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Chiobu Today reporter: Former Civil Service high-flier says Government has lost way

GeylangCheongster

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http://www.todayonline.com/Hotnews/...e-high-flier-says-Government-has-lost-its-way

Former Civil Service high-flier says 'Government has lost its way'

by Cheow Xin Yi 04:46 AM Apr 23, 2011

SINGAPORE - He counts Mr Lim Boon Heng as a "good friend" but that did not stop former Civil Service high-flier and new Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Tan Jee Say from expressing his disappointment with Mr Lim.

The retired minister, among some in the Cabinet, had initially objected to casinos here but relented because of the 35,000 jobs it would create.

But Mr Tan, 57, said yesterday that the jobs could have been created in other areas.

And so the former government scholar, who spent five out of 11 years in the elite Administrative Service as Principal Private Secretary to then Deputy Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, marked his entry into politics by launching several critiques against economic policies of a "government that has lost its way and moral compass".

Mr Tan, whom the Singapore Democratic Party unveiled in its second and final batch of candidates, said he strongly advocates Singapore moving away from manufacturing to the services industry but the casino and gaming sector was the "wrong type of services to go into", compared to sectors such as education and healthcare.

Currently an investment adviser, he recently wrote a paper entitled "Creating Jobs and Enterprise in a New Singapore Economy - Ideas for Change", in which he recommended reducing the teacher-student ratio by half, which would double the existing number of 30,000 teachers.

"What is this 35,000 jobs in the casino? Nothing. You just spend five years, S$10 billion, you create 30,000 jobs for teachers. These are noble jobs, good and meaningful jobs, to invest in the future of children. Not the casino jobs (of) dealers and croupiers," he said.

Mr Tan also expressed disappointment that the number of public hospital beds per 10,000 of population had remained constant for 10 years until the addition of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.

"How can you run a public health hospital policy without increasing the number of hospital beds when your population increases? Don't you provide for increase in population especially when you have foreigners coming in too?" asked Mr Tan.

He added that increasing the number of hospitals would also add several thousand ancillary jobs in the sector, such as nurses and hospital attendants.

It was his 46-page paper that triggered his entry into Opposition politics.

Despite his criticism on policies, Mr Tan stressed that his decision to stand for elections - made only three days ago, following a final consultation with his father-in-law - does not detract from his "strong sense of friendship" with several ministers, such as Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo and Senior Minister Goh.

He even sent an email to several ministers, informing them of his decision before yesterday's SDP press conference, he said.

He was candid about rejecting offers by the National Solidarity Party to stand in Tampines Group Representation Constituency (GRC) against National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan ("we're both Hainanese") or in Marine Parade GRC ("the Asian tradition of being respectful to your former boss").

When asked how effective he would be if he gets into Parliament, since he was reluctant to stand against friends, Mr Tan said: "Once we achieve in building up a culture of First World politics, they'll know we're running with national interests at heart. But we've not reached there yet. So first round, I'll avoid."

He added that he did not choose to run under the SDP ticket just because of the constituencies they plan to contest, though.

He cited the party's organisation and its use of the Internet for communication. He also agreed with the main thrusts outlined in the party's Shadow Budget, including the call to dismantle Temasek Holdings and privatising companies under it.
 
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ktc5972

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Re: Chiobu Today reporter: Former Civil Service high-flier says Government has lost

He laid his cards openly & these are the type of people we need. There are currently many MPs still hanging on to their position, will all defectors be allowed to return back to position under a new flagship? I think only the "misplaced or rather misled" scholars should be given the chance. Anyway, this people will do well in the outside world & should not look back into politics. They had already displayed their characteristics of puting "self-interest" first. They should be exile.
 

GeylangCheongster

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Re: Chiobu Today reporter: Former Civil Service high-flier says Government has lost

There is that Ngiam fella, now suddenly very vocal - is there a surprise coming?
 

Leongsam

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Re: Chiobu Today reporter: Former Civil Service high-flier says Government has lost

"What is this 35,000 jobs in the casino? Nothing. You just spend five years, S$10 billion, you create 30,000 jobs for teachers. These are noble jobs, good and meaningful jobs, to invest in the future of children. Not the casino jobs (of) dealers and croupiers," he said.

The guy's an idiot. Creating 30,000 teaching jobs does nothing to attract foreign revenue into the economy. All it does is increase the cost of education with the additional money coming from YOU the taxpayer.

On the other hand, the casinos attract billions in foreign revenue every year. The money is injected into the the Singapore economy to the benefit of the whole country.

Tourists who come to Singapore to gamble don't just throw all their money at the tables. They take taxis, eat at restaurants and food courts, buy stuff at shops and perhaps screw a whore or two. All this activity has an immense multiplier effect which ultimately benefits every Singaporean who is smart enough to recognise the opportunities created and who takes steps to gain a slice of the pie.

Opposition parties should test their candidates to establish whether they have a basic understanding of economics before they are let loose to make a fool of themselves.
 

Rogue Trader

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Re: Chiobu Today reporter: Former Civil Service high-flier says Government has lost

The guy's an idiot. Creating 30,000 teaching jobs does nothing to attract foreign revenue into the economy. All it does is increase the cost of education with the additional money coming from YOU the taxpayer.

On the other hand, the casinos attract billions in foreign revenue every year. The money is injected into the the Singapore economy to the benefit of the whole country.

Tourists who come to Singapore to gamble don't just throw all their money at the tables. They take taxis, eat at restaurants and food courts, buy stuff at shops and perhaps screw a whore or two. All this activity has an immense multiplier effect which ultimately benefits every Singaporean who is smart enough to recognise the opportunities created and who takes steps to gain a slice of the pie.

Opposition parties should test their candidates to establish whether they have a basic understanding of economics before they are let loose to make a fool of themselves.

Shit stirring as usual. 50,000 teachers, doctors and nurses will not be a burden to the system. Wasn't the Pap trumpeting how they want the country to become the global educational/healthcare/research hub? I still remember reading one minister's vision of becoming the 'Boston of the east'.

Since when did we become Vegas instead?
 

Leongsam

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Re: Chiobu Today reporter: Former Civil Service high-flier says Government has lost

Shit stirring as usual. 50,000 teachers, doctors and nurses will not be a burden to the system. Wasn't the Pap trumpeting how they want the country to become the global educational/healthcare/research hub? I still remember reading one minister's vision of becoming the 'Boston of the east'.
Since when did we become Vegas instead?

Steps have already been taken for Singapore to become a centre of medical excellence. The fact that dictators from abroad come to Singapore for treatment is testament to the fact that medical tourism is on the right track.

Education is a bit trickier as Singapore is hardly renowned for being good at anything academic. In fact, the inhabitants can't even speak a single language properly. The idea of halving the student/teacher ratio in Singapore schools is plain dumb. It will add nothing to quality of education. All it does is increase overheads for the taxpayer.

Boosting the economy requires a multi pronged approach. Casinos are a good addition to the mix.
 

Rogue Trader

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Re: Chiobu Today reporter: Former Civil Service high-flier says Government has lost

Steps have already been taken for Singapore to become a centre of medical excellence. The fact that dictators from abroad come to Singapore for treatment is testament to the fact that medical tourism is on the right track.

This is another debate for another thread.

Education is a bit trickier as Singapore is hardly renowned for being good at anything academic. In fact, the inhabitants can't even speak a single language properly. The idea of halving the student/teacher ratio in Singapore schools is plain dumb. It will add nothing to quality of education. All it does is increase overheads for the taxpayer.

Not when education is privatised. Every year, thousands of the best and brightest students from all over the world go to the IVY league, Oxbridge and the Go8 in the hopes of gaining an edge over their peers. These students rent rooms, take buses etc. Work out the multiplier effect yourself. In Singapore today, the private education industry is an excuse for granting visas to Ktv girls and whores.

Boosting the economy requires a multi pronged approach. Casinos are a good addition to the mix.

Good addition? The jury's still out on that one. Immense social costs come with casinos. And these costs are always inflicted on the common man on the street.
 
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Boliao

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Re: Chiobu Today reporter: Former Civil Service high-flier says Government has lost

... Singapore is hardly renowned for being good at anything academic. In fact, the inhabitants can't even speak a single language properly...

Couldn't agree with you more. Just take a look at our multi-million scholars and ministers. They are Singapore's finest academic elites but behaves and speaks no better than an imbecile.
 

Varuna

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Re: Chiobu Today reporter: Former Civil Service high-flier says Government has lost

Need someone like Mr Tan from the inside to spill the stories or people will forever remain obsessed with the belief that they were A-Team doing the best right thing that no other people except them could do. Wake up Singaporeans.
 

Leongsam

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Re: Chiobu Today reporter: Former Civil Service high-flier says Government has lost

This is another debate for another thread.



Not when education is privatised. Every year, thousands of the best and brightest students from all over the world go to the IVY league, Oxbridge and the Go8 in the hopes of gaining an edge over their peers. These students rent rooms, take buses etc. Work out the multiplier effect yourself. In Singapore today, the private education industry is an excuse for granting visas to Ktv girls and whores.



Good addition? The jury's still out on that one. Immense social costs come with casinos. And these costs are always inflicted on the common man on the street.


The proposal isn't about creating a private education industry to create 30,000 teaching jobs. It's about halving the student/teacher ratio in Singapore schools so that twice the number of teachers are required to teach the same number of students. This isn't going to bring a single additional cent into the country. All it will do is inflate the wage bill of the MOE. That means that the govt will have to collect more taxes to make up the shortfall.

How much social cost the casinos inflict depends entirely on each and every individual Singaporean. Those who are dumb enough to gamble deserve their fate. I make regular trips to Las Vegas and I've never waged a single cent there. I go for the ambiance, the great shows, the fantastic food and most importantly the absolute splendor that the area surrounding the Colorado River provides.
 

Rogue Trader

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Re: Chiobu Today reporter: Former Civil Service high-flier says Government has lost

The proposal isn't about creating a private education industry to create 30,000 teaching jobs. It's about halving the student/teacher ratio in Singapore schools so that twice the number of teachers are required to teach the same number of students. This isn't going to bring a single additional cent into the country. All it will do is inflate the wage bill of the MOE. That means that the govt will have to collect more taxes to make up the shortfall.

That is called investing in young minds. The average student will go out to become a more valuable worker. Perhaps more than 1 Sim wong hoo will emerge. Singlish would be eliminated in the process as well.

How much social cost the casinos inflict depends entirely on each and every individual Singaporean. Those who are dumb enough to gamble deserve their fate. I make regular trips to Las Vegas and I've never waged a single cent there. I go for the ambiance, the great shows, the fantastic food and most importantly the absolute splendor that the area surrounding the Colorado River provides.

That's just you. Not everyone is a money loving scrooge whose vote can be bought for a misery US$300.
 

Manager

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Re: Chiobu Today reporter: Former Civil Service high-flier says Government has lost

i have to agree with leongsam on his remark "The guy's an idiot. Creating 30,000 teaching jobs does nothing to attract foreign revenue into the economy. All it does is increase the cost of education with the additional money coming from YOU the taxpayer............

however Tan Jee Say did bring up a very good point. "Mr Tan also expressed disappointment that the number of public hospital beds per 10,000 of population had remained constant for 10 years until the addition of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. "How can you run a public health hospital policy without increasing the number of hospital beds when your population increases? Don't you provide for increase in population especially when you have foreigners coming in too?" asked Mr Tan."

care to comment on that leongsam?
 
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Leongsam

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Re: Chiobu Today reporter: Former Civil Service high-flier says Government has lost

That is called investing in young minds. The average student will go out to become a more valuable worker. Perhaps more than 1 Sim wong hoo will emerge. Singlish would be eliminated in the process as well.

That's just you. Not everyone is a money loving scrooge whose vote can be bought for a misery US$300.

Reducing the student/teacher ratio by half isn't going to do a damned thing for young minds. An idiot is an idiot whether the ratio is 40:1 or 1:1.

Smart people don't even need teachers. I was hardly ever in class during my school days as I was heavily involved in ECA. However, my grades did not suffer one iota. I simply went home, read the relevant chapters and did the homework. In fact, I did twice the amount of homework without being asked.

As for being vote buying I don't see the relevance. I have no problems spending money. If I was a scrooge, I wouldn't be wasting money running this forum for zero monetary returns. What I don't do is throw money at a game where to odds are stacked against me. It's simply very, very stupid. Anyone who gambles with money they can't afford to lose is an absolute dimwit.
 

Leongsam

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Re: Chiobu Today reporter: Former Civil Service high-flier says Government has lost

however Tan Jee Say did bring up a very good point. "Mr Tan also expressed disappointment that the number of public hospital beds per 10,000 of population had remained constant for 10 years until the addition of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. "How can you run a public health hospital policy without increasing the number of hospital beds when your population increases? Don't you provide for increase in population especially when you have foreigners coming in too?" asked Mr Tan."

care to comment on that leongsam?

I don't understand that statement. If he acknowledges that RATIO has remained constant, then it's obvious that the total number of beds have increased so that the ratio remains the same.

His statement "How can you run a public health hospital policy without increasing the number of hospital beds when your population increases" contradicts his first statement.
 

Whats4

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Re: Chiobu Today reporter: Former Civil Service high-flier says Government has lost

since he doen't like to go against his friend minister, i doubt he would veto or block his firends legistlation inside the parliament. :(:(:(
 

Manager

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Re: Chiobu Today reporter: Former Civil Service high-flier says Government has lost

leongsam , dont read too much into that sentence.. singaporean english sucks... you must read it using the sillypore way..:smile:

he is saying there is the same amount of public hospital beds now vs 10 years ago..although the population has increase. the number of bed didnt increase until they build the addition of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital..


I don't understand that statement. If he acknowledges that RATIO has remained constant, then it's obvious that the total number of beds have increased so that the ratio remains the same. :smile:

His statement "How can you run a public health hospital policy without increasing the number of hospital beds when your population increases" contradicts his first statement.
 
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sir cum-a-lot

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Re: Chiobu Today reporter: Former Civil Service high-flier says Government has lost

the lightning party is smart to lay off their (non familee) old guards at such short notice, just before the GE... this is to ensure that the 3 stooges won't have a chance to prepare & fight back, or in their perspectives "bite the hands that fed them".

soon, the 3 stooges would be asked to leave & retire in some remote country, for fear that they may band up & form a new opposition party in the next GE.

i've a good feeling that the 3 stooges that weren't entirely on the same side of the fence, singing off pitch from the song the lightning party have sung, will eventually lend a hand to those who oppose.
 
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