Saturday, April 30, 2011
Singapore Parliament needs alternative voice
A citizen writes about the pressing need for an alternative voice in Parliament.
http://easyapps.sg/sgep/admin/file.aspx?id=127
http://easyapps.sg/sgep/admin/file.aspx?id=127
Make the government sit up and listen to the citizens
Dear Mr. Tan,
We need our citizens to put things right in this momentous junction of Singapore history. We who believe in a just and fair society must do all we can to not allow autocratic and dictatorial rule to ever happen in Singapore. The PAP is no more the PAP of yesteryears. It is leading Singapore down a slippery of destruction if it does not stop controlling its political thought and its citizens' desire for freedom of speech, care for the poor and under privilged, a comfortable living standard for the average family, free from anxiety of escalating costs of living like housing, transport, health care, etc. We need to make the Government sit up and listen to its citizens before it is too late.
KSL
We need our citizens to put things right in this momentous junction of Singapore history. We who believe in a just and fair society must do all we can to not allow autocratic and dictatorial rule to ever happen in Singapore. The PAP is no more the PAP of yesteryears. It is leading Singapore down a slippery of destruction if it does not stop controlling its political thought and its citizens' desire for freedom of speech, care for the poor and under privilged, a comfortable living standard for the average family, free from anxiety of escalating costs of living like housing, transport, health care, etc. We need to make the Government sit up and listen to its citizens before it is too late.
KSL
Investment losses of GIC and Temasek
Dear Mr Tan
I am a resident of Holland-Bukit Timah GRC and follows political news of my GRC very closely before I made my choice on 7 May. I was shocked on Mr Vivian Balakrishna's response to Channel NewsAsia last night when he said the portfolio of GIC and Temasek are back to pre-crisis peak and hear him saying the following:-
"In other words, there is no loss on national reserves. They are going around claiming losses on national reserves and town council reserves are pure fabrication." by Vivian Balakrishna.
As I am a homemaker and not well versed with statistics, I decided to just do a check on the internet and with a simple touch of finger, the following report appears:-
“Temasek Holdings sold its stake in British banking giant Barclays in December and January, at an estimated loss of between 500 million (S$1.2 billion) and 600 million pounds, sources told the Straits Times”. (Straits Times, 4 June 2009)
Lower gains made by Temasek due to the losses incurred does not equate to NO LOSS. No wonder he blows the YOG buget. Thanks to Vivian who has been helping me on my decision.
Heather
I am a resident of Holland-Bukit Timah GRC and follows political news of my GRC very closely before I made my choice on 7 May. I was shocked on Mr Vivian Balakrishna's response to Channel NewsAsia last night when he said the portfolio of GIC and Temasek are back to pre-crisis peak and hear him saying the following:-
"In other words, there is no loss on national reserves. They are going around claiming losses on national reserves and town council reserves are pure fabrication." by Vivian Balakrishna.
As I am a homemaker and not well versed with statistics, I decided to just do a check on the internet and with a simple touch of finger, the following report appears:-
“Temasek Holdings sold its stake in British banking giant Barclays in December and January, at an estimated loss of between 500 million (S$1.2 billion) and 600 million pounds, sources told the Straits Times”. (Straits Times, 4 June 2009)
Lower gains made by Temasek due to the losses incurred does not equate to NO LOSS. No wonder he blows the YOG buget. Thanks to Vivian who has been helping me on my decision.
Heather
Estimated share of votes of PAP
This survey attracted 91 participants over night. Each participant has to ask at least 10 of their relatives, neighbors, friends and colleagues on how they will vote in the general election. The results are shown in TKL website. Direct link here.
Outing for senior citizens
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ9fHdAi6rQ
The senior citizens were from Tanjong Pagar and Redhill, ans were ferried by chartered bus to attend the PAP rally in Ang Mo Kio.
The senior citizens were from Tanjong Pagar and Redhill, ans were ferried by chartered bus to attend the PAP rally in Ang Mo Kio.
Watershed 2011 General Election
Hi, I am a follower of your blog. It has a lot of resources and carried varied subjects/topics, etc.
You may want to introduce your readers to my humble blog kohsl88.blogspot.com. There are few postings on the current Watershed 2011 Singapore General Election which your readers may be interested to read and mull over.
Thanks for your help.
S L Koh
Problems of middle income voters
Dear Mr. Tan,
Please post my view in your blog
PM Lee said that he will look into the problems of the middle income voters. I don't trust his words. Why now, and not earlier?
Please post my view in your blog
PM Lee said that he will look into the problems of the middle income voters. I don't trust his words. Why now, and not earlier?
PAP Candidate
http://www.sammyboy.com/showthread.php?87671-Foo-Mee-Har-How-did-she-ever-pass-the-tea-party
Benevolent leader or unwilling candidate?
I received this e-mail.
This is an interesting article. The outcome of Marine Parade will determine the fate or future of GCT. Even if PAP win but with significant reduced majority his goose will be cooked and he will know the end is near for him. What more if PAP being stumped by the opposition especially the effect of Nicole Seah factor. GCT will go down in history being thumped by a young, down-to-earth, sweet single woman against a so called elite bunch of which he is the leader of the pack.
General election survey - hot news
The survey on the general election attracted 100 replies within 3 hours. The analysis of these 100 replies can be found in TKL website.
Friday, April 29, 2011
What the PAP do not want you to know
Read this blog
http://www.brianbummers.com/2011/04/03/what-the-pap-does-not-want-you-to-know/#permalink
It explains what might happen when the PAP lose power. The writer said that it will not cause long term damage to the future of the country. In fact, things will turn out to be better. Watch the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVkF5uFJtag&feature=player_embedded#at=161
I agree with the views of the writer almost completely. Singapore will do better under a new government - even a coalition government involving the PAP. The old policies will have to be changed and the new policies will be be better for the people. He cited Hong Kong that went through a bigger change (i.e. transfer of power from UK to China in 1997, and life continue to improve.)
If the new government does not have the people with the right experience to run the ministries, they can find loyal and competent Singaporeans to give advice to the ministers. Even the President of the United States of America has to appoint a Council of Economic Advices and a National Security Council to advice him on the key decisions. He is able to find the most competent people for this role and they do not have to be elected politicians.
Tan Kin Lian
http://www.brianbummers.com/2011/04/03/what-the-pap-does-not-want-you-to-know/#permalink
It explains what might happen when the PAP lose power. The writer said that it will not cause long term damage to the future of the country. In fact, things will turn out to be better. Watch the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVkF5uFJtag&feature=player_embedded#at=161
I agree with the views of the writer almost completely. Singapore will do better under a new government - even a coalition government involving the PAP. The old policies will have to be changed and the new policies will be be better for the people. He cited Hong Kong that went through a bigger change (i.e. transfer of power from UK to China in 1997, and life continue to improve.)
If the new government does not have the people with the right experience to run the ministries, they can find loyal and competent Singaporeans to give advice to the ministers. Even the President of the United States of America has to appoint a Council of Economic Advices and a National Security Council to advice him on the key decisions. He is able to find the most competent people for this role and they do not have to be elected politicians.
Tan Kin Lian
LKY on TV
I watched LKY on television urging the voters to vote PAP. He has aged considerably and is quite frail - in spite of the cosmetics. The recent loss of his wife and other events must be taking a toll. I wanted to look for a video of that TV broadcast.
Here is the news article on CNA
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125768/1/.html
Here is the news article on CNA
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125768/1/.html
Possible scenarios at this general election
Yeo Toon Joo analyses the possible scenarios that may occur at this general election
http://easyapps.sg/sgep/admin/file.aspx?id=122
http://easyapps.sg/sgep/admin/file.aspx?id=122
Pass the message to vote for opposition
Dear Mr. Tan
Vast majority of voters don’t attend election rally and seldom surf the Internet. They prefer to watch TV and read Straits Times/Lianhe Zoabao. Most of them are not aware of those issues raised in the election rallies and your blog. How do the opposition parties find ways to reach these voters?
REPLY
The opposition parties will have to depend on people like you to pass the message to the other voters.
Minimum wage and the economy
I have supported a minimum wage in Singapore for many years. My position is the same as that advocated by the Singapore Democratic Party, Worker's Party and the Reform Party. My views differ from the position of the People's Action Party and the National Trades Union Congress ( ... happy May Day). Read my reasons in TKL website or click here.
Workers Party at Serangoon Stadium
I drove to see the Worker's Party at Serangoon Stadium. I knew that I had to park quite far from the stadium and to walk there.
It was a mistake to go by car. The road to the Serangoon stadium was congested and crawling all the way to the stadium. It was not possible to find a parking space for the next 1 km after passing the stadium.
Too many people had the bad idea of driving to the stadium to watch the rally. It would have been easier for me to go by MRT from Yio Chu Kang to Bishan and transfer to the Circle Line to Serangoon.
I decided that the next time I go to an election rally (except a PAP rally), I will go by MRT or public transport.
It was a mistake to go by car. The road to the Serangoon stadium was congested and crawling all the way to the stadium. It was not possible to find a parking space for the next 1 km after passing the stadium.
Too many people had the bad idea of driving to the stadium to watch the rally. It would have been easier for me to go by MRT from Yio Chu Kang to Bishan and transfer to the Circle Line to Serangoon.
I decided that the next time I go to an election rally (except a PAP rally), I will go by MRT or public transport.
PAP Rally at Yio Chu Kang stadium
I attended the PAP rally at Yio Chu Kang stadium. The crowd looked quite respectable from a distance. The seated areas were mostly occupied, but the crowd in the field near the stage was rather small. The key draw of the rally was PM Lee Hsien Loong, who was seated prominently at the center of the stage.
I walked round the stadium to observe the people at the seated area. I got the impression, from the way they dressed and talked to each other, that they were members of activities groups sent by the community centers.
My suspicion was confirmed when a new group of people arrived. Looking at their ages, frail appearance and dialect speaking, they must have been sent from an old folks home. Here is a picture of the PAP supporters.
It must be great for them to have an outing, although they probably do not know what the event was for. Perhaps, we should hold the general election more frequently, so that these old folks have more chance to go for an outing.
I walked round the stadium to observe the people at the seated area. I got the impression, from the way they dressed and talked to each other, that they were members of activities groups sent by the community centers.
My suspicion was confirmed when a new group of people arrived. Looking at their ages, frail appearance and dialect speaking, they must have been sent from an old folks home. Here is a picture of the PAP supporters.
It must be great for them to have an outing, although they probably do not know what the event was for. Perhaps, we should hold the general election more frequently, so that these old folks have more chance to go for an outing.
Vote for change
Dear Mr. Tan
Please post my views in your blog
I live in Ang Mo Kio GRC. I am glad that the Reform Party has field a team to contest in this GRC.It gives me the chance to cast my vote as a citizen.
Based on the credentials of the candidates from the PAP and RP, it is clear where the vote should go to. The PAP team is headed by the PM Lee Hsien Loong. The RP team comprised of people that I cannot recognize and, if I remember correctly, include candidates that were borrowed from other parties. How pathetic.
I want to use this opportunity wisely and cast my vote for the future of Singapore.
I spoke to a few friends. I was troubled to learn that Lee Hsien Loong was responsible for the decision to bring the two casinos to Singapore, for raising GST to 7%, for making civil servants lose their medical benefits, for the high HDB prices, for bringing in so many foreigners and allowing the investment banks to bring in the toxic products. I also heard a few comments about his cynical laugh, arrogant attitude and looking down on people.
I have agonized over this difficult matter for the past few days, and have now decided to vote for change.
Ang Mo Kio resident
Please post my views in your blog
I live in Ang Mo Kio GRC. I am glad that the Reform Party has field a team to contest in this GRC.It gives me the chance to cast my vote as a citizen.
Based on the credentials of the candidates from the PAP and RP, it is clear where the vote should go to. The PAP team is headed by the PM Lee Hsien Loong. The RP team comprised of people that I cannot recognize and, if I remember correctly, include candidates that were borrowed from other parties. How pathetic.
I want to use this opportunity wisely and cast my vote for the future of Singapore.
I spoke to a few friends. I was troubled to learn that Lee Hsien Loong was responsible for the decision to bring the two casinos to Singapore, for raising GST to 7%, for making civil servants lose their medical benefits, for the high HDB prices, for bringing in so many foreigners and allowing the investment banks to bring in the toxic products. I also heard a few comments about his cynical laugh, arrogant attitude and looking down on people.
I have agonized over this difficult matter for the past few days, and have now decided to vote for change.
Ang Mo Kio resident
Chicken Little Election Strategy
http://singaporedesk.blogspot.com/2011_04_01_archive.html
Quote
The PAP candidates started off their battle for the people's heart and minds with their predictable weapon of choice - their supposedly impeccable track record. Unfortunately, in the context of today, that is looking more like a laundry list of systemic defects. Higher costs of living, suffocating housing repayments, congestion in transport systems, crowding out by foreigners, erosion of social mores, complacency of governance, etc - the checklist length is matched only by the number of zeros in a minister's paycheck.
Unquote
Quote
The PAP candidates started off their battle for the people's heart and minds with their predictable weapon of choice - their supposedly impeccable track record. Unfortunately, in the context of today, that is looking more like a laundry list of systemic defects. Higher costs of living, suffocating housing repayments, congestion in transport systems, crowding out by foreigners, erosion of social mores, complacency of governance, etc - the checklist length is matched only by the number of zeros in a minister's paycheck.
Unquote
Some wise words from Dr. Goh Keng Swee
Dr. Goh Keng Swee was the previous #2 in Mr. Lee Kuan Yew's government. Many older Singaporeans knew him to be the person who was primarily responsible for the economic success of Singapore. Dr. Goh was honest and pragmatic. He did not believe in the "top talent" nonsense. My friend sent these words to me, with the remarks "Of course, we can lose a minister. So what! "
Here are the words of Goh Keng Swee, 22 Feb 1981, Singapore Conference Hall, inauguration of Schools Council:
"There is one extraordinary fact about a government minister — here or elsewhere — which few members of the public are aware of. This is that his ignorance of the subject he is in charge of greatly exceeds his knowledge of it. Ministers naturally seldom draw attention to this, but I assure you that this is true; anyway, in my case, it is.
This is not a public confession and the position is not as alarming as it looks. In modern society, it is not possible for the head of an organisation to know more than a small fraction of what goes on within it. It may be otherwise in primitive societies. The chief of a small group of primitive savages is better informed of what goes on in his village than, say, the President of General Motors is about his corporation.
The modern executive chief may be armed with a whole battery of computers while the village chief is not, but he knows less. Even so, the village chief may not understand everything, and so he usually has a witch doctor upon whom he depends when events pass his comprehension. Perhaps the only creature who possesses a total information system of which he has complete grasp is the patriarch of a troop of baboons. I have not come across any reference in the literature to the practice of witchcraft among baboons."
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Dr, Lim Hock Siew
Dr. Lim Hock Siew was detained for 20 years for being a security threat. He is a mild mannered person, an intellectual, and a doctor who gave free medicine and transport money to help the poor. In spite of suffering injustice, he held no animosity towards the person who deprived him of the best years of his life. Here is the true story of a remarkable man.
Weakest links in GRCs
This BLOG is hot...
IT ANALYSES THE PAP WEAK SPOTS IN EACH CONTESTING WARD!
http://paptheweakestlink.
IT ANALYSES THE PAP WEAK SPOTS IN EACH CONTESTING WARD!
http://paptheweakestlink.
SGEP covers the blogs and media
There are extensive coverage of the general election in the blogs, media and youtube. The Singapore General Election portal (SGEP) give you a summary of the coverage. By visiting SGEP daily, you will not miss the interesting and relevant articles.
You can also send your views and articles for publication to sgeportal@gmail.com. Click on Letters to SGEP to see what other people are sayign.
You can also send your views and articles for publication to sgeportal@gmail.com. Click on Letters to SGEP to see what other people are sayign.
GCT and Tan Jee Say
Global issues and government actions
Message sent to Tan Kin Lian
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125423/1/.html
Hi, when I read this report by Khaw Boon Wan, I have the following thoughts: No doubt that rising cost of issue is a global issue, but in Singapore, the rising cost is worsened by the government policiies, namely: (a) housing. We have heard enough of this, but the government just refuse to see it, talking about understanding issues on the ground! (c) public transport & private transportation. By changing to distance-based fares, we seemed to be hearing more of people paying more rather than less as claimed by the government. Their COE system and ERP system is double whammy for car owners. (c) increase in electricity tariffs and fuel costs. All these companies are owned by foreigners now.
HT
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125423/1/.html
Hi, when I read this report by Khaw Boon Wan, I have the following thoughts: No doubt that rising cost of issue is a global issue, but in Singapore, the rising cost is worsened by the government policiies, namely: (a) housing. We have heard enough of this, but the government just refuse to see it, talking about understanding issues on the ground! (c) public transport & private transportation. By changing to distance-based fares, we seemed to be hearing more of people paying more rather than less as claimed by the government. Their COE system and ERP system is double whammy for car owners. (c) increase in electricity tariffs and fuel costs. All these companies are owned by foreigners now.
HT
Good turnout at election rallies
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/poor-turnout-pap-first-ge-rally-184231332.html
I attended the election rally of the Singapore Democratic Party (opposite Commonwealth MRT) and the Reform Party (at Clementi Stadium) and saw a large turnout at both rallies.
I attended the election rally of the Singapore Democratic Party (opposite Commonwealth MRT) and the Reform Party (at Clementi Stadium) and saw a large turnout at both rallies.
Fooled by HDB flat prices
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
HDB Cost
Dear Mr. Tan
- Insurance
I am very disappointed when Strait Times publish how affordable a HBD flat is. I can understand when an Ah Beng from a second hard car dealer trying to conceal the ACTUAL cost of owner a car. But for someone who we trust our future with, this is totally NOT acceptable.
The cost did not indicate the following.
- Stamp & Legal Fees- Insurance
Although the amount is not very much it still a quite a substantial to an average worker. This is apparently not obvious to a person earning more than 1 million per year.
Alvin Low
Avoid investing in unfamiliar products
Dear Mr Tan,
I came across your blog on the website and saw your story on the Wine Investment while doing some research on this as well. My husband has been getting a lot of calls from this lady by the name Jane from AWI. She has been very aggressive in promoting her investment plan on this batch of wine. Perhaps you could give us your advise because I do not want to be the next victim on this scam (if it is an intentionally scam).
REPLY
You should never invest in any investment that you are not familiar with, including wine investment. Please register in my website on investment alert and login to read the experience of other investors.
http://www.easyapps.sg/assn/Org/Default.aspx?id=8
I came across your blog on the website and saw your story on the Wine Investment while doing some research on this as well. My husband has been getting a lot of calls from this lady by the name Jane from AWI. She has been very aggressive in promoting her investment plan on this batch of wine. Perhaps you could give us your advise because I do not want to be the next victim on this scam (if it is an intentionally scam).
REPLY
You should never invest in any investment that you are not familiar with, including wine investment. Please register in my website on investment alert and login to read the experience of other investors.
http://www.easyapps.sg/assn/Org/Default.aspx?id=8
I WANT A MORE REPRESENTATIVE PARLIAMENT.
Dear Mr. Tan - please publish in your blog:
I wish to see a new invigorated parliament represented by a greater diversity of interests and views. We can NOW make it happen. With a critical mass of Opposition MPs, we could then move on to reform the electoral system to a ‘proportional representation’ system based on the French model, where, the percentage of total votes polled by a political party determines the number of seats won by that party.
Five years separate us from our next power point - if we fail - it’s five long years to the next General Election.
Francis Tan TC.
I wish to see a new invigorated parliament represented by a greater diversity of interests and views. We can NOW make it happen. With a critical mass of Opposition MPs, we could then move on to reform the electoral system to a ‘proportional representation’ system based on the French model, where, the percentage of total votes polled by a political party determines the number of seats won by that party.
Five years separate us from our next power point - if we fail - it’s five long years to the next General Election.
Francis Tan TC.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Bulk e-mails
I received several good suggestions on how other users send out bulk e-mails and avoid getting them into spam folders. A summary of the solutions is posted here. I wish to thank all the contributors.
Gold Insignia
A consumer sent an investment alert. Login to read about this investment here:
http://www.easyapps.sg/assn/Org/Default.aspx?id=8
http://www.easyapps.sg/assn/Org/Default.aspx?id=8
Do I renew my maid's contract?
A busy mother asked you to consider this question at the general election. Read this letter posted in SGEP.
Monday, April 25, 2011
SIAS and Profitable Plots
SIAS is arranging a meeting on 28 May 2011.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1124777/1/.html
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1124777/1/.html
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Delisting of Financial One Corp
I received a complaint on delisting of Financial One Corp. It is posted in the member section of Investment Alert.
Difficulty in sending e-mail
I tried to send e-mails to 600 FISCA members from a web application. It took a long time to send out the e-mails and is blocked by Google after 500 mails. There are other obstacles in sending which are not transparent to me. Some of the messages were sent out more than once.
It seemed that the only way to overcome this problem is to pay a third party mailing service at 10 cents per mail to send them out. Do you know of any better way? Send your solution to kinlian@gmail.com. Thanks.
It seemed that the only way to overcome this problem is to pay a third party mailing service at 10 cents per mail to send them out. Do you know of any better way? Send your solution to kinlian@gmail.com. Thanks.
Two personalities and the economic issues
The Sunday Times reported the attack made by Mr. Lim Hng Kiang on the economic ideas contained in the paper by Mr. Tan Jee Say. Here are my observations on the issues behind this debate. It appears that Mr. Tan Jee Say is being unfairly attacked - a repeat of similar incidents that happened in past elections. Read TKL website or click here.
Voters - it's five years to your next power point
E-mail sent to me by FT for posting
THE COMMON GOOD doesn’t appear to me to be that common to the common people. When young people have to struggle with high mortgage payments for their first flat, when the old and sick are afraid of their medical bills, when food prices are becoming exorbitant, talk of the future sound very hollow…
SOCIETY must do some re-think.
I don’t need the wisdom of Socrates or the sagacity of Confucius to tell you that you can now decide on the OPPOSITION you want, the type of government you need, and the way you want to be governed. It's your birth-right. Exercise that power of choice NOW or you will have to wait five long years to your next power point. Remember! It’s five long years to the next election.
FT
THE COMMON GOOD doesn’t appear to me to be that common to the common people. When young people have to struggle with high mortgage payments for their first flat, when the old and sick are afraid of their medical bills, when food prices are becoming exorbitant, talk of the future sound very hollow…
SOCIETY must do some re-think.
I don’t need the wisdom of Socrates or the sagacity of Confucius to tell you that you can now decide on the OPPOSITION you want, the type of government you need, and the way you want to be governed. It's your birth-right. Exercise that power of choice NOW or you will have to wait five long years to your next power point. Remember! It’s five long years to the next election.
FT
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Investment alert - spa packages
An investor sends in a collection of materials about spa packages and advised consumers to avoid them. Details can be found in Investment Alert, after you register as a member (it's free)
http://www.easyapps.sg/assn/Org/Default.aspx?id=8
http://www.easyapps.sg/assn/Org/Default.aspx?id=8
Manifestos of the Political Parties
Read the manifestos of the political parties here:
http://www.easyapps.sg/SGEP/Information.aspx?CatID=18
Judge for yourself, which party has a better vision for the future of Singapore!
http://www.easyapps.sg/SGEP/Information.aspx?CatID=18
Judge for yourself, which party has a better vision for the future of Singapore!
Civil servants and pension scheme
Quote from Diary of a Singaporean Mind
In 1996, 103 veteran civil servants sued the govt[Link]. When they signed up to join civil service, they did so under a pension scheme left behind by the British govt. In 1973, the PAP govt persuaded them to sign up for a new scheme called CPF. They were told this scheme was better because they would take home more pay every month and they would be better off in the long run. When they switched to this "better" CPF scheme, they would have to give up their medical benefits and pensions.There were many civil servants put under pressure in the 80s and 90s to switch to the CPF scheme. I remember the Straits Times had article after article on the benefits of switching to the CPF scheme including calculation to show how much these civil servants will benefit from the switch.
The man pushing for the civil servants to convert from the old scheme was Lee Hsien Loong. 2-3 decades later many of these civil servants who gave up their pensions realized they are worse off due the the inadequacy of CPF and escalating healthcare cost. They sued the govt and lost...then they appealed and lost again. When they made the wrong choice and believed what was presented to them, they committed an irreversible mistake which they regretted the rest of their lives. The pension scheme and medical benefits that these low ranking civil servants gave up was retained for top civil servants whose salaries also rose much faster than the average civil servant.
In a few weeks all of us have to make an important decision. We are shown numbers and calculations on how the foreign influx has created jobs for Singaporeans, how HDB remains affordable and massive upgrading carrots dangled to sway you to vote for them. Just remember what happened to those veteran civil servants who believed what they were told.
In 1996, 103 veteran civil servants sued the govt[Link]. When they signed up to join civil service, they did so under a pension scheme left behind by the British govt. In 1973, the PAP govt persuaded them to sign up for a new scheme called CPF. They were told this scheme was better because they would take home more pay every month and they would be better off in the long run. When they switched to this "better" CPF scheme, they would have to give up their medical benefits and pensions.There were many civil servants put under pressure in the 80s and 90s to switch to the CPF scheme. I remember the Straits Times had article after article on the benefits of switching to the CPF scheme including calculation to show how much these civil servants will benefit from the switch.
The man pushing for the civil servants to convert from the old scheme was Lee Hsien Loong. 2-3 decades later many of these civil servants who gave up their pensions realized they are worse off due the the inadequacy of CPF and escalating healthcare cost. They sued the govt and lost...then they appealed and lost again. When they made the wrong choice and believed what was presented to them, they committed an irreversible mistake which they regretted the rest of their lives. The pension scheme and medical benefits that these low ranking civil servants gave up was retained for top civil servants whose salaries also rose much faster than the average civil servant.
In a few weeks all of us have to make an important decision. We are shown numbers and calculations on how the foreign influx has created jobs for Singaporeans, how HDB remains affordable and massive upgrading carrots dangled to sway you to vote for them. Just remember what happened to those veteran civil servants who believed what they were told.
Buying votes
I overheard a conversation at the coffee shop between a middle age man and a Malay stall holder. The man said " I will vote for the PAP because they gave me $800. If they did not give me the money, I will not vote for them:". He lived in a 3 room flat. The stall holder said that her mother stayed in 1 room HDB flat and received $1,000. It seems to be buying votes - a bad reason for the political development of a country. What a questionable leadership and its bad influence on the people.
Eldershield and Eldershield supplements
If you have received a recent brochure from CPF about Eldershield, please send it to me at kinlian@gmail.com. I wish to analyse if the current premium rates give good value to consumers, compared to keeping the money in the Medsave account (to earn 4% per annum). Most claims are likely to occur at the advanced ages, and by that time, the premiums would have amounted to a large sum.
You can also send to me the premium rates for the Eldershield supplements offered by the participating life insurance companies.
You can also send to me the premium rates for the Eldershield supplements offered by the participating life insurance companies.
Singapore has lost the high moral ground
An excellent article by Lucky Tan
http://singaporemind.blogspot.com/2011/04/pap-has-lost-moral-high-ground.html
Quote
When the PAP hiked the GST to 7% we were all told it was done to help the poor. Several weeks ago, Tharman went on TV and show some statistics to prove that GST benefits the poor - his flawed argument was the rich pay more GST than the poor. Before GST, the poor paid no taxes and the rich paid more in income tax and corporate taxes. Yesterday, the PAP govt announced there will be no GST hikes in the next 5 years. Great! But cynics on the Internet joked that the PAP will not be helping the poor more for the next 5 years using their original argument that GST hike was to help the poor.
......
Mah Bow Tan angered many by saying the reserves are raided if HDB flats are more reasonably priced based on income. A quick look at the larger scheme of things it is clear now to most Singaporeans that the purchase of HDB has drained our CPF and it looks more like the PAP has raided our retirement accounts to build massive reserves.
Unquote
http://singaporemind.blogspot.com/2011/04/pap-has-lost-moral-high-ground.html
Quote
When the PAP hiked the GST to 7% we were all told it was done to help the poor. Several weeks ago, Tharman went on TV and show some statistics to prove that GST benefits the poor - his flawed argument was the rich pay more GST than the poor. Before GST, the poor paid no taxes and the rich paid more in income tax and corporate taxes. Yesterday, the PAP govt announced there will be no GST hikes in the next 5 years. Great! But cynics on the Internet joked that the PAP will not be helping the poor more for the next 5 years using their original argument that GST hike was to help the poor.
......
Mah Bow Tan angered many by saying the reserves are raided if HDB flats are more reasonably priced based on income. A quick look at the larger scheme of things it is clear now to most Singaporeans that the purchase of HDB has drained our CPF and it looks more like the PAP has raided our retirement accounts to build massive reserves.
Unquote
Early payout critical illness policy
Dear Mr. Tan
What are your views about the early payout critical illness policy that has been advertised by Great Eastern. Is it necessary to have this insurance?
REPLY
It covers some of the important risks in life, but you have to observe the following points:
What are your views about the early payout critical illness policy that has been advertised by Great Eastern. Is it necessary to have this insurance?
REPLY
It covers some of the important risks in life, but you have to observe the following points:
- Take the cover for not more than 20 years
- Compare the premium rates offered by three companies for the same cover
- Read the policy wordings to make sure that you understand the cover, i.e. do not rely on the explanation of the insurance agent.
I like to make a comparison of the premium rates for the following ages - 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 - separately for males and females, and for terms of 5, 10, 15 and 20 years. Please get me the premium rates for this cover charged by different insurance companies. I will prepare the comparison for those that contributed to this research and for FISCA members,.
Why I will vote for Opposition
Family Life Game
It is quite fun to play the family life game. The game at 8 pm and 9 pm takes only 40 minutes to complete. It is quite fast. You can practice the game now, and get ready for the Family Life Competition to be launched in May. Prizes will be given to winners. Go to www.easysearch.sg and click on Family Life. Watch the video.
HDB loan and Gen Y
A gen Y citizen talks about the burden of HDB loan on her parents and siblings. Click here.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Nicole Seah stands against GCT
Email sent to me.
Wow, she is pretty good. Also standing up against GCT
At age 24, I dismissed her candidacy until I saw her interview. Mature and passionate for her age.
She will win some votes.
Should DPM Wong resign over Mas Selamat?
Sent to TKL blog
Impartial civil service
Dear Mr. Tan
Please post in your blog:
As Head of Singapore Civil Service, shouldn't Mr. Peter Ong Boon Kwee pledge to Singaporeans that the Civil Service will continue to carry out it's duty to serve Singapore regardless of the party that wins the General Elections?
Please post in your blog:
As Head of Singapore Civil Service, shouldn't Mr. Peter Ong Boon Kwee pledge to Singaporeans that the Civil Service will continue to carry out it's duty to serve Singapore regardless of the party that wins the General Elections?
Affordable HDB flats
Is it possible to peg the HDB flat prices to the median income of Singaporeans without causing too much harm to those who bought the flats previously at the higher prices? You can read my suggestion at TKL website or click here.
I support the suggestion by the Workers Party in the manifesto and disagree with the replies given by the PAP minister.
Tan Kin Lian
I support the suggestion by the Workers Party in the manifesto and disagree with the replies given by the PAP minister.
Tan Kin Lian
SGEP is getting many visitors
SGEP (Singapore General Election Portal) is getting popular, with more than 1,500 unique visitors each day. It will soon be more popular than TKL blog.
SGEP contains a summary of the views on politics and social issues that are expressed in other blogs and in the mainstream media. It allows you to get a good feel of what is happening and the opinion in the internet.
Visit www.easyapps.sg/sgep to see the home page and click on Latest to see the latest postings.
SGEP contains a summary of the views on politics and social issues that are expressed in other blogs and in the mainstream media. It allows you to get a good feel of what is happening and the opinion in the internet.
Visit www.easyapps.sg/sgep to see the home page and click on Latest to see the latest postings.
Message to undergraduates
Hi
Act now to educate yourself and be savvy enough to protect your own financial future!
I wish to encourage you to create your own financial plan using the tool in the website link You can try a few financial plans to generate the plan that is most suitable for your needs. You can also help your parents to prepare their financial plans.
You can also pass this link to your family and friends and encourge them to do their own financial plan (DIY) also.
Remember. When you start work, many insurance agents (or financial advisers) will ask you to buy their long term products. By that time, it is too late for you to learn what is best for your future. You will sign on a bad product, including a life insurance policy, and be locked into a losing investment for the next 30 years.
Act now to educate yourself and be savvy enough to protect your own financial future!
Tan Kin Lian
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Candidates speak on Razor TV
Message from Wong Wee Nam
Dear All,
The state TV has only been giving glimpses of my comrades contesting this GE. Watch more of them here as they speak with the media.
http://www.razor.tv/site/
http://www.razor.tv/site/
http://www.razor.tv/site/
"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have enough. It is whether we provide enough for those who have little."
Franklin D Roosevelt (1882-1945)
United States, 32nd president
United States, 32nd president
"A nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people." JFK
Shape Quiz
Watch this video on the shape quiz.
It is interesting, challenging and fun - suitable for children, adults and seniors.
It trains the player on logic and problem solving.
The book, which comes with the nice plastic pieces, can be ordered here.
It is interesting, challenging and fun - suitable for children, adults and seniors.
It trains the player on logic and problem solving.
The book, which comes with the nice plastic pieces, can be ordered here.
Financial planning tool and handbook
You can use this financial planning tool and download the handbooks. See Ask Mr. Tan or click here.
Financial Planning book - English and Chinese versions
Dear Mr. Tan,
Congrats to your new book launched recently.
I went to bookstore, but unfortunately, I can't roughly read through the content as the book is wrapped.
How is the book contents? Do you have any English version?
Any special discount if I would like to buy online instead of retail?
REPLY
You enjoy a discount on my books when you buy online at www.tankinlian.com/ishop.
Click here to order: http://easyapps.sg/ishop2/Quantity.aspx?ID=4
Congrats to your new book launched recently.
I went to bookstore, but unfortunately, I can't roughly read through the content as the book is wrapped.
How is the book contents? Do you have any English version?
Any special discount if I would like to buy online instead of retail?
REPLY
You enjoy a discount on my books when you buy online at www.tankinlian.com/ishop.
Click here to order: http://easyapps.sg/ishop2/Quantity.aspx?ID=4
SDP team for the General Election 2011
Message from Dr. Wong Wee Nam
Dear All,
These are my comrades who will be standing in the coming GE. If you are in Yuhua, Bt Panjang, Holland-Bukit Timah GRC and Sembawang GRC, please keep them in mind.
Click: http://www.yoursdp.org/index.
Please also go to www.yoursdp.org for the latest in election news.
Wee Nam
Dear All,
These are my comrades who will be standing in the coming GE. If you are in Yuhua, Bt Panjang, Holland-Bukit Timah GRC and Sembawang GRC, please keep them in mind.
Click: http://www.yoursdp.org/index.
Please also go to www.yoursdp.org for the latest in election news.
Wee Nam
Travel insurance
There is a comparison of the premium rates for travel insurance between two popular insurance companies. The table can also be used as a benchmark to compare the premium rates charged by other insurance companies.
Go to www.easysearch.sg/fisca and login as a member to view this comparison. It is stored in "evaluation of financial products".
Go to www.easysearch.sg/fisca and login as a member to view this comparison. It is stored in "evaluation of financial products".
Party political broadcast - 5 years back
Refreshing yoiur memory.
Perhaps it will be useful to go back 5 years ago to hear what was said in the battle
to win the hearts and minds of Singaporeans before the elections by leaders of 4
political parties, viz SDP, WP, SDA, & PAP.
What will be the issues that will be brought up this time round?
Singapore Election 2006: Party Political Broadcast part 1 (Chee Siok Chin/ Sylvia Lim)
http://youtu.be/SjiiNSCupjA
Singapore Election 2006: Party Political Broadcast Part 2 (Chiam See Tong)
http://youtu.be/SG9zXF-503I
Singapore Election 2006: Party Political Broadcast Part 3 (Lee Hsien Loong)
http://youtu.be/CCuDwTgzA5g
to win the hearts and minds of Singaporeans before the elections by leaders of 4
political parties, viz SDP, WP, SDA, & PAP.
What will be the issues that will be brought up this time round?
Singapore Election 2006: Party Political Broadcast part 1 (Chee Siok Chin/ Sylvia Lim)
http://youtu.be/SjiiNSCupjA
Singapore Election 2006: Party Political Broadcast Part 2 (Chiam See Tong)
http://youtu.be/SG9zXF-503I
Singapore Election 2006: Party Political Broadcast Part 3 (Lee Hsien Loong)
http://youtu.be/CCuDwTgzA5g
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Comparing credentials
SGEP has an article that compares the credentials of Lee Hsien Loong and Chen Show Mao.
Dolmabache palace, Istanbul
Mike Hansford contributed this fascinating power point of a beautiful palace in Istanbul, Turkey. See TKL website or click here.
Yeo Toon Joo's open letter to the government
An ex-journalist writes this open letter to the government, published in SGEP.
The black surgeon
An amazing story of a talented black surgeon who endured racial discrimination and continued to give his best.
http://tankinlian.com/admin/file.aspx?id=475
http://tankinlian.com/admin/file.aspx?id=475
Funding unemployment insurance
I like to write a few words about funding unemployment insurance. The premium is paid by workers and are used to pay benefits to the unemployed.
Additional measures may be introduced, as follows:
With these rules, it may be possible to bring down the insurance premium to a lower level. Another factor is the share of the contribution from tax revenue. This contribution will bring down the insurance premium rate proportionately. It is possible for the insurance premium to vary according to industry. A higher rate may be charged for industries with higher unemployment rate, i.e. the rate is based on actual claim experience.
A final point - the unemployment insurance scheme has to be compulsory by law. If it is voluntary, only those who suffer a higher risk of unemployment will buy the insurance. This will not give a sufficiently large pool to spread the risk.
Assume that the unemployment rate is 6%. If the unemployment benefit is 100% of wages, the premium rate has to be 6% of their wages. It is not advisable for the benefit to be 100% of wages, as it will create a moral hazard, i.e. some workers may voluntarily become unemployed. If the benefit is 50% of the wages, the premium rate can be reduced to 3%.
Additional measures may be introduced, as follows:
a) The benefit is payable only for retrenchment after at least two years in the job.
b) The benefit is paid only for a certain period, say 12 or 24 months.
c) The unemployed person must actively seek work and cannot reject a suitable job that has been offered.
With these rules, it may be possible to bring down the insurance premium to a lower level. Another factor is the share of the contribution from tax revenue. This contribution will bring down the insurance premium rate proportionately. It is possible for the insurance premium to vary according to industry. A higher rate may be charged for industries with higher unemployment rate, i.e. the rate is based on actual claim experience.
A final point - the unemployment insurance scheme has to be compulsory by law. If it is voluntary, only those who suffer a higher risk of unemployment will buy the insurance. This will not give a sufficiently large pool to spread the risk.
Tan Kin Lian
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Contest in Tampines GRC -HSK and GMS
Dear Mr Tan
We truly envy the Hong Kong people and what Hong Kong Monetary Authority have done for them. I have watched Channel 8 news 630pm (about 1 week ago) of Mr Heng Swee Kiat in response to Minibond saga that MAS have a vigourous system and most of the investors have their money back,. This is not the answer but a comparison of how a caring authority would do to protect their people when they were being victimised.
http://www.economist.com/node/18486397?story_id=18486397
I am glad that Mr. Goh Meng Seng, who spoke for the investors at Hong Lim, is now contesting against Mr. Heng Swee Keat, former MD of MAS. I wish to give my support to Mr. Goh of the NSP.
http://www.economist.com/node/18486397?story_id=18486397
Personal attacks on Worker Party Chen will backfire
Mr. Tan, please highlight in your blog
We need more candidates with Chen Show Mao's "calibre" to help face the threats of globalisation from the external environment. At least, PMETs should endorse him for their own "future".....
DPM Teo Chee Hean said Singaporeans have to consider whether opposition parties can deliver on the "laundry list of things"they have laid out in their manifestoes.
Two past PAP manifestoes had failed to address and solve the common Singaporeans' future for the last 10 years in the face of globalisation, do you expect to see any "difference" to come from new PAP candidates, in the like of Ms Tin Pei Ling to even MG Chan Chun Sing, who are groomed within the "closed" warm PAP "cocoon" and political culture; to initiate a change while under the tutelage of SM Goh and MM Lee?
An intelligent Electorate should be looking at "a new shopping list for a better detergent" and Chen Show Mao could be just that "detergent" Singaporeans are looking for. "
Link :-
We need more candidates with Chen Show Mao's "calibre" to help face the threats of globalisation from the external environment. At least, PMETs should endorse him for their own "future".....
DPM Teo Chee Hean said Singaporeans have to consider whether opposition parties can deliver on the "laundry list of things"they have laid out in their manifestoes.
Two past PAP manifestoes had failed to address and solve the common Singaporeans' future for the last 10 years in the face of globalisation, do you expect to see any "difference" to come from new PAP candidates, in the like of Ms Tin Pei Ling to even MG Chan Chun Sing, who are groomed within the "closed" warm PAP "cocoon" and political culture; to initiate a change while under the tutelage of SM Goh and MM Lee?
An intelligent Electorate should be looking at "a new shopping list for a better detergent" and Chen Show Mao could be just that "detergent" Singaporeans are looking for. "
Link :-
Family Life - 3 games daily
I have created 3 games daily for Family Life
Game start at 10 am (20 minute for each virtual year)
Game start at 8 pm (1 minute for each virtual year)
Game start at 9 pm (1 minute for each virtual year)
The 8 pm and 9 pm game can be completed in 40 minutes. The 10 am game can be completed in 13 hours (before midnight). When you play the 10 am game, you can have a bell to alert you on the close of each virtual year.
The game can be played here: http://projects.easyapps.sg/fl/
Login with your email address and password and view the games that are available within the next 24 hours.
Game start at 10 am (20 minute for each virtual year)
Game start at 8 pm (1 minute for each virtual year)
Game start at 9 pm (1 minute for each virtual year)
The 8 pm and 9 pm game can be completed in 40 minutes. The 10 am game can be completed in 13 hours (before midnight). When you play the 10 am game, you can have a bell to alert you on the close of each virtual year.
The game can be played here: http://projects.easyapps.sg/fl/
Login with your email address and password and view the games that are available within the next 24 hours.
Critical illness coverage
Dear Mr. Tan,
I am a 45 year old housewife. I'm covered by Eldershield and Incomeshield Plus Advantage. I am thinking of taking up some insurance plans for critical illness. I do not ahve any pre-existing illness. What do you recommend?
REPLY
Read this FAQ
http://tankinlian.com/admin/file.aspx?id=444
You can also consult vincent sear here
http://tankinlian.com/admin/file.aspx?id=435
I am a 45 year old housewife. I'm covered by Eldershield and Incomeshield Plus Advantage. I am thinking of taking up some insurance plans for critical illness. I do not ahve any pre-existing illness. What do you recommend?
REPLY
Read this FAQ
http://tankinlian.com/admin/file.aspx?id=444
You can also consult vincent sear here
http://tankinlian.com/admin/file.aspx?id=435
Singapore Election Portal
Hi Mr Tan,
I am currently overseas, and wanted to confirm my name in the register of electors and also which polling district I am assigned to.However, since yesterday the service does not seem to be available. Can you also check on your side and see if any of your readers face the same problem?
http://www.elections.gov.sg/
REPLY
I just logged in and got the message,
REPLY
I just logged in and got the message,
| Our eServices have been suspended temporarily. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused. |
Is the government representative?
Dear Kin Lian,
I've gone through most of the comments on the General Election. I believe ONE very important point has been overlooked: For a Government to be truly representative of the people, the power it exercises and the mandate it earns has to be PROPORTIONAL to the percentage of total votes polled during the general election. The reference is to the French proportional electoral system.
Thus if a party wins 66% of the total votes polled it wins ONLY 66% of the total seats in parliament. 34% of the votes being won by the Opposition parties. The Oppositon as a whole get 34% of the seats. The seats won by each opposition party is proportional to the percentage of votes won.
By this measure, omitting other factors, in the last parliament, the Opposition as a group was entitled to 34% of seats, that works out to 34% of 81 seats, that is, to round off, - 28 seats!
The INCUMBENT party has, morally earned only 53 seats, since it won only 66% of a total votes and therefore 66% of 81 seats. It has a mandate only to that extent and no more.
If the incumbent party wants to dominate 90% of the parliamentary seats, it has to go out there and poll 90% of the total votes. If the same said party wants to control 100% of the seats, SIMPLE - all it has to do is to go out there and win 100% of the total votes, that is, every single vote polled, not one vote less!
PS. please post this piece on your website.
I've gone through most of the comments on the General Election. I believe ONE very important point has been overlooked: For a Government to be truly representative of the people, the power it exercises and the mandate it earns has to be PROPORTIONAL to the percentage of total votes polled during the general election. The reference is to the French proportional electoral system.
Thus if a party wins 66% of the total votes polled it wins ONLY 66% of the total seats in parliament. 34% of the votes being won by the Opposition parties. The Oppositon as a whole get 34% of the seats. The seats won by each opposition party is proportional to the percentage of votes won.
By this measure, omitting other factors, in the last parliament, the Opposition as a group was entitled to 34% of seats, that works out to 34% of 81 seats, that is, to round off, - 28 seats!
The INCUMBENT party has, morally earned only 53 seats, since it won only 66% of a total votes and therefore 66% of 81 seats. It has a mandate only to that extent and no more.
If the incumbent party wants to dominate 90% of the parliamentary seats, it has to go out there and poll 90% of the total votes. If the same said party wants to control 100% of the seats, SIMPLE - all it has to do is to go out there and win 100% of the total votes, that is, every single vote polled, not one vote less!
PS. please post this piece on your website.
Survey - LKY to contest in the general election 2011
Updated:
96 people participated in the survey during the past 12 hours. It is a popular survey.
By age group - 12% below 30, 50% between 30 to 50, 38% above 50.
Do you support LKY's decision to participate in the general election?
Yes - 15% No - 85%
If you live in Tanjong Pagar GRC, will you vote for LKY and the PAP?
Yes - 15%, No - 85%
Which of these points do you agree?
Negative:
He should give way to younger leaders - 76 votes
He should not collect his million dollar salary - 69 votes
Singaporeans will find it difficult to get good jobs - 32 votes
Singaporeans will have a bleak future - 31 votes
Positive:
He has great stature outside Singapore - 29 votes
96 people participated in the survey during the past 12 hours. It is a popular survey.
By age group - 12% below 30, 50% between 30 to 50, 38% above 50.
Do you support LKY's decision to participate in the general election?
Yes - 15% No - 85%
If you live in Tanjong Pagar GRC, will you vote for LKY and the PAP?
Yes - 15%, No - 85%
Which of these points do you agree?
Negative:
He should give way to younger leaders - 76 votes
He should not collect his million dollar salary - 69 votes
The cost of living will be heavy - 53 votes
Inequity will continue to wider - 52 votesMore foreigners will come to compete with Singaporeans - 52 votes
Life will be bad for the low income - 49 votesSingaporeans will find it difficult to get good jobs - 32 votes
Singaporeans will have a bleak future - 31 votes
Positive:
He has great stature outside Singapore - 29 votes
Investment Alerts
Join this website and read about the scams to avoid (available only to members after login). If you have your personal experience to share, send an email to kinlian@gmail.com.
A New Earth and Wisdom on How to Live Life
If you are interested to find out how to end conflict and suffering in the world and how to find personal inner peace, read Eckhart Tolle’s book “A New Earth” and Tommy Wong’s books “Wisdom on How to Live Life”.
Unemployment insurance
I met a German lady who married a Singaporean and lived in Singapore for the past 30 years. She is active in grassroots work.
She told me that the unemployment insurance scheme in Germany is a good scheme and explained the following:
a) In the town where she grew up, many people became unemployed due to relocation of their factories to other countries. The loss of jobs is beyond their control.
b) Many Germans prefer to work, rather than to live off the unemployment benefit system
c) If the unemployed refused to take up suitable jobs, the unemployment benefits would cease - as it is closely monitored by the government insurance department.
She explained that the unemployment insurance helped the unemployed people to tide over a period of financial difficulty caused by the loss of job. While some people may take advantage of the system, the majority are honest workers. While any system is not perfect, it has to be evaluated based on its good and bad points. The unemployment insurance scheme is, on the whole, doing more good than harm.
The unemployment insurance is funded by the contribution from the workers who have jobs. It is a fair system - those who have jobs and salary contribute towards those who lose their jobs involuntarily (and are not out to cheat the system). This is the purpose of insurance!
Tan Kin Lian
She told me that the unemployment insurance scheme in Germany is a good scheme and explained the following:
a) In the town where she grew up, many people became unemployed due to relocation of their factories to other countries. The loss of jobs is beyond their control.
b) Many Germans prefer to work, rather than to live off the unemployment benefit system
c) If the unemployed refused to take up suitable jobs, the unemployment benefits would cease - as it is closely monitored by the government insurance department.
She explained that the unemployment insurance helped the unemployed people to tide over a period of financial difficulty caused by the loss of job. While some people may take advantage of the system, the majority are honest workers. While any system is not perfect, it has to be evaluated based on its good and bad points. The unemployment insurance scheme is, on the whole, doing more good than harm.
The unemployment insurance is funded by the contribution from the workers who have jobs. It is a fair system - those who have jobs and salary contribute towards those who lose their jobs involuntarily (and are not out to cheat the system). This is the purpose of insurance!
Tan Kin Lian
No campaigning on 6 May 2011
Dear Mr. Tan
I hope everyone in the oppositions to exercise extreme care on May 6. Please exercise extreme care not to do anymore campaigning.
I hope everyone in the oppositions to exercise extreme care on May 6. Please exercise extreme care not to do anymore campaigning.
Monday, April 18, 2011
E-mail scam
Here is another scam.
I need your cooperation and assistant in transferring my financial portfolio in excess of three million, Seven Hundredn Thousand United State Dollars which is my allocation from my inheritance.
I am Lilian Lambert, the daughter to Late sefi Lambert the Software developer here in Britian. I am 24 years of age and single. I need a new start and a different environment.
Contact me via Email: lilanlambert@msn.com
Yours Truely,
Lilian Lambert
I need your cooperation and assistant in transferring my financial portfolio in excess of three million, Seven Hundredn Thousand United State Dollars which is my allocation from my inheritance.
I am Lilian Lambert, the daughter to Late sefi Lambert the Software developer here in Britian. I am 24 years of age and single. I need a new start and a different environment.
Contact me via Email: lilanlambert@msn.com
Yours Truely,
Lilian Lambert
A scam - asking money to pay hotel bills
I received this e-mail purportedly to be from someone that I know. But this e-mail is a scam. The scammer probably hacked into the e-mail account and used the account to send out. This type of scam can be caught, if the authority are interested.
Hello!
I'm sorry I didn't inform you about my traveling... We are presently in London, United Kingdom on short vacation and as i write to you now.. its unbelievable me and my family are stuck here,got mugged at gun point on our way to the hotel and our money,credit cards,phone and other valuable things were taken off me at gun point, thanking Almighty God for save keeping our passport., i really need your urgent assistance quickly ? WE JUST NEED £1,650 GBP TO SORT OUT OUR HOTEL BILLS AND we promise to refund it back to you once we get home cause i still have some cash in my account but i cant access any here right now ,already canceled all our cards immediately after the muggers took our things off me!!! still at the public internet library where we making use of the free internet access, i will forever be grateful if you can help me,Waiting to hear from you quickly cos our flight leaves in few hrs but need to sort the hotel bills and please save us from been embarrassed.
Hello!
I'm sorry I didn't inform you about my traveling... We are presently in London, United Kingdom on short vacation and as i write to you now.. its unbelievable me and my family are stuck here,got mugged at gun point on our way to the hotel and our money,credit cards,phone and other valuable things were taken off me at gun point, thanking Almighty God for save keeping our passport., i really need your urgent assistance quickly ? WE JUST NEED £1,650 GBP TO SORT OUT OUR HOTEL BILLS AND we promise to refund it back to you once we get home cause i still have some cash in my account but i cant access any here right now ,already canceled all our cards immediately after the muggers took our things off me!!! still at the public internet library where we making use of the free internet access, i will forever be grateful if you can help me,Waiting to hear from you quickly cos our flight leaves in few hrs but need to sort the hotel bills and please save us from been embarrassed.
Famous quotes from our leaders
This article in SGEP contains a list of famous quotes from our leaders.
Security - a scam?
Some companies make a business by providing security - airport security, building security, computer security, internet banking security and other types of security. They exaggerate the risks that can arise from lack of security and provide expensive solutions to solve these risks. They make a lot of profit from these solutions.
Apart from the high cost and burden to the businesses, which are passed to consumers, these security measures add to the hassle of life. Life is already so stressful and the excessive security measures make life more complicated.
If airport security is loosen, what will happen? Maybe a plane might fall to terrorists every few years. The number of people that is killed would still be quite small, compared to deaths by road accidents. I am not suggesting that the airport security be removed entirely. I am suggesting more sensible ways to implement security that is less costly, less troublesome and still quite effective.
I have the same observation for internet banking security. We have gone overboard in giving so many layers of security for small payments through bank transfer or credit cards. In the real world, the cash in my pocket can be easily stolen. Someone can take my check book and forge my signature. The real world carries more real risks than hacking through the internet. Why do we need to over-emphasize the security risks of computer systems?
The biggest scam is the y2k. Many consultants and accounting firms exaggerate the risks to computer systems that could occur when the date passes through midnight of 31 December 1999,. They pocketed hundred of millions of consultancy and security fees. Nothing happened when the world enters into the 1st second of 2000. The companies that paid the millions were conned, and they were too ashamed to admit it. The key people responsible for this waste were the regulators, who fell for the con and imposed strong requirements on the banks, insurance companies and other businesses to implement the y2k security measures.
I ask for the people responsible to use their common sense and evaluate the costs of prevention against the benefits of avoiding loss - i.e. to exercise risk management in a sensible way. If the cost is excessive, it is better to take the risk (i.e risk retention). If preventive measures have to be taken, choose the appropriate measures that are cost effective.
Tan Kin Lian
Apart from the high cost and burden to the businesses, which are passed to consumers, these security measures add to the hassle of life. Life is already so stressful and the excessive security measures make life more complicated.
If airport security is loosen, what will happen? Maybe a plane might fall to terrorists every few years. The number of people that is killed would still be quite small, compared to deaths by road accidents. I am not suggesting that the airport security be removed entirely. I am suggesting more sensible ways to implement security that is less costly, less troublesome and still quite effective.
I have the same observation for internet banking security. We have gone overboard in giving so many layers of security for small payments through bank transfer or credit cards. In the real world, the cash in my pocket can be easily stolen. Someone can take my check book and forge my signature. The real world carries more real risks than hacking through the internet. Why do we need to over-emphasize the security risks of computer systems?
The biggest scam is the y2k. Many consultants and accounting firms exaggerate the risks to computer systems that could occur when the date passes through midnight of 31 December 1999,. They pocketed hundred of millions of consultancy and security fees. Nothing happened when the world enters into the 1st second of 2000. The companies that paid the millions were conned, and they were too ashamed to admit it. The key people responsible for this waste were the regulators, who fell for the con and imposed strong requirements on the banks, insurance companies and other businesses to implement the y2k security measures.
I ask for the people responsible to use their common sense and evaluate the costs of prevention against the benefits of avoiding loss - i.e. to exercise risk management in a sensible way. If the cost is excessive, it is better to take the risk (i.e risk retention). If preventive measures have to be taken, choose the appropriate measures that are cost effective.
Tan Kin Lian
Political parties in Finnland
9 political parties in Finland get at least one seat in the recent GE. Of total 200 seats, the top four parties got 44, 42, 39, and 35 seats. Finland has 5.4 million people, a small country by number of inhabitants.
http://www.currentfinancenews.
http://www.currentfinancenews.
LKY will contest the general election
LKY has announced that he will contest the general election. Do you support this decision? Give your views in this survey.
Gas at $4 a gallon
The CNBC media commentators talk about gas (petrol) at $4 a gallon to be a psychological barrier. Beyond that price, the consumers will reduce the consumption of gas. What is the petrol price in Singapore now, and how much is it converted to US$ per gallon? I believe that our petrol prices must have exceeded the US prices by a lot!
UPDATE
I did my research. Petrol price is $2.12 p litre (95 UL). 1 US gallon = 3.785 litre. USD = 1.247 SGD. So, the petrol price in Singapore is USD 6.43 per gallon - over 50% higher than the "critical price" in US. Singaporeans do pay high price!
UPDATE
I did my research. Petrol price is $2.12 p litre (95 UL). 1 US gallon = 3.785 litre. USD = 1.247 SGD. So, the petrol price in Singapore is USD 6.43 per gallon - over 50% higher than the "critical price" in US. Singaporeans do pay high price!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Is the President's Salary reasonable?
A reader wrote to Today paper on the President's salary. The letter was not published. The letter is now published in SGEP.
Real medical cost in Singapore
Read this article in SGEP. The real medical cost is higher than stated by the Minister for Health.
Buy motor insurance directly
It is easy to buy motor insurance directly from Direct Asia, if you come prepared. You enjoy a lower premium and also avoid the trouble of visiting the office of the insurance company. Read this article.
Survey - Voting in general election 2011 - interim results
57 people participated in the survey during the past 12 hours. The breakdown of the participants are:
Below 30 - 10%
30 to 50 - 51%
Above 50 - 39%
1. How will you vote in the general election
For the PAP - 4%
Against PAP - 96%
2. If you are in living in Tanjong Pagar, will you vote for PAP and LKY?
For PAP - 6%
Against PAP - 94%
3, If you are living in Marine Parade GRC, will you vote for PAP and GCT?
For PAP - 8%
Against PAP - 92%
The dislike of the PAP is strong among the readers of my blog. The respect for LKY and GCT does not make any difference to the voting choices.
Tan Kin Lian
Below 30 - 10%
30 to 50 - 51%
Above 50 - 39%
1. How will you vote in the general election
For the PAP - 4%
Against PAP - 96%
2. If you are in living in Tanjong Pagar, will you vote for PAP and LKY?
For PAP - 6%
Against PAP - 94%
3, If you are living in Marine Parade GRC, will you vote for PAP and GCT?
For PAP - 8%
Against PAP - 92%
The dislike of the PAP is strong among the readers of my blog. The respect for LKY and GCT does not make any difference to the voting choices.
Tan Kin Lian
Your vote at the general election 2011
How will you vote at the general election 2011? If you live in Tanjong Pagar or Marine Parade GRC, how will your vote? Give your answer in this survey.
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