I Have Migrated

Dear readers, I have migrated to kinjioleaf@wordpress. Thank you for visiting this blog. I'm still around in Mandai Forest. If you like my posts, do continue to read KinJioLeaf at http://kinjioleaf.wordpress.com

Raise Our Wages, Can or Not?

Ape haven't been looking into the sacred text The KinJioLeaf for quite some time. Just some days ago, a certain news report made ape recall a leaflet out of the The KinJioLeaf. Of course they are totally unrelated.

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The leaflet from The KinJioLeaf was a letter written some years ago to address some wage issues within the Mandai Forest. It was addressed to the Palm Tree Chimpanzee (PTC) who was setup to oversee the Palm Tree Orang Utans (PTO) who were in charge of the overall health and well being of the palm trees in Mandai Forest.

"Dear Chimpanzees,

We humbly and sincerely write to you to request for an increase of our salary by 2.8%. Our reason for this request is that the cost of living has increased and is likely to continue increasing. To list some examples,

1) Fuel cost, ERP, parking charges and maintenance has increased resulting in us having to spend more to drive to work.
2) Tuition fees, piano lessons and movies tickets cost has increased so we have to pay more for our children. Not to mention my children had wanted an iPad each, the latest model one.
3) Our foreign domestic workers have also demand for more pay.
4) Our wives have also raised concerns that, in spite of our cost cutting measures and a decent savings of $1611 (myself) and $543 (Esbe) a year, it is clearly not enough. In fact our savings dropped by 1.1% and 0.6% respectively.

We admit that our service has not improved much and at times there were isolated lapses but there have never been any major incidents... other than that time when someone sneaked into the nursery and vandalised a tree, only to be discovered by fellow apes when I sent it out to the forest. Or that time when other apes complained that there's not enough trees to provide shelter for them. Aiyoh, surely, there is enough if they could just squeeze themselves under those trees. Surely, these accounts are isolated and negligible.

Last but not least, we are only asking for an increase of 2.8%, a cap set by you, based on a formula that is what you think we should deserve.

We sincerely and humbly seek your approval to raise our wages.

Signed,
Assam R.T.
Esbe S.T.
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Ape couldn't find the reply though. Have a great weekend!

Sharing Some Thoughts On General Election

Singapore General Election 2011 is over. For the first time since independance, all but 5 seats, were contested. You can read all about GE2011 in the news, online social media, etc. Many people also, for the first time, get to vote and I'm not talking about people who just reached the legal voting age (i.e. 21 years old).

Some of my peers were sort of caught off guard, thinking that their constituency would be a walkover. They, like me a decade ago, made last minute scramble for information about the candidates and parties contesting in their SMC/GRC.

If you're one of them, you may want to read on. Please note that the following is just an opinion, my opinion. You have every right to form your own opinion and come to a conclusion on HOW you might want to vote, in the next GE.

In GE2001, when I first got to vote, I knew close to nothing about the incumbent and absolutely nothing about the contender. There was a frantic seach in the internet, the fastest means to get information, on the candidates. I saw their CVs... both equally impressive but not enough for me to decide. There were close to nothing else in the internet since election campaigning on the internet then was not allowed. Furthermore, there were very little news and articles about Singapore politics and politicians on the internet then.

I attended the contender's rally but walked out before the candidate spoke. Reason being that a lot of the speeches were about why we should not be voting for the incumbent. I wanted to know why I should be voting for him which I did not get to hear. I didn't attend the rally of the incumbent since my decision was more of less formed at that point. So come Polling Day (2001), my decision was based on who had done something for the constituents BUT I wasn't satisfied with this approach. What can anyone, who is not an MP, do for the constituents? If I were to maintain such a position, does it not naturally mean that I will forever be voting for the incumbent? Only to swing when the incumbent did nothing (or perhaps screw up) and the contender perhaps setup free clinics/tuition centres/bus service etc? If it is that simple, maybe I should vote for the cleaner who sweep my corridor almost everyday should he stand for election.

Nevertheless, I spent the next 5 years before the next GE to read up about the candidates. Starting with the Parliament Papers and following whatever websites that talk about politics and politicians in Singapore. Parliament papers was a good place to start off with since there, you'll get to read what the MPs and NCMPs got to say about the policies, their views and positions. There is a problem relying solely on Parliament Papers though (which I encountered in GE2006), you won't know (if there is) what a new candidate has to say. Following the internet can be difficult too because you have to first establish the objectivity of a particular website before you want to trust what is written on that website... provided you find websites that talk about politics in Singapore then.

GE2006 came and I thought I was better prepared but there was a change in the candidates. SHIT. Now, I have to devote some time to determine who this new chap was and all I got was his CV. It was also during and just before GE2006 was announced, I concluded that looking at the personalities and qualities of the candidates are not only subjective but missing a bigger picture about election. If ONLY the personalities and qualities of a candidate count, why have political parties in the first place? What is a political party? It was also during GE2006 that I got to find out what is a Manisfesto but had little time to digest the contents of the Manisfestoes. It was also in GE2006 where internet seemed to be more active but still inadequate to provide information due to laws prohibiting election campaigning. However, by Polling Day (2006), I've looked beyond personal characteristics and included policies the candidates had to offer, to form the decision I took to mark my vote. I was still not satisfied.

Beyond GE2006, with more websites and avenues offering social and political information in Singapore, I went on to seek for more. I read about politics in general. I read about the political history of Singapore. I read about the diffifferent approaches used in different countries with regards to how elections are conducted. I asked myself many questions and attempt to seek the answers. I am still seeking the answers to some of the questions.

In GE2011, I voted and I am satisfied with my vote. No only I get to read up the CV of the candidates, I read their position and policies. I read about the kind of Singapore they want to build. I read about how they intend to serve the contituents and beyond the contituency, how they want to serve Singapore Citizens.

What I no longer look at is their academic qualifications, track record (unless that candidate is THE PERSON setting that record) or the backing he/she/them is likely to receive from the party.

I voted base on that he/she/the party has to offer for Singapore and how likely they can truly convince the parlimentarians, who are also representatives of their respective constituencies.

Independence From Any Political Parties

Ape is never good with words and always have difficulties articulating his thoughts. So ape sometime resort to others who closely matches with what ape's thoughts are.

"As civil servants, we stay out of the fray but we work within the political realities"

This statement is quoted from THINK HAPPINESS. Ape is happy to know that there are some people who understands the difference between politicians and civil servants.

Here's another one - Things we should all know – that the Civil Service is independent of any political party.

It's no surprise to ape that there are people who still think that civil service officers (or grassroots volunteers) will lose their job if PAP is voted out. Ape's reply to this to them is "Why worry if you are doing a good job? It's just a change of CEO."

General Election 2011 - Vote For Who?

Your vote is secret and it is an offence (I think) to ask anyone who they voted for. However, it's not an offence for one to tell others, right?

Who will I vote for? I don't know since I've to wait for nomination day to determine if there is a walkover.

If I do get a chance to vote and to ask the potential candidates some questions, here's a list:-

1) Why did you want to stand for election?
2) Why did you choose this political party?
3) What will you do for the residents of this area?
4) What will you do for Singapore?
5) What is the one thing that the Singapore government must never compromise no matter what?

Perhaps some of these questions will be addressed during the rally or perhaps when the MP wannabe come round for the house-to-house visit. We'll see.

On a perhaps unrelated matter. Some of you might have read in an earlier post that ape is in the Residents Committee. I made it quite clear to my Chairman that I'll not be involved in any activity the moment GE is announced. That's why ape has some time to blog :p

Going Gets Tough Gets Going

It is said that when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. In the case of ape, it's more of a case of keeps going and going and going and not knowing where it is going to lead ape to. This is how ape describes his work.

Wurk wurk wurk... you sure ape is the right person to get this job done?

Never mind if others are doing their part. Never mind if the "higher ups" are even aware of what's going on. Never mind if those monkeys know what they are asking. More importantly, is ape is doing enough? Has ape put in his best effort? Is ape's "best effort" good enough?

Wurk wurk wurk... please tell ape what is he doing this for?

Perhaps ape is not tough. Perhaps ape is lumbering and blundering. Perhaps ape is taking too much upon himself. How nice it will be if ape could clone himself and observe his abilities (or lack of) as a third person or perhaps not, as it could mean two apes going around in circles... or performing in a circus.

Wurk wurk wurk... please tell ape how to multi-task when everything and anything are of high priority.

Maybe it is really time for ape to seriously look for greener pastures... if there ever is a greener pasture.

Wurk wurk wurk...

Mas Selamat Took Shelter With Brother's Family

In the Ministerial Statement by the Minister For Home Affairs (see here)

"Mas Selamat escaped from WRDC on 27 Feb 2008. Two days later, on 29 Feb 2008, he made his way to his brother Asmom’s home in Tampines to seek shelter and assistance from his grown-up niece, Nur Aini bte Asmom."

Ape finds it hard to believe that no surveillance has been placed on Mas Selamat's immediate family members.

When questioned by MPs in parliament (read here), the answer given by the Minister was that

"... taking into account his family members, which numbered more than a hundred, and with contacts they number many more. I don't want to go into details on what surveillance was done because they are really operational security matters and it is not in the interest of our country for us to disclose these matters." (TODAYonline)

Fine. No details on all the surveillance for security reasons. How about just revealing the surveillance on Asmon's (Mas Selamat's brother) family? Was there surveillance on him? Yes? No?

The Minister also mentioned that investigations were conducted on a few hundred people including Mas Selamat's extended family members. In particular, Asmom was interviewed by ISD on March 3, a few days after Asmom had given refuge to Mas Selamat in his home yet Asmon was able to keep his cool and did not reveal anything with regards to his harbouring of Mas Selamat. The investigation at that point did not warrant any further actions.

" ... you get the best results when you know some of the facts and you are able to corner the person. I had pointed out in my statement that the intelligence at that point in time did not warrant us to take any other view other than that what Asmom was saying was accurate." (TODAYonline)

Ape wonders what new evidence has surfaced that allows the investigation to corner Asmon and his family. Mas Selamat's own admission?

Society & Ape

ape was blog browsing and came across this particular posting by angry doc. angry doc titiled his posting "Elite-basing" and was relating to an article by Sandra Leong "Scoring High In Grades But Not In Values".

"... the pursuit of intellectual excellence to the exclusion of character or value excellence breeds an exclusionary attitude to the rest of society. Many of the products of our top schools forget they have to give back to the society that allowed them so many opportunities." Sandra Leong


"What is implied there is that people who are successful owe a debt to society, and that if they refuse to "give back" to society, there is something faulty with their character or values system.

But angry doc would like to ask: who in society is calling for this debt to be repaid? On whose behalf is Ms Leong calling for elites to "give back"? What makes us think that we are entitled to the time, effort, or the fruits of the labour of those in society who have succeeded?" angry doc

ape had a dream on that very night after ape read these two articles. ape met a being who called itself "society". However, ape couldn't really determine if ape met one or two of them who chose to call itself (or themselves) "society" because it appeared to ape that it was the same yet different being. However, there's something about the dream that ape wanted to leaf it down into KinJioLeaf.

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PART 1

ape: "Who are you?"

society: "Society"

ape: "OK.... but what are you really?"

society: "I'm the one who provides for you to be an elite!"

ape: "But I'm not..."

society: "You are because I say so! You went to an elite school. You have a decent paying job. You've paid off your housing loan."

ape: "That hardly makes me an elite. I only spent four years in an elite school. I'm not a scholar. I'm staying in an HDB flat..."

society: "You are because I say so, so stop denying."

ape: "OK... if you insist." ape wasn't quite sure what this meeting was all about but being in ape's nature to be helpful, ape asked "Is there anything I can do for you?"

society: "Ha! You've finally wised up. Yes, what can you do for me!"

ape: "I don't know... not be a burden to you? Do my job, feed my family, just follow law?"

society: "Not good enough. What about me? Can't you build roads, produce good policies, donate more to charity, help the poor, find housing for them, get more workers, kick out the foreigners, form a new government, arrest the rabble rousers, lock up the gays, give more freedom, uphold democracy, respect human rights, create jobs, build cheaper public housing, ensure property does not collapse..."

ape: "Wait, wait, wait... that's a lot to ask of me!"

society: "I don't care. You're an elite!"

ape: "I didn't say I am. You said it. Even if I am an elite, why should I?"

society: "Because I made you so. I am the infrastructure, education, etc... I'm the opportunities that make you who you are now. So it's time to pay back. To return what you owe."

ape: "But I'm not an elite!" (society was about to retort but ape cut him off since he is getting on ape's nerves) "OK. Cool down. Let's just say hypothetically I am an elite"

society: "You are!"

ape: "OK, I am since you say so. Isn't the infrastructure, education, the opportunities you mentioned offered to everyone? Since ape manages to do better than the rest...hypothetically, due to ape's own hard work and efforts, isn't ape entitled to whatever benefits that comes with ape's success and remain ape's own rights to whom ape wants to share the benefits? To whom do I owe this success? My parents who worked hard to bring me up. I'm not saying I am going to deny you but I don't see how I owe you? Whatever I have achieved so far is on one part due to my own efforts and another from my parents and the many mentors who guided me all these years. You make it sound like I owe you a debt. Do I?"

society: "You do!"

ape: "So if I refuse to study, refuse to work. Laze around and do nothing and become YOU, I can make demands that the "elite" must provide for me?"

society: "You'll never become me! I am the infrastructure, education... THE opportunities... not some lazy bum like you!"

ape: "See! I told you I'm not an elite. You've just admitted I'm a lazy bum so don't make demands on me."

society: "Don't try to play "elite" with me or you'll suffer! You just wait and see. I'll be waiting for you and hound you like an Ah Long if you don't pay back!" (ape was totally lost at this point and wonders how is he going to wait and yet hound on ape).

Whatever, ape was jolted out of his sleep and had to visit the bushes. After ape has... er... watered the plants, ape went back to sleep, not quite sure if he wanted to meet "Society" again in his sleep... (to be cont'd)

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PART 2
society: "Hi ape!"

ape: "Er... hi." (ape noticed something seems kinder in his tone and demeanor but can't help checking him out apprehensively for pig head or red paint)

society: "You look worried. Don't be."

ape: "Who are you?"

society: "Society"

ape: "Have you come to collect "debts" from me?"

society: "Debts?!?! What do you owe me?"

ape: "You don't? I thought... never mind. Is there anything I can do for you?" (ape fell back into his usual self)

society: "What will you do to me?" *dismayed* ape knew it! Pay back time! and ape wasn't paying attention to the choice of words society used.

ape: "... ... "

society: "... ... haven't really decided? Don't worry. Take your time. In actual fact, you've started doing something for me."

ape: "I did?"

society: "Yes. You have a job. You take care of your family. You did not upset me. You did not create unrest. All these are good enough."

ape: "Anyone could have done what ape did so it's really nothing worth mentioning... and we certainly don't need an elite to do all these."

society: "Who said anything about Elite? What is Elite?"

ape: "Nevermind. Who are you really? You don't seem to be the same "society" I met earlier."

society: "I don't know who you met earlier but certainly not me. Who am I? I am a product of you! I am you!"

ape: "Me?"

society: "You, people around you, people before you, people after you. I am who you make me out to be. I'm a product of you yet I am you. Enough about me... or you... or us. I'm more interested about what you will do."

ape: "Er... haven't really decided but since you seemed to like what ape has done so far, perhaps ape will maintain the status-quo until ape can decide. Ape is not quite smart so ape may take quite a long time" ape was actually confused and didn't want to make too much a commitment.

society: "Don't worry. Take your time. You'll know when you know. People who take their time tends to come out with better ideas. Sometimes, the smart ones, even with good intentions, moves too fast and hurts me more than those who take their time to plan. Of course there are those who think that they can destroy me but ends up hurting themselves more. I exist because you exist because I exist because we exist." ape is scratching his head and all over his body at this point... going bananas and totally confused.

ape: "So you're not the infrastructure, education... THE opportunities that provided for me to be who I am now and I do not owe you and need not do anything for you in return?"

society: "ape, you can confusing me." (Walao! Who is confusing who?) "Let me put it this way. You can say I am the infrastructure, education... THE opportunities who provided for you to be who you are now but who made me this way? You! OK, if you are particular about this since I know you are a technician by training and tends to think very straight. Your predecessors made me this way. If you do feel obliged to return the favour, or what you call "returning a debt", the obvious thing is to leave a legacy like what they did so that your successors can continue to do the same for their successors and so on. Let me put it in another way. I exist because you exist and I'll cease when you cease. However, who I am and what I am going to be will depend on you. I can give you a bloody big headache if you make me to be one. I can make you achieve things you never imagine if you make me to be one."

ape: "Wow! ape didn't know he has so much influence on society. ape thought it is only the elite who can influence you."

society: "Ape talk about Elite again. What is Elite? Anyway, ape alone cannot have so much influence lah. The act of a single person or even a small group of people may give me goosebumbs of fear or elation but I recover pretty fast if the whole is intact. I cannot be destroyed unless you cease to exist. However, I can change drastically depending on what you do to me. If you make me bad, I'll be and it is going to take more effort to make me good. If I am good, you can make me better. Do you know how easy it is to make me bad? Just ignore me. Want to give it a try. Ignoring me won't make me go away. I'll just turn bad and give you a bloody nose. When it reaches the point of no return, I'll destroy you and myself."

ape: "Isn't that suicide?"

society: "Yes. It is suicidal of you to ignore me or take me for granted."

ape: "ape is just a small fry. What can ape do? Isn't the care and development of you the responsibilities of the government, the smart people, the rich... the er, elite?"

society: "HAHAHAHAHAHA! So this is what you mean by elite. Ape is giving too much credit to these 'elite'. They do have a certain amount of influence on me no doubt, just like anyone else. However, I am the sum of you, all of you. You alone, the government alone, the smart, the rich or the Eeeeeelite you mentioned, operating alone may give me moments of joy or depression but to change me takes the effort of everyone. Boleh?"

ape: "Hmmmm. OK. Back to basics. Since you, society, is me, the people around me, people before me, people after me. You must have the experience and wisdom of everyone, ya?"

society: "Yeap... and the stupidity."

ape: "Can you tell me, what can I do to make you better? Or at least make sure you don't turn bad? I mean, after talking to you, you seem fine and jolly and helpful so I assume you must be good now but then again you could be creating an elaborate scheme to trap me and give me a bloody headache and perhaps ape is thinking too much and ... "

society: "Ape, ape, you're talking bananas. Focus, focus. I am who I am now due to what your predecessors has done. One thing for certain is that over the last centuries, I am getting better and better in most ways. The reason for this is that your predecessors developed me so that I can reciprocate them and their successors. By successors, I'm not talking about the father who hordes money for his son or people who keeps their success within their own family. I'm talking about people who benefited from what the pioneers had done. These 'beneficiaries' wanted to honour the pioneers and did what their predecessors had done - leave a legacy for everyone. Think of people like Tan Kah Kee and Lee Kong Chian, two people whom you should be familiar about since your secondary school days. I'm not talking about just the elites. I'm talking about everyone. Of course, there are some who did more than others but remember your primary school motto - From Each His Best? Some can do more, some can do less. It doesn't matter. Everyone has a part to play."

ape: "So it is not about returning debt or owing anyone?"

society: "Certainly not. Even if it is, once you return the 'debt', than what? You will ignore me and forget me. The end. No. It is about legacy. Continuation. Continual improvement. You benefitted from me because of the efforts of the people before you. You don't owe me anything because I am the creation of the people before you. Obviously, you can't pay them back since they have left. If you feel obliged and wanted to honour these people, do what they did, leave a legacy for the people after you. Once you ignore me, what is left is disaster for the people after you and they WILL definitely remember you, the whole lot of you, provided WE survive.

ape: "So... what shall I do?"

society: "Wake up now or you'll be late in sending your daughter to school! If you don't do anything now, she will suffer, you know?"

By then, ape woke and realised that he is running short of time. Daughter was all ready and waiting for ape. Soon, she will be ready and need not wait for ape anymore. When that time arrive, will it be easier or harder for kids of her generation to get to school?

Back To School

It's been more than a month since ape walk his daughter to school everyday. Ape's daughter is in primary one now. The school is just across the road from where ape stays.

The first week was kind of messy but the school has prepared the parents well. The school has invited parents for briefing weeks before school starts. The principal spent almost an hour briefing us about the school, explaining the approach, describing what would happen during the first week or so, where to drop our children, where to pick up our children, what would happen, etc. Yes, the first 3 days was messy but that's expected. Everything more or less settled down by the fourth day base on ape's observation... except punctuality.

The school expected the children to be in the school by 7:25 a.m. so that tthe flag raising ceremony can begin at 7:30 a.m. sharp (exactly like the way it was several decades ago when ape was in school). Therefore, ape was a little surprised that after leaving his daughter at school, (occasionally at 7:25 a.m. sharp), while walking back, ape saw some students strolling to school... with their parents. Ape reckoned by the time they reach the school gate, it must be 7:30 a.m. or later. Are parents really that indifferent towards punctuality? Anyway, by the 3rd week, the school has taken a firmer approach and closes the gate at 7:30 a.m. Apparently, some pupils (and parents) are undeterred still, although there's significantly lesser now.

Anyway, school is fun really or rather, ape enjoys walking his daughter to school. The walk might be 5 minutes but it allows ape to indulge in small talks with his daughter. Seeing so many people walking towards a common direction for a common purpose makes ape feel so alive again. It's very unlike the zombies in trains, bus and roads where everyone seems to be rushing to somewhere to do something but dunno what.

The routine ape went through in the last 2 decades was wake up, wash up, go work, wake up , wash up, go work, wake up, wash up, go work. Before this year, ape couldn't recall when was the last time when ape wakes up before the sun rises to feel the cool morning, steps on the cold tiled floor and speak in low soft tones. The only times when ape feel the dawn were days when ape had to stay out late or worked overnight and arrived home at daybreak. This year is so different and walking my daughter to school brought back so much fond memories.

When ape started school, some 3 decades ago, mommy ape walked him to school. Ape's mum works in the school so that's not too much of a problem and we usually arrived in school at 6:00 a.m. You see, ape's mommy is what one might call, a school janitor or back then, she's called Ah Soh. Mommy has to open the school gate, school office, turn on the tuckshop (canteen) lights, etc and ape delightfully helped her do these... afterall, not everyone has this privilege to sneak into the principal's office and sit on his chair. Then, ape would go to his usual corner and wait for his classmates to arrive. We'll chat and as more friends arrive, we'll play games such as police-and-thief (catching), tok kar (catching but hopping on one leg) and sometimes when the girls were more obliging, they'll invite us to play zero point (skipping ropes) or five stones. Almost everyone was eager to go to school simply because school was fun. Playing together made us feel good about learning together and it didn't hurt so much when we were punished together. It was the "togetherness" that give ape so much fond memories.

In case you're wondering, the picture is the school that ape attended... in fact, ape was in the class situated at the highest floor at the corner. You'll never see another pupil wearing the school uniform anymore. It's been closed down and merged with two other schools.

Residents' Committee

Ape moved to a new place not too long ago. Ape joined the Residents' Committee (RC) there as an observer... for the time being. For those of you who wish to know a little bit about RC, a good start is to google or go here.

Before anyone jumps to any conclusion, ape's joining the RC is rather impromptu. It started with wifey enquiring about the lift upgrading program around the flat where ape stays and the possibility of elderly, disabled or pram friendly walkways from the MRT station ape's flat. Wifey was eventually connected to the CC and as sort of btw thingy, was invited to join the RC. Invitation was extended to spouse of wifey - that is ape :p

Ape was reluctant at first and still is. Reason being ape is not sure exactly how much commitment one has to put in. However, ape reasoned that one will never know until one starts participating actively, right? Furthermore, RC is run by volunteers which means there is really no obligations for the members to participate in each and every activity. So that resolve the first hesitation ape had.

The next worry is, how objective or nonpartisan is the RC? So far, after attending a couple of meetings and activities, ape has yet to see any die hard fans of the ruling party (or die hard fans of the opposition party for that matter). That's good. This is important because one of the functions of the RC is to liase with and make recommendations to the governmental authorities on the needs and aspirations of the residents. So regardless of who seats in the ministry, RC has to work closely with them.

So far the experience with RC is not particularly exciting but then again, it's too early to tell as ape is not only very new to this particular RC, ape is very new in this estate. As mentioned before, ape is still an observer so ape shall continue to observe :=)

What is ape's objective in joining RC then? The reason is simple. Life is not simply about work work and more work. Ape wanted to get involved in some activities that allows ape to has more "visuals" about what is really going on around ape. What better way than to start getting involved with matters that surround the place where ape stays?

Past, Present And Future

Actually, ape wanted to use the title of "Know The Past To Understand The Present So As To Plan For The Future" but that seemed a bit long so ape simply cut it short.

Also, to cut this potentially long post short, ape was immersed with this blog http://singaporegovt.blogspot.com for almost the whole night, reading through some of the events that lead to the Singapore that we know today. Ape came across this site because ape had wanted to find out more about this person called Lim Chin Siong. Ape came across this person called Lim Chin Siong because.... nevermind... long story short, ok?

Some years ago, Ape was very surprised when ape came to know that MM Lee became Singapore's PM when he was 35? Gosh! What the hell is ape doing at age 35?

Ape largi more surprised today when ape found out that Lim Chin Siong, at age 21, was already leader of workers, trade union and students. Got elected into legislative assembly a year later and yet another year later, represented PAP for constitutional talks in London. What was ape doing at age 21? Representing a friend to impress a girl for a date... damn.

Besides some history lessons (that are not found in school textbooks) that can be found in the blog mentioned, there's a whole lot more thought provoking matters discussed there. Ape wanted to make that bog as one of the forest ape frequents only to realized that the blog seems to have stopped since 2007... sigh.

Effective Road Pricing, Again?

Some ardent fans (if they visit KJL still) will recall ape was in Melbourne, Australia sometime earlier this year. One of the things that impress ape was the manner in which toll is collected on their highway. Motorist there need not install an IU. (An IU cost more than $100, although it was free for existing motorist when ERP started here). One only need to log in to the internet and make payment online, prior to the intended journey where toll exists.

What if one in Melbourne suffers from similar situation ape faced previously? Motorist is given a certain days of grace period to pay the toll online or via phone calls. If you missed that deadline, the fine is hefty. (Go here for more information). Forgetful motorist or foreign motorist who are not familiar with the toll will appreciate their system of toll collection.

Ape rented a car on one of the weekends when wifey joined ape in that foreign land. Ape studied the map to avoid the toll but still got lost along the way and suspected he has entered a toll zone. Went online as soon as ape managed to get an internet connection and was directed to a page where ape can make payment. Problem was, the online service could not indicate whether ape actually went through the toll. A 24 hour hotline was available to make enquiries though. Ape made that call. The lady on the other end of line sounded merry and was absolutely helpful and polite, even though it was after 10pm. She got ape's name, the license plate number and did a search in the database. "Nope. Your records did not show up" she replied. Ape, being a kiasu and kiasi Singaporean probed further.

"Does that mean I did not enter a toll zone or the records has not been updated yet?" ape asked.

"It was only this afternoon when you travelled so it could be that it has not been updated yet. Why don't you try calling tomorrow?".

The next day, ape called again. The voice at the other end sounded familiar. Ape told her the problem and immediately she recalled "Oh! You're [Mr Ape] who called last night" Ohhhh, that's customer service! Not only did she remember the call she received, she recalled my name! Ape's response was embarrassing.

"I'm sorry I couldn't recall your name... is it Beth?"

"Bertha. No worries... give me your car number again. I'm sorry I couldn't remember what it was." Customer first... administrative matters took a back seat.

She ran through the database and there it was. Advised me on the toll cost and payment mode. Ape gave her the credit card number and settled the matter. No additional administrative charge.

Why can't we do the same? Ape thought. In the previous post, prior to dinner, ape recalled the pleasant encounter in Melbourne and asked why can't we do the same. After paying my "violation" with administrative charge, ape think again - why can't we do the same?

Effective Road Pricing?

Ape had a somewhat eventful night. Went to the gym after work to burn some calories, purge the nicotined lungs and cleared some cholesterol blocked arteries. Joined wifey and friends for dinner in town after that. Ape made sure he had his cash card inserted into the In-vehicle Unit (IU) just in case Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) is still in operation.

Ape is a biker who doesn't frequent town or any of the ERP tolls. As far as Ape can recall, it's an average of once a year ever since ERP was introduced. It does not occur to ape that he has to remember every single toll, the precise hours that they will be in operation and the charges. Simply because, the next time ape has to pass through any of these gantries, the rules has probably changed. Nevertheless, ape had his cash card placed in just in case. It was the journey home that caught ape off guard.

Dinner ended close to 10. Ape deliberated on inserting the cash card. Ape knew he had to travel along CTE and the toll in CTE lasts longer than all other ERP gantry. Ape can take the safe way out by inserting the cash card but run the risk of forgetting to retrieve it. IU on a bike is unlike that of a car whereby one can keep the car locked and a passerby cannot take the cash card without breaking the window. Cash card left in the IU of a forgetful biker can be easily and frequently got "picked up" by any passerby and this happened to ape a handful of times. It is also easy for ape to forget taking out his cash card because ape seldom has any need to place it in the IU.

It was 10 pm and ape is heading out of town... should be safe, ape reasoned. Big mistake.

Traffic was heavy and slow moving. "Accident on lane one" was displayed on the EMAS. Better keep the eyes on the road... in case ape became the 2nd accident. Shortly after the accident site where the traffic became smoother, ape looked up and saw "ERP in operation until 10:30pm". Damn. Where's the next turning before the toll booth? NONE! "What time is it now?" Ape thought. Ape dared not steal a glance at his sleeve covered watch. Nevertheless, ape the saw the time... prominently displayed on the ERP gantry. "10:24pm ...." Shit. "...motorcycles $0.25..." as if in mockery. ARRGGH! Went through the gantry. The LED on the IU flashed red merrily and all ape could do was to wait for the letter from LTA. Ape wondered how much he'll be fined.

(The latest comment about ERP ape read about is here).

National Day, National Pledge... Nationalism

We, the citizens of Singapore,
Pledge ourselves as one united people
Regardless of race, language or religion
To build a democratic society
Based on justice and equality
So as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation

Ape joins Singaporeans to make this pledge. On this day, allow ape to recall some thoughts about the sense of patriotism, nationalism and sense of belonging... to Singapore.

Remember some time ago, Dr Vivian B. recall the conversation he had with his son? About why should he fight for Singapore if there's a war? Actually, ape came across this topic some 10 years before Dr Vivian brought it up in parliament. Ape has found his answer and is simple. Ape has a part in this nation building and is still doing his part.

No no no... ape is no civil servant. Ape is just a common citizen like any other citizen. Ape works, ape pays tax. Ape owns a HDB flat and ape pays road tax (motorcycle). Ape likes to believe his occasional feedback to Town Councils help improved general estate of the town ape stays. Ape did his national service is still serving as an NSmen (actually, ape was a regular).

Ape did not come up with national policies nor build skyscrapers or highways and the little things is within ape's capabilities and the capabilities of many Singaporeans does contribute to our country. For these little (little doesn't mean unimportant, though) efforts that ape has contributed, should ape allow any aggressor to overrun this country or should stand and defend what is rightfully ours?

"Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country" (John F. Kennedy)

Nope. Ape is not going to quote JKF because it is meaningless to ape. Ape is going to amend it to something that is more meaningful to ape should I ever have doubts about fighting for Singapore...

Ask not what Singapore has done for you - ask what you have done for Singapore. (Ape... not Abe hor.)

When you have a part in building something, I'm sure you'll stand to defend it when it's in threat of destuction. Think about it. What have you done for this country that makes you want to stand and defend her. It doesn't matter if it's big or small... as long as you've done your part.

Have a wondeful National Day

Things We Take For Granted

Something came into my thoughts and I decided to put it down in writing. I'll share more of my thoughts at the bottom of this post. Do share yours with mine.

***********************
You're in love

So is the man who loves you

You're so in love that you want to make a vow,
To live together in the legal estate of matrimony,
To love him, comfort him, honour and keep him in sickness and in health
and forsaking all others, be faithful to him, so long as you both shall live.
So does he

You're so in love that you want to declare your love to everyone and anyone
and receive the blessings from those who love you

So does he

You're so in love that you'll devote your heart, mind and body to him

So does he

You're so in love that you want to raise children with him
To see them grow and realise their own potential
and to be valuable members of society

So does he

But you can't,
you can't live together in the legal estate of matrimony
you can't declare your love to everyone
you won't receive the blessings
you can't devote your body to him
you can't raise children with him, not even if all you're asking for is adopted children

not only that,

you can't apply for subsidized government housing
or place his name under the beneficiary of your life insurance

Neither can he

Because you are a man

******************************

I wonder how many of you were thinking about the gender of "You". Gender aside, what if the last statement has been changed to

"Because you are of a different race / religion /social class"

What will your thoughts be then?

I realised, after I went through these thoughts, that there are so many things that we, heterosexuals, happily married people, take for granted.

We happily walk into that tiny building in Fort Canning Hill to register our marriage. Declare our marriage vows to our friends and family. We even hold lavish banquet and receive loads of well wishes.

We're granted subsidized public housing, we can put our spouse name as beneficiary in case the unfortunate happens to us. We can adopt children even if we can't have any.

We hug and kiss our partner publicly when we happy, we do the same when we're sad. We can do all these because we love and are capable of loving. Why can't they?

Pink Dot Sg

Ape is proud to be there, with his wife and daughter.

You be your own judge on how you and your family want to live your lives. Please don't judge others how they live theirs as long as they do no harm to others and are happy.

We Are AWARE

Updated on 9 May 2009

Ape is really a peace loving person. For that matter, ape is always a firm believer of listening first, decide later, action latest. In order to be able to listen first, one has to be open minded, non-judgemental and empathetic. That is the exact reason why ape supported the original AWARE. The ousted new-EXCO headed by Josie Lau did the reverse of what ape believes in - that is action first (by taking over the EXCO) and listen last. Thus, ape can never support or condone them.

Stay Alert and Be Vigilant

If you've not read in the papers, stay alert and be vigilant of a flu pandemic. A new strain of the flu virus, commonly know as swine flu has spread to countries including USA, Mexico, Canada, Spain and Scotland as reported in Today Online.

In Singapore, efforts have been made to step up pre-cautionary measures (reported here and here) in order to prevent a recurrence of tragedy when Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) hit us back in year 2003.

Ape was in the airport on Sunday and apparently, Changi Airport wasted no time in rolling out the temperature screening machines that were used during the SARS outbreak to detect for any signs of fever of its passengers. Ape supposed the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority will be particularly observant of passengers arriving from America and Europe.

Just yesterday, at ape's workplace, we were told to take out our business continuity plan and go through them... just in case Alert Level has been raised to Orange.

Just this morning, when ape returned to my NS unit for medical checks, the public announcement system called for all medics to assemble for morning brief. One out of the two medics who attended to ape left for the brief and returned to update his buddy on the precautionary measures to be taken. Just before ape left the medical centre, tables were placed outside the rooms... presumably to prepare for "pre-screening" before letting visitors into the centre itself.

As of now, while ape is writing this, CNA on TV says that the Alert Level has been raised to Yellow.

Keep yourself updated on the news and development and stay alert for any signs of flu. Take care everyone... for yourself and your family. Ape has to find his masks and personal thermometer. Ape wonders if there's anymore masks or thermometer in the pharmacy below.

Ape Supports AWARE

Ape Supports AWARE... and ape don't mean the bogus new EXCO. In ape's previous post, ape has already made known and urge any readers here to support AWARE by signing the online petition here.

What are ape's reasons besides those stated in the petition?

1) The removal of the old guards was clearly a deliberate and pre-planned coup, orchestrated by a certain Dr Thio... who self-proclaimed to be "feminist mentor". Ape has heard of Braema Mathi but who is this self professed Dr Thio Su Mien?

This tells ape the new EXCO (and supporters) lacks humility.

2) The new EXCO allege that AWARE had strayed into promoting homosexuality and intend to set AWARE back on its correct path. If this is true, why can't they address this concern in an open debate? Instead, they went in stealthily and staged a coup.

This tells ape the new EXCO is capable of dodgy actions.

3) All the sub-committee heads, include internationally known Braema Mathi who heads CEDAW were removed from their positions without reasons ... and a simple thank you.

This tells ape the new EXCO is disrespectful and lacks decency.

4) The locks were changed, effectively keeping out the old guards from saving their documents. The centre's manager was fired for "not following instructions" with no further elaboration when the manager had wanted the new EXCO to explain their actions to the old guards.

This tells ape the new EXCO is unreasonable and will force its way through.

Ape suppose the above four reasons is more than enough for ape not to support them. What has the old guards done, anyway, that wins ape's support?

The old guards have maintained their position and objectives clearly and soundly. They embraces diversity in race, religion, culture and sexuality. To ape, the key word is embracing diversity which apes finds is particularly important in this multiracial, multireligion and multicultural society. Embracing diversity is also one of ape's beliefs. So if you do share the same belief as ape, please lend your support by going here and here.

(If you noticed, ape has not mentioned anything about religion other than the last paragraph. The reason is simple. This AWARE saga has nothing to do with religion. It's about our ability to mature as a society in whole and truly progress as a great nation. This is also the reason why ape got involved in this misunderstood "38 38 women thingy")

Save AWARE For Gender Equality

Ape is a male, in case you haven't noticed, so when ape first got to read about the AWARE saga in the Straits Times, ape really can't be bothered. The reason is that, ape heard of this name AWARE and heard that they do something for women and that's all ape knew.

What went on in ape's mind then was "Hmmm... imagine if after the last General Election in year 2006, all supporters of say Workers Party started moving to say Tanjong Pagar GRC and consolidate there and by the next election, WP contest against PAP that is headed by Minister Mentor and PAP lost!!!! Wah! Big news leh!" ... but of course this would not happen.

Anyway, that news article on 10 April 2009 was soon forgotten by ape (not entirely la... ape did visit other blogs and got a little bit info about the backgrounds of the new EXCO). Then on 17 April 2009, over lunch break, ape's colleague was saying something about DBS start interfering with employees personal time and something something relating to AWARE. Oooh! Interesting.

So after work, ape read about the incident in Business Times. Apparently, it is not a case of employer interfering with employees personal time. Read carefully. It is a case of employee breaching the company's staff code of conduct. Josie Lau did not declare or seek approval from her boss (twice) when she joined the AWARE EXCO and then elected to President of the EXCO.

And so days passed. Ape met a neanderthal friend for coffee who said," aiyah... all these women folk things... all the 38 38 matters... why receive so much attention in the news? Trying to suppress the Geylang Serai Market problem izit?"

Well... ape is not sure of both allegations ... 1) Is what's happening in AWARE just an internal problem? 2) Is there some cover ups at the GSM?

At least ape is sure he can find out more about AWARE. What ape found out is that, the AWARE saga, as the ape see it, has become a battle of idealism (is that the right word?)

Apparently the old EXCO feels that the new EXCO will possibly impose their religious views into AWARE. The new EXCO accusses the old EXCO of promoting lesbanism. In their defence, old EXCO maintained that AWARE is a secular organization that embraces diversity and they are neither pro or anti gay/lesbanism.

Is you want to find out more, search the net or if you trust the posting of new AWARE website set up by the old EXCO (so confusing new website, old exco :p.. ape going bananas), go here where the old EXCO supporters have consolidated all the news reports from main stream media. (Remember hor, in Singapore, main stream media is supposedly to be factual and objective).

After reading through all these reports and the events that occurred... ape feels not only this matter concerns him, ape also feels he need to lend some support to the old guards... and he did so by signing this petition.

Actually, in this post, ape wanted to tell you why he decided to support the old guards but... really, it's very late now so I'll explain further on another day .