Article: Returning Korean Hostages Offer Thanks and Apologies
Date: 02 September 2007
Reporter: Kurt Achin
Publication: VOAnews.com
URL: http://voanews.com/english/2007-09-02-voa6.cfm
After a harrowing six weeks of kidnapping by Taleban extremists in Afghanistan, the 19 remaining South Korean hostages were finally able to return to their homes back in South Korea. The Taleban insurgents initially captured 23 hostages nearly two months ago when they were in Afghanistan doing Christian volunteer work. Unfortunately, two male hostages were killed and sacrificed when South Korea failed to arrange the release of Taleban prisoners in South Korea and another two women were released a few weeks afterward.
A Taleban representative claims that the South Korean Government paid a price of 20 Million USD in exchange for the captives, besides agreeing to pull out the non-combat military personnel in Afghanistan and to ban missionary work there, however, the South Korean Government vehemently denies this, stating that the withdrawal of personnel from multinational stabilization efforts had already been underway and that South Korea has already implemented a ban on travel to the area, portraying a situation that is supposedly loss-free for the South Koreans. Moreover, the price for such a seemingly fruitless negotiation has simply been too great – the loss of two human lives will be sorely missed.
However, it can be said that the 23 South Koreans who had gone to Afghanistan to do Christian volunteer work were incredibly foolish, especially since the Taleban are a presence to be feared in the Middle-East region and in spite of the ban already set by their own government. It is in my view that these Koreans should not have embarked on this mission of goodwill. Even though their intentions must have been noble; to aid the people in the embattled region, it was undoubtedly foolish and complacent to ignore the safety precautions set by their government, invariably resulting in such a terrible loss. They should have considered the implications and consequences of their seemingly helpful actions before acting on them and causing this scene of despair. Their over-dependence and complacency is thoroughly worrying and I urge other such missionary groups to consider carefully before embarking on such a dangerous journey again – it is simply not worth it!
Furthermore, the fact that the South Korean Government has had to negotiate on the precarious edge for the hostages’ freedom allows the terrorists to feel powerful and in control. To be able to force countries to commit on a death-threat will just encourage many more such groups to use similar strategies to get whatever they do desire. The Taleban are also now able to strike greater fear into the hearts of people worldwide, especially since they insinuate that they have an extra 20 Million USD to spend on weapons, communications systems and vehicles, giving them more excuses to emphasize the “terror” in the word, “terrorists”.
In conclusion, I believe that similar missionary groups should first consider the implications of their actions before deciding on committing to such a noble, but yet feeble and fruitless action.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Singaporeans Sharing?
Article: Annuities: It's risk-sharing among all
Date: 31 Aug 2007 0728 hrs (GMT + 8hrs)
Reporter: Christopher Tan
Publication: Channel NewsAsia
URL: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna/cgi-bin/search/search_7days.pl?status=&search=Annuities&id=297081
First the CPF (Central Provident Fund), now the Annuities Scheme; the problem – Singaporeans are living longer, and yet they do not know how to plan for their future ahead.
The CPF scheme was originally established to provide post-retirement security through a compulsory savings system in which individuals receive benefits in relation to their own contributions. Over the years, the role of the CPF has now widened to include, housing, healthcare and education benefits for all Singaporeans. Furthermore, the CPF is a source of funds for the Government to invest in ventures to improve the lives of Singaporeans. In short, the CPF is a fund that is made for Singaporeans, maintained by Singaporeans and managed by the Singaporean Government – all this just to ensure that individuals are able to support themselves once they retire willingly, or are forced to retire.
Despite the fact of the CPF scheme or rather, because of the CPF scheme, Singaporeans are still living longer and aging older, which may eventually render several of the hardy older generation penniless and incapable of supporting themselves, thus, the Singaporean Government, in another bid to babysit the aging population, has come up with the Compulsory Annuities Scheme, to further ensure that the “ancients” can support themselves in the midst of the non-welfare state of Singapore.
After reading the article, and the author’s point of view on the implementation of the Compulsory Annuities Scheme, I have come to agree with the author’s opinions on the subject. Originally, I subconsciously and naively thought that the Government was self-serving, implementing such schemes only to acquire more funds for its selfish purposes, however not many Singaporeans think further that that.
When we say that the Government only wants Singaporeans to “contribute” to their selfish purposes, we do not think; what purposes? Although it is inherently obvious that the purpose of a Government is just that, to govern the country of Singapore and the advancement and development of the nation as a whole, a democratic Government by the people, for the people and of the people, Singaporeans (like me) cannot see beyond their short-sightedness.
However, I still believe (to a slighter extent now) that the Government of Singapore is high-handed. When the Compulsory Annuities Scheme was just introduced a few weeks ago, it came as a surprise to many Singaporeans, and generated much discontent and discussions in forums, articles, commentaries, online chat, besides other forms of unhappiness. It is in my opinion that the Government should have at least informed Singaporeans that the planning of such a plan was in progress beforehand and to invite the feedback of Singaporeans on the feasibility and acceptability of such an implementation.
On the other hand, I expect that the Singaporean Government has had to use such high-handed means because of the wide-scale of the scheme, and at the same time because of the urgency of the matter. To coordinate multiple discussion sessions before, rather than after the implementation of the scheme would slow down the process and serve as a bureaucratic roadblock, whereas inviting discussion after the implementation of such a scheme would serve to eliminate the minute little problems that can be rectified separately and easily.
In the end, it is really a matter of the individual Singaporean’s short-term vision, “Kiasu-ism” and “Kiasee-ism” versus the long-term goals of the Government and Singapore as a whole.
Moreover, why would Singaporeans and their self-serving and cynical attitude share the risk with others unless it was forced upon them or managed by a higher authority for them?
Date: 31 Aug 2007 0728 hrs (GMT + 8hrs)
Reporter: Christopher Tan
Publication: Channel NewsAsia
URL: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna/cgi-bin/search/search_7days.pl?status=&search=Annuities&id=297081
First the CPF (Central Provident Fund), now the Annuities Scheme; the problem – Singaporeans are living longer, and yet they do not know how to plan for their future ahead.
The CPF scheme was originally established to provide post-retirement security through a compulsory savings system in which individuals receive benefits in relation to their own contributions. Over the years, the role of the CPF has now widened to include, housing, healthcare and education benefits for all Singaporeans. Furthermore, the CPF is a source of funds for the Government to invest in ventures to improve the lives of Singaporeans. In short, the CPF is a fund that is made for Singaporeans, maintained by Singaporeans and managed by the Singaporean Government – all this just to ensure that individuals are able to support themselves once they retire willingly, or are forced to retire.
Despite the fact of the CPF scheme or rather, because of the CPF scheme, Singaporeans are still living longer and aging older, which may eventually render several of the hardy older generation penniless and incapable of supporting themselves, thus, the Singaporean Government, in another bid to babysit the aging population, has come up with the Compulsory Annuities Scheme, to further ensure that the “ancients” can support themselves in the midst of the non-welfare state of Singapore.
After reading the article, and the author’s point of view on the implementation of the Compulsory Annuities Scheme, I have come to agree with the author’s opinions on the subject. Originally, I subconsciously and naively thought that the Government was self-serving, implementing such schemes only to acquire more funds for its selfish purposes, however not many Singaporeans think further that that.
When we say that the Government only wants Singaporeans to “contribute” to their selfish purposes, we do not think; what purposes? Although it is inherently obvious that the purpose of a Government is just that, to govern the country of Singapore and the advancement and development of the nation as a whole, a democratic Government by the people, for the people and of the people, Singaporeans (like me) cannot see beyond their short-sightedness.
However, I still believe (to a slighter extent now) that the Government of Singapore is high-handed. When the Compulsory Annuities Scheme was just introduced a few weeks ago, it came as a surprise to many Singaporeans, and generated much discontent and discussions in forums, articles, commentaries, online chat, besides other forms of unhappiness. It is in my opinion that the Government should have at least informed Singaporeans that the planning of such a plan was in progress beforehand and to invite the feedback of Singaporeans on the feasibility and acceptability of such an implementation.
On the other hand, I expect that the Singaporean Government has had to use such high-handed means because of the wide-scale of the scheme, and at the same time because of the urgency of the matter. To coordinate multiple discussion sessions before, rather than after the implementation of the scheme would slow down the process and serve as a bureaucratic roadblock, whereas inviting discussion after the implementation of such a scheme would serve to eliminate the minute little problems that can be rectified separately and easily.
In the end, it is really a matter of the individual Singaporean’s short-term vision, “Kiasu-ism” and “Kiasee-ism” versus the long-term goals of the Government and Singapore as a whole.
Moreover, why would Singaporeans and their self-serving and cynical attitude share the risk with others unless it was forced upon them or managed by a higher authority for them?
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Dengue Again?
Article: 180 new cases of dengue last week
Date: Sunday, May 20, 2007
Reporter: Pearl Forss
Publication: Channel NewsAsia
URL: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/277315/1/.html
Once again, the Dengue Fever virus strikes Singapore, infecting 180 more people over the past week. This time, the main culprit is “dengue 2”, the second strain of the virus. Approximately two years ago, in 2005, a dengue epidemic infected 13,984 people with the debilitating virus, of which 19 people unfortunately lost their lives. Then, when the outbreak peaked in the months of September and October, some hospitals had to re-allocate bed space for dengue patients, cancelling some elective surgical processes.
Dengue fever is a flu-like virus that is transmitted by the bite of an infected aedes mosquito and if it is left untreated, may sometimes lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever which is often fatal. Dengue fever usually starts suddenly with a high fever, rashes, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain – which ahs given dengue the name “breakbone fever”. Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are also common occurrences. The illness lasts up to 10 days, but complete recovery may take as long as a month. Older children and adults experience greater effects than young children.
In my opinion, the main cause for the large number of such cases is due to the fact that Singaporeans do not realise the impact of Dengue Fever. Even though the Environmental Council has repeatedly advertised the “5-minute Dengue Prevention Procedure”, Singaporeans like me do not yet realise that the problem of dengue is real; very real, and that Dengue Fever might just befall us if we are careless.
Simple things that can and should be done, like the closing and sealing of the toilet bowls and refreshing the water in flower pots are not taken seriously and thus result in the increase in breeding environments and breeding space for the aedes aeqypti mosquito that carries the virus.
Despite the commendable efforts of the Environmental Council to raise awareness of the dengue issue, I believe that the authorities are not improving the situation to the best of their ability. Instead of continuing their campaign on raising awareness on the methods to prevent dengue, (which almost every Singaporean can probably tell you by heart) the authorities should now change the stand of their campaign and emphasize on the impact of dengue fever in Singapore.
One other problem highlighted in the article is Singaporeans’ propensity to discard their rubbish which may become water receptacles which may contain stagnant water for the mosquitoes to breed. Singapore has been highly regarded as a “Garden City”, a clean and green city, however, unsightly rubbish is appearing in greater amounts in common areas.
As can be seen, Singapore isn’t that healthy after all and this brings me much worry.
Date: Sunday, May 20, 2007
Reporter: Pearl Forss
Publication: Channel NewsAsia
URL: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/277315/1/.html
Once again, the Dengue Fever virus strikes Singapore, infecting 180 more people over the past week. This time, the main culprit is “dengue 2”, the second strain of the virus. Approximately two years ago, in 2005, a dengue epidemic infected 13,984 people with the debilitating virus, of which 19 people unfortunately lost their lives. Then, when the outbreak peaked in the months of September and October, some hospitals had to re-allocate bed space for dengue patients, cancelling some elective surgical processes.
Dengue fever is a flu-like virus that is transmitted by the bite of an infected aedes mosquito and if it is left untreated, may sometimes lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever which is often fatal. Dengue fever usually starts suddenly with a high fever, rashes, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain – which ahs given dengue the name “breakbone fever”. Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are also common occurrences. The illness lasts up to 10 days, but complete recovery may take as long as a month. Older children and adults experience greater effects than young children.
In my opinion, the main cause for the large number of such cases is due to the fact that Singaporeans do not realise the impact of Dengue Fever. Even though the Environmental Council has repeatedly advertised the “5-minute Dengue Prevention Procedure”, Singaporeans like me do not yet realise that the problem of dengue is real; very real, and that Dengue Fever might just befall us if we are careless.
Simple things that can and should be done, like the closing and sealing of the toilet bowls and refreshing the water in flower pots are not taken seriously and thus result in the increase in breeding environments and breeding space for the aedes aeqypti mosquito that carries the virus.
Despite the commendable efforts of the Environmental Council to raise awareness of the dengue issue, I believe that the authorities are not improving the situation to the best of their ability. Instead of continuing their campaign on raising awareness on the methods to prevent dengue, (which almost every Singaporean can probably tell you by heart) the authorities should now change the stand of their campaign and emphasize on the impact of dengue fever in Singapore.
One other problem highlighted in the article is Singaporeans’ propensity to discard their rubbish which may become water receptacles which may contain stagnant water for the mosquitoes to breed. Singapore has been highly regarded as a “Garden City”, a clean and green city, however, unsightly rubbish is appearing in greater amounts in common areas.
As can be seen, Singapore isn’t that healthy after all and this brings me much worry.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Singapore's Prosperity Shows
Article: Singapore announces 60% pay raise for ministers
Date: Monday, 9th April 2007
Reporter: Seth Mydans
Publication: International Herald Tribune
URL: http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/04/09/news/sing.php
Accompanying article: Singapore PM's salary stuns White House official
Date: Wednesday, 11th April 2007
Publication: AFP
URL: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/070411/1/47qxy.html
As Singapore’s government announces a 60% pay raise for its ministers, people in the streets, everyday Singaporeans, suppress an outcry of massive proportions; after all, Singapore IS doing well, isn’t it?
The reasons cited for this sudden increase in pay for our ministers is to insure the Singaporean government in the event that any of them might be entertaining thoughts of entering the private sector, forgoing their responsibility as a minister in exchange for a larger paycheck. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s pay of 3.1million Singapore dollars (after the pay increment) is approximately five times the USD$400,000 that President George W. Bush is paid. Do we infer from this that our Prime Minister is five times as great as the President of the United States even though Singapore is roughly 13,420 times smaller than the Superpower?
However, this brings us to a startling realization – where have the values of honor, patriotism and responsibility gone to? If our ministers have to be kept in check by boosting their paycheck, what can stop them from leaving the country or the ministerial office if they are offered something much greater? If the men who lead our country are such, then they do not deserve to lead the country!
One other reason for the pay raise is to attract good men to lead our country; and its effects can even be felt in the United States of America – One White House official even passed a remark stating that he would not mind emigrating and running for office in Singapore!
Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean told reporters that "We don't want pay to be the reason for people to join us, but we also don't want pay to be the reason for them not to join us, or to leave after joining us." – Singapore’s government has apparently chosen the lesser of both evils – that which has a softer impact on Singapore as a whole, a nation that balances precariously on the wire of an efficient and stable government.
All of this appears contradictory as this comes during the time when the government is also trying to narrow the poor-rich divide and just as the GST (Goods and Services Tax) is about to increase by a startling 2%.
In the end, does the value of practicality overcome the value of morals? Can money solve everything?
Date: Monday, 9th April 2007
Reporter: Seth Mydans
Publication: International Herald Tribune
URL: http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/04/09/news/sing.php
Accompanying article: Singapore PM's salary stuns White House official
Date: Wednesday, 11th April 2007
Publication: AFP
URL: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/070411/1/47qxy.html
As Singapore’s government announces a 60% pay raise for its ministers, people in the streets, everyday Singaporeans, suppress an outcry of massive proportions; after all, Singapore IS doing well, isn’t it?
The reasons cited for this sudden increase in pay for our ministers is to insure the Singaporean government in the event that any of them might be entertaining thoughts of entering the private sector, forgoing their responsibility as a minister in exchange for a larger paycheck. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s pay of 3.1million Singapore dollars (after the pay increment) is approximately five times the USD$400,000 that President George W. Bush is paid. Do we infer from this that our Prime Minister is five times as great as the President of the United States even though Singapore is roughly 13,420 times smaller than the Superpower?
However, this brings us to a startling realization – where have the values of honor, patriotism and responsibility gone to? If our ministers have to be kept in check by boosting their paycheck, what can stop them from leaving the country or the ministerial office if they are offered something much greater? If the men who lead our country are such, then they do not deserve to lead the country!
One other reason for the pay raise is to attract good men to lead our country; and its effects can even be felt in the United States of America – One White House official even passed a remark stating that he would not mind emigrating and running for office in Singapore!
Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean told reporters that "We don't want pay to be the reason for people to join us, but we also don't want pay to be the reason for them not to join us, or to leave after joining us." – Singapore’s government has apparently chosen the lesser of both evils – that which has a softer impact on Singapore as a whole, a nation that balances precariously on the wire of an efficient and stable government.
All of this appears contradictory as this comes during the time when the government is also trying to narrow the poor-rich divide and just as the GST (Goods and Services Tax) is about to increase by a startling 2%.
Carolyn Lim, a prominent writer, suggested in an essay in The Straits Times that Singapore needed a little more heart to go along with its hard head. "Indeed, a brilliant achiever without the high purpose of service to others would be the worst possible ministerial material," she wrote. "To see a potential prime minister as no different from a potential top lawyer, and likely to be enticed by the same stupendous salary, would be to blur the lines between two very different domains."
The minister mentor brushed aside concerns like that.
"Those are admirable sentiments," he said. "But we live in a real world."
In the end, does the value of practicality overcome the value of morals? Can money solve everything?
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Nowadays, even OYSTERS tell us about GLOBAL WARMING.
Article Title: Oysters tell poignant global warming story - They're one victim as diseases travel to new territories
Date: Sunday, March 4th, 2007
Reporter: Jia-Rui Chong
Publication:
URL: http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/living/health/16830183.htm
Global warming has been the subject of debate of many a yesteryear, but the time has come to end it. There have finally been conclusive reports and data that global warming is indeed happening - the unfortunate truth - and we as the most populous species on the planet must make the change to change the not so promising future. This change must not be just an enforcement of laws, but rather, a change in mentality of the people.
The years of debate over global warming have even bred subjects of fiction - novels like Michael Crichton's State of
The article I am presenting supports just one of the consequences of global warming - the spread of disease and viral infections - but it is already more than enough. Global warming and the accompanying greenhouse effect give rise to increased temperature around the world. This phenomenon not only causes the melting of glaciers and the resulting rise of sea level, it also affects the spread of diseases! With the increase in temperature, bacteria, viruses and insects can now thrive in the new warm regions where they previously could not, exposing whatever detrimental agent they carry to larger populations of people, infecting and debilitating them.
In order to reverse, stop or at least slow down greatly the extent of global warming, we must take action. Personally, i try to reduce the usage of power and water, i recycle paper - the usual. However, i do not believe that many people are doing so, or if they are, they only express their "intent" half-heartedly, choosing when and where to "practice acts of environmental friendliness" whenever they feel that is is most convenient. IF, and i say, only IF everybody helps out and chips in their share, will there be a significant improvement to the current situation. (Therefore, i beseech YOU, my reader, to start today.)
The most hopeful improvement at the moment that affects the world over is the Kyoto Protocol that was signed in 1997. Technically, the agreement aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the 160 countries which have signed on by at least 5% compared to their 1990 figures by 2008-2012, however, the current performance does not seem as good as the projected figures. USA, top in the world for greenhouse gas emissions pulled out of the agreement in 2001, saying that it would effect the country's economy, however, at the end of 2006, it appeared that he was ready to rejoin in the face of political pressure. Nevertheless, 5 years of indiscriminate industrial development has already been lost and it appears that it will be hard to catch up to the 2008-2012 goal BUT, it has always been possible.
Just change the people!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Indonesia's Sand Ban - Truth or lies?
Article Title: Linking Indonesian sand ban to extradition treaty unfortunate: Yeo
Date: 12 February 2007
Reporter:
Publication: Channel NewsAsia
URL: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/258146/1/.html
I believe that my point of view was echoed in the thoughts of many other Singaporeans, however, Foreign Minister George Yeo has helped to dissipate some of these views in his announcement as stated in the article, including mine. I realise that there are many more points to consider, rather than just the point of view of the citizens of
Edit: 3/4/07
Recently after reading another article on the situation in Indonesia, i realise that there really are problems resulting from the export of land sand from Indonesia's Riau Islands. Apparently, the sand dug from the seabed there has caused the nearby islands to sink into the seabed, causing one of the Indonesian islands, Nipah, to sink until it has almost totally submerged. The article can be accessed at the following address:
Article Title: The shifting sands of time - and Singapore
Date: 31 July 2003
Reporter: Bill Guerin
Publication: Asia Times
URL: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/EG31Ae01.html
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