Andrew Loh
For the past six months, Ali has been braving the Singapore weather and sleeping on the streets in Little India. It is not something which he has chosen to do. Circumstances have dictated that he has no choice in this.
Ali is one of the many Bangladeshi workers who have run into trouble since coming to work in Singapore. Employed by Dong Sing Marine Engineering Pte Ltd, he worked as a pipe fitter from April 2008 to February 2009. When his employer failed to pay him his salaries for the months from November to February, Ali decided to confront his employer – but to no avail.
His employer, in addition to refusing to pay him, told Ali that he had to pay $85 for accommodation if he wanted to continue to stay in the dormitory. With no money on him, Ali decided to pack his bags and ended up on the streets. He then took his case to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
“I go many times,” Ali told me when I asked how many times he has approached MOM. Last month, he visited the MOM offices four times. At the last visit, Ali says that he was advised by an MOM officer to go to Labour Court, and if that failed, he should hire a lawyer and bring his case to the High Court. “How I hire lawyer! I no money!” Ali told me. Indeed, during our conversation, he kept asking me if I could find him a lawyer who would act pro bono.
The MOM has extended his Special Pass (S-Pass) till 11 September so that he could continue to stay in Singapore while he seeks resolution to his salary dispute with his employer. He is owed a total of about S$2,500. His employer has offered to pay him $1,500 instead. Ali has refused the offer as he feels that he should be paid his full amount for the work he has done. Besides, he feels that he needs to at least recoup some of the $8,000 he paid his agent in order o come to Singapore. When he last spoke to his boss, he was told that the company had no money and that the company “was finished”, meaning closed down. A check with ACRA (the directory of registered entities), however, shows that the company is still “live”.
Since he left his dormitory in February, Ali has been sleeping at MRT stations and in the streets, waiting and hoping to find some resolution to his case. I first met him one night, at 3 am, sleeping at a car park some months ago. “Very hard,” he tells me. Visibly upset, his eyes begin to tear up. “I money no have, food no have,” he says. “My wife and children now waiting waiting everyday I send them money,” he tells me. Ali, 26, is married and has a 5 year old son back in Bangladesh. “I sell my land come to Singapore,” he explains.
He has only one meal a day given out by aid workers but this is only for Mondays to Fridays. On the weekends, he depends on his friends who would either buy him food or give him a dollar or two. At times, his friends too would recommend him odd jobs so that he can survive on the streets. Sleeping on concrete floors, with the temperate weather, Ali falls sick sometimes. There is not much he can do except to grit his teeth and carry on.
Ali was not the only I saw sleeping in the streets or at car parks. There were at least another 10 workers at the same car park. And when I spoke to them, they told me they were also awaiting resolution to salary disputes with their employers. These men had been on the streets for between four to six months, depending on handouts to survive. They face problems of hygiene, of looking for food, and having to be wary of the police, security guards and car park authorities who would check on them. They would shower at coffeeshops’ toilets or at friends premises.
Before he came to Singapore, Ali’s agent had told him that he could earn S$1,000 per month working here. But he was earning much lesser than that as a pipe fitter. With his S-Pass expiring on 11 September, Ali is desperate that a resolution be found soon. Otherwise, all these months of enduring life on the streets would have been for nothing.
There are many workers such as Ali who are facing salary disputes with their employers. It is quite clear in the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act that “the employer shall pay the foreign worker his salary and allowances not later than seven (7) days after the last day of the salary period. Any salary period agreed between the employer and the foreign worker shall not exceed one month.”
In March this year, the Ministry of Manpower charged one of the directors of Tipper Corp Pte Ltd with 73 counts of not paying salaries to his workers. (See here for story.)
But for Ali, all he hopes is that MOM will help him retrieve what rightfully belongs to him so that he can send money home to feed his wife and son.
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donkey years ago when i was workin yes really really bein employed in a chinese small towgay spareparts company based in whatyoucalled the bangala territory.
i would not named the street nor the location to protect the expoilted unemployed bangalas in singapoor. one day when i have nothin better to do, my ngiowed ahpek towgay send me on a chore on the pretext of findin certain spareparts…
i was end to the rooftop yes the rooftop you nkow the 1 where we can see the sky?
i was shocked and surprised..on our shop rooftop, i saw a few bangalas campin on it..cookin/washin/whatever..they are the STRAYS from next door buildin who housed them for a PROFIT…not for pitiness nor charitable acts…
my towgay asked me how many heads up there? i say..err ugm a few only and add spice sayin they all charbot lioa…i spoke to a couple of them they told me they also have to pay rent to sleep/camp on the rooftop..nothin is free…
i just tell them i see nothin i hear nothin as lon as they keep the sound low and quiet..whatever they do please don’t break the tiles on the rootop…
~sigh~..what miseries when human do with greed over the unfortunate worst of all..fellow bangalas robbed fellow bangali…
“Ali says that he was advised by an MOM officer to go to Labour Court, and if that failed, he should hire a lawyer and bring his case to the High Court. “How I hire lawyer! I no money!” ”
This reminded me of a sad incident that happened to me where I was also asked to hire a lawyer despite being the victim. Me (poor) vs a Company (having the financial means).
I was not able to afford a lawyer and as a result could not pursue the matter with the company .
Moral of my story? Even if victimised, you still need to be able to afford a lawyer.
Else…..
The salary involved in this case may be mere pittance to many.
The more important thing is about
Morality,
Ethics,
and
Justice.
How many employees , locals and fw’s have been victimised or mistreated by their employers?
What are MOM guidelines?
try calling them maybe to find out more?
I called MOM yesterday about the case of another 73 workers. The person at the phone said he will relay my message to the dept involved and will call me back. I asked how long it will take. He said within 24 hours.
It’s been more than 24 hours already and I haven’t heard from them yet.
According to the book of ‘The Little RED DOT reflections by Singapore’s Diplomats, Vol-I page 403
[25 October 1965 – Singapore inherited two International Labour Organisation (ILO) Core Conventions from the British colonial government at our independence. Singapore acceded to Convention 29 on Forced Labour and Convention 98 on Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining. There conventions protect workers from force or compulsory labour and protect the workers’ rights to join unions and negotiate collective agreements with the employers.]
I would put it this way; works for state or private firms without paying is forced labour.
This is what happens when you allowed more foreign workers to work in Singapore. I am not being hearltess. However, we all know this is the root of the problem. If wages in Singapore were to go up, more locals will be willing to take up jobs that are now using foreigners.
Jedi Hum says:
“its not that there is no problem. Its that naive and meek people dare not voice up”
There are laws to protect animals against abuse in Singapore. How come there are no laws to protect some human beings from abuse?
there is a misconception:
labor court do not need lawyers.
so he does not have to fork out money to have his case heard.
but the problem with labor court is it takes time to hear cases as they need to hear both sides of the story, investigate who is tellng the truth. (the party in the wrong will always say they are right- and it is not always clear who that is because there are workers who lie too.)
so while they do not pay to get their case heard, they have to ‘pay’ while waiting- i.e. rent, food, etc. that is why they decide to sleep on the streets- to reduce the cost of waiting.
NGOs usually advise workers whether they shld wait to pursue their case on a case-by-case basis because of practical reasons. if the money difference what is offered and what is owed is small, workers will end up making a loss. also, if the company is going bankrupt, there might be problems enforcing the judgement if the company has no money left. so he may have waited for months (and pay for living expenses) without getting anything.
so based on principles, they should pursue in labor court. but from a practical point, there are situations where they should reconsider because they may be worse-off than before.
ST always report how MOM helped the foreign workers mistreated by their employers. How come they did not report such cases similar to Abu Sama?
the laws here are lopsided.
i am a sub contractor being owned by main contractor who obviously being unscupulous cheating me by not paying. i excercised the right of applying SOP – Security of Payment, is as act implemented by BCA part of MND. i was awarded the sum entitled to me and tried to claim through developer as the main contractor is prepared to close down (though Acra showed ‘live’ – show what?).
i found out that during the adjudication to determine the case, developer was notified before payment was made out but still chose to paid main contractor when due. so i refer the matter to BCA and was told that i prefer to my lawyer. like Ali’s case. we are financial constriant.
under security of payment scheme, the consultant and main contractor are really secured or protected if payment were not made as no one can take over unless they are discharged. However, sub-contractor were not included in this particular ‘scheme’. DOES THIS FAIR TO US ? the BCA director explanation was so bias against smaller firm compare to bigger company.
i had since called the MND and still waiting for their reply. i am really in favour of pro bono lawyer firms who can really help the poors in singapore.
This is a social problem created by the incessant greed OF PAP. Local singaporean cannot find job, Singaporean migrated to other countries. The useless ministers rewarding themselves millions without shame. The ever growing FW in Singapore ……
PAP is going to be very popular, not so within Singapore, but beyond Singapore too. The PAP are like illusionist produce a freaky ‘golden Singapore’ to trick FT into selling their land. They are creating misery not just to Singaporean, but also to other countrymen. Really shame on the PAP.
I really hope this nightmare can stop.
Fellow employees and citizens,
IF an employer has the financial power and you , a mere mortal employee, does not,
and so cannot afford any lawyer, if you complain about the employer about something like a breach of contract, and you were told to get yourself a lawyer to fight for your rights, but the employer is very experienced in this sort of things and knows you have not financial means to ‘play’ the ‘game’ with this big boy, and he counter sues you for something he manage to find through the help of his expensive and experienced lawyer, in order to protect its reputation, which is more in monetary terms than your peanuts, what could / would you do ?
kum sum of the muzic.
#14 kum sum of the muzic,
For me, i would just give up like most people.
Having a good expensive lawyer can do wonders.
Even if you have a strong case, it depends on how deep your pocket is.
They can easily drag the case on and on until you no money and still give up and even a poorer many after that.
The mere mortals will think about this and save the money knowing he is just a peanut and accept the misfortune.
If you have money, …
If you have not, …..
just my peanut 0.1cent
In this country, the lady of justice is indeed blind because money is on her mind all the time.
MOM is… well, to put it simply they need a real good kick on their rears. The government has failed to protect both Singaporeans and the vulnerable foreigners, and we still have to pay them such a high annum salary.
Base on justice and equality.
….kudos to the makan…
i adjust a bit more…almost like injustice and in-equality….haiz
have singapore completely become like “animal farm” as written by george orwell.
I surely hope not.
Failed labour policies? Importing large foreign labour on the cheap only bring down wages generally. Maybe the aim of the policy is to keep wages competitive.China and India had great advantages compare to Sinkapore, large cheap labour force and plenty of land. Sinkapore should concentrate on industries that she had an advantage- e.g. high tech and commerce. The finance and insurance industry supporting commerce is another area that Sinkapore could exploit. A race to the bottom is not what a country should engage in. Labour intensive industries should move up the tech scale, replacing labour with high tech equipment operated by Singaporean. Gahment must take a lead by offering incentives through coporation tax allowance. The competition will get worst as China and India develop. Those who could “see” what lies ahead, must prepared themselves with the appropriate skill set but those in mid/end of their career are those in serious trouble. The gahment must help to up grade skill of its own citizen. Employing large number of FW/FT is a short solution on the cheap but that leave the long term unemployment of its own labour force in serious financial situation. These obviously will create social problems and will add to the problem of low birth rate, broken marriages and homelessness.
Is there legal aid in Singapore for those who are poor and need access to lawyers? Could anybody enlighten an out of touch Singaporean who had been away too long.
8) commentator on September 3rd, 2009 10.08 am
There are laws to protect animals against abuse in Singapore. How come there are no laws to protect some human beings from abuse?
you people want to know why?
coz we are far more worst then animals. we are just a trash that doesn’t need care.
vote out pap completely or as much as you singaporeans could and see all thing will change and we can have a life worth to live for. or else vote for PAP and one day…! just one day singaporeans will be abuse totally and put under the feet of companies and the goverment. by then too late singaporeans……
The word needs to go out to the people in Bangladesh: Don’t sell your land to come to Singapore!
Whatever you hear about Singapore being a land of golden opportunity is not true – it only applies to a lucky few.
This is a fantastic place to do business only if you’re rich and educated.
I am willing to contribute $ (for food especially) to help these victims. i hope more people will come together to render further helps (lodging and taking legal actions against incorrigible employers).
It is very obvious the government is not efficient in fine tuning the employment & labor laws protect workers from unscrupulous employers and manpower agencies.
Our government officers are sleeping on their jobs!
When I went into the city this evening, i saw ERP priced at i suspect is all-time-high at around 5 to 6 dollars (or around there) for some large vehicles and about $3 for passenger cars. correct me if my eye got dah-stamp ;)
anyways, in this crisis, the ERP is still so high???
1st worlds like uk london have high uk-ERP-like prices. But their people’s salaries are also high. Are majority singapore employees salaries 1st world? Do you see my point?
Of course there are the rich ones. These are the minority.
To them, ERP prices are like nothing to them. i suspect like 1 cent to a poor like me.
what is 1 cent?
likewise, what is CPF (capped at 4500), COE, gas prices, road tax , medical bills , education fees to them?
All i am saying is I feel that these aspects of cost of living can be tough on majority employees but it most likely is just peanuts to the minority rich.
This is meritocracy. In the west, they also meritocracy but their salaries are much higher. Here there is no min wage protection for employees. Rumor has it that CEOs are generally not paid less than 1 million min. i not sure.
That is all i am saying. feel free to ague with me.
#23,
“This is a fantastic place to do business only if you’re rich and educated. ”
I not impressed if able to run business by inheritance and nothing else.
If got sponsor i also can fail and fail and then succeed one day in business.
Of course , no 100% guarantee in this world but i believe this sponsoring will increase the chances by maybe 60%.
If i have an endless inflow of money to play with, I can also be very confident of success in the LONG TERM. Like, if this year lose money, i go Long Term. Let u guess what is long term. ha ha ha
Not directly related to this article, but also related to FWs.
Recently, I saw a photo of an irresponsible FW employer fetching the FW in a pick-up under dangerous conditions.
http://singapore-lighthouse.blogspot.com/2009/08/no-way-to-threat-this-foreign-worker.html
Then today I read that LTA is finally doing something about it. Actually they should investigate further and fine the company employing the drivers.
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20090904/tap-817-land-transport-authority-fines20-231650b.html
Makes me think that online sites and blogs, like TOC and below, are more effective than all the productivity and service quality programmes (e.g. PS21) put together. Putting up such articles create public awareness and thus pushing the civil servants into action or at least they can no longer openly misinform the public on such matters.
#27,
“Putting up such articles create public awareness and thus pushing the civil servants into action ”
Technically correct , imho.
But practically speaking, the Majority is not reached and engaged in forums and blogs as we speak.
The readers like you and me are the Minority. How minor, no one knows exactly.
One thing for sure, as an employee, I do not have Confidence in my future due to all reasons we all know.
A degree is no longer a rare commodity. Its become more like a basic qualificaion in many professions.
Factor in the huge influx of FT , who can happily accept lower wage than you and cpf contribution of over 10% is a cost to employer and your 20% cpf contribution is also not accessible in the form of ready cash for use, its a very tough situation for many like me.
I have seen a case where even with a Contract, the employer can get away with several things. a contract protects you but then the employer can also deny and force you to have to pay for a lawyer and this gives the employer the advantage.
Sad but true. no money is tough even having a contract signed to protect you.
This , just my personal experience. Feel free to add yours, if any. Let the whole world know.
Shame unethical employers! Note the word used is ‘unethical’.
Why? Let me tell you the Why.
1. Ethics is not 100% Legality.
2. Morality is not 100% the same as Legality.
Accounting is based on rules.
Law is also some kind of rules.
rule system.
So, did readers catch my drift?
Ali is holding S-Pass, means that his job could be done by a diploma holder from local polytechnics… another case of foreigner taking away the job of Singaporean.
30) heartless on September 5th, 2009 1.25 pm
cannot be, i do not see any poly student complaining in public.
u mean they whine in their closet?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JABFZfisat8
This is my story about how MOM “helped” me.
I was working in this government linked company for more than a year when one day, a colleague complained to the management, claiming that I had committed an “irresponsible act”. The company terminated me without questioning me.
Imagine my anguish, when after returning from my lunch break, I was suddenly asked to report to the office but “pack your things first”. At the HR office, the letter of termination was just simply thrown to me with no further words spoken! Furious that I had been back-stabbed and the manner in which the termination was done, I tried vehemently to reason with them but their final reply was: We have the right to terminate you without reasons!
I approached the MOM for help and they arranged a meeting between my ex-company and me to settle the matter amicably, even though they(MOM) knew that I was compensated according to the Employment Act. Predictably, the meeting ended in a deadlock because the company’s representative went on to invent more accusations against me which I effectively rebutted by exposing the loopholes of his accusations, leaving him dumbfounded. Finally, both sides were asked to file our defence. I submitted mine only 3 days later but my ex-company submitted theirs 2 months later, this time, inventing more “offences” committed by me which were not mentioned at all during the meeting in MOM. More amazingly, they engaged a law firm to represent them, incurring costs of up to thousands of dollars from the company fund! This triggered an exchange of letters that went on for nearly one year and then the MOM stopped contacting me.
I wrote in to MOM several times but they never bothered to reply.
Finally, I approached my then MP, Mr Goh Chee Wee who then wrote to the MOM twice, but both letters were also ignored.
The case appeared to die a natural death, when months later, the then Manpower Minister, Dr Lee Boon Yang visited my constituency. I managed to raise this issue to him during the dialogue session with the residents and was told to “let me know the details”. I did not manage to hand my letter to him personally because his bodyguards stopped me and I could only do so on the following day, through my MP.
This time the MOM finally replied! Relief for me? You bet! In their reply, they turned around and accused me of making a false allegation against my company by saying “our investigations showed that you were contractually terminated and not wrongfully dismissed as alleged by you” an accusation which infuriated me further. Nevertheless they tried to play things down by saying that they “managed to persuade the company to offer you an ex-gratia $800 on a “goodwill” basis but without admitting that the termination was unlawful”. Naturally, I was unhappy and angry at the MOM’s false accusation against me. I requested an amount of $4,000 due to one year’s loss of CPF but if not, the company should at least retract their accusation against me. I did not mind even if they did not pay me anything. But even this was rejected.
Furious with the way MOM handled my case, I wrote in to voice my displeasure. The MOM responded by telling me that the Minister had ruled that the termination was justified and tried to close the case.
Furious at this ruling, I wrote to the Prime Minister’s Office. Predictably, the letter did not reach the intended person. It was redirected to MOM who replied evasively, each time resulting in me exposing the loopholes of their replies. Guess what happened? This exchange went on for a few more months until the MOM stopped replying me!
This was how MOM “helped” me!
#33, well done. Thanks for your contribution to let us know of your plight so that maybe more will jump in and contribute their story.
all this can be done with anonymity if so wish to.
the goal is to enlighten or inform the employee citizens.
I , too , am a victim of unethical employers.
They gave me a contract, i accepted the offer, they went back on their words.
I realised i need to hire a lawyer.
If only i am rich.
One thing for sure, we will have a consolation prize even if not big prize.
This prize is a guranteed prize. We will be happy at least for a few months when that day comes.
31)
Because the unemployed became students… so they cant find time to come here to complaint…. was talking abt one of my friends who went back to sch after leaving the company…
The truth of the matter is this regime is NOT ACCountable to the citizen of Singapore. They do what they like both to the local and foreign workers. That the way dictatorial regime govern. No MP question the morality of the gahment and citizen has no voice at all. That much we all know. Six millions question is: Are we going to do somthing about it through the only mean available to all Singapoean or just blog to release steam and do nothing? Somebody is counting on SinKaporean to have a short memory come GE day. Let us disappoint this bunch of crook this time. Shall we?
33) No Balls
What was this “irresponsible act” that your ex- colleague alleged you have done?
We were working as in-house guides and our job is to bring visitors around the place. Two of my visitors decided that they be left to explore the place on their own. I said ok and left them there. The colleague, who already had a quarrel with me earlier, saw it and reported to the department head that I “abandoned” the visitors.
The department head branded it as “irresponsible’ and without even questioning me, they drafted the termination letter and instructed the HR to call me to the office and “pack your things first”.
While the HR was doing the dirty job, the department head disappeared from the office during that time, apparently to avoid me.
I still have the whole stacks of letters with me……..
I notice that whenever there is discussion about jobs, readers do not have as much to comment as they do on other issues.
anything on that man and you see the most comments.
maybe they are his fans.
fellow 9-to-5 employees,
Recently, I was given a contract job offer.
I asked for a job offer letter.
They provided.
I accepted the offer.
I quit my job in order to join.
1 day before the official 1st day,
the new employer emailed me despite my acceptance of the offer, they decided to reject me.
I am now left without a job and have quit my last job.
I called MOM.
They told me it was not in their guidelines.
They advised me to hire a lawyer.
I have no money.
If any newsreporter like to cover this news, pls email me at :
jobless.sg.citizen@gmail.com
41) Jobless Sg Citizen – Victim of Unethical practice on September 10th, 2009 11.26 am
Try to check whether there is any law firm that offers pro-bono service.
On another note, I believe there are opposition-hopefulls that have legal background that can come to the rescue. Up north, this is considered opportunity that will raise their profiles and garner voters. It has been their tactics, whatever raise the attention of the public even to the extend of defending the alleged crook, you name it, they are there.
Put it this way, try to bite a small piece before you want to swallow the whole cake. It is sad to see that a lot more have the grandest good intention but overlook the power of smallest good deed.
You are wasting money engaging a lawyer. The judge will most likely rule in favour of the company. Justice is for the rich and powerful in Singapore. While I have not given up on my case, I realise that it does not pay to be an employee in Singapore. I have since set up my own company.
The good thing being your own boss you are answerable only to your clients, and you have many clients to choose from. As an employee, you are constantly under the mercy of your immediate superior.
The bad thing about being your own boss is you won’t when is your next paycheque. You are constantly chasing after customers for payment in order to pay your staff and other costs. If too many customers delay payment, you may run out of cash and will be forced to close down and become unemployed again, and this time, saddled with debts…..
#43,
right on!
its time to take advantage like an employer.
what comes around goes around.
meritocrazied.
viva la karma!
42) Passerby on September 10th, 2009 3.32 pm
“Try to check whether there is any law firm that offers pro-bono service. ”
My heart felt gratitude to you for your advice.
I actually contacted a blog for help. So far ……
Anyone who knows of such pro bono service pls kindly drop me a mail with their contact. I am still searching for help.
I have lost too many years of job to make sense to go back looking the kind of job i lost.
As I cannot migrate due to lack of job record, and lack of money, I intend to start a business as well. The success rate is very ‘high’. maybe in excess of 10% survival rate, if not lower.
But there is no turning back. I cannot foresee myself supporting a wife , child and all expenses that tied to having a family. The future to me will be expensive, much tougher and more competitive. I cannot imagine how I would able to retire.
I cannot say i like this kind of life, but I have no choice now. I am stuck in it.
Maybe I can start something now taking advantage of employers market, and there is no min wage. But i will try to be kind and ethical on foreign workers.
45) Jobless Sg Citizen on September 10th, 2009 11.15 pm
Try this link :
http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/probono/community_legal_clinic.aspx
Don’t be disheartened. Before you go and visit them. Get yourself and your documents ready. The following will help.
1. List of sequent of events,- Event in cronological order. Write them to the very details.
2. Attached supporting documents
3. Understand your job contract to the details.
4. Try to see whether there is any clause stating that the employer has the right to terminate the your service without prior notice. If there is, then you need o learn how to circumvent that clause. Try to google whether there such precedent in Singapore or Abroad. Print the case and study the outcome.
http://library.findlaw.com/1999/Feb/5/129538.html
http://www.lawgazette.com.sg/2001-1/Jan01-focus3.htm
The reason being, you need to at least lessen the burden of the probono lawyers. A lot of people just dumb everything on these kind souls and expect them to cover everything. If necessary assist them with the research.
One person’s case might not have an impact but several might have better chance of survival and make a different. Hence, search around for people with similar cases and joint forces to start legal action. Might not be with victims of the same companies but others as well.
Should you manage to have enough people to join force, then you might want to strike a deal with the probono lawyer on possibility of compesation should you win the case.
Nothing is easy you need to prepare for all eventualities. THE BIG QUESTION NOW IS, ” ARE YOU WILLING TO GO FOR IT or JUST WAIT FOR THE SKY TO FALL DOWN ON YOU”
45) Jobless Sg Citizen on September 10th, 2009 11.15 pm
Another point to add. By doing this you might attract the relevant authority attention especially when you act in group rather than alone. Get foreign journalist (WSJ will be great, coz the GAHMEN just loooove them) to cover.
Hi Passerby,
I am confident to say that most singaporean employees would never know that such a problem can exist unless they have encountered it themselves.
I aim is not for the authorities to know. My aim is to defend my rights as an employee. Maybe NTUC can help? hahahaha. I feel that in many ways one can be helpless. So, what is the diff if I vote for who and if I not vote for who?
I contacted a blog and at first they seemed interested.
They interviewed me and during the interview, 99% of the time was not on the topic.
Strange.
Thru this , I learn more about the blog.
More than meets the eye.
Politics is very very complicated.
Maybe NTUC can help? Hahaha!
You know what does NTUC mean? Never Trust Union Chief!
Opposition Please Take Note.
If you can’t thrive over small matter and pull whatever resources that you have be it skills, funds, network, knowledge to help the unrepresented, the needy, the people who got lost in the system then don’t even dream to challenge PAP.
To the voters,
If the opoosition only talk and talk about how great the future would be with them, yet they are yet to lift their finger to champion some of your course, then think twice before you vote them. The probability is if they don’t start now they won’t either later.
Lets admit it, even opposition supporters are not happy with the way oppositions operate.
There is no excuse not being able to reach the majority in a small country the size of just merely only 1 city where almost all homes have a computer and internet access and office workers can access internet also if they do not own computers at home.
There is no excuse.
The problem is they don’t even use Hong lim park.
they have not exhausted all means.
so many years since the last election.
same thing to me. No change.
Can people expect change from them ?
but rest assured, i will still vote for them and that they should be appreciative.
The most strange situation in the whole world.
We live in a real world. What is the reality?
I thot NTUC stood for: Not That Useless Clown?