Excerpts from The Enquirer.
MP for Tanjong Pagar Baey Yam Keng engages his residents at a session held once every two months, an intiative he started a few months after his first parliament session–Photo: Chong Zi Liang
At the height of the debate over Section 377A of the Penal Code, Member of Parliament (MP) Baey Yam Keng spoke up against the law banning homosexual sex. If Parliament took a vote on the issue, he would vote to repeal it, Mr Baey said at a forum on the legislation held in the middle of 2007.
While he drew loud applause at the forum for his comments, Mr Baey received negative feedback from members of the public subsequently. A letter was even published in the Straits Times Forum, admonishing him for reflecting his own view instead of the majority.
“Someone wrote in an online forum that as a MP representing the people, I should represent the majority view,” the MP for Tanjong Pagar Group Representative Constituency said.
Visit The Enquirer for the full report.
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Good article!
How does Baey Yam Keng compare to Siew Kum Hong?
Who is more liberal?
Who is more sympathetic to the People?
“Mr Baey received negative feedback from members of the public subsequently.”
And may we know from which persuasion are these members of the “public” from. And which group initiated the report of this ‘negative feedback’.
Mr. Baey Yam Keng did a ‘good’ job, however he is still from the incumbent party. No matter what, his dissent is still very very very manageable.
Thus far, Baey and Siew are two of the few ruling party MPs that are receptive and keep an open mind on issues. It is a display of a leader that is willing to shed off their armor shield and get dirty with their hands to be in touch with the ground sentiments and make rational debate issues at heart. Read some of Siew’s thread in his blog. Thoughtful, Rational and Insightful are words that came on top of my mind.
If there are abundance of such quality MPs, whether they are PAP or Alternative party, support should be given to them. Although I have no privilege of knowing Baey and Siew in person or witness many of their parliament debate except the much controversial and hotly debated Section 377A, it is enough of an impression to date that these people served with conscience and compassion.
I certainly hope they continue to track on this course and may their conscience leadership quality served to become like virus contagion to infect other serving MPs or hihg ranking civil servants.
I like to take tis opportunity to thank you Baey, Siew and the likes for showing us common citizenry that conscience leadership is still alive and wishing you and your fellow colleagues a successful political career. You all have indeed done Singapore proud. Thank you.
Sincerely
Observer (SG-HK)
an ordinary Singaporean old man in his twilight years.
If PAP has more of such MPs then our country will have hope going into the future.
At last, Mr Baey is only one of the rare few that speaks out in dissent. The rest are merely followers or worse doing nothing constructive for the people or country. It is better for them to step down and let another better crop takes over.
Sorry guys, wish to correct wrong addressing. Baey is MP and Siew is NMP. My apology.
sorry…i beg to differ…when come to the real bread and butter issues…he’s just as useless…why? because I know and I have the emailed responses to back my claim…i doubt he will remember. Dont be fooled by so called leaders who enjoy hogging the limelight! We can be so gullible..sigh
Dear blackfeline,
It will be good if you can share. I think it will help bridge the trust level. However, I respect the issue of privacy and it is entirely up to you to decide, no obligation. If you are willing to share, perhaps you can high-light the summary of the issues addressed with “apparently” not so satisfactory response from Baey? (I am assuming you are referring to him). My limited impression of Baey is that he is at least not the arrogant and ignorant type compared to some of the known MPs or high ranking civil servants recently in the limelight. May be for those who had more encounters with Baey will be able to shed some lights and share their experiences for viewers and readers to have a better understanding. Thanks
If they keep on showing they have these kinds of ‘alternative view’ mp,
I think alternative party may soon become extinct.
wp , eat your hearts out.
That is interesting, I’ve not actually paid much attention to Mr Baey. Perhaps I should pay his blog a visit. Another PAP MP/Minister of some interest is George Yeo, who actively maintains a public facebook log. Seems genuine but focuses solely on his work and some personal feelings as he goes about his work as Foreign Minister rather than Singapore politics (probably the wise thing to do).
Thanks for the article.
Thanks to the Enquirer, who I think have many videos on youtube on TC , specifically they show video interviews with the respective residents of the affected tc.
just a question,
does anyone of you know
being a MEMBER of the PAP,
and represent TanJong PG,
does he need to get approval from his party before he talks to the MSM, which they so familiar with?
come on folks.
“Someone wrote in an online forum that as a MP representing the people, I should represent the majority view,” the MP for Tanjong Pagar Group Representative Constituency said.
C’mon! We’re talking about human rights. The right for every human being to choose what he or she wants in life. What’s right to me may not be right to 2 guys beside me. & vice versa. Does that mean I am wrong? No, I simply have a different opinion.
We should stop criticizing & trying to stop what is “wrong” to us. What’s “wrong” to us may be perfectly right to others. It’s their freedom to choose their life. Likewise, it is our freedom to choose our life.
Baey Yam Keng gets in touch with the folks he’s representing. I’m sure he’s open to raising of hands & questions by his people during the sessions. He’s giving a voice to the people. By listening to suggestions & criticisms, can one truely improve & curb its shortcomings & progress.
Everyone should have a voice in society. Power to the people!
7) patriot on Your comment is awaiting moderation. December 2nd, 2008 11.51 am If Singaporeans are to sing praises for MPs?NMPs for spending time to ‘talk about’ non-issue(s) such as homosexuality, I think we are wasting time on nonsensical, trivial and unimportant matters. Worse, we are distracted from important and living related issues.
May I say here that only MP Lily Neo has my respect thus far.
Based on what I gathered from Social-political Blogs, my conclusion is that Singaporeans had placed too much faith in the Government before(now). There were constant praises for the First Generation Leaders, even today. I do not see any difference between the First Generation and the Present Leaders who are(were) all led and lead by Lee Kuan Yew(MM).
THE PROBLEM, it seems, is that the First and Second Generation Singaporeans are losing confidence in the Leadership now. The Younger Singaporeans are innocent, led by their First/Second Generation Parents and the Government throughout their growing years, they are lead to believe or ‘educated’ to be obsequious to th Political Leaders.
We are now caught in a very vicious situation where we are left with absolutely no alternative even when we know we are facing dire consequences. The Regime had wiped out all alternative and our fates are now in the mercy of our leaders.
We have paid the Ultimate Price.
patriot
er…who is he? Never ever heard of him bfr.
MP for Tanjong Pagar Baey Yam Keng’s presentation of the view about homosexuality speaks of tolerance, acceptance and a sense of fair play. I do not however think that the title “dares to dissent” is quite true. He is not a dissident, he is merely asking for an amendment to an article in law, and doing so through all the right channels.
As a citizen of the country and a Member of Parliament, he is purely speaking his mind and reflecting the voices of his people, and in this case, calling for a sense of fair play towards people who are homosexuals.
We each have a duty to stand up for what we believe is right, true and fair. It is called social justice. The neediest, poorest, weakest need people who are articulate and compassionate to speak up on their behalf when they are unable to. As soon as we as a nation stop caring about minority rights, or stop fending for people too weak to fend for themselves, e.g. our children, then this country is on the way to the pits.
Next – is there an MP who dare stand in Parliament to demand that our education system be skewed towards learning and being engaged in society, character building and ways to improve lives, instead of gearing towards profit making? The love of money is the root of all evil, and I think the financial crisis has proven that true again. It is time we stop stressing out our kids with all these horrible meaningless exams, tests, and start letting them have a chance to breathe and develop a love for learning, and grow great character traits.
Hi patriot,
We are now caught in a very vicious situation where we are left with absolutely no alternative even when we know we are facing dire consequences.
Yet, I do not understnad why most Singaporeans, after all the education they have gone through cannot fathom this danger at all. Do they really believe that Singapore will remain a fairy-tale where the rulers are always wise and people-loving? I just cannot bring myself to see how blind some of them can be and how much danger they are posing not only to themselves but to people like us who everyday stare the danger right here in front of us. Our hands are tied and there is not much we can do except to continue to educate the people we come into contact with to see these dangers that we are seeing.
I am not giving up though. As long as there are ears out there willing to hear our stories, there is hope. We cannot, and neither can anyone, diminish this hope.
I do often see flashes of what our future generation would have to go through in their baptism of fire. When PAP falls and becomes fractured, and with the remnants of the powers they are left with, I see only a struggle for survival that will be tragic and fatal.
We can prevent all these, if only there are enough people out there still willing to believe what we can see. Singapore is not a Disneyland. It is a place where real people live and where real people have to take care of real people. It is not a masak-masak place.
We have not yet paid the ultimate price but it looks like we will be doing so sometime soon.
Most probably, it will be our little ones who will grow up to face the ultimate price. This is why their education has to start now.
Agree with #14 & #16 gemami.
Foreigners who been to spore or knows something about spore have ever laughed at Singaporeans for their mentality.
Yes, I blame singaporeans even though there is a good explanation for their behavior. Many are not in this state of mentality , however. Some are on the borderline line but still oblivious to their predicament.
The good reason is , according to me : They have never experienced something other than status quo or the current system which is the only system known to them. How can they know what is other system feel like? Nirvana can be explained literally as, I quote,
“a place or state characterized by freedom from or oblivion to pain, worry, and the external world.”
But does that mean the commoner can REALLY understand what it really is? In short, you need to experience it to know.
Sporeans are to be blamed in my view, to a certain proportional extent. As democrats, its their responsibility to also ensure we have given mandate to Alternative and Incumbent peoples’ representatives.
Both types of partys have their role and place in a healthy democracy.
There are certainly enough people with the talent and capability to do the jobs.
Who would like to challenge this statement? Can you prove there is not when we have never experienced a 50-50 kinda situation like that found in vibrant and stable democracies like USA or Europe etc? When you never been to someplace, you cannot know for sure how it feels to be there, even using google earth and youtube or postcards or webcams.
The people never thought the need for Alternatives.
While there is a good reason for this mentality and behavior, the democrats (citizens of a democracy) can in no way run away from their responsibilities.
Waiting for who to feed you?
Alas, it will take another 10 years, at least, to see a difference.
1 thing for sure – it will happen. Even the extremists subconsciously would know that.
Humans are all the same – they need Freedom of the basic kind. Then, they try to climb up the Maslow Hierarchy. TKL is at the level called Self-Actualization.
Viva la democracy!
Dear Patriot,
“If Singaporeans are to sing praises for MPs?NMPs for spending time to ‘talk about’ non-issue(s) such as homosexuality, I think we are wasting time on nonsensical, trivial and unimportant matters. Worse, we are distracted from important and living related issues.”
Pardon me my friend. Do I sense a hint of discriminatory and prejudicial remarks from you? You come across to me as a wise person and well read but I must honestly say that I was rather disappointed to see excerpt of the above quoted message that was under moderation and reposted. I sincerely hope that we should refrain from stigmatizing our fellow mates regardless of their race, preference, believes, social status and what not. Let’s embrace our fellow Singaporeans and be more receptive as a society in whole.
All publicly debated issues (social or political) to me are of significance. The important thing is those MPs or NMPs (in context) are not behaving like the usual “Yes Man or Women” or egotistical, arrogant and ignorant nincompoops that get paid millions. That is what I appreciate their being out-spoken and caring enough to voice their rational arguments and dissent party line rhetoric. Section 377A and others during those debates are human rights issue if you look in depth. They are our fellow brothers and sisters too. To me, it is no difference to defending or voicing our displeasure why the government is not doing enough to help our less-fortunate or dire straits fellow Singaporeans. The underlying token of appreciation is not the issues in context of the article published but their characteristics as a person serving the public. Personally, I see conscience and compassion in them and to me that is good leadership qualities that should be embraced.
Likewise as you mention Lily Neo. Albeit I do not know her or read anything from her, but I truly believe coming from a friend who is an active citizen concerned for the good and betterment of the country, I believe in your individual judgment of her character.
As for your citing of the dire consequences that we are facing and that our alternatives are almost but wipe out by this current batch of “don’t know what to do” leaders, I believe readers and posters here are very aware of this but I do not feel it is the intent of subject matter for a discourse pertaining to this article published.
I am sorry my dear friend if I seemed blunt in this comment, but it is my honest feeling.
Vivian Balakrishnan was also touted as a liberal that dared to dissent. Look at what’s happened to him. He’s more “establishment” than some of the 2nd generation ministers.
It’s all a good show but if he really wanted to prove that he’s not another PAP bootlicking MP, perhaps he might have said something about the whole minibond fiasco. Just because he said he’d have voted for homosexual’s rights does not mean that he’s for the people.
Blackfeline, care to share the “email responses” you mentioned?
Hi gemami,
despite our age and educational differences, we do converged in views and opinions and this makes me wonder why those of my generation and older did not share our sentiments. I am(was) not surprised that our leaders behaved the way they did and do because it was and is plain simple that they are materialistic and pragmatic technocrats. They prioritize economic progress and materialistic wellbeing of their remunerations, status(power) and reputations before the Country and lastly the Singaporeans.
Singaporeans have been made to toil hard for Singapore Leaders and Singapore the Country to where they are today and Singaporeans today have to toil even harder as year goes by. WHY IS THIS SO? After over 40 years of Independence,You and me “see only a struggle for survival that will be tragic and fatal”, pardon me for plagiarizing You.
“We have not yet paid the ultimate price but it looks like we will be doing so sometimes soon”, unquote. This is the saddest part, do Singaporeans deserve this after all these years of Autonomy?
Why do I say Autonomy and not Independence? My answer is that we are no more capable of Independence anymore now and there was never nationhood before. The VERY SURVIVAL OF SINGAPORE/SINGAPOREANS have to rely and depend on other nations from now onwards, from the foods we have to eat, the foreign investments to the importation of foreigners to keep us going. In other words, everything got to depend on others. BUT IT WON’T LAST LONG, this country WILL BE OVERWHELMED with self(Leadership) created problems, depletions of space and lack of resources will be the death blows.
gemami;
it is so good and consoling to have your concurrence that we have to educate our youngs to understand the fate and destiny of Singapore. HOWEVER, we the lay people have little or no influences, unless our Leaders are willing to share our worries and concerns. Are we prophets of doom? I do not think so, THE FACT IS RIGHT INFRONT OF US THAT WE ARE DEVOID OF RESOURCES TO SUSTAIN LONG TERM SURVIVAL(INDEPENDENCE).
So, what is the Solution?
To young Singaporeans, I say, go anywhere where survivals are less challenging and remain here if one is happy here.
To the Old Singaporeans; I say enjoy your live if affordable, work till You drop if You have to and give yourself euthanasia if living is unbearable.
Please forgive me for not able to provide solution, I am of limited calibre and is only capable of ranting.
patriot
Wayang only lah, this guy came in from the back door, never even fight an election, he is just an 2nd class MP
True MPs are Ang Mong Seng and Dr Lily Neo.
Good evening observer #19
“If Singaporeans are to sing praises for MPs?NMPs for spending time to ‘talk about’ non-issue(s) such as homosexuality, I think we are wasting time on nonsensical, trivial and unimportant matters. Worse, we are distracted from important and living related issues.”
What I think Patriot may have meant to say is let us not mythologize the character of anyone based on just one account alone.
I do not think he is being cynical here. This is what wise people do. They keep a sense of scale and perspective abt things – why do you think, we lost so much $?
I believe Patriot highlighted something very important. As what he may be trying to say is intelligent people DO NOT usually form an A to Z impression of people and stuff just based on a few cases; they always mindful of hype and spin and so you cannot blame them if they choose to winnow the wheat from the chaff; this is only human nature and part and parcel of what it means to be part of the human race; and that will probably mean; they may regard a one hit wonder as just one hit wonder; a flash in a pan as just a flash in the pan – if you read more into it; then you might as well spend time looking at Louhan fishes to study 4D numbers and try your luck in toto – trust me, it will give you better results.
What I also think Patriot may be trying to say (and please correct me, if I happen to be wrong bc I hope, I am not trying to show off my ESP skills here) is why not direct one’s efforts and attention to other issues besides those which are ‘easy’ and don’t involve much ‘brain power?’ or may even incur too much personal ‘risk?’
You see observer, a wise man will NEVER ask; HOW many times a warrior draws out his sword? Even if you manage to answer than question, it brings nothing to the table; for all you know he could just be chopping fire wood; but rather WHO are you crossing swords with?
And that simply means we all have to ask whether that has been done so well that it cannot be improved upon by another man?
That is not a question for me to answer, but it is one that many Singaporeans and residents will have too especially in these uncertain times.
I think we can disagree on many things, but most of us here can agree that, it would be very foolish for us to try to hold infinity in the palm of ours hands – as I said, a flash in the pan is just a flash in the pan – nothing more or less.
SD (Internet Liaison officer of the brotherhood)
obser-ver 1 9
What I think Patriot may have meant to say is let us not mythologize the character of anyone based on just one account alone.
I do not think he is being cynical here. This is what wise people do. They keep a sense of scale and perspective abt things – why do you think, we lost so much $?
I believe Patriot highlighted something very important. As what he may be trying to say is intelligent people DO NOT usually form an A to Z impression of people and stuff just based on a few cases; they always mindful of hype and spin and so you cannot blame them if they choose to winnow the wheat from the chaff; this is only human nature and part and parcel of what it means to be part of the human race; and that will probably mean; they may regard a one hit wonder as just one hit wonder; a flash in a pan as just a flash in the pan – if you read more into it; then you might as well spend time looking at Louhan fishes to study 4D numbers and try your luck in toto – trust me, it will give you better results.
What I also think Patriot may be trying to say (and please correct me, if I happen to be wrong bc I hope, I am not trying to show off my ESP skills here) is why not direct one’s efforts and attention to other issues besides those which are ‘easy’ and don’t involve much ‘brain power?’ or may even incur too much personal ‘risk?’
You see observer, a wise man will NEVER ask; HOW many times a warrior draws out his sword? Even if you manage to answer than question, it brings nothing to the table; for all you know he could just be chopping fire wood; but rather WHO are you crossing swords with?
And that simply means we all have to ask whether that has been done so well that it cannot be improved upon by another man?
That is not a question for me to answer, but it is one that many Singaporeans and residents will have too especially in these uncertain times.
I think we can disagree on many things, but most of us here can agree that, it would be very foolish for us to try to hold infinity in the palm of ours hands – as I said, a flash in the pan is just a flash in the pan – nothing more or less.
SD (Internet Liaison officer of the brotherhood)
25 relates to what you ‘observer ‘wrote concerning ‘patriot’ in 19
Hi Dear Observer(SG-HK);
thank You for the frankly words, they maybe blunt but it shows You’re straightforward, a desirable trait.
Section 377, Aids Campaign and Prostitution Issues are no -issue to me. Enforcement pertaining to Homosexual activities, as far as I know, had hardly been carried out and the PM seemed to have said so. WHEN THERE ARE MORE PRESSING AND RELEVANT ISSUES, especially regarding survivals and specifically unreasonable hikes, no precious time should be wasted on unimportant issues. I will maintain that distraction is another major concern for me.
Observer, I strongly believed that You are magnanimous for a little digression and even off-topic dissertation and You do not mind a little distraction, I am sure.
As humans, we lack the consistencies of machines and lower living species, hence one may not be consistent, uniform in upholding values and suffer erratic behaviours. As such, if and when You see a need to remind me of flaws in my writings and or my character, You are most welcome to do so. Maybe I should disclose that I am a gambler(legalized bettings), smoker, drinker and food lover, a very imperfect gentleman that does little or no harm to others.
Of late, I have been enjoying your comments very much, much of the contents of your comments are very meaningful.
Yourstruly: patriot
He’s has been interviewed by Mr Brown before. You can catch his podcast here
http://www.mrbrownshow.com/2007/03/05/the-mrbrown-show-mrbrown-interviews-mp-baey-yam-keng/
What do you guys think?
He’s has been interviewed by Mr Brown before. You can catch his podcast here
http://www.mrbrownshow.com/2007/03/05/the-mrbrown-show-mrbrown-interviews-mp-baey-yam-keng/
What do you guys think?
You really want to know? Not very much.
You have to try harder
I have emailed to my MP to seek help and to follow-up on my case after meet the people’s session. My emails has all been ignored.
If MP cannot be bothered to help residents, what can I do ?
Ah Baey,
Go on tell your masters this. History has shown that if people are complacent and useless. They can well buy into a well regulaterd mercenary market – skill-at-arms is always for sale to the highest bidder – this is what my assoc have told you to communicate to your masters. (I guess they dont have much respect for you. I am not surprised)
Go tell them this; there is no need to be shy or coy abt it; the ottomans discovered this with the jannisaries; so did the romans with the praetorians and the venetians with the Asburgs; all were terminally complacent and inept. But still with the help of mercenaries; they were able to turn the wheel of life.
Pls think abt it; as you ppl have absolute zero imagination to develop the skill-at-arms necessary to prosper online – think abt it – it is not a matter of pride, but one of practical neccessity.
Remember we are always available for hire for the right price that is.
Go tell your masters that Baey, that is all you are good for in our opinion, save yourself the embarassment, as dick lee said, you only think, you can do these things, but you cannot.
Trust me, this is the way, the only way
SD ( Internet Liaison officer of the brotherhood)
Dear Patriot,
Thanks for your understanding. Likewise I appreciate your candidness. I have never doubted your sincerity having read your thoughtful comments for a few months now.
Friend, I understand what you are driving at and certainly do not mind a little digression in subject matters but I wish to maintain my respect to TOC and the author(s) or administrator who took their time to make public articles or stories that they had wrote or gather for concerned readers to pen their comments.
Yes, you are absolutely right to say that there are pressing issues that the “leaders” ought to put in more time and effort to address them. That is too on top of my mind constantly. What we all can do now is continue our discourse and hopefully come election time (if we are lucky enough to be able to vote), we just have to hope that concerned citizenry will stay united send a clear message to the current governing party if ground sentiments are ignored and changes made are less than satisfactory.
To me, a persons’ character and attitude matters more than anything else. If one stay true to your heart and soul, have a little affection towards our fellow human kind who are less fortunate or different than we are (whatever or whoever), the world will be a much better place to live in. Whatever personal idiosyncrasies are less significant.
Thanks for your openness and I apologize unreservedly if my undiplomatic comments have caused you to make public your personal habits. I am no better than you are. When I am back in Singapore for holiday, perhaps we can have drink (on me) if you do not mind the company of this ranting old fart. I would also like to invite gemami to join us. Oops, my apology to readers and TOC for digressing again.
Sincerely,
Observer (SG-HK)
Don’t pattern pattern lah. I don’t believe anything from you or yr party. Period.
Why do you have to keep this article featured as a main story for so long, giving free promotion to member of the Tanjong Pagar GRC which LKY himself is part of?
There are much more important issues that could be featured as main stories, and keeping this up for so long may almost make it seem like you’re being a mouthpiece for PAP’s new “change must come from within the PAP” agenda.
I like and respect the work you do but really sometimes, don’t pretend to be moderate until people suspect you guys.
Here is the Youtube video of Baey Yam Keng debating the issue on Section 377A in the parliament.
Part1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MJHHxPDmgQ
Part2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAgEi_y3Gjo
After listening to http://www.mrbrownshow.com/2007/03/05/the-mrbrown-show-mrbrown-interviews-mp-baey-yam-keng/
MP Baey Yam Keng get grilled by Mr Brown and his team. MP Baey Yam Keng ask the citizen to push the boundary, isn’t Dr Chee push the boundary and endup been sued till bankrupt ?
But still everyone should listen Mr Brown’s interview of MP Baey Yam Keng because the question and answer that MrBrown and his team raise and give are just as “notable” as the MP.
MP Baey Yam Keng sound frank in his view during interview.
Ah Baey YK & my fellow netizens
Allow me to speak very plainly Baey. No one cares about gays. Or 337A. They may be polite about it, but that is what they all really feel in their heart.
We all have more important things to worry abt e.g bread and butter issues like unemployment & rising cost, more taxes.
You must learn the art of screwing the right hole. If the house is on fire, don’t talk about whether geraniums prints are better than daisies to decorate your living room. If you don’t understand then go for #32, leave it to the professionals, sit down bfr you fall down.
So there are many others issues besides 377A facing Singaporeans and residents – rising cost, unemployment, more taxes and it goes on and on that requires serious engagement.
So let me kick the ball and get the issues rolling Ah Baey, bc I don’t have time to waste. Otherwise go for #32
For me personally Ah Baey, the main issue is How do we get good and capable people to run the government? As a tax payer that is the most important question. Because if there are stupid people running the show; then No. 32 comes in lah.
Now this question was posed to me by one Andrew here on TOC and this was what I wrote to him recently, its somewhere in the archives. Read it Baey, give me your feedback.
“To Andrew,
This question has always trouble me, “In Singapore, we must only fine tune those PAP policies and institutions which have gone astrayed.”
Bc if you really think hard about it, the whole idea of “change” is given, it’s really a non issue.
So the real question MUST turns on only WHAT will be catalyst that will drive and sustain change; and here you really need to understand that every oligarchy and it doesn’t matter whether it’s a 100+ yr firm like Lehman or an exotic species of birds living in some remote island in the Pacific has a built in mechanism of self destruction; if its not constantly under threat, regularly challenged or if there are even safety nets everything just corrodes and decays; that’s why Malaysia is so screwy; they boast to the world that they can produce automobiles, but what they don’t tell you is; they’re still passing off 30 year designs as the new in thing; result: it’s no good – it doesn’t go around. Proton sells only in Malaysia (period) – it cannot compete like Toyota or BMW globally – and why bc for so many years the playing field was weighted in their favor; levies were imposed on imported cars, they relied on political patronage etc. So with time is it such a wonder they became so riven with inefficiencies and backwardness that they’re not even in the league table.
You see Andrew, after a prolonged period of zero competition; EVERY oligarchy will begin to fossilized that’s really the detonator that sets the mechanism of self destruction ticking and they may even begin ritualizing how they see the world and react to it and in no time they’re in a dead end; that’s why a bunch of jungle book kids with AK-47’s could kill so many people in the Oberai hotel in Mumbai; I mean if those dummies pulled exactly the same stunt in lets say King David hotel in Jerusalem; I guarantee you in 20 sec flat all of them will be hanging on the wall in the grande lobby like those shrunken heads exhibits in the P-65 blog. Because even a chamber maid could probably snuff them out with tissue paper or a tampon; she’s probably an ex Charlie Angel Mossad trained assassin – and why that? Because peace is never ever taken for granted in the state of Israel – the Jews are always in a competitive race for survival. Result: skill-at-arms improves; it’s constantly replenished and nourished to meet the new security challenges.
My feel is this is the ONLY way to drive change that consistently produces good for the country and people Andrew – is by stressing the system and if possible forcing it to operate in a discomfort zone – and that simply means buying into the whole idea of healthy competition.
The power of one is no good – it just doesn’t come around.
That’s why whenever, I see in board of directors meetings people cliquing together to form mutual appreciation clubs; and giving themselves creamy bonuses or trying to convince others they’re the masters of the universe or some anointed dream team; that really scares the living day lights out of me; bc usually 9 out 10 that’s the surest indication; the end is very near; the next act is going to be the curtain call – it’s time to smile and serious think about an escape plan – In summary, the power of one can never be a reliable producer of good – its no good.
SD”
I want to know Ah Baey, how do you deal with this matter of perpetuation to produce good. Share with us all.
I have to go for my 5 km run now. Remember if you answer this well, you project successfully online. That will be your doggy biscuit. If not no # 32 lah.
Go Ah Baey
SD (Internet Liaison officer of the brotherhood)
Dear Observer (SG-HK),
Thanks for the drink invite. I must say it has taken me by surprised but I am deeply honoured especially because it comes from you, one whose comments and contributions to/on TOC have been most invaluable, in my personal opinion.
To be fair to you, I have to reveal a little more about myself. I am Chinese, mid-forties, fairly educated and constantly looked up to by my working colleagues from top level down to the bottom, stuck-up at times but very honest and sincere deep down inside. Soft-spoken but can be very vicious when putting pen to paper.
I am also a very private person whose nights are spent mostly with my family. Family time is most important to me. My kid is still very young and very active which means having lots of activities almost every evening of the week. I did mentioned before he is a National Taekwondo champion, so proud of the achievement. You do get the picture.
I will probably have to take a rain-check on your invite even though I am dying to meet up with some of the guys here in TOC, patriot and Gilbert especially. We’ll see. I will definitely make the effort if I can.
Hi patriot,
I do not think age and educational background makes much of a difference when one looks at a painting and knows that red is red, blue is blue and green is green. But I thank you for thinking so highly of me when all I did was to see things the way you do.
You have written some very thought-provoking comments yourself and TOCers would do well to read some of them for a more insightful understanding of how an alternative mind works. I ought to say the same for Observer and Gilbert too. I would encourage the younger ones who might not have the opportunity of having their parents sit down with them explaining to them issues like individual rights, issues with social impacts or just plain sharing of thoughts on what they feel about current affairs etc.
Children today are so alienated from their parents who themselves are so busy doing the things that are necessary just to sustain the family. The PAP govt has been scratching their heads over how to arrest some of the social problems like a greying and dwindling population but they fail to see that the condition of the environment they have built is one of the main factor why things are heading in the wrong direction.
All they need to do is to look inward towards the people, help them out, and the rest will fall into place on its own. The way the PAP govt is running things these days is very much copied by this generation of Singaporeans into their family model. We are looking so much toward the outside to find every available opportunity to bring in the dough thinking that it will solve all our family problems with such sustenance that we fail to realise that it is the joy of family togetherness that is more important than anything else.
Why do we do the things we do if we continue to remain unhappy, to struggle, to be lonely in the end? Silly isn’t it?
If given the chance, I would probably consider your advise, and it does not matter whether I am young or not; to go anywhere where survivals are less challenging.
We all need a break sometime. We are not machines. If anyone is listening at all :(
Hi,
I come here and read maybe 2 or 3 times a day, but I dont normally post. I would just like to warn the MP for Tanjong Pagar Baey Yam Keng, not to grace singaporedaddy’s question with a reply.
Both Lazarus and eiro are right. These are interplanetary trophy hunters. They are on safari. We have been gathering information about them. It is sketchy, but a picture is emerging. They are a slave owners. They run a syndicate where thousands of mainland chinese gamers mine virtual minerals which they process in virtual factories, transported by virtual space ships. But somewhere down the line it is all converted into real money. We dont know how they do this without being detected. They seem able to squeeze alot of information into just one line and they always leave a very faint electronic trail.
Another thing. There are not many of them. It is just a handful. But despite their numerical disadvantage, they can control the gaming UN, the confederation.
It is best to ignore them. They will go away, if we pretend not to hear them and avoid eye contact.
But if you are foolish enough to tangle with them, dont be surprise even if you win, you will still lose.
All our research tells us these slave traders are very sore losers. I hope I will not get censored here. I am just adding my pov here. I believe I have a right to inform those who may not know abt Singaporedaddy.
I have nothing against GAY issue. However, my logic dictates that it would be more useful for him to dissent issue that are more closer to majority of the Singapore such as bread and butter.
For that, I will call him admirable by providing due service to the people. Moreover, he might be fighting this issue because of his own interests (which I do not want to speculate). It is all about Human ego, no big deal and not really something to shout out.
THE EGO AND ITS OWN: Tell you exactly why people do the thing they do.
http://tmh.floonet.net/teaho/theego0.html
Be warned. Its a trap MP for Tanjong Pagar Baey Yam Keng, not to grace the brotherhood guy with a reply. They are inter galactic trophy hunters and this guy is on safari, if you know what I mean.
I believe in him and like his style and would vote for him but would my vote be interpreted by his “leaders” of being supportive for all their policies?
I fully agree with RED-man.
For the better part of my early adulthood, I grew up surrounded by gay friends (some of whom you would never in your wildest imagination believe they are gays) as well as some who later became transexuals. They were very much in my social gatherings on a daily basis.
Anyway, to cut to the chase, I feel I am qualified enough to say a thing or two about gay people. Primarily, their misguided belief is that they are a minority race, yes, race. In many of the conversations with them you will notice that they tend to equate their predilection as those similar to the minority race – outcasts, fighting for a territory to call their own.
Some of these predilections go beyond the tolerence of religious and racial boundaries. For example, they supported gay priests without knowing what the religion is about in the first place. They wanted all gays (of any race) to have a ‘free’ religion to call their own. They are practically fighting for everyting that has been liberalised in the liberised world.
Now, if Mr Baey knows what he is fighting for, then I am sure he would want to turn back the clock and erase every word he had uttered in parliament. Not that I am against gays but I am fully against their quest to have a space of their own which really has no place for Oriental places like Singapore.
His time could be better used to addressed bread and butter issues; unless; of course he is fighting his own cause.
Good Afternoon all,
Here I am trying my level best to seek some clarification from Baey Yam Keng on some points which I consider to be jugular and important to ALL of us, especially in such uncertain times; but here also a bunch of cracko’s seem bent on distracting and confusing you and me from what is really important – that is to seek REAL answers to many pressing questions so that all of us can sleep better at night.
And what do these nut cases do? As I said, they have been gunning me since I came to TOC. They call me all kind of things etc. The list goes on and on. Most of it really just bounces off me like a mustard seed thrown against the hull of a tiger tank, as I said, I never ever sweat the small stuff – I am cool.
But my fear is this may muck up your surfing experience or even scare new comers who may choose to buy into the online experience. Because no one likes to be distracted by nonsense; not all the time, at least.
Question: is the brotherhood a gaming fraternity? Yes, we are. But when I come to TOC, I take off my space suit and put my magnetic boots at the door with the brollies and slippers; you know why? Because I know, I am entering a social political blog.
I may talk abt imaginary planets and spaceships some times, but not ALL the time and I certainly don’t confuse what I say in TOC with what I may decide to do in the gaming world – why is that? Because that is not how mentally sound and balanced people go about doing things; not if they really want to manage themselves and others effectively.
So if you all think I am some alien with horns. Please just drop me a line here. And I will gladly crawl back into my spaceship and fly off somewhere else. If I get no complains, I will remain here in TOC.
Meanwhile let us all try to be patient with these nutcases and do feel free to remind them from time to time to take their medication – we must all be charitable and caring in such tiring times.
As I said, I have asked a very serious question. I hope, I will get a forthright reply. If I dont get a reply, then on record, I asked and it just went into a black hole that really says more than I can possibly elaborate – its fine, as I said – I never ever sweat the small stuff.
Thanks all
SD (Internet Liaison officer of the brotherhood)
While it isn’t wrong to “represent the majority view”, it isn’t quite correct to represent the “minority view”. I don’t know, I just don’t feel that it is to ignore the minority either. For example, unwedded mothers may be a minority but that doesn’t make them any less human, nor any less Singaporean. Where is the support for those who do not want marriage?
Only just remember one thing my mama did not raise an idiot.
Anyone can put a face to a caption “He’s PAP and dares to dissent.” That doesnt mean I’ve just read and believe it hook, line and sinker.
Life cannot be that simple, not here or even in outer space – welcome to the internet.
SD
Hi widow maker #41),
Thanks for your warning and can we now get on with business. Since I joined TOC, I have heard numerous warning about sd as if he would gobble us up when we least expect it. Fine with the warnings but it should just remain just that, warnings.
When I begin to hear these warnings repeated over and over and over and over and over again, it becomes a nag.
So, to the naggers out there, let me say that it is enough nagging already. Leave us to make up our own minds and should sd gobble us up one of these fine days, so be it. Most of us are here because we have already been gobbled up – by the PAP govt.
And it is in this direction that we want to face, not the directions dictated by naggers.
Thank you very much if you can accept this.
“Where is the support for those who do not want marriage?”
SPH lah
The Sisters of Perpetual Hesitation, where the motto is:
“I’ve missed the boat” and the rest of the erudite sisterhood all said, “good on you sister, your aim is finally improving.”
Look no more, you r finally home.
SD
TOC,
in your article about TC investment,
I ever posted a youtube url video links of videos by the Singapore Enquirer which interviewed many residents for their comments and opinions on the matter that is of public interest. My comments were deleted.
Yet several comments here gave youtube and mr brown urls of videos by PAP MP and not deleted. Example :
36) Daniel on December 3rd, 2008 5.05 am