Saturday, August 05, 2006

GE Issue & National Day Message: Hope for the Future

(My daughter Tian Ci)


Hope for the Future

Our present is moulded by our past and we mould the future at the present. Thus, our hope for the future lies in our hands now.

I have mentioned many times that my first initial real unhappiness with PAP was "created" back in 1997 when PAP started to use HDB upgrading as a threat (stick) and a carrot to win votes. In the midst of the bubble created by PAP's "asset enhancement" policy, this was truly "effective" as it touched on the raw primitive "greed" of human beings. Everyone thought that the property prices could go up on and on. Many people want to have "free upgrading" for their flats so that they could see their property prices soar. The whole nation was drown in the property bubble fuel by unrealistic expectation derived from PAP's "asset enhancement" policy.

There are basically three issues right here:

1) PAP has started politics linked with material returns for the first time (back in 1997). This is a big pandora box as human greed has no boundary.

2) Our children will be cultivated under such a system of materialistic setting which is detrimental to the progress of our society in encouraging volunteerism, social consciousness, justice and responsibility.

3) Such tactic is morally and politically questionable. Everyone has the obligation to pay tax and the government has the obligation to take care of EVERY SINGLE SINGAPOREAN. This is the basis of a republic nation but yet, PAP has advocated that only those voters who voted for them will have privileges?

I do not wish to see my children and future generations to be brought up in a society that only teaches them materialistic pettiness with little sense of social consciousness, equality and justice. This is my hope for our future and I really hope many more Singaporeans could share the same vision so that we could send an ultra strong signal to PAP that what it is doing is terribly wrong.

I also hope that my children will not live in an environment that promote gambling in the guise of "entertainment" and that the society will not be crippled by broken families, suicides and all sorts of social problems arise from casino gambling.

My hope for our future is to have a government that takes care of its citizens well instead of counting each and every cents for whatever little things we need from them.

My hope for our future is to have a government to take care of the elderly needs regardless of their votes; upgrade their lifts to land on each floor according to the needs of the elederly instead of petty politicking.

My hope for our future is to have higher return to our CPF savings so that our retirees could enjoy their life peacefully after so many years of working, without the need to go around begging, selling tissue papers or become scavangers hunting for empty cans at night. And yes, the GIC and Temasek Holdings should help citizens to get higher returns for their CPF savings instead of just serving the government's financial needs.

My hope for our future is to have stronger parliamentary setting whereby sufficient checks and balances could be installed by having more MPs from alternative parties. Monopoly of power is unhealthy for the progress of our nation. And I hope Singaporeans should learn from the NKF saga fast and come to the consensus that the multipartisan system is the only way to ensure good governance.

My hope for our future is that every Singaporean should not be "afraid" of going to hospital when they need to, just because they fear that they could not afford to pay for the hospital bills. Despite the claim of PAP that our healthcare system is "affordable" but the truth is, healthcare cost has been rising for the past years and many people still consider the cost of healthcare is not affordable to them.

National Day is around the corner and I wish all my readers a Happy National Day. On the other hand, I also hope that all of you could spend a moment of silent reflections on what we, as a Nation and a people, hope for our future generations.

Goh Meng Seng


37 comments:

Anonymous said...

hijack national day for ur own political purpose how smart r u lol. no concrete plans but simply making hell of noise from all corners. no wonder when PM lee comapre u to yeo guat kwang u DARE not reply. seems like u hv admitted u pale in comparision to him.

Admin said...

Haha, whoever you are, apparently you depend too much on local media for news. ;)

If you have attended our Hougang rally, you will know that I have already answered PM Lee directly.

First of all, he got mixed up. The role of CASE is NOT reducing or controlling prices but rather protecting consumers' right.

Secondly, CASE under Yeo's charge, faced TWO increases of public transport fees but it never even make noise despite the fact that such increases were done while the transport companies are still having healthy profits.

And I have answered to PAP's "challenge" to "control oil prices". The truth is, the PAP government could have lowered the very high petrol tax so to cushion the rise in oil price.

All these, PAP has never responded back.

Goh Meng Seng

Nutcracker said...

At least he DARED to put a name.

And what is it about needing to provide a solutions for problems when we voice out anything? What then is all the million dollar ministers for?

A happy national day to all too.

Anonymous said...

if u dont like SPH y ken kwek turn up to cover u all WP did nt shoooooo him away? Thsi clearly shows when u want pple to wk for u u welcome them if nt ask them go right? GMS pls do nt hide ur foxy tail everyone can see. u pple only want SELECTIVE REPORTING by sph bad one all covered up right? this once again clearly show how u want to use the media to ur FULLEST advantage. when yeo guat kwang make noise where r u? when PTC turn down request for fare hike where r u? u want to lower taxation on petrol whats ur motive? benefit those car owners? oh lest i forget many WP members can afford cars icic finally ur foxy tail reveal again. by lowering tax on petrol u depriving govt of $$$ so tht on other hand GST hv to be raised right? finally ur tail reveal once more u r out to benefit rich car owners (including WP men) so tht the POOR has to pay more GST. in the name of cushioning high petrol prices u r passing on the buck to the man in the street. this really show how evil u r.

Anonymous said...

nutcracker seems a loyal DOG of WP lol. if u dont put up solutions what r u here for? y shld pple vote for u? r u nt going to replace the Pap? if no answers to all the problems we face how 2 replace? everyone knew of the problems but few came up with gd solutions besides PAP. after rounds of kaopeh kaobu in/out of parliament problem still end on PAP plate they sovled it. hence they deserve all the $$$$$. but with WP in charge they r going to rob u of all ur CPF and more pple ended up selling tissue papers.

Admin said...

Dear whoever nameless and faceless,

You talk as if PAP people all cannot own a car! lol!

First of all, Ken came without invitation. Secondly, it is a public place, a market; so you mean PAP will "shoooo" reporters or other people away in public places when they don't like them to be around? Well, sure reminds me about how Yip was "shooo" away during elections time! ;)

As for petrol prices, I think you need some re-education of economics! A rise in petrol prices will ultimately lead to higher prices for everything! So you mean that PAP is happy to see prices for everything to rise? Public transport fees rise? When transport cost rise, your fish, meat and vegetables in your supermarkets and markets rise! You are happy to see that?

I am really amazed by your attitude here! Just hope that you are not from PAP!

Goh Meng Seng

Anonymous said...

Hello Mr Goh,

This is just a feedback.

I am a white collar professional who is considered stable and successful but I will never vote PAP. Just because Singapore is doing well on some areas like economy does not mean Singapore is overall successful. I vote for other reasons like political and social advancements as a nation.

I think Ken is doing a good job covering WP's events on mainstream media (even though it is just one newspaper) but one article here and one article there in the long run keeps Singaporeans reminded about WP.Ken is writing good stuff about WP and allows the public to know names of WP members.

But we cannot just depend on Ken. Please improve your website as well. Put in more pictures, photos, articles, stories, captions, events details, profiles etc. Please cater to Singaporeans hungry for daily news about the happenings in WP.

These are just my suggestions.

Happy National Day.

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

then y invite media when launching manifesto? u simply out to make use of them. launch it without media help then. Mr goh pls for heavens sake do nt haolian ur econs degree here (honours class right which class? 1st or 2nd upper? none of this? lol). econs trained turned PC repair man wad a joke!!!

Anonymous said...

mr goh seems like ur blog attracts many faithful DOGS like u hahahaha

Anonymous said...

mr goh seems like ur blog attracts many faithful DOGS like u hahahaha

Seems like this blog also managed to attract a deranged right-wing dumb nut like you. Do all rabid dogs of the PAP bark in this uncivilised manner in private? Where's your leash? Didn't your master told you not to hide behind anonymity?

Kai said...

...after rounds of kaopeh kaobu in/out of parliament problem still end on PAP plate they sovled it. hence they deserve all the $$$$$. but with WP in charge they r going to rob u of all ur CPF and more pple ended up selling tissue papers.

Maybe you might want to explain why CPF cuts haven't been restored even though the economy has been doing well. And go remind the dumb fuck PM that he said the Progress Package were 'rewards' for good economic growth in 2005 and vote-buying in 2006, he did't say anything about utilities hikes and living increases in 2006 during the elections. So tell him he's overdue for another 'Living Increases Package.'

And by the way, who let you out of the mental hospital, boy? You're such a shame, you're pissing all over yourself by the family tree. I think you need to take your meds.

Anonymous said...

Wow... looks like the Pappy boys forgot to close their doors and their stupid dumb dog ran out and is now barking at people.

Mustta be a MSM agent send here to troll up Mr Goh's blog.
Shoo!


Mr Goh, keep up the work you done. The poeple knows who's naughty and who's nice. Ignore the "zou gou"s (running dogs) that have been sent to harress you.

Anonymous said...

Following the exchange of postings between Mr Goh and the anonymous poster I came to the conclusion that Goh is a man of high suspicion. Quick to dismiss the anonymous poster as his political opponent. So what if he is? He may just be an ordinary citizen who supported PAP. In a truly democratic world, one must allowed all views (including dissenting ones) be heard and debated and be won over by open argument and not to be dismissed as a lackey of the PAP regime and clamped it down fully. Even not in power, WP is highly intolerant to dissenting views, how about if elected to form the govt of the day? Would secret police be out on the streets? Personal emails be read? Tele conversations be taped? I was told in the current PAP cabinet, there are at least 2 ministers who came across as fierce critics of their own party (one of them is a medical doctor). Party backbenchers are more vocal and outspoken than opposition politicians. This is contrary to the belief that PAP is intolerant of dissenting views, they seemed more open than others. If WP is so highly suspicious of other's motives, at first instant dismiss others simply as lackeys of PAP, ever unwilling to listen to critical comments and ever ready to shut them up, where do they go from here? How do they ever hope to be alternative to PAP? How to they strengthen and expand beyond current capacity? If WP only be willing to hear views which sound "pleasing to their ears" and act on those critical comments then that is to say only "YES" men be allowed and the doors will be forever closed to "NO" men. Is WP a place for fawners, party members ever willing to sing WP tune and suckers? Hope Mr Goh would not classify me as a PAP lackey. Thanks!!!

Anonymous said...

Hope Mr Goh would not classify me as a PAP lackey. Thanks!!!

I don't think he will. You're probably an unwanted strand of Mike Myers's chest hair anyway. And by the way, the anonymous poster was the one who got personal with Mr Goh. If you know him, help him wipe the froth off his mouth.

Even not in power, WP is highly intolerant to dissenting views, how about if elected to form the govt of the day? Would secret police be out on the streets? Personal emails be read? Tele conversations be taped?

Sorry to embarass you but the shit you mentioned is standard operating procedure for the PAP in Operations 'Taking Care' of Dissidents. Secret police? Yessiree - Internal 'Security' Department, check!! Personal emails be read? Tele conversations be taped? Of course - if you step on the wrong toes in the PAP shoe cabinet! Heard of Tang Liang Hong and his brush with the ISD? The joke here is that the omnious Internal 'Security' Department doesn't exactly inspire any more sense of security than someone being in war-torn Iraq or Lebanon right about fucking now.

Party backbenchers are more vocal and outspoken than opposition politicians.

You are real dumb. Even 82 empty soft drink cans can make a louder racket than two electric guitars, but they all sound the same in the end. So how less vocal can they get with 82 seats to 2 for the opposition? Backbenchers are also more likely to be 'exorcised' by the Whip, they would toe the party line faster than the speed of light if Old Lee so much as stare at them.

This is contrary to the belief that PAP is intolerant of dissenting views, they seemed more open than others.

HAHAHAHA you must be new to our shores! What a joke. The only thing open about the PAP is their propensity to suppress freedom of speech and the press! Like, think: Mr Brown and MICA, bitch! What have you got to say? Don't give me that 'Mr Brown was being a partisan player in politics' shit. Nobody's buying that except for the fascists.

Admin said...

Dear Michelle,

No where in this blog did I "prevent" or tell those with different views not to post their comments! So, I am quite puzzled that you say I am not open to dissent views!

And in my replies where I put up, no where did I say Anonymous is a PAP guy! I am just asking him whether PAP will do certain things.

Well, you are entitled to your views but let's face the facts: no matter how different PAP ministers or backbenchers are in their views, they will still vote according to party line!

I think the only time I saw PAP MPs or ministers stick to their stand is back in the 80s where they either abstain from voting or that they voted against the bill or motion. And these are from those old guards.

It would be too much of an expectation for PAP own MPs to put critical effective checks on their own people. Just remember that when they are too vocal, they will be "reminded" not to "score own goals"! Enough said.

Goh Meng Seng

Anonymous said...

This is contrary to the belief that PAP is intolerant of dissenting views, they seemed more open than others.

That has got to be the joke of the century. PAP is only open to suggestions and views from their own members whom can be 'whipped' into submission. Whenever the Opposition comes into play, the MIW gets hyper and stooped to low-brow tactics. This past election, all the name-calling and insults came from the PAP. Scratch the surface and they're no better than a bunch of white collar thugs.

And read this:

http://commentarysingapore.blogspot.com/2006/08/singapore-makes-international-news.html

Anonymous said...

"I am really amazed by your attitude here! Just hope that you are not from PAP!"

Mr Goh, are the above not your words? Did I quote you wrongly? If you are not suspecting him to be from PAP camp, what are you then? A highly suspicious character like you would never do good for your country. You may think everyone is out against you or WP. Should WP be in power, I'm afraid to say all your opponents could be thrown in political prison. If you don't mind, may I go one step further, political assassination.

Secondly there's no neccessity for you to lecture down on a commoner whose educational level is obviously not as high as you. Or can I safely assume you are out to flaunt your economics knowledge, after hving studied at a state university where standards are pretty high, comparable to some of the best of the world.

With regard to high ministerial salary packages being offered, I believed you as a high intellectual are aware that US Treasury chiefs come and go. Recently appointed Henry Paulson hailed from Goldman Sachs, I can assured you he wont stay for more than 3 years. Former US Trade Representative Zoellick is rumoured to be back to Wall Street. Many of my contemporaries are happy to accept lucrative Wall Street job offers than landing a govt post. S'poreans are indeed blessed by ministers who are willing to spend long years in public office while accepting enormous pay cuts. I was told a former banker turned politican was paid one-third of his former salary, is that true? Many in the undeveloped world would be more than happy to pay millions in salaries to top leaders in exchange for prosperity, stability and peace.

Once again I hope I don't sound anti WP or you may chose to censor me. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Yes, petrol price rise - people cannot "tahan" even if it rise 1 to 3 cents. Every trip 1 to 3 cents will hurt our pocket - DID YOU HEAR WHAT I AM TRYING TO SAY?

I proposed the below.......hope to hear from the PTC....don't approved the rises anymore.....I kneel down on my feet to beg you :(

Gov't can reduced or taxes on petrol for buses (SBS & SMRT and school buses which ferry "the new poor" to and fro work). This way, the fare will remained as it is.
Increase petrol tax for those who can afford to have their own vehicle,(I am sorry for saying this). Public transport mean those cannot afford car.
This way, CEOs for these 2 company can answer to shareholders = both commuters and shareholder are happy.

My english no good la.......hope you understand what I have written.

A New Poor

at82 said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
at82 said...

To Michelle Myer:

Where did GohMS mention that the anon is PAP lackey?!?

U are the one who said tat loh.

GMS said:
"I am really amazed by your attitude here! Just hope that you are not from PAP!"

I am also amazed by the anon's attitude. I also hope that he is NOT from PAP for god sake.

Personally I dun think this annon is engaging in a discussion. His/her comments seem more like personal attacks to me.

But does not tat means tat I am saying he is a "PAP Lackey" or i am intolerant of dissent!

BTW everything tat u have mention had happened under PAP rulez and u are here saying WP is dangerous?

So com'on man, gimme a break!

Admin said...

Dear Michelle,

I think you are jumping the gun here! It is precisely the fact that I do not know whether the person is from PAP that I put forward such a statement.. just hope that he is not from PAP! How do you conclude from this statement that I am saying he is from PAP? I am really puzzled indeed.

And besides, the remark of "I hope you are not from PAP" comes right after I question him about his/her stand on price hikes, not about his intention of "attacking WP"! Thus, again, I think you are overly presumptuous at this point and taking my statement out of context.

And you have a leap in your argument here: suspicion implies all the bad things politicians will do and thus, "no good for the country"? I think some people here have educated you on the historical aspect of Singapore under PAP and surely I do not think you consider PAP is not doing any good for the country, do you?;)

In fact, I would say that despite PAP putting its political opponents behind bars without trial for decades in the past, it does not necessarily mean that PAP will "do the country no good". Would you agree with that?

It is a political education process that one should learn about what he is talking here. I wonder how putting up well established economic theory here would be regarded as "talking down" or "flaunting" my econs knowledge! Next time, if PAP brings up any theories of any sort, could I accuse them of "talking down" to people as the ruling elites? Or that they are "lecturing" and "flaunting" their econs knowledge? Obviously not.

And besides, I do not know the "education level" of each individuals that posted comments here.

I have not touched on "million dollar ministerial pay" here but since you want to touch on it, so be it. The truth is, there are still many distinguished Americans that have spent their lives in public service, as a full time professional politicians!

It takes more than calculative intelligent minds to become a public servant. You need the spirit and acumen for public service; you either have it or you don't...no amount of monetary return/rewards could make up for that.

And there is a very important difference here: no one private sector will give you that kind of prestiege, privileges and pensions as a minister! Enough said.

Goh Meng Seng

Shi Han said...

Notwithstanding, do you guys here feel that one of the WP's flaw is that they do not connect to the people?

Kai said...

Notwithstanding, do you guys here feel that one of the WP's flaw is that they do not connect to the people?

Er.. NO. Notwithstanding, do you not feel that one of the WP's strength is that they are able to connect with the people, the heartlanders, the man on the street? Have you been to the WP rallies at all? If not, how did you even begin to draw that conclusion?

Should WP be in power, I'm afraid to say all your opponents could be thrown in political prison. If you don't mind, may I go one step further, political assassination.

I'm afraid to say PAP HAS already thrown a few political opponents in prison! At least brush up on your PAP history if you want to sound like an expert in local politics here. And political assassination? Sad to inform you PAP ialso an expert in that! They even top it off by doing character assassination these days.

Anyway this michelle myers sounds like a PHONY to me. Could be that anonymous rabid dog poster's morphing into his split personality after taking a beating from the other commenters. See..

"Former US Trade Representative Zoellick is rumoured to be back to Wall Street"

First, Americans never spell rumor (American English) as rumour (British English. And second, Robert Zoellick is not rumoured to be back at Wall Street, because he IS already, he's at Goldman Sachs! And Zoellick only quit his post as Trade Representative because he was not appointed by Bush to be Treasury Secretary, certainly not because of low pay. And if low pay is the reason, why would Hank Paulson, former Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs who earned USD38.8m in 2005 and has a net worth of over USD500m, accept such a drastic pay cut to be the new Treasury Secretary (a post that pays "only" USD200K per year!)?

Don't the supposedly American Michelle Myers know that? Enough said huh.

Kai said...

Here are some links to back up my claims Zoellick did not quit his post because of low pay:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/world/20060524-104251-8585r.htm

http://www.chinaeconomicreview.com/subscriber/articledetail/1380.html

As for Hank Paulson's new appointment as Treasury Secretary, I was wrong to say the post pays at USD200K, because it's actually less that that! It's actually USD183.5K.

https://www.treas.gov/education/faq/treasury/officials.shtml

I wonder how much our Finance Minister gets per year. Probably much much more.

Shi Han said...

Have you been to the WP rallies at all? If not, how did you even begin to draw that conclusion?

No, I have not been to a WP rally at all. But don't you think that the WP just come when elections are nearing, and just do a disappearing act after elections have finished?

Admin said...

Dear DD,

Maybe you don't live in the East or North side where we have more ground activities going on. This is well documented in our website www.wp.sg please look at the photo essays from the past years.

We are surely not appearing only during elections time as you think.

Goh Meng Seng

Anonymous said...

No, I have not been to a WP rally at all. But don't you think that the WP just come when elections are nearing, and just do a disappearing act after elections have finished?

See what I mean? You are the one who did the disappearing act, not the WP. And just because the wonderfully biased newspapers we have choose to document every fart, smile and sneeze, of the PAP, does not mean the Opposition have been idling. You must be selectively blind if you think that.. Has the glare of those white shirts diminish your ability to see clearly? Btw, if you don't know, it is only possible to hold election rallies on election year, and even then, for 2 weeks at most.

Anonymous said...

the 1st anonymous poster...
is none other than...
Wolong123!

Shi Han said...

Dear GMS,

In the actual fact, I live in the East(Aljunied GRC). But seriously speaking, I've never experienced or got bore upon with your party's ground activities or groundwork.

You can say, go visit the party's website which has documented photo essays from past years. But what we the people/voters want to really see is what the WP can offer to us. What can the WP can do and how effective are they.

You can't possibly tell every soul to go the WP's site if they wanna know more about the party. No matter how well or documented the website is, the key and significant thing is to engage with the people.

Yes, I know that the WP did do their 'ground activities', but it would be great if it is to its maximum effect.

Damien

Anonymous said...

Yes, I know that the WP did do their 'ground activities', but it would be great if it is to its maximum effect.

It would be great if you could define what you meant by "maximum effect."

Anonymous said...

WP have to start from somewhere right? Even if WP is not doing it,somebody else will.

I am happy with the progress and direction WP is taking right now.

Remember, it is a estimated 50 years Project.

You also have to take in account the odds are worse off than what PAP went through in the past when PAP was Opposition.

In fact, the sheer fact that there are actually Singaporeans coming forward to provide manpower and resource to WP alone is an amazing fact. Lets start small. Never mind the qualifications. One step at a time.

Singapore may be economically stronger than 40 years ago but is definitely less free than 40 years ago. My grandfather said he felt the civil freedom got less and less over the 40 years and fear and paranoia took over.

Keep it up WP !!!

Anonymous said...

Unbiased,
May be she/he hopes that gms can goto her/his pl every morning and ask whether have anything need to help,sweep floor, wash car or repair PC, everything free of charge!
if gms really do that then i have to go back to my country look for other job.

Anonymous said...

Shut up maid! Just do and earn your takes! If Indo doing well, you don't have to be here and sweat this few hundreds dollars. SG politics got nothing to do with you.

Anonymous said...

If sg econ doing well, why I still can't find a decent job n have to be a part time maid and sweat this few hundreds dollars?

Don't try to save money by breaking our rice bowl, if not I will also have to work at other country as a maid.

Anonymous said...

Because Wong Kan Seng says a few hundreds is better than zero.

There will be more of such good years for us ...

Anonymous said...

Hope that he can try hard to solve the problem and not only keep on saying that a few hundreds $ is better than me if he not going to retire from bishan toa payoh grc after 5 yrs.

some party starting go there...already.

Anonymous said...

Defining features of GMS:

1. Arrogant, likes to show off and thinks he is always correct.

2. Condescending: talk down to people, as if he is the master.

3. Petty: cannot tahan criticism, and resort to threats of lawsuit to win arguments.

4. Scheming: likes to distort works, put words in mouth of others and wriggle away.

5. Vulgar: throw taunts and insults at those who defeats him in a debate.

6. Self-importance: thinks he is some bloody big ass to participate in a GE.

7. Idiotic: never realize he is not meant for politics.