Originally posted by oxford mushroom:

Does democracy equate prosperity?

Frankly, I think if the Opposition can attract a successful entrepreneur like Li Ka Shing to join, they will have a good chance...he's got a good track record of making making for his company..

democracy may or may not equate to prosperity but the fact remains that the most prosperous nations like USA are also the most democractic. in fact, it is in a very democratic city like Hong Kong that entrepreneurs like Li Ka Shing could fluorish.

successful entrepreneurs here would not join the opposition because the moment they do that, for all you know, their licence to own and do business may be revoked or unecessary obstacles imposed on them.

my opinion is this. when an economy has just begun, when the base is low and the jobs being performed are simple and easy to manage, then democracy probably wouldn't be as essential and a centrally planned economy may suffice.

however, when the economy approaches maturity, when the tasks performed are no longer simple and easily directed, the lack of democracy would hinder the continued progress of the economy or even dampen it.

Originally posted by king108:

The part that running a country is just about making "money" should be related to: allow me to quote: [b]to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation. (As stated by our respectable late co-founder of Singapore, Mr S Rajaratnam.

It's is for the nation. No just big pocket for you or anyone that runs a country.

Living a commoner's life in Singapore, priority is still making money in order to survive. With one sufficient, he can then contribute to the nation development. Do you agree?.

[/b]

i think you misunderstood rex. he is saying there is more to life than just making money be it for self, family or nation. that money is the vehicle to happiness and not happiness itself.

in any case, we also need to correctly interpret Mr Rajaratnam's words. what he means is that we should all make a good living so that we can all progress and prosper together.

just imagine, the govt needs to take over your home in order to build a new road. he gives you $1 as compensation. would you say "thank you very much i'm really happy this is for progress of the nation". if the govt does that to every other person, in the name of progress for the nation, then doesn't that become progress for the govt at the people's expense? sounds more like communist china isn't it?

Originally posted by snow leopard:

i think you misunderstood rex. he is saying there is more to life than just making money be it for self, family or nation. that money is the vehicle to happiness and not happiness itself.

in any case, we also need to correctly interpret Mr Rajaratnam's words. what he means is that we should all make a good living so that we can all progress and prosper together.

just imagine, the govt needs to take over your home in order to build a new road. he gives you $1 as compensation. would you say "thank you very much i'm really happy this is for progress of the nation". if the govt does that to every other person, in the name of progress for the nation, then doesn't that become progress for the govt at the people's expense? sounds more like communist china isn't it?

Fellow Rex, forgive me as I may have misinterpreted your statements. There are many types of businessman and/or entreprener. We need those that can create wealth, stable job opportunities, sharing wealth and care more for the society and no individual's pocket.

Money is the vehicle to solve many problems, I would not said it is the happiness. But without money here, it is very stressful. Unfortunately, one had to face the real singapore, that is no money, no life. Unlike other countries, where there are still places that you still can survive with the need of some money. (depends on individual's requirements, material needs and expectation).

Refering to Mr Rajaratnam's penned pledge. Read my statement properly, it mean exactly what you mentioned.

I would not wanted to comment on the resettlement issues. My house was moved while I was away from singapore. When I came back, I found myself paying for a HDB flat. (No in the right position for me to comment because I still quite profitable even if I sold this flat later). I don't believe in property is for investment, angmo don't do that. That why you don't see them carrying their door along when they are outside (more carefree life style).

A flat to me is actually for my shelter needs only and nothing else. A HDB flat only a lease to you, 60 years may be you will be relocated again. What there to be proud of having a 5 rms or even exec units. (only unless it landed and/or freehold 999)

Your $1 compensation, is just like saying good morning to Mr Robin Hood. I don't want to spell it out (You know it). Don't bleed over this, it will only made you more miserable. Convert your misery into strength.

I had greeted Mr Robin Hood in a Monday morning few years back. I found myself 90% poorer after that. I think a lot of them who encountered what I encountered may have gone Heaven.

Cheer

Why is anonymouscoward?
MIA since his last post, but came in to edit his profile.
Taking a walk in cyberspace park with the Internet Security Dogs?

Now got king108 hijack your thread --- a clone?

Just want to say this:
It is your right to remain anonymous, it is also your right to remain coward.
It is very easy to be an armchair critic, but it takes courage to be out there contesting. Just think what happened to those who contested in Cheng San.

I am not saying that money is not essential. Unfortunately, under the capitalist system, money is important. But there must still be a balance, and an understanding that politics goes far beyond economics. Politics governs your way of life, and especially in Singapore, your ability to think and to come to your own opinions. There are myriad other important matters that politics shape as well.

If you want to fight for these other intangible aspects of life, then what I am suggesting is that a person should vote for the opposition even if it is simply for the sake of having one - because it is symbolic, and because without a symbol of dissent, the incumbent can only become complacent and even more authoritarian (on this point, my view is that the incumbent has become less authoritarian over the many years, but primarily for reasons other than domestic politics).

We now have more qualified and credible members of the opposition standing for elections. They may not be the best brains, but at least they have heart. Why should we not give them a chance? Is there so much to lose in reality or is it just an irrational fear of economic collapse? And there is so much to gain...

Originally posted by ObviousMan:

Why is anonymouscoward?
MIA since his last post, but came in to edit his profile.
Taking a walk in cyberspace park with the Internet Security Dogs?

Now got king108 hijack your thread --- a clone?

Just want to say this:
It is your right to remain anonymous, it is also your right to remain coward.
It is very easy to be an armchair critic, but it takes courage to be out there contesting. Just think what happened to those who contested in Cheng San.

King is king, no other king. Honestly, I don't know who is the one that you are refering to as "annonymouscoward"?
Did I make myself unknown to you. Just call me king then? If I am one, I won't be entertaining a "XXXX" like you.
Sorry I don't know you are handicapper, sitting on an armchair. I got 2 legs to walk.
You had yet to answer my point over the other column, is it will be too early or rightful for you to name any fellow singaporean anything you wanted?
I don't know what you refering on the last sentences...(Frankly speaking who you talking?)

Mr obviousman is looking for you. Regards.

Originally posted by king108:

Mr anonymouscoward - Mr obviousman is waiting for you to service him. Regards.

I've stated in my earlier post that I've read and wrote enough; and so I thought I'll sit back, come in to read once in a while and wait for the GE. Unfortunately, it seems that is not possible...

So.. to ObviousMan

I'm not King108. If there's anyone else in this thread who thinks like myself, I would say it's Oxford Mushroom. Reading past posting should give clarity as to whether King108 is my clone.

I chose this nickname because I didn't want to burn too many brain cells thinking of a nice nickname; only to realize that it has already been taken.

"Anonymous Coward" is a term applied within some online communities to describe users who post without a handle; it is a dummy name attributed to anonymous posts used by some weblogs that allow posting by people without registering for accounts.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anonymous_Coward

I edited my profile... thanks to ObviousMan, who help me realize that it is actually possible to look into one's profile; although the information gathered may not be of much use and may not be true anyway (although mine is). It is not of importance for me to remain anonymous and I am willing to share with anyone my email address.

I'm not a coward. I supported opposition in their rallies and I would continue to do so. I would love to stand for election but I find myself unqualified, unconvincing and I have too dirty a past that I'll probably be a liability. I don't mind forking out $13000 although I seriously doubt the any party would make me pay with my own money if they felt I can do the job.

Lastly, I really don't want to make anymore comment on this thread. It has lost it's original intention of suggesting to the opposition that they should be pro-active in recruitment if they wish to win more votes than those from their fervent supporters. I would love to take up the challenge of making more arguments but I've been called childish for doing so.

After reading all the comments, I find myself questioning the value of having more opposition in the parliament. Almost everyone here believes there is no possibility of them becoming an alternative government (although I think they should); none believe that they are capable of blocking any policy made by the ruling party. And if all they can do is to question these policies, why the need for so many oppositions? Shouldn’t they posses the qualities and knowledge of lawyers like CST and JBJ? I look at Thailand and their quest for "democracy" and I asked myself if I want to put this country into that situation.

I find myself more reluctant to vote for any candidates without substantial credentials.

There are supporters here who would vote for the opposition regardless of their candidates; there are those who would vote for the opposition if they have good candidates; they are those who would vote for any good candidates; and there are those who would support the PAP. To each his own and to each, his views and reasons. I am not ashame to say that my reasons are driven by economical, social and political stability.

Originally posted by anonymouscoward

[/b]

Thanks Fellow anonymouscoward for your reply. I don't think you are a coward, no only you but anyone that had dared to presented here should be named coward.

First let me clarify, I am king108 and an unique self and got nothing to do with anyone such as Oxford Mushroom. I do agree that we think alike in certain area, which is why readers may tended to clone of someone else.

Why "King108" cause I can't use my name as ID because it had been used up by other fellows. No specially designed name, it only pure coincidence that this ID can be used (actually came from part of my email address).

After entertaining fellow obviousman, I had to agree with you that "to each his own and to each, his views and reasons."

[b]I am not ashame to say that my reasons are driven by economical, social and political stability. [/b]- count me in.

Originally posted by king108:

There are many types of businessman and/or entreprener. We need those that can create wealth, stable job opportunities, sharing wealth and care more for the society and no individual's pocket.


similarly we need leaders who would create, not squander wealth, give us decent jobs instead of giving well paying jobs to foreigners and pay us better peanuts instead of paying itself multi-million dollar salaries.


Money is the vehicle to solve many problems, I would not said it is the happiness. But without money here, it is very stressful. Unfortunately, one had to face the real singapore, that is no money, no life. Unlike other countries, where there are still places that you still can survive with the need of some money. (depends on individual's requirements, material needs and expectation).


yes, life here is indeed unforgiving and it simply shows how uncompassionately our society is being run, which is totally different from the ideal that you wished for - a caring and sharing society. hence we really need an alternative govt that can balance the present unrelentless, unforgiving one.


A flat to me is actually for my shelter needs only and nothing else. A HDB flat only a lease to you, 60 years may be you will be relocated again. What there to be proud of having a 5 rms or even exec units. (only unless it landed and/or freehold 999)


but you can't be simultaneously encouraging people to have more kids and asking them to stay in small flats can you?


Your $1 compensation, is just like saying good morning to Mr Robin Hood. I don't want to spell it out (You know it). Don't bleed over this, it will only made you more miserable. Convert your misery into strength.

I had greeted Mr Robin Hood in a Monday morning few years back. I found myself 90% poorer after that. I think a lot of them who encountered what I encountered may have gone Heaven.


but he (who you wouldn't want to spell out) is no robin hood, for robin hood didn't rob for himself. neither did he pay himself million dollar salaries nor inherit a kingdom served on a platter.

cheers too

Originally posted by king108:
I had to agree with you that "to each his own and to each, his views and reasons."


if you read all his postings, you would realise his agenda is more than "to each his own" and he would readily fight tooth and claw to convince others that "his own" is better than "your own" although he didn't quite succeed ...

Originally posted by king108:

King is king, no other king. Honestly, I don't know who is the one that you are refering to as "annonymouscoward"?
Did I make myself unknown to you. Just call me king then? If I am one, I won't be entertaining a "XXXX" like you.
Sorry I don't know you are handicapper, sitting on an armchair. I got 2 legs to walk.
You had yet to answer my point over the other column, is it will be too early or rightful for you to name any fellow singaporean anything you wanted?
I don't know what you refering on the last sentences...(Frankly speaking who you talking?)

Grow up Kiddo.
First of all, i was not talking to you --- somehow your own ego took my posting as an insult.

This is a public forum, not your personal blog.
If you go around with an inflated ego and spew profanities without thinking, your presence will be very unpleasant for both you and others whether online or in real life.

I have no idea what column you are talking about; there are many forums i visit, and there are many threads i post in. I post as i like and i am definitely not so free to stalk your topics in cyberspace. Please understand that the world does not revolve around you or anybody for that matter.

How can you reply without understanding what i was posting and still think that my posting is targeted at you? Too much hot air in your head clouds your thinking? Get some education in Singapore history
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tang_Liang_Hong

Originally posted by king108:

Mr obviousman is looking for you. Regards.

No need to demote yourself from king to postman.
Anonymouscoward has the freedom to reply AND also NOT to reply --- there is no obligation here.
Obviousman does not believe in saddling people with obligations .
I believe in igniting people with passion.

Originally posted by anonymouscoward:

I've stated in my earlier post that I've read and wrote enough; and so I thought I'll sit back, come in to read once in a while and wait for the GE. Unfortunately, it seems that is not possible...

So.. to ObviousMan

I'm not King108. If there's anyone else in this thread who thinks like myself, I would say it's Oxford Mushroom. Reading past posting should give clarity as to whether King108 is my clone.

I chose this nickname because I didn't want to burn too many brain cells thinking of a nice nickname; only to realize that it has already been taken.

"Anonymous Coward" is a term applied within some online communities to describe users who post without a handle; it is a dummy name attributed to anonymous posts used by some weblogs that allow posting by people without registering for accounts.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anonymous_Coward

I edited my profile... thanks to ObviousMan, who help me realize that it is actually possible to look into one's profile; although the information gathered may not be of much use and may not be true anyway (although mine is). It is not of importance for me to remain anonymous and I am willing to share with anyone my email address.

I'm not a coward. I supported opposition in their rallies and I would continue to do so. I would love to stand for election but I find myself unqualified, unconvincing and I have too dirty a past that I'll probably be a liability. I don't mind forking out $13000 although I seriously doubt the any party would make me pay with my own money if they felt I can do the job.

Lastly, I really don't want to make anymore comment on this thread. It has lost it's original intention of suggesting to the opposition that they should be pro-active in recruitment if they wish to win more votes than those from their fervent supporters. I would love to take up the challenge of making more arguments but I've been called childish for doing so.

After reading all the comments, I find myself questioning the value of having more opposition in the parliament. Almost everyone here believes there is no possibility of them becoming an alternative government (although I think they should); none believe that they are capable of blocking any policy made by the ruling party. And if all they can do is to question these policies, why the need for so many oppositions? Shouldn’t they posses the qualities and knowledge of lawyers like CST and JBJ? I look at Thailand and their quest for "democracy" and I asked myself if I want to put this country into that situation.

I find myself more reluctant to vote for any candidates without substantial credentials.

There are supporters here who would vote for the opposition regardless of their candidates; there are those who would vote for the opposition if they have good candidates; they are those who would vote for any good candidates; and there are those who would support the PAP. To each his own and to each, his views and reasons. I am not ashame to say that my reasons are driven by economical, social and political stability.

Just my way of checking by drawing you out dude.
People can get in trouble for all sorts of nonsense.
To each his own then.

I had mentioned need no talent to tell us "cut-pay, cut-head, cut-here, cut-there". Anyone can tell us how to cut, but can anyone tell us how to grow..

When I say good morning to Mr Robin Hood = daylight robbery

Mine was the clob issue when after paying all the stamp fee etc, ppls tell us is illegal.
What had our government do for the investor here, did they vomit out the stamp fee? Was it an illegal act by our government then? Only when I am in heaven then I know.

Mine is a four room flats (is too big for my body anyway)

Setting up a family in singapore needs to consider a lot of factors, stable empolyment, peaceful society, children's health, children's educations, children's employments, children's future. I can tell you, having a family here is basically telling you to obey because you will feel very insecure. (especially those with thinking no singapore will die type and worst, no talent will die faster) Some may have scared awake from their nightmare now (after paycut, retrench, jobless and other etc) but they are still lots that built a beautiful dream in the future air.

I have been following this thread and I usually just read for fun but I must say you guys are pretty mean to AnonymousCoward... especially SnowLeopard.

Frankly, myself and I think most average and moderate Singaporeans will tend to agree with AnonymousCoward, OxfordMushroom and King108. Why vote for opposition party if those people are not up to mark? We should look at the person instead of just voting blindly on which party they come from. Those who have most to loose like HDB, jobs etc etc will definitely want a strong person for his ward and Singapore.

AnonymousCoward's comments are sacrastic, and most time mean, but to his credit, he is being provoked by people who misunderstood his comment. Especially in Snowleopard and AnonymousCoward's exchanges. I must say Snowleopard started it first and AnonymousCoward is just defending his points. Some forumers here can be so prejudice to judge his because of his nickname and not read carefully his comment and his points. He probably got fed up and refuse to comment anymore. Isn't a good thing if the opposition can build up a strong reputation for themselves and possibly become an alternative choice for the government? But people can misunderstood this and call him and others PAP's spy and insult them... sigh... you support opposition, he support opposition but you guys fight internally. no wonder opposition cannot fly.

Lastly, before you guys start flaming me for supporting him and accusing me of being his clone etc etc... think about how average and moderate people like myself will look at the opposition party and their supporters after reading this thread. Your obstinacy to vote for the opposition regardless of the quality of the party members will help loose precious votes because they will think the opposition party members cannot think.

That's all.. Dickhead out!

Who are these Opposition party candidates who appear out of nowhere once every 4 years? Fact is: apart from the few MPs from the Opposition, we don't know who they are. Why should I think that they are any better than PAP candidates? If Prof Tommy Koh or Chan Heng Chee were to stand for election on the Opposition Party ticket, I would be the first to vote for them. I know these are people of high calibre and they have a proven track record.

But who are these Opposition Party members?

[quote]Originally posted by anonymous_dickhead:
[b]Sorry fellow, I needed to clarify my stand. No offence, as you got your belief, so do I.

Firstly, I am not a PAP supporter and so far had not. Don't ask why, cause I don't wanted to get trapped again for influencing people on my view due to some very bad experiences which may not had happened to you or your surrounding. (Nothing to do with crimes, laws or legal issues etc and not so much personal).

By saying I don't support does not meant that I am a diehard that will never give them my support one day. It is only by seeing and experienced, that when I saw and believed if the life of the commoner really improved or improving. Finally, I believed that no everyone will wanted to stand against for the sake of against. I am sure of myself for that.

Cheers.

Originally posted by anonymous_dickhead:
I have been following this thread and I usually just read for fun but I must say you guys are pretty mean to AnonymousCoward... especially SnowLeopard.


hello AD, since you already profess to sympathise with AC and to be in agweement with him, how do you convince us that you're not unbiased when it comes to judging who had been mean to who (first especially)?


Frankly, myself and I think most average and moderate Singaporeans will tend to agree with AnonymousCoward, OxfordMushroom and King108. Why vote for opposition party if those people are not up to mark? We should look at the person instead of just voting blindly on which party they come from. Those who have most to loose like HDB, jobs etc etc will definitely want a strong person for his ward and Singapore.


i do not deny that this perspective is very commonly taken by the people. what i would like to question is its wisdom with respect to the following:

are we not having double standards when it comes to passing judgement about not being up to mark? truth is people by and large also do not know the majority of the PAP candidates. but do they question their backgrounds? do they question their standards? so the same can be said about the many folks who vote for the PAP without even knowing the PAP candidates well. are they also not voting blindly as well? truth is, they'd probably vote for anybody that comes from the PAP because it has been (erroneously) regarded as the symbol of our success today.

secondly, many people like you, think that without the PAP, HDB will collapse, jobs will be lost but do you even question the wisdom of this thinking? will HDB function very differently, if at all?

finally, given the current unfair protection of the incumbent, there is no way (and no one has been able to show me how), the opposition can ever wrest control from the PAP and that being the case there is nothing to lose because like it or not, we would still have the same government. on the other hand if we do not have more alternative voices to represent us, we would surely be held ransom again.


AnonymousCoward's comments are sacrastic, and most time mean, but to his credit, he is being provoked by people who misunderstood his comment. Especially in Snowleopard and AnonymousCoward's exchanges. I must say Snowleopard started it first and AnonymousCoward is just defending his points. Some forumers here can be so prejudice to judge his because of his nickname and not read carefully his comment and his points. He probably got fed up and refuse to comment anymore.


since you are on his side, how do i know you're being fair to me saying he is being provoked while i was unprovoked? how can you say that i started it when the first insults were actually hurled by him? before you say i am prejudiced, how do i know you yourself are not being prejudiced? especially since you are siding with him ...


Isn't a good thing if the opposition can build up a strong reputation for themselves and possibly become an alternative choice for the government? But people can misunderstood this and call him and others PAP's spy and insult them... sigh... you support opposition, he support opposition but you guys fight internally. no wonder opposition cannot fly.


in the first place how do you build reputation? do you build reputation first before you get voted in or do you get voted in first before you establish your reputation? how do you establish your reputation if you do not get yourself voted in? do we know ministers Khaw, Tharman or Ng Eng Heng before they became ministers? the opposition cannot fly because they are chained to the ground by the weight of the GRC. i have no wish to squabble with anybody really. but if you insist on something that i feel is fundamentally wrong and i'm able to tell you why, then i would certainly do so. it is alright if you feel otherwise but do so with rhyme and reason and not with insults.


... think about how average and moderate people like myself will look at the opposition party and their supporters after reading this thread. Your obstinacy to vote for the opposition regardless of the quality of the party members will help loose precious votes because they will think the opposition party members cannot think.


but my obstinacy to vote for the opposition is the same as your obstinacy to vote for the incumbent. how come my obstinacy is viewed upon as inability to think while your obstinacy to vote for PAP, which is really not that different from the opposition, is seen as "can think"?

Originally posted by oxford mushroom:

Who are these Opposition party candidates who appear out of nowhere once every 4 years? Fact is: apart from the few MPs from the Opposition, we don't know who they are. Why should I think that they are any better than PAP candidates? If Prof Tommy Koh or Chan Heng Chee were to stand for election on the Opposition Party ticket, I would be the first to vote for them. I know these are people of high calibre and they have a proven track record.

But who are these Opposition Party members?

the PAP just announced three of their new candidates. these PAP candidates are appearing for the very first time out of nowhere too and up until now, we also did not know who they are.

tom and chan rub shoulders with some of our important leaders ... the fact that they are where they are means they have been "approved" and are therefore "aligned" with the incumbent ...

First I thanks all Fellows that had written..and those reminded me to read.all the 8 pages...appreciated.

After reading all the 8 pages, I would say that some do have constructive presentation. From both sides (anyway all are singaporeans at the end of the day), both have things that are good, constructive and educational points.

I had clarified my stand. However, I would tried to keep myself a cool brain so that we can contribute the positive idea to have a better singapore for all fellows singaporean.

Basically, I won't wanted to touch on private cars, landed housings, luxury livings which does not belonged to essential needs by the common singapore singaporeans.

I would wish to touch solely essential needs by the common singapore singaporeans. My wish list for every common singapore singaporeans will be as follows which I believed to be necessity:- (regardless of whose the government)
a) A stable quality pay job (social will be peaceful)
b) A decent affortable shelter after working (need not sleep along roadside)
c) A affortable healthcare when he or his loved one required. (No draining all his CPF and saving type in case of terminal disease)
d) A affortable and heavy subsidised (or free) for children program (2 max, 3rd payable by you) for those that wanted to bring up their childrens. [If you wanted to encourage singapore singaporean to bring up their kids here.]
e) A affortable quality life for all singapore singaporean.

I hope I am not asking for much.

On Employment Needs:
I am not against foreigner talent if every singapore singaporean can be promised to secured a stable quality job before the talent. We should allow when no suitable singapore singaporean can be found for the job.

National Service Requirement:
I am not against NS.
To be fair to all. It should include all registered citzen even those that joined later and not just singapore singaporean. (One for all, all for one for NS matters, that should be the singapore spirits I valued)

Candidates Creditworthy
I won't wanted to touch on anything on the creditworthy of candidates from both the ruling and non-ruling parties. As I believed most of us do hold our individual respected candidates as shining jewel in our hand. By urging over it, we will find ourselve very much divided although we are singapore singaporean brothers and sisters.

As each got his own belief, to me, the basic wish list will formed the requirement for my belief, the Employment and NS shall give me the strength and faith to trust.

No offence. I remain.

ok lah.. if both Snowleopard and AnonymousCoward don't mind, let me be the peacemaker ok?

I think in general, both have the same principal - support opposition, hope opposition party can become a big enough force to challenge the PAP.

The difference is that some here (like AnonymousCoward) think the opposition party members are not good enough yet while others (like Snowleopard) think they should be given the chance whether good or not.

So since everyone wants the opposition to be good and win. Then I say we all vote for opposition party. The opposition party can then slowly build up a better dream team.

PEACE

Originally posted by anonymous_dickhead:

The difference is that some here (like AnonymousCoward) think the opposition party members are not good enough yet while others (like Snowleopard) think they should be given the chance whether good or not.

you have gotten me wrong. i did not say we should vote for the opposition even when they are not good enough. i merely asked those who claim that the opposition isn't good enough to examine the quality of the PAP candidates and ask themselves if their quality is any different. how would you rate PAP's Ong Ah Heng? i wouldn't say he is bad but are the opposition any worse compared to Ong Ah Heng?

furthermore, since we already know that winning the elections is a foregone impossible conclusion for the opposition, why insist that the opposition must find candidates of supposedly ministerial level when all they're contesting for is simply the opportunity to run a town council? that being the case, the standard with which to judge whether a candidate is or is not good enough is simply whether he has the capacity to run a town council well and against this standard, i think most opposition candidates are well up to mark.

finally, i ask of the wisdom of comparing a candidate with a minister. when we say a minister is superior because he has years of experience being a minister, we are confusing two things. that he has the innate quality to be the minister versus he was simply given the minister's position and after years sitting on the job, people have come to regard him as a minister with capabilities that is automatically associated with the job. this confusion is very natural but nevertheless foolish because being given the job doesn't mean he is naturally gifted or even entitled to the job, especially when there is no contest for the job. secondly, a minister has an entire entourage of scholars to come up with the best policies and strategies. he doesn't have to scratch his head hard for answers but instead can rely on his advisers so we're really over rating a minister when we only see him as what he is, as opposed to who he is.

Originally posted by snow leopard:

Hopefully this will help your explaination.

I am not writing against or for towards anyone. Just pure writing for reader's information and reading only. (Definitely, will sure offence someone )

Honestly, I got a feeling that most singapore does not really know how the system is being run. It's could be they are not explosed to or prefered no to know.

Ask ourselves, why are those Ministries are for? MAS, MOE, MOM, MOL, LTA, MHA, MOD, MTI, MND, and many "M". (Not mentioning other A, D or Ps). Do you know how the system works and where they located? Have you find out or are you working inside.

Do you know that there is someones named perm sec, registrar, etc? Who are they and what is their roles and duties, etc. Heard about superscale? Grade A - maybe G or H.

Find out yourself, the respective Ministries will have their website, missions and visions etc stated clearly for singapore. Some websites even listed the duties and the post of the persons in charge.

I am not borned to know all this, it was my interest to lead me to find out. Finally, same. No offence.