RA's Classes 2010

What IS citizen journalism? And what is it not?

Interesting that the Aussie PM refered to the Indian in the audience as a 'guest' in the country. I'm sure the Indian thought he was Australian.

This is an epic disaster. A fine example. Obama's handling of the issue should also be observed closely.

From what Mr Andrew has said, when the management of a certain area is too good, the negative effects it would bring, would be the fact that we are now unable to handle some sticky issues.

@ Qiyuan Zeng: I see your point, but let's not forget that after a while, successful entities may not decide to 'maintain their success' , as they feel that they have nothing to prove already. We should not assume that the desire and the passion to keep up to a high level of performance will never wane. After all, too much of anything is a poison. Good day.

Qiyuan's comment is noteworthy. He is right that some people will respond by working very hard to maintain that dominant position. However, we should consider that fatigue could set in. In counter-terrorism they call this 'vigilance fatigue'. Being alert for a long time can be very tiring. Eventually, you run out of steam and go through the motions. This is where standards drop. This is very true in Singapore. Many of our ministries are not as efficient as we imagine. We are making the tragic mistake of believing our own PR. Look around and the world is catching up. I've pointed out the contrast my experience at ICA and the Australian High Commission. I was shocked that ICA was such a mess and the Australian High Comm, which I imagined would be a mess, was in fact very efficient. I was very surprised indeed. We need to screw up again to pick up the pieces and return to the glory days. Never believe you own PR!

The need for transparency and good governance transcends beyond the realm of sovereign nations. What about religious groups and sports associations?

The devil's work I reckon. These people have gone crazy

Totally agree. To burn the Koran is as good as ending their lives.

This is a very perilous because it can spark worldwide disharmony, sth which the world is not ready for...

Question: Who are these MP's speaking on behalf of?

The MP is speaking on behalf of us, Singaporeans. Raising the levy may help to control the number of foreign workers coming to Singapore. The pro side is that there will be more jobs offered to Singaporeans and that it may prompt the employers to look for more hardworking and productive foreigners to employ, thus achieving one of the proposed 2010 Budget aims of increasing productivity. But, as stated in the article, locals may not want to take up the jobs done by foreigners, as such, one will ask "So what is the use of creating jobs for Singaporeans?" This issue have really left me wondering because there are many locals complaining that there are no jobs in the market when they themselves are so picky about it. It must be because of their pride, a need to show off their status, I guess. As for the employers, they may find it difficult to employ productive workers. Most of those foreign workers who are productive would most probably have already secured a job in their own country. Furthermore, the demand of those workers will definitely increase, leading to a shortage of workers for some of the firms here. Other less productive workers will also be deprived of a job. And not to mention "businesses passing on the higher costs to consumers". The prices of goods and services would definitely 'pinch' everybody. As such, although the increase in levy may help to control the flow of foreign workers, I feel that great considerations have to be taken such that that proposal will benefit Singaporeans instead of creating "yet another problem''.

The influx of foreign workers may be undesirable for Singaporeans since our social standing may be threatened in future. In this case, "too much of something good is bad" .

Humanitarianism vs pragmatism

Interesting observation. Perhaps a bit risky to raise ministerial salaries in an election year. Note that the media has played this down. The important question is what is an acceptable increase? I don't know the answer. Let's research this. What is a reasonable increase for an ordinary worker? Don't jump to conclusions and engage in coffeeshop analysis. Be mature and try to find a balanced view.

I think I heard somewhere that in the private sector that wage increases are minimal compared to the increase in cost of living. Taking that as truth and comparing it with the alleged increase of ministerial pay, it seems to suggest an widening of income gap of sorts. Also, the fact that it is raised obscurely during an election year... Could it be said it is to prove transparency if questioned but not to draw attention to the skimming reader? Though admittedly, it sounds a bit far fetched and theorizing.

An interesting article on divorce.

Interesting. Is Europe changing it mind about GM? Read on.

In my opinion, Europe should change its mind about GM since 70% of consumers are against GM food. Not only GM food consumed will be detrimental to human's health, but also it causes resistance to antibiotics. The article also stated that Amflora would only be used for animals' food. However, i think that not all of the animals are suitable to eat GM food as it is not real. Hence, Europe should think twice before allowing GM food to be allowed for consumption as the dangers outweigh the benefits

I think that Europe should continue to produce GM food.When GM food is produced,there is a lower cost of production.The prices of factor inputs for the products reduce.Producers will find it more profitable to produce and sell the products.The suppliers(in this case,farmers) can earn a better income.Their poblem of poverty can be eliminated.

Scroll to the bottom for a very thorough list of groups that offer free meals.

To the people who read the comments after the article, it was quite apparent that Mr VB was getting flamed. Main counter-arguments include: 1) VB is hypocritical. When posed with the question of supplying (i know, lousy word to use) free food to the lower income groups by MP Lily Neo in 2007, VB responded "how much do you want? is three meals enough?" 2) The groups that provide the free meals are not associated with the government. Rather, they are religious groups, welfare groups etc. 3) This was taken at a forum. VB had to be potically correct. 4) The statement was ambiguis. Does "we" refer to the government, his constitutency, or?? Also, what is qualified as 'poor'? While i'd love to take a neutral stance on such things, DRVB is starting to sound fake with such claims. I hope he clears this up in the future or i'll treat him as a dork.

Cool huh? Things around us could be improvised into a warfare weapon.

This is quite interesting.A CHILI can be changed into a nontoxic WEAPON!!!

When you read these things, keep and open mind. This is just one opinion, which can be countered from the government's perspective. Draw your own conlusions. Personally, I feel that it does look bad for the PAP. However, at every election, no matter what the issues are, Singaporeans have chosen not to rock the boat, and stuck with the PAP. I don't think that will change. I would be very surprised if it did.

Yes, indeed it is true that there are limitations towards the 2010 Budget, but they do have their positive impacts on the people. The Reform party has been mentioning about the limitations of the PAP's actions, but they are only criticising without standing up to improve the situation. Such a judgement is not justifiable given that the Reform party is not in good terms with the PAP. The report could be biased towards the PAP.

Critics contain no substance if it doesn't include what improvement can be made. The reform party should have come up with better supported views with suggestions on what can be done rather than just criticizing just because they are not in good terms. If they are trying to gather votes just by criticizing, it will not get them anywhere. I would advise them to provide some concrete policy if they find PAP ones are not working. It will benefit the whole of Singapore. Isn't that why they are formed?

Useful current data. Memorise!

Without a doubt, a master-piece where sarcasm is concerned. I salute Dr. M.

Comments/Reactions pls!

Answers to the 3 compre practices

A must read.

A very useful youtube channel to learn from.