Search the Community

Geezz, so we voted in 5 oppo members for fun? And from what I have witnessed, these 5 credible MPs have done a helluva job together with their NCMP counterparts, raising various bread and butter issues in the 1st Parliament. In particular, Chen Show Mao's speech in Chinese was both refreshing and very meaningful when he described oppo members today were like a loyal subject giving good advice to a emperor but unfortunately he was not appreciated and mocked at instead by the MIWs. Similarly Sylvia's plea to link our economic success to happiness was also scorned at by many ruling party folks including our new MND minister. If this is the new norm in Parliament then I feel sorry for the ruling party because they are still very confrontational with no stomach for alternative views. The PM better wake up his idea and not deem these honorable oppo MPs & NCMPs as trouble-makers. They are there for a reason and that voters are sick and tired of having the ruling party having the last word on EVERYTHING. How I wish 2016 can be around the corner... From CNA: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1162543/1/.html Parliament's for "serious discussion, not just criticism" By Joanne Chan in Perth | Posted: 30 October 2011 1840 hrs PERTH, AUSTRALIA: Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said that Parliament is a place for serious discussion and not just criticism. Mr Lee added that Parliament is not just a place to hold either the government or opposition to account. Instead both sides should participate in solving problems together, or Singapore would be worse off for it. He was speaking to the Singapore media at the end of the three-day Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth on Sunday. Earlier this month, Singapore's Parliament sat for the first time since the May General Election, and members shared their thoughts on the measures needed for the country to prosper. Mr Lee said that while the opposition had put a lot of effort into their parliamentary speeches, it remains to be seen if they will participate in helping to solve problems. "This is not just a show, it's not just theatre. This (Parliament) is a place where we are discussing very serious business and where we have to make very difficult choices for Singaporeans on behalf of our voters," he said. "And I think as government, it's our responsibility to speak the truth to Singaporeans and I think it's the opposition's responsibility also to acknowledge the truth and to speak it, whether or not it's politically advantageous to them," added Mr Lee. On Singapore's economy, Mr Lee said that there are dark clouds on the horizon, referring to the latest report from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The MAS report said that Singapore's economic growth will stall over the next few quarters before seeing a modest recovery late next year because the long-term structural problems in Europe will not disappear soon. Prime Minister Lee added that Singapore is also facing slowing growth because the economy is more mature. "For a developed economy, 3, 4% (growth) is not bad. Of course, we've been used to 5,6,7 (percent), or even more in the past, but it's a different phase. When you're an adolescent, you grow and shoot up inches every year. When you're mature you hope to grow, not necessarily taller but wiser and better," said Mr Lee. On the government's move to raise the minimum qualifying salaries for foreign professionals and skilled workers, Mr Lee said that the government knows it has been painful for employers. He added that accepting a lower growth rate is the price to pay for managing the population size in Singapore. Even with these challenges, Mr Lee said Singapore should not be too downbeat. He said Singapore hopes to have quality growth - improved productivity for better wages. Mr Lee also pointed out that he had met various leaders at CHOGM, all of whom expressed admiration for Singapore and said the country has done very well. Referring to his meeting with Western Australia's Premier Colin Barnett, Mr Lee said it is keen to develop links with Singapore. Mr Lee concluded that Singapore is "not doing badly", but can do better. On CHOGM which had focused on reforms, Mr Lee said it would not be easy to transform the Commonwealth. Calling the Commonwealth an "old boys' club" brought together by a shared history, he said members work together where they can but they also have disagreements. On the failed proposal to appoint a watchdog for human rights, Mr Lee said Singapore's support will depend very much on whether such a commissioner will be productive. The proposal for an independent commissioner on human rights, democracy and the rule of law was one of the reforms called for by an "Eminent Persons Group" that CHOGM itself commissioned two years ago to help it maintain relevancy. - CNA/ir

Bernie Ecclestone has defended Michael Schumacher amid criticism of the seven time world champion's lacklustre return to formula one. The 41-year-old German's comeback with a three-year deal at Mercedes was the talk of the pre-season. But his new form hit a low in China last weekend, when he was trounced by his teammate Nico Rosberg in qualifying before finishing a minute down at the finish in the sort of slippery conditions in which previously he would have thrived. F1 chief executive Ecclestone said the criticism of his performance so far is not justified. "Anybody who criticises Michael is wrong. He deserves better," the Briton said in a joint interview with Mercedes' Norbert Haug. Haug agreed: "No, for sure he doesn't deserve that." The German told F1's official website that Schumacher's effect at the Brackley based team is being tangibly felt behind the scenes. "He stimulates everybody, including Nico." Ecclestone said he is not surprised that 24-year-old Rosberg currently has the upper hand, and tips Schumacher to be back on top soon. "Nico is very talented and Michael was on holiday for three years. Ask me the same question after another two races," said the 79-year-old. There have been theories that Schumacher will - or should - make a quick retreat in order to cease the humiliation and safeguard his legacy. It has also been suggested that his form reflects the fact that he has only returned to beat the boredom of retirement. "We all know that Michael would be his first and foremost critic if he realised that this job is not for him anymore. But that's not the case," said Haug. "Within the team, Michael is extremely constructive. This enthusiasm is firing up the whole team." Ecclestone agreed: "Michael would have never returned had he not been convinced that he can do the job. He is not a tourist in the paddock -- he's here to win. And he will win again."

just watched the campus superstar...witnessed how the 3rd judge harshly criticise the 3rd contestant...words like 'should thank the gods that you are still around in this competition'....'don't have worth will not get respect'...etc...etc...really feel sorry for the poor fellow...the judge criticism is too much...getting too personal...and in national tv somemore...this is harsh on the contestant self-esteem...the contestant is in the competition due to public votes...judges should not be personal...go ahead and criticise the singing but not personal attacks...just feels pissed when contestant get bullied...