Andrew Loh
Yes, we are all appalled. In fact, we are more appalled than the Home Affairs Minister.
Appalled at the “lapses” (if ever there was a euphemism for a screwup, this is it), appalled at the “complacency”, appalled at how our security personnel are so lackadaisical about their jobs.
But most of all, we are appalled that the Home Affairs Minister still has a job.
Responsibility, responsibility, responsibility!
Where is it? Where did it go to? How is it that it can be avoided, side-stepped, blamed on someone else – not once, not twice, but three times!
Mas Selamat Kastari – the number one alleged terrorist in Singapore – the man who escaped from the Whitley Road Detention Centre (WRDC) and is still at large.
Double escape attempts at the Subordinate Courts by two men facing charges for “robbery with hurt”. That is, two dangerous men.
A 61-year old man passes through all checkpoints at the Budget Terminal and gets on a plane — with his son’s passport. One wonders about the consequences if he was not an ordinary man.
All this within a span of 4 months – the last two after Mas Selamat gave the guards at the WRDC the slip in February this year.
Responsibility so far has been laid squarely and conclusively on the shoulders of those “on the ground”, leaving the man at the very top of the security department unscathed, unpunished, and un-disciplined.
Yes, leadership responsibility has been explained away with euphemism, semantics, play of logic and lame excuses about how the lower rungs have not or did not follow operational procedures.
A convenient cop-out by the minister
This is a convenient cop-out, a finger-pointing exercise to save one’s own hide.
Leadership responsibility does not end at operational procedures. It starts with respect that subordinates have for the leader (or not) and ends with the leader having the moral authority to lead (or not).
One question which all these so-called “lapses” raises is this: Does the leader of the department not command such respect and moral authority which would lead to subordinates taking their jobs seriously enough to prevent such “lapses”?
In other words: Are the subordinates’ lack of seriousness due to the lack of moral authority which they, the subordinates, see in their leader?
And if this is so, the leader is no longer fit to lead and must be relieved of his duties and position. This is even more so when the leader, or minister, is in charge of national security, where any lapses have the potential to result in the loss of lives, as in two of the three cases above.
Responsibility, responsibility, responsibility!
It is shameful indeed that when subordinates do their job well, the leader of the department is praised and accolades heaped on his head. Yet, when subordinates fail in their jobs, the same leader or minister lays the blame squarely on them.
Where is the responsibility?
Where is the leadership?
Where is the accountability when one is paid one of the highest salaries on the entire planet as a public servant?
In a statement released to the media on the latest slip-up at Changi airport, Minister Wong said:
Any lapse by any department in the Home Team is a failure which all in the Home Team family must bear. (link)
Honestly and in all seriousness, I do not know what that statement means at all – as far as ministerial responsibility is concerned. I, and I suspect many others as well, wonder what the minister would “bear” for any failures, and how he would do so. The last time I checked, the minister still has his job and in all probability would also receive a substantial bonus for the year, together with his world-class salary.
Real root of complacency
Nah, the complacency is not with the ground troops. The truth is that complacency has its roots with the men at the very top of Government. 42 years of being in absolute control of power has caused this complacency.
We had hoped that we have men in Government who would not shy away from taking responsibility for failures. Instead, we are faced with a situation where accountability has become non-existent because of absolute power.
Singaporeans will call for Minister Wong’s resignation. The media will defend him, for sure, as they did during the Mas Selamat fiasco. The Prime Minister will also defend his minister.
The only people who lose will be Singaporeans, and Singapore, because should someone like Mas Selamat come back for a “return hit” (as Lee Kuan Yew called it), it is ordinary Singaporeans’ lives which will be lost, along with disastrous consequences for the country’s economy.
As for Government responsibility, we are beginning to realize what absolute power can do. The question I’d like to ask is: Will the Prime Minister ask for Minister Wong’s resignation only if or when lives are lost due to such lapses? Is that the bottomline? If it is so, then the Prime Minister should say so. Otherwise, such blatant disregard for taking responsibility can and will only do further damage to the Government’s claim that it is a government of integrity.
As was said in a TOC editorial, at the end of the day, Wong’s recalcitrance is bad for the PAP, but worse for the country.
—————
For the record, courtesy of “Copyman” who posted this on TOC:
Some of MHA’s achievements:
2004 – Huang Na’s killer escaped on toilet break under police custody.
2006 – Tan Chor Jin (One-Eyed Dragon) escaped to Malaysia, allegedly on a fake passport.
2006 – NKF Richard Yong managed to flee to Hong Kong.
2008 – Mas Selamat Kastari – toilet break again.
2008 – Two detainees’ attempted escape frorm Subordinate Court.
2008 – Ng Ting Hwa, the employee who siphoned almost S$2m from his company, fled to Malaysia when he’s under investigation.
2008 – Gurkhas’ scuffle over salary.
2008 – A retiree unintentionally bypassed Changi Airport’s security using his son’s passport.
—————
Wong Kan Seng’s elections record
First elections – 1984
Kuo Chuan – 64.55%
Second elections – 1988
Toa Payoh GRC (3 men)
Uncontested
Third elections – 1991
Thomson GRC (4 men)
Uncontested
Fourth elections – 1997
Bishan – Toa Payoh (5 men)
Uncontested
Fifth elections – 2001
Bishan – Toa Payoh (5 men)
Uncontested
Sixth elections – 2006
Bishan – Toa Payoh (5 men)
Uncontested
A span of 24 years, 6 elections.
Contested in only one – 24 years ago
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“Any lapse by any department in the Home Team is a failure which all in the Home Team family must bear. ”
Isn’t Wong Can’t Sing part of the Home Team ? If so, why he can talkcock as though it is none of his problem ? So what WCS bear in this case ? Nothing again ?
The PM supports WCS after all both are just inept and irresponsible, and cover each other smelly backside.
Even if a bomb goes off, it will only be an isolated incident. System is still sound; just that someone got complacent and another got lucky.
Btw, what’s the difference between a leader and a manager? Our “leaders” seems to be managing the country and economy (as well as expectations) and fail at leading and building the nation.
The lack of accountability sickens me a lot. Enuff said.! The garmen can continue to ignore calls for home affair minister’s resignation at their party’s own peril.. Let this come back to haunt them in the next GE.! SICK.!!!
Another honest mistake. We should move on.
Since the $500 million lost in 6 months in the purchase of Micropolis, the Leegime has been very creative in coming out with ways to justify their mistakes.
Every time a new justification is found, it applies to the whole government in order to prevent talks of neopotism. So the standard of accountability of the whole government declined over the years. Tragic. In the case of Micropolis they justified their non action on those involved (Ho Ching) by arguing that it is an honest business decision and we must not punish such people or they will be afraid to make decisive actions in the future. I have not seen the bureaucrates being more decisive but I have seen more and more of them being forgiven for making major mistakes.
“Btw, what’s the difference between a leader and a manager? Our “leaders” seems to be managing the country and economy (as well as expectations) and fail at leading and building the nation.”
In Singapore, the leaders here are called LEEders and that’s probably explain why they are so different and unique that they are totally blameless and worth millions in any circumstance.
“This should not have happened. I am sorry that it did.”
If the man can say such insincere words for a big blunder like MSK escape, what’s there to say?
“This should not have happened. The officers will be charged and dismissed. LETS MOVE ON to more important things like inflation”?
Despite all this he is still the best of the best of the best that we have. he is the most suited for his job. If not someone else would’ve been appointed long ago to take over him. what to do, we are simply not good enough.
don’t blame the garmen. u singaporean feed these monster yourself by not doing anything & stupid enough to believe them at every election. sent all these untested MP (who can’t fight one on one in election ) into parliament thru backdoor.sent retired top military personnel to run MOE so that he can shout command top down is it?? if i’m the garmen, i will also skin u people slowly but surely since u all lan lan one. follow yr 2 opposition leader and talk the way to parliament also futile. They will be happy for the opposition to keep talking cos nothing will change. not confrontation engagement will suit them. go back history, which change of garmen is successful thru talking ?? Dr Chee is doing the correct thing. non violent civil disobedient / protest. anyway, migrating soon, from his sick place & all the best Mrs Lee.
Will Singaporeans ever have the guts of the Gurkhas?
patriot.
Change is coming…i can sense it. I see the stars and mrs old fart not going to make it. I said that in my previous comments when she first went into hospital. next year is the old fart.
I can only hope Pasir Ris isn’t a walkover when crunchtime comes~
” next year is the old fart.” ?
Next year ? Hoping for next day ! We don’t even know if these clowns are using taxmoney for hospital fee. Remember they are the emperor and empress of Singapore .
That’s a bit harsh
Any “Feng Suei” master services available? you got a potential very wealth client in hand ! WKS badly need one to help to turn the table around ! His luck must be damm rock bottom this year !
The scuffles over salary dispute that occurred at the gurkha’s police contigent in Mount Vernont Camp recently was a very significant hints that the Gurkhas are no longer an absolute lot of people of foreign origin who are so disciplined as before. They were well known from the British colonial time to be a bunch of uniform group particularly in the gurkhas police contigents that are very loyal, diciplined and dedicated all along. Gurkhas has high regard for being the most trusted force to protect the security and safety of Singapore VIPs as well as important installations in Singapore. Since the event in Nepal in the past few years, and the deposing of the Nepalese king by its people, it seem the spirit of the old had gone. The Gurkhas of today is a new breed of people in an independence Republic of Nepal with more open minds and demands and they know their rights better.
only one word : SHAMELESS!!!!!!!!!!
John,
i heard from one famous feng shui master how to cure sick people using Pa kui formation. just put 2 nuts under the patient’s bed and a banana on the forehead for 49 days then mix the nuts & banana in mixer and applied on patient face. can try u know.
Certainly we do not have leaders but managers running the country. And they are superb at managing their career, remuneration, pension and other benefits in kind. I will not be surprised that our kids in school indicate the desire to be a politician when they grow up, but only with the ruling party.
Every single day that the despot is around , is one day too many for us. Surely our patience should be rewarded after putting up with him for so long.
The only way to find out about ‘guts’ is to give the locals equal access to arms as the gurkhas. My bet is WKS will be having sleepless nights.
I urge all those under this incompetent minister to think carefully what he is doing to shrug away from his responsibilities and Accountability.
He has now BLAMED ALL of YOU and I am sure there will be drastic measures taken up to tighten procedures immediately. I trust you have already been called in to ‘kenna tekan”? In his eyes, he did no wrong. It’s YOU. YOu are the Shame of the HOME TEAM.
Still want to vote PAP blindly and worry about your promotion etc etc? Afraid your boss will know you voted against them? (it’s secret right?).
In reality You are more shameless to vote for them without responsibility. You are accountable to the PEOPLE OF SINGAPORE. Through these lapses, amongst them the escape of a allege Terrorist who may one day come back to kill and maime Singaporeans, your friends or even your own loved ones. You are responsible for Voting this incompetent person to the job. By not taking the risk to have more check and balance, you have invariably allowed this to happen.
WAKE UP!
Well, need we say more ……………………………………………………………………………………….
The facts tell the stories again and again…………………………………………………………….
Singapore is not that good as its leaders want the citizens to think it to be………..
Catherine Lim is right about the great divide…………………………………………………………
Master at news, PR and marketing can only do this much……………………………………
Sooner and later something will go again and again and again…………………………….
We are not that good………………………………………………………………………………………………..
It is time to adjust the salaries of President, Ministers, and Civil servants downwards before it is taken away by the political
process in motion…………………………………………………………
i only blame the people of singapore for voting these kind of people in parliament. People in singapore please start to read and discuss what is happening with our country. Only we can make a change. You cant expect this government to fire themselves.
Singaporeans,
What made you believe that the the Gurkhas fought over pay issue? Did you hear from them or simply believe what you read from the PAP-SMEAR TIMES?
Don’t be complacent!
With regards to WKS, we must thank him for glueing himself to his seat because he will have to carry it’s burden with him come 2011.
I stay just opposite the Gurkhas Camp. Every Friday near midnight, these soldiers will bring girls back to camp. I see this happening every Friday evening… these girls look like maids from phi or indo.. Not sure if this is allowed… they are not as disciplined and orderly as most might think. Ask the taxi drivers… they should know as I usually see this girls coming in cabs on Friday night….
Blame blame go away, come again another day, little people want to play, outside people pay and pay, BIGGER PEOPLE GOT BIGGER AND B I G G E R P A Y !!!!!
With so many incidences, I wonder if complacency is the root cause or is it just the flavour-of-the-month excuse, just because our wise one said so.
It scares me to think that perhaps, another possible reason could be that our people are just stretched to their limits, and what we are seeing now are the symptoms of being too lean for our own good.
Once upon a time, it used to be managers and above, putting in the long hours. Now, it is a norm for practically everyone to be working more than the official 44hour week. When bosses add on more responsibilities and duties in the “guise” of increased productivity, or innovation, what can or cannot be humanly achieved within the 24hrs of a day becomes secondary.
And I suspect such attitude is worst in the civil service then in the private sector. With the mandarins having their tour-of-duties, each has to come up with new ideas / more productive ways to do things / etc, during their tours. And the poor rank-and-file are the ones who get the short end of things. These are probably people, because of their limited job scope and experience, less mobile then their private sector peers. So, they have no choice but to just try and cope as best as they can, until the ball is dropped! And then, they get blamed for being complacent. Damn if you do, damn if you don’t!
And it is not just the Home Ministry. The Education Ministry comes to mind as well. We have had so many Perm Secs and Ministers coming and going through this ministry through the years. Each time, some new direction is set. But guess what, the old problems are not solved! Like the current debate about tuition, which has been an age old problem. And yes, the poor teachers are the rank-and-file, tasked to face the wrath of parents…..year-on-year…..
Wouldn’t the higher salaries of a “blessed few”, be better spent on increasing the numbers of rank-and-files? Or in technological investments to reduce the load of rank-and-file?
Whilst I hope complacency is the real cause of some of the recent incidences, I just hope that imploding because we have been too productive, too driven, too “kiam-seap” (stingy) is not the true underlying reason behind things. For it would be extremely unfair, that the “blessed few” get their higher pays for coming out with ideas, which are just not humanly attainable by the rank-and-file without additional resources. And then these “blessed few” blames the same rank-and-file for being complacent!
the more i read the more i am sick !! so sick and angry , u r not even man enough to take Responsibility. . u make me so sick . !!!!
The recent series of security bleach under the watch of WKS is an indication of systemic failures at the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is incredible that WKS continues to blame those taking orders from other than himself. It is even more incredible that LHL agrees with WKS on assigning blame to the ‘little’ people instead of looking at the root cause of such failures and doing something to prevent it from happening again.
if we’re going to talk about errors:
- the cocaine ringleader who escaped, while on bail.
- Michael Vana, escaped while on bail.
but, on the flip side, his Ministry was very very efficient at
- hanging a naive 18 year old drug mule who the judge even admitted didnt know he was carrying drugs at all,
- stopping James Gomez from leaving Singapore and “interviewing” him for a few days,
- “interviewing” mrbrown,
- sending many police to handle “Cannot Tahan” show,
- stopping and fining speeding motorists
so dont be too harsh on him lah ;-)
BUT seriously, looking at the ERP hullabaloo, the main problem i see to all of this is the accountability issue. As i commented on the “ERP” article, i looka at LTA website, everything leads back to Ministry of Transport. The head of LTA only present in a press release quote. People in the lower rungs, are not empowered, and do NOT want to take responsibility for any decisions made. Everything must be passed on to a higher level.
I say the problems we face with HOme Ministry is simply there is no empowerment for junior levels, and the people below are not prepared to take any accountability. They only receive it when things go wrong.
If they change this attitude, where dept heads can make decisions, where officers on the ground are given the opportunity to make decisions, things will be different.
In this case – what likely happened what that senior execs say we need to be efficient, push the queues through, process quickly and dont waste time.
So what happened? people on the ground just execute, and process lor…
Daniel, Fever Guy, i agree with Joel, wishing for someone’s death is a little harsh, and uncalled for, and doesnt add to the conversation lah. if your wife is sick, and someone says in a public forum wishing for her to die, its unpleasant for you, right?
lets stick to the issues.
I am begining to feel sorry for the Ministers – perhaps the pay is really justified – fixing blame and corrective meaures as in Changi T4 may be more difficult than most people would thought; also once in, it is hard to resign. Perhaps a review for pay increase ……………………………………………………………………………………………..
While the govt can try and explain away the misshaps on ‘operational procedures’, we must not forget the aftermath fiasco of the Mas Selamat escape. The subsequent manner in which the govt gave out false or incomplete information is a responsibility of the higher-ups. This surely, cannot be blamed on the ground troops.
Besides, the latest 3 incidents are not the only ones.
As ‘copyman’ mentioned, it goes way back to 2004, at least:
2004 – Huang Na’s killer escaped on toilet break under police custody.
2006 – Tan Chor Jin (One-Eyed Dragon) escaped to Malaysia, allegedly on a fake passport.
2006 – NKF Richard Yong managed to flee to Hong Kong.
2008 – Mas Selamat Kastari – toilet break again.
2008 – Two detainees’ attempted escape frorm Subordinate Court.
2008 – Ng Ting Hwa, the employee who siphoned almost S$2m from his company, fled to Malaysia when he’s under investigation.
2008 – Gurkhas’ scuffle over salary.
2008 – A retiree unintentionally bypassed Changi Airport’s security using his son’s passport.
So, those who are giving excuses that such things cannot be entirely prevented is missing the point – which is, it is not an isolated incident. Neither are they only recent ones.
The only difference is that Mas Selamat was a high-profile failure which put the spotlight on the MHA and its minister. This, however, was a good thing as it brought attention to all the other previous failures.
Looking at it as a whole, surely the minister must accept some personal responsibility.
My take is that Wong Kan Seng should be replaced.
And if by replacing him we will cause the entire govt to be thrown into “flux” – as ST writer Chua Lee Hoong said – then, I say the govt is not worth the money it is being paid and a general election should be called for the people to decide.
For if the govt can be thrown into ‘flux’ just because one inept minister is removed, what does that say about the govt as a whole?
Aygee,
don’t blame Daniel & Fever Guy. we all are also being push to a corner and no avenue to protest. when i was in camp, my CO told us. if it takes a platoon to hatam 1 sabo king, that means that sabo king is really damn ‘pain in the ass’ that cause hatred for a whole platoon to wack him up. thers’s alot of unhappy & frustrated singaporeans around hiding cos afraid to surface & kena caught. if we can’t get them out of parliament, can’t we just wish for them to be remove in one way or another. talk no use , if not singapore will be a better place if ‘someone’ listen to the ideas of 4 million singaporean compared to his small garmen. behind every coward man there is a strong woman. take this woman away, coward will be gone.
any way , if you are nice & considerate to people, they will reciprocate. if not they will do the reverse.
It all boils down to culture… I have made a few police report before and I notice most of the police here are very afraid to make decision or even file in your report… they will do their best to pass you to some other department… trust me on this.. you can find this out yourselves. The culture of the police force under WKS appear not to do anything without explicit and specific instructions…. if in doubt, don’t do anything that may “break” your iron bowl… just go with the flow…..
There is a saying in chinese –
“More tasks, the higher risks for mistakes”
“Less tasks, the lower risks for mistakes”
“No tasks, definitely no risk at all for mistakes”
This attitude may have prevailed in the police force.. which sadly translate into the state we are in now…. It is because most singaporean are law abiding that singapore is safe.. nothing to do with the efficiencies of the police.
To change all these, it has to come from the TOP !!!!
a few other errors that’s also worth mentioning:
- giving a man a few extra strokes of the rotan.
- the sad story of late Dr Adrian Yeo, that Lucky Tan blogged about. a cynical person would call actions taken by the police to be “entrapment”.
basically, a gay doctor was asked by undercover cops to bring drugs to a private “party”, and if he brings it, they can all have fun. you can figure out the rest. The doctor’s father, a taxi driver, had to pay up when the govt broke his bond, after his arrest. and Dr Adrian was kicked out of his practice.
smacks of the new NTUC logo – it’s U not We, not us, but U.
To Culture:
One suspects it’s their KPI’s… if they report on more robberies/crime, it will look bad on their performance appraisals that’s why. Probably some competiton amongst the ‘safest’ precinct myabe?
So this culture has inbred till this point of trying just to meet those KPI’s that matter. It’s not the service they are sworn to perform anymore and hence the complacency/bo chap/etc.
Chua Lee Hoong is right about the entire government thrown into ‘flux’ should WKS be removed, because there are many more inept ministers like WKS in this regime.
However, Ms Chua can not see beyond this major overhaul. The simple act of replacing the inept ministers with “real talent” will solve most problems.
Should the Straits Times start to take their credibility rating seriously, then Ms Chua’s position will be untenable.
Farquhar, Mr. Wang Says So, Lucky Tan, Leong Sze Hian etc, etc, will easily boost the S.T. international rating if they are the replacements.
These lapses, if not for their serious consequences, were almost comedic. It also set me thinking and wondering just what is the problem or issue here? Then the answer strikes me like a bolt from the blue. THE PLAIN AS DAY REASON FOR ALL THESE LAPSES MUST BE BECAUSE THE MHA RANK AND FILES COULD NO LONGER CONTAIN THEIR OWN CYNICISM AND DOUBTS ABOUT HOW SERIOUS A JOB THEY HAVE.
IT MUST BE A JOKE TO PROFESSIONALS OF THE POLICE FORCE TO WATCH THE KEYSTONE COPS ANTICS OF COLLEAGUES CALLED OUT TO ACCOST CHEE SOON JUAN , HIS SISTER AND THEIR FELLOW-PROTESTERS.
IT MUST BE A JOKE, TO WATCH THE DAILY MAMMOTH JAMS AT THE TWO LINKS WITH UPNORTH, POST- MAS SELAMAT ESCAPE.
IT MUST BE A JOKE, TO WATCH THE WAYANG OF ROUSING THE ENTIRE POPULATION TO HELP CATCH MS AND THE COMEDY OF ERROR RUNNING FROM THE INACCURATE INFO GIVEN OUT TO THE PUBLIC TO THE UTTER INCOMPETENCE OF THE ISD AT THE WHITELY HOLDING CENTRE. AND I HAVE A NEAKING FEELING THAT MS IS REALLY NOT AS DANGEROUS AS HE WAS MADE OUT TO BE. IT’S ALL BLEW UP TO KEEP SINGAPOREANS IN LINE. OTHERWISE, PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY THERE IS HARDLY ANY MORE CONCERN EXPRESS IN PUBLIC ABOUT THE INCIDENT?
Under the circumstances, it is understandable that the MHA staff have either lost their work morale or completely pissed off and totally embarressed at the laughing stock that they have become to the world’s community care of the Internet!!!
If Law enforcements get too lax, I am going to worry very much for the elderlies, the handicaps and the youngs. Recently, the spates of snatch thefts, robberies and housebreakings etc and murder cases have risen and one wonders if this country has LAWS.
However, no matter how bad the situations have become, curses of death and hatred are not the ways. The wishes that we should have; firstly, the Responsible be made answerable to negligences, failures and derelictions of duties. Incompetent Servants be replaced and inept ones to buck up. Death of anyone will not amend problems and really the Responsible people should live to see the consequences of their incapabilities and follies.
There is a dire need to remind the people now that the challenges ahead are abound and sufferings will follow if our leaders perform and behave as they do. Indeed, we may even say what tomorrow will be is beyond telling, that’s how unsure many of us are, NOW.
The many ‘enlightened bloggers’ could and should do their fellow Singaporeans the great deed of imparting your wisdoms and the guidings of the masses. You should know that the laymen are very much ‘brainwashed’ by the Official Medias and their Shepherds on top of the shortcomings of the Leadership.
Do be kind and help!
patriot.
My gut feel about the gurkhas was that after the Mas Selamat case, they would get out of hand in singapore when they could. If the operational procedures set up by higher ups and the big people was that gurkhas cannot talk to detainees, and only ISD staff could talk to them, then you cannot fault them for running out to call the ISD female staff when they suspect something amiss.
But still, it is the little people who gets blamed, and soon, more of the Chinese and Indian foreign talent will probably lead the brigade in Singapore when push comes to shove. Let us see how this foreign talent influx unfolds and come to haunt our govt!
http://harvardmagazine.com/go/jkrowling.html
I want to thank Andrew and all staff at TOC. Watch the above, and I salute you, like I salute Ms JR Rowling for speaking out for those who cannot speak.
Even the gurkhas feel the pitch and exploitation during the all time high inflation in Singapore !
Thanks for understanding from some bloggers here.
I do not wish anyone died in misery. Only one big “fart” family is all i wish and believe me hundreds of thousands singaporeans feel that way too. Why suddenly estate duty is removed? Coz some big FART ‘s wife going to a far far away place and all her assets under her name cannot be make public. Removing the estate duty helps to remove scrutiny of her assets for taxation. People must understand our gahmen make policy changes not for the betterment of the nation but themselves only. I wonder how much shares she has under her name in various GLC and private companies. Her assets must be valued at around a billion SG?
As i said before, WKS ‘s home team will score more OWN GOALS before the year ends. I see stars again. Anyway the chance for WKS to quit his MHA ministerial post is less than 1% even another big event of screwed up is going to happen.
He is no ministerial materials, he is ex HP staff, previous career as teacher and admin service dept staff. That is talent?? Irreplaceable talent? Only the blind leads the blind. We have a blind gahmen so naturally they hired blinds. I think blind people has real sight than these “jokers” does. Just look at all the bad investments they got our hard earned money into. Merril Ly is losing another US$5 billion and selling stakes in shin corp…so forth. They are “TOA GON DAI” in hokkien.
I NEVER TRUST THE GURKAS TO GUARD OUR LANDS! NEPALESE are more aggressive people and living their hard lives in their homeland teaches the survival fittest rules. They dont care about us singaporeans only themselves. Their loyalty is money if not why are they here to work for free? Singaporeans have families here, all their lives they grow up here and none of us will want Singapore to face great dangers. Why are we not good enough to protect our VIP ministers and president? So why are the gurkas here, simple reason to be at the beck and call of the “FART” family and cronies. Coz we singaporeans wont go that low but the gurkas can! They surely can! They have carried the balls of the British for many donkey years and just changing to local balls only but the trick is still the same.
FG
James,
“smacks of the new NTUC logo – it’s U not We, not us, but U.”
Very smooth and catchy! Maybe you can email to NTUC about it. Haha…loving it!
FG
Any thoughts on the 4th uni? Anyone?
The 4th university is built for 2500 intakes? Then might as well dont built! Coz it will be very expensive and not many locals going to benefit and of course more foreign talents going to get in to study at our expense. Making it more spruce up and expensive. Building such a small capacity gahmen university doesn’t help locals to get in and would have financial difficulties to study in private schools. When do their EARS start listening to the educated young?
Massive traffc jams on both departures checkpoints at Tuas and the Woodlands/Causeway was a big headache daily. Especially during the peak hours. I don’t understand why the authority had put so many obstacles causing unnecessary delays to motorist. This had caused a massive traffic jam.
The worst was at the Woodlands checkpoint. I don’t see the point why the departing vehicles to Malaysia was tarerly checked by the police. For any apparent reason are they still on the look-out for Mas Selamat Kastari escaping from Singapore?
Why the ICA still needs Singaporean passport hoiders to go for the electronic fingerprint scanning. Isn’t that enough that Singapore passport carried all the relevant details and infos of the passport holder and can be retrieved and fed on to their computerised system. On the other side of the border I could see most of the time was more relax and smooth going. It seem the Singapore checkpoint growing to become so congested and chaotics.
The ICA of the MHA should do something better to addressed the problems like putting more staff on duty and opening more checking booths during peak hours and do away with the “kiasu attitude” bloodily checking every single individual finger prints and car booth that are leaving for another country. Let the other country to check on the smugglers entering their borders and not us to do the checking for them.
Dear thanks,
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