It was more than five years ago that this article in New York Times [
Link] was written. Time flies! If all the justification for the indecent salary were valid, poor Gerard Ee would not be in such a hard place now. With the crap that's thrown at him as 'the man in charge' of the Ministers' Salary Committee, he's between the devil and the deep blue sea! While on the subject of money and salary, may I ask if Gerard is paid for his effort? Is he just paid an honorarium or do the taxpayers have pay a king's ransom for his unique service? Or is he doing it gratis, for charity?
Braggarts who lamented that there isn't enough talented Singaporean politicians/political leaders must be wondering where did parliamentarians like Chen Show Mao, Pritam Singh and other non-PAP politicians come from. The arrogant notion that only PAP has an inalienable right and monopoly to political talents in Singapore has proven to be false after we hear and see the opposition MPs spoke recently in Parliament and during the hustings in May. The PAP politicians of the LKY kind (who must be paid well) may be good but most Singaporeans must be happy to know that the better and the brave, not tainted by the 'kiasu', 'kiasi' and hubristic PAP, are in other parties!
LKY threatened in May 2011 that should voters of Aljunied voted for WP, they would have 5 years to repent for their 'misplaced' courage and contempt for PAP. With the demise of PAP in Aljunied GRC, Singaporeans are less afraid and more vocal in voicing their unhappiness caused by the policies of PAP. PAP may consider it unnecessary 'noise' but the expensive and inefficient transportation; ongoing changing of goalposts in CPF resulting in members not able to own and use what's rightly theirs; nonsensical 'market subsidised' HDB housing that costs a bomb; tough competition in jobs and low salary caused by the relax immigration and foreign talents policy and the deadly inflation are causing much unhappiness amongst my fellow Singaporeans.
Coincidentally, while the Bhutan King is visiting Singapore, another Bhutanese, Passang Tshering (Pen name: PaSsu) has written a an interesting reply in his face book (
read here) to Khaw Boon Wan's retort to Sylvia Lim's take on Bhutan's happiness.
I thank PaSsu for adding several notches up my happiness index with what he wrote! He has taught me some. I hope our ministers can learn some too!
Lesson 101: "Mai keh kiang. Mai how lien. Mai sia sway!" (Hokkien)
. . . translated in English: "Don't act smart. Don't show off. Don't create shame!"
feedmetothefish
25 Comments:
Thks for this excellent piece esp your link to a Bhutanese's reply to our million dollar minister! I have always read your blog and always waiting eagerly for your next posting.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan have yet to read Buddhism to understand happiness that he was gabbling about.
The Day he understands 'Khong-emptiness', he will understand happiness.
The BIG PROBLEM with him now is that HE AS A CABINET MINISTER OF HOUSING AND FORMER HEALTH MINISTER, IS CREATING LOTS OF UNhappiness to Singaporeans.
Repent alone will not do, spiritual cleansing is the way to go.
patriot
Good for you! I love your articles. Yes, our great leaders have forgotten that they and those beholden to them are the only ones who are currently sooooo happy!
if you remember what GCT said about nett happiness.
We should know that its meant for special selected few only. Including our Mr Khaw.
PS: Mr brown has made a video on nett happiness, you may find it on youtube.
There are so much we can learn from the Bhutanese, sad that the A team are so blind.
Excellent.
I have read the link post of the Bhutanese. He has a wonderful reply to Kwa bo wah.
It reflect how narrow and shallow kwa bo wah is and was. He forgot that every singaporean are also worried when they will lose their job too. Those who are jobless are worried about their next meal. So are singaporean ready happy when they have so much to worried.
Kwa bo wah forgot that he paid $9 for a by-pass operation while ordinary people need to paid thousands for it. I believe kwa bo wah is happy.
Obviously that shows Minister Khaw has yet to read Buddhism and understand happiness as pointed out by Patriot. I totally agree.
Happiness is not equated with high GDP or sky high salaries or astronomical property prices or upteenth times upgraded HDB flats. These possessions only create temporary happiness that fade with time and do not last.
And obviously, he showed himself to be a shallow Buddhist, when later chided himself for his suggestion to send the aged to homes across the causeway. He created lots of unhappiness himself. Fancy that!
The Minister may like to spend time reflecting on his deeds as a being before it is too late.
Allow me the audacity to decipher 'Khong'-emptiness/free, the Way me interprets it. It is similar to Lao Zi's 'wu wei'-do nothing or not to do anything. This does not mean Lao Zi was asking anyone to do absolutely nothing.
'Khong' and 'wu wei' are meant to tell mankind not to do anything that complicate any matter. The fundamental thing to do is to keep everything at its' simplest form.
Humans are born innocent and pure, 'ren zi chu, xin ben shan' and may I add, with conscience and intelligence. They will learn NATURALLY, with or without being taught.
Human at its' simplest is one without need beyond the essentials. It is free from wants and vices. This DOES NOT mean not doing anything good, it means do anything that does not cause complication.
What complication are we talking about? Complication does not mean just making things messy, it includes causing selfishness, greed, unhappiness, envy/jealousy, friction/conflict, egoistic/conceit and right up to downright evil deed.
So, happiness at the end means empty ones' mind to free it from unhappiness. And not to do anything that causes unhappiness.
It is simple but, it is the most difficult attainment for one to achieve.
patriot
Hi FeedmetotheFish,
Thank you so much for featuring me on your blog. I am happy that my post made you a little happier that day. So many visitors visited my blog via your blog and long after the heat is gone I still get hits from your blog. I wish to thank you and all the Singaporeans who accepted my views positively.
Regards from Bhutan!
Hi PaSsu,
I thank you for sharing with us your thoughts and allowing me to link to your wonderful post.
Cheers!
feedmetothefish
I've written similar thoughts here-
"Why I can't support the PAP"
http://milomel.blogspot.sg/2012/11/why-i-cant-support-pap.html
Drew Brees Jersey axiotakix
Green Aaron Rodgers Mens Jersey axiotakix
Larry Fitzgerald Nike Jersey axiotakix
http://www.niketexansnflshop.com
Ndamukong Suh Jersey
Jonathan Dwyer Womens Jersey
Earl Thomas Grey Jersey
drydayoutraro
Isaac Redman Youth Jersey
James Harrison Womens Jersey
Victor Cruz Women's Jersey
drydayoutraro
Victor Cruz Women's Jersey
Ndamukong Suh Jersey
Jonathan Dwyer Womens Jersey
drydayoutraro
If you are not a regular user of internet[url=http://www.authenticnikebroncosjersey.com/broncos_peyton_manning_jersey_nike-c-9_17.html]Womens Peyton Manning Red Jersey[/url]
or have no idea about such online Chinese forums[url=http://www.authenticnikebroncosjersey.com/broncos_von_miller_jersey_nike-c-9_21.html]Von Miller Youth Jersey[/url]
just read this detailed description about such a weird opportunity You develop much more focus on exactly how your body capabilities which heightened consciousness helps you carry out far better
ï»?Numerous people have electricity over your picks and in addition they utilize days in an attempt to get extensive statistics with regards to their individuals In fact[url=http://www.authenticnikebroncosjersey.com/broncos_von_miller_jersey_nike-c-9_21.html]Von Miller Elite Jersey[/url]
the real is the well-known
" He then read[url=http://www.nikewashingtonredskinsstore.com/]John Riggins Jersey[/url]
"Dear Coach Miller[url=http://www.nikewashingtonredskinsstore.com/]Ryan Kerrigan Jersey[/url]
A few weeks ago Joe Boner passed away Having one that is personalized could be even better[url=http://www.nikewashingtonredskinsstore.com/]John Riggins Jersey[/url]
and you would like to buy it at the cheapest price
ï»?These jerseys are available in most of these local shops only that they cost slightly expensive since they stock the authentic ones Jerseys are fun to do
[url=http://louboutinshop.co.uk]christian louboutin shoes[/url] Whether Mabel ever noticed us staring avidly through the window at her, I don't know, but she certainly didn't ever seem frightened. [url=http://dkgoose.com]Canada Goose jakker[/url] Dtzhuofwh [url=http://canadagoosesweden.com]Canada goose outlet [/url]
kkodeb 320783 [url=http://www.canadagoosestorontofactory.ca]canadian goose images[/url] 905665 [url=http://www.officialcanadagooseparkas.ca]canada goose jackets price[/url]
When we finally glance at the term the phrase adore, not just in relation to its a captivating association together with yet another, nevertheless as a emotion which is engendered once you have miltchmonkey an improved association on your own very -- and even as a experience of better oneness household as well as mankind , then it results in being even more clear that each one any person is looking for to have is actually like.
chanel handbags, gucci handbags, tiffany jewelry, jordan shoes, polo ralph lauren, christian louboutin shoes, christian louboutin outlet, oakley sunglasses, kate spade handbags, oakley vault, prada outlet, nike free, louis vuitton outlet, coach purses, coach outlet, kate spade outlet online, louboutin shoes, coach outlet, polo ralph lauren outlet, coach outlet store online, nike shoes, michael kors outlet, louis vuitton, longchamp handbags, michael kors outlet online, michael kors outlet store, longchamp outlet, michael kors outlet online, louis vuitton outlet online, tiffany and co jewelry, burberry outlet online, nike air max, prada handbags, louis vuitton handbags, michael kors outlet online, longchamp outlet online, cheap oakley sunglasses, ray ban sunglasses, michael kors outlet online, tory burch outlet, burberry outlet online, red bottom shoes, nike air max, louis vuitton outlet, ray ban outlet
asics shoes, p90x workout, insanity workout, ferragamo shoes, jimmy choo shoes, uggs on sale, beats headphones, mac cosmetics, reebok shoes, ghd, barbour, vans outlet, abercrombie and fitch, mcm handbags, marc jacobs outlet, longchamp, nfl jerseys, wedding dresses, babyliss pro, new balance outlet, rolex watches, north face jackets, instyler ionic styler, soccer shoes, bottega veneta, chi flat iron, abercrombie and fitch, giuseppe zanotti, ugg outlet, birkin bag, mont blanc pens, hollister, soccer jerseys, uggs outlet, ugg, nike trainers, lululemon outlet, nike huarache, herve leger, ugg soldes, valentino shoes, celine handbags, nike roshe, roshe run, north face outlet
timberland shoes, lancel, moncler, air max, hollister canada, moncler, oakley, converse, ugg boots, canada goose, ray ban, canada goose, vans, canada goose uk, baseball bats, juicy couture outlet, moncler, hollister, moncler, converse shoes, toms outlet, uggs canada, moncler, hollister clothing, canada goose outlet, moncler outlet, ugg, supra shoes, montre femme, gucci, replica watches, canada goose outlet, nike air max, karen millen, canada goose, canada goose pas cher, canada goose outlet, iphone 6 case, coach outlet, juicy couture outlet, louis vuitton canada, ralph lauren, wedding dress, moncler, parajumpers outlet, louboutin
coach and four shoes coach china coach outlet online sale coach borough coach official site where are coach bags made coach purses for sale coach necklace coach online outlet store coach us coachbags coach flat shoes coach madison east west tote handbags coach coachpurses coach duffle coach wedge sandals coach sale online coach handbags online coach poppy bag coach red purse coach outlet folsom black coach sneakers coach madison bag coach fabric bags coach new coach purses used coach bags
20151027 junda
coach factory outlet
nfl jerseys
Gucci Outlet Online Sale
Abercrombie T-Shirts
hollister clothing store
ugg boots
michael kors outlet
Michael Kors Outlet Handbags Factory Price
ugg boots
toms outlet
abercrombie
mont blanc
michael kors outlet
michael kors outlet
Coach Outlet Store Online Shop
canada goose outlet
michael kors outlet
Abercrombie and Fitch Outlet Sale
Louis Vuitton Bags Outlet Store
michael kors bags
Wholesale Authentic Designer Handbags
ugg outlet store
air max 95,nike golf,nike janoski,air max 1,nike canada,nike plus,nike shox,nike factory store
michael kors handbag
Louis Vuitton Handbags For Cheap
cheap ugg boots
Christian Louis Vuitton Red Bottoms
coach outlet store online
true religion outlet
canada goose jackets
cheap jordans
nike huarache
jordan shoes
jordan retro
dior glasses
hermes belts for men
longchamp bags
longchamps
brady jersey
longchamp bags
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home