2nd revision of Ministerial Salaries

The PAP government (may the PAP progress!) announced in April this year that public service and ministerial salaries would be raised so as to attract and retain talented leaders and ensure the continuation of outstanding governance.

Throughout these years, the PAP has brought economic prosperity and social progress to our Great Motherland that many nations envy but few can match. It is time that they are adequately compensated for their monumental achievements and not made to bear unnecessary financial sacrifices while we Singaporeans savour the fruits of their success.

The first round of pay increments was implemented in April and the second round is expected to be implemented by the end of this year. The PAP government is not afraid to pay their ministers their due so that the PAP can continue to deliver the best possible results to Singaporeans. This is an article I wrote earlier this year, in strong support of the public service pay hikes:

http://gohbockseng.blogspot.com/2007/06/i-support-public-service-pay-hikes.html

I fully support the public service pay increases, which benefit all our ministers as well as almost all our civil servants from the most senior to junior officers.

The PAP (may the PAP progress!) has an outstanding track record of good governance, and is transparent, above-board and incorruptible. Under their esteemed leadership, job creation has been steady and the economy has been growing by leaps and bounds despite the volatile economic climate of the past ten years.

It is only natural that in a prosperous, peaceful and secure environment like Singapore, talented citizens tend to seek out the great abundance of opportunities in the private sector. Such a politically stable and harmonious social climate rarely brings forth the kind of revolutionary zeal that characterized our Old Guard's struggle against communism, racism, and the oppressive state of colonialism that engulfed our nation before its independence from British rule in 1963.

It is therefore foolhardy, naive and unrealistic to think that pure idealism alone is sufficient to attract a steady supply of good men and women into politics.

To begrudge our ministers their multi-million dollar salaries would be to penalize them for the good that they have done, because it is they who brought the kind of peace and prosperity to Singapore that makes it more natural for good men and women NOT to join politics.

To pay our ministers less than they are worth would be robbing the PAP of a pragmatic foundation on which to campaign for talented citizens to join them. Indeed, that be would be to miss the forest for the trees.

The public service pay hikes are an imperfect solution implemented by imperfect political leaders for an imperfect world. Yet it is fair, pragmatic, and is the best we can do for Singapore at this time. Hence I call upon all Singaporeans to give their fullest support to the PAP.

Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura!

Goh Bock Seng

Compulsory annuity benefits ALL

The compulsory annuity scheme is a wise and noble scheme that benefits all Singaporeans. Under this scheme, some portion of the CPF minimum sum is placed in a collective pool that provides monthly payouts to those aged 85 and above. If you die before the age of 85, your money will be used to help those in need.

The compulsory annuity scheme ensures that all Singaporeans will be able to sustain themselves even with increased longevity. It is an intelligent scheme that enables Singaporeans to be self-sufficient. That is far, far better than simply receiving handouts from the government. By getting everyone to support one another in old age, Singaporeans become self-reliant, and avoid the dreadful pitfalls of welfarism.

By getting Singaporeans to rely on each other as much as possible, the PAP government (may the PAP progress!) frees up capital for investment in the future of Singapore, like building better infrastructure, and in research and development. The PAP government thus achieves its grand objective of getting Singaporeans to stay together and move ahead!

All of us should give our support to the compulsory annuity scheme, and opt to defer receiving our CPF for as long as possible, so that everyone will collectively benefit!

PM Lee (may MM Lee and SM Goh be pleased with him!) has shown his mettle and courage in implementing policies that are unpopular, but which operate for the greater good of Singapore. For this, we should rally together to support him and the compulsory annuity scheme. Let us join in the Great and Noble Cause of Nation Building, and reach for the Pot Of Gold!

Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura!

Goh Bock Seng

Singapore has done very well

It has been well over a year since the 2006 General Elections. We must take stock of our nation's progress and examine whether the government has delivered on its election promises.

On this score, I must say that I am satisfied. Our economy has grown, unemployment has hit an all-time low, and salaries have gone up steadily. Singapore's standing on the international arena has never been better too. While bilateral relations with Malaysia and Indonesia have not always been as smooth as we would like them to be, we are working out our differences in a mature and sensible manner. Lots of progress has been made. Our standing in ASEAN also remains rock solid, as proven by our firm leadership in the recent crisis in Myanmar.

My conclusion therefore is that the People's Action Party (may the PAP progress!) has delivered well and fulfilled its promises to the electorate.

To be sure, many policies implemented have not been very popular. Many people have raised concerns over the transport fare hikes and the GST hike, not to mention the rising prices of goods and service. Ministerial and other public service salaries have also generated much healthy and lively debate. And more recently, the issue of longevity insurance has set many Singaporeans thinking and debating about retirement issues and how the government can best help us.

Our government is distinguished in its resolve to implement policies that work for the good of Singapore over the long term, even though they may be unpopular in the short term. By not pandering to temporary whims and prejudices, the government makes sure the nation is not sidetracked, and that its policies benefit Singaporeans. Sure, there is always the fear that the PAP might lose votes when it implements unpopular policies. But we can all take comfort in the fact that Singaporeans are very understanding and mature, and that when it is clearly seen that policies benefit all Singaporeans, they will support the PAP again.

The PAP has great vision and foresight, as well as the courage and tenacity to lead the nation and establish a solid foundation for us to progress in the 21st century! So let us join together in the Great and Noble Cause of Nation Building!

Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura!

Goh Bock Seng

MM Lee is very, very wise!!

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew (peace and blessings be upon him!) has shown is mettle and his wisdom yet again. MM Lee clearly knows that Singapore is unique and must be governed in a pragmatic way, without pandering to the disruptive Western notions of unconditional free speech and association (which would undoubtedly harm Singapore).

MM Lee has the courage to be authoritarian and firm when he needs to be, for the good of Singapore. All forummers should read the Straits Times article attached below and drink from the fountain of his wisdom!

Goh Bock Seng

March 7, 2007
Govt gives citizens every reason to elect it: MM

SINGAPORE'S brand of democracy works because the Government gives the country's citizens every reason to vote for it at elections, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said yesterday.

The country has maintained the principle of British democracy, that the electorate can vote a government out peacefully.

'But we have engineered it so carefully that they must be very stupid to vote this government out,' he added.

The Government solved the housing problem by building public housing using Central Provident Fund (CPF) money. These flats are then sold to Singaporeans at cost price.

For the Singapore citizen, his flat is 'something substantial' that he owns and has to pay instalments for.

'So he must have a job. If you change the government, you have no jobs, the house is taken back,' Mr Lee said.

And as the flats become old after 20 to 30 years, the Government upgrades the buildings, subsidising 80 per cent of the cost.

'Suddenly, overnight, your property goes up in value. Now, you find another government that will do that. If you think you can, you try,' he said.

The Americans try to prescribe democracy by saying governments should allow free association, demonstrations and a free press, he said.

'Here you want to hold a demonstration, you must have a permit first.'

As for his critics who say he is authoritarian, Mr Lee had this reply: 'I say, 'never mind'.

'Do they vote for me? Do I stuff the ballot boxes? No. Is it a secret vote? Yes. Do I win?

'Do I win 99 per cent? No. I win by 61 or 65 or 67 per cent.'

The highest percentage of votes he ever won was 88 per cent, he recounted.

'That was the year the British decided to get out and sell everything. So I immediately held an election. I knew the people will be dead scared.'

I support the public service pay hikes

I fully support the public service pay increases, which benefit all our ministers as well as almost all our civil servants from the most senior to junior officers.

The PAP (may the PAP progress!) has an outstanding track record of good governance, and is transparent, above-board and incorruptible. Under their esteemed leadership, job creation has been steady and the economy has been growing by leaps and bounds despite the volatile economic climate of the past ten years.

It is only natural that in a prosperous, peaceful and secure environment like Singapore, talented citizens tend to seek out the great abundance of opportunities in the private sector. Such a politically stable and harmonious social climate rarely brings forth the kind of revolutionary zeal that characterized our Old Guard's struggle against communism, racism, and the oppressive state of colonialism that engulfed our nation before its independence from British rule in 1963.

It is therefore foolhardy, naive and unrealistic to think that pure idealism alone is sufficient to attract a steady supply of good men and women into politics.

To begrudge our ministers their multi-million dollar salaries would be to penalize them for the good that they have done, because it is they who brought the kind of peace and prosperity to Singapore that makes it more natural for good men and women NOT to join politics.

To pay our ministers less than they are worth would be robbing the PAP of a pragmatic foundation on which to campaign for talented citizens to join them. Indeed, that be would be to miss the forest for the trees.

The public service pay hikes are an imperfect solution implemented by imperfect political leaders for an imperfect world. Yet it is fair, pragmatic, and is the best we can do for Singapore at this time. Hence I call upon all Singaporeans to give their fullest support to the PAP.

Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura!

Goh Bock Seng

Singaporeans must learn from foreigners

All Singaporeans would do very well to learn from foreigners and emulate their ways! Foreigners bring a wealth of talent and expertise to Singapore. They take up jobs that Singapore are unwilling or unable to do. They fill up gaps in our workforce created by Singaporeans who on their own accord drop out.

Without foreigners, Singaporeans would be mere specks of dust in the wind!

We should give our fullest support to the PAP government (may the PAP progress!). Their Foreign Talent policy is by far one of their best policies. It has become all too obvious that without a constant influx of Foreign Talents, Singapore's population would decline inexorably and Singapore's economy would stagnate. Foreigners don't just impart knowledge to us. They also teach us culture, social graces and manners, which Singaporeans are visibly lacking in. Foreigners make Singapore not just a vibrant economy but also a vibrant home for all of us.

To the Singaporean men here: I say that we must serve National Service with pride, distinction and commitment, and be prepared to lay down our lives not just for our families, but also for all the foreigners living and working here. This is our Great Call of Duty, and National Service for us is not a burden, but a privilege.

Let us give our fullest support to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (may MM Lee and SM Goh be pleased with him!), and let us all rally together in the Great and Noble Cause of Nation Building! Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura!

The smart and discerning support PAP

I have observed that intelligent and discerning Singaporeans are generally supporters of the PAP, and rightfully so. The PAP government (may the PAP progress!) is an extremely competent government that has the courage and foresight to enact policies for the long term good of the nation, rather than pander to the often irrational whims of the electorate. The PAP has an outstanding track record and is clean and uncorruptible. It is no wonder that discerning and street-wise Singaporeans are generally PAP supporters.

Most opposition supporters and anti-PAP folk I have encountered in this forum and elsewhere are shallow-minded people who consistently miss the forest for the trees. They cannot see beyond their own noses and are unable to view things from a larger perspective. Most often, they submit to groupthink and have a herd mentality, slavishly adopting whatever views others profess to have. They only think of themselves and their own immediate needs rather than consider the broader national interest and the needs of others. They are emotional, irrational, narrow-minded, and would rather waste time spewing rubbish than engaging wholesome and intelligent debate about national issues.

These people would do well to educate themselves and straighten out their thoughts first before engaging in such mindlessness. For a start, I would recommend reading the Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew, so that you can learn how Singapore grew from 3rd World to 1st, and have a better appreciation of what it takes to govern our Great Motherland. Then you would know why intelligent and discerning people support the PAP!

Goh Bock Seng

Singaporeans should look up to FTs

It is high time Singaporeans looked up to foreigners and treated them with respect and courtesy.

Singapore owes its thriving economy to foreigners who bring a wealth of talent and expertise. Foreign talents take up jobs that Singaporeans are unwilling to perform, and contribute greatly to our economic progress. Without a constant influx of foreigners, Singapore would be unable to compete on the world stage and we would fall far behind.

It is high time all Singaporeans recognized the immense virtue of the PAP's Foreign Talent policy, and welcomed all foreigners with open arms. The PAP government (may the PAP progress!) has Singaporeans' best interest at heart and knows very well that only by opening our doors to foreigners will we be able to prosper and grow as a nation.

Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura!

Goh Bock Seng

I'm so proud of the PAP

I am extremely proud that we have a strong and competent government like the PAP (may the PAP progress!) in charge. With the PAP at the helm, I always know Singapore is in safe hands and we will prosper over the long run.

The policy I am most proud of is the foreign talent policy. Recognizing the harsh realities of globalization and fully cognizant of the fact that left alone, our own national fertility rate is insufficient to sustain a healthy population size, the PAP government (wise and learned they are!) has opened up to foreigners in a grand way in the hopes they will find jobs here and eventually settle down. Foreigners bring a wealth of talent and open up new markets in Singapore, and make this a truly vibrant and endearing place to live, work and play!

Our competent and incorruptible PAP government (O Great Men & Women of Asia!) is never afraid to enact unpopular policies for the long term good and stability of Singapore, unlike the other so-called democratic governments who have fallen prey to welfarism and sacrifice the long-term good of the nation in favour of popular policies that bring benefits only in the short term. The reason why we are such a wealthy, prosperous and competitive nation is because the PAP (give praise and thanks to them!) always does what is right and good for Singapore, and never yields to its senseless and irrational critics.

I am proud to be Singaporean, and I am heartened that my sons will, like me, serve NS with pride and joy, with stout hearts full of purpose and courage. I have brought my children up to love our Great Motherland and revere our enlightened and uncorruptible leaders. They know where they belong, and would gladly lay down their lives for Singapore.

Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura! Give praise and blessings to MM Lee, PM Lee, and the PAP government, and let us all rally together in the Great and Noble Cause of Nation Building!

I'm so Proud of National Service!

I am so proud to be a Singaporean, and I'm so proud of National Service!

Yesterday, my eldest son who is currently finishing his Full time National Service came to me and told me that his time serving our nation had been very well spent, and that he felt he had made a worthy contribution. That was one of my proudest moments as a father! To see my own son grow up and serve our Great Motherland with distinction, with a stout heart full of purpose and courage!

My youngest son will also be serving his full time National Service when he finishes his 'A' Levels. We are family of patriots. I know that each of us will gladly lay down our lives for our Great Motherland! Throughout these years I have been instilling in my young boys the noble cause of defending our country and the sacred duty of each and every Singaporean to be fiercely loyal to his nation.

I reminiscence about my own time in full time NS when I was a young lad, and I must say I have absolutely no regrets. I look at my own family whom I am protecting by taking up arms. I look at our nation's resources that I am protecting by serving wholeheartedly in the military. And I also look at all the foreigners who are able to enjoy life and take up jobs in our Great Motherland with peace of mind, because of Singaporeans like me who have risen to do our part for National Service. And I must say that my heart is filled with pride! Protecting our nation, protecting everyone who lives and works here whether it is Singaporeans or foreigners, is truly our most noble and sacred duty.

I am so glad Foreign Talents can settle down safely here, knowing that their precious lives are protected by loyal Singaporeans like myself and my sons! I am so proud of National Service, and of the enlightened PAP government (may the PAP progress!) which always acts in the best interests of our nation and always adopts a long term perspective to all issues.

Majulah Singapura!

Goh Bock Seng