<![CDATA[Sam's Alfresco Coffee - The Courtyard Café]]> http://www.sammyboy.com/ Gossip Central. No religious themes in this section please. Evangelists please proceed here. en Sat, 18 May 2013 19:13:13 GMT vBulletin 5 http://sammyboy.com/images/misc/rss.png <![CDATA[Sam's Alfresco Coffee - The Courtyard Café]]> http://www.sammyboy.com/ LSS : Grassroots leaders are the voice of silent majority http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152484-LSS-Grassroots-leaders-are-the-voice-of-silent-majority&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 18:59:05 GMT Singapore’s Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Swee Say said grassroots leaders are the "voice of the silent majority", helping to strengthen ties between the ground and the government.



SINGAPORE: Singapore’s Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Swee Say said grassroots leaders are the "voice of the silent majority", helping to strengthen ties between the ground and the government.

Mr Lim, who is also deputy chairman of the People's Association (PA), made the comments at the PA Awards Ceremony on Saturday afternoon.

Mr Lim said the ongoing “Our Singapore Conversation”, which seeks to reach consensus among Singaporeans on the country's future, illustrates the role of the grassroots movement in reaching out to what he described as "the silent majority".

He said grassroots leaders reach out to some 1.7 million residents every year.

Through the interactions, he said they give frank feedback to the government as well as suggest ideas on how the government can do better.

Mr Lim said Phase One of the Our Singapore Conversation exercise involved some 18,000 residents.

He added the feedback received is being taken very seriously by the government.

He said: "In fact right now, as we're sitting here, the entire cabinet is at the Istana, going through some of the feedback, some of the suggestions, put forward by the OSC. In fact, this afternoon's session is but just one of a series.

“I want you to know, that as a grassroots movement, what you're doing in voicing out for the silent majority, is a very important role.”

Mr Lim also spoke of the evolving role of the grassroots movement, from the 1960s to today.

He said: "In the 60s, we rallied the ground to support National Service and to keep Singapore clean. In the 70s, Courtesy Campaign, Speak Mandarin Campaign and so on. And in more recent years, SARS. Right now, again, the grassroots movement is in action, against this anti-dengue, this Mozzie Wipeout and so on.”

Mr Lim said there are three areas that the PA could improve on in the future. The first is to try new ideas, and be open to innovation as the movement widens its approach. The second is to do more to bridge an emerging social gap within the community. The third is to deepen the engagement among residents.


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]]> The Courtyard Café Leepotism http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152484-LSS-Grassroots-leaders-are-the-voice-of-silent-majority Shane Todd kena strangled by a wire!!!! http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152483-Shane-Todd-kena-strangled-by-a-wire!!!!&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 18:50:28 GMT He was murdered!!!

]]> The Courtyard Café oldjunkee http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152483-Shane-Todd-kena-strangled-by-a-wire!!!! <![CDATA[LSH Tears Apart FAP Traitors' Attack on WP]]> http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152481-LSH-Tears-Apart-FAP-Traitors-Attack-on-WP&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 18:26:20 GMT MND responds to Workers’ PartyPosted date: *May 15, 2013*In: *Commentaries (http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/category/commentaries/), Leong Sze Hian... MND responds to Workers’ Party

Posted date: May 15, 2013In: Commentaries, Leong Sze Hian, Main story





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By Leong Sze Hian
I refer to the article “MND explains computing method for MA rate for town councils” (Channel NewsAsia, May 14) in response to the Workers’ Party’s media release of 14 May – “AHPETC / WP’s RESPONSE TO COMPARISONS ON MANAGING AGENT RATES”.
Did Ministry of National Development (MND) calculate using all residential and commercial units?
It states that “The National Development Ministry said it computes the Managing Agent (MA) rate per unit for each town council by dividing the MA tender rate that the town council submits to HDB by the total number of residential and commercial units the town council manages and covered by the MA contract.
The town councils collect Service and Conservancy Charges from both residential and commercial properties.
The ministry said this is the method it has always used, and applied consistently to all town councils.
Aljunied Hougang Punggol Town Council (AHPTC) calculate using residential units only?
The ministry added it notes that the numbers provided by Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council only covered residential units and excluded the commercial units and this provides an incomplete picture.
“Complete picture” may look even better for AHPTC?
I am rather puzzled by the above, because if AHPTC uses the MND’s method of “dividing the MA tender rate by the total number of residential and commercial units”, instead of “by only the residential units” as AHPTC had done – wouldn’t the AHPTC MA rate per unit be even lower?
If this is correct, wouldn’t it make AHPTC’s rebuttal even stronger and better?
If so, what is the MND trying to say in its “this provides an incomplete picture”?
In other words, the “incomplete picture” may actually make AHPTC look worse than the “complete picture”?
Why not just do the calculation?
Actually, for the sake of clarity and to avoid any further confusion, the MND could just simply have calculated the “complete picture” and included it in its statement, instead of merely saying “this provides an incomplete picture”.
Comparison with Tampines?
As to “As a comparison, the ministry referred to Tampines Town Council as it was closest in size to Aljunied-Hougang Town Council, with the number of units managed at about 57,000.
EM Services was the Managing Agent for Tampines.
In FY2010, it charged a monthly rate of $5.14 per property unit.
In FY2011, it charged $5.15 per property unit..
WP’s rebuttal
In August 2012, an open tender was called, and CPG Facilities Management won the bid to provide MA services to Tampines Town Council, at a monthly rate of $4.99 per property unit” – Let’s look at what the Workers’ Party said in this regard – “According to the Minister, Tampines TC’s MA rate for 2012 is $4.99 per property unit.
MA change, rate drop?
We understand that there was a change in MA from 2011 to 2012, meaning that it was the first year in Tampines for the incumbent MA, CPG. Coincidentally, CPG was incumbent in Aljunied TC until 2011, and its unit rate tendered in FY 2010 for Aljunied had been $6.51 (according to the government’s tables).
We do not wish to speculate why a MA would tender in 2012 at a lower rate for MA services than in 2010, given the rising costs. However, we note that as early as at 2007, another MA, EM Services, had tendered at $5.75 per residential unit for Pasir Ris-Punggol Town.
Table 3 – Tampines TC’s MA rate
Managing Agent FY 2007 FY 2010 FY 2012
EM Services – PRPG $5.75 - -
CPG – ATC - $6.51 -
CPG – Tampines TC - - $4.99
“Selective” comparison?
We can only surmise that the Tampines TC’s MA rate of $4.99 in 2012 which was chosen for comparison was an outlier”.
Figures appear to be different?
So, Singaporeans are perhaps even more confused now because if you look at the MND’s and the WP’s media statements (and of course as well as what the Minister said in the Parliamentary debate) – both parties’ MA rates for both AHTC and Tampines appear to be different.
More detailed data please?
I would like to suggest that they both come up with more detailed calculations to show Singaporeans how each side’s figures were derived – such as what was the total tender sum, number of residential and commercial units, etc – rather than just talking – like in a war of “words” without more detailed “numbers”.
Let’s have a more complete comparison?
The MND should also give the numbers for all the 14 town councils, instead of just Tampines.
Comparison was an outlier?
Saying “As a comparison, the ministry referred to Tampines Town Council as it was closest in size to Aljunied-Hougang Town Council, with the number of units managed at about 57,000″ – may have opened its “comparison” to what I believe the WP may be hinting at, in its statement that it may be an unfair selective comparison –
(WP’s words – “We do not wish to speculate why a MA would tender in 2012 at a lower rate for MA services than in 2010, given the rising costs.
We can only surmise that the Tampines TC’s MA rate of $4.99 in 2012 which was chosen for comparison was an outlier”).
Some questions for the sake of clarity?
In this connection, does Tampines have the lowest MA rate amongst the town councils?
Any other town council had a decrease in its MA rate by 3 per cent or more like Tampines, compared to the rates in FY2011 and FY2010?
What is the range in the variation of MA rates for all the town councils, relative to Tampines?
How does AHPTC’s rates compare to all the other town councils?
Why did Tampines increase S & CC?
Finally, if Tampines happens to have the lowest rate which also decreased – whereas the others increased over the last 2 years (I am just speculating for the purpose of using an example now, as I have no way of telling without the data) – then why did Tampines town council increase its S & CC last year, when it had an operating surplus of $3.51 million in the financial year 2010/2011, surplus for the financial year of $6.9 million and an accumulated surplus of $8.4 million?
AHPTC reduced S & CC
Also, by the way, AHPTC reduced its S & CC after it took over the town council, following the last elections.
So, what do we seem to have here – at least from the perspective of residents – a much lower MA rate like in Tampines means an increase in the S & CC – and a much higher (which is the subject of contention now) MA rate in AHPTC means a decrease in the S & CC? ]]> The Courtyard Café makapaaa http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152481-LSH-Tears-Apart-FAP-Traitors-Attack-on-WP <![CDATA[I'm losing my virginity in Spain at 0200hrs S'pore time tonight]]> http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152478-I-m-losing-my-virginity-in-Spain-at-0200hrs-S-pore-time-tonight&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 16:47:10 GMT That's when Pon!@#$% plays Numancia in the Spanish lower league

My last bet I was totally flattened when in an attempt to win S$100,000 I lost over S$40,000 in one match

Now the bookie called me from London and offered me 10,000 pounds credit or $20,000, whichever currency I choose

He tried many times to jio me again after I hammered big big the last time

I was numb after my last loss, but in my whole life I have never borrowed big money to gamble

Tonight, I will whack $10,000 on Pon!@#$% -0.5 ball, even though I can't spell out the name

It will be my first bet on credit - so I'll be losing my virginity in this sense

Chok dee mak mak ]]> The Courtyard Café Romagnum http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152478-I-m-losing-my-virginity-in-Spain-at-0200hrs-S-pore-time-tonight <![CDATA[Cheap 'cocaine' for the masses now available.]]> http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152477-Cheap-cocaine-for-the-masses-now-available&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 16:23:26 GMT *Greek addicts turn to deadly shisha drug as economic crisis deepens (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/16/greek-addicts-sisha-drug-crisis)* ... Greek addicts turn to deadly shisha drug as economic crisis deepens

Nobody knows which came first: the economic crisis tearing Greece apart or shisha, the drug now known as the "cocaine of the poor". What everyone does accept is that shisha is a killer. And at €2 or less a hit, it is one that has come to stalk Greece, the country long on the frontline of Europe's financial meltdown.

"As drugs go, it is the worst. It burns your insides, it makes you aggressive and ensures that you go totally mad," said Maria, a former heroin addict. "But it is cheap and it is easy to get, and it is what everyone is doing."

]]> The Courtyard Café kryonlight http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152477-Cheap-cocaine-for-the-masses-now-available Local forum makes it to Shin Min Headlines for Correctly Predicting 5M Toto Numbers http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152469-Local-forum-makes-it-to-Shin-Min-Headlines-for-Correctly-Predicting-5M-Toto-Numbers&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 15:31:30 GMT No it's obviously not this forum. :rolleyes:



News Article from Shin Min



Here is the exact post

 ]]> The Courtyard Café Jah_rastafar_I http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152469-Local-forum-makes-it-to-Shin-Min-Headlines-for-Correctly-Predicting-5M-Toto-Numbers i noticed one of the thread with my posting went missing... http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152468-i-noticed-one-of-the-thread-with-my-posting-went-missing&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 15:31:17 GMT i think it was yesterday, about the thread about something to PM Lee. in there i wrote about how the ex-army pastor drove me out of the church and so... i think it was yesterday, about the thread about something to PM Lee. in there i wrote about how the ex-army pastor drove me out of the church and so on...

can the moderator please explain why it went missing??:confused:

anyway, in reality, i have written to ask for accountability what and why the lasup mata can mess up my life but there is no reply. so am i supposed to engage a lawyer, because as soon as i get green light, i will sue the bugger.:oIo:

i am serious.:mad:

if there is no reply, i will write to american embassy CC to newspaper there, and blow up the whole matter.

this is something which has been bugging me for the past 10 years, i must get it done before i leave this world.

i hope that brothers and sisters here can help me. i will not allow myself to be slapped and keep quiet.:(:o ]]> The Courtyard Café singham http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152468-i-noticed-one-of-the-thread-with-my-posting-went-missing Life explained in less than a minute http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152467-Life-explained-in-less-than-a-minute&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 15:27:24 GMT http://youtu.be/iUHwjDRo28A

]]> The Courtyard Café cowbellc http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152467-Life-explained-in-less-than-a-minute why some important pple like to wear green??? http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152462-why-some-important-pple-like-to-wear-green&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 14:53:13 GMT *scratch head* :*: they think everybody very green of them huh...mai buay hiao bai lah...they think everybody so gian png like them, screw pple... *scratch head* :*:

they think everybody very green of them huh...mai buay hiao bai lah...they think everybody so gian png like them, screw pple around them to be some VIP...argh...ptui!:rolleyes: ]]> The Courtyard Café singham http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152462-why-some-important-pple-like-to-wear-green SGs Forced to Pawn for a Living... http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152457-SGs-Forced-to-Pawn-for-a-Living&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 14:08:40 GMT Singapore cost of living sees pawnshops thrive2013-05-16 13:25 by Bhavan Jaipragas SINGAPORE, May 16, 2013 (AFP) - Singaporean housewife... Singapore cost of living sees pawnshops thrive

2013-05-16 13:25


by Bhavan Jaipragas


SINGAPORE, May 16, 2013 (AFP) - Singaporean housewife Siti Khadijah Abdul Rahman accumulated a few thousand dollars' worth of gold accessories over the past two decades, but now a rising cost of living is forcing her to pawn them.
With a stretched household budget that must also cater to school expenses for her two teenaged children, the 49 year-old is pawning her gold to relieve pressure on her security guard husband, who earns Sg$1,500 ($1,211) a month.

"Pawning is better than going to friends or family when you have budget problems," said Abdul Rahman. "When I have money, I will claim it back."
She is one of a rapidly increasing number of people opting to take short-term pawnshop loans to try to keep up with rising prices, in what the Economist Intelligence Unit has ranked the world's sixth most expensive city to live in.

Singapore's pawnshop industry has seen phenomenal growth at a time when rising prices and a slowing economy are putting pressure on the household budgets of middle- and lower- income families.

Loans surged to Sg$7.1 billion in 2012, up 43 percent on-year, according to industry registry data.

Singapore has one of the highest concentrations of millionaires relative to its population, but the city-state's per capita income of more than Sg$65,000 in 2012 masks a sharp income gap between the richest and poorest.

The three major pawnshop chains -- which make up the bulk of the nearly 200 pawnshops across the island nation of 5.3 million people -- have sought to take the shame out of using personal property as collateral for short term loans.

"You look around you, this is probably one of the most expensive places in the world," said Derek Da Cunha, a local socio-political observer.
"Without the stigma (of borrowing), pawnshops have become more respectable and we have working professionals using it as a means to get short-term loans to cope with their expenses."

Families like Abdul Rahman's in the bottom 10 percent of Singapore households had to weather a 1.2 percent dip in income adjusted for inflation last year, statistics department data showed.

Healthcare costs rose 3.9 percent on-year in 2012 according to government data.

A consumer group said the average price of a bowl of noodles with fishballs, a staple dish, was 20 percent higher in 2012 from a year ago at Sg$3.
Prices of basic food items like rice, meat, vegetables and dairy products have also risen.

Some public-housing flats in choice areas now cost more than Sg$1.0 million while car ownership also remains out of reach for many due to high taxes and a vehicle quota system.

A better alternative?

People who pawn their goods have the items assessed by shop experts, and the loans the shops grant usually carry an interest rate of 1.0 percent in the first month, then 1.5 percent a month thereafter.

Items must be redeemed within six months or get forfeited, unless the borrower renegotiates a loan.

One borrower who declined to give her full name said pawning was a better alternative to seeking short-term loans from banks, which require paperwork and are not guaranteed to be approved quickly.

"For the older generation, if you have the gold, it's better to get the loan from the pawnshop," said the factory worker who renews her loans with a neighbourhood pawnshop every six months.

Valuemax and rivals Moneymax have thrived, both in fierce competition with the fast-growing Maxi-Cash, whose initial public offering in June last year raised Sg$16.8 million despite weak market conditions.

Grilled storefronts that used to be a mainstay in pawnshops have been replaced by outlets that boast uniformed staff and resemble commercial bank branches.

But younger and more affluent customers, unperturbed by the stigma once associated with pawnshops, have also become an important clientele for an industry that has softened its image with endorsements from local celebrities.

Apart from gold, they also pawn diamonds, rare gems and antique watches.

Singapore's usually business-friendly authorities say they are closely watching the rapidly expanding industry, with some concerns that such accessible loans might help fuel gambling in the world's third-largest gaming market behind Macau and Las Vegas.

In April, the law ministry called for public feedback on a proposed amendment to laws governing pawnshops in order to strengthen governance of the industry.

Da Cunha does not believe the government will impose any drastic measures.

"Pawnshops are already embedded in Singapore society. It is far better than the next alternative, which is for Singaporeans to seek loans from loansharks," he said. ]]> The Courtyard Café makapaaa http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152457-SGs-Forced-to-Pawn-for-a-Living <![CDATA[Doctor at CGH says I’m useless & not to waste time on]]> http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152456-Doctor-at-CGH-says-I’m-useless-amp-not-to-waste-time-on&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 14:01:33 GMT Doctor at CGH says I’m useless & not to waste time on
me


May 17th, 2013 | Author: Contributions




Dear Sir,

I refer to your articles previously posted on your site: http://www.tremeritus.com/2013/04/11...rd-government/
& http://www.tremeritus.com/2013/02/16...o-do-with-cgh/

I have been receiving treatment from CGH due to depression from having a past
and an ongoing physical, sexual and emotional abuse. As I am also unable to work
with the many medical ailments I am suffering from, it adds on to an already
afflicted mind. I asked God many times to take me home but am still miserably
stuck here. Two of my siblings are in the UK and another one at Tampines often
ignores my pleas for help. Besides being ill, the other reason I am unable to
join my two siblings in UK is because there is no one else to look after my
parents in a neighbouring rental flat should the day something untoward happens
to me. They have been divorced thrice and there is no way they can get back
together under Shariah Law.

While at CGH, the Psy MO concerned told me that I am useless and can’t even
do a job like sitting outside public toilets looking after it. I wonder if she
knows there is the requirement to clean the toilets and not merely watch over
it. She then told me to quickly leave her clinic as she does not want to waste
time on a person like me and have loads to see outside. I not only felt insulted
but thoroughly humiliated too.

Thus, I filled in the feedback form and dropped it in the box which I
subsequently received a call from their Corporate Affairs telling me that I am
overly sensitive and could have misunderstood the doctor’s words. The operator
could not tell me if my feedback was conveyed to her director or if they had
conducted a query into it. Appeals to MOH only results in a re-direction
template mode that tells you the individual restructured hospitals have their
own respective CEOs and MOH has no hand in it.

So like the operator says, I can only learn to take things in my stride and
eat the humble pie as a person on social assistance has no human dignity to
begin with.

.

Begum
S*******H

.

Editor’s note: IC number has been masked out. Letter has
also been forwarded to CEO of CGH. ]]> The Courtyard Café makapaaa http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152456-Doctor-at-CGH-says-I’m-useless-amp-not-to-waste-time-on Why are FAP TCs Only Interested in Wayang and Refusing to Do Real Work? http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152455-Why-are-FAP-TCs-Only-Interested-in-Wayang-and-Refusing-to-Do-Real-Work&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 13:57:43 GMT CCK Town Council not responding rightfully after fall accident... CCK Town Council not responding rightfully after fall
accident


May 18th, 2013 | Author: Contributions




I wish to have this story published to be made know to all
Singaporeans.



On the 7/5/2013 Tuesday @ 1930, I had an accidental fall at an old red
brick staircase at Blk 293 Chua Chu Kang Ave 3.



The staircase is close to the bus-stop linked to the block. There are 2
residents from Block 293 giving their feedback that they have had their
experience of falls on the same ill maintained staircase. The impact of the fall
led to severe acute pain on the lower spine.



On the same night I seeked medical attention immediately. After a series of
xray, medication & review, a focal kyphotic angulation in the coccyx was
found after the fall. I contacted Chua Chu Kang GRC/Town Council to inform them
of the accident, sent them the medical review updates, photographs of bruises
etc & have been advised by the Senior Property Manager of the Town Council –
Christina Ting that the Town Council’s Insurer will contact me asap.



As of today, 9 days have passed, other than the initial patronising call
& templated emails from Chua Chu Kang GRC/Town Council…NOTHING has been
done. The Insurer that they are representing has never contacted me to find out
what exactly happened.



I contacted Christina Ting this afternoon 16/5/2013 at 1600, her attitude
was completely nonchalent. She was incapable of explaining what follow up has
been done sinced the day she knew about the accident. She conveniently pushed
the responsibility over to her General Manager Chan Kim Mun who till now is
uncontactable as well.

On top of that, feedback & request for updates have been posted on Chua
Chu Kang GRC’s Facebook page. From my understanding from 1 of the Grassroot
volunteers, the facebook site is maintained & managed by Volunteers. It left
me pondering what exactly are the responsibilities of full time staffs from the
GRC & Town Council?



Why is the Insurer representing the Chua Chu Kang GRC & Town Council
taking so long to contact me? Why am I not informed nor updated of what has been
done thus far IF anything has even been done. It is grieving to have to endure
physical pain from the injuries & at the same time not have any concrete
form of assistance/assurance from the Chua Chu Kang GRC/ Town Council.



Is this what a Singaporean truly deserve? To be ignored by the respective
GRC/Town Council during these time of need?



Feeling gravely disheartened, I question…



.

Serene Tham ]]> The Courtyard Café makapaaa http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152455-Why-are-FAP-TCs-Only-Interested-in-Wayang-and-Refusing-to-Do-Real-Work FAP MP Zainudin did not serve NS. Why? http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152454-FAP-MP-Zainudin-did-not-serve-NS-Why&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 13:51:25 GMT PAP MP Zainudin did not serve NS (http://www.tremeritus.com/2013/05/13/pap-mp-zainudin-did-not-serve-ns/)Image:... PAP MP Zainudin did not serve NS


May 13th, 2013 | Author: Editorial




PAP MP Zainudin Nordin


PAP MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, Zainudin Nordin, certainly is in the
limelight these days for the wrong reasons.

Last Monday (6 May), he posted a controversial quote on his Facebook page
which got him a lot of brickbats (‘MP
Zainudin posts controversial quotation on Facebook: ‘Gang rape is democracy in
action’‘). The quotation, by American writer Terry Goodkind, described
democracy in an extreme way by saying, “Gang rape, after all, is democracy in
action.”

Many netizens took offence with Mr Zainudin’s use of a quote mentioning “gang
rape”.

NCMP Lina Chiam was outraged. Her party, SPP, issued a statement asking Mr
Zainudin to retract his Facebook statement and apologise to women in Singapore
(‘SPP: MP Zainudin should apologise for ‘gang rape is democracy’
statement‘).

Then on 9 May, he sent an e-mail to a blogger, Mr Gangasudhan, threatening
legal action for creating a meme over the incident and sharing it on the
blogger’s Facebook page (‘PAP MP Zainudin sends ‘Cease & Desist’ email to blogger
Ganga‘). The blogger refused to take down the posting from his Facebook page
cause he felt that he was right to criticise the MP for what he did. The blogger
also felt the MP was wrong to use “gang rape” to explain the concept of
democracy.

Finally, facing intense online criticism against his insensitive posting of
the controversial quote, Mr Zainudin capitulated and apologized to the public on
10 May.

He said, “My only intent was to present my view that each individual has a
choice and each decision comes with tremendous responsibilities. Hence, to
follow a majority mob might be democracy, but it is democracy in its basest
form.”

“I hope that Netizens will see the quote its in entirety. I never for a
moment intended to offend anyone and I apologise sincerely for the unintended
offence which the posting has caused.”

Today (13 May), TRE received a screenshot of Mr Zainudin’s Facebook posting
from a reader, stating that the MP had never served NS at all. This fact was
revealed in a speech he made in Parliament on 11 March 2013, which he later
posted on his Facebook page:



Indeed, Parliament’s Hansard [Ed. Hansard is the name of
the printed transcripts of parliamentary debates in the Westminster system of
government] confirms what he posted on his Facebook page [Link].

In his parliamentary speech, MP Zainudin, ironically, was asking what more
MINDEF could do to recognise the contributions of NSmen.

He said, “The compulsory service spans over multiple years. This is a solemn
duty that they carry out, sometimes at risk of personal injury. They do so to
protect the lives of their loved ones, and their country. It is not a small
sacrifice to ensure that we can all enjoy peace and stability.”

“Though I had personally not served the National Service, I am a strong
believer in its vital importance and role. Even those who had not served NS
could totally relate with the story and content of the movies ‘Ahh (sic) Boys to
Men’ 1 & 2.”

He asked, “What more is the Ministry doing to increase awareness and
acceptance of National Service, and the contributions of the NSmen to Singapore
and Singaporeans?”

Perhaps the MP is feeling guilty that others have served NS and possibly
injured themselves while he has not done so? Perhaps that is his reason for
asking MINDEF to do more to recognise the contributions of those who have served
NS?

Understandably, netizens are not too happy with the MP for “escaping” NS:


Neon92: Bo serve NS still talk big
[Ed. "bo" is Hokkien for "did not"]

arcturuz: but can relate by ah boys to men parts 1 &
2?

LightTrail: what the fark this guy???!!!! why he never
serve NS???!!! and what the fark is he relating the NS experience to a farking
Jack Neo movie???!!!

SpeedingBullet: Those nv serve will always talk as if
they know EVERYTHING abt ns.

blackvelvet: PCB….never served still can talk until got
dragon got phoenix…pui!

reformist: Even Tony Tan’s son served NS. Please vote
this guy out in 2016. HE DOES NOT DESERVE OUR RESPECT.

starlike: guy watches 2 jack neo movies and think he
understand NS

vinn: he is not fit to comment on anything abt national
service when he only had some b grade sh1tty movies to relate to.

Alpha_Hippo: Or he wanted to go sex change? This is the
valid reasons I can think of since he dun look sick to me.
It is not known why PAP MP Zainudin did not serve NS but certainly, he is a
Singaporean born in Singapore [Link].

.

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. ]]> The Courtyard Café makapaaa http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152454-FAP-MP-Zainudin-did-not-serve-NS-Why Life insurance buyers deprived of huge savings! http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152453-Life-insurance-buyers-deprived-of-huge-savings!&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 13:47:53 GMT Life insurance buyers deprived of huge savings! (http://www.tremeritus.com/2013/05/17/life-insurance-buyers-deprived-of-huge-savings/)Image:... Life insurance buyers deprived of huge savings!


May 17th, 2013 | Author: Contributions




The following report from Monday’s ST deserves the widest
possible publicity because it shows how buyers of life insurance here have been
deprived of the opportunity to buy less expensive life insurance: they could
have saved as much as $20,000 when buying a $1m life plan.

FUNDSUPERMART’S move to sell insurance products on its online platform at
a 50 per cent rebate off the lifetime commission sparked some unhappiness among
industry players who saw it as a price war tactic.

Four days after launching it on April 30, Fundsupermart took down the
offer, and has stopped selling insurance products since.

On its insurance webpage, which has been removed, Fund- supermart said it
was introducing the distribution of protection products as a value-added service
to its customers.

“More importantly, clients who are on the search for transparency on the
commissions they pay for purchasing insurance can find this here,” it
added.

There were also two examples stating that the 50 per cent commission
rebate translates into savings of $2,000 for a $1 million term plan. For the
same sum assured, the savings for a whole life plan could be more than
$20,000.

The calculations were aggregated across three insurance providers, based
on the profile of a 40-year-old, non-smoking male.

The Straits Times understands that Fundsupermart initially intended to
continue with this model but later revised it to a one-month promotion, before
pulling the plug completely.

A check with Tokio Marine, NTUC Income and Manulife, whose products
Fundsupermart was distributing, found that individual financial advisory firms
are free to employ different business models.

http://www.cpf.gov.sg/imsavvy/infohu...le.asp?readid={4798875-17383-3900371789}

According to the report, financial advisers (what insurance sales persons
call themselves,nowadays, for various reasons) bitched to Fundsupermart: The
Association of Financial Advisers (Singapore) said in an e-mail statement that
when the advertisement was published on Fundsupermart’s website, the association
expressed its members’ concern to Fundsupermart, “noting that the tone and
language used in its postings could be detrimental to the reputation and
professionalism of other financial advisers”. [Err wondering what
reputation and professionalism? What can be lower than the reputation and
professionalism of life insc sales persons? Used car dealers? Juz kidding
leh.

The industry body, representing nearly half of the financial advisory
firms here, added: “We are glad that it has taken our views into consideration

and has decided to withdraw the advertisement.

Hopefully some human rights or other kay poh activists will kick up a fuss,
though I’m not holding my breath: They focus on things like ISA, capital
punishment, FT workers rights and other things fashionable with ang moh social
activists, not with the concerns of median S’porean wager earners.

So here’s hoping Tan Kin Lian of Fisca will organise a protest or write to
the press to highlight the loss of this scheme; or for Uncle Leong to get Mrs
Chiam to ask in parliament that the the competition authorities investigate
whether there was undue pressure to remove the offer. Note that the agents’
trade union emphasised that “All financial advisers are free to offer their
competitive deals to their customers. We believe that in such an environment,
consumers will ultimately benefit in terms of both quality of advice and
pricing.” Ya right, so how come no one offers to give such big rebates, and why
the bitch to Fundsupermart when it cut its commission rates?

Doesn’t smell right, does it?

Meanwhile, three cheers to ST for highlighting this issue.

.

Cynical Investor

[Source]: Thoughts of a Cynical Investor (http://atans1.wordpress.com). ]]> The Courtyard Café makapaaa http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152453-Life-insurance-buyers-deprived-of-huge-savings! MFA, MHA: Ex-Chief Minister of Johor committed no offence http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152452-MFA-MHA-Ex-Chief-Minister-of-Johor-committed-no-offence&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 13:41:13 GMT MFA, MHA: Ex-Chief Minister of Johor committed no offence... MFA, MHA: Ex-Chief Minister of Johor committed no offence

May 18th, 2013 | Author: Editorial

Dato’ Hajji Abdul Ghani Bin Othman

In a joint statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs, the ministries say that the former Chief Minister of Johor, Dato’ Hajji Abdul Ghani Bin Othman, did not commit any offence during his recent visit to Singapore.

Local activist and filmmaker Martyn See had filed a police report against the former Chief Minister of Johor for importing Malaysian politics into Singapore, a violation of the Public Order Act.

Mr See, in his police report, alleged that Dato’ Ghani, then the caretaker Chief Minister of Johor, had entered Singapore during the period leading up to the 13th Malaysian General Election to promote his election campaign.

Responding to media queries and the police report made by Martyn See, the ministries issued the following joint statement:
The Singapore Police Force confirms that a report has been lodged regarding Mr Ghani’s visit to Singapore on 2 May 2013. The Police’s assessment is that no offence is disclosed from this report. The acts referred to in the report such as arriving in Singapore, having breakfast or speaking to reporters do not constitute an offence. In the case of Mr Ghani, it would appear that there was no campaigning, although some members of his team were wearing campaign shirts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has registered with the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore that campaigning activities by foreigners are not allowed in Singapore. In particular, the wearing of campaign shirts by some of Mr Ghani’s team in Singapore during the Malaysian General Election period could be misconstrued and such cases should not recur.
Dato’ Ghani, a Barisan Nasional candidate, was contesting the Gelang Patah seat in Johor which he eventually lost to veteran DAP politician Lim Kit Siang.
.
Related: Local activist files police report against Malaysia’s former Chief Minister of Johor ]]> The Courtyard Café makapaaa http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?152452-MFA-MHA-Ex-Chief-Minister-of-Johor-committed-no-offence