TR EMERITUS

Dear Straits Times, I refer to your report dated 20 Jul 2010. It is said in the report that our rapid recovery has vindicated government efforts to diversify Singapore's economy over the last decades. But the urgent need to diversify the economy was made plain for all to see just less than ten years ago with the mass exodus of electronics firms to China. So this is not a vindication but a reminder to all that the government is no more forward looking than its own citizens. If several years from now, our drainage system becomes so improved that it is capable of handling massive downpours, does that vindicate government efforts to improve our drainage system or does that remind Singaporeans that the government sees and reacts to events and situations no sooner than its own citizens? Therefore, Citigroup economist Kit Wei Zheng's assertion that the government should take credit for being far sighted in its diversification strategy is unjustifiable. We can only say that the government reacts to mishaps and pitfalls even as they aren't far sighted enough to spot them and steer clear of them. The superlative growth in the first half of this year doesn't justify the government's decision to keep manufacturing as a pillar for it doesn't imply that a focus on other sectors wouldn't have been as successful if not more successful. SIM University labour economist Randolph Tan's assertion that without the government stepping in to retain labour, companies would now have to hire more and bid up wages is also not true. If the government didn't step in to retain labour, labour would have left and wages would have fallen. So even if subsequent rehiring bids up wages, it would simply mean that wages bounce back from where they had fallen. The only reasonable thing that Dr Tan can say is that the government's retention of labour helped to stabilise wages throughout the fall and rise in economic output.   Ng Kok Lim  Read More →

It's no wonder Singapore's productivity went all the way down eversince the country was sold by PAP in it's FT policy. Dishonesty at work and at job interviews are a norm in thrid world countries like China and India. While the Singapore businesses thought they've got a good deal by hiring FTs (whether it's due to cost or for the sake of diversity), they're actually denying qualified Singaporeans of their opportunities while importing unproductive and liars into their company. It's simply penny wise pound foolish - like every other PAP's policies in the last few years. “A recent study by KPMG found that about 60% of employers complain about resume fraud and fake credentials among significant numbers of applicants. Five percent of companies have reported losses exceeding $2 million as a result. The situation is such that many universities are now starting to embed RFID chips in their diplomas to prevent fraud.” Resume Fraud Rampant in India (http://blog.employeescreen.com/resume-fraud-rampant-in-india/) "A major part of the curriculum involved how to lie your way through job interviews into an office position. This ultra-pragmatism is pervasive in Chinese society today; people are less concerned with abstract notions of right and wrong than with getting things done. In economic terms, this fosters a business climate in which companies copy each others’ products, steal employees and business plans, and compete ruthlessly over tiny profit margins. But with little trust or sense of long-term planning and investment, they find it hard to grow and develop their businesses." Where Life Revolves Around Your Cellphone, the Factory Floor, and Forged Diplomas: A Q&A With the Author of Factory Girls. (http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/23/book-qa-chinese-workers/) Jack Lim Please join our Facebook page here and invite your friends to do so to create awareness of the current affairs affecting Singaporeans. Please use our online web form to contact us.  Read More →

A discussion on the People Action Party's Facebook about PAP Minister Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam's recent speech calling  on Singapore to accept more "foreign talents" to boost its economy has turned nasty with a Sri Lankan Singapore Permanent Resident/new citizen Mr Fahim Hameed resorting to name-callings to taunt Singaporeans critical of the PAP's pro-foreigner policies. A Singapore NSman by the name of Sahita Nilesh described the PAP's perennial dependence on cheap foreign workers as akin to the chronic use of steroids: "Relying on Foreign Talent perpetually to boost economy is akin to using steroid to maintain your health." This prompted a series of harsh rebuttals from Mr Fahim who asked Sahita if he is willing to do the jobs that foreigners do. "Are you willing to do the the Jobs what the foreigners are willing to do? Under the same hardships? If yes , then the PAP government has no issues in putting a full ban on foreigners.....PAP is the one and only Political Guru that can keep Singapore going and growing," he wrote. The PAP has always used the lame excuse that foreigners are needed to take up jobs "shunned" by Singaporeans. However in recent years, the PAP has accepted an increasing number of semi-skilled foreigners to compete directly with Singaporeans for jobs which can otherwise be taken up by them such as engineering. Mr Fahim, an obviously admirer of PAP strongman Lee Kuan Yew next launched a tirade at locals for wanting "free hand-outs" "If LKY has not used his intelligence and continued Raffles concept and improved on it, you won't be here today.... go get your self a life guys.. without sitting and complaining like a spoil little brat. That is what most of you Locals are all about , you want free hand-outs." He ended his "lecture" by scolding PAP critics as a bunch of "prejudiced SCUMS": [Source: PAP Facebook] This is not the first time that a foreigner working and living in Singapore has hurled insults publicly against Singaporeans including NSmen who have served two and a half years of National Service to protect these newcomers so that they can earn a living here in peace. In March this year, a YAP leader and new citizen from India Mr Sinha Shekhar sparked a massive outcry among Singaporeans by calling PAP critics as “DOGS” on the YPAP Facebook: [Source: YPAP Facebook] A speech therapist by training, Mr Sinha Shekhar obtained his Singapore citizenship in 1994 at 25 years of age. He joined the PAP four years later, rising fast high up its rank to become its most prominent face in cyberspace. He is currently the Head of Rehabilitation at Ang Mo Kio Community Hospital. He did not serve a SINGLE day of National Service. Since Mr Fahim likes the PAP so much, he should take up Singapore citizenship if he hasn't done so and volunteer to serve National Service. It is not known if Mr Fahim is a YPAP or grassroots leader. Please join our Facebook page here and invite your friends to do so to create awareness of the current affairs affecting Singaporeans. Please use our online web form to contact us.    Read More →