Sunday, September 6, 2009 19:26
Circumventing the mainstream media bias: A call for oppositional introspection
In Guest Writers, Main Stories, Top Story • 3,877 views • 103 Comments
Pritam Singh / Founder of OpinionAsia.com
The kerfuffle last week within the Singapore Malay National Organisation (PKMS), an opposition political party in Singapore must have been music to the ears of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP). After all, what better way to discredit the opposition than for the opposition to self-destruct on its own volition.
Thanks to Singapore’s self-proclaimed nation-building newspaper, The Straits Times (ST), English-newspaper reading Singaporeans came to be reminded that a party called the PKMS actually exists, owns a building and of course, is in the midst of an ostensibly self-induced leadership struggle.
On the surface, this was straightforward political reportage. But ST’s uncanny knack of picking, pitching and spinning political stories is rather more sophisticated. Sure enough, by the end of the week, on 6 Sep 2009 (on page 32, in a section aptly titled “think”), the weekly cartoon in the ST drew up a father pointing to a mass brawl outside the PKMS building telling his child, “Baby see! And remember this….don’t get into politics.” The message was a tad clearer. Don’t get into opposition politics.
Some weeks ago, ST even went so far as to gratuitously remove a remark made by Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam in Parliament on 18 Aug 2009 over Chip Goodyear’s surprising departure from Temasek Holdings. Said the Finance Minister in Parliament,
“People do want to know, there is curiosity, it is a matter of public interest. That is not sufficient reason to disclose information. It is not sufficient that there be curiosity and interest that you want to disclose information.”
The remark by Minister Tharman, “it is a matter of public interest”, was casually removed from print in ST the following day, without an apology or reason. Oddly enough, in a separate feature on Temasek Holdings on 5 Sep 2009, the same quote was reproduced in full. If any Singaporean wonders why the country is ranked so lowly in media freedoms, this sordid episode could be a case in point.
Even without the apparent advantage afforded to the PAP by the ST, the PKMS episode offers instructive lessons that reveal how opposition misdemeanours continue to be communicated in the mainstream media, lessons that are not terribly new to seasoned observers of Singapore politics.
By any stretch of the imagination, angry opposition voices and any oppositional faux pas fall squarely into the trap presented by Singapore’s mainstream media landscape. Displays of anger, frustration, violence and unbending stubbornness represent a wonderful news peg for the mainstream media. And the public, informed through the mainstream media by large, form conclusions any reasonable Singaporean would, the inductive leap notwithstanding – that the opposition in Singapore are nothing but a bunch of bumbling, frustrated and unreasonable men and women. As the logic goes, such people would probably make for poor legislators, to say nothing of those who wield hammers and screwdrivers, as the PKMS recalcitrants did last week.
This strategy of playing up oppositional shortcomings is at times, apparently self-inflicted too. Every once so often and especially online, the Worker’s Party is castigated on grounds that the party is not fighting hard enough for Singaporeans. Instead of working through channels like Parliament and door-to-door house visits to get its message out, a deliberately more cantankerous approach is urged for, akin to that of the Singapore Democratic Party’s (SDP), as the way forward for the opposition in Singapore. Without prejudicing either party’s approach, seasoned opposition politicians and their supporters are probably aware of the ease at which seeds of discord can be sown byagent provocateurs to divide the opposition.
As long as the government retains a veto over the mainstream media on political issues, PAP boo-boos will remain the domain of the grapevine or the online media, both of which pale against the overwhelming circulation of the government-managed print and broadcast media. While the quality of debate and discussion on political issues online has risen by leaps and bounds, its overall reach remains limited, especially to the non-English speaking electorate.
This media Catch-22 represents a quandary the opposition in Singapore can do nothing about, with public perception on Singapore politics in future likely to be carefully stage-managed by the mainstream media for requisite ends, as it has been for decades now.
In light of the PKMS debacle and as Singapore society matures with more voters coming around to the mainstream media’s political favouritism, opposition parties ought to simultaneously raise the bar on the discipline and conduct of its members, especially its key appointment holders. In light of the mainstream media’s dominance, a honourable silence or a respectful riposte, particularly in the face of provocation, stands out as more politically advantageous than a callous and instinctive shot from the hip. A strategy of professionalism, playing by the rules and retaining a sense of measure over criticism against government policies through policy alternatives, could serve to neutralise the advantage of the mainstream media that continues to spin local politics against the opposition at the slightest opportunity.
While no self-respecting opposition should keep silent in the face of a Mas Selamat incident or the perception of a lack of transparency and accountability in government, the uniquely Singaporean context indicates that a non-patronising, sincere and determined opposition voice that speaks for Singaporeans is more likely to succeed in winning public confidence than one that ignores the perception-altering long arm of the mainstream media.
With the shadow of an opportunistic mainstream media cast over everything the opposition says and does, displays of anger and differences of opinion within and between opposition parties, figures and supporters are best left out of the public eye. There is no denying that Singaporeans today are more educated, more politically mature and not afraid to question PAP leaders over even the most minor of policy matters. Lest opposition leaders and supporters rub their hands in delight at this burden of leadership, reality cuts both ways – the public expectation on the conduct of the opposition in between elections, is likely to rise in tandem.
—–
Read also: Pritam’s earlier article for TOC: Foreign talent policy remains contentious, and for good reasons.
Related posts:
103 Comments
STooges
With the STooges’ daily praise and glorification, any ah meow ah kow also can look like God lar. Where will the PAP be without the ST? Look at Fri’s issue.. a series of articles about Josephine Teo. U wld have tot she saved the world or won an election on her own or something. Please ST journalists, don’t embarrass the profession, hoodwinking citizens is bad enuff.. helping to destroy it is very worse.
xiao3yu3
whoistalking, i think your comment is unsubstantiated. this syndicated article does not have any insinuations that they want chee and co in power (i wouldn’t want that myself), but does a discussion of our media.
i would want balanced reporting of all the political parties here, but clearly its not the case.
FPC
//1) KopitiamApek
//Online bloggers and commenters are the masters of their own fate in making or breaking this media, and should treasure this new avenue of alternative voice that is diificult to be gagged by the people in power.
people blog for their own sake.
success of the new media is too much a responsibility.
I won’t not care much about it if I were a blogger
Lee Khoon Choy
The Straits Times has been the mouth piece of whoever in power, in the 50s, they were pro-British master and Lim Yew Hock, against PAP and LKY
PAP learned the trick and coverted ST to be pro-PAP, this is sad for a century-old newspaper, filled with editors that have no souls.
Under SPH and Dr Tony Tan ( I used to respect this PM_material leader but i m more weary of him now ), all main stream newspapers are puppets of the men in power.
Bloggers, a better oragnized media is badly needed.
Hence, better to be objective in writing our opposing voice than being branded as a lousy lot… TOC is doing a fine job so far
5) FPC
You validated my point. Thnak you.
6) Lee Khoon Choy
/////Bloggers, a better oragnized media is badly needed.
Hence, better to be objective in writing our opposing voice than being branded as a lousy lot… ///////
Good advice.
Lee Khoon Choy
A typo correction :
…Bloggers, a better organized and impartial, independent media is needed for fair GE in future.
add on:
{ Re: #3) whoistalking on September 6th, 2009 8.15 pm
……it is TOC that is an embarrassment to the intelligent of Singaporean. The aim of TOC is to distroy PAP and put Chee & siblings in power }
Hello, your comment is naive and biased
1) Pls do not equal Chees to Opposition Parties
2) Even though I do not admire Chee’s confrontative style, but if you both to read their “provocative” leaflets, you would still find some truths in it, that is the un-democratice and abusive governing approach of pap.
3) and, how many of pap supporters have guts and enduarnce of Chee Siblings who go in and out of the prison , for the cause and beliefs they have ? … be it mispalced objectives.
Trust the people after 44 years of independence, let the voters listen all views, let them think, let them choose.
If you are a parents, will you wnat to cinfine your kids to a chair just because you afraid they may fall ?
4) It is easy and comfortable to sit in the couch to denounce opposition parties and TOC, but, will you bother to sweat under hot sun, go to the streets to fight for people’s equality ??
Time to Think Aloud !
Oxford Dude
Looking at the comments so far, I can’t help thinking that General Election is coming. The PAP Internet Brigade is out here to discredit any independent media that does not trumpet PAP’s achievement louder than the merits of our Opposition parties. So much for the nation-building media model, eh?
9) Lee Khoon Choy
///////…Bloggers, a better organized and impartial, independent media is needed for fair GE in future.//////
well said
/////// I do not admire Chee’s confrontative style ///////
//// misplaced objectives /////////
It is the style to destroyed the substance in this case.
As I have posted before, quoting SunZi, a war is won before going into battle,
This guy is continuually passing the ammunition to his enemies hand.
Anger and revenge is not a good master.
Oftentime, I am saddened by the emotive outbursts and the anger and resentment by some of our fellow commenters here.
The ultimate purpose here is for all of people in SG to have a better political climate in SG, and this last battle post ,the new media, is one that must be held on, nurtured, strengthened by “A strategy of professionalism, playing by the rules and retaining a sense of measure over criticism against government policies through policy alternatives’ if I may to quote the author,
To do otherrwise is to self destruct..
Yup, the PKMS debacle was a godsend to the ruling party. The PKMS now stands discredited as a bunch of skull-bashing thugs. The PKMS leadership must move fast to raise itself above the spectre of being branded as a discredited opposition, if it wants to resurrect itself from its self-inflicted downfall. All is not lost — from the ruins a genuine great leader will emerge and be the shining light to guide the party forward. Can we hope to see that happening soon?
Errata:
It is the style that destroyed the substance in this case.
12) GABRIEL
Hope they learn a lesson or two about media management.
They will continually be highlighted for every molehill of a defect into a mountain.
Ahgong
Always true regardless this is internet age or new media era,
- politics are always dirty
- to be fair to yr enemy is to put yourself in dangerous position, step on them while u can
Spirit-centred
Ever since the PAP’s crafty GRC scheme came into existence, the ill fate of PKMS was already sealed. Their political future totally evaporated in an instant except for the brick and mortar of the sole PKMS building that is the main reason for its continued non-consequential existence and current conflict. It is purely an economic entity and should not have any serious bearings on the political sphere. If the PAP government is laughing at this unfortunate episode of another political party they may themselves face one in the future as they also own many concrete party branches and party HQ that are of economic interest to their party members.
Alfian Sa'at
Hey milkmaid,
I’d like to think I’m intelligent and have varied opinions.
I stand corrected, of course.
Also, as for ‘it is TOC that is an embarrassment to the intelligent of Singaporeans’–I find this statement itself to be an embarrassment to the English language.
Thank you Pritam for the article. You’ve hit the nail on the head. I really hate to suggest that opposition parties should go down on a corporatist route, but maybe they should consider cultivating a PR department. The fact of the matter is that a lot of ‘journalism’ today is really shepherded by PR companies.
There has to be a lot of thought put into crafting press statements and fostering relationships with sympathetic journalists (to be fair, I don’t think of ‘mainstream media’ as a monolothic bloc–I’m quite convinced that there are ‘good people’ writing for our dailies, even as they are continually frustrated by editors who spike their stuff).
Anyway Pritam, I have been following your articles and appreciate their various insights. You should think about compiling them into a book of essays. : )
lobo76
Just like to check how many people here heard of PKMS in the first place. Did they participate in the previous GEs?
plopp
I had suffered the illusion that PKMS doesn’t actually participate in Singaporean politics O.O isn’t it the Singapore branch of UMNO, or something?
Funny, attacking a political party that doesn’t even threaten them.
The true test of whether the online media is able to compete with the mainstream media will come during the next general elections. This is when the mainstream media will employ its usual smear tactics on both the opposition and popular online sites that support them, but also the time when those concerned about making their vote count will look for alternative opinions on the internet.
This will be an excellent opportunity for both the opposition and the socio-political commentators on the internet to prove their mettle and disprove the false accusations made about them by the mainstream media.
IMO, neither the opposition nor socio-political commentators should have to stoop to the mainstream media’s level to succeed in this. Instead, a calm and reasoned voice should appeal to the segment of the population that is disgusted with the mainstream media’s puerile tactics. Socio-political commentators should either declare their support openly or retain a non-partisan stance in their evaluation of both sides. It is only by proving that the online media has more to offer in terms of its neutrality and reason that the notion of it being a ranting haven may be dispelled.
theonlinecitizen
The PKMS is a component party of the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA), headed by Chiam See Tong. In the last few elections, it is believed that the PKMS provided some of the Malay candidates to the SDA.
Oxford Dude
Singapore’s PKMS is no longer part of Malaysia’s UMNO, just like Malaysia’s DAP is no longer part of Singapore’s PAP.
Prepare for Counselling
This incident could lead to bad publicity and reputation damage to opposition.
We need to prepare for counciling for opposition supporters.
There is no hope left.
Total domination.
I just hope someone prepares to counselling to oppostion supporters who for the last 3 or 2 elections have been diehard supporters and yet the opposition could not win any GRC for them.
The coming election should most likely be the same old story.
I pitty the opposition supporters.
Pls someone sympathise them and help those who may need counselling after the next election defeat.
Me included. I can take it no more. I hope there will not be social unrest if people are discontented.
The Singapore Daily » Blog Archive » Daily SG: 7 Sep 2009
[...] Fixing The Opposition – TOC: Circumventing the mainstream media bias: A call for oppositional introspection [...]
lobo76
22) theonlinecitizen on September 7th, 2009 9.27 am
The PKMS is a component party of the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA), headed by Chiam See Tong. In the last few elections, it is believed that the PKMS provided some of the Malay candidates to the SDA.
Thanks for the update. Strange for a political party to be so low profile…
Yamamoto
10) Oxford Dude
You are right, there is definitely an increase in the presence of the White Brigade here….They try to muffle their presence, but just one comment, and you will know where they are from ;-)
What is the RealITY of oppos
how come the oppos do not behave like typical oppos like those in TW, MY, USA and lets see where else…..oh! i got it, Everywhere else. how come huh?
what is the reality?
Sloo
milkmaid
I wonder why intelligent milkmaid is posting comments here….or visiting this site that is ‘populated’ by unintelligent people? whatever her opinion, its wonderful that TOC is giving voice to alternative viewpoints, ‘intelligent’ or not – we all need at outlet to express our opinions and kudos to TOC for that
Realist
The article and comments written on TOC provides us citizens an avenue to have a constructive debate on many issues that have and will continue a major impact of us. Let not the comments of some milkmaid with a nipple for brain sidetrack us from the actual issues on hand.
As Alfian said, Pritam has hit the nail on the head. The running dogs and those prostituting themselves will continue to do so as they know who their pay master is. We all know that over the years, the masters have to keep increasing the payouts as they know its hard to keep their services, given the fact that people are no longer as gullable as before and the MSM is no longer the only source of information. The master knows that everyone has a price, be it a Jew, lawyer, or doctor.
We have to accept that a level playing field is never reality. We need to ensure that more people are engaged thorough other media like the TOC. People need to get others involved ,not in politics but in the events that have been happening and the implications. Discuss about the lack of accountability or transparency. Show them examples of what is happening in other countries with comparable to us or at least in deveoped countries, where the politicians earn a quarter of what ours earn. Talk about the returns on compulsary savings return in other countries. Talk about the price of our public housing. People need to have a objective comparison and not the “cheery to durian” provided by the GCM (it is not MSB but government controlled media).
As for the cartoon, there are also so many parents who show their children the salary of the politicans and go “Baby see! And remember this…become a MIW, part time like MP also can ”
Yamamoto
milkmaid
There is a chinese saying that goes “3 Smiths together can win Zhuge Liang” capish? or maybe i got it wrong ;-)
EW Barkers
Re:
28) What is the RealITY of oppos on September 7th, 2009 3.16 pm how come the oppos do not behave like typical oppos like those in TW, MY, USA and lets see where else…..oh! i got it, Everywhere else. how come huh?
* Factual answer:
bacause, there is absolutely very little and highly controlled freedom of speech by pap, which is only seen in Communist China, Cuba and North Korea.
Even Iran do better than Sg !
tom
When an opposition political party members at odds with each other….so much news.
But PAP at odds with each other…….so quiet till you can hear a pin drop.
ST bias….Definitely. ST will Not be ST if it is Not bias.
But many still will go for Opposition.
(Straits Times since you are so free, go & get some latest news on old man’s wife condition, ok?). To prove you are “innocent” party.
Good article there Mr Singh.
I have also read how Hitler used the MSM to portray Nazis as the superior race and of course Jews the dogs during the peiord leading to WWII.
Much of the news then were rather similar to our ST paper today – they published articles that put Hitler and his government in good light and often painted the Jews and blacks as the ones tha block the economic prosperity of Germany.
Hitler seemed to sense that if the government controlled the newspaper or any other mass media, he would have gain control of the people’s hearts and minds. He was so true. People even allowed him and his army to murder millions of innocent Jews. By doing that, they also committed murder together with him for not trying to put a stop to the genocide.
Even though Germany was losing the war in Russia, the national papers often published heroic articles of the Nazi army gaining victories there.
It is a tragic backward step that our country is following Hitler’s example here. It is not only horrendous but also self debasing.
We have move forward economically but socially and ethically we have seem to slide back.
Our press freedom is listed in the bottom ten together with N Korea, Burma and Uganda!
People are not stupid and the longer this fallacy goes on, the more that people will not read the ST paper anymore.
I no longer read the ST online in detail scanning only for the headlined news and reading selectively.
I prefer the CNA, CNN and NY Times – all free of charge online. I pay $30 for 6 – month ST subscription which I regretted.
I am not proud that my country is ungentlemanly and unethical when it comes to press freedom.
what lesson ?
“14) KopitiamApek on September 6th, 2009 10.11 pm
Hope they learn a lesson or two about media management.
They will continually be highlighted for every molehill of a defect into a mountain.”
What is there to learn. Media management ? such euphemistic niceties !!! You just need control – and dictatorial nations (hard-knuckle style) can do even better than that.
37) what lesson
You missed my point. Read again please.
32) Agent008
//////Do you really have nothing to comment on our MAINSTREAM medium, THE STRAITS TIMES, but online rants & emotive outburst? ///////
I do not see the connect of your post to anything I have posted here? Please clarify.
Agent008
KopitiamApek
My post @32 was from reading your posts starting from #1 onwards – they are ALL about internet blogging!
The main discussion here is about our mainstream media, ST being one of them in the centre of attention. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about bloggers but please share your thoughts about ST too (I think its the more juicy part).
do not be saddened, it is in the nature of our past.
11) KopitiamApek on September 6th, 2009 10.03 pm
“Oftentime, I am saddened by the emotive outbursts and the anger and resentment by some of our fellow commenters here.”
Easier said when you are the one holding the stick & making the rules on how the stick is to be used – while restraining and penalizing others for not concurring with you.
Now let me ask you, which is more sad and frightening ? applying the stick without even needing to raise an iota of sound OR the emotive outbursts and anger and resentment ? It is in the very nature of our past that more of these emotive outbursts and anger and resentment are going to increase in times to come.
“This guy is continuually passing the ammunition to his enemies hand.
Anger and revenge is not a good master.”
While you have quoted SunZi.
Let me quote “Those who hate most fervently must have once loved deeply; those who want to deny the world must have once embraced what they now set on fire.”
Not too difficult to find quotes nowadays, however it is in the context of the reality that we are living that we must be conscious not mere quotes.
“The ultimate purpose here is for all of people in SG to have a better political climate in SG, and this last battle post ,the new media, is one that must be held on, nurtured, strengthened by “A strategy of professionalism, playing by the rules and retaining a sense of measure over criticism against government policies through policy alternatives’ if I may to quote the author,”
How ? And to play into their hands again ? Playing by the rules ? Whose rules ?
36) Agent008
/// My post @32 was from reading your posts starting from #1 onwards – they are ALL about internet blogging!
The main discussion here is about our mainstream media, /////
This article has nothing to do about online discussion? Please read the article again.
///// ST being one of them in the centre of attention. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about bloggers but please share your thoughts about ST too (I think its the more juicy part). ///////
Are you suggesting I should only write what you think is juicy?
37) do not be saddened, it is in the nature of our past
Wow, what a long nick.
You missed my point. Read again please.
tiredsingaporean
funny, don’t even heard of this PKMS nor even if its still exist in singapore politics and suddenly emerging from the Shitty Time about such incident, must be some kind of scandal being planned by the rulling party to create a bad scene for the voters to beware of the present active oppositions should you vote them into govt, and I can say this is REALLY DIRTY GAME, VERY DIRTY GAME by the MIW party.
40) tiredsingaporean
PKMS exists and has been in the political scene for a long time.
Yamamoto
If it was other time, the news may not appear….but as somebody’s stronghold is crumbling, they need to shift the attention of the sieges…
PKMS
Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Melayu Singapura 新加坡马来国民机构
ROS: 0194/1951
“Singapore Malay National Organisation” in Malay language, it was previously the Singapore UMNO and re-registered on 20 February 1961. In May 1967, it changed to its present name when a new law forbidding Peninsular parties from operating locally came into effect following Singapore’s separation from Malaysia. Presently a component of SDA, it still maintains ties with UMNO Malaysia but over the last decade was wrecked by infighting.
42) Yamamoto
It is a sign that the big E is coming ;)
SpongeBoob
Rant in coffee shops are mere talk no action, emotive outbursts and the anger and resentment in cyberspace are non-constructive, and protests are ineffective. Precisely! We should treasure this new avenue of alternative voice that is difficult to be gagged by the people in power.
Or may be we should just hold hands and pray…and listen to Michael’s Heal the World, make it a better place.
Ahgong
PKMS… very appropriate naming… indeed they PK one another…:P
nothoodwinked
When there are negative news about opposition parties, you can be assured
they are also splashed out in bright living colours on front pages of our news media esp, the ST.
When the ruling party Ministoots accidentally spewed out comments, like the “public interests to know” remark in Parliament by Tharman, the ST is also there to help their political masters to rewrite their speech.
Oppositon parties should not wash their dirty linen in public to give fodder to running dogs and poor prostitutes
Oppos not doing enough
instead of blaming the media , why not the oppos people look at themselves in the mirror?
There is this thing called the internet.
There is technology – sms, emails, pushmails, skype, webcam, youtube, facebook, twitter etc.
singapore is so so small a country.
all these years, they still could not engage the majority?
who to blame?
did oppos really emailed to everyone ?
did alternative minded people contact their friends to look at alternative comments and views and reports?
Well, if they did, they never contacted me by any of those means.
Do you people see the Real problem?
They news get published because the media can.
they do what they did because the people gave them the right to do it.
do you see the Real problem if any?
What is the Reality , oppos?
Toh Chin Chai
Re:
[ 48) Oppos not doing enough on September 8th, 2009 9.56 am instead of blaming the media , why not the oppos people look at themselves in the mirror?
There is this thing called the internet.
There is technology – sms, emails, pushmails, skype, webcam, youtube, facebook, twitter etc ]
My comments
1) This is a good point.
But Singaporeans are to blame, under pap’s 44 years of MOE brainwashed, we are all numb and indifferent towards politics, that is what pap want us to be.
In 1954, when pap was formed, LKY urged all singaporeans to be pro-active and participative in speeches and political vews.
Once he has powe rin the hands, he does just the opposite.
The older generation ( mid 40s and above ) will remember that we need to sign declaration form to state if we are participating in any political activities together with the local universities’ application form, this practice go all the way to late 80s
So, out of fear, who wants to public support or stand out to air opinion
2) PAP is using the old political tactics, ” IF YOU ARE NOT WITH ME, YOU ARE AGAINST ME”
This is inmature, hence they dont listen to any different views at all.
3) There coudl be some restriction to get a list of everyone’s email address ( do you think more than 50% of Singaporean reads emails regularly, I guess it may be 35% the most )
And is there not some rules that disallow emailing from political parties to get support ? can someone who have the expertise to advise here ?
number 48 Replies
“…we are all numb and indifferent towards politics, that is what pap want us to be.”
indifferent = Apathy. So many have tried to suggest that singaporeans are not apathetic on political and even social issues. I wonder what is their motive if any?
“3) There coudl be some restriction to get a list of everyone’s email address ( do you think more than 50% of Singaporean reads emails regularly, I guess it may be 35% the most )”
1 email per household can reach the rest of the households. All emails from namecards is sufficient to reach the rest. So, the idea is there is no need to have ALL emails. The concept works and is simple. think MLM . 1:m. So, I have debunked your misconception.
“And is there not some rules that disallow emailing from political parties to get support ? can someone who have the expertise to advise here ? ”
i find it funny. Why has everything got to be political? the purpose can simply be to reach out to the people who are generally apathetic in terms of reading views from social issue blogs. Are reports on employee’s mistreatment by their employers not interesting to other employees? This is issue about a private company and an employee. Nothing political.
Last but not least, to Pritam, thanks for highlighting what was removed from MSM news.
number 48 Replies
to clarify my last point on emailing.
there is no need to even activate our oppos.
just likeminded non-oppos members will suffice.
i have learnt not to rely on oppos.
I learnt over 2 elections its futile to reply on them.
To get what we want , better not rely on anyone but ourselves.
They are so conservative and worry of what they cannot do.
They should focus on what they can do.
Just any of the many reasons can help me decide who to vote for :
eg. Transparency. Too many to mention so i just list 1 as example.
Toh Chin Chai
#50) …1 email per household can reach the rest of the households. All emails from namecards is sufficient to reach the rest. So, the idea is there is no need to have ALL emails. The concept works and is simple. think MLM . 1:m. So, I have debunked your misconception.
Hello, You dont have to debunk my misconception, I am here to discuss ands eeking expertise, you can be more cordial in educating me, boleh ? :)
2) i find it funny. Why has everything got to be political? the purpose can simply be to reach out to the people who are generally apathetic in terms of reading views from social issue blogs. Are reports on employee’s mistreatment by their employers not interesting to other employees? This is issue about a private company and an employee. Nothing political.
Hello, here you go again, I seek opinion and I did not dictate mine. Be cordial and nice,so we have constructive discussion
If you dont have expertise to advise, leave to others … Boleh ? :)
Finally, tell me how you get name cards, are u those use crank call to sell products or pick up name cards from show flats, I wonder ALOUD !
K Das
I find it hillarious that Lee Koon Choys, Barkers and To Chin Chyes commenting liberally on this site. Are they for real or are they McCoys? TOC should do something about bloggers posting comments with falsified identities to mock the living ones or their families.
I often wonder why incumbents or rival factions of an instituion, be it a charity, political party or any other entity with flush of funds, go to court or even to the middle of the road (like PKMS) to bash each other with hammer and screw drivers. It may be all for money. They can put their hand in the till to pay themselves for everything pesonal under cover of holding office. If you are honest and you find you are dealing with a bunch of self-serving people, just get out and get lost.
Toh Chin Chai
K Das
Are you going to question if I am Dr Toh Chin Chye ?
we can meet up to show each other the NRIC…
Lee Koon Choi = Lee Khoon Choi ??
Barkers = Barker ?
The identity of bloggers is always be suspected as McCOys
If I am so happened named as Lee Kuan You, does it mean I should be sentensed to death
Come on, this is a freedom of speech, dont be narrow minded.
Bloggers quality depends on the substance of discussion … do you want to pass a alw to ask all bloggers to show NRIC and Address, you must be a pappies i guess, trying to suffocate free speech.. I find you laugable !!
So, are you the Sitaram Chandra DAS from former Chong Boon pap MP ?
Mr. Das, don’t create FEAR here.
Toh Chin Chai
K Das
Are you going to question if I am Dr Toh Chin Chye ?
we can meet up to show each other the NRIC…
Lee Koon Choi = Lee Khoon Choi ??
Barkers = Barker ?
The identity of bloggers is always be suspected as McCOys
If I am so happened named as Lee Kuan You, does it mean I should be sentensed to death
Come on, this is a freedom of speech, dont be narrow minded.
Bloggers quality depends on the substance of discussion … do you want to pass a alw to ask all bloggers to show NRIC and Address, you must be a pappies i guess, trying to suffocate free speech.. I find you laugable !!
So, are you the Sitaram Chandra DAS from former Chong Boon pap MP ?
K Das, don’t create FEAR here. It will not work anymore !
kremel juliet
the fact is names are not copyrightable. Anyone can use the be named the same name if the surnames are the same. Even if not, they can have it as nickname. The world has so many people. It is possible that in the year the same guy was borned and named, 100 others were named the same name on that day somewhere else.
A name is not unique.
So, as long as the comment posted is not about the nickname, that is fine with me.
no one can copyright a name, even for an animal or a pet.
the main point is that field we fill in is a nick name.
Toh Chin Chai
By the way, dear K Das
I do respect many older PAP leaders, Dr. Toh Chin Chye was my odol not because his is close to my name.
and Mr. Sitaram Chandra DAS was a good people-MP as told by Chong Boon residents in 1980s to 90s.
What have you contributed here ?
Do use your intelligence rather than punches, we are civilized and educated.
Yamamoto
K Das, i find it funny and contradicting when you say this “If you are honest and you find you are dealing with a bunch of self-serving people, just get out and get lost. ”
So do you think that applies to some of the people at the top ;-)
“It may be all for money. They can put their hand in the till to pay themselves for everything pesonal under cover of holding office.”
If you are trying to discredit the oppos, it is a funny way to go about it, cos 3 fingers are pointed back….cabish?
54) Toh Chin Chai
Speaking of sharing the name LKY….i did met someone with the same name….
Its the people more than its the party
Ong Teng Cheong to me was someone i can respect as he proved that he helped the people and had the people’s welbeing at heart.
This is not to say others have not .
But i shall not comment about others.
My point is clear, its not so much as the party as it is the leader.
Any leader who can impress me with being capable and respects democracy, transparency and honesty and is more pro people than any other entity, i shall vote for him.
to me, a party is like a name in 1 sense. It is just a name if without the leader.
So, my point is i am not ‘brand’-conscious.
My am conscientious only about my conscience.
I vote for Conscience.
fpc
//6) KopitiamApek
Thank you for agreeing with me.
K Das
I still find it pretty odd that many a figure should pop up with names or near-names of PAP topguns – dead or alive – within this small litle subject site. I am no PAP apologist for sure. Blogger Toh Chin Chai was piqued enough to wanting to meet up with me to show his IC to confirm his name. I appreciate his candour and I trust him. My sincere apology to him.
Toh Chin Chai
K Das
Let’s focus on the substance of discussion, unless you get offended by such names
I read through most of these ( names ) folks’ writing, there is nothing disrespect to the pap men.
If you find any, voice out to TOC
Kan Wong Thong
intellectuals please keep an open mind.
a name is just a name.
plaintalker
The incident of the PKMS shows how passionate the members of the PKMS are. I would definitely give them my votes.
In a typical PAP meeting you can be sure not many members would turn up. They join the PAP for the money and other benefits.
As to reading the ST (which is the mouth-piece of PAP), don’t bother to read it. You ran the risk of brain damage reading it. I have already saved $350 per year; for 5 years, $1,750
mice is nice
KopitiamApek
post #1 on September 6th, 2009 7.46 pm
////There is certainly still plenty of room for improvement. IMHO the discussions on political issues online are still oftentime checkered with rants and emotive outburst that does a great disfavour to the online media.////
you too have your fair share of rants, & was put under moderation for it just so recently. ;)
you should raise your standards before berating others of their conduct.
////Online bloggers and commenters are the masters of their own fate in making or breaking this media, and should treasure this new avenue of alternative voice that is diificult to be gagged by the people in power. ////
masters of MSM already sewn their own fate with a ranking position of 154th… strangely they do not treasure their “privileged” position, influence wise.
the word “gagged” is such a ’strong’ word, but i guess it aptly describes how badly “some people” yearn for absolute control… :)
Seah Mei Kok
From K Das’ concerns of some ” McCoys” writing to TOC, we see a greater point of danger — Many Singaporean are educated but lack of own thinking ability.
That is, the pap has succeeded brainwashed 2 generation of Singaporean of blindly idolized or worshipping pap men
Men are flawed, be it a King, an Emperor or a Political leaders.
History shows many of such efforts by rulers
In China, ancient emperors was described as “Tian Zhi”, Son of Heaven, so they were above human being
In USA, the story that highlighted the honesty, hence integrity of George Washington is proven to be a fabricated one — Read ” who chop down the cherry tree”
In Japan, emperors was also called Tian Wang, Heavenly king ( not Aaron Kwok the singer la), so Japanese emperor did not stand trial for WW 2 war crime, for GOD-send rulers are flawless.
PAP want us to believe they arre pure white ( they use “Fab” to wash their clothes )
But the truth is that the Victors in pap out-foxed the vanished, many less than amicable political tactics were used, ISA – jailed without trial for 28 years, etc
So, if true history opens up few decades down the riad and find that some of the pap saints had done something against human right record, will they or will their follower be punished ?
( let’s look at Chilean’s former leaders on trial , two former South Korean presidents were charged and sentensed and Trial of Chen Shui Bian in Taiwan )
We go to school to learn knowledge, education make us think, act and speak rationally; and we should not become pre-programmed mind.
The Main Stream Media under govt control is the tool of brain-washing on Singaprean. It is then important to travel, read, compare and contrast to reach own conclusion.
Don’t just read SPH newspapers !
khuah eng seng
history has shown that all dynasties end.
its a matter of time.
even the roman empire ended. so did the ching dynasty and LDP. ya, ldp.
but this does not mean others cannot try for eternal hap. ;)
khuah eng seng
why pkms so easily create a show for all to see before an election?
what is the truth behind opposingalization if u know wt fish i mean.
day dreaming
////Online bloggers and commenters are the masters of their own fate in making or breaking this media”
this media is going to stay for a long long long long time and it is likely to break those who are still day dreaming and not the other way round.
Dumb and dumber
Hmm… just remember that the economy is still the key in winning the next election for the oppositions. Oppositions perceived to be without a real solution to the woes of economy will still fall short in reach.
Just a reminder to opposition parties not to just dwell in the “mistakes/problems” of PAP; amplify them if you should – it’s politics after all, but at the same time, provide solutions and present yourself as the alternative in Singapore.
Singaporeans is not going to just hand in the vote to opposition because the current regime screwed up.
Dumb and dumber
Tired of waiting…
Lee Chiaw Meng
Agreeing to Dum and Dumber
To point out PAP’s flaws won’t get opposition any GRC or more than 2 single wards
There must be town hall meeting ( does it work in Sg ) or forum by opposition.
what is the rules of donating to political parties ? cheque with name ? internet on-line donation ? or cash ?
solution
“provide solutions and present yourself as the alternative in Singapore.”
“Singaporeans is not going to just hand in the vote to opposition because the current regime screwed up.”
what solutions ? make ours a gaming hub or beauty hub or sports hub or foreigner hub ? maybe you can come out with a few suggestions ?
who is to execute if no one is going to vote you (hand you the vote) in the first place – even if (if, if, if, etc) there are screw ups at the other end – going by your line of reasoning.
how to present yourself with good enough coverage (real coverage) at mainstream level.
Alvin Lee Eng Huat
indeed, the opposition need to examine itself honestly why it is still unable to make any progress. since the last election to now, its basically the same situation – nothing has changed.
but pls be informed that regardless , i will still vote for you as you are what is available.
its sad , is it not?
Alvin Lee Eng Huat
I feel that the opposition leaders need to be responsible to their supporters.
they need to find a way out.
dun wait for cow parts to fall from the sky.
there is no free lunch.
no one owes you nothing.
65) mice is nice
//// you too have your fair share of rants, & was put under moderation for it just so recently. /////
You sounded pleased that it happened, nevertheless IMHO it was a case of its the inability to take criticism. It was a case of the misplaced need to shield its writers from criticisms. This is sad as resilence and free ideas are curtailed.
Read this before it gets moderated.
Alternatively,
My moderated postes are avaialble here
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=1831780265&ref=name
I pity opposition
Opposition is a generalized description for political parties not in power.
Look at Sg opposition parties, there are grade A , B, C and D, I wont attach names to the grade for this is subject to individual’s jusdgement
Hence, it is not fair to say opposition parties or party is doing nothing
Tell me what can they do if WP applied for a east coast cycling to celebration 45 years anniversary and got rejected but pro-PAP NTUC ’s application on similar events was approached
The space for political activities is like: pap govt draw a small circle enough for 3 persons to stand in, for 4 in a group can be treated as illegal gathering.
The GRC advantages is in pap’s hands
The political donation rules basically choked off the financial support to opposition parties.
Activities need money, that is the fact, it also require a no fear atmosphere, ask youself, how many of us feel comfortable to be photographed with opposition parties.
When i was a young boy, my upstair neighbour is a pro Barisan family, then pap was arresting the leftists
My parents warned siblings, not to play with the children of that family.
Many would only rush to shake hand swith pap MPs, this speaks volume of Sg govt’ cramping down on political freedom.
I pity opposition
Opposition is a generalized description for political parties not in power.
Look at Sg opposition parties, there are grade A , B, C and D, I wont attach names to the grade for this is subject to individual’s jusdgement
Hence, it is not fair to say opposition parties or party is doing nothing
Tell me what can they do if WP applied for a east coast cycling to celebration 45 years anniversary and got rejected but pro-PAP NTUC ’s application on similar events was approached
The space for political activities is like: pap govt draw a small circle enough for 3 persons to stand in, for 4 in a group can be treated as illegal gathering.
The GRC advantages is in pap’s hands
The political donation rules basically choked off the financial support to opposition parties.
Activities need money, that is the fact, it also require a no fear atmosphere, ask youself, how many of us feel comfortable to be photographed with opposition parties.
When i was a young boy, my upstair neighbour is a pro Barisan family, then pap was arresting the leftists
My parents warned me and my siblings, not to play with the children of that family.
Many would only rush to shake hand swith pap MPs, this speaks volume of Sg govt’ cramping down on political freedom.
78) I pity opposition
/////Look at Sg opposition parties, there are grade A , B, C and D, I wont attach names to the grade for this is subject to individual’s jusdgement//////
Good obsertvation.
As in anything in life there is a wide spectrum of everything.
If I am allowed to sidetrack, Even hawkers centre also have grades for the hygiene
which is really is a reflection of the food the sell
A = atrocious food, no business, so lots of time to keep stall clean
B = bad food
C = can do food
D = delicious food, so no time to keep stall clean
The Final Word
Allow me to conclude this thread of comments by saying:
1. opposition most likely can do nothing about it unless the people suddenly vote for them.
2. the opposition laments the difficulties that exist for them not progressing much.
I won’t say this is their excuse to be fair to them.
3. Last but not least, there is nothing we can do but pray for something surprising and wait for the event we all waiting for to happen.
will something drop from the sky?
humans have attempted and failed.
Its now left to Fate and Time.
There is nothing that can be done given that those who are suppose to fight are lamenting.
mice is nice
KopitiamApek
post #76 on September 9th, 2009 9.27 pm
“You sounded pleased that it happened, nevertheless IMHO it was a case of its the inability to take criticism. It was a case of the misplaced need to shield its writers from criticisms. This is sad as resilence and free ideas are curtailed.”
pleased? that smiley is there because its such irony, the never ending finger pointing, pot call kettle black…
of course lah, strange things happen when i question 1 of their writers too, article was closed to further comments. aiyah, very common in forums, almost any forum.
“Read this before it gets moderated.”
eh, need to log in wan ah? sorry, i never FaceBook before. ;?
Dumb and dumber
73) solution on September 9th, 2009 7.07 pm
what solutions ? make ours a gaming hub or beauty hub or sports hub or foreigner hub ? maybe you can come out with a few suggestions ?
>> See below from Reform party.
http://www.thereformparty.net/?cat=5
“…Namely, that Singapore needs to develop alternative sources of growth. It may no longer be able to rely to the same extent on foreign investment by MNCs if one of the primary motivators, a low corporate tax rate, is negated.
Obviously Singapore’s small home market means that there are limits on how much domestically generated growth can replace exports. However, Singapore has a very large trade surplus in relation to GDP and near 50% of that GDP that was saved in 2008. So there is considerable room to expand the economy by increasing domestic consumption and investment. The lead here needs to be taken by the government sector through tax or service fee cuts (principally targeting the lower income groups) or increased infrastructure or education and health spending. My preference would be to encourage private sector involvement rather than further growth of the GLC sector. As long as other countries do not follow the US lead then low corporate tax rates still have a role in attracting investment by non-US companies. ”
“who is to execute if no one is going to vote you (hand you the vote) in the first place – even if (if, if, if, etc) there are screw ups at the other end – going by your line of reasoning.”
>> Why would anyone vote for you if I don’t even know you exist till election day?
“how to present yourself with good enough coverage (real coverage) at mainstream level.”
>> Sadly, opposition got limited access to MSM. The only real alternative is the Internet.
Nonetheless, my observation is that Reform Party is doing a good job in attracting the group of more social-political active readers via the Internet and their base is growing. Mr. Tan Kin Lian is doing equally well by helping out in the minibond case. My observation of WP’s contribution is still via the Parliment.
solution
“So there is considerable room to expand the economy by increasing domestic consumption and investment. The lead here needs to be taken by the government sector through tax or service fee cuts (principally targeting the lower income groups) or increased infrastructure or education and health spending. My preference would be to encourage private sector involvement rather than further growth of the GLC sector.”
Ultimately over the long term, it must translate into bringing in the foreign exchange in the form of superior value addition work (as against other competitors) either in product / service export. Another way is to build & market properties (with security & stability as the key) to the super filthy rich outside this country which is being done currently (of course not loudly mentioned) and this seems to be eating away the “right social interaction & physical space’.
Else, general spending has to come from savings which will slowly get depleted even for infrastructure / education / health spending which is sort of right-to-left-pocket kind of things unless it can be worked into spillover enterprises which bring in the foreign $$$ – with the benefits filtering to the wider general public and not some lucky sectorial players.
“>> Why would anyone vote for you if I don’t even know you exist till election day?
>> Sadly, opposition got limited access to MSM. The only real alternative is the Internet.”
And plentiful of words-of-mouth talk to others on the sacred need for balance.
81) mice is nice
////////of course lah, strange things happen when i question 1 of their writers too, article was closed to further comments. aiyah, very common in forums, almost any forum. //////
this is ok if it is a forum about the love of roti prata,
those who don’t like stay out no harm done
but this is supposed to be a social political forum
an alternative to mainstream media
by keeping out non comformist,
and selectively allowing only commenters who agree with the writers
forums like this one create a group of likeminded commenters
yet it proclaims to be “a community of Sinagporean”
it is an irony
it is a contradiction
it is an oxymoron
read this before it disappears.
81) mice is nice
If KopitiamApek can facebook, so can you
SpongeBoob
“Rant in coffee shops are mere talk no action, emotive outbursts and the anger and resentment in cyberspace are non-constructive, and protests are ineffective. ”
Precisely! We should treasure this new avenue of alternative voice that is difficult to be gagged by the people in power.
As a social political forum, an alternative to mainstream media, I see no reasons why TOC has to be demeaned, degraded, and belittled by authorities and their supporters (cronies) with the inability to take criticism. Our mainstream media has always been a case of misplaced need to censor its writers (e.g. Mr Brown, he’s fired!). This is sad as resilence and free ideas are curtailed.
papsmear - should be done every day
I have a different view on Mr Brown.
His blog is not as popular now based on personal observation. So few people bother to comment compared to his glory days.
He was rumored to be sponsored by gonmin related entities to UK. I wonder does he get to earn any revenue from it? free ?
he also was there at NDP area and interviewed some artistic director or something who sing song.
He also has vids on the F1. All this for free?
simply put , i no longer Brown fan. I yellow fan.
mice is nice
KopitiamApek
post #84 on September 10th, 2009 10.17 pm 81) mice is nice
////this is ok if it is a forum about the love of roti prata,
those who don’t like stay out no harm done////
actually, this comment about no harm is more spt in discribing MSM, in my opinion.
////but this is supposed to be a social political forum
an alternative to mainstream media
by keeping out non comformist,
and selectively allowing only commenters who agree with the writers
forums like this one create a group of likeminded commenters
yet it proclaims to be “a community of Singaporean”////
i guess the keeping out non-comformists is handled with a light touch. i do see posters with contrarian opinions.
as for “a community of Singaporean”, let’s just say it a mixed bag of people who make up the community, for that matter any community.
////it is an irony
it is a contradiction
it is an oxymoron
read this before it disappears.////
lol, lol….
////if KopitiamApek can facebook, so can you ////
thanks but let me make my choice to or not to FaceBook. :P
Youtube Circum
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_DRoUOcupo
Is this the Singapore Rebel that was approved as mentioned in the news today?
This video director is more impressive than any opposition party leader know.
He is GungHo.
He risked his personal wellbeing for this.
He fought for it.
He has guts.
He is confident.
He believes in himself.
He uses technology to reach the majority.
He has succeeded in this aspect more than any opposition leader there is.
He should be the leading Opposition leader in my view.
mice is nice
Youtube Circum
do not fall into idol worship trap, S’pore is in such a state of affairs because our forefathers & some older generations still alive fell for it. never let such a mental trap of idolising anyone take root.
a good documentary maker may not automatically make a good opposition leader, who may not have the right attributes to run a country when the power to lead is bestowed.
just as currently top govt positions headed by people who are book smart may not be the ideal candidates for their posts.
Youtube Circum
#90,
you use the word ‘may’.
This means ‘MAY BE’.
hahahaha
you cannot proof I am wrong because it never happened.
I or anyone can also say ‘may this’ ‘may that’.
Do not take this with offence.
If you can debunk me, pls do so.
Respectfully, i am sure you cannot based on the fact that ‘may’ = ‘may not’ and what has not happened cannot be proven it did.
You only believe in your thinking.
You trust your thinking.
The fact remains, another person can say exactly the opposite.
I rest my case.
88) mice is nice
wah you got 88 nice number :)
////// thanks but let me make my choice to or not to FaceBook. /////
Choice respected.
Life is a sum of all our choices.
90) mice is nice
I am surprised by your viewpoint in this post
PINK FLOYD: Dark Side of the MOON: Brain Damage/ Eclipse.
And if the cloud bursts, thunder in your ear
You shout and no one seems to hear
And if the band you’re in starts playing different tunes
I’ll see you on the dark side of the moon.
All that you touch
All that you see
All that you taste
All you feel
All that you love
All that you hate
All you distrust
All you save
All that you give
All that you deal
All that you buy beg, borrow or steal
All you create
All you destroy
All that you do
All that you say
All that you eat
Everyone you meet
All that you slight
Everyone you fight
All that is now
All that is gone
All that’s to come
And everything under the sun is in tune
But the sun is eclipsed by the moon.
THERE IS NO DARK SIDE ON THE MOON REALLY!
mice is nice
Youtube Circum
post #91 on September 12th, 2009 10.22 am
let me put it this way, why i used the word “may”.
1) i do not know you,
2) no one is the same, neither do i represent any group
3) with diversity comes difference in values systems
4) i do not have the same opinion as you
i am not saying or implying your choice is wrong, or i am right. mine is a post on caution, you can say gut feeling, which i have no idea how to scientifically prove.
many times, life’s choices are made when one does not have facts or things proven good, bad neutral. like investments of any kind.
i believe what is far from perfect in the current system, that from an alpha-male LKY who dominated the scene too long. LKY too risked alot in his early years, has lots of guts, is confident, believes in himself…. no man is identical, but to idolise someone similiar, the danger of history repeating itself is too high to ignore.
i may be wrong, but to wait for things to go wrong for “prove”? is there a need for such prove to become reality? LKY is prove that the legacy of a nation hero can become.
mice is nice
KopitiamApek
post #92 on September 12th, 2009 10.54 am
////wah you got 88 nice number////
:)
////Choice respected.
Life is a sum of all our choices.////
thanks. that is what makes life worth living- freedom to choose! ;)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
post #93 on September 12th, 2009 11.02 am
////I am surprised by your viewpoint in this post [post #90]////
a talented musical instrument craftman does not automatically make him or her a gifted musician.
i am not 1 of the 3 blind mice ler!! :P
Roderic Sng
maybe its coincidence.
But many times when the election is near, got bad news about opposite or affiliated.
from within?
hahaha
The Singapore Daily » Blog Archive » Weekly Roundup: Week 37
[...] Fixing The Opposition – TOC: Circumventing the mainstream media bias: A call for oppositional introspection [...]
97) Roderic Sng
More bad news on PKMS today ST
Quite predictable. Every pre election period this happens
mice is nice
KopitiamApek
post #99 on September 13th, 2009 7.42 pm
////More bad news on PKMS today ST
Quite predictable. Every pre election period this happens////
its easier for MIW to discredit tiny opposition parties with much less means & resources than the other way round. more importantly, it diverts attention to their own lack of contribution to S’pore these 2 years.
yes, i subscribe to Straits Times, & the fact there is almost no major (positive) economic achievement for the past 2 years to write about is worrisome. the highly paid self-styled cream of the crop (or crap?)?
there has been lots of blast from the past since independence & lots of buttering up LKY as hero, positive articles of MIW MPs, ministers, our LKY, GCT & LHL about a week before NDP till this day.
at least newspapers are good for cleaning windows… :)
Daniel
Mice is nice,
“i may be wrong, but to wait for things to go wrong for “prove”? is there a need for such prove to become reality? LKY is prove that the legacy of a nation hero can become.”
that is why Li Ao once say that Singaporean is stupid and I generally agree. In army, the CSM used to call poly-grad “educated idiots” because they put their brain at home.
In the real world, educated Singaporeans are acting like educated idiot because of instead of exercising own judgment and intuitiveness, they ask for proof in the wrong circumstance., and when proof is shown, they ask for more proof and validation. How stupid can Singaporean be ? How can educated Singaporean ask for prove when the whole damn gahmen statistic and figures are already known to be half-truth given by con-man and his dynasty ? The con-man has the leeway to give truth and lies at his own discretion and people still say “there may be some truth in what con-man says” ?
By the time the proof is shown, it is too late, and Singaporeans is then proved to be the ultimate educated idiot. Just look at Temasek Holding and GIC’s investment.
mice is nice
Daniel
post #101 on September 14th, 2009 10.45 am
“By the time the proof is shown, it is too late, and Singaporeans is then proved to be the ultimate educated idiot. Just look at Temasek Holding and GIC’s investment.”
maybe this is our leadership style? 8)
because they draw million $$$ salary, they too far from the danger. must bring their salary down to earth man!!
100) mice is nice
//////at least newspapers are good for cleaning windows… ///////
you are too kind
I gave mine to my neighbour for his dog’s poo
as for my windows, they are cleaned by the rain :)
///// While the quality of debate and discussion on political issues online has risen by leaps and bounds,. /////
There is certainly still plenty of room for improvement. IMHO the discussions on political issues online are still oftentime checkered with rants and emotive outburst that does a great disfavour to the online media.
Online bloggers and commenters are the masters of their own fate in making or breaking this media, and should treasure this new avenue of alternative voice that is diificult to be gagged by the people in power.