Saturday, April 30, 2011

Mr. Brown and the election

http://www.mrbrown.com/blog/2011/04/the-mrbrown-show-gee-ahruh-see-music-video.html

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

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

LKY on how to cope with the cost of living

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125935/1/.html

Here is a reply from a reader:
http://easyapps.sg/sgep/admin/file.aspx?id=126

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

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.

Message to MM

message 1
http://feedmetothefish.blogspot.com/2011/04/dear-mm-we-are-not-in-same-boat.html

message 2
http://feedmetothefish.blogspot.com/2011/04/dear-millionaire-mentor-pt-2.html

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.

Estimate the share of votes of PAP

Please participate in this survey.

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?

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

Survey - how will you vote in the key constituencies

Do this survey now. It is exciting.

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

How are slaves ruled?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpQCT8h9mzk&playnext=1&list=PL157508BFD0BBDB26

Speeches at SDP rally

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2fI4F_0LTc

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

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

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.

Desperate appeal of the Minister Mentor

http://singaporerecalcitrant.blogspot.com/2011/04/desperate-appeal-of-minister-mentor.html

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.

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.

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


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

Video on Worker's Party Manifesto

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uGrX86R2vM

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

Singapore Desk

http://singaporedesk.blogspot.com/2011_04_01_archive.html

Mr. Brown Bak Chor Mee 2

https://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#inbox/12f9ef45d3954eaf

SDp candidate - Dr. Ang Yong Guan

http://www.razor.tv/site/servlet/segment/main/specials/General_Election/62774.html#/site/servlet/ajax/page;jsessionid=E46AF014E4654D2145469358EB2F63D6.01?channel=contentbean%3a59830&view=asLargeVideoListBoxPage&page=1&autoLoad=true&video=contentbean%3a62774@59830_largeListPage@1304052991031

Chen Shao Mao at WP First Rally

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If1bXl7gZ_0&feature=email

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.

Honesty in leadership

http://www.sammyboy.com/showthread.php?90691-Truly-a-dishonest-PM-and-an-equally-dishonest-party

Tribute to J B Jeyaretnam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mddECjFg5pc

Weakest links in GRCs

This BLOG is hot...
IT ANALYSES THE PAP WEAK SPOTS IN EACH CONTESTING WARD!
http://paptheweakestlink.blogspot.com/

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.

Nicole Seah - choose what is right for your cuontry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YY9yU2r9ywM&feature=email

GCT and Tan Jee Say

A citizen sends this message to GCT about the loss of jobs to foreigners. He said that there is merit in what Tan Jee Say had said. It is worth considering. See SGEP or click here.

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

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.

Fooled by HDB flat prices

A citizen gives his view on the debate between the PAP and WP on the asset enhancement scheme. Read SGEP or click here.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

HDB Cost

Dear Mr. Tan

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 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.

Walkover in Tanjong Pagar GRC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8s-WieTi420&feature=email

SDP candidates

http://yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/4764

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

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.

Get Suitable Home Insurance Quotes Online

A home is undoubtedly the most important financial investment of our hard-earned money. All of us want to feel safe when it comes to our homes. The thoughts of our home being burgled and the fear of innumerable uncertainties force us to seek an option to safeguard our most precious asset. This has generated the need for home insurance.



A home insurance policy protects us from suffering disastrous financial losses caused by occurrences like fire, earthquake, flood, burglary, and theft. Earlier people used to think that home insurance is something that is unaffordable but in today’s internet age, one can now shop for all types of home insurance policies at the most affordable prices and that too while being seated in the comforts of home or office. All you have to do is go online and visit the sites which provide quotes for seeking home insurance.



You should take time to do sufficient internet research to find out the websites that can easily connect you to a number of insurance companies providing a variety of quotes. Depending upon your requirement, you can go over various options varying from renter’s insurance to a large variety of insurance policies. You can compare the coverage, premiums, and features of different policies.



When you start looking for suitable home insurance for your home, it is advisable to contact at least three providers. By contacting the websites which provide you with home insurance quotes, you will be required to fill in the form available online. After filling in your details after, you will receive an e-mail from them. You can go on to compare the quotes and coverage provided by them. If you have any queries about the provider or the policy, you should not be afraid to ask any questions. The quotes provided to you have a validity of two months so it provides you with ample time to make up your decision.



Now a days, home insurance is the mandatory requirement of every home. You can opt from different types of coverage and premiums that fit your budget. Home insurance will not only make you feel secure and protected but it also provides you with the peace that you have somebody to bank on in case of any unfortunate circumstances. If you are thinking about getting a home insurance or even the renewal of your insurance, trying out the home insurance quotes available online can provide you with the most appropriate option.



CSA is one of the well known professional agencies that provides you with a wide variety of insurance information and home insurance quotes. For more information about them and various services offered by them you can logon to their website http://www.campbellsolberg.com.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Law Enforcement Careers | Careers In Law

law-enforcement-careers

Law enforcement jobs

One of those law enforcement jobs is being a forensic scientist. These people investigate the evidence collected at the crime scene. For example, shell casings and forged signatures would be collected by the officers and detectives at the scene, but analyzed by the forensic scientist in the lab. (See also criminal justice jobs and careers in law)

law-enforcement-careers1

This job usually requires a bachelor’s degree, however many schools are offering an associate’s degree in the field that would likely be sufficient to allow you to do certain aspects of the work. It is also important to remember that this is a broad law enforcement career, and you will likely have to specialize. A forensic scientist studying DNA collected at the crime scene will have be far different than a scientist who is looking at forged signatures.

SIAS and Profitable Plots

SIAS is arranging a meeting on 28 May 2011.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1124777/1/.html

Law Careers-What Are the Choices? | Careers In Law

Law degree careers

While it is true that law degree careers pay the most money, there are many other careers that have excellent pay but require far less schooling. One particular law career that might be of interest is being a paralegal.

 

Typically requiring an associate’s degree or certificate in paralegal studies, these jobs are projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to have higher than normal growth. Paralegals perform many of the same tasks as lawyers with the important exception that they are prohibited from doing anything that would be considered practicing law.

law-careers1

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Child Support Calculator-How Useful Are Online Child Support Calculators | Child Joint Custody

child-support-calculator

Child Support calculation

Although it can sometimes seem mysterious, the child support calculation is not a black art. There are calculators online that can give you a very good estimate of how much you can expect to pay – some of them, in fact, are even on the state’s web site. (See also child support calculator category page for more information on individual states.)

child-support-calculator1

TN Child Support Basics | Child Joint Custody

Firstly, child support is determined by a number of factors. It is absolutely imperative, however, that paternity be established before any child support order can be issued. The Department of Human Services can help you establish legal paternity in cases where this is in dispute. Once paternity has been established, the amount of the support can vary substantially.

tn-child-support

Tn child support calculator online

To get a rough estimate of how much support you can expect to receive or pay, you can easily find a tn child support calculator online. However, please always remember that these are no substitute for legal counsel – a child support lawyer would be better advised to give you a more accurate figure. If you’re just looking to get a rough idea of what the judgment will be, many of these calculators will suffice.

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.

CSJ's reply to PM Lee's rally speech

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Yd7kiswffo&feature=related

SDP's clear and compelling vision

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5YA8oExoj4&NR=1

A poor track record

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeuuBX4wlSg&feature=player_embedded

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.

Az Child Support Essentials | Child Joint Custody

Child support was designed as a legal means for the parent with primary custodial privileges of the child to receive some financial help with raising that child from the other parent. It’s a worthwhile endeavor for sure, but it’s also one that often raises many difficult and challenging questions for both sides.

 

Az child support calculator

The first question is often related to how much will the child support amount be. While there is no guaranteed answer for that, one can find an Az child support calculator online. Arizona law takes into account the income of both parents when assessing this amount.

 

Essentially, the law tries to ascertain which portion of the income would have been spent on the child, if the two parents had stayed together instead of getting a divorce. As such, the child support payments of a person making $30,000 will be significantly less than a person making $100,000, as it is assumed that the person making more money would likely have spent more on the child.

 

The second question that often arises is how payments will be made and where one can find more information on child support az. Payments can actually be remitted online through the Arizona Department of Economic Security’s web site and there is a plethora of information that can also be gotten from there.

az-child-support

Donate to the SDP

http://yawningbread.wordpress.com/2011/04/24/election-buzz-a-minority-interest/

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



NSP Nicole Seah handles the media very well

http://singaporemind.blogspot.com/2011/04/nsps-nicole-seah.html

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Md Child Support | Maryland Child Support Synopsis | Child Joint Custody

maryland-child-support

Md child support calculator

Oftentimes, when a parent is first looking at getting court-ordered child support, the first question is: how much will I get? This is not an easy question to answer all the time. The best way to determine this is to use a MD child support calculator. For the most part, these calculators will give you a good sense of how much money you can expect to receive. However, they are not entirely accurate.

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

Videos for the General Election, 2011

Watch these videos and vote for change.



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!

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.

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.

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

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:

  • 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,.


$800 for us, millions for themselves

Read this article by John Tan of SDP.

Why I will vote for Opposition

This voter expresses the views of many Singaporeans who have been disappointed in recent years with the PAP. She is willing to take the plunge to usher in a change for Singapore. See SGEP or click here.

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.

Learn the national language

http://www.sgpolitics.net/?p=6611#more-6611

Friday, April 22, 2011

Why I join the SDP

Read the reasons given by Vincent Wijeysingha in SGEP or click here.

Dr. Susan Lim on TED

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU15c9hnftE&feature=feedu

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


YouTube

Is the present parliamentary debate on issues fruitful? Watch the Mas Selamat debate in Parliament, a national security case and you be the judge; remember when you cast your vote.
PM Lee threw the question to Low Thia Kiang and stared at him for 3 seconds and announced that the matter is settled.
What a brilliant way to settle an important issue.

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?

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

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.

Message to undergraduates

Hi 
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

Singapore Democratic Party has rebuilt a positive image

Watch this video and judge for yourself.

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.
"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
"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.

Logic Quiz

Try this logic quiz.
If you enjoy it, you can buy the Intelligence Quiz Vol 3 at a discount here.

Financial planning tool and handbook

You can use this financial planning tool and download the handbooks. See Ask Mr. Tan or click here.

HDB flat prices and median income

http://mrwangsaysso.blogspot.com/2011/04/mah-bow-tan-is-so-disappointing.html

Nicole Seah and Tin Pei Ling

http://kentridgecommon.com/?p=11206

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

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.php/news/singapore/4747-democrats-unveil-first-six-candidates

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".

Paralegal Courses | ABA Approved Paralegal Programs | Careers In Law

Elsewhere on this site you can discover how to become a paralegal and what is a paralegal including the skills you will require and the possible duties you will have as a paralegal as well as a paralegal job description.

 

This piece takes a look though at paralegal courses and more importantly the criteria for ABA approved paralegal programs.

paralegal-courses

Ballooning land cost

http://de-leviathan.blogspot.com/2011/04/illegal-raid-on-reserves-mr-mah-should.html

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

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

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.
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.



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 :-

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.

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

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/online.html


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.

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
The cost of living will be heavy - 53 votes
Inequity will continue to wider - 52 votes
More foreigners will come to compete with Singaporeans - 52 votes
Life will be bad for the low income - 49 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

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 Government Gone Wild

Problem with the US Government
http://www.youtube.com/embed/VtVbUmcQSuk

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”.

Tommy Wong’s books can be ordered here.