One then wonders the need for a permit in light of this.

Doesn’t that proved that the govt has been right all along – i.e. that Singaporeans simply cannot handle too much freedom? They have to be told what “EXACTLY” to do to the minutest details???

Please think again. If we want the govt to give us more freedom, how many of us can handle it?

There is always the first baby step. If we can’t even perform that first baby step, starting with ourselves, how can we expect others to give us a chance; how can others be convinced and believe in us? I think we have to shake off that “kiasu” mentality that has been ingrained into our psyche over the last 50 years. Both leaders and followers (citizens).

Although Singapore is now referred to as a 1st world country (by MM Lee), but it is only the physical infrastructures and economic progress that can be considered as such and not the political and social maturity of its people. This is mainly due to the ruling party’s prolonged and persistent efforts made to stifle the interest and passion of the general population in politics and political issues, thereby resulting in the majority of Singaporeans becoming apolitical and concentrate only on their day-to-day living and occasional holidays abroad.

Even producing children and care for their own children have been given the rear seat. That is why our population growth rate has dwindled to 1.03 latest. And more and more maids and childcare centres are taking over the care of our children because both parents have to work to make more money.

Even those families who can afford it, especially the highly educated, are finding it strange or abnormal to leave the mother to stay at home to just be a full-time mother to take direct care and responsibility of their own ‘precious’ children.

Irony.

Don’t you think by showing us how “smart ass” you are by making fun of the policeman’s answer to your very legitimate query and concern, you will be making life more difficult for other applicants and yrself in future? And to S’poreans in general

The very proper police response would be, “We will chk the files to see what you applied for and who made the mistake, and let you know. In the meantime, the timing allowed stands.”

I think the policeman went out of his way to make things easy for himself and you, and got mocked and saboed by you. His superior might not like the way situation was handled and cause him problems.

Other policemen will become more officious towards all of us.

Having ranted at you, as fan of swift, Austen and Waugh, I did enjoy the piece.