Be Patient and Be Not Afraid

Hello!

 

This is a recent article by Mr Peter Ong, Head of Civil Service and Perm Sec for Ministy of Finance.

 

Be Patient and Be Not Afraid

 

What a timely read for me during a time of contemplation on the next steps of my career :)

 

Tonight's supper

Sweeeeeet !!!

Filled with condensed milk spread, coupled with kaya toppings :)

81:6

Hi there!

 

Singapore GE2011 results: PAP 81, WP 6

 

I started been interested in Singapore's politics during the previous GE in 2006. Frankly speaking, GE2011 was different this time. The campaigning, news, view points, etc have forced me to think hard about my country's future and the governance and leadership that will bring us forward. I guess the fact that I'm holding a government job helps me to understand the issues being brought up, both by the rulling and opposition parties. I thought the final few days leading up to polling day got more exciting and at the same time tugging emotions. We witnessed the wars of words that went on in the hotly contested Aljunied GRC, MM's comments about "repenting for the next 5 years", PM's apology during a lunchtime rally which was considered an unprecendented and rather surprisingly move!! If anything, this GE would have opened our eyes and ears to pent-up frustration and angst that certain segments of our society are experiencing against the government. This group are feeling that they are not been heard and are been left behind as Singapore prospers in its economic pursuits. They seem to be very unhappy with the current state of affairs and are hard up for change to happen! At some point in time, I was not sure how to react when I saw or read about the huge volume of crowd (in ten of thousands) that turned up at the rallies of opposition parties, and who responded in almost "one united" voice demostrating their deep unhappiness against the rulling government. Oh mine! How should I feel? I won't deny that I started to feel worried at times, wondering if these are early signs of social divide and nation disunity. Whilst the rulling party may not be 100% perfect, how much can we say about the credibility of emerging opposition parties in governing Singapore? 

 

The verdict is out.

Personally, I'll miss Mr George Yeo. I don't know him personally, nor have I ever interfaced with him on professional grounds. But I have followed several news on his foreign affairs work and the international relations that his foreign affairs ministry have been cultivating to ensure positive ties with countries around the globe. I know Mr GY is active on Facebook and Blogs, and I admire his courage to step our from this generation norm and to use social media as an avenue to engage people! GY seems open in getting to know the young, listening to their concerns and aspirations, and see the value in being their voice for policy advancements. Sad to see him go, but I trust that this departure will open a new chapter of exciting endeavours for him to embark on :)

 

I hope this GE will bring important and priceless lessons to all the political parties, be it the rulling or opposition parties. They should take time to reflect internally and continue to fight good fights, and together, take Singapore and Singaporeans through all seasons of good and bad, with no one left behind :)

 

Singapore's GE was featured in The Economist. See what the foreign press have said by clicking here.

 

Till then, will blog again soon!

 

Polling day

Hello!

Tmr is polling day! After two weeks of intense campaigning And sone unprecedented circumstance, It's time for us to decide on who should lead and govern our country :)

I'll be experiencing two "first times" tmr! First time voting at a general election and first time as an election official at a polling centre. Haha! Election officials are the folks manning the polling centers and counting centers. Duties can range from ushering, registration, Issuing ballot ticket and even centre OIC, etc. These ppl are mainly from govt ministries and stat boards, and should have been called up n undergone a one day training in the last five years. Haha!

Have gone down to the polling centre twice this week for briefings n dry runs. I have been assigned to my primary school. It's nostalgic going back in again after... more than 20 years!!! Being back in the school brought back fond memories of my childhood. I recall the spot where I played zero point and five stones w my frens, the assembly corner where me n bunch of frens giggled at prefects who sang the national anthem out of tune, the yummy canteen food that got me hooked on Chee cheong fun and got me started on chilli in wan tan mee!

I'll be spending my night at my parents place today, since the polling centre is just across their block. Haha I like that same old "homely" feeling, it's like returning familiar and warm grounds. Not surprising, given I have lived there for almost my entire life! Haha to confess, I dozed off on my bed for a good half hour just now while reading the newspaper. That's so me :p

Alritey I'm off to meet Mr Lam for dinner now. Fighting a sore throat and cough. Dunno what to eat today leh. Till then, will blog soon :)

Sent from my iPhone

Think hard

Hello!

This event took place on 2 May, in the middle of the campaign period.

May I appeal to you to take some time to watch these clips and listen carefully for every word that has been said.

PM Lee Hsien Loong addresses Boat Quay lunchtime rally crowds (part 1)

'These are real problems. We will tackle them. Please bear with us. We are trying our best on your behalf,' said Mr Lee to applause from the crowd. 'If we didn't get it quite right, I'm sorry. We will try and do better the next time.'

PM Lee Hsien Loong addresses Boat Quay lunchtime rally crowds (part 2)

"We made a mistake when we let Mas Selamat run away, we made a mistake when Orchard Road got flooded, and there are other mistakes we have made from time to time and occasionally we will make them again but I hope not too often." PM Lee

PM Lee Hsien Loong addresses Boat Quay lunchtime rally crowds (part 3)

My frank sentiments?

I'm saddened and somewhat disturbed :(

Why say "I'm sorry", only now?

Why talk about major reviews and adjustments during this juncture? Why not say earlier and during other times of the year?

Who are the ones who can truly serve us well in our communities as well as in the parliament?

Think carefully, vote wisely on 7 May 2011 :)

Fooooood

It's no wonder if I'm getting fat with such yummy homemade supper dished out by Max :)

What u see here is egg crepe with soup!

It's nicer than some of those that I tasted at japanese eateries :p

Can i have a second helping pls?