What do you mean we don't have a masterplan?

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Tuesday, 09 September 2008

Singapore Democrats

In the on-going dispute over the housing of foreign workers at Serangoon Gardens, Mr George Yeo dropped a bombshell when he said that a masterplan was needed to give "some idea of how many foreigners we can accommodate in a sustainable, organic way." (See report below)

You mean that all this time the Government didn't have a plan or "some idea" of how many foreign workers this island can hold?

And now that we have a potentially explosive situation on our doorstep, we are told that we need a masterplan. A masterplan? Shouldn't someone tell the PAP that masterplans come before actions?

This latest revelation is shocking. Many Singaporeans accept the PAP's rhetoric that the Government thinks through and debates ideas before implementing them. Mr Yeo's remarks nail the lie.

Not only is the admission shocking, it is also a wake up call to Singaporeans. We don't question, much less oppose, the Government's policies and assume that everything it does is in order. Until things are too late, that is.

It shakes to the core, or at least it should, the belief that our ministers possess the "helicopter vision" when dealing with national issues.

Mr Yeo adds that the foreign workers' housing problem is not just for Serangoon Gardens but the whole of Singapore as well.

Well, thank you very much. Haven't we been pointing out this problem for years? In Aug 06, the SDP warned that "the social impact of the foreign recruitment policy may yet prove disastrous for Singaporeans." (see here) Now it seems that the chickens are coming home to roost.

The Foreign Minister also pointed out: "We may grow much faster if we open our doors to foreign workers but if there are too many of them coming into Singapore, it will affect our living environment."

You don't need to be a minister to see this. The SDP warned about the problem in our manifesto years ago: "[Material] gain for its own sake can be destructive to social processes and to the activities of a community." (see here) For years we have been warning against this dangerously blinkered policy of generating economic growth at the expense of the community.

This problem has now come to haunt us. But as usual the people are the ones that will have to pay the cost of undebated and unscrutinised policies while the ministers continue to live in their own opulent world, protected from the consequences of their own actions.

We hope Singaporeans can see the importance of having an opposition that will ask the hard questions in parliament, one that will hold the government accountable when its stubborness results in problems for the nation. This is what oppositions do.

Failure means that bad laws and lousy policies are implemented to the dentriment of the people. In the end, we pay for their mistakes.

Workers' dorm: An issue for whole of S'pore
Serene Luo
The Straits Times
8 Sep 08

Be more understanding, Singaporeans.

While Serangoon Gardens residents had “legitimate concerns” regarding a possible new community of foreign workers in their backyard, Singaporeans also “must not adopt a superior attitude”, Foreign Minister George Yeo said yesterday on the sidelines of a Mid-Autumn celebration at Bedok Reservoir.

The estate made headlines when more than 1,600 residents opposed a proposal for an unused school to be turned into a foreign workers’ dormitory.

Mr Yeo, who is an MP for Aljunied GRC which includes Serangoon Gardens, said a masterplan was needed to give “some idea of how many foreigners we can accommodate in a sustainable, organic way”, he said.

“It’s not a problem just for Serangoon Gardens. It is a problem for Singapore as a whole,” he said. “We may grow much faster if we open our doors to foreign workers but if there are too many of them coming into Singapore, it will affect our living environment.”

He added: “I have been to visit friends in Little India on weekends and I can understand the difficulties the residents there put up with, because they come down to their void decks and find those void decks are no longer theirs to use.”

One solution could be self-contained “townships”, which may give foreign workers the things they need, such as “better, cheaper access to food, to shops” as well as “their own places for recreation”.

The Serangoon area’s MP, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, was writing a letter to National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan, summarising residents’ views and concerns, after a dialogue with residents last week, Mr Yeo added.

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Comments (41)

Wed 10 Sep 2008 7:50 AM | soothsayer - next election vote drop

Aljunied GRC vote will drop further for the PAP liao!!! Watch them take out Serangoon Gardens and merge with Ang Mo Kio GRC... otherwise this GRC sure gone one...

Wed 10 Sep 2008 8:05 AM | Sinister Minister

I have a solution....
instead of creating townships to house foreigners what could possibly be more important than to turn these lands or to reclaim lands and turn them into ag or pasture land which can be used FOR ALL SINGAPOREANS.

once again, singaporeans take a back seat in their own land. shouldn't people be supported by renewable, sustainable resources such as FOOD? last time i at a 2 dollar bill with chili sauce it did not taste so well.

Wed 10 Sep 2008 8:53 AM | | Not My SDP - SDP Lacks MasterplanS

Here is where SDP falls short. Given the current situation, what actions would SDP take to accomodate the foreign labour workforce? What policy would SDP formulate if it were the government of the day? That is what Singaporeans need!

Wed 10 Sep 2008 9:57 AM | To: Not My SDP

I believe that you have not understood the crux of the problem. If the situation of housing foreign labour was foreseen by members of the non-ruling party and yet still implemented by the powers-that-be, the onus should fall on the ruling party to have addressed the concerns voiced at that point in time, i.e. to have created a masterplan, debated and quantified certain required parameters to justify going ahead with the policy, instead of bulldozing their policies through. The fact that they have been able to push through other controversial policies shows just how lacking we are in having an alternative voice; no proper system of check and balances.

And now that the shit has hit the fan, don't you feel it unreasonable to be questioning another political party to come up with the answers to the problem that they first foresaw and advised against?

Why is it always that whenever a policy goes awry that we are asked to find fault everywhere else instead of at the source of the policy makers? And why is it that we who see the fault cannot plainly point it out without being blamed for not having a solution for it?

Wed 10 Sep 2008 12:57 PM | Not My SDP - re: SDP Lacks MasterplanS

[quote=Not My SDP]Here is where SDP falls short. Given the current situation, what actions would SDP take to accomodate the foreign labour workforce? What policy would SDP formulate if it were the government of the day? That is what Singaporeans need![/quote]

"[i]The estate made headlines when more than 1,600 residents opposed a proposal for an unused school to be turned into a foreign workers’ dormitory[/i]."

This sounds like an opportunity for SDP to gather support from 1,600 residents.

Unite them and go on protest against a very stubbon PAP.

Wed 10 Sep 2008 1:14 PM | Not My SDP - re: SDP Lacks MasterplanS

[quote=Not My SDP]Here is where SDP falls short. Given the current situation, what actions would SDP take to accomodate the foreign labour workforce? What policy would SDP formulate if it were the government of the day? That is what Singaporeans need![/quote]

"[i]One solution could be self-contained “townships”, which may give foreign workers the things they need, such as “better, cheaper access to food, to shops” as well as “their own places for recreation[/i]”.

Oh I see, foreigners can have “[b]better, cheaper access to food, to shops[/b]” while Singaporeans have to bear with higher costs of living. That's what PAP is all about.

So since these foreigners are away from their spouses, should PAP also arrange for [b]cheaper[/b] sex workers to satisfy their needs ?

Our government is really getting absurd.

SDP is justified to protest.

Wed 10 Sep 2008 1:22 PM | Not My SDP - re: SDP Lacks MasterplanS

[quote=Not My SDP]Here is where SDP falls short. Given the current situation, what actions would SDP take to accomodate the foreign labour workforce? What policy would SDP formulate if it were the government of the day? That is what Singaporeans need![/quote]

"[i]Singaporeans also “must not adopt a superior attitude”, Foreign Minister George Yeo said[/i]..."

I thought it's PAP that has always been adopting the superior attitude towards Singaporean. What a surprise to read this !

Time for SDP to act.

Wed 10 Sep 2008 1:35 PM | Not My SDP - re: SDP Lacks MasterplanS

[quote=Not My SDP]Here is where SDP falls short. Given the current situation, what actions would SDP take to accomodate the foreign labour workforce? What policy would SDP formulate if it were the government of the day? That is what Singaporeans need![/quote]

“[i]We may [b]grow much faster[/b] if we open our doors to foreign workers[/i]..."

Grow much faster in what sense ?

Answer : Have more crimes, have more crude people in our neighbourhoods, have more cheap labourers to displace Singaporeans' jobs, and turn Singapore into another foreign country !!

Surely SDP must protest.

Wed 10 Sep 2008 4:31 PM | anon - I am sad

To the PAP, the only way to grow is to compete based on cost (importing low cost FT) and loop holes (i.e. tough banking laws to encourage those with questionable wealth to put money in Singapore).

With the talent they have, can't they do something about generating more value so that we can really attain the Swiss level of living.

A road-sweeper or a cleaner in Switzerland probably gets about 2K Euros. They can pay so much because companies in Switzerland generate value. Why can't we do the same? After all Temasek can make 13 billion last year ... can't some of this benefit the citizens.

Wed 10 Sep 2008 5:39 PM | sing - lets share

Anon: U said, "Temasek can make 13 billion last year."

$13,000,000,000 divided by 3,500,000 Singaporeans... Each Singaporean is entitled to #3,714.

Wed 10 Sep 2008 5:39 PM | | NOT MY SDP - Protest vs Solution

So you protest... but what's the solution? If SDP were to overthrow the government today, what would they do?

Are we going to entrust mobsters to act before they think as well?

Wed 10 Sep 2008 5:55 PM | Mike - SDP cannot help but talk only

SDP cannot help at all..

Why? why? but aren't they heroes..?

Because CSJ and CSC are bankrupts..

and cannnot be elected.

If people support them as if they can help.. then you are cheated.

SDP and CSJ are only talk and talk

Purposely talked too much to get sued and then bankrupt and hope people will pity them..

Cannot talk in Parliament, what is the use?

THey cannot help Singaporeans and themselves in financial trouble also.

Be realistic.. SDP needs your help instead

Wed 10 Sep 2008 7:20 PM | putraputri69 - re: re: SDP Lacks MasterplanS

[quote=anon]To the PAP, the only way to grow is to compete based on cost (importing low cost FT) and loop holes (i.e. tough banking laws to encourage those with questionable wealth to put money in Singapore).

With the talent they have, can't they do something about generating more value so that we can really attain the Swiss level of living.

A road-sweeper or a cleaner in Switzerland probably gets about 2K Euros. They can pay so much because companies in Switzerland generate value. Why can't we do the same? After all Temasek can make 13 billion last year ... can't some of this benefit the citizens.[/quote]

In developed countries like Switzerland, they are very strict and selective in their labour and migrant policies.

Workers are paid market rates. A brick layer or an electrician may be paid as much as a university graduate.

Hence there is hardy shortage of local labour in building their infrastructures and in their other service and hospitality sectors. Any labour shortage is mainly due to their under-population than anything else.

That's when they will take in foreigners only to make up the shortage. But it's always locals first before anyone else.

Wed 10 Sep 2008 7:23 PM | tohjohn

'

"You mean that all this time the Government didn't have a plan or "some idea" of how many foreign workers this island can hold?"

HUH!?!? And all the while we have been paying these jokers how much?!?!

They (PAP) open the floodgates and only now realise they don't have a place for these foreign workers to stay?!?!

Why are these jokers still insisting they be paid many times over what other political leaders get?!?!

Wed 10 Sep 2008 9:48 PM | tewniaseng

Stupid govt.There are plenty of empty land near Choa Chu Kang Cemetery.Why build near Serangoon Garden, a place for the rich ? George Yeo has no brain at all, unless he wants to lose in the next GE.By building dormitary near CCK Cemetary,you don't need a master plan. Moreover there are no human beings there to disturb the foreign workers.Singapore so high class society, everything first,how can workers stay near to rich people?

Wed 10 Sep 2008 9:58 PM | | Muhammad Shamin - Salam Reformasi!

Right now, may I suggest to the SDP to have a MASTERPLAN to TAKEOVER the government and not just be an OPPOSITION.

Salam Reformasi!

Wed 10 Sep 2008 10:14 PM | T H - re: SDP cannot help but talk only

[quote=Mike]Because CSJ and CSC are bankrupts..

and cannnot be elected.

If people support them as if they can help.. then you are cheated.[/quote]

Maybe Mike may have a point. I want to vote for Dr Chee, but how to since he is not eligible for election? tell me what can I do to help?

Wed 10 Sep 2008 11:57 PM | angry_one

The PAP is thinking about contain the sheer number of foreign workers....but the real problem is why do we need them in the first place??

Why can't the industry pay decent wages so locals get the jobs. I'm sure locals won't mind if construction pays $2500 a month!

All over this stinking island I see houses torn down for condos, small tracts of land taken up for condos, all for foreign investment and profiteering. We don't need so much building around!

Thu 11 Sep 2008 1:41 AM | anon1 - basically they aren't good enough

Basically, they are not good enough to led Singapore to be the first world. If they had put the $ invested in Suzhou on Berkshire Hathaway, GE, or even Citibank, we would have gotten much return.

Thu 11 Sep 2008 2:02 AM | seaporter - What the heck?

What is it that was part of national development plan? I think only MBT knows what's the master plan. FW are also human too and need somewhere to sleep and enjoy, but no proper living quarters what is this so call First World PAP is doing after getting so much $$ out of the people. Go and build those cheap 2 room flat is good enough right or at least some proper bed with air-con la. MBT can build one at cheap cost and rent out to workers at higher rate so that HDB can reap more profits ma. And if Singapore cannot contain them, for goodness sake, develop our own people to build flats and do proper training ya. 3.5M Singaporean, surely can get some to do the work right, unless the pay really sucks and only PAP receive huge money. If PAP cant do the job and do a master plan, then they should take less pay right. World class pay demands some solution and planning, not just pushing to the people to take the burden.

Thu 11 Sep 2008 2:15 AM | ah beng - re: SDP Lacks MasterplanS

[quote=Not My SDP]Here is where SDP falls short. Given the current situation, what actions would SDP take to accomodate the foreign labour workforce? What policy would SDP formulate if it were the government of the day? That is what Singaporeans need![/quote]Your attitude is what SDP has been talking about all this time; people who don't think. Here you are clearly turning to SDP for answers and solutions, even tho' you are not a supporter of them. In short, you are probably doing the same at PAP; just waiting for answers instead of being a thinking citizen.

Thu 11 Sep 2008 2:38 AM | Mr Tan

I propose to have dorms built next to every ministers home. This way, they will then know WTF they toking about.

Unique singapore wants number 1 in everything, we are going to compete to be number 1 in the lowest wages for workers in the world, and if this goes on, we will be champion, world lowest wages for every sector. This way every company can set up shop here in singapore to pay the lowest wages, hack, why not just give each worker a bag of rice for a month wage!!!!!

Thu 11 Sep 2008 4:14 AM | curious

it is disheartening.

i know this is politics, and no one plays by the rules.

but, why must the sdp stoop this low?

you have completely taken the quote out of context, gave it a good nice enchanting political twist and squeezed in links to your manifesto amidst the article for juxtaposition and politicking's sake.

it is commendable that sdp seems to think that it has all the right foresight and abilities to think better than the ruling party.

but sorry, one instance, and indeed, purely academic and typed-out demonstrations of your abilities do not equate to your ability to govern, so forever be rendered a "opposition" which will merely asks questions and not go beyond that.

i am happy with this role you have prescribed for yourself. permanently stick to that, i hope, for the day you flirt with the idea of governing is the day singapore will have to live with abstract, high-flown rhetoric and nice pseudo-policy papers.

we do not become a 1st world just by constantly questioning policies etc. we become what we are today because the pap has proven, far more than the sdp certainly, to be able and competent to govern a society, not just produce papers and call them comprehensive.

we do not need what jc students can produce in GP class. we need real men with the ability to engage the masses in politics, not just type away at the computer or publish books and constantly create tensions in the society.

connect with the ground - move it along for your purpose, if you are indeed the right man for the job.

that was wad lky did when the odds were, like how they are for the sdp today, against him. he did not hide behind his typewriter or computer and publish tonnes of books trying to appear able and intellectually fit for the job: he proved, by participation, smart, shrewd participation and not what you call "civil disobedience", and got the people around him.

chee has failed, because he misses the whole point: we do not celebrate and cheer sdp on whenever you find a mistake with the government. that will entertain and bemuse, yes. provide coffee-table chats, of course.

but impress and engage the voters holistically? NO.

i hope things change, for the better. and i hope, the sdp ventures into an area of public policy it doesnt seem to be able to contribute much - but yet is of crucial importance to a state like ours - the area of foreign policy.

i think you might be able to impress should you produce a paper of some quality, as this is an area where little can be criticized but real, concrete ideas to further build upon what we have solidly achieve will certainly be welcomed.

i look forward to sdp's constructive, rather than destructive, voice in this area of governance.

Thu 11 Sep 2008 4:54 AM | resident - not into politics

We have plenty of highly paid ministers, that do not earn their keep.

Even though PAP looks to have a definite win in the upcoming elections, they will never have my vote.

Thu 11 Sep 2008 5:01 AM | Fong M.Y. - Starts Packing His Carton Box.

What if ? The high level management executive working in private sector reporting to his CEO that he has no Masterplans to resolve company certain issues. Let's guess what the CEO would say or do ?

Mr.George Yeo, what ! "without Masterplan" are you sure what are you saying ? The company is Paying you Three Over Millions Singapore Dollars for your salary and on top of that Millions of Singapore Dollars for your Pension, just to hear you says No Masterplan !

Can you please see my secretary right now and tell her that I'm sending you over to get our company largest size carton box from her to pack your office stationery and also tell her again that I would want her to escort you to our personnel department to collect your "Walking Certificate".

Oh ! Mr.George Yeo, please, on your way walking out, kindly call all the senior management staff's to see me now for Top Urgent Meeting regarding How to Fix Opposition Voices from our company share holders, I really thank you for being honest with me.

Good Bye........

Thu 11 Sep 2008 5:36 AM | Paul - Cowboy outfit

Boy to father: Dad, can I have a cowboy outfit for my birthday?

Father to boy: Certainly, my son. I will give you two outfits instead of one so you can have twice the fun. That's what I will do since your are my older and favoured son.

So, the father gave his dearly beloved son the judiciary as well as all his high paid ministers.

Thu 11 Sep 2008 5:42 AM | Anonymous

[quote]
Be realistic.. SDP needs your help instead
[/quote]

Hi Mike,
you go geylang but last minute lose power, need help or not? I got some blue pill can sell you.

Thu 11 Sep 2008 6:01 AM | Tan Tai Wei

'Curious', to be a 'constructive' contributor to the discussion, should stick to the point.

The point Chee makes is that had the PAP been more heeding of views he had aired years ago, and thereby be more 'democratic', Yeo would not have to wait until now, when social friction Chee had warned of has already arisen, to only begin musing of a 'master plan' to remedy the problem. The problem would have been nipped in the bud in purported PAP style.

The 'constructive' call is for more dialogue and attention paid to divergent views, and not the kind of silence PAP is currently also maintaining with regard to the better postings on this forum. (And I am not asking for the sort of response poor Gopalan Nair has got to his postings. That seems like deliberately trying to distract from his point by attending to his purported 'insult'.)

To remain relevant, 'Curious' should have argued whether or not more democratic openness to criticisms would help government prevent similar problems of the future, as Chee is claiming, which is, after all, part of the basic case for having 'a democratic society'.

Issues such as whether one can form an alternative government or not has nothing to do with the validity or otherwise of the point at issue.

To see how empty and unhelpful 'Curious''s lengthy posting is, we need only consider that he can say the same things to just anything else Chee might bring out in criticism of PAP governance.

Indeed, government has herself conceded there is an important role for criticism from critics who cannot aspire to be alternative leaders, in her instituting nominated MPs in parliament (unless the suspicion were true that that is only a ploy to eliminate the need, perceived by the electorate, for having an elected opposition.)

Thu 11 Sep 2008 6:45 AM | elitocracy

Just saw on Mediacorp that the Government is musing about setting up foreign worker township.

It goes to show that what George Yeo said was not off the cuff remarks .. the Gov has been staring at this problem for sometime already, probably weeks if not months.

It also goes to show on the other hand how the Gov has been caught totally unprepared by the impact of a surging foreign worker mass on Singapore and hence this rather desperate attempt to "solve" it through townships.

"Township" is a bad bad idea. Morally, it is indefensible as it is in fact a form of segregation, not so different from South Africa's apartheid. It concentrates people of a certain class and status together. This will overtime heighten, not lower, the tension between the township and the society at large. It will in fact encourage the society to segregate itself along class lines.

I find it ironical that the policies being mulled is exactly the opposite of what LKY and his generation strove so hard to destroy; namely to prevent the development of racial enclaves by requiring HDB towns to have a certain range of racial mixes.

The real reason why we are facing this problem is because rate of foreigner influx is too high for the society to handle. We should examine this issue by asking ourselves if it is appropriate to continue to open the floodgate and the associated question of slower economic growth if we close the gate. Township is the wrong answer.

Thu 11 Sep 2008 7:54 AM | LIM TUNG HEE - They knew,they overlooked,they panicked

Of course there's absolutely truth in what George Yeo said.Which leads us to realise that the PAP government knew the problem all along but chose to overlook instead of solving it.On top of its agenda was a "masterplan" to allow an influx of foreigners;whether workers or immigrants,so as to achieve the target population of 6.5 million in years to come.
The problem of illegal immgrants was raised in Parliament some years ago by Low Thia Kiang but Wong Kan Seng even "corrected" him by stating that the number of overstayers was in fact 7 million.However,the issue and "shocking figure of 7 million overstayers"was left unanswered.(Please check with the press as the following day's news ommitted the follow-up.)
George Yeo is truly honest in his remarks and his fellow PAP counterparts should ensure the problem gets addressed right now before it's beyond control and worse still; at the expense of our countrymen's safety.Imagine how many "Mas Selamat"could be quietly living in our midst without the Police or residents' knowledge.And how many rape or murder cases go unsolved..?
Are we supposed to achieve 6.5 million headcounts without a thought for our lifestyles and safety?
Should the problem get out of hand one day,we would then realise upon afterthought that the PAP knew,but they overlooked and then they finally panicked...

Thu 11 Sep 2008 7:56 AM | AnnA - Piece Of Land

To million dollars brain freezed Govt.,

There's a big piece of land in Tuas. Why they cannot think of that place?? Open one whole FW community there lah. We don't have to see those hookers in residential areas too if you have think about this beforehand!! Can also open new shops for businesses in their area for the govt. to earn extra.. right? You are too much PAP!

And please provide them free transport only on weekends to certain destinations to be fair to them on compassionate ground. Please do not let them blend into our society. It's unbearable to see how they leave rubbish all over or get drunk at void decks and parks. And they are the noisiest lot!! Since they don't swim around, building their dormitaries in Tuas by seaside will be rejoicing for them to enjoy the beach and seabreeze..

I have no tolerance on them but simply being a humane.

Thu 11 Sep 2008 4:29 PM | anon - bonus

Btw, their bonuses are tied to GDP growth.

Thu 11 Sep 2008 4:31 PM | mikee - I don't believe

I think ... you can criticize George and other ministers.

I don't think the government will allow you to say anything that has a hint of criticism on God and its descendants.

Thu 11 Sep 2008 4:49 PM | Some advise - No Thanks to PAPees

[[b]quote]I want to vote for Dr Chee, but how to since he is not eligible for election? tell me what can I do to help?[/quote]

A good question? Any advise???[/b]

Thu 11 Sep 2008 6:54 PM | Just looking

Economy is bad = sinkaporeans suffer
Economy is good = sinkaporeans suffer

Economy is bad = PAP "less" bonus
Economy is good = WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a funny country. Haha. :D

Thu 11 Sep 2008 10:14 PM | angry_one

How about cheap, affording townships and small apartments for YOUNG WORKING SINGAPOREANS. High housing prices are forcing all of us to stay with families but many would rather be on their own. This township idea should be used to help young singaporeans live an independent life. I'm sure the Serangoon residents will welcome the yuppie crowd.

Thu 11 Sep 2008 10:24 PM | ah beng - curious

Well, i do think u have a point there. PAP has done numerous positive things but that is because it is voted for all the time, and on every damned election day. Other Parties were never given a chance so there is this one-man-show Lee party who dictates everything and it creates the illusion of an achiever. Yes, LKY has achieved many things for S'pore,and credit to him too. If the Opposition were given a fair share of their say in the government, it is very likely that they will also be as good as the PAP. So c'mon SDP! you can do one better!

Fri 12 Sep 2008 10:49 AM | curious - to tewniaseng

george yeo has no brains?

and i suppose you have?

your suggestion and condescension betrays your cheapened intellect; count on you on such cheap shots at repartee.

george yeo has no brains?

and i suppose you played a critical role in the USA-Singapore FTA? and i suppose you are capable enough to fun an entire Ministry of Foreign Affairs?

if so, why not submit your name for elections the next time round? I am sure your wittiness and braininess will impress many. Singapore needs more brainy leaders like you, please, have a heart for social service and step up and serve.

we can do better with more "brains" like yours in cabinet and in the civil service.

Sat 13 Sep 2008 5:35 AM | k - what do you mean we don't have a masterplan?

don't forget these foreigners are VIPs, without them we will die or our women have to work as maids in a foreign country.(MM's statement.)So we should give them the best accomedation at Oxly road & Istana grounds.

Sat 13 Sep 2008 6:45 AM | mikee - Well ...

Why not make the press free, and we will see if George can be elected.

I am not sure if he has any grey matter in his head ... but he certainly does not seem to be too bright.

I firmly believe that president scholars are selected based on a basket of criteria which compliance will probably be placed much higher than intelligence and passion.

Can you enlighten me by listing those president scholars who are successful and not dependent the PAP system?

Did any of these people become world renowned independent of the titles given by PAP?

Sat 13 Sep 2008 11:45 AM | AnnA - mikee

I think the criteria to get opt in high seats is writing a compo of 500 letters thtiled "Why PAP should select me" or "Why I want a million dollar job", whoever wrote a secret password of good brands of butter and shoeshine will pass for scholarship. No need for brain. Hehe....