The GE 2011 of Singapore just recently came to a close. There is much hype about the plans and changes that the incumbent government plans to do in hopes of maintaining and enhancing its support base.
I noticed that the issues that Singaporeans are most concerned about are transportation, housing and more importantly Singapore's foreign policy with regards to the influx of foreigners into this tiny island.
I was having a chat with my aunt this afternoon regarding the elections and she spoke about her concern about foreign talent. My aunt was originally from Malaysia and she converted her citizenship for a Singaporean one. It is kind of ironic to have her speak about Singapore's future, however I guess that this island is her life now and she wants a place where she can live in with a sense of security.
My aunt noticed that most of the skilled workers, mechanics, technicians, plumbers and those who work in the industrial sectors of the economy are not Singaporeans. They are all foreigners and this statistics somehow worries her because with the degree of discontentment felt among Singaporeans because of the astronomical number of foreigners coming into this island the government might quite possibly reduce and tighten laws in regards to allowing in foreigners.
I think the problem starts here. If the government were to make the rules more strict, it would mean that it would be more difficult for foreigners to come into Singapore to work. This might appease Singaporeans for a while. However the question we need to ask is this-
Are Singaporeans willing to work and take over the vacancies that will be created when foreigners leave. Who is going to do manual labor, work in the construction site, fix pipes and cars? Are Singaporeans willing to get their hands dirty. I think one of the greatest challenge that the government will face is in trying to strike a fine balance between employing skilled workers and simultaneously doing it in a way that does not irritate Singaporeans.
The government need to convince and persuade Singaporeans to get their hands dirty and elevate the status and perceptions that Singaporeans have towards these jobs. Then only I think Singaporeans can truly claim ownership over their country, when they are willing to convert their talents into skills not only in prestigious jobs but as well as the industrial ones. When this is realized, the government then will be more willing to tighten their immigration laws so that Singaporeans are given priority
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Osama dead. His ideals? -very much alive and kicking
It has been reported that Osama has been killed in a recent U.S army operation done at Pakistan.
His death was meet with approval from world leaders around the globe. This man could possibly be the most wanted man in the globe and his death more that anything proves U.S power and capability.
However, the joy over Osama's death doesn't change anything drastically. Yes, the mastermind behind Sept 11 has been defeated by the U.S army. One of most pervasive terrorist organisations in the world has lost its leader,but it does not mean that terrorism has ended.
If anything, the death of Osama might spur his ardent followers to continue with their proclaimed holy war against the West.This might be done with a fervor more passionate before his death. It is important to note that people although moved and mobilized to action by charismatic leaders, they are even greatly motivated and impassioned by ideals and ideologies. Terrorism is not dead. The question we need to ask ourselves is this :
1)are we celebrating the death of one man who caused indescribable pain and injury to millions of people by attacking the most powerful nation in the 21st century using Islamic fundamentalism as his rallying cry ? or are we just celebrating the death of Osama by which we are able seek closure with ourselves and our misery? that we are finally being able to seek comfort in the fact that justice has been served?
Whatever our reason for welcoming the death of Osama, In my humble opinion, the death of Osama does not make the world a safer place. There are still people out there who share Osama's vision and they have dedicated their lives to this pursuit. We can only truly celebrate when there isn't any significant number of people in the world who are committed to acts of terrorism. We should only celebrate when the world can celebrate its differences without wanting to cause terror and harm towards other nations and peoples.
That my dear friends calls for a celebration. The death of Osama might relieve our sense of anger and injustice perpetrated by Osama's but there is a lot that we need to work towards and we must not lose sight of that. The goal is not to kill Osama but to end terrorism. I do not know if that is possible, but I dream for a better future for all of us.
His death was meet with approval from world leaders around the globe. This man could possibly be the most wanted man in the globe and his death more that anything proves U.S power and capability.
However, the joy over Osama's death doesn't change anything drastically. Yes, the mastermind behind Sept 11 has been defeated by the U.S army. One of most pervasive terrorist organisations in the world has lost its leader,but it does not mean that terrorism has ended.
If anything, the death of Osama might spur his ardent followers to continue with their proclaimed holy war against the West.This might be done with a fervor more passionate before his death. It is important to note that people although moved and mobilized to action by charismatic leaders, they are even greatly motivated and impassioned by ideals and ideologies. Terrorism is not dead. The question we need to ask ourselves is this :
1)are we celebrating the death of one man who caused indescribable pain and injury to millions of people by attacking the most powerful nation in the 21st century using Islamic fundamentalism as his rallying cry ? or are we just celebrating the death of Osama by which we are able seek closure with ourselves and our misery? that we are finally being able to seek comfort in the fact that justice has been served?
Whatever our reason for welcoming the death of Osama, In my humble opinion, the death of Osama does not make the world a safer place. There are still people out there who share Osama's vision and they have dedicated their lives to this pursuit. We can only truly celebrate when there isn't any significant number of people in the world who are committed to acts of terrorism. We should only celebrate when the world can celebrate its differences without wanting to cause terror and harm towards other nations and peoples.
That my dear friends calls for a celebration. The death of Osama might relieve our sense of anger and injustice perpetrated by Osama's but there is a lot that we need to work towards and we must not lose sight of that. The goal is not to kill Osama but to end terrorism. I do not know if that is possible, but I dream for a better future for all of us.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Education
Today is my last paper for my year 2. This means that i am officially done with year 2 of my undergraduate career. Ending of examinations calls for a celebration. Not so much because I am sure of doing well but because I have endured tremendous stress and pressure to sit for these examinations.
However my intention of writing this blog entry is not to discuss me and my examinations or my petty emotional distress regarding the examinations.Rather I just want to talk about education in general.
I came across Patrick Teoh's blog about a math question that his son was required to answer. There wasn't any problem with the question per se but rather I have an issue with the way in which the math question was asked. The English used is horrendous beyond comprehension. It is so sad to see the level of English that educators possess. I am genuinely worried about the future of our country and younger generation. They certainly deserve better than the crap we have at the moment.
Its a whole generation of young Malaysians that we are talking about here. I have no idea if our government has any idea about the magnitude of damage they are doing to our education system. Education is the primary source of national development and progress and what we are doing is impeding the potential of progress that our country can achieve through lowering the standard of education. Instead of discussing important issues such as the standard of education and English in our country, it appears to me that our politicians are more interested in petty infighting regarding issues that virtually no one cares about such as why husbands cheat on their wife, why other races are not loyal to the country and about giving everyone a one Malaysia account!
This is my plea to the government to get their priorities right.It would be such a shame to allow the standard of education to go down the drain just because our politicians are too busy trying to plot and scheme for ways to stay in power.
This is the link to Patrick Teoh's blog regarding the math question, try not to laugh =) http://www.niamah.com/2011/04/tragic-funny.html#links
However my intention of writing this blog entry is not to discuss me and my examinations or my petty emotional distress regarding the examinations.Rather I just want to talk about education in general.
I came across Patrick Teoh's blog about a math question that his son was required to answer. There wasn't any problem with the question per se but rather I have an issue with the way in which the math question was asked. The English used is horrendous beyond comprehension. It is so sad to see the level of English that educators possess. I am genuinely worried about the future of our country and younger generation. They certainly deserve better than the crap we have at the moment.
Its a whole generation of young Malaysians that we are talking about here. I have no idea if our government has any idea about the magnitude of damage they are doing to our education system. Education is the primary source of national development and progress and what we are doing is impeding the potential of progress that our country can achieve through lowering the standard of education. Instead of discussing important issues such as the standard of education and English in our country, it appears to me that our politicians are more interested in petty infighting regarding issues that virtually no one cares about such as why husbands cheat on their wife, why other races are not loyal to the country and about giving everyone a one Malaysia account!
This is my plea to the government to get their priorities right.It would be such a shame to allow the standard of education to go down the drain just because our politicians are too busy trying to plot and scheme for ways to stay in power.
This is the link to Patrick Teoh's blog regarding the math question, try not to laugh =) http://www.niamah.com/2011/04/tragic-funny.html#links
Saturday, April 23, 2011
mental saturation or rather exhaustion
Hello world,
It is the period of the time of the semester again. The much dreaded, final examinations. Thus begins the endless reading through of lecture notes and books. The much needed but rarely gotten sleep. The feeling of being perpetually hungry because you are actually using that much of metal energy to get the best possible results when the results for the examinations are released.
This is when people around you get annoyed / upset with you because the only thing that you are able to do day in and day out is study, then eat and then continue studying then repeat until exams end. You ignore everything that begs for your attention and love because the only thing you can think about is exams and how badly you are going to screw up. Your fears may be actually true or alternatively it also can be your internal paranoia. Whatever it is, the situation seems beyond repair and your life is over if you do not do well.
The trick here is to balance your emotional turmoil of paranoia, fear and stress while simultaneously trying your level best to focus and do the best you can to your ability. This is not a easy feat to be accomplished and hence this is for every NUS students mugging for your examinations. Know that you are not alone and this is not deterministic of your future.
TIRED !! RAWR ....
It is the period of the time of the semester again. The much dreaded, final examinations. Thus begins the endless reading through of lecture notes and books. The much needed but rarely gotten sleep. The feeling of being perpetually hungry because you are actually using that much of metal energy to get the best possible results when the results for the examinations are released.
This is when people around you get annoyed / upset with you because the only thing that you are able to do day in and day out is study, then eat and then continue studying then repeat until exams end. You ignore everything that begs for your attention and love because the only thing you can think about is exams and how badly you are going to screw up. Your fears may be actually true or alternatively it also can be your internal paranoia. Whatever it is, the situation seems beyond repair and your life is over if you do not do well.
The trick here is to balance your emotional turmoil of paranoia, fear and stress while simultaneously trying your level best to focus and do the best you can to your ability. This is not a easy feat to be accomplished and hence this is for every NUS students mugging for your examinations. Know that you are not alone and this is not deterministic of your future.
TIRED !! RAWR ....
Thursday, April 14, 2011
of Human Stupidity
Last week, I came across an article about the comment made by one of the Malaysian Member of Parliament, Ibrahim Ali.
The gist of his comment is this:
Men commit extramarital affairs because their wife's are not fulfilling their duties. Hence husbands look elsewhere to satisfy their sexual urges.
Inferring from what he said, to put it bluntly , this moron is suggesting that the fault lies on women when their husband cheat. I am not sure if i should feel enraged, amused or confused by his statement. I would not say that I am a radical feminist but putting the blame on women for their husband's transgression is something that I will not accept to say the best. I cannot begin to comprehend how can he come up with such a logic.
Being a women, I can say with confidence and conviction that if god forbids I should find myself in such a situation, blaming myself would be the last thing I will ever do. Cheating is cheating. There is no justification for cheating and I do not think that it is very wise for an MP to make such comments.
The least a husband can do is admit their fault and ask for forgiveness. However I do not think that this is possible because of the egotistical nature of men. However having an MP justifying and defending cheating husbands is taking it to a whole new level.
What is the message that we are sending to young girls then? That every injustice done to them are all their fault and that men are animals unable to exercise self -restraint? Where is the respect we should confer to the women who work both at home and the work force to contribute to the economic growth of our country?
I am utterly disappointed and I am worried for the future of my country,this is not just any person making this statement. This is an MP, a representative we democratically elected in hopes of crafting a future for us in which equality and respect can reign. Words carry a lot of weight especially when you are in a position of authority, the least he could have done is shut his mouth if he has nothing constructive to say.
The gist of his comment is this:
Men commit extramarital affairs because their wife's are not fulfilling their duties. Hence husbands look elsewhere to satisfy their sexual urges.
Inferring from what he said, to put it bluntly , this moron is suggesting that the fault lies on women when their husband cheat. I am not sure if i should feel enraged, amused or confused by his statement. I would not say that I am a radical feminist but putting the blame on women for their husband's transgression is something that I will not accept to say the best. I cannot begin to comprehend how can he come up with such a logic.
Being a women, I can say with confidence and conviction that if god forbids I should find myself in such a situation, blaming myself would be the last thing I will ever do. Cheating is cheating. There is no justification for cheating and I do not think that it is very wise for an MP to make such comments.
The least a husband can do is admit their fault and ask for forgiveness. However I do not think that this is possible because of the egotistical nature of men. However having an MP justifying and defending cheating husbands is taking it to a whole new level.
What is the message that we are sending to young girls then? That every injustice done to them are all their fault and that men are animals unable to exercise self -restraint? Where is the respect we should confer to the women who work both at home and the work force to contribute to the economic growth of our country?
I am utterly disappointed and I am worried for the future of my country,this is not just any person making this statement. This is an MP, a representative we democratically elected in hopes of crafting a future for us in which equality and respect can reign. Words carry a lot of weight especially when you are in a position of authority, the least he could have done is shut his mouth if he has nothing constructive to say.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
In rhymes
The days of youth,
Do not waste it away,
For you are only young once,
Take a leap of faith.
Be foolish and optimistic,
For no one blames the young for being idealistic.
Take chances, least you wonder what could have been,
Take chances not because its safe to do so,
But because you can afford to take those chances
The consequences might be heartbreaking,
But no one said it would be easy,
It would just mean that at one point in your life
You had the courage you never knew you had
While your young, you might not be as wise
But do not settle for experienced advice
Wisdom may serve you well
But naive hope will open doors for unbounded experiences
And maybe in that experiences itself
We would find the meaning to our lives
Do not waste it away,
For you are only young once,
Take a leap of faith.
Be foolish and optimistic,
For no one blames the young for being idealistic.
Take chances, least you wonder what could have been,
Take chances not because its safe to do so,
But because you can afford to take those chances
The consequences might be heartbreaking,
But no one said it would be easy,
It would just mean that at one point in your life
You had the courage you never knew you had
While your young, you might not be as wise
But do not settle for experienced advice
Wisdom may serve you well
But naive hope will open doors for unbounded experiences
And maybe in that experiences itself
We would find the meaning to our lives
Monday, March 14, 2011
The idealism of Ibrahim Gambari
Today I had a guest lecture for my foreign policy and diplomacy class. It was an honor and privilege to have been given the opportunity to listen to Mr. Ibrahim Gambari speak to a class of interested and hopeful political scientist.
Mr. Ibrahim Gambari is the United Nations Special Representative for Darfur. It his address to us, he was speaking about the foundations of the United Nations and his work and passion in pushing for the adherence of human rights around the world. Mr. Ibrahim was truly his own person. He spoke with such passion , grace and conviction for the rights of each and every human being that lives in this world.
Being political scientists and hailing from Singapore especially, my classmates were naturally very skeptical about the idea of advancing the adherence of human rights to the rest of the world. Singapore's foundation largely lies on pragmatism and feasibility. We can see this foundations as the cornerstones in which Singapore has engineered their policies which in my opinion is a noteworthy achievement considering the growth and development of Singapore thus far.
For anyone who have lived in Singapore long enough would be able to guess the kind of questions that my classmates would inevitably ask. This one question struck me the most and in turn lead me to write this up.
The question was : Is working on encouraging countries to adhere to the basic observation of human rights an idealistic one? Why does the UN work so hard to try and push for the observance of democratic principles and human rights when clearly most countries violate human rights all the time and usually are able get away with it.
Mr.Ibrahim responded by saying something that I will never forget for the rest of my life. His response reminded me on why I choose to major in political science and more specifically why I wanted to work for the United Nations.
" The whole foundation of the UN is an idealistic one. So what if countries still commit gross violation of human rights? Does it mean that we should stop trying and dismantle the UN? Should we just give up and watch as our fellow human beings are being tortured everyday without any reason?"
Idealism allows us to dream of a better future, there are two types of people in the world.Those who look at reality and say that it cannot be changed and the second group of people who looks at reality and tries to bend it to fit an idealistic dream. Mr. Ibrahim Gambari fits in the second category of people. Because he believes that the promotion of human rights is a endeavour worth pursuing DESPITE claims of it being idealistic. His commitment to the promotion of human rights is simply inspirational and he has been working on this endeavour for 21 years.
It is ideals that we should try to achieve. Of course we might fail and the road to realize that ideal is steep and difficult to attain. But it is in our interest to promote and propagate human rights adherence for this simple reason:
"Every violation of human rights to a person, is a violation to ourselves."
Nothing can be more poignant,potent , piercing about this statement. Mr.Ibrahim ended his talk by sharing a poem with us by Martin Niemoller which will remain with me always.
Mr. Ibrahim Gambari is the United Nations Special Representative for Darfur. It his address to us, he was speaking about the foundations of the United Nations and his work and passion in pushing for the adherence of human rights around the world. Mr. Ibrahim was truly his own person. He spoke with such passion , grace and conviction for the rights of each and every human being that lives in this world.
Being political scientists and hailing from Singapore especially, my classmates were naturally very skeptical about the idea of advancing the adherence of human rights to the rest of the world. Singapore's foundation largely lies on pragmatism and feasibility. We can see this foundations as the cornerstones in which Singapore has engineered their policies which in my opinion is a noteworthy achievement considering the growth and development of Singapore thus far.
For anyone who have lived in Singapore long enough would be able to guess the kind of questions that my classmates would inevitably ask. This one question struck me the most and in turn lead me to write this up.
The question was : Is working on encouraging countries to adhere to the basic observation of human rights an idealistic one? Why does the UN work so hard to try and push for the observance of democratic principles and human rights when clearly most countries violate human rights all the time and usually are able get away with it.
Mr.Ibrahim responded by saying something that I will never forget for the rest of my life. His response reminded me on why I choose to major in political science and more specifically why I wanted to work for the United Nations.
" The whole foundation of the UN is an idealistic one. So what if countries still commit gross violation of human rights? Does it mean that we should stop trying and dismantle the UN? Should we just give up and watch as our fellow human beings are being tortured everyday without any reason?"
Idealism allows us to dream of a better future, there are two types of people in the world.Those who look at reality and say that it cannot be changed and the second group of people who looks at reality and tries to bend it to fit an idealistic dream. Mr. Ibrahim Gambari fits in the second category of people. Because he believes that the promotion of human rights is a endeavour worth pursuing DESPITE claims of it being idealistic. His commitment to the promotion of human rights is simply inspirational and he has been working on this endeavour for 21 years.
It is ideals that we should try to achieve. Of course we might fail and the road to realize that ideal is steep and difficult to attain. But it is in our interest to promote and propagate human rights adherence for this simple reason:
"Every violation of human rights to a person, is a violation to ourselves."
Nothing can be more poignant,potent , piercing about this statement. Mr.Ibrahim ended his talk by sharing a poem with us by Martin Niemoller which will remain with me always.
" In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up."
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