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Fascist Singapore – Lovable?

“If you care too much about Singapore First, it will break your spirit Then, it will break your heart” The words of Alfian Sa’at – a true poet because a true poet phrases with marvelous poignancy the reality he perceives. I quoted the verse to a few pals. One replied: “I feel no loyalty, heartache, despair or anguish...

Track ‘Voluntary Unemployment’ (Revisited)

I refer to the ST article, 'Track Voluntary Unemployment', dated March 25, 2010. It can be found here: http://www.asiaone.com/Business/News/Office/Story/A1Story20100323-206249.html We are told that Singaporeans are picky about jobs. Apparently we shouldn't be choosy over something we spend 2/3rds (or more in some cases) of our...

The myth of a soft SM Goh

Goh Chok Tong When Mr Goh Chok Tong became Prime Minister of Singapore in 1990, he was described as a soft transitional leader. 20 years later in 2010, Mr Goh had been PM for 14 years (1990 – 2004) and SM (Senior Minister) for 6 years (2004 onwards). Was he really a soft transitional leader? In 1993, a EP (elected presidency)...