21 November 2014
The Straits Times published a letter from one Koh Cheng Soon on 20 November 2014 suggesting that listed companies be required to buy back shares at a price fixed at a percentage of its initial public offering price, to provide assurance to investors.
If the number of investors who wished to sell their shares back to the company exceeded a predetermined percentage, the company would be delisted.
Since Mr Koh gave the example of setting the so-called committed surrender value at 20 per cent of the initial public offering price, I wonder why he (and like-minded investors) would not have sold their shares earlier, instead of waiting till they fell to that low level.
In any case, I don't know which established stock market has such practice.
Perhaps, Mr Koh should not invest in shares.
Mysterious Contributor On Sharks' Fins
21 November 2014
Both mainstream newspapers — The Straits Times and TODAY — require contributors to their forum page to identify themselves (full name, address and telephone number) and will not normally accede to the use of pseudonyms.
It was surprising therefore to come across a letter in 19 November's TODAY written by someone identified as "KT Tan" only:
Both mainstream newspapers — The Straits Times and TODAY — require contributors to their forum page to identify themselves (full name, address and telephone number) and will not normally accede to the use of pseudonyms.
It was surprising therefore to come across a letter in 19 November's TODAY written by someone identified as "KT Tan" only:
CIMB's Reply Tells Us Nothing
18 November 2014
The Straits Times Forum page had this reply from CIMB Bank Singapore:
The Straits Times Forum page had this reply from CIMB Bank Singapore:
What's the point of this letter, which tells readers absolutely nothing?
Pioneer Generation Fund Bill Amendment Rejected
3 November 2014
During the debate in Parliament on the Pioneer Generation Fund Bill today, Nominated Member of Parliament Chia Yong Yong tried unsuccessfully to amend several words in the Bill.
Ms Chia said the words in bold in Section 3:
suggested that the Pioneer Generation Package is subjected to means testing. The words suggest that for a scheme to qualify for funding under the Pioneer Generation, the disbursement of moneys or provision of benefits to any pioneers must be subjected to means testing or differentiation on grounds of financial need. She suggested that the words in bold be replaced with the word "pioneers".
During the debate in Parliament on the Pioneer Generation Fund Bill today, Nominated Member of Parliament Chia Yong Yong tried unsuccessfully to amend several words in the Bill.
Ms Chia said the words in bold in Section 3:
"…
by providing to them who are now elderly and are or
may be in need of financial relief, assistance or other
support …"
suggested that the Pioneer Generation Package is subjected to means testing. The words suggest that for a scheme to qualify for funding under the Pioneer Generation, the disbursement of moneys or provision of benefits to any pioneers must be subjected to means testing or differentiation on grounds of financial need. She suggested that the words in bold be replaced with the word "pioneers".
Unnecessary Advertisement
31 October 2014
Reader George Seah Boon Huat wrote ("Missing From Tennis Broadcasts" The Straits Times 31 Oct 2014):
Mr Seah complained that live shots of Singapore's landmarks were missing from TV broadcasts of the event, which could have been shown during some of the breaks in between games.
I wonder why Mr Seah or The Straits Times considered it to be necessary to include the names of the sponsors in his letter.
It lacked relevance, and seemed nothing more than an advertisement for the sponsors.
In almost everyone's eyes, the WTA Finals are the WTA Finals.
Reader George Seah Boon Huat wrote ("Missing From Tennis Broadcasts" The Straits Times 31 Oct 2014):
"Last week,
Singaporeans saw the world's top eight female tennis players
competing in the BNP Paribas WTA Finals presented by SC Global,
making Singapore the first Asia-Pacific city to host the event."
Mr Seah complained that live shots of Singapore's landmarks were missing from TV broadcasts of the event, which could have been shown during some of the breaks in between games.
I wonder why Mr Seah or The Straits Times considered it to be necessary to include the names of the sponsors in his letter.
It lacked relevance, and seemed nothing more than an advertisement for the sponsors.
In almost everyone's eyes, the WTA Finals are the WTA Finals.
Unnecessarily Precise Foreign Currency Equivalent
24 October 2014
The Straits Times carried this headline:
The British police had agreed to pay a woman £425,000, according to The Guardian and BBC News.
In its report, The Straits Times presented the Singapore dollar equivalent of £425,000 with far too much precision, using an exchange rate of £1=$2.04164. Given that exchange rates fluctuate by the second, it would have been more than sufficient for its readers to know that £425,000 was equivalent to approximately S$868,000, or even $870,000. Would the slight imprecision matter to anyone in Singapore?
In any case, The Straits Times should have left the conversion to its readers, who would soon be able to do foreign exchange conversion mentally with ease (at least those who bother to find out),
The Straits Times carried this headline:
The British police had agreed to pay a woman £425,000, according to The Guardian and BBC News.
In its report, The Straits Times presented the Singapore dollar equivalent of £425,000 with far too much precision, using an exchange rate of £1=$2.04164. Given that exchange rates fluctuate by the second, it would have been more than sufficient for its readers to know that £425,000 was equivalent to approximately S$868,000, or even $870,000. Would the slight imprecision matter to anyone in Singapore?
In any case, The Straits Times should have left the conversion to its readers, who would soon be able to do foreign exchange conversion mentally with ease (at least those who bother to find out),
Increasing Food Prices At Expense Of Quality And Quantity?
23 October 2014
I found the headline "Don't Increase Food Prices At Expense Of Quality And Quantity" (TODAY, 23 October 2014) confusing.
Reader Alan Chin Jia Lun had written to TODAY:
Mr Chin and TODAY are mistaken.
I found the headline "Don't Increase Food Prices At Expense Of Quality And Quantity" (TODAY, 23 October 2014) confusing.
Reader Alan Chin Jia Lun had written to TODAY:
"I refer to the
report on the rise in food prices …. It is inevitable for hawkers to raise their
food prices as costs of ingredients, rental and manpower have gone up
in recent years.
However, hawkers should not increase food prices at the expense of compromising on the quality and quantity of their food.
When food prices are increased, the portion of dishes should not be reduced, so that consumers will still feel satisfied. But some hawkers reduce the size of their servings."
However, hawkers should not increase food prices at the expense of compromising on the quality and quantity of their food.
When food prices are increased, the portion of dishes should not be reduced, so that consumers will still feel satisfied. But some hawkers reduce the size of their servings."
Mr Chin and TODAY are mistaken.
No More Weird Buildings
23 October 2014
China's president Xi Jinping recently called for an end to weird architecture, which are exemplified by unconventional buildings.
So too should Singapore authorities, property developers and owners.
Whilst beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, if the majority of people consider a building design to be weird, it is weird. And, there are a number of prominent buildings here that many people would consider to be not just unconventional, but weird.
Unfortunately for the general public, buildings last a long time.
China's president Xi Jinping recently called for an end to weird architecture, which are exemplified by unconventional buildings.
So too should Singapore authorities, property developers and owners.
Whilst beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, if the majority of people consider a building design to be weird, it is weird. And, there are a number of prominent buildings here that many people would consider to be not just unconventional, but weird.
Unfortunately for the general public, buildings last a long time.
ACRES's Louis Ng Joins PAP
21 October 2014
TODAY reported that Animal Concerns Research & Education Society's founder and executive director Louis Ng has joined People's Action Party, Singapore's current ruling party.
TODAY considered it sufficiently newsworthy and significant to be given the entire page 2 of the tabloid.
TODAY reported that Animal Concerns Research & Education Society's founder and executive director Louis Ng has joined People's Action Party, Singapore's current ruling party.
TODAY considered it sufficiently newsworthy and significant to be given the entire page 2 of the tabloid.
Is it because the news primarily concerns PAP, ACRES or Mr Ng?
How Do I Know Your Story Is True?
20 October 2014
When a person tells us about something that someone else told him, it has little or no value if he does not identify the third party.
So it is with Mr Chew Kok Liang's letter "Don't Underestimate Female Soldiers" in today's The Straits Times:
When a person tells us about something that someone else told him, it has little or no value if he does not identify the third party.
So it is with Mr Chew Kok Liang's letter "Don't Underestimate Female Soldiers" in today's The Straits Times:
"When
Singapore confronted the Communist Party of Malaya, it had to deal
with female communists.
They were mainly
Chinese and physically smaller and weaker than their male
counterparts.
But what they
lacked in strength, they made up for in dedication and ability.
I knew a Malaysian
military intelligence officer who fought the communists. Part of his
duties was to turn them to gain intelligence and to aid in search and
destroy missions.
In his experience,
the women were more deadly.
It was possible to
crack or turn a male communist, given time and incentives, he said.
However, try as he
might, he could never turn a female communist. They were prepared to
die for the cause 'no matter what', he said.
He once led an
ambush of a communist patrol and a heavily pregnant communist charged
at one of his soldiers with a parang.
He knocked her down
with a shot but she got up and tried to charge again. He had to shoot
her again, this time, to her death.
In his opinion,
female soldiers are as good as male soldiers. They may even be better
as they can be more focused and ruthless.
There are many
reasons for and against enlisting women, but their fighting
capability should not be one of them."
If Mr Chew cannot remember the
Malaysian intelligence officer's name or doesn't want to tell us his
name for whatever reason (even though the purported event probably
took place half a century ago), he should tell us why we should
believe him.
Indonesia — The World's Most Populous Muslim Nation?
20 October 2014
Channel News Asia describes Indonesia as the world's most populous Muslim nation.
This is incorrect.
Although Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population, Islam is not the country's national religion. Instead, the Indonesian constitution recognises six official religions — Islam, Protestantism, (Roman) Catholicism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Hinduism.
Channel News Asia describes Indonesia as the world's most populous Muslim nation.
This is incorrect.
Although Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population, Islam is not the country's national religion. Instead, the Indonesian constitution recognises six official religions — Islam, Protestantism, (Roman) Catholicism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Hinduism.
Thai Teen's Perplexing Post-Appeal Actions
2 October 2014
The news report "Thai Teen's Appeal In Lawsuit Against SMRT, LTA Dismissed" (TODAY, 2 Oct 2014) following Nitcharee Peneakchanasak's appeal raises several questions.
Relief
Nitcharee, who lost both legs after falling onto train tracks in Singapore more than three years ago, remained stoic and expressed relief at closing the final chapter of the episode.
Since she was the party that initiated the lawsuit and the subsequent appeal, why did she express relief when the Court of Appeal dismissed her claim that SMRT and LTA were negligent?
Costs
Perhaps, Nitcharee was relieved that SMRT and LTA would not be pursuing costs estimated to be almost $400,000 out of "compassion, sympathy and goodwill".
SMRT and LTA are unnecessarily generous, in my view. It is one thing not to pursue Nitcharee for costs after the High Court judgment and before the appeal; it quite another to do so in spite of her insisting on appealing.
SMRT's and LTA's goodwill appears to be misplaced.
Thai Flag
The news report included a photo of her father, Kittanesh Peneakchanasak, holding what looks like Thailand's flag in public in Singapore.
The news report "Thai Teen's Appeal In Lawsuit Against SMRT, LTA Dismissed" (TODAY, 2 Oct 2014) following Nitcharee Peneakchanasak's appeal raises several questions.
Relief
Nitcharee, who lost both legs after falling onto train tracks in Singapore more than three years ago, remained stoic and expressed relief at closing the final chapter of the episode.
Since she was the party that initiated the lawsuit and the subsequent appeal, why did she express relief when the Court of Appeal dismissed her claim that SMRT and LTA were negligent?
Costs
Perhaps, Nitcharee was relieved that SMRT and LTA would not be pursuing costs estimated to be almost $400,000 out of "compassion, sympathy and goodwill".
SMRT and LTA are unnecessarily generous, in my view. It is one thing not to pursue Nitcharee for costs after the High Court judgment and before the appeal; it quite another to do so in spite of her insisting on appealing.
SMRT's and LTA's goodwill appears to be misplaced.
Thai Flag
The news report included a photo of her father, Kittanesh Peneakchanasak, holding what looks like Thailand's flag in public in Singapore.
Kittanesh's action was inappropriate and unnecessary.
Mainstream Media And Roy Ngerng
29 September 2014
In their reports on yesterday's fracas at Hong Lim Park:
What has the fact that Mr Ngerng is facing a defamation suit by Mr Lee got to do with the fracas?
In their reports on yesterday's fracas at Hong Lim Park:
Special Needs Children Heckled As Hong Lim Park Rallygoers Disrupt Charity Carnival The Straits Times 28 Sep 2014 11:20 pm (the article was dated 27 Sep 2014, which was evidently incorrect as the events occurred on 28 Sep 2014);
YMCA: Planning For Carnival Began 10 Months Ago TODAY 29 Sep 2014; and
Hong Lim Park Fracas: Rally Leaders Defend Actions The Straits Times 29 Sep 2014 7:30 amthe mainstream media described Mr Roy Ngerng as the blogger who is facing a defamation suit by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
What has the fact that Mr Ngerng is facing a defamation suit by Mr Lee got to do with the fracas?
F1 Singapore: Plenty To Do To Bridge Gap
17 September 2014
In an article Plenty To Do To Bridge Gap (TODAY, 17 Sep 2014), MediaCorp's Adelene Wong wrote that some Singaporeans are still lukewarm even as the Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix will be held this coming weekend.
The organisers have yet to win over the larger community in Singapore, who find it hard to identify with the event.
If anyone is still wondering, the community's perception of F1 Singapore is best summed up by a Ms Adeline Tay, who said:
Isn't it clear that most of us don't really care about the F1?
Not only that, many of us are inconvenienced by the event, and can't wait for the weekend to be behind us.
In an article Plenty To Do To Bridge Gap (TODAY, 17 Sep 2014), MediaCorp's Adelene Wong wrote that some Singaporeans are still lukewarm even as the Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix will be held this coming weekend.
The organisers have yet to win over the larger community in Singapore, who find it hard to identify with the event.
If anyone is still wondering, the community's perception of F1 Singapore is best summed up by a Ms Adeline Tay, who said:
"It
feels like a money-generating event for the country, and not for
Singaporeans, who just avoid the mad traffic in the area."
Isn't it clear that most of us don't really care about the F1?
Not only that, many of us are inconvenienced by the event, and can't wait for the weekend to be behind us.
Vehicular Speeds Increase When ERP Rates Increase
11 September 2014
Senior Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo told Parliament yesterday that electronic road pricing ("ERP") rates have shown an uptrend at eight gantries.
The result: for every dollar increase in ERP rates, motor vehicle speeds rose an average of 7 per cent.
Isn't it obvious?
Land Transport Authority's practice is to increase, and keep increasing, ERP rates at any gantry until average motor vehicle speeds along the targeted road during peak periods increase to LTA's satisfaction.
Senior Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo told Parliament yesterday that electronic road pricing ("ERP") rates have shown an uptrend at eight gantries.
The result: for every dollar increase in ERP rates, motor vehicle speeds rose an average of 7 per cent.
Isn't it obvious?
Land Transport Authority's practice is to increase, and keep increasing, ERP rates at any gantry until average motor vehicle speeds along the targeted road during peak periods increase to LTA's satisfaction.
Penalty For Bulky Cash Deposits
10 September 2014
A reader, Ms Ee Kok Ling, was miffed that Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation ("OCBC"), one of Singapore's three local banks, charged her $30 for depositing $50,000 in fifty $1,000 banknotes over the counter (Charged $30 To Deposit $50k In Own Bank Account The Straits Times 8 Sep 2014).
Replying on behalf of OCBC, Mr Sunny Quek, head of branch and group premier banking, explained that banks typically impose charges on bulky cash deposits over the counter to minimise the queue time as the teller has to verify and count the bulk cash (Charges On Bulk Cash Deposits: OCBC Replies The Straits Times 10 Sep 2014).
OCBC charges $10 for every $10,000 or part thereof deposited in cash per day after the first $20,000.
OCBC should explain how much time is required to verify and count 50 pieces of banknotes.
In any case, verifying and counting banknotes has been mechanised, so processing of banknotes doesn't take quite as much time as in the past.
A reader, Ms Ee Kok Ling, was miffed that Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation ("OCBC"), one of Singapore's three local banks, charged her $30 for depositing $50,000 in fifty $1,000 banknotes over the counter (Charged $30 To Deposit $50k In Own Bank Account The Straits Times 8 Sep 2014).
Replying on behalf of OCBC, Mr Sunny Quek, head of branch and group premier banking, explained that banks typically impose charges on bulky cash deposits over the counter to minimise the queue time as the teller has to verify and count the bulk cash (Charges On Bulk Cash Deposits: OCBC Replies The Straits Times 10 Sep 2014).
OCBC charges $10 for every $10,000 or part thereof deposited in cash per day after the first $20,000.
OCBC should explain how much time is required to verify and count 50 pieces of banknotes.
In any case, verifying and counting banknotes has been mechanised, so processing of banknotes doesn't take quite as much time as in the past.
Silver Bonus For All Seniors Or All Needy?
9 September 2014
In her article "Celebrate Old Age With 'Silver Bonus'" (The Straits Times, 27 Aug 2014), Kanwaljit Soin makes a plea for members of the Pioneer Generation to be given a "Silver Bonus".
She writes:
Just earlier this year, the Government said there were 450,000 members of the Pioneer Generation. How did Ms Soin conclude that the number had dwindled to 400,000 in a matter of months?
Also, Ms Soin claims that about 35,000 of the Pioneer Generation members earn less than $1,000 a month. But, are these 35,000 people actually working and earning less than $1,000 a month? Or, do they include those who are not working and therefore have no income from work (i.e., earn less than $1,000 a month).
Ms Soin concludes with her suggestion:
Unfortunately, Ms Soin ignores the fact that the $9 billion Pioneer Generation Package has already been earmarked for future medical expenses. There's nothing left for other purposes.
It will be more sensible to provide financial assistance to the needy.
In her article "Celebrate Old Age With 'Silver Bonus'" (The Straits Times, 27 Aug 2014), Kanwaljit Soin makes a plea for members of the Pioneer Generation to be given a "Silver Bonus".
She writes:
"There are just about
400,000 of us in Singapore — those aged 65 and older. About 35,000 of
us earn less than $1,000 a month."
Just earlier this year, the Government said there were 450,000 members of the Pioneer Generation. How did Ms Soin conclude that the number had dwindled to 400,000 in a matter of months?
Also, Ms Soin claims that about 35,000 of the Pioneer Generation members earn less than $1,000 a month. But, are these 35,000 people actually working and earning less than $1,000 a month? Or, do they include those who are not working and therefore have no income from work (i.e., earn less than $1,000 a month).
Ms Soin concludes with her suggestion:
"If each one of us
over 65 who is a resident in Singapore is given an old age allowance
of just $200, it would be a good bonus.
...
The cost to the
country would be $960 million annually.
The total cost of the
Pioneer Package is $9 billion and this old age allowance could be a
small part of the total package."
Unfortunately, Ms Soin ignores the fact that the $9 billion Pioneer Generation Package has already been earmarked for future medical expenses. There's nothing left for other purposes.
It will be more sensible to provide financial assistance to the needy.
(Re)defining Municipal Services Office's Duties
26 August 2014
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said at
the National Day Rally on 17 August (edited):
"One area
where we can do better is getting all our different agencies to work
more closely together, especially when their responsibilities overlap
with one another or are split between different agencies.
"Mayor Low Yen
Ling's residents had complained that the walkway to Bukit Gombak MRT
Station was often dirty. One resident told her he saw a fishball
stick there on the walkway. The next day, he came back, he looked,
and the same fishball stick was still in the same place. So Yen Ling
called up the agencies to find out why the area was not being cleared
regularly and she had to make multiple calls to several agencies,
held several meetings, finally, she managed to establish what
happened.
"It is not the
way we should be operating and we have to do better to bridge these
inter-agency boundaries and to serve the public in an integrated way.
"So we will
set up a Municipal Services Office — one authority to coordinate
all of the agencies: LTA, PUB, NParks, the whole lot, and
single-mindedly focus on service delivery. I will appoint Minister
Grace Fu to oversee this Municipal Services Office. So more details
will be announced later, please be patient. We are going in the right
direction. We are determined to do better and I think Grace will do a
good job."
According to TODAY (Municipal Office
'Not Catch-All Body, But For Complex Cases', 25 Aug 2014), Ms Fu
said one week later:
The MSO is not
intended to be an omnibus body for the public to direct all their
feedback for forwarding to the various government agencies.
The MSO is the
place to turn to mainly for complex cases in which the public is
unsure whom to call. If the public already knows that a certain area
is done by a certain agency, there is no need to relearn another
number (MSO's) or for a bureaucracy to pull these services into a
central unit.
MND estimates about
10 to 15 per cent of all feedback various government agencies get on
municipal issues involves multiple agencies, or residents approaching
the wrong agencies. But the status quo remains for clear-cut cases, so
the MSO doesn't create another layer nor delay the process.
Was that what Mr Lee was thinking when
he decided to set up MSO?
Ms Fu should ask Ms Low whether she had, at the outset, imagined that getting a fishball stick removed by the authorities was such a
complex matter.
Value of Youth Olympics Gold
25 August 2014
When both of Singapore's Byte CII sailors won gold medals at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, Channel News Asia reported that it was the first time the country had won gold at an Olympic event (Sailors Win Singapore's First Golds At YOG 2014, 24 Aug 2014 12:56, updated 24 Aug 2014 20:36).
Thankfully, Channel News Asia's sister media division TODAY did not make a similar claim when it reported the sailors' success (Sailors Pull Off Golden Comebacks, 25 Aug 2014).
Channel News Asia's exuberance is understandable, but misplaced — the Youth Olympic Games are not of the same stature as the summer or winter Olympic Games, and by no stretch of imagination can a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games be compared with a gold medal, or even a bronze medal, at the summer or winter Olympic Games.
When both of Singapore's Byte CII sailors won gold medals at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, Channel News Asia reported that it was the first time the country had won gold at an Olympic event (Sailors Win Singapore's First Golds At YOG 2014, 24 Aug 2014 12:56, updated 24 Aug 2014 20:36).
Thankfully, Channel News Asia's sister media division TODAY did not make a similar claim when it reported the sailors' success (Sailors Pull Off Golden Comebacks, 25 Aug 2014).
Channel News Asia's exuberance is understandable, but misplaced — the Youth Olympic Games are not of the same stature as the summer or winter Olympic Games, and by no stretch of imagination can a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games be compared with a gold medal, or even a bronze medal, at the summer or winter Olympic Games.
Doctor Oz Censored
5 August 2014
Yesterday, MediaCorp's Channel 5 regular weekday Doctor Oz show featured the five most awkward questions of all time women had.
These were: butt boils, mucus in stool, excessive perspiration and bloated midriff.
Four, not five, because it appears that MediaCorp censored one.
Yesterday, MediaCorp's Channel 5 regular weekday Doctor Oz show featured the five most awkward questions of all time women had.
These were: butt boils, mucus in stool, excessive perspiration and bloated midriff.
Four, not five, because it appears that MediaCorp censored one.
It appears that the missing question came from a woman who said she occasionally experienced an
orgasm when jogging. According to Dr Oz, the phenomenon is quite common for
women when exercising. It occurs because of friction between the runner's clothes and the genitals, similar to that during sexual intercourse. Moreover, the body releases endorphins (runner's high) and hormones. Together, they can cause a woman to have an orgasm. To avoid this, Dr Oz
suggests wearing looser fitting underwear.
Was it necessary for MediaCorp to censor this?
Was it necessary for MediaCorp to censor this?
High Risk HIV Lifestyles
11 July 2014
According to a World Health Organisation news release today:
■ Women sex workers are 14 times more likely to have HIV than other women.
■ Men who have sex with men are 19 times more likely to have HIV than the general population.
■ Transgender women are almost 50 times more likely to have HIV than other adults.
■ People who inject drugs are 50 times more likely to have HIV than the general population.
■ Modelling estimates that, globally, 20-25 per cent reductions in HIV incidence among men who have sex with men could be achieved through pre-exposure prophylaxis, averting up to 1 million new infections among this group over 10 years.
According to a World Health Organisation news release today:
■ Women sex workers are 14 times more likely to have HIV than other women.
■ Men who have sex with men are 19 times more likely to have HIV than the general population.
■ Transgender women are almost 50 times more likely to have HIV than other adults.
■ People who inject drugs are 50 times more likely to have HIV than the general population.
■ Modelling estimates that, globally, 20-25 per cent reductions in HIV incidence among men who have sex with men could be achieved through pre-exposure prophylaxis, averting up to 1 million new infections among this group over 10 years.
Pointless Unverifiable Anecdotes
8 July 2014
Two readers tried to support their case with anecdotes.
Two readers tried to support their case with anecdotes.
Chew Kok Liang in "Is IPPT Serving Its Purpose" The Straits Times, 8 July 2014:
"A Malaysian Ranger officer once told me of his participation in a joint US Marines and Malaysian Rangers jungle exercise. When he and his men first met the US Marines, they were very impressed by the Marines' physique and fitness. They all looked like bodybuilders and jogged everywhere, even to the latrines. And they carried packs that were twice as heavy as those carried by the Malaysian Rangers.
"However, it soon became apparent that fit and strong as the US Marines were compared with the smaller and wiry Rangers, they could not cope with the hilly and uneven jungle terrain, and soon lagged far behind the Rangers.
"The Marines managed to complete the exercise only after being advised to lighten their load. They dumped their body armour, night goggles and other equipment, keeping only ammunition and food. They had forgotten the lessons from the Vietnam war: Travel as lightly as possible during jungle operations."
Heng Cho Choon in "Dialect Help Strengthen Learning of Mandarin" TODAY, 8 July 2014:
"I have spoken to young Malaysian students who are very fluent in Chinese, Malay and English. They learnt Malay because it was compulsory and they are proficient in Chinese because they attended a Chinese school. They can also communicate in English with non-Malaysians. When I was browsing in a bookstore, I was surprised to learn that Malaysian students who are Indian or Malay could speak Mandarin."
Since neither anecdote can be verified, they add no value to the writers' case.
In addition, Mr Heng's observation may have been taken from a small sample that is not representative of the larger population.
In addition, Mr Heng's observation may have been taken from a small sample that is not representative of the larger population.
Home Value Or Income Determines One's Ability To Pay
2 July 2014
Singaporeans with annual home values above $21,000 will receive transitional subsidies to cope with the increase in premiums when MediShield Life is introduced. However, they will not receive permanent subsidies.
Minister for Manpower Gan Kim Yong said that some of such Singaporeans who own old homes of significant value but have little income, could be considered for non-transitional subsidies on a case-by-case basis if they had diffculty coping with the MediShield Life premiums, which will be higher than current MediShield premiums.
The problem lies with the Government, which is fixated on the idea that the annual value of a person's home, rather than his current income, is a more important or more relevant determinant of his ability to meet the cost of living in general and to pay MediShield Life premiums in particular.
Singaporeans with annual home values above $21,000 will receive transitional subsidies to cope with the increase in premiums when MediShield Life is introduced. However, they will not receive permanent subsidies.
Minister for Manpower Gan Kim Yong said that some of such Singaporeans who own old homes of significant value but have little income, could be considered for non-transitional subsidies on a case-by-case basis if they had diffculty coping with the MediShield Life premiums, which will be higher than current MediShield premiums.
The problem lies with the Government, which is fixated on the idea that the annual value of a person's home, rather than his current income, is a more important or more relevant determinant of his ability to meet the cost of living in general and to pay MediShield Life premiums in particular.
A Need For A Joint Multi-Mission Ship?
30 June 2014
Singapore is considering buying a ship large enough to send more helicopters to disaster zones, according to Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen.
Dr Ng said the recent Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines underlined the need for a Joint Multi-Mission Ship ("JMMS").
With the possible exception of the United States and China, does any country acquire costly military hardware for rescue missions in other countries?
The SAF should acquire military hardware necessary for its operational needs in the defence of Singapore, but not a single piece of hardware more than that.
And when conducting rescue work in neighbouring countries, the SAF should use its operational resources to the limit of their capability.
Singapore is considering buying a ship large enough to send more helicopters to disaster zones, according to Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen.
Dr Ng said the recent Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines underlined the need for a Joint Multi-Mission Ship ("JMMS").
A larger JMMS will be able to
carry more helicopters or have more helicopters operating. When the SAF responded to Typhoon Haiyan, it found that communication had been knocked out and there was
no centralised ability for command and control of the airspace. In
that context, a ship like the JMMS would have been very useful.
With the possible exception of the United States and China, does any country acquire costly military hardware for rescue missions in other countries?
The SAF should acquire military hardware necessary for its operational needs in the defence of Singapore, but not a single piece of hardware more than that.
And when conducting rescue work in neighbouring countries, the SAF should use its operational resources to the limit of their capability.
No Need For Cabinet Minister To Head Singapore National Olympic Council
30 June 2014
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean
stepped down as president of the Singapore National Olympic Council today, a post he had held since 1998. He is succeeded by Manpower
Minister Tan Chuan-Jin.
Is it necessary that a political appointment holder should be president of the SNOC?
Doesn't the deputy prime minister or the manpower minister have more important duties to attend to?
Running the SNOC should be left to non-political appointment holders.
Distracting Commuters From Unpleasant Commuting
30 June 2014
The Land Transport Authority will introduce buskers performing at train platforms, elaborately decorated themed carriages and staff clutching stuffed toy flowers and giving out tissues to welcome commuters as part of its "social experiments" to make commuters' train journeys a little less harried ("Buskers, Themed Cabins for a Better MRT Experience" TODAY 30 Jun 2014).
The Land Transport Authority will introduce buskers performing at train platforms, elaborately decorated themed carriages and staff clutching stuffed toy flowers and giving out tissues to welcome commuters as part of its "social experiments" to make commuters' train journeys a little less harried ("Buskers, Themed Cabins for a Better MRT Experience" TODAY 30 Jun 2014).
Efforts are already under way to
upgrade ageing train infrastructure and improve service quality, but
will take years to bear fruit.
In the meantime, LTA hopes that these
social initiatives can make commuters' journeys more palatable and
encourage people to smile.
Does LTA really believe it can distract commuters from the unpleasant experience of commuting on the MRT? What commuters want is being able to travel in a train that is not overly crowded.
In any case, commuters are most harried at peak hours. Is there space for buskers? Can commuters appreciate the elaborately decorated themed carriages when they are packed?
LTA should consult SBS Transit which several years ago installed TV monitors in its buses. The initiative was scrapped eventually.
---------------
1 July 2014
A reader wrote ("Disconnect Between Public and Operator's Ideas of Better MRT Service" TODAY 1 Jul 2014).
Both he and the commentators are mistaken. The social experiment is LTA's initiative, not SMRT's.
This article was updated on 1 July 2014.
In any case, commuters are most harried at peak hours. Is there space for buskers? Can commuters appreciate the elaborately decorated themed carriages when they are packed?
LTA should consult SBS Transit which several years ago installed TV monitors in its buses. The initiative was scrapped eventually.
---------------
1 July 2014
A reader wrote ("Disconnect Between Public and Operator's Ideas of Better MRT Service" TODAY 1 Jul 2014).
Both he and the commentators are mistaken. The social experiment is LTA's initiative, not SMRT's.
This article was updated on 1 July 2014.
Pets In Public Transport
17 June 2014
Recently, there were calls to the authorities to allow pets in public transport such as buses and trains.
Pet owners cited two reasons.
Firstly, taking taxis was costly.
Secondly, many taxi drivers did not want pets in their taxis.
If few taxi drivers want pets in their taxis, why should commuters on buses and trains be forced to travel in buses or trains in close proximity to other commuters' pets, regardless of how well trained or how well groomed the pets might be?
Recently, there were calls to the authorities to allow pets in public transport such as buses and trains.
Pet owners cited two reasons.
Firstly, taking taxis was costly.
Secondly, many taxi drivers did not want pets in their taxis.
If few taxi drivers want pets in their taxis, why should commuters on buses and trains be forced to travel in buses or trains in close proximity to other commuters' pets, regardless of how well trained or how well groomed the pets might be?
MediShield Life Important for Malay Community
16 June 2014
Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim said that MediShield Life's universal coverage is important for the Malay community (MediShield Life a Boon for the Malay-Muslim Community: Yaacob The Straits Times 15 Jun 2014 8:28 pm, and MediShield Life Coverage Important for Malay Community: Yaacob Ibrahim Channel News Asia 15 Jun 2014 10:28 pm).
Isn't MediShield Life's universal coverage important for everyone, irrespective of his or her ethnic background?
Dr Yaacob elaborated, according to The Straits Times:
And according to Channel News Asia:
Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim said that MediShield Life's universal coverage is important for the Malay community (MediShield Life a Boon for the Malay-Muslim Community: Yaacob The Straits Times 15 Jun 2014 8:28 pm, and MediShield Life Coverage Important for Malay Community: Yaacob Ibrahim Channel News Asia 15 Jun 2014 10:28 pm).
Isn't MediShield Life's universal coverage important for everyone, irrespective of his or her ethnic background?
Dr Yaacob elaborated, according to The Straits Times:
"Anecdotally I
have been informed that our (Malay-Muslim community's) insurance
coverage is not that great, so having Medishield Life which will have
universal coverage is important for us."
And according to Channel News Asia:
"At
the same time, it (MediShield Life) takes in patients with existing
health conditions. We know that there are a lot of Malays within our
community who face certain health challenges and (it) will be
difficult for them to get insurance coverage. Now with MediShield
Life, that will be covered."
Pioneer Generation Appeals
16 June 2014
Approximately 180 people have appealed to be included in the Pioneer Generation Package (About 180 Appeal to Qualify for Pioneer Generation Package Channel News Asia 16 Jun 2014 7:13 am).
The appeal panel will focus on those who marginally missed out on the citizenship attainment criterion.
According to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (speech at Pioneer Generation tribute, 9 Feb 2014):
The reason for setting the citizenship cut-off date as 31 December 1986 is clear — if not for the incompleteness of documentary records regarding citizenship, the cut-off date would have been earlier. And should have been much earlier.
Approximately 180 people have appealed to be included in the Pioneer Generation Package (About 180 Appeal to Qualify for Pioneer Generation Package Channel News Asia 16 Jun 2014 7:13 am).
The appeal panel will focus on those who marginally missed out on the citizenship attainment criterion.
According to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (speech at Pioneer Generation tribute, 9 Feb 2014):
"For practical reasons, we
will include all who became citizens before 1987. If you ask why
1987, it is because before that we were not fully with computers, we
were on manual records and we cannot be absolutely sure we have all
the manual records still there. So we have been a little bit
generous, before 1987 we consider you Pioneer Generation. And in that
generation, there were many who came back and forth between Singapore
and Malaysia and who came to Singapore finally in the early years.
Late 60s, early 70s and their contribution deserves to be recognised
too."
The reason for setting the citizenship cut-off date as 31 December 1986 is clear — if not for the incompleteness of documentary records regarding citizenship, the cut-off date would have been earlier. And should have been much earlier.
It is puzzling why the panel needs to consider anyone for inclusion in the Pioneer Generation Package if he or she had missed out on the already generous citizenship attainment criterion.
REITs Should Not Maximise Profits?
31 May 2014
Mr Paul Chan Poh Hoi ("REITs Should Not Maximise Profits At Expense Of SMEs" TODAY 31 May 2014) fears that real estate investment trusts
("REITs") are raising rentals beyond what small and medium enterprises ("SMEs") can bear.
While conceding that SMEs compete for space and location to do
business in a free-market society, he postulates that the Government, conglomerates
and REITs should refrain from any profit maximisation approach at the
expense of SMEs.
I wonder what Mr Chan thinks the raison d'être of REITs, or for that matter, any for-profit business should be.
Should REITs leave some money on the table for SMEs because of the tax exempt status that the Ministry of Finance has granted on distributions by REITs to individuals?
How many SMEs selling products and services to the man in the street refrain from charging what they think their customers will pay, or more?
CPF LIFE Payouts To Keep Pace With Inflation
29 May 2014
When CPF LIFE started in 2009, some people realised that its payouts over a period stretching three or four decades should be indexed to inflation, either actual or approximately. Their suggestions fell on deaf ears.
Now the Government is studying how to improve CPF Life so that payouts keep pace with cost of living ("Parliament: PM Lee Says Aim Is For CPF LIFE Payouts To Keep Pace With Inflation" The Straits Times 28 May 2014 5:09 pm).
CPF LIFE for each age cohort is supposed to be a fully funded entity. Where will the money to increase its payouts to keep pace with inflation come from?
The alternative — in which the front end payments are reduced so that the future payments may be higher (in nominal terms) — is unlikely and politically impossible, given that the quantum of the payouts is virtually cast in stone.
The Government needs to tread carefully. If the higher payouts in the future are funded by tax payers, the arrangement will be structurally inflexible and will be a burden on future generations.
When CPF LIFE started in 2009, some people realised that its payouts over a period stretching three or four decades should be indexed to inflation, either actual or approximately. Their suggestions fell on deaf ears.
Now the Government is studying how to improve CPF Life so that payouts keep pace with cost of living ("Parliament: PM Lee Says Aim Is For CPF LIFE Payouts To Keep Pace With Inflation" The Straits Times 28 May 2014 5:09 pm).
CPF LIFE for each age cohort is supposed to be a fully funded entity. Where will the money to increase its payouts to keep pace with inflation come from?
The alternative — in which the front end payments are reduced so that the future payments may be higher (in nominal terms) — is unlikely and politically impossible, given that the quantum of the payouts is virtually cast in stone.
The Government needs to tread carefully. If the higher payouts in the future are funded by tax payers, the arrangement will be structurally inflexible and will be a burden on future generations.
GST — Paying The Comptroller Before Receiving Payment
28 May 2014
Mr Manmohan Singh wrote ("Payment Woes Of Cash-Strapped GST-Registered Businesses" The Straits Times 28 May 2014):
It is one thing if a GST-registered business has collected the GST and does not pay the Comptroller by the due date. It is quite another if a GST-registered business has yet to collect, or has difficulty collecting, the GST but has to pay the Comptroller in advance of receiving payment from his customers.
While the Comptroller should collect all GST due to the Government, requiring businesses to pay GST that is notionally, but not actually, collected puts an unfair burden on businesses.
Mr Manmohan Singh wrote ("Payment Woes Of Cash-Strapped GST-Registered Businesses" The Straits Times 28 May 2014):
[A business that is registered for Goods and Services Tax ("GST") is] effectively an agent
of the Government to collect GST from its customers. It has to submit
the returns and tax due within one month from the end of each
[calendar quarter].
When a customer
delays payment, the burden then rests solely on the GST-registered
business to pay the tax. If the business is cash-strapped and unable
to pay, the consequences can be serious.
The Comptroller of
GST can appoint any bank where the business maintains an account as
an agent to pay the GST due. When this occurs, the bank account of
the business is effectively "frozen" and all payments to
employees and suppliers cannot be made.
The Ministry of
Finance should clarify whether a GST-registered business can enforce
payment of the tax it is merely collecting on behalf of the
Government, and the options available should customers delay payment."
It is one thing if a GST-registered business has collected the GST and does not pay the Comptroller by the due date. It is quite another if a GST-registered business has yet to collect, or has difficulty collecting, the GST but has to pay the Comptroller in advance of receiving payment from his customers.
While the Comptroller should collect all GST due to the Government, requiring businesses to pay GST that is notionally, but not actually, collected puts an unfair burden on businesses.
MediShield's Premiums Far Exceed Claims Payouts
28 May 2014
Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Gerald Giam said in Parliament on 27 May:
Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Gerald Giam said in Parliament on 27 May:
"The MediShield Fund
had a capital adequacy ratio of 161 per cent in 2012, which is more
than 40 per cent higher than what the Monetary Authority of Singapore
expects commercial insurance funds to hold. MediShield's loss ratio
averaged just 63 per cent from 2001 to 2012. This means that it is
collecting a lot more in premiums than it is paying out in claims."
Hospitalisation insurance such as MediShield (and its successor MediShield Life) should operate on the basis of pooling risks for the current, or at most two, financial years.
MediShield should not be collecting premiums far in excess of claims year after year.
If MediShield's capital is found inadequate because of a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease such as SARS or MERS, the Government should provide temporary financial support; MediShield can adjust premiums upwards subsequently to rebuild its capital and repay the Government.
Asia In 20 Years
26 May 2014
In a keynote address on Scenarios For Asia In The Next 20 Years at the 20th Nikkei International Conference in Tokyo, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that the next two decades presented a historic opportunity for Asia, if the dominant regional powers — the United States, China and Japan — could work together peacefully. But there were uncertainties and challenges that could lead to tensions and disputes.
I was disappointed that Mr Lee took the current situation and extrapolated it two decades forward. Looking back 20 years ago, how many people would have forecast the state of the region now? Extrapolating is something that many analysts do, we don't need anyone to do for us something that we are capable of doing ourselves. And even when extrapolating and presenting different scenarios, good analysts should assign probabilities for each of the scenarios.
In a keynote address on Scenarios For Asia In The Next 20 Years at the 20th Nikkei International Conference in Tokyo, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that the next two decades presented a historic opportunity for Asia, if the dominant regional powers — the United States, China and Japan — could work together peacefully. But there were uncertainties and challenges that could lead to tensions and disputes.
I was disappointed that Mr Lee took the current situation and extrapolated it two decades forward. Looking back 20 years ago, how many people would have forecast the state of the region now? Extrapolating is something that many analysts do, we don't need anyone to do for us something that we are capable of doing ourselves. And even when extrapolating and presenting different scenarios, good analysts should assign probabilities for each of the scenarios.
Singapore Digest 18 May 2014
OBLIVIOUS, REALLY?
Educate Children and Curb Sale of Spray Paint to Them TODAY 13 May 2014
A reader saw young children spray painting on public premises, oblivious to the damage caused by, and the consequences of, their inconsiderate action.
It is doubtful whether those children were really oblivious to the consequences of their actions. They were spray painting in public because their parents likely forbade them to spray paint at home or immediately outside their home.
Educate Children and Curb Sale of Spray Paint to Them TODAY 13 May 2014
A reader saw young children spray painting on public premises, oblivious to the damage caused by, and the consequences of, their inconsiderate action.
It is doubtful whether those children were really oblivious to the consequences of their actions. They were spray painting in public because their parents likely forbade them to spray paint at home or immediately outside their home.
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