parade back in 2003, where the contractors for upgrading went busted leaving the residents in lurch. Read
this,
this and
this.
If the PAP government is really "concerned" about improving the lots of the residents in Potong Pasir (PP) and Hougang, why not start NOW?
Namely, why not start providing EQUAL funding from the STATE, on per household basis, to the town councils of PP and Houang?
What is the AGENDA of the PAP government for NOT doing so?SM Goh, don't you feel paiseh when you says
Potong Pasir and Hougang are “in the 50s”? Especially when
government grants came up to just $113 per household for Potong Pasir and
$111 per household for Hougang in 2004-05 compared to the neighbouring Aljunied Town Council where it got $560 per household for the same period.
So much about
NOT having any pork-barrel politics in Singapore.So much about
progressing TOGETHER, and NOT leaving ANYONE behind.If the movie loving Singaporeans can take anything out of the current blockbuster V for Vendetta it should be this.
Monday March 27, 6:45 PM
Reuters
Singapore's ruling party warns voters against oppositionBy Fayen Wong
SINGAPORE, March 27 (Reuters) - Singapore's ruling party, which is likely to call an early election this year, has warned voters if they elect an opposition candidate their constituency stands to lose out on state-subsidised improvements.
Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who visited an opposition ward at the weekend, told local reporters that it would be in the residents' interests to vote for a People's Action Party (PAP) candidate at the next election if they want their estates to be get new lifts and improved shopping facilities.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong recently asked Goh, a former Prime Minister, to help win back Singapore's two opposition wards. The tiny, fragmented opposition holds only two out of the 84 elected seats in parliament.
Chiam See Tong, chief of the Singapore Democratic Alliance, has led the Potong Pasir constituency for the past 25 years while Workers' Party secretary-general Low Thia Kiang has chaired the Hougang ward since 1991.
"I do not want the two constituencies to be left behind, especially Potong Pasir, an old estate. Five years down the road, assuming Chiam do win, there will be no upgrading," Goh was quoted as saying on state broadcaster Channel NewsAsia's Web site.
Goh's comments echo remarks he made before the January 1997 poll, when he told voters that those wards which elected an opposition candidate would be the last in line for upgrading and risked becoming "slums".
The upgrading of state-built housing estates typically includes a fresh coat of paint, new parks and playgrounds, and facilities for the elderly such as ramps and lifts that stop on every floor. …
Hougang 'can be beautiful'Monday, March 27, 2006
SM Goh tells residents estate should be upgraded before it becomes derelict
Val Chua
Assistant News Editor
val@newstoday.com.sg
ONE woman wanted more disabled-friendly facilities for her child, who suffers from muscular dystrophy. Another wanted the PAP to take him out of the 50s zone, a jibe at the ageing estate that has been the turf of Workers' Party (WP) chief Low Thia Khiang for the past 15 years.
These were some of the requests from about 500 Hougang residents at a dialogue session with Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong yesterday.
In response, Mr Goh quipped as he borrowed from the WP slogan: "The Workers' Party says you have a choice. If you leave it to me, we can make this estate as beautiful as Marine Parade."
This was Mr Goh's first visit to the ward after he was tasked with winning the two Opposition wards — Hougang and Potong Pasir — for the PAP. Speaking to reporters later, he stressed that he was not in Hougang to campaign but to find out what the residents wanted.
"My view is that Hougang should be upgraded. Otherwise, another five years, another 10 years, it will become rather derelict compared to other estates in Singapore."
But there seemed to be some resistance to what the PAP was offering. During the session, the proposal to privatise the HUDC flats in Hougang by PAP candidate Eric Low was met with a muted response. One resident criticised it, citing high costs.
When Mr Low asked for a show of hands from those who wanted the wet market upgraded, there was hardly a flutter, except from one woman, who asked: "Who will pay for it?"
The issue of increased rentals was a concern of stall owners and shopkeepers when Mr Goh and his entourage toured the wet market. His response to the hawkers' resistance was that it was short-sighted economics. "The rent may increase, but the business will also increase," he said.
But he assured the hawkers he was only there to suss out the ground, and that no upgrading would take place if there was opposition to the project.
When asked to assess the PAP's chances this time, Mr Goh said: "When we enter the battle for Hougang, we must believe we can win. It depends on how hard you work, how smart you work and your message. Low Thia Khiang said he is quite confident. I am equally confident."
that $13,000 a month salary
Singaporeans shouldn't begrudge their MP's monthly pay, staggering as it may seem at $13,000 a month. [Me: Of course, that is just 0.26 peanut a year what]
Responding to a Hougang resident who suggested that the monthly pay be reduced to an annual one, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said: "It's a full-time job. They have meet-the-people sessions and attend Parliament ... it's a fair wage."
In fact, some MPs – lawyers and doctors – lose income from their day jobs as a result of their political work, he said. Former MP and cardiologist Dixie Tan had to close her practice because her patients switched doctors after she joined politics.
Then, pointing to PAP hopeful Eric Low on his right, he said: "Eric Low is not an MP. But he works as hard as an MP, and he does not get any allowance. So we must be fair to him and ... help him to be an MP." — Val Chua
Today
September 30, 2003
SINGAPORE
Learn to say sorry Public and private sectors must be accountable for botch-ups
by Lee Han Shih
... Nothing, however, beats the Housing and Development Board's upgrading job at Marine Parade, which has gone through three contractors and numerous delays.
At first, the HDB refused to apologise. Then its CEO Niam Cheng Meng, did say sorry — but directed it mainly at Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, MP for the area. …
ST
March 25, 2006
The gathering storm Chiam may face his toughest fight yet
By Peh Shing Huei
... To be fair, the incumbent, as chairman of the town council, has done some work - repairs and renovations have been carried out in 17 blocks and a couple of linkways have been built.
Lift upgrading of the entire estate will be carried out, promises Mr Chiam. He has already installed 29 new lifts in the blocks in Toa Payoh Lorong 8, but the lifts do not stop on every floor as it was not approved by the HDB, he says.
The town council's annual report for 2004/2005 says that it shelled out $3 million for cyclical works and $600,000 for estate improvement works like covered linkways.
'The PAP said last time that rubbish would pile up to the second floor if the voters chose an opposition,' he says. 'Do you see rubbish up to the second floor? No.'
But the rubbish is not where the rub is.
It is the money, or lack of. That is how the town council system is truly hurting this opposition ward.
Taking into account all the grants from the Government, the Aljunied Town Council, for example, gets $560 per household for the financial year ending March 2005.
The grants include funds from the Community Improvement Projects Committee (CIPC), which is controlled by the Ministry of National Development.
In contrast, government grants came up to just $113 per household in Potong Pasir.
That means less for the resident. For routine maintenance, Potong Pasir spent $1.5 million in the financial year, or $275 per household. Neighbouring Bishan-Toa Payoh households enjoy $437 each. …
March 25, 2006
Hougang's Low may be 'heart' to beat By Ken Kwek
A PHRASE echoing across the void decks of Hougang these days is 'you xin wu li'. It is a Chinese idiom that means 'having the spirit, but lacking the power'. ...
Working within limits
YET many residents are quick to give Mr Low credit where it is due, pointing out his varied achievements in keeping the estate clean, and safe for elderly folk.
Housewife S.H. Tan, 48, says the lift upgrading in her block along Hougang Avenue 5 was done 'very nicely', while Miss Mandy Tan, 35, likes the 'improved lighting in the playgrounds and leisure spots'.
Indeed, at first blush, the town is not markedly different from any other PAP ward. The roads are smooth and clean, and the walkways between blocks are sheltered, or tiled and lined with palm trees.
Away from the sheen and throng of Hougang Mall in Aljunied GRC, the coffee shops of Mr Low's ward are older, quieter. They are the regular watering holes of the town's mostly working-class and elderly residents.
At night, yellow and red signs speckle the blocks, the corridors of which are less brightly illuminated than in Aljunied just next door.
But this does not cast a dim or depressing pallor on the town. Rather, most residents appear content despite living in the shadow of a literally brighter neighbour across the street.
In fact, most accept that their MP has done an adequate, even admirable, job of running the town council. It is said that Mr Low keeps a close watch on its work, going for spot checks himself.
According to its annual report for 2004-05, about $5 million was spent on estate maintenance, while another $4.7 million was committed to other projects.
Last year, the construction of 11 covered walkways serving about 20 of its 110 HDB blocks was initiated, and a public garden was built outside the town council office.
The old lifts on eight blocks of flats were also replaced, and areas such as lift lobbies and letter boxes were refurbished.
Residents' appraisal of these improvements is moderated by the belief that Mr Low's hands are tied - that is, he should not be judged unfairly against the resource-rich PAP wards, whose larger town councils serve a wider area and can enjoy economies of scale.
Government grants came up to about $111 per household in Hougang in 2004-05. By contrast, neighbouring Aljunied Town Council, which has access to funds such as the government-controlled Community Improvement Projects Committee (CIPC), got $560 per household for the same period.
Where such inequalities are concerned, Hougang residents tend to have an air of resigned acceptance. Some take the attitude that they should show appreciation for what has been done for them, rather than moan about what is lacking.
Freelance programmer Troy Chua, 51, is one such person. He says: 'I've called up the town council a few times to notify them about the lack of drain covers, ponding in passageways - they've always been fairly responsive. Once, they even came at 2am to repair a lift in my block.’ …
Time is GMT + 8 hours
Posted: 26 March 2006 1757 hrs
SM Goh concerned Potong Pasir, Hougang residents will lose out on upgradingBy Farah Abdul Rahim, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE : Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has expressed concern that Hougang and Potong Pasir residents will lose out on upgrading if they do not vote for the People's Action Party.
He has also suggested that the party whip be lifted in Parliament for the PAP MPs if they are elected in these wards.
Mr Goh has been tasked by the Prime Minister to help win back the two opposition seats in the upcoming General Election.
Mr Goh says: "To my right, I see across the estates of the 1990s and to my left, we have the estates of the 1950s. How can I come out of the 50s' zone?"
Upgrading and rejuvenating Hougang constituency were some of the key issues raised by some 500 residents and grassroots leaders at a dialogue.
Mr Goh says he is not there to offer residents upgrading but to hear what they want.
He is worried that the opposition wards of Hougang and Potong Pasir would be left behind.
Mr Goh says: "I do not want the two constituencies to be left behind, especially Potong Pasir, an old estate. Five years down the road, assuming Chiam do win, there will be no upgrading.
"After that, we got to ask ourselves whether the estate is worthwhile upgrading. I'm talking about Lorong 8. By then, the estate would be around 35 years old and the lease is only 99 years, so economically, is it worthwhile?
"My own view is Hougang should be upgraded, otherwise another five years, another 10 years, it would become rather derelict compared to other estates in Singapore."
To address concerns by Hougang residents for an opposition voice in Parliament, Mr Goh says he will push for the party whip to be lifted so that PAP's candidate Eric Low can speak up, if elected.
Mr Goh says: "You have a choice - if having opposition is more important, then vote opposition - but if there is a way to get my views put to parliament to somebody, then vote for your interests, vote for upgrading - and your views can be put across in Parliament and if you vote for Eric Low, I can tell PM to let him be the opposition in Parliament."
The Party whip ensures there are sufficient party members in Parliament to support the party's position and that MPs vote on party lines.
The Whip was lifted in 2002 for all PAP MPs on matters of conscience and certain other issues, except those affecting the Budget, the Constitution, no confidence motions and issues of national security.
Residents had mixed feelings about upgrading.
"It's 50-50, because if you upgrade, then our rentals will go up as well."
"I hope they can give this place a new lease of life and add more facilities, to attract more people to come here and shop."
One market-cum-hawker centre at Hougang Avenue 7 has not been upgraded for some 30 years, and Mr Goh has urged residents and stallholders to take a long-term view.
While rent may go up, businesses will also increase and customers too will welcome the move - all part of Mr Goh's hope to make Hougang look as beautiful as his own ward in Marine Parade. - CNA/de
DANGLING THE UPGRADING CARROT: SM GOH AIMS TO WOO POTONG PASIR VOTERS
With elections imminent, the ruling incumbent, PAP, and the respective opposition parties have been campaigning and appealing for voters in recent weeks.
As in every General Elections, the focus this time round is no different: Potong Pasir, the longest-running opposition ward, long considered the last bastion of the opposition movement.
Run by Mr Chiam See Tong and his party, Singapore People's Party, Mr Chiam has been the mainstay at Potong Pasir for almost 20 yrs.
Having won 4 consecutive elections on the trot, he is considered the grandmaster of the opposition movement. The underlying strength of Mr Chiam's prowess cannot be doubted.
However strong Mr Chiam is though, he is still mortal. He is now 70 yrs old; with no credible person to take over his mantle, the ruling party must be sensing and probing for signs of weakness.
Almost on cue, the PAP has assigned one of its strongest bulwarks of the PAP: That of current Senior Minister, Goh Chok Tong.
Losing almost no time at all, SM Goh expresses his concerns with regards to Potong Pasir:
Excerpts from Channel News Asia:
Channel NewsAsiaSunday March 26SINGAPORE : Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has expressed concern that Hougang and Potong Pasir residents will lose out on upgrading if they do not vote for the People's Action Party.He has also suggested that the party whip be lifted in Parliament for the PAP MPs if they are elected in these wards.Mr Goh has been tasked by the Prime Minister to help win back the two opposition seats in the upcoming General Election.Mr Goh says: "To my right, I see across the estates of the 1990s and to my left, we have the estates of the 1950s. How can I come out of the 50s' zone?"Upgrading and rejuvenating Hougang constituency were some of the key issues raised by some 500 residents and grassroots leaders at a dialogue.Mr Goh says he is not there to offer residents upgrading but to hear what they want.He is worried that the opposition wards of Hougang and Potong Pasir would be left behind.Mr Goh says: "I do not want the two constituencies to be left behind, especially Potong Pasir, an old estate. Five years down the road, assuming Chiam do win, there will be no upgrading."After that, we got to ask ourselves whether the estate is worthwhile upgrading. I'm talking about Lorong 8. By then, the estate would be around 35 years old and the lease is only 99 years, so economically, is it worthwhile?"My own view is Hougang should be upgraded, otherwise another five years, another 10 years, it would become rather derelict compared to other estates in Singapore."To address concerns by Hougang residents for an opposition voice in Parliament, Mr Goh says he will push for the party whip to be lifted so that PAP's candidate Eric Low can speak up, if elected.Mr Goh says: "You have a choice - if having opposition is more important, then vote opposition - but if there is a way to get my views put to parliament to somebody, then vote for your interests, vote for upgrading - and your views can be put across in Parliament and if you vote for Eric Low, I can tell PM to let him be the opposition in Parliament."The Party whip ensures there are sufficient party members in Parliament to support the party's position and that MPs vote on party lines.The Whip was lifted in 2002 for all PAP MPs on matters of conscience and certain other issues, except those affecting the Budget, the Constitution, no confidence motions and issues of national security.Here, SM Goh offers two options:
1. Voting for an alternative voice (i.e Opposition) at the expense of upgrading.
2. Votiing for the PAP, and grab the upgrading carrot.
Anyone who has visited Potong Pasir will agree that it is one of the few "ghost town" estates: The buildings are indeed old, and public transport is severely limited. That, it seems, is the price Potong Pasir citizens have paid for voting for the opposition party.
Given the immense sacrifice borne by Potong Pasir residents, there really isn't much of a choice for the voters this time round. The estate is in urgent need of massive upgrading, and the opposition ward hasn't had the finances it needs to implement an effective upgrading scheme.
If Potong Pasir buckles, the opposition movement shall indeed sink into quagmire. With no opposition parties in Parliament, there will be a dearth of alternative voices in parliament. Sure, there will always be the NMPs, but NMPs are not exactly MPs-elected, hence cannot be expected to voice their concerns with as much fervour as elected MPs.
Is Govt's stand on racial quotas inconsistent?
Ha, another letter questioning the inconsistency in govt’s stand on racial quotas and it sure hit the right point.
Is this a case of great minds thinks alike [see
this and
this] or fools do not differ?
I sure hope we belong the former group… but I suspect that
we would be told that we really belong to the latter group.March 17, 2006
If quotas boost integration, extend them to schools I SEE contradictions in the Ministry of Education (MOE)'s arguments against using quotas as a way to boost racial integration in schools (ST, March 13) and the Government's recent arguments against the 'racial time bomb' of the Workers' Party.
In his reply to Mr Teo Teck Seng's letter (ST, Feb 22), MOE's Director of Planning argues that 'what is important is that schools increase natural platforms for interracial interaction among students of different ethnic groups'.
How could interracial interaction take place when there are only Chinese in some schools with perhaps a sprinkling of students from the minority races?
Even if inter-school 'camps, sports, community projects and celebrations' were organised for students to mingle with other races, as argued, the question is how often are such activities and how deep is such interaction?
And if increasing platforms is the way to bring about racial integration rather than quotas, then the Workers' Party is right that racial quotas in HDB blocks are really not the best way and should be abolished.
MOE also argues that 'it is not desirable nor practical to require primary school pupils to travel far from their homes to school just because the 'racial quota' in the school nearest their home has been reached'. However, the inconvenience caused would pale in comparison to the frustration of minority groups trying to buy or sell their homes.
Many of us who teach in schools can see racial segregation clearly. Too often, students gather in the cafeteria or form project groups along ethnic lines. They find it more comfortable using their mother tongue, even when there are students from other races in their midst.
Just observe how students form cliques at bus stops and we can see a real 'time bomb' waiting to explode.
Having racial quotas is a good means to boost racial integration. But it is only a means, not an end; its necessity depends on its efficacy. And if the Government sees it as being crucial in HDB estates, then the same arguments should extend to schools.
Seto Hann Hoi
WHY RACIAL QUOTAS ARE A BANE TO SOCIETY
There has been a lot of talk generated with regards to the subject of racial quotas. While the subject of racial quotas have been raised as one of the four basic "manifestos" by an opposition party, quite a fair amount of debate has persisted; there are those who would like to apply this principle into our education system.
In any case, racial quotas, by virtue of skin colour, is an unambiguous attempt at social engineering. The basic goal is to achieve the ultimate utopian society: One which represents a certain unique percentage mix of populations of various races and/or creeds.
RACIAL QUOTAS: THE RATIONALE BEHIND SOCIAL ENGINEERING
Approximately four decades ago, the Housing Development Board (HDB) instituted a large-scale housing program to relocate its citizens from rural villages. In those days, villages were basically segregated living quarters of various races and creeds. For example, if you were milling around in a Chinese village, chances are, you are not going to find that many Indians or Malays around to hang out with.
When the majority of the populaces began to be assimilated into the HDB program, the local authorities began to fear that individual races would once again congregate together in these government living quarters, in a bid to live within their own racial comfort zones. In an attempt to arrest this anticipated trend, racial quotas were installed, particularly on the majority members of the Chinese and Malay communities.
As a result, each block of flats built by the HDB have since been subjected to a crude form of social structuring: Chinese residents can own no more than 84 per cent of units in a neighbourhood and Malays 22 per cent.
As Health Minister Mr Khaw puts it rather bluntly:"
For us as MPs, we know every few weeks there will be somebody who comes forward saying please abolish the quota. And we just got to keep on saying sorry, ethnic quota is not negotiable. Abolishing it would cause 'happiness for a very short period'. But what would happen after that?Suddenly your whole block will be Chinese block, Indian block, Malay block. Then the next thing after that is a Chinese school or Indian school because schools tend to be in the neighbourhood. [Emphasis added] And then you polarise."
ETHNIC QUOTAS: THE HDB WAY
As our health minister has highlighted, the ultimate purpose of a racial quota is aimed at negating any forms of segregation along racial lines.
Since the advent of racial riots in the 1960s, the authorities figured out that racial tensions could have been easily incited in racially homogenous societies. They probably reasoned that a less homogenous, interacial community will breed more tolerance and harmony amongst members of various races.
The problem however arises: Will the masses, long used to members of their own races as their neighbours, be able to adapt into a relatively alien, multi-racial environment?
As the old tale goes, no fishing line is ever complete without the bait: With the Housing Development program in store to entice the masses, people were more interested in upgrading to living in flats with better comfort and sanitation. The masses took the bait, hook, line and sinker. Racial quotas was thus easily implemented with minimum fuss.
Trust our government to think of such a splendid idea.
IS IT ALL THAT NECESSARY?
And so it is, that the current generation of Singaporeans living in HDB flats have become integrated by HDB's social engineering program.
The question to be asked, then, would be: Is it all that necessary?
Perhaps a few examples will give us a clearer picture:
1. A couple is planning to move into an HDB flat. They find a flat which they fell in love with instantly, and the housing agent is daydreaming about his commissions before the deal is even sealed with ink and paper.
Before the deal is ironed out, the HDB decides to step in: The couple, being Chinese, would have exceeded the maximum 84% quota of Chinese families currently living in the block. Does that make any sense?
2. A block of HDB flats is located near a Chinese temple. Many superstitious folks have been hankering after that block of flats, due to its very good "fengshui" and other auspicious mumbo-jumbos. Due to the racial quota, 16% of the block remains unoccupied, as it would have violated the racial quota. Despite the ruling, throngs of people are still on the waiting list. Doesn't make good business sense to me, really.
In short, people who are looking to purchase their own lodgings are unlikely to be bothered with the skin colours of their neighbours. Racial quotas may very well be an infringement of human rights, since the refusal of any purchase by the government because of one's race or skin colour is a form of racial prejudice, even if the accusation is never intended in the first place.
RACIAL QUOTAS IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM?
Despite the ill-merits of racial quotas, there has been suggestions that our government schools conform to a similar ethnic quota to enhance our multi-cultural identity.
Again, as in the case of HDB quotas, installing racial quotas in schools will deprive students the right to study in the schools of their choice on wholly unreasonable grounds of exceeding racial quotas.
One does not have to look very far to witness the detrimental effects of racial quotas in education systems. Malaysian universities have long practised a system of preference for her indigenous people, so much so that the minority communities would have to compete for minimum slots in order to get into their universities. As a result, many bright students from the minority races missed out their chances to pursue a local tertiary education.
Is this the kind of education system we would wish upon our younger generation? Should a child be deprived of entry into a educational institution of his choice not because of the basis of his academic abilities, but rather, his skin colour?
CONCLUSIONIt is imperative that all forms of social quotas, be it HDB-based or education-oriented, be dumped. People are not herds of sheep that can be manipulated with a crack of a whip. As a democratic society, people must be allowed to make their own choices within the safe confines of reason, rational thinking and secular law.
Only then, can we truly call ourselves an open society.
THE BEAST
MOE has replied!
In my earlier post,
I expressed my concern that some part of our educational system is not conducive for racial integration.
Mr Teo Teck Seng wrote to Straits Times raising the same concern as me.
Finally a reply from MOE came. However I wonder why the same reply cannot be adapted to support the stance that ethnic quotas in our HDB estates are not the best way to boost racial integration?
Here is an imaginary reply from WP by me:
Quotas not best way to boost racial integration in HDB estates.
WE THANK Dr Ng and Dr Khaw for their warning, '
Workers’ Party manifesto contain 4 time-bombs.', in which they suggested that racial quotas should not be abolished for HDB estates. They had raised concerns about how racial integration could be destroyed in HDB estates which did not have a good racial mix.
Promotion of racial harmony is a key component of National Education in our schools today. Schools place heavy emphasis on teaching students to understand and respect the race and religion of the different communities in Singapore.
The importance of racial and religious harmony is imparted through the formal as well as informal curriculum at all levels. In the formal curriculum, pupils' awareness and understanding of multiracialism and the importance of racial harmony are promoted through subjects such as History, Social Studies and Civics & Moral Education. The Co-Curricular Activities programme in schools also promotes social integration by providing avenues for students from different social and racial backgrounds to engage in the same activities.
In addition, many schools with different student racial compositions jointly organise camps, sports, community projects and celebrations of ethnic festivals together. Such collaborations also provide opportunities for meaningful interaction among students of different races in a natural setting.
Singaporeans of different ethnic groups also bond with each other during their time in workplace and National Service. We also proposed to have a public holiday for racial harmony, where community activities for all Singaporeana could be held so as to promote racial harmony.
On the other hand, setting a racial quota in our HDB estates may not be the best way to achieve meaningful inter-racial interaction. What is important is that these HDB estates increase natural platforms for inter-racial interaction among Singaporeans of different ethnic groups. Promotion of inter-racial understanding should be a priority for all HDB estates, regardless of their racial composition.
Our choice-based placement approach for HDB flats will encourage a greater sense of ownership and support among residents for their estates. It is neither desirable nor practical to impose financial hardships and/or make Singaporeans to live far from their parents and extended family just because the 'racial quota' of a particular HDB estate has been reached.
Miss Lim
Chairman,
WP
March 13, 2006
Quotas not best way to boost racial integration in schools
WE THANK Mr Teo Teck Seng for his letter, 'Would MOE have racial quotas for schools?' (ST, Feb 22), in which he suggested that racial quotas be implemented for primary schools. He had raised concerns about how racial integration could be fostered in schools which did not have a good racial mix.
Promotion of racial harmony is a key component of National Education in our schools today. Schools place heavy emphasis on teaching students to understand and respect the race and religion of the different communities in Singapore.
The importance of racial and religious harmony is imparted through the formal as well as informal curriculum at all levels. In the formal curriculum, pupils' awareness and understanding of multiracialism and the importance of racial harmony are promoted through subjects such as History, Social Studies and Civics & Moral
Education. The Co-Curricular Activities programme in schools also promotes social integration by providing avenues for students from different social and racial backgrounds to engage in the same activities.
In addition, many schools with different student racial compositions jointly organise camps, sports, community projects and celebrations of ethnic festivals together. Such collaborations also provide opportunities for meaningful interaction among students of different races in a natural setting.
On the other hand, setting a racial quota in our primary schools may not be the best way to achieve meaningful inter-racial interaction. What is important is that schools increase natural platforms for inter-racial interaction among students of different ethnic groups. Promotion of inter-racial understanding is a priority for all schools, regardless of their racial composition.
Our choice-based placement approach for primary schools today encourages a sense of ownership and greater support among parents and pupils for schools and their programmes. It is not desirable nor practical to require primary school pupils to travel far from their homes to school just because the 'racial quota' in the school nearest their home has been reached.
Many schools are creating opportunities for students to interact with students of other races and more can be done. It is a long-term effort and schools will continue working with parents and the community to help our students develop an appreciation of our cultural diversity and form closer bonds.
Tang Tuck Weng
Director,
Planning Ministry of Education
Will there be equal treatment for all candidates?
It is a well-known fact that the local media had not been very kind with opposition parties members, especially during election times.
However recently there seems to be some small but significant changes happening with our local media. They are seemingly beginning to be more objective with their reporting on the opposition parties.
This is definitely a improvement from the past, however I wonder will this continue when it comes to the crunch time, ie. the election period.
PAP will be introducing their new candidates very soon. It is a given that these candidates will be well publicized by our local media as always. But it remains to be seen if the opposition candidates will too receive equal coverage by our local media.
Time is GMT + 8 hours
Posted: 12 March 2006 2145 hrs
PAP to introduce new candidates soon By S. Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE : Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong says the People's Action Party (PAP) will start introducing its new candidates within a week or two, and he says there will be a significant number of minority and lots of women candidates.
He says in each election, the PAP fields a team which has a balance of experience and freshness.
Asked about the opposition's recent meeting, Mr Lee says it sounded good but a lot of blank faces were still there in pictures published in the newspapers.
But for now, the PAP Secretary-General would not reveal details about the retiring MPs.
Mr Lee says: "Well the total number of MPs in the constituencies remain constant, so for every new MP we field we have to turn over one of the existing MPs. So we have not made a final decision yet.
"But in each election, we field a team which is a balance of experience and freshness, and new faces will come and people with experience and proven, who will provide leadership and who will round up the whole team.
"The numbers we will settle later on, as I said, we have at least 20 new candidates, lots of women and a significant number of minorities."
He says there will also be young candidates.
Mr Lee says: "We have put in a lot of emphasis looking for people who are in their forties, some early thirties, maybe some even younger than that because it is important that we get leaders in early to show Singaporeans that in fact this is a team that is in touch with the new population. We are not only representing you but we are from your generation and we have some. When they are introduced, you will meet them." - CNA/de
Will bochap S'poreans respond when they are asked to participate?
While our
feedback unit had been around for many years it is clear that most Singaporeans are ignorant about our politics and public policies. (Singaporeans are somewhat rather infamous for having no opinions.)
The situation is probably the opposite for Malaysia, where the general populace know much more about what is going on in the country but are unable to contribute to the public policy making process.
Now that the Malaysian govt is trying harder to engage its citizens, I wonder will Singaporeans be more active in participating in the public policy making processes by making better use of our feedback unit.
Of course our feedback unit must also be further strengthened. This can be done increasing public awareness about it. The headcounts in the department should also be increase so as to cope with the increase in workload and increase its responsiveness to the public feedbacks.
Most importantly, the feebacks and opinion polls collected must be taken seriously by the govt ministries for the endeavour to work.
Weekend, March 11, 2006
The apolitical singaporeanHe doesn't know much, won't get involved and can't accept that he's part of the process
Lee u-wen
u-wen@newstoday.com.sg
WITH a General Election on the horizon, Faye Tan says she almost can't wait to vote, if she gets the chance of course.
But ask her to name some political parties in Singapore, and she sheepishly shrugs her shoulders before saying: "I know the People's Action Party (PAP)," before pausing briefly and adding: "And the other one with a hammer thing."
When told that the "hammer thing" was the symbol used by the opposition Workers' Party, she admitted: "Oh. Actually I don't know why they are even opposing in the first place."
A series of simple political questions later, the 37-year-old mother of two was prepared to throw in the towel.
"Who's my MP? I don't know. I've never met him before. I know there are some banners displayed nearby with their faces. But unless you have issues, you probably won't bother to find out," said the real estate agent, who lives in Bedok, which is part of East Coast GRC. Almost self-deprecatingly, she describes herself as "ignorant", admitting that she ought to know a lot more about the political system she subscribes to.
Unsurprisingly, Ms Tan is not alone.
In a recent survey of more than 500 people conducted by the Political Development Feedback Group, a body under the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), 63.4 per cent of Singaporeans said they knew little or nothing about the Constitution and the organs of state.
But wait, it gets more worrying.
• Two-thirds or more than 66 per cent of Singaporeans believe that they have little or no influence at all on national issues.
• A whopping 92.7 per cent have never given feedback to the Government.
• 94.9 per cent have never written letters to a newspaper.
• And 94.5 per cent don't know what it's like to sign a petition.
A reason for this level of political apathy, said Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) fellow Terence Chong, is that most Singaporeans tend to automatically "switch off" when it comes to matters related to politics.
"Good governance is usually defined as efficient, honest and transparent governance. As such, the political empowerment and participation of citizens, which is sometimes messy and noisy, may actually be seen by some as a hindrance to the smooth operation of good governance," said Dr Chong.
Expressing not worry but rather "concern" over Singaporeans' lack of knowledge about basics such as the constitution, he said such a culture and mindset here is perhaps the result of the ruling PAP's effectiveness in running the country.
"It could mean the PAP government has been so successful in delivering the basic amenities that its role and presence have become invisible to most citizens, paving the way for us to lead happy, contented shopping mall lives," he remarked.
A question of engagement
Nominated MP and lawyer Chandra Mohan said that the large number of Singaporeans who said they were disengaged and uninterested in local politics surprised him.
"With the population being more educated now -- many have at least a Secondary Four qualification -- I expected a far better response," he said.
However, he said that it was "not essential" to rate politics as the most important in facet in life.
"I don't think there has been a strong interest in politics here over the last few decades. But we must consider what it would take to make people interested. To many, politics is not important because they are not in power and cannot make changes."
Could the fact that many Singaporeans don't get to vote due to the lack of contested wards at the General Elections play a part in the apathy displayed?
Holland-Bukit Panjang GRC MP Dr Teo Ho Pin begs to disagree.
"I think that this is about the level of confidence, rather than apathy. In order to ensure that this confidence does not create complacency, the Government has to make sure there are checks and balances, and that they continue to attract good people of good integrity and honesty."
He added that he was unfazed by the results. Said Dr Teo: "What I'm worried is if people do not contribute constructively in various forms. And already, there are people who contribute in forms by engaging in Voluntary Welfare Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations. What's more important is to create greater ownership among Singaporeans and make them more active in society."
Sociologist Tan Ern Ser added that the interpretation of such surveys depended on the benchmarks employed. He said: "If 30 per cent say they are interested, is this high or low? I would say it's high, if we consider that Singaporeans have been described as apolitical, and the system is depoliticised."
"More importantly, 30 per cent equals to almost a million people in a population of three million citizens. My conclusion is that interest and propensity are higher than actual participation."
But political commentator and academic Dr Ho Khai Leong believes that the nonchalance evident in the survey is "on the high side", and blames the country's education system.
"It's a reflection of our lack of political education in schools. Such education should start from young. But we cannot blame the sons and daughters of Singapore, we should blame the policy makers who have given them very little exposure," he said.
A Dummy's Guide to Politics?
The Feedback Group, meanwhile, has proposed its own solution to educate the masses.
It hopes to produce a basic guide - a Politics 101 of sorts - that would provide the public with useful information such as a list and roles of key public figures and organisations, as well as the various channels of feedback and complaints.
The group's chairman, political watcher Viswa Sadasivan, is pushing for this recommendation partly to make up for the lack of exposure given to Singaporeans at schools and universities.
He said: "When political education is absent, or civic education is narrowly defined and a culture of questioning is encouraged only now, it's understandable why interest and knowledge in politics is low. There's a need to help catalyse this interest in a manner that's relevant and interesting."
While education is seen as a main tool to improve the situation for future generations, experts also made the comment that Singaporeans, especially the youth, want to be empowered and to see their feedback being taken seriously and appreciated.
And with nearly 70 per cent of the population feeling the need to have "some influence" over national issues, Mr Sadasivan feels the tide is slowly turning.
"It points to a growing awareness of the need to have influence, which in turn could point to a maturing political culture," he said.
Ms Tan, too, is keen to contribute to grooming the next generation of Singaporeans as one that is in tune with current affairs and political issues.
"I hope my children can have some sort of political education when they go into primary school. It doesn't have to be much, maybe the teachers could just show them the symbols of the different parties here, for instance," she said.
That said, Ms Tan too has her own resolution to make: "After the interview (with TODAY), I am now more serious with the newspapers. Everything you ask, I also don't know. Nowadays, I turn to the main section to read about local and world news first. It's important to know what's happening around me."
March 11, 2006
KL govt to poll public on major issues Abdullah administration hopes to enhance image of more open and transparent government
By Leslie Lau
Malaysia Correspondent
KUALA LUMPUR - THE Malaysian government yesterday pledged to conduct public opinion polls on major issues in an effort to project the image of a more open and transparent administration.
Under a novel public opinion polls programme launched here yesterday, ordinary Malaysians will be able to take part in the government's decision-making process, by just answering questions through text messages.
Online polls and telephone hotlines will be set up to gather public feedback, in an initiative by the government's Public Complaints Bureau.
'Not all views of the people can be implemented but all opinions will be used as guidance so that the government can reduce mistakes in policy planning,' said Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.
Datuk Seri Abdullah said he hoped Malaysians would take part actively in the opinion polls, which would be used to help plan programmes under the government's Ninth Malaysia Plan, a 10-year development blueprint that will be revealed at the end of the month.
The government took its first poll yesterday by asking ordinary Malaysians for their opinions on how the money saved from the recent reduction in fuel subsidy should be spent.
They were asked to choose from one of the five options - education, public transport, water supply, schools and public welfare.
'Of course we will not ask things like whether you like the idea of petrol prices going up. You must be out of your mind to say you like it,' the Prime Minister quipped.
According to Public Complaints Bureau officials, polls would also be conducted on issues such as government plans to build a highway or clear a forest for development.
Focus groups would also be formed to accurately gauge opinion for certain issues.
'This is part of efforts to have a more open government and to ensure more transparency and accountability,' said Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, a senior minister in the Prime Minister's Department, who is in charge of the programme.
He said that public opinion would be sought for various government programmes, policies and projects. Malaysians will also be asked about the performance of government departments.
'With this programme we hope to avoid any feeling of dissatisfaction among the people with the government,' the minister said.
The Abdullah administration's popularity has been shaken in recent weeks following its decision to reduce fuel subsidies, which caused pump prices to rise substantially.
Datuk Seri Abdullah, now three years into his job as Prime Minister, has pledged to combat the corruption and excess associated with his predecessor, Tun Mahathir Mohamad.
He said recently that he was determined to stay the course of openness, and to allow for more public debate of issues.
CPF revamp has started, finally.
Finally, the much-needed revamp of CPF has started. Frankly, it just could not have come sooner.
I had mentioned in 1 of my previous post on the woes that had befallen on our much vaunted social security system and I still stand my words.
Dominic Soon, our very own budding economist,
had too written on CPF. He too suggests that CPF funds could get better returns if it undergoes some restructuring.
Interestingly,
WP seems to have some similar ideas with Dominic and me on how to better manage the CPF funds so as to maximize its returns so as to increase its members’ retirement funds.
So Let us just hold our breath and wait to see if the
International CPF Advisory Panel could produce an effective solution to this teething problem
Time is GMT + 8 hours
Posted: 08 March 2006 1746 hrs
CPF panel formed to advise on enhancing investment returns By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE : An International CPF Advisory Panel, chaired by CPF Board Chairman Koh Yong Guan, has been formed to advise the institution on ways to enhance the returns on investments made by members using their CPF savings.
Announcing this in Parliament, Manpower Minister Ng Eng Hen said the improvements that Singapore needs to make to the CPF system will have significant implications for all members.
It is therefore important to learn from the experience of others and take the advice of local and foreign experts in pension funds and investment management.
Dr Ng also told the House that the CPF Board is presently studying the Prime Minister's suggestion last year of a default pension plan which is optimised for the needs of a CPF member.
He emphasised that it was important that Singaporeans struck the right balance between using CPF funds for housing and saving for retirement.
In this regard, public education was important.
Dr Ng said, "Through its website, CPF Board helps members understand the financial implications of using CPF and taking a loan for housing by providing comprehensive information and the use of calculators. In addition, CPF Board has been working with partners from the private and public sectors to organise talks and seminars to increase awareness on the need to save and be prudent in managing CPF savings.
"On its part, HDB also provides financial counselling to potential flat buyers to help them decide on their housing option, based on their ability to service their mortgages." - CNA /ct
Well done, LTA.
Well done, LTA. Congratulations to you for managing to add yet another debacle to your long series of cock-ups like
this,
this and
this. You have performed well beyond my expectation.
First-day jitters plague LTA's one-stop e-serviceOnline system jams, crowds throng LTA offices nationwide
Cheow Xin Yi
xinyic@newstoday.com.sg
AS THE Land Transport Authority (LTA) tried its hand at providing a one-stop online service platform for vehicle owners, it ended up causing inconvenience and attracting complaints on its first day of launch instead.
After unsuccessful attempts online, disgruntled vehicle owners packed LTA's main office in Sin Ming Drive yesterday, trying to beat the end-February expiry deadline for renewing their road tax.
The bottleneck was also exacerbated by the four-day closure of LTA's offices and online services from Feb 24 to 27 — ironically to prepare for the launch of the new online system, called e-Services@ONE.MOTORING.
The new e-services portal replaces LTA's 23-year-old vehicle registration and licensing computer system, but didn't win itself any new fans. It's understood that the e-system was up and running from 6am but started to experience slow response time at around 10am.
"I heard that the online system was all jammed up and users kept getting bounced out of the system when they tried to access," said Mr Simon Tay, a businessman who was in the queue at LTA's office.
However, it was another long wait at the centre for most users, as queues dragged on for up to six hours.
"I travelled three road tax collection centres in one day just to pay my road tax. I even had to quarrel with the staff at the counters," said another vehicle owner, who declined to be named.
"The waiting time is ridiculous," said Mr Tay, whose number tag showed that he had to wait for 378 minutes or more than six hours.
Some were also irked that LTA's office didn't extend its working hours beyond 4.30 pm, the lack of clear instructions and the short notice on the four-day closure of its services.
"LTA could have done a better job in handling this situation. There was a lack of clear instructions and coordination in the whole incident, including giving us prior notice to the closing of services," said 29-year-old analyst Jon Ho.
When contacted, a LTA spokesperson said that the online system, accessible via www.onemotoring.com.sg, was "operating as normal" by 12.30pm yesterday.
"However, due to the backlog from the morning caused by the system's slowness, there were still long queues at our counters in the afternoon. We apologise for any inconvenience caused," said LTA in an email reply.
The authority said it would also waive any penalty fees incurred by vehicle owners who were unable to renew their road tax before the deadline yesterday.
It added: "We would like to assure the public that the system is now operating normally … We will continue to monitor and set up additional temporary counters over the next few days.
"For road tax renewals, we have over 50 road tax collection centres that vehicle owners can go to renew their road tax. They can also renew their road tax at AXS machines."
The authority said it would also waive any penalty fees incurred by vehicle owners who were unable to renew their road tax before the deadline yesterday.
It added: "We would like to assure the public that the system is now operating normally … We will continue to monitor and set up additional temporary counters over the next few days.
"For road tax renewals, we have over 50 road tax collection centres that vehicle owners can go to renew their road tax. They can also renew their road tax at AXS machines."
