http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 en-US 60 <p>Redirected <a href= "http://www.sgforums.com/?action=thread_display&amp;thread_id=248235" rel="nofollow">here</a><br /> <br /> Thanks Shutterbug</p> Fri, 13 Apr 2007 15:03:53 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6315639 greengoblin http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <p>they just slap their own face.<br /> <br /></p> Thu, 12 Apr 2007 22:06:06 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6311427 Joshua1975 http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <p>right after ang moh laff at singapore..</p> Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:53:44 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6309387 mistyblue http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <blockquote> <div class="quote_from">Originally posted by play_n_play:</div> <div class="quote_body">A great decision, probably could be earlier... <img title="Cool" src= "/images/emoticons/classic/icon_cool.gif" alt="Cool" /><br /> I admire him... <img title="Cool" src= "/images/emoticons/classic/icon_cool.gif" alt="Cool" /><br /> <br /></div> </blockquote> <p>As a shareholder of this "Company", one has to question the CEO's motives in trying to pull off a PR stun that is not only weak but a pathetic attempt to soothe nerves.</p> Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:51:22 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6309378 Fingolfin_Noldor http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <p>A great decision, probably could be earlier... <img title="Cool" src="/images/emoticons/classic/icon_cool.gif" alt="Cool" /><br /> I admire him... <img title="Cool" src= "/images/emoticons/classic/icon_cool.gif" alt="Cool" /><br /> <br /></p> Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:37:23 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6309313 play_n_play http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <p><strong>Media Release: No need to donate increment, just repudiate pay hike</strong><br /> 11 Apr 06<br /> <br /> Obviously unable to stomach the backlash from Singaporeans and the eyebrows raised by others around the world, PM Lee Hsien Loong has announced that he will donate his pay increment of S$600,000 a year.<br /> <br /> Singaporeans should not be so easily placated – or fooled. If Mr Lee has no need of the extra money, why did he allow the pay-raise in the first place? If, on the other hand, he believes that the move is good for Singapore, then he should have stood his ground and defended his actions.<br /> <br /> Obviously, it is impossible to justify the unjustifiable. The pay hike was a colossal misstep on the part of the Government, especially when there is overwhelming evidence that the economic situation of Singaporeans has been deteriorating in recent years. The PM is obviously now trying to undo, or at least limit, the damage.<br /> <br /> However, Mr Lee's move to increase his salary and then announce that he will donate it away seems such an unnecessary show. Wouldn't it have made more sense to not increase salaries in the first instance?<br /> <br /> And what are we to conclude if the other ministers don't follow suit and donate their increments as well?<br /> <br /> Singaporeans must not forget that even without the latest increase, Mr Lee and the entire cabinet are already way overpaid. The Singapore Democrats repeat our call for the PM and his ministers to revise their salaries downwards to less obscene levels.<br /> <br /> At the same time, and in line with international democratic practice, ministers should declare their assets and the assets of their family members.<br /> <br /> If fact, given the dismal economic situation that poor Singaporeans are being put through, Parliament should unequivocally repudiate any talk of salary increase and all MPs should forgo their increments and ensure that the funds are used to alleviate the suffering of the working poor.<br /> <br /> It must never be forgotten that parliaments are institutions of service, not avarice.<br /> <br /> Chee Soon Juan<br /> Secretary-General<br /> Singapore Democratic Party<br /> <br /> ============================================<br /> <br /> Singapore PM to donate pay hike after salary furore<br /> Reuters<br /> 11 Apr 07<br /> <br /> Singapore's prime minister said on Wednesday he would donate his S$600,000 ($395,800) pay rise for each of the next five years as he defended a 60 percent increase in ministers' million-dollar salaries.<br /> <br /> Lee Hsien Loong, who is set to earn S$3.1 million ($2.1 million) this year following this week's pay rise - or five times U.S. President George Bush's salary - told parliament he did not expect other ministers to donate their pay increases.<br /> <br /> The government's decision to jack up salaries for ministers and top civil servants - already among the highest-paid in the world - has brought criticism from ordinary Singaporeans, many of whom consider the move tactless given the widening rich-poor gap in the city-state.<br /> <br /> "For five years, whatever the increase in salary above the present level, I will donate," said Lee, who earned S$2.5 million ($1.65 million) previously, in parliament on Wednesday.<br /> <br /> Lee said this would give him the moral standing to defend the move to raise ministers' salaries.<br /> <br /> The salaries of Singapore ministers were raised by about 60 percent to an average of S$1.9 million ($1.26 million) on Monday, just short of the S$2.2 million that the government had initially proposed.<br /> <br /> The government said the move was necessary to attract and retain top talent. ($1=1.516 Singapore Dollar)<br /> <br /></p> Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:01:10 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6310460 ShutterBug http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <blockquote> <div class="quote_from">Originally posted by sonic_16:</div> <div class="quote_body">i wanna be part of your charity org...</div> </blockquote> <p>To set up a Sg forums charity org for Ah long and let Mr Durai be a chairman!!!! <img title="Laughing" src= "/images/emoticons/classic/icon_lol.gif" alt="Laughing" /> <img title="Laughing" src="/images/emoticons/classic/icon_lol.gif" alt="Laughing" /> <img title="Laughing" src= "/images/emoticons/classic/icon_lol.gif" alt="Laughing" /></p> Thu, 12 Apr 2007 02:07:30 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6306487 foomwee88 http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <blockquote> <div class="quote_from">Originally posted by necten:</div> <div class="quote_body">Actually 'freeze' wrong word to describe lah.....<br /> <br /> Keep his pay at the same level for 5 years la...<br /> <br /> Wah so generous! Dont take pay can survive for 5 years! how can? we must feed our PM too lei.... <img title="Razz" src= "/images/emoticons/classic/icon_razz.gif" alt="Razz" /> Joking ar...<br /> <br /> I personally applaude his move...<br /> <br /> Seeing this, i must quicky register as a charity organization some how hor... got about 0.7mil to give away lei!!! per year somemore!!! for 5 years!!! <img title="Smile" src= "/images/emoticons/classic/icon_smile.gif" alt="Smile" /></div> </blockquote> <p>i wanna be part of your charity org...</p> Thu, 12 Apr 2007 02:00:40 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6306448 sonic_16 http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <p>After such high pay hike, I do not foresee any more payrise for 5 years also.<br /> When was the last one huh??<br /> <br /> Or, by saying such, does he mean there will be more payrise soon??<br /> <br /> One thing I want to add:<br /> <br /> <span style="color: indigo;"><br /> By placing importance on high pay, such mentality it will only propagate down the society to think for themselves only.<br /> <br /> On the other hand, if they can set example by accepting lower pay,<br /> im sure they can inspire even more people work hard for the country.<br /></span></p> Thu, 12 Apr 2007 01:35:35 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6306344 NuLife http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <p>Why only now? Why not earlier? <img title="Laughing" src= "/images/emoticons/classic/icon_lol.gif" alt="Laughing" /></p> Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:44:13 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6306047 ditzy http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <p>At 11.30 pm, tonight, he has basically repeated what Minister Teo Chee Hean has said in parliament- it is necessary to increase the ministers' salaries now because it is good time to do so in order to retain talents. He added that because he has built up a team of ministers and MPs based on benchmarking their salaries to tbe best he has brought in a good team who has taken Singapore higher.<br /> <br /> But although he had obliguely touched on the fact that many Singaporeans are still not doing too well in their jobs or business, he could not and did not explain why these people cannot do well.<br /> <br /> If what he wanted to show is that he and his new team has been successful then he should be able to explain why majority or 80% of the citizens are still not doing well in their jobs or businesses. He obviously is still using the GDP to push for salary increases knowing full well that what have recovered are not the domestic sector but only some MNCs and GLCs. If this is the case then he could not certainly claim that he or his team of ministers has done a good job and have their pay increased based on the benchmarking to the best or few lucky ones in the private sector.<br /> <br /> If he or his team has done well to deserve the million-dollar pay rise after already getting the world's highest bill collector and policing salaries then he should not see so many citizens struggling to make ends meet for which he was forced to introduce the assistance workfare scheme of late.<br /> <br /> So tonight he had not really addressed the most perplexing issues - whether his team of ministers has succeeded in improving the jobs and businesses of the lower or middle income earners to this date and whether the benchmarking to the selective few lucky ones in the private sector is the correct thing to do which is only comparing with the lucky few.<br /> <br /> On both counts - economic performance and objectivity of his benchmarking of ministers' salaries to the few lucky lottery winners in the private sector he has again failed to convince people or me that he is correct.</p> Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:43:59 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6306045 robertteh http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <p>i dun for a moment believe all the crab....<br /> <br /> it's all orchestrated to position him on the `side' of the ppl....<br /> they(the dynasty and the inner circle) have the whole scene rehearsed to a T. of cos for the LHL idol worshipping politicians, it is a magnaminous move, a self sacrifice beyond belief...blah, blah, blah...<br /> <br /> raintree should consider a movie with this type of script. premier it over the fist week of august and i am sure it will move the nations to tears with his `sacrifice'...............................not</p> Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:42:15 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6306041 weiqimun http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <p>Actually 'freeze' wrong word to describe lah.....<br /> <br /> Keep his pay at the same level for 5 years la...<br /> <br /> Wah so generous! Dont take pay can survive for 5 years! how can? we must feed our PM too lei.... <img title="Razz" src= "/images/emoticons/classic/icon_razz.gif" alt="Razz" /> Joking ar...<br /> <br /> I personally applaude his move...<br /> <br /> Seeing this, i must quicky register as a charity organization some how hor... got about 0.7mil to give away lei!!! per year somemore!!! for 5 years!!! <img title="Smile" src= "/images/emoticons/classic/icon_smile.gif" alt="Smile" /></p> Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:07:39 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6305778 necten http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <p>I hope to remind dear Singaporeans that ur dear PM is holding 2 post, Minister for Finance, remember? Double pay anyone? How convenient for the 148th media to leave that important fact out. <img title="Wink" src="/images/emoticons/classic/icon_wink.gif" alt="Wink" /></p> Wed, 11 Apr 2007 23:35:55 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6305531 Kentz http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <p>he oredi know that does not affect him, because his salary is more than enough to let him enjoy luxury and comfortable life. Furthermore, he don't have to support his father at all. His father got more money than him. After he died, his fortune also go to him and his family.<br /> he say by not increasing pay, the so called talent will drift away after few years. I think I would rather let them drift away because I do not want to use my hard earned money to feed these bloody mosquito who will suck your blood bit by bit and year by year.<br /> <br /> They should take the effort to recruit talented people that truly wanted to serve the country and the people and to improve their life. And not recruit a person just because he is talented, and threaten to leave if their salaries is not rise. this type of greedy person will never satisfied with his salaries, in the end he will ask for billion or zillion. This is not a commercial company. Their salaries are million dollar per year, enough to let them stay in "Gold" ward if they fall sick through rest of their life but average Singaporean can only stay in "c" ward if fall sick.</p> Wed, 11 Apr 2007 23:33:09 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6305654 sunnytv http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <p>why not all the minister "feel" about the increase and decided that it is a mistake and give all up to the coffer or charities so all will benefit<br /> <img title="Laughing" src="/images/emoticons/classic/icon_lol.gif" alt="Laughing" /> <img title="Laughing" src= "/images/emoticons/classic/icon_lol.gif" alt="Laughing" /> <img title="Laughing" src="/images/emoticons/classic/icon_lol.gif" alt="Laughing" /></p> Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:56:03 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6304102 LinYu http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <blockquote> <div class="quote_from">Originally posted by robertteh:</div> <div class="quote_body">The moral of the story is if a leader wants to be sincere he should stop playing hypocrisy in whatever he is doing. For it will be like the shepherd who cries wolves just for pranks, and who will believe him the next time wolves come.<br /> <br /> Now after saying in his inaguration speech in 2004 that he will build an inclusive society and no one will be left behind the next moment he is putting up such a proposal to increase his own and his ministers' pays even though the ministers are already paid world's highest salaries for bill collector and policing duties.<br /> <br /> What is sham the only reply he could give is to say without proof that his ministers are the world's best surpassing Denmark's, Finland's and Switzerland's so who is going to believe him.<br /> <br /> Moreover the benchmarking is selective and skewed in such a way as to avoid comparing on apple-to-apple basis to benefit himself and his own ministers.<br /> <br /> Now it is only after the entire benchmarking is exposed to be a grand deception without basis and aimed at rewarding his own ministers for political control purpose that he says he will donate his pay rise to charity.<br /> <br /> How could he not feel the sense of shame, defeat or pricking of conscience.<br /> <br /> Will the people trust him any more when he makes speeches?<br /> <br /> The lesson should be learned : If leaders want to lead the people and make them believe in what they are asking or saying to build a competitive and vibrant society they should learn and learn how to win their respect with truths and high standards of speeches and not shenanigans as seen in the selective benchmarking which no one with a bit of common sense could swallow.<br /> <br /> Let the ministers' salaries be pre-approved by the electorate or at least manifestos and let them be linked to easing of suffering of the 80% of population who are unable to make ends meet due to wrong policies of the past and perpetual rising costs sanctioned by the same government ministers who are now asking for more salaries.<br /></div> </blockquote> <p>Thank you so much. U saved me a post <img title="Very Happy" src="/images/emoticons/classic/icon_biggrin.gif" alt= "Very Happy" /></p> Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:46:18 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6304042 pinkish purple papayas http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <blockquote> <div class="quote_from">Originally posted by pinkish purple papayas:</div> <div class="quote_body">PM LHL is playing the political game TOTALLY wrong<br /> <br /> Think about it, he suggusted to increase his salary, he got his daddy, old guards, MP cheerleaders and 147th media to support him.<br /> <br /> After so much hoo-ha fiasco, the govt agreed to increase his pay.<br /> <br /> Then he backed out and say he is gonna hold back his salary. Leaving his daddy and supporters hanging high and dry.<br /> <br /> Lets put an analogy to it,<br /> <br /> Ah-Loong wants to go for holiday, despite his inefficiencies and shortcomings in office, he still insist of going to holiday.<br /> <br /> Then he organised a tour group consisting of his friends and Daddy. Despite his colleagues and boss saying NO. He still applied leave for the holiday.<br /> <br /> However, when it comes to the day where he has to buy the air tickets, He DID NOT show up. Leaving his Daddy and friends to buy for him.<br /> <br /> Then after Daddy and friends buy the tickets liao, he shows up and says he is still taking the holiday, but he chooses to take a boat trip instead of airplane.<br /> <br /> Now all his friends and Daddy feels like they kenna "fly aeroplane". His Daddy and friends not happy, his colleagues not happy, everybody not happy.<br /> <br /> Please understand the politic game mah...even office politic also cant do well liao still wanna do country politic?</div> </blockquote> <p>He should simply come clean and admit in the face of all the evidences and arguments put forward by the people and experts that the current benchmarking is selective and skewed only to benefit the ministers.<br /> <br /> Such a benchmarking system will only corrupt the ministers more instead of reducing or preventing corruptions.<br /> <br /> He should be man enough to give up the extra salaries caused by the wrongful benchmarking instead of justifying it further with a donation of his undeserved pay rise to charity.<br /> <br /> The moral of the story is if a leader wants to be sincere he should stop playing hypocrisy in whatever he is doing. For it will be like the shepherd who cries wolves just for pranks, and who will believe him the next time wolves come.<br /> <br /> Now after saying in his inauguration speech in 2004 that he will build an inclusive society and no one will be left behind the next moment he is putting up such a proposal to increase his own and his ministers' pays even though the ministers are already paid world's highest salaries for bill collector and policing duties.<br /> <br /> What a shame the only reply he and MM Lee could give to query is to say without proof that his ministers are the world's best surpassing Denmark's, Finland's and Switzerland's so who is going to believe in such a benchmarking now?<br /> <br /> Now it is only after the entire benchmarking is exposed to be a grand deception without basis and aimed at rewarding his own ministers for political control purpose that he says he will donate his pay rise to charity.<br /> <br /> How could he not feel the sense of shame, defeat or pricking of conscience.<br /> <br /> Will the people trust him any more when he makes speeches?<br /> <br /> The lesson should be learned : If leaders want to lead the people and make them believe in what they are asking or saying to build a competitive and vibrant society they should learn and learn how to win their respect with truths and high standards of speeches and not shenanigans as seen in the selective benchmarking which no one with a bit of common sense could swallow.<br /> <br /> Let the ministers' salaries be pre-approved by the electorate based on election manifestos spelling out how much he wants his ministers to be paid and let them be linked to easing of suffering of the 80% of population who are unable to make ends meet due to wrong policies of the past and perpetual rising costs sanctioned by the same government ministers who are now asking for more salaries.</p> Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:38:27 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6304078 robertteh http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <p><br /> <br /> Hmmmmm.... how 'talented' of him...<br /> <br /> <img title="Wink" src="/images/emoticons/classic/icon_wink.gif" alt="Wink" /></p> Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:33:00 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6303984 ShutterBug http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <p>Maybe he will donate his salary increment to his wife.<br /> <br /> Maybe.<br /> <br /> Just maybe.<img title="Laughing" src= "/images/emoticons/classic/icon_lol.gif" alt="Laughing" /><br /> <br /></p> Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:27:05 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6303950 charlize http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <p>Now all the ministers will slowly take turn donate already. I can see Mr Wee being the first, and Ms Cynthia phua not doing it at all. <img title="Laughing" src= "/images/emoticons/classic/icon_lol.gif" alt="Laughing" /></p> Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:23:45 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6303933 ditzy http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <p>yar donate to NKF!<br /> <br /> we all know where the money will go to. <img title="Mr. Green" src= "/images/emoticons/classic/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt="Mr. Green" /></p> Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:19:59 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6303912 stellazio http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <p>One play Angel, the other play Devil?</p> Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:18:29 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6303898 Skibi http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <blockquote> <div class="quote_from">Originally posted by pinkish purple papayas:</div> <div class="quote_body">PM LHL is playing the political game TOTALLY wrong<br /> <br /> Think about it, he suggusted to increase his salary, he got his daddy, old guards, MP cheerleaders and 147th media to support him.<br /> <br /> After so much hoo-ha fiasco, the govt agreed to increase his pay.<br /> <br /> Then he backed out and say he is gonna hold back his salary. Leaving his daddy and supporters hanging high and dry.<br /> <br /> Lets put an analogy to it,<br /> <br /> Ah-Loong wants to go for holiday, despite his inefficiencies and shortcomings in office, he still insist of going to holiday.<br /> <br /> Then he organised a tour group consisting of his friends and Daddy. Despite his colleagues and boss saying NO. He still applied leave for the holiday.<br /> <br /> However, when it comes to the day where he has to buy the air tickets, He DID NOT show up. Leaving his Daddy and friends to buy for him.<br /> <br /> Then after Daddy and friends buy the tickets liao, he shows up and says he is still taking the holiday, but he chooses to take a boat trip instead of airplane.<br /> <br /> Now all his friends and Daddy feels like they kenna "fly aeroplane". His Daddy and friends not happy, his colleagues not happy, everybody not happy.<br /> <br /> Please understand the politic game mah...even office politic also cant do well liao still wanna do country politic?</div> </blockquote> <p>U think so simple meh. Subordinates have no control over whether a CEO want to take holiday, or how he wants to travel. Sub has to ren qi tun shen.<br /> <br /> U know the CEO very kind and generous leh he increase his pay for a good cause not because he greedy for money. He increase his pay to donate to charity leh how many CEO will do that!!!. Though i think the stakeholders not happy sia. They prefer the CEO to donate using company's name. At least like that can run tax.</p> Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:07:32 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6303823 NewAge http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815 <p>PM LHL is playing the political game TOTALLY wrong<br /> <br /> Think about it, he suggusted to increase his salary, he got his daddy, old guards, MP cheerleaders and 147th media to support him.<br /> <br /> After so much hoo-ha fiasco, the govt agreed to increase his pay.<br /> <br /> Then he backed out and say he is gonna hold back his salary. Leaving his daddy and supporters hanging high and dry.<br /> <br /> Lets put an analogy to it,<br /> <br /> Ah-Loong wants to go for holiday, despite his inefficiencies and shortcomings in office, he still insist of going to holiday.<br /> <br /> Then he organised a tour group consisting of his friends and Daddy. Despite his colleagues and boss saying NO. He still applied leave for the holiday.<br /> <br /> However, when it comes to the day where he has to buy the air tickets, He DID NOT show up. Leaving his Daddy and friends to buy for him.<br /> <br /> Then after Daddy and friends buy the tickets liao, he shows up and says he is still taking the holiday, but he chooses to take a boat trip instead of airplane.<br /> <br /> Now all his friends and Daddy feels like they kenna "fly aeroplane". His Daddy and friends not happy, his colleagues not happy, everybody not happy.<br /> <br /> Please understand the politic game mah...even office politic also cant do well liao still wanna do country politic?</p> Wed, 11 Apr 2007 18:54:14 +0800 politics.sgforums.com:10:247815:6303761 pinkish purple papayas http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/247815