In Search of Goh Bock Seng

This is a post I made in Sam’s Alfresco Coffee shop Forum at the URL:

http://forums.delphiforums.com/sammyboymod/messages/?msg=123406.1

Today, I am very heartened by the brutally honest, no-holes-barred post by Scholar888. Unlike the cowardly swines like SingForever who participate in groupthink and have a mega-herding mentality, Scholar888 is refreshingly direct and is never afraid to call a spade a spade.

So now I would also like to share with you what I represent.

I, Goh Bock Seng, diehard PAP supporter, worshipper of the Great Cause of Nation Building, represent those ideas in this forum that are held by some forummers, but are hardly expressed due to personal fear or doubt.

I represent those views that are seldom giving a fair airing in this forum because of the pervasive groupthink that is taking place.

I stand for the Truth, which is: Singapore is the best country in Asia to work, to play and to live in, because the PAP (may the PAP progress!) has created a thriving metropolis from scratch, and brought wealth and prosperity to our Great Motherland through enlightened policies that focus on the long-term.

I champion the Foreign Talent policy, because that is the only way Singapore can survive in the 21st Century. Foreigners create a multitude of jobs and open up fresh new markets in the long run, and make Singapore a far more vibrant place. We should welcome foreign talent with wide open arms and humbly ask them to make Singapore their home.

And my most important message is: Let us rally together in the Great and Noble Cause of Nation Building! Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura!

Goh Bock Seng

Private enterprise to have bigger role in coming years

The PAP government (may the PAP progress!!) is committed to creating economic and social propserity for Singapore. Their foreign talent policy is also one of the most enlightened policies they have every implemented! With such a competent and wise government, who can possibly feel left out? Let us all rally together in the Great and Noble Cause of Nation Building!

 

Goh Bock Seng

 

Nov 7, 2006
Private enterprise to have bigger role in coming years
Maximum growth targeted to make most of good times

By Erica Tay

MAKING the most of favourable road conditions to power ahead at full speed: This is the kind of economic path Singaporeans can look forward to in the coming years.

Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang outlined his key plans for the coming term in his ministry's addendum to the President's Address.

He said the Government will promote economic development, 'maximising growth while external conditions are conducive'.

To do so, Singapore must be nimble and adaptable to change, he said.

Mr Lim also pointed to a bigger role for private enterprise in the coming years.

'The Government will continue to make the business environment more enterprise-friendly, moving out of areas where the private sector can play a better role.'

Talent, enterprise and ideas take centre stage in his vision for Singapore to be a 'leading global city'.

'We will foster economic growth, press on with restructuring, and create jobs by seizing opportunities in a time of rapid change and increasing competition,' said Mr Lim.

His aim is for Singapore to build on its strengths and undertake more sophisticated tasks within electronics, chemicals, biomedical sciences, engineering and supply chain management.

In addition, Singapore's reputation for trust can be the basis on which to grow service industries such as education, health care and business services, he noted.

Efforts to grow the research and development sector will be buoyed by Singapore's five-year Science and Technology Plan 2010.

Mr Lim also outlined how Singapore will build economic links with regions from South-east Asia to the Middle East.

'Singapore is at the heart of a resurgent Asia and well-connected to the world. We will step up our engagement with our partners, and deepen economic linkages by building closer ties at the provincial and state levels,' he said.

Mr Lim highlighted plans to nurture a thriving enterprise sector - through the work of agencies such as Spring Singapore and the Competition Commission of Singapore.

Finally, he spoke on the importance of the people element in driving the economy.

His ministry, together with the Education and Manpower ministries, will help Singaporeans develop their talent, upgrade their skills and have fulfilling careers, he said.

Said Mr Lim:'We will also welcome international talent to live and work in Singapore.'

ericatay@sph.com.sg

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Singapore Govt to grow earnings to pay for emerging social needs

Our enlightened PAP government (may the PAP progress!!) always looks very far ahead and plans well for the challenging future! Their attention to detail and their strategic policies are simply the best of the breed!

 

Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura!

 

Goh Bock Seng

 

Nov 7, 2006
Govt to grow earnings to pay for emerging social needs
Contractual age for deals will be lowered to 18 to boost entrepreneurship

By Erica Tay

ONE of the Finance Ministry's tasks in the coming years is to find ways to increase the revenues it collects, at a time when income tax rates have to be kept competitively low while social expenditure is expected to rise.

Thus, during his new term as Finance Minister, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong pledged that the priority will be to help Singaporeans 'stay together and move ahead'.

In his addendum to the President's Address, Mr Lee said that the Finance Ministry aims to balance the Budget over the business cycle and at the same time promote opportunities for economic growth and create good jobs for Singaporeans.

To boost entrepreneurship, the ministry will lower the contractual age for business transactions, proprietorships, partnerships and directorships from 21 years to 18 years.

'Changing demographics and growing social needs are pushing up social expenditure,' said Mr Lee.

'At the same time, the Government has had to reduce income tax rates amid increasing global competition to attract investments and encourage enterprise and talent,' he added.

'The Government will therefore continue to explore how best it can preserve and grow revenues, without undermining economic growth, so as to fund the necessary expenditures.'

The Singapore Totalisator Board, for one, will increase its donations towards social and community causes, Mr Lee said.

Another focus would be to grow and protect Singapore's reserves 'through judicious and prudent investments for optimal financial returns'.

These investment earnings will go towards paying for emerging needs including in health, education, and research and development, Mr Lee said.

He said the Government will also foster a business-friendly environment via the tax framework, regulatory regime and infrastructure such as the trade and logistics portal, TradeXchange.

Finally, Mr Lee outlined plans to further develop e-Government and streamline public sector processes.

Meanwhile, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong delivered his addendum to the President's Address as Minister-in-charge of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

The MAS, which now falls under the Prime Minister's Office, will 'enhance its forecasting, surveillance and research capabilities', said Mr Goh.

In its role as a financial industry regulator, as local players go regional and become more complex, the MAS will intensify efforts in consolidated and integrated supervision, he added.

ericatay@sph.com.sg

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5th least corrupt country

5th least corrupt country

Singapore is the fifth least corrupt country in the world, according to Transparency International's 2006 Corruption Perceptions Index.

It measures perceived levels of public sector corruption in 163 countries.

On a scale of 0 to 10, Singapore's score was 9.4, compared to 9.6 for Finland and Iceland, the two countries perceived to be the least corrupt.

 

http://www.todayonline.com/articles/153083.asp

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Govt takes decisions that benefit majority

Nov 4, 2006 Govt takes decisions that benefit majority It is a rational process, MM tells students, citing the controversial decision over Integrated Resorts
By Peh Shing Huei
MINISTER Mentor Lee Kuan Yew shared with students Singapore's philosophy of governance which he said was about solving problems to benefit people.
The Singapore way is not to pretend to have the perfect solution, but to try and find one that brings about the maximum benefits for the most number of people.
As he said in his opening remarks at an hour-long dialogue with students from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy: 'If you want to do well, it's up to you. You get your act together, you get your country going, you create order and stability, make learning an advantage in life, make hard work rewarding and not thieving and then you will prosper, the whole country will prosper. That to me is good governance.'
While the dialogue spanned a myriad topics, from the battle against corruption, to the historical baggage of East Asian nations, one subject kept students on the edge of their seats as they asked him, in different ways, about the art of governance.
Giving his take on the subject, Mr Lee said that for the Singapore Government, it was a rational problem-solving process.
'It's not shrouded by superstition, or religious or other biases,' he said in response to a Chinese student who wanted to know the lessons that developing Asian countries could learn from Singapore.
'We are, most of all, rational people who think clearly, and, we hope, effectively come to the right conclusions.'
The key is to weigh the balance and make a decision, he said, citing the decision over integrated resorts (IRs) to show how the Singapore Government dealt with 'very difficult questions'.
Despite being personally against gambling and knowing that it would probably do 'some harm' to Singapore, he said he had to accept that it was a changed world now compared to when he was a university student in the 1940s.
Then, only French principality Monaco had a casino. Now, they are in many major cities and coming to Asia. And Asians are going to places like Las Vegas, Melbourne and Macau to gamble.
Thus, Singapore decided to have one. But not before it set conditions so that families could bar relatives from entering.
'So weighing that balance, we decided yes, we may have casualties, but as against those casualties, the gain in getting these big shows, getting these big conventions to come to Singapore, which goes with the casino which is part of the Integrated Resort, is enormous.'
Indeed, land prices at Marina Bay, the site of one of the two IRs, have risen even before the resort is built, he said.
And Mr Sheldon Adelson, the owner of Las Vegas Sands. which will build the Marina Bay IR, told him that he was quite confident of bringing thousands of people for conferences to the resort.
Said MM Lee of the casino decision: 'Is it cost-free? I don't think it will be completely cost-free. Is it cost-containable? Yes.'
The balance in governance extended to the management of competition and compassion too, he said.
Using the yin and yang symbol, he said in response to another question: 'If you have too much of the yang, highly effective, your society will have a certain amount of friction. If you have too much the yin, you lose your drive.
'I think in Singapore's case we've got to keep on moving the balance... At no stage do we take away from the high performers too much, so that they decide 'I'm not going to perform, I'm going to migrate.' Then the music stops.'
He was visiting the Lee Kuan Yew School for the first time since it was officially opened last year, and he also launched Managing Globalization: Lessons From China And India, the first book published by the school.
Said Indian student Chetan Shrivastava, 40: 'The dialogue was great, an excellent chance to see a living legend up close. We were extremely fortunate to meet him in person.'

How we respond in emergencies determines our worth as a nation

3 Nov 2003
'Today' newspaper

by Val Chua

Emotions ran high on a balmy Sunday night as the normally stoic Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew nearly broke down while recounting the ordeal his wife went through in London recently.

The troubles that the couple faced - including joining a queue in a free hospital - when Mrs Lee was hit by stroke two Sundays ago, revealed how differently two systems worked.

"I cannot tell you how restless and unhappy we felt," he said at a community event in Jalan Bukit Merah yesterday.

"We run a (healthcare) system where you have to co-pay ... but you get the attention. There, no attention, just join the queue," he said grimly.

The first sign of trouble was that there was no private hospital with CT scan facility at night in London, he told residents and community leaders.

So, Mrs Lee had to go to the NHS hospital nearest to the Four Seasons Hotel where they were staying - a free facility called the Royal London Hospital - and join the queue.

"We waited 45 minutes for the ambulance for a 10-minute drive," said Mr Lee in his first public appearance since the couple returned on Friday.

"In Singapore, within half-an-hour, you would be in SGH (Singapore General Hospital), TTSH (Tan Tock Seng Hospital) ... and within one-and-a-half to two hours flat, you'd know what went wrong."

When Mrs Lee reached The Royal London Hospital at 12.30am, it happened to have three cardiac arrest patients.

Mr Lee was told his wife's brain problem was "not as important" as the cardiac arrest cases, he recounted solemnly. She would have had to wait till 8am the next morning for her CT brain scan if 10 Downing Street had not intervened to get her early attention. High Commissioner Michael Teo had sought help from 10 Downing Street at 2am on Sunday and she received treatment at 3.30am on the night itself.

"Once upon a time, it was a wonderful hospital. But after 40 plus years ... the system cannot deliver. There's no connection between those in the system and the patients," he said.

But it's the way free healthcare systems work, he added, noting that Singapore must not go down that path, even though there are calls for free C class wards in public hospitals here.

"It's how the system works ... They did not discriminate against us," he noted of his London experience.

This contrasted sharply with how quickly Singaporeans - including national carrier Singapore Airlines - reacted to the situation.

Even though doctors initially advised that Mrs Lee stay put in London for three weeks, Mr Lee decided fly her back once her condition stabilised.

And then there was the big worry that she would get a spasm onboard, he recounted.

But he needn't have worried. Within 48 hours, SIA had fitted out SQ321 with medical support of oxygen tanks and other fixtures for a drip.

"No other airline would have done this," Mr Lee said, looking visibly touched.

On board were also two Intensive Care nurses from Changi General Hospital, two doctors, as well as officials from SIA who made sure all the equipment worked.

"Everyone knows his job," said Mr Lee. "Within 12 to 13 hours, we'd reached Changi Airport. It was a big relief," he said. "Twelve to 13 hours. Your heart stops beating sometimes. We landed at Changi Airport. Great relief. I had my granddaughter (Li Xiuqi) with me. She is very fond of her grandmother. She was so relieved."

Mrs Lee was whisked off in an ambulance to Singapore General Hospital, where she is recovering.

"I think this experience has changed my granddaughter's view of Singapore," Mr Lee said.

The overseas ordeal has made him even more assured that Singapore has what it takes to succeed, despite the downturn. "It's how we respond in an emergency that determines how we fight back. And I have enormous confidence that we can fight back."

The Singapore system - with its efficiency and fighting spirit - must be kept, he said.

"You slacken, you choose the easy way, and you'd be finished," he said.

Choking back tears, he added: "I have immense confidence that in an emergency, our people respond ... If we can do that, we can succeed."

*************************************

This is a very heart wrenching post which stirs up in me great emotions. Like MM Lee's granddaughter, my view of Singapore as the most efficient nation in the world has been solidified. Can there be anymore doubt that Singapore is the safest, most efficient place to live in?

MM Lee (may peace and blessings be upon him!) is absolutely right! It is how we respond in emergencies that determine our worth as a nation. When a life is in danger, when families are at stake, it is how we respond to our fellow men and the swiftness and competency with which we act that determines the greatness of our Motherland, Singapore!

Because the PAP has created such an efficient and vigilant system and keeps our borders safe from dangerous elements like Terrorists and infectious diseases like the Bird Flu, I sleep in peace every night. And every day I give thanks to the great nation I live in and bow deeply to my esteemed political leaders. So should each of you.

Praise be to the PAP (may the PAP progress!), for they have created a nation of wealth, prosperity and efficiency! Let us all rally behind our noble and enlightened government, and support them with all our hearts!

Goh Bock Seng

Singapore is the Best Place on Earth

Singaporeans do not know how fortunate they are, and they insist on throwing their temper and hurling abuse and insults the moment something goes wrong. With such a pathetic, sloppy mindset and such lack of self-esteem, how can these fools achieve anything in life?

The PAP government (may the PAP progress!) has created a nation of unprecendented wealth, prosperity, and racial and religious harmony. Our enlightened leaders always plan for the long term and are not afraid to implement unpopular policies for the greater good our nation. With such a wise and competent government, how can Singaporeans here continue to wallow in self-pity and miss the forest for the trees?

Let us all cast aside our self-doubts and stop engaging in mindless criticism of everything that goes on around us. Instead let us rally together in the Great and Noble Cause of Nation Building, for there is Pot of Gold out there waiting to be grabbed by anyone who has the dare and the drive!

Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura!

Goh Bock Seng

The Needy, Globalization and the PAP

A post to Sam’s Coffeeshop Forum:

Why do forummers here think that the PAP is insincere in helping the needy and less fortunate? Have you all worked at grassroots and community organizations yourself and have had first hand experience with incompetent or insincere management? Have you all taken a close look at the many programmes being offered or sponsored by the community foundations?

The PAP brought Singapore from 3rd World to 1st and created economic prosperty and racial and religious harmony. Had they been less competent in their social and political duties, today we would be far less well off as a nation and there would be thousands of Mr Tans who are driven to desperation not just financially but also in communal and religious conflict. Why does one single case of financial desperation and suicide stir up this amount of publicity? Precisely because it is rare to begin with! In other countries, Mr Tan's suicide would have counted for nothing.

Globalization is upon us whether we like it or not. We must cope with it and learn to face the challenges it brings. Railing against globalization and stomping your foot on the ground is not going to change things one iota. That's why Singaporeans have to make sacrifices when times get hard and learn to save and invest prudently when the going is good. The Great and Noble Cause of Nation Building is founded on these firm and solid premises.

And no, I am not a member of the PAP (may the PAP progress!). I am just a simple man who speaks his mind freely without fear or favour. If I twisted my views simply to make myself more popular in public forums such as this, I would be doing my viewpoint a big disfavour, and betray all those who share my views. I would be ashamed to call myself a Singaporean.

Goh Bock Seng

http://forums.delphiforums.com/sammyboymod/messages/?msg=121468.27

The Ungrateful Youth of today

While the youth of today clamour wantonly for freedom of expression and freedom of choice, they are blissfully unaware of the hard work and sacrifices undertaken by the older generation in order to achieve the prosperity and peace that they enjoy today.

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew (praise and blessings be upon him and his family!) and the Old Guard took upon themselves the monumental task of creating a nation from scratch, of taking Singapore from 3rd World to First. Over the past 40 glorious years, they have succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. With their bare hands and sheer, almost incompehensible determination, they realized their goal of a united and independent nation --- Singapore, the land that we are today so very proud to call our Home and our Country!

They faced almost insurmountable odds in the beginning, but with persevence, diligence, and an almost superhuman wisdom, they crafted an independent and soverign Singapore where before the land was filled with communal riots, Communist elements striving to twist the politics of our land in their favour, and sheer poverty that gripped the masses. Today we are living in the land of prosperity and progress.

So let me say to the Youth of today: Be very grateful for what has been given to you, for the prosperity of our Great Motherland, Singapore, did not come easy. Singapore is offering You almost unlimited opportunities to expand your horizons, build a successful and rewarding career, and the chance of enjoying the Great Priviledge of being a citizen of a free, uncorrupt, independent and vibrant nation-state!

Embrace the Unlimited Opportunities before you, O Youth of Singapore, for Singapore is your Home and your Country, and serve our Great Nation with Pride and Distinction!

The PAP (may the PAP progress!) has guided Singapore with a firm and sure hand, making sure that the nation was always kept on a steady course towards the glorious future!

Let us praise our enlightened and independent government, for they are truly of the People, by the People, and for the People! Let us rejoice in the unbounded wisdom and intellect of MM Lee and drink from the ever-flowing fountain of his magnificence and stature. Let us close our ranks and join together in the Great Cause of Nation Building!

Praise be to the PAP, for they will guide and govern our Land to Greatness! Praise be to our government, for it is wise, courageous and resolute!

May the Great Prosperity and Blessings of Our Land be Upon the PAP, and the Good People of Singapore!

Goh Bock Seng

http://forums.delphiforums.com/sammyboymod/messages/?msg=120228.1

PAP wins every election on merit

The PAP (may the PAP progress!) has won each and every election on their own merit. They have widespread support because they have delivered consistent results all these years, and have brought peace, stability, economic progress, and racial and religious harmony to our Great Motherland, Singapore!

The PAP has fought every election fairly and has created a level playing field for all parties to take part in our great democratic process. The GRC system ensures fair representation of minority races and avails to Singaporeans the best possible parliamentary system.

Throughout these years, I am saddened that the Opposition (may they realize the folly of their ways!) has been sullied by bad hats and poor characters like JBJ, Tang Liang Hong, Jufrie Mahmud, and the likes. These people are found of slanderous and defamatory remarks and engaging in the puerile hogwash of gutter politics. Jufrie Mahmud and Tang Liang Hong were brazen chauvenists who would have brought racial harmony in Singapore to its knees had the PAP not swiftly and decisively acted to discredit their vile and putrid propaganda and seditious remarks.

You may be disappointed by the poor showing of the Opposition in the last couple of elections, but know that it is due to their own incompetence and lack of unity, rather than gerrymandering or unfair practices by the PAP. The facts speak for themselves.

Praise be to the PAP government, for they have the mandate of the People, and are the most competent and dedicated Team to lead Singapore well into the 21st Century! Praise and Blessings be to them, and let us all join ranks in this Great Cause of Nation Building!

Goh Bock Seng

http://forums.delphiforums.com/sammyboymod/messages/?msg=120042.1