Singapore Democrats

Re: "This is especially true when it comes to solving the problem of declining labour productivity."

Productivity is a most pertinent issue in connection with the twin problem of the flooding of Singapore with foreigners as a solution to GDP upkeep, in keeping with the PAP's conjob that the GDP figure is the end-all-and-be-all of economic well being.

What greater productivity would do is to make the goods and services that Singaporeans produce more greatly desired for bothe the domestic as well as the international markets. While the higher cost of quality goods and services for export must always be borne in mind for the sake of competitiveness, the fact of the matter is that with such a small population, production of those goods ansd services is also correspondingly small. There is sufficient demand in the international market for that small a volume of quality goods and services.

It would be sustainable.

I would think that it would be prudent for the SDP to make the government and their impact on employers, especially the exploitative ones who think that you need spurs stuck into your hide to make you go faster, the target of the drive for greater productivity.

Speed of work is the least of the 'productivity' problem that exists in Singapore.

I can say this in all honesty as a well-travelled person that Singaporeans can beat the entire world, including First World countries, when it comes to speed of work; many - but not all - of those countries are First World countries that score higher on productivity indicators.

It is only when we make the government and employers the target of this drive can ordinary Singaporean workers start breathing freely enough at their workplaces to produce better *quality* goods and services in 8 hours exactly.

Not the poor quality qulaliy goods and services that they are currently producing - because they secretly resent their bosses - after working for 12 hours.

Singaporeans are exhausted. And drained.

This has to be balanced with another consideration: the $25 000/mo that your boss pays you doesn't buy him your servitude. It only buys him 8 hours a day of your time to do the work commensurate with your capabilities, and in an environment that encourages you to be productive, and an environment operating in a political climate that faclitates him to do so. (Sorry for the gender exclusive language, ladies.)

At best, the PAP government only knows how to run an emerging economy, but they have absolutely no idea how to run a mature one.

I can tell this from the language they use - "cheaper, better, and especially, faster" and "importing the 'hungry' from emerging economies so that you can be whipped into running faster and further".

All on lesser fuel.

Re: "Are you concerned about the escalating prices of HDB flats?"

There are only a couple of demographics that I can think of that will benefit from higher prices for HDB flats:

1) HDB flat owners who sell off their flats because they are emigrating - and this includes the many new 'citizens', transients who are in Singapore as a springboard to greener pastures, who very rationally take advantage of this opportunity to go on to those greener pastures better finacially equipped; and,

2) those who upgrade from HDB to private property, although I really wonder about the true benefits to this group.

However, the above two groups do not constitute the majority of Singaporeans; the majority are actually being disadvantaged by escalating costs of HDB flats.

One of the most common reasons for escalating costs of any goods or service, in this case the escalating costs of HDB flats, is higher demand. Opening up Singapore to the many Indonesian billionaire tax evaders who buy up expensive private property can drive up prices of property in general. Flooding Singapore with a workforce equal in size to the current working population of Singapore can also surely see to it that that will happen.

(Foreigners may be 38% of the resident population, but if we were to subtract the non-working population of Singaporeans - the disabled, the schoolgoing, the retirees, etc - the proportions of foreigners to Singaporeans in the workforce is about equal.)

The speculative motive in property is alive and kicking in Singapore and is encouraged by policy, and is the primary reason, in my opinion, for the escalating costs of HDB flats.

Then what of the recently introduced anti-speculation measures?

Easy: there will be hundreds and thousands who will go into negative equity.

Does the PAP care? Not one bit as previous experience has shown: many Singaporeans have gone into negative equity after the last property bubble burst in 1997.

Now, here comes the part about rising HDB prices and its relationship to that all important economic indicator to the PAP : the GDP.

If GDP is defined as the total *monetary value* of all economic transactions including exports, that take place in an economy, then it follows that that higher prices of HDB flats would contribute more greatly to the GDP since the buying and selling of more greatly priced goods, such as higher cost HDB flats, are economic transactions of higher monetary value.

By a strange coincidence, a secret percentage of ministerial income just so happens to be tied to the monetary value of the GDP.

Now, wouldn't that have to mean that PAP ministers simply scheme to enrich themselves by flooding Singapore with foreign workers for no other reason than their own greed?

Actually, resale of existing HDB flats will not increase GDP. Proceeds from reselling an item produced in a prior year will not be counted. Of course, the inflated value of any new HDB flats sold will count towards GDP. I think escalating housing cost is just a sad consequence of the PAP's misguided and irresponsible policy to import massive numder of foreign workers to boost GDP.

It has become clear to me PAP 's dream: To make PAP rule for another 10,000 years, to make a 5 room HDB flat cost 1 billion dollars, a bowl of fish ball noodles cost 100 dollars, GDP to be 100%, to make the civil service 100% of the GDP.

At what expense? I am not sure if this is what Singaporeans want, and I don't think I can wish them any good luck.

"A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and
making them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually
die and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it."
- M. Planck

Max Planck (April 23, 1858 – October 4, 1947) was a German physicist. He is considered to be the founder of the quantum theory, and thus one of the most important physicists of the twentieth century. Planck was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918.

Democratic development in Singapore is heavily hindered and retarded by the so called "father" of Singapore. But this will only be temporary.

It has been over a year since SDP last held a forum which was very narrowly focused on the (perennial and yet still unsolved) question of cooperation among the opposition parties.

On the surface, it is encouraging that SDP has taken a more mainstream approach of tackling issues of greater interest to Singaporeans at large this time round. Organising a public forum is far more constructive and conducive to its political aspirations than those illegal (and rather unproductive) civil-disobedience circus acts. The police force’s resources need also NOT be (unproductively) diverted.

Although better late than never, it must be noted that SDP took quite a while to come around to such a more gainful endeavour. Other opposition parties have already been holding public seminarsl leading up to the budget. These included an economic-policy discussion by RP, and others covering the education system.

SDP talks about the Opposition having “over a long time, struggled to present an economic alternative to the PAP's programme.” I suppose SDP should be speaking for itself since the so-called “struggle” includes its failed efforts as encapsulated in the books CSJ has produced over the years.

Yes, it is probably time to jettison some of those “aged” ideas which dates as far back as one and a half decades ago, and which have been conveniently taken as the pseudo-manifesto of the party.

(Incidentally, a SDP member was trying to remind me that these old publications are evidence of the said “research” CSJ has been doing as part of his current income source. Book sales maybe, but research?... come on!)

SDP says it will present a comprehensive, realistic and workable economic alternative. Although we should try to reserve our judgment until after the forum, it is tempting to assume that when SDP says it “has the answer”, it is likely to be nothing new.

CSJ will (again) stipulate the pre-conditions for a vibrant economy - more freedoms and greater democracy, based on his fallacious visions. These political aims are the real reasons for the forum, not the salvation of economy.

As such, on the day he presents SDP’s economic plan, the conclusion will inevitably be that it is only be “workable” PROVIDED the political pre-conditions are met. That will be the escape clause SDP leaves for itself. Workable indeed!

As for the elements of comprehensiveness and realism, I doubt so too. In fact, SDP should theoretically be hoping for the economic well-being of the citizens to deteriorate. It will then lead to the “political awakening” of the people that SDP has long cherished for.

SDP has often accused the people of being apathetic and indifferent. When they get poorer and greater hardship befalls them, their indifference will hopefully be cast off. These are the exact pre-conditions for SDP’s real and underlying agenda to take off.

Perhaps we should attend the forum instead of sitting on the pedestal, spewing lies and pretending to be objective critics.

And while at that let's not be coy about our identities and introduce ourselves (quietly if one so wishes) to the SDP both dissenters and supporters.

"......Organising a public forum is far more constructive and conducive to its political aspirations than those illegal (and rather unproductive) civil-disobedience circus acts. The police force’s resources need also NOT be (unproductively) diverted......"

What planet do you live on?
Go tell Gandhi followers; the Polish democrati8c and freedom protesters of the 80s; Martin L. King's marches for greater rights for black Americans,that their civil-disobedience and peaceful protest marches are unproductive and a circus act.

Don't PAP just love every opposition to be in limited confine spaces, doors preferrably shut with very little exposure to the general public.

"......Although better late than never, it must be noted that SDP took quite a while to come around to such a more gainful endeavour. Other opposition parties have already been holding public seminarsl leading up to the budget......."

Of course it took quite awhile. Look at all the charges thrown at them throuh the years which should and will never happen in a truely demnocratic nation. Charges are deliberately process and prosecuted separately to wear them down. Right after the celebrated their party's anniversary the SDP leaders were charged and jailed.

"...... SDP talks about the Opposition having “over a long time, struggled to present an economic alternative to the PAP's programme.” I suppose SDP should be speaking for itself since the so-called “struggle” includes its failed efforts as encapsulated in the books CSJ has produced over the years......."

Like I said. You sure you are living on planet called earth? Everyone in Singapore knows the persecutions initiated by the PAP and with mainly a top-down PAP appointed judiciary. All stops were pulled to prevent SDP leaders from contesting in general elections. Let alone get into parliament. The word "struggle" is just putting mildly the things they have to go through and put up with.

"........Yes, it is probably time to jettison some of those “aged” ideas which dates as far back as one and a half decades ago, and which have been conveniently taken as the pseudo-manifesto of the party........."

OMG. Fighting for constitutional rigths and freedom for Singaporeans, fighting for greater democracy for Singapore, asking for greater accountability from PAP govt... are "aged" ideas?!? What's wrong with you???

"........(Incidentally, a SDP member was trying to remind me that these old publications are evidence of the said “research” CSJ has been doing as part of his current income source. Book sales maybe, but research?... come on!)........"

Sigh. As the saying goes. One man's meat is another man' poision. You scoff at his "research". Pray tell. What have you or are doing currently that is impt for S'pore. Then let us be the judge too. OK? SDP is an opposition party, PAP is well known too be very secretive even on public or social matters. You think it's easy to keep track and gather of information on the PAP govt activities. Especially those constantly that don't make it to the local press.

"........ SDP says it will present a comprehensive, realistic and workable economic alternative. Although we should try to reserve our judgment until after the forum, it is tempting to assume that when SDP says it “has the answer”, it is likely to be nothing new........."

To be honest I and perhaps hundreds of thousands of fellow Singapoeans sees PAP formula of opening the floodgates to hundreds of thousands of foreigner(mind you NOT foreign talents) to boost GDP numbers an economic brilliant strategy. It has instead cause hardship and unnecessary worries, anxieties for thousands of Singaporean families. Is the PAP addressing these concerns?

"........CSJ will (again) stipulate the pre-conditions for a vibrant economy - more freedoms and greater democracy, based on his fallacious visions. These political aims are the real reasons for the forum, not the salvation of economy.
As such, on the day he presents SDP’s economic plan, the conclusion will inevitably be that it is only be “workable” PROVIDED the political pre-conditions are met. That will be the escape clause SDP leaves for itself. Workable indeed!........"

What?! Greater freedom and greater democracy doen't lead to a more vibrant, more creative economy? Have you been talking the the Kim guy in North Korea recently? Next I would hear you say that USA is a non-existant country.

"........SDP has often accused the people of being apathetic and indifferent. When they get poorer and greater hardship befalls them, their indifference will hopefully be cast off. These are the exact pre-conditions for SDP’s real and underlying agenda to take off.........."

Like I said. You are really one lost dude. Guess who have been causing Singaporeans to be poorer and suffer increasing hardship in past years? Make a guess. Make a wild guess.
Hint: Floodgates opened. All sorts of foreigners come in. Take away jobs. You getting it?

Nobody in the right frame of mind will hope for the economic well-being of the citizens to deteriote. We including members of the SDP are also citizens of this country.

The deterioration are brought upon by the rulers who support the trickle-down economics. Here the businesses are owned by MNCs and GLCs.

The financial crisis we are experiencing now are because of the wrong economic policies, which favour the rich.

Dr Chee's books and the ideas in them are precisely the reason why young Singaporeans like myself have come forward.

But the political awakening that democrats in Singapore look for cannot be facilitated by books alone. It must come from a free and independent media landscape that will create a free market of ideas.

When all the mainstream media in Singapore is controlled by the government, how can Singaporeans come to a fair conclusion on any issue? How can they know what they want when they are only fed one side of any story?

If there were free and fair elections, independent media, and fundamental freedoms in place for more advocacy and dissemination of information, the results would be much more different.

When was the last time the whole of Singapore voted? Thanks to the GRC scheme, most of Singapore is a walkover. And how many out of those who did vote did so out of fear, how many are civil servants that feel that they have "no choice" but to vote for the PAP?

Why were all independent newspapers closed down by 1990, and all mainstream information controlled by the Government? And when activists try to give out flyers on alternative news and views, we are harassed, arrested and charged.

It's not that Singaporeans simply don't care - they don't know enough to care. And it's difficult for the opposition to gather enough resources to have their newsletters put out in quantities and frequencies large enough to match the reach of the government owned mainstream media.

As long as the Government disallows free and fair elections and a free market of ideas, election results, like the baised one-sided opinions of BryanT, can only be taken as the reality as engineered by the PAP. And if BryanT is happy with that, then that only goes to show why none of his views hold any weight.

One thing that I neglected to say was that this event that the SDP is organizing is a very good idea.

Unfortunately, I still sense that the the PAP government's - Lee Kuan Yew's, specifically - Kill-The-SDP-Chicken-To Frighten-The-'Opposition-Voting' Monkeys election (and in-between elections) tactic has had a strong stranglehold on the opposition voting monkeys' fragile minds; attendance might still not be what we would all like it to be.

But keep persisting, SDP; time and right is on your side.

This brings to me to my next point. Given that the date that this event is going to be held is still some days away, I hope the socio-political blogs claiming to be 'non-partisan' to any political party will also help to publicize this event; they tend to do that for other parties and I'm sure that they would be anxious to keep up their 'non-partisan' image.

Re: "We including members of the SDP are also citizens of this country."

Not if They - opponents of the SDP - continue to believe slavishly like the PAP does, which has unfortunately also has had a stranglehold on way too may opposition suppoters, that Sun Tzu's Art Of War is also applicable in non-war situations.

Non-war situations such as the everyday running of the country in which EVERYONE wants their needs and wants met and in which EVERYONE is merely hoping to contribute to problem solving.

The PAP's "Art Of War" political culture maintains that if you disagree with me, you are automatically The Enemy; The Enemy desrves nothing less than his total extermination.

If Sun Tzu's Art Of War was indeed applicable to politics.

I would like to propose for the various Opposition parties to exploit the public forum organised by SDP to collectively develop an economic plan.

Although SDP’s proposals to date are the most comprehensive and wide-ranging (I will reserve my comments about “realism” and “workability”), the other parties have also along the way articulated their set of proposals, albeit with varying degrees of success.

Since SDP is organising the forum, it might be appropriate that it takes the lead to bring the various parties together for deliberations on the collective proposal.

This being a forum that will deal, at least in part, on the economic impact of the foreign workers'-cum-immmigration policy, I think that the speaker/s should anticipate one issue that has become quite the bugbear: National Service, which in my opinion is an attempt to sabotage the opposition parties should the opposition parties take this up on their behalf.

Here are some of the reasons why:

1. The people who are making this an issue are really those who *hate* NS and see it as a punishment, even while they couch their argument in the language of patriotism. They also tend to be xenophobic and racist, and virulently against the individuals they regard as foreigners - without determining their actual legal status in Singapore - and not this bad PAP policy.

NS should be inficted on these foreigners as a form of punishment for their audacity in staking out a claim in the Grand Prize called Singapore.

2. Is it practical to have a 47-year-old new immigrant train alongside young, fit men between 18 and 21?

3. What will happen, as it so often does, when these new immmigrants migrate to their truly preferred destination? Would we have spent unnessarily from the budget to train them? Would sensitive military information and secrets go with them?

Is that the much vaunted patriotism that this isuue has been dressed up as?

At least the Singapore-born can be trusted to continue to have a sense of home; they may also continue to have at least some of their family and friends in Singapore to want to jeapordize something like that.

For once, some constructiveness from this source though I don't plan to hold my breath for too long for this reprieve:

Re: "I would like to propose for the various Opposition parties to exploit the public forum organised by SDP to collectively develop an economic plan."

It is becoming more and more obvious to me: there are clear differences among the parties that are currently in opposition and those differences are along the classic lines of "left" and "right"; there are right wing political parties in the opposition as well as left wing ones.

I have also written about this before: one's political ideology - left or right - has a strong influence on his or her ideology on economics.

Given the differences in political ideologies and their impact on economic ones that are clearly emerging, I doubt that there can be any cohesive plan that all the opposition parties can agree on; I very sincerely doubt that there can be any opposition unity beyond the agreement not to be involved in three-way contests for the current time.

However, the heartening message I think that I might have for the SDP is that there are actually many left-wingers who have always been voting and will continue to vote for the PAP; the PAP may be a fascist party but their vote bank has always been a mixed bag for all the usual reasons like fear, etc.

But not ideology.

That, to me is the where the future votes for the SDP is going to come from to make the SDP the first non-PAP government in post-independence Singapore.

That's wher, to me, the SDP's efforts might have to be channeled towards.