The standard of service from the civil/government services

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#1
"The two have been suspended, and will have to undergo re-training and re-certification before they can resume their duties, said Mr Neo at a media briefing."

If both were in the private sector, both would have been sacked.
Just two!!?? Dot thinks all the employees have to undergo re-training and re-certification.

Two SMRT staff suspended after human error worsened MRT disruption on Oct 14

The two SMRT staff had misread equipment at the substation and thought that the power fault in Tuas had been isolated.ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

Clement Yong

• PUBLISHED
  OCT 28, 2020, 10:49 PM SGT

FACEBOOKTWITTER

SINGAPORE - When a power fault first struck the North-South and East-West lines on Oct 14, SMRT's first focus was to avoid having to evacuate passengers on stalled trains, said its chief executive Neo Kian Hong on Wednesday (Oct 28).

That was why the operator decided to draw power from an alternative substation in Buona Vista, in a bid to restore service along the affected stations more quickly.

But two of its employees - a supervisor and a staff member - misread equipment at the substation and thought that the power fault in Tuas had been isolated when it had not.

The failure to isolate the fault before drawing power caused a voltage dip at the substation, which powers the Circle Line (CCL). This caused a power trip and affected service on the CCL.

The two have been suspended, and will have to undergo re-training and re-certification before they can resume their duties, said Mr Neo at a media briefing.

He also said that SMRT took "a lot of safety precautions" when it decided that it had to evacuate passengers from the stalled trains, to maintain the safety and well-being of commuters on board.

These included suspending detrainment for one of the trains near Bukit Batok at 8.44pm due to rain and lightning risk.

The train, which was the last to be cleared of passengers, was emptied only at 9.43pm, two hours and 45 minutes after the fault began.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Wednesday said passengers had to be detrained from 15 stalled trains - three on the Circle Line and 12 on the North-South and East-West lines.

Commuters getting out of the train onto the tracks near Kranji station

Detrainment was completed within 20 minutes on the Circle Line, but took more than an hour for those on the North-South and East-West lines.


In a report released on Wednesday, the LTA said it had received feedback that more updates should be provided on the situation leading up to the detrainment, "for better awareness and preparedness".


SMRT will continue to improve its communications during disruptions, and arrange for its staff to provide commuters in stalled trains with more updates, the LTA said.

It noted that regular bus services plying the affected stations were made free immediately, and 120 shuttle buses were mobilised to ferry commuters.

"There were periods of crowd congestion at the bus points of the affected stations initially and later at the stations where trains turned around," the LTA said.

Crowds waiting to board buses at Queenstown MRT station, after a power fault led to the suspension of train services, on Oct 14, 2020.
ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

Investigations conducted later that night found that power cables located around 500m from Tuas Link station along the Tuas West Extension were burnt through.

There were short circuits between three cables on the upper layer of the two-layer power cable network, which led to a high fault current burning through the cables.

The burnt section of cable that led to the massive disruption on Oct 14, 2020. PHOTO: LTA

In addition, a trip coil - a component of a nearby circuit breaker which should have kicked in to isolate the fault - was found to have melted. This caused the circuit breaker to fail.

The LTA said repair works on the faulty power cables between Tuas Link and Tuas West Road stations were completed over two nights, on Oct 16 and 17.

The faulty trip coil was replaced on the night of the incident itself.

A trip coil that melted caused the circuit breaker to fail, leading to the disruption on Oct 14, 2020. PHOTO LTA

SMRT checked all trip coils along the Tuas West Extension as a precaution, and found two other trip coils that "exhibited inconsistent performance that could result in a similar failure".

French firm Alstom - which supplied the power system - is conducting forensic investigations on the faulty trip coils, the LTA said.

The report also revealed that the Tuas West Extension had experienced similar cable faults since it began operations in May 2017.

Two cable faults occurred in 2018, and two more occurred this year, in January and June.

The faults all occurred at the upper layer of the cables, along different stretches along the MRT extension line. Train services were not affected because the circuit breakers kicked in to isolate the faulty cables, the LTA said.

After the fault in June, Alstom had agreed to replace all upper layer power cables with cables that have tougher insulation. The replacement was scheduled to start this month.

It had also agreed to a 20-year warranty extension for the lower layer cables.

Following the Oct 14 disruption, Alstom also agreed to replace all the lower layer cables. In all, it will replace about 150km of cables along the Tuas West Extension by the end of next year, at its own cost.

 

[realDonaldTrump]

The fat cats in civil service is more overpaid when compared against the private sector
Our private sector is more overpaid than their peers overseas.

Therefore it is very important that our country protects local jobs.

 

[laksaboy]

Look at the choice of words the presstitutes use to play down the situation... 'disruption'.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#2
Quote: "“SPS places a high level of importance on workplace safety both within and outside SPS’ premises,” said the prison service, adding that the bus driver has since been suspended from driving duties, pending investigations."

What a load of bullshit. SPS was sleeping. Only reacted after there was an accident.

Singapore Prison Service bus driver suspended from driving duties after collision at State Courts

The driveway of the State Courts, seen on Oct 29, 2020. (Photo: Lydia Lam)
29 Oct 2020 10:57AM(Updated: 29 Oct 2020 01:06PM)

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Prison Service (SPS) said on Wednesday (Oct 28) it has suspended one of its bus drivers from driving duties after a collision with a motorcyclist at the State Courts.

Traffic safety measures at the location have also been enhanced, the SPS and State Courts told CNA.

The accident on Sep 24 took place at the driveway of the State Courts. The bus driver had entered the driveway via the exit lane instead of the entry lane in order to access a secured vehicle drop-off point. At the same time, a motorcyclist was turning from the basement car park into the exit lane.

"Both the SPS bus driver and motorcyclist were unable to stop in time, resulting in the collision," said SPS and the State Courts in separate responses to questions from CNA.

The motorcyclist, a 31-year-old woman, was conscious when taken to the hospital and was discharged after treatment.

Police investigations are ongoing.

INTERIM ARRANGEMENT

Photos of the accident published by The Online Citizen last week showed the prison bus facing the opposite direction at the exit lane of the driveway.

“Due to the length of the vehicles and tight turning radius, arrangements had been made with the State Courts for SPS buses to use the exit lane when accessing the secured vehicle drop-off point,” said SPS.

The State Courts said this is an interim arrangement while the new Family Justice Courts building at the site of the former State Courts building is under construction.

"When the construction is completed, the entry and exit points for security vehicles will be relocated," it said.

An SPS officer is deployed to the area to direct traffic when SPS buses have to use the exit lane. At the time of the accident, however, the officer was "occupied with supervising the disembarkation of persons-in-custody" from another bus at the drop-off point, said SPS.

"However, the SPS bus driver involved in the accident proceeded to drive towards the drop-off point and at the same time, a motorcyclist exited the restricted basement car park and was turning onto the same exit lane," said SPS.

After the accident, the driver got off the bus to check on the motorcyclist. A State Courts security officer who was stationed nearby called for an ambulance and the police.

“SPS places a high level of importance on workplace safety both within and outside SPS’ premises,” said the prison service, adding that the bus driver has since been suspended from driving duties, pending investigations.

ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES

Following the incident, additional safety protocols have been put in place to prevent a similar accident from happening, said the State Courts.

This includes stationing an additional officer at the area to direct large vehicles to the drop-off point. Traffic cones will also be used to block vehicles from exiting the restricted basement car park when there are large vehicles entering the drop-off point.

“The secured vehicle drop-off point is an interim arrangement, while a permanent drop-off point with a separate entry and exit point that can accommodate large vehicles such as the SPS bus is being built,” said the prison service.

 

[sweetiepie]

KNN suspension means shake leg getting celery KNN to people like my uncle a job hopper and ceo beater is a good thing KNN

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#3
It is almost 9 years since the PUB called this "ponding". Even if this is ponding, and not flooding, how many more good years of ponding will there be? Don't the ministers and government agencies have had enough time to stop this "minor" ponding problem?

Heavy rain leads to flash floods around Singapore
1 of 5

Two people approach a stranded driver from a house at Gambir Walk with water scoops, during heavy rain on Nov 2, 2020.ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
Ang Qing


SINGAPORE - Heavy rain led to flash floods lasting for about half an hour at three locations in Singapore on Monday afternoon (Nov 2).

National water agency PUB said in a Facebook post that there were flash floods around 3pm in Upper Paya Lebar Road, Lorong Gambir and Mount Vernon Road.

It had advised people to avoid these and eight other locations, including MacPherson Road, Balestier Road and Sims Drive, as water levels and canals rose to 90 per cent due to the rain.

In an update at 4.15pm, it said the floods, which lasted about half an hour, had subsided, and officers were deployed to render assistance.

According to Facebook group SG Road Vigilante, a tree fell in MacPherson Road towards Paya Lebar, causing it to be unpassable.

PUB also said that more heavy rain is expected over many northern and western areas of Singapore from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#4
Quote: "In some instances, the recipients had left their letterboxes unlocked, Ms Indranee said."

And the idiotic postmen still put the voucher inside these letterboxes that were left unlocked!!?? Civil service mentality.

Parliament: 55 arrested for theft of Budget 2020 grocery vouchers; future vouchers may go digital, says Indranee Rajah

Police investigations found the thefts appear to be opportunistic and the cases are not linked.PHOTOS: LIANHE WANBAO, SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE/FACEBOOK

Fabian Koh




SINGAPORE - A total of 55 people have been arrested for stealing Budget 2020 grocery vouchers from letterboxes at Housing Board blocks across the island, said Second Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah on Monday (Nov 2).

Those receiving the vouchers are mainly older people, with most of them aged 55 and older, she added in Parliament.

But as digital literacy improves in this group over time, the Government may issue digital vouchers, she said in her reply to three MPs who had asked about the distribution methods and rate of theft of the vouchers.

The grocery voucher scheme helps lower-income Singaporeans with their household expenses and can be used at participating supermarkets.

About 150,000 sets of vouchers, each worth $150, were sent via tracked registered mail to eligible Singaporeans last month, the Minister said.

A total of 229 sets, or less than 0.2 per cent, have been reported stolen as of Oct 28, with the police making 55 arrests.

Police investigations found the thefts appear to be opportunistic and the cases are not linked. In some instances, the recipients had left their letterboxes unlocked, Ms Indranee said.

"The small number of vouchers reported as stolen have been voided, and replacement vouchers are being issued to eligible recipients. We encourage everyone to keep their letterboxes locked and repair any damaged letterboxes to avoid theft," she added.

Each voucher also has unique features which help identify the intended recipient and trace the voucher to specific locations and time of transaction, to prevent theft and fraud.

She also explained the Government had to find a distribution method that balances public health constraints from Covid-19 with reasonable convenience for the recipients and security concerns.

Digital vouchers were ruled out as some of the recipients may not own a smartphone, have a mobile data plan or be digitally-ready.

It would have required more time and effort to first provide the appropriate digital interfaces before the recipients can receive the intended support, she added.
"That said, as digital literacy improves among older Singaporeans, we may be able to consider digital vouchers for this group in future."

Self-collection at the nearest community club or centre was also ruled out, as it would bring additional inconvenience for senior citizens, especially those with mobility issues, and cause crowding at the collection points.

Ms Indranee said that owing to the pandemic, Singapore Post (SingPost) had adopted contactless delivery measures earlier this year, including the redirection of registered mail services to letterboxes.

She added that SingPost will monitor and verify successful deliveries to recipients' letterboxes, with a photo taken by the postman as proof of delivery.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#5
Quote: "A portion of MediShield Life premiums paid by working adults is set aside for the future to moderate premium increases as people age, said Senior Minister of State for Health Koh Poh Koon."

The healthy are subsidising the sick and the current insured are subsidising the future insured.

Parliament: Part of MediShield Life premiums paid now set aside to moderate increases in old age, says Koh Poh Koon

Senior Minister of State for Health Koh Poh Koon noted that annual payouts under MediShield Life have increased by 40 per cent.ST PHOTO: GIN TAY

Linette Lai


SINGAPORE - A portion of MediShield Life premiums paid by working adults is set aside for the future to moderate premium increases as people age, said Senior Minister of State for Health Koh Poh Koon on Monday (Nov 2).

He added that these funds make up the bulk of the money earmarked for future commitments under the scheme, which has been designed to distribute premiums more evenly over policyholders' lifetimes.

Other such commitments include future payouts for diseases that require long-term treatment, such as kidney failure and cancer.

Dr Koh was responding to questions from seven MPs on both sides of the House, who had asked about issues such as the Government's justification for the impending premium increase, and the affordability of premiums for vulnerable groups.

The Health Ministry had announced in September that MediShield Life is set to get a revamp next year, which would see premiums rise by up to a third.

The increase will pay for a wider range of benefits - such as raising the yearly claim limit from $100,000 to $150,000 - as well as rising healthcare costs. It is the first time that MediShield Life premiums will go up since the scheme was launched five years ago.

"Premiums collected have to cover potential current and future payouts, including amounts set aside to support future commitments, as well as provide a buffer against unforeseen contingencies such as unexpected spikes in hospitalisations due to disease outbreaks," Dr Koh said.

Going into the numbers, he said $7.5 billion in MediShield Life premiums were collected between 2016 and 2019. This comprised $4.4 billion collected directly from policyholders, and $3.1 billion from the Government in the form of subsidies and other forms of premium support.

In the same period, a total of $3.5 billion in claims were paid out, while $3 billion was set aside for future premium rebates.

The average incurred loss ratio of the MediShield Life fund from 2016 to last year was 104 per cent, he noted. This means premiums collected were slightly less than the total amount required for current claims and future commitments under the scheme.

At present, lower- and middle-income households get up to 50 per cent subsidies on their MediShield Life premiums, while Merdeka and Pioneer Generation seniors get additional subsidies on top of this.

The Government paid about 35 per cent of total premiums through various subsidies and support in 2019, Dr Koh said.

He also broke down premium increases under the scheme, noting that annual payouts under MediShield Life have increased by 40 per cent, while the number of claimants has gone up by 30 per cent.

Between 2001 and 2019, the average hospitalisation bill size in public healthcare institutions also went up by about 6 per cent a year on average, Dr Koh added.

"This is affected by medical cost inflation, demographics and medical advancements over the years."

Two-thirds of the premium increases will go towards paying for the growth in utilisation and payouts, he said.

Refreshing claim limits to ensure that Singaporeans continue to be adequately covered for the majority of subsidised bills will account for one-quarter of the increase, while the remainder supports benefit enhancements, such as extending coverage to inpatient hospices and serious pregnancy complications.

He stressed that the Government has several financial support schemes to ensure that Singaporeans will not lose their MediShield Life coverage or be denied access to care because they cannot afford their premiums.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#6
Quote: "While having a single formula to justify increases in Medishield Life premiums is ideal, creating one that can account for the various factors of healthcare inflation is very difficult, said Senior Minister of State for Health Koh Poh Koon."

If it is too difficult to calculate a fair premium, just anyhow hantam and charge the Sinkies more lor. Better to be kiasu and cover one's arse than to be fair. It is so simple to be a Minister or in senior management at the CPF Board.

Parliament: Difficult to create single formula for MediShield Life premium hikes, says Koh Poh Koon

Senior Minister of State for Health Koh Poh Koon added that MediShield Life is also virtually free for Singaporeans aged 90 and above.ST PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID

Rei Kurohi




SINGAPORE - While having a single formula to justify increases in Medishield Life premiums is ideal, creating one that can account for the various factors of healthcare inflation is very difficult, said Senior Minister of State for Health Koh Poh Koon.

He was responding to Ms Foo Mee Har (West Coast GRC), who asked if the Health Ministry could develop a transparent framework for MediShield Life premium hikes, similar to the Public Transport Council's fare adjustment formula for transport fare hikes.

Dr Koh, a colorectal surgeon by training, on Monday (Nov 2) noted the difficulty of predicting what kinds of technologies will drive clinical practice in the future.
He cited how a patient with a head injury would be sent for an X-ray that would cost $15 to $20 in earlier years. However, an X-ray would not indicate if the patient had bleeding in the brain or traumatic soft tissue injury.

Today, it is "almost unthinkable" for a patient with serious head injury to not have a CT scan, he said, adding however that this scan costs hundreds of dollars - a multiple-fold increase in cost compared to X-rays.

The extent to which new medical technologies are used, how pervasive they are and how much they will cost also depend on clinical guidelines as well, he noted.

"As opposed to a transport fare formula, where the parameters and the variables are a little bit more fixed and more predictable, healthcare inflation takes into account many unforeseen kinds of variables that will come along the way," he said.

Dr Koh added that the magnitude of inflation in healthcare costs cannot be predicted ahead of time. It is also difficult for a single formula to factor in the prevalence of a disease that requires various treatments, he said.

Several other MPs also asked Dr Koh questions about the universal medical insurance scheme, including Workers' Party MP Gerald Giam (Aljunied GRC), Mr Liang Eng Hwa (Bukit Panjang), Mr Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang) and Progress Singapore Party (PSP) Non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai.

Mr Giam and Mr Leong asked if the full MediShield Life actuarial report could be made publicly available so independent actuaries can analyse it. Mr Giam also asked if the Government had studied how other countries release such reports for their national health insurance schemes.

Dr Koh said the premium adjustments are proposed and calculated by external actuaries who are independent of the Government.

The size of the funds collected and paid out are also externally audited and the findings are reported in Parliament annually, he added.

"Over time, we could perhaps engage different consultants to take a look, to challenge the assumptions, to do another calculation at an appropriate time to make sure that we are still on track," said Dr Koh, noting that the MediShield Life scheme was launched in 2015 and is still new.

"We can also speak to the consultants and see if they are able to publish some of this data in an academic way, but this will not be something that most lay people will understand."

Mr Liang asked if revised MediShield Life premiums are affordable for lower income groups and how they compare with that of other countries with similar schemes.

In response, Dr Koh cited Hong Kong's government-backed Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme and said the revised MediShield Life premiums are 76 per cent lower on average, across all age bands.

"Even before subsidies, our premiums for universal coverage - all conditions, for life, no exclusion - is already much cheaper than the one that Hong Kong has," said Dr Koh.

He added that MediShield Life is also virtually free for Singaporeans aged 90 and above, who enjoy additional subsidies and Medisave top-ups which can be used to pay the premiums as members of the Pioneer Generation.

Responding to Mr Yip on how the Health Ministry plans to promote awareness of such subsidies, Dr Koh said all MPs should help to communicate information about MediShield Life to their residents.

He said the ministry will also engage the public with case illustrations and through the media.

 

[Asterix]

I don’t call in Gahbra-ment for nothing ...

 

[knowwhatyouwantinlife]

What kind of name is rei kurohi? Sounds jap

 

[mojito]

The fat cats in civil service is more overpaid when compared against the private sector
Our private sector is more overpaid than their peers overseas.

Therefore it is very important that our country protects local jobs.

In deed oppies always point to affluent talented FTs, yet as u can see the silver serpents are shame less and in competent. We should be thankful FTs are holding this place together.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#7
Ministers and ministries not communicating and coordinating with each other.

TraceTogether for schools only when all tokens given out

T
he MOE encouraged parents and students to collect and carry their TraceTogether tokens on them.ST PHOTOS: ALPHONSUS CHERN, GIN TAY

Clement Yong



SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Education (MOE) has postponed its requirement for students to use either the TraceTogether token or app on their mobile phones for entry to schools until all tokens are given out.

The announcement comes after the Government said the public should wait for their constituencies to be served due to long queues at collection centres.

Previously announced MOE guidelines required the use of TraceTogether in schools from Dec 1, with December as the grace period when students' NRIC or student passes can still be scanned.

These are in line with broader changes to regulations that have kicked in recently, which required the TraceTogether app or token for entry to venues like restaurants, workplaces and shopping malls by end December.

The current digital check-in system, SafeEntry, will no longer be sufficient then.

The MOE said then that parents and students are encouraged to collect and carry their TraceTogether tokens on them, as students may not have access to their mobile phones at all times.

It promised that school staff will help the students as they transition to using TraceTogether.

The TraceTogether app and token work by exchanging short-distance Bluetooth signals with other TraceTogether apps or tokens nearby.

This proximity data, which is encrypted and stored for 25 days before being automatically deleted, allows for faster contact tracing.

More than 50 per cent of the population is on the TraceTogether programme now, with long queues on Oct 24 at some of the 38 community centres and clubs where the tokens are distributed.

Education Minister Lawrence Wong, co-chair of the multi-ministry task force tackling Covid-19, had said last month that a 70 per cent take-up rate for the TraceTogether app is one of the conditions that could help Singapore get to phase three of its reopening, under which groups of up to eight people may be able to gather and other restrictions relaxed.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#8
The standard of service from the Ministry of Home Affairs has gone downhill since Wong Kan Seng's time.

Forum: Issues with Traffic Police portal

I recently received from the Traffic Police a notice to submit my driver's particulars online in relation to a traffic offence.

The notice directed me to a website, but when I tried to furnish my particulars using SingPass, I could not do so and got an error prompt instead.

I then attempted to submit feedback online through the same portal, but nothing happened after I hit the "submit" button.

In my frustration, I called the hotline and was directed to the Traffic Police where, after listening to and going through many computerised options, I managed to speak to a human being who gave me an e-mail address to direct my feedback to.

Again, my e-mail with feedback on the use of the Traffic Police portal and the particulars that were requested in the notice failed to go through.

The upshot of all this is that I expended a significant amount of time trying to comply with a Traffic Police notice before the given deadline; failure to do so carries a maximum fine of $1,000 or six months' imprisonment, or both.

I was eventually able to submit my particulars and feedback, but the Traffic Police portal clearly needs looking into.

There must be many people like me who tried to comply with their legal obligations but had to unfairly put up with electronic deficiencies such as those I experienced.

Tongel Yeo

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#9
Who is managing the parks?

Forum: Inconsiderate actions spoiling park experience

I enjoy going to Bedok Town Park for leisure walks in the morning or late afternoon. And I love taking photos of butterflies, dragonflies and birds in the park.

The place is spacious and tranquil, and ideal for exercising, relaxing and destressing with nature.

However, of late, some of the goings-on in the park are annoying users like me who go there for some peace and quiet.

First, there is the use of powered leaf-blowers to collect fallen leaves. The ear-splitting noise from the blowers goes on for hours for two or three days in a row, and the noise reverberates through much of the park.

Even for just a few leaves, I notice the workers will use the blowers to move them to a heap of already collected leaves metres away. The few leaves can easily be picked up with a sharp stick or a thin iron rod.

What has happened to the rakes and brooms which can do the job equally well without the ugly noise.

Then there is the catching of butterflies by children accompanied by adults. While I try to capture these butterflies with my camera, they try to catch them with nets. I think a sign should be put up telling visitors to leave the butterflies alone.

Children should be taught to appreciate butterflies in their natural habitat. Catching them means killing them.

Third, there are people who are not engaged in any form of strenuous exercise but are not wearing masks. They have become complacent and let their guard down.

These selfish people endanger the lives of other park users and must be stopped. Since the start of the circuit breaker in April, I have not seen any enforcement officer in the park.

Finally, bicycles are parked illegally on the covered walkway, right under the sign that says no bicycle parking just outside the MRT station.

There is a big designated bicycle park a few metres away. It is usually the same two or three bicycles parked on the covered walkway.

Tan Kim Hock

 

[mojito]

#9
Who is managing the parks?

Forum: Inconsiderate actions spoiling park experience

I enjoy going to Bedok Town Park for leisure walks in the morning or late afternoon. And I love taking photos of butterflies, dragonflies and birds in the park.

The place is spacious and tranquil, and ideal for exercising, relaxing and destressing with nature.

However, of late, some of the goings-on in the park are annoying users like me who go there for some peace and quiet.

First, there is the use of powered leaf-blowers to collect fallen leaves. The ear-splitting noise from the blowers goes on for hours for two or three days in a row, and the noise reverberates through much of the park.

Even for just a few leaves, I notice the workers will use the blowers to move them to a heap of already collected leaves metres away. The few leaves can easily be picked up with a sharp stick or a thin iron rod.

What has happened to the rakes and brooms which can do the job equally well without the ugly noise.

Then there is the catching of butterflies by children accompanied by adults. While I try to capture these butterflies with my camera, they try to catch them with nets. I think a sign should be put up telling visitors to leave the butterflies alone.

Children should be taught to appreciate butterflies in their natural habitat. Catching them means killing them.

Third, there are people who are not engaged in any form of strenuous exercise but are not wearing masks. They have become complacent and let their guard down.

These selfish people endanger the lives of other park users and must be stopped. Since the start of the circuit breaker in April, I have not seen any enforcement officer in the park.

Finally, bicycles are parked illegally on the covered walkway, right under the sign that says no bicycle parking just outside the MRT station.

There is a big designated bicycle park a few metres away. It is usually the same two or three bicycles parked on the covered walkway.

Tan Kim Hock

Can't expect civic mindedness from the Third World, can we?

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#10
Mr Shanmugam said he has asked for a review of the workload of police investigating officers, but acknowledged that there was no easy solution as it was a manpower issue.

Shanmugam is basically saying that this can happen again.

Parliament: Shanmugam admits lapse in Parti Liyani probe, says police should have acted quicker

Former domestic helper Parti Liyani, seen here with her lawyer Anil Balchandani leaving the State Courts on Sept 8, 2020.PHOTO: ST FILE

Selina Lum
Law Correspondent


SINGAPORE - The five-week gap between the filing of the police report by Mr Liew Mun Leong and his son, and the police officers visiting the scene was a breach of a legal requirement, as well as a breach of police protocol.

Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam said that the police should have visited the scene close to the time that the police report was made on Oct 30, 2016.
The police are legally required to respond to a crime scene promptly or as soon as practicable, he said.

In this case, the police went to the Liews' home only on Dec 3, 2016.

Mr Shanmugam said: "There can be no excuse for this lapse."

He added that internal investigations are being carried out in relation to the conduct of the officers involved in the case, and action will be taken as necessary.

Mr Shanmugam said he had asked for an explanation for the lapses and was told that the investigation officer was busy with a number of ongoing prosecutions, arrest operations, and personal matters.

The officer seemed to have been under a lot of work pressure and was in a predicament, he said.

Mr Shanmugam said he has asked for a review of the workload of police investigating officers, but acknowledged that there was no easy solution as it was a manpower issue.

The delay in the police visiting the crime scene was one of the reasons for the High Court's decision to acquit Ms Parti Liyani of theft in September.

In his judgment, Justice Chan Seng Onn found that there was a break in the chain of custody of the items that were said to be stolen.
Ms Parti had packed the items into three boxes after she was fired on Oct 28, 2016.

She returned to Indonesia that night after Mr Karl Liew agreed to send the boxes to her.

The next day, the boxes were opened by the Liews, who found items which they said belonged to them.

Justice Chan said between Oct 29, when the boxes were opened, and Dec 3, when the police visited the scene, there had been a break in the chain of custody of evidence.

The judge said it could not prove that Ms Liyani took the items that were eventually documented by the police because there could have been interference while the boxes were with the Liews.

On Wednesday, Mr Shanmugam added that it is not always necessary for police to seize items when investigating cases.

However, even if the items are not seized, the police have to obtain a proper record of the evidence, such as by taking photographs of the items.

In this case, careful photography soon after the police report was filed may have been good enough. But that was not done, he said.

 

[blackmondy]

How come we don't see ministers getting punished for fucking up ?

 

[Hypocrite-The]

#10
Mr Shanmugam said he has asked for a review of the workload of police investigating officers, but acknowledged that there was no easy solution as it was a manpower issue.

Shanmugam is basically saying that this can happen again.

Parliament: Shanmugam admits lapse in Parti Liyani probe, says police should have acted quicker

Former domestic helper Parti Liyani, seen here with her lawyer Anil Balchandani leaving the State Courts on Sept 8, 2020.PHOTO: ST FILE

Selina Lum
Law Correspondent


SINGAPORE - The five-week gap between the filing of the police report by Mr Liew Mun Leong and his son, and the police officers visiting the scene was a breach of a legal requirement, as well as a breach of police protocol.

Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam said that the police should have visited the scene close to the time that the police report was made on Oct 30, 2016.
The police are legally required to respond to a crime scene promptly or as soon as practicable, he said.

In this case, the police went to the Liews' home only on Dec 3, 2016.

Mr Shanmugam said: "There can be no excuse for this lapse."

He added that internal investigations are being carried out in relation to the conduct of the officers involved in the case, and action will be taken as necessary.

Mr Shanmugam said he had asked for an explanation for the lapses and was told that the investigation officer was busy with a number of ongoing prosecutions, arrest operations, and personal matters.

The officer seemed to have been under a lot of work pressure and was in a predicament, he said.

Mr Shanmugam said he has asked for a review of the workload of police investigating officers, but acknowledged that there was no easy solution as it was a manpower issue.

The delay in the police visiting the crime scene was one of the reasons for the High Court's decision to acquit Ms Parti Liyani of theft in September.

In his judgment, Justice Chan Seng Onn found that there was a break in the chain of custody of the items that were said to be stolen.
Ms Parti had packed the items into three boxes after she was fired on Oct 28, 2016.

She returned to Indonesia that night after Mr Karl Liew agreed to send the boxes to her.

The next day, the boxes were opened by the Liews, who found items which they said belonged to them.

Justice Chan said between Oct 29, when the boxes were opened, and Dec 3, when the police visited the scene, there had been a break in the chain of custody of evidence.

The judge said it could not prove that Ms Liyani took the items that were eventually documented by the police because there could have been interference while the boxes were with the Liews.

On Wednesday, Mr Shanmugam added that it is not always necessary for police to seize items when investigating cases.

However, even if the items are not seized, the police have to obtain a proper record of the evidence, such as by taking photographs of the items.

In this case, careful photography soon after the police report was filed may have been good enough. But that was not done, he said.

K Shanmugam defended the police and agencies a few days before announcing speech on Parti case without COI

by Ghui

4 November 2020

in Opinion

3 min read
33

Minister for Law and Home Affairs , K Shanmugam (Shanmugam) has said via a video post on his Facebook page that he will deliver a “major” Ministerial Statement on the Parti Liyani (Parti) case in Parliament to speak about five key issues arising from the case.
Among other things, he has said that he will talk about the facts of the case, equality and fairness, whether there was “influence peddling” and whether any rules had been broken.
While it remains the hope that Shanmugam will take the police, the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) and the Liews to task given the revelations in the High Court, his recent statements in support of the police have been disturbing.
Just a few days ago at the Minister’s Awards Presentation Ceremony, Shanmugam had said that there have been increasing attempts to delegitimise enforcement agencies, adding that the police and other agencies would not be intimidated by such moves.
Is this a sign that the Minister intends to back the police and the AGC no matter what the High Court has say?

“When the police take action, there are some who will claim that investigations are politically motivated, make other baseless claims about law enforcement processes.“

In what appears to be a dig at opposition politician and lawyer to Leong Sze Hian and Terry Xu for their respective defamation cases, Lim Tean, Shanmugam also said that “some people want special exemptions from investigations, especially when the allegations against them are serious, such as those involving criminal breach of trust or sexual harassment”.
Yet, given the timing of Lim Tean’s arrest, is it really that far fetched to come to the conclusion that it may have been politically motivated?
Further, the Minister said “the rule of law applies to all, regardless of who you are.” However, if that is indeed the case, how does the Minister explain the way the the prosecution has pushed ahead to get a man sentenced to death despite inadequate evidence? Or how will the Minister explain the discrepancy between how the police handled reports against the WP’s Raeesah Khan and Heng Swee Keat or Ong Ye Kung?
While we don’t yet know what Shanmugam is set to say, it is very possible (looking at his stanch defence of the police and other agencies just a few days ago) that Shanmugam may well say that the police and the AGC did nothing wrong in Parti’s case. Yet, if he does, will he not be going against his own words earlier when he acknowledged that “something has gone wrong in the chain of events”?
At this juncture, it is important to remember that in Parti’s case, the police had been unprofessional (and even negligent) in the handling of evidence. There is also ample evidence to suggest that the Liews had broken the law by deploying Parti to different households and may have been worried about Parti complaining to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). So much so that in court, Karl Liew could not even identify the items that were supposedly stolen from him. Not to mention the six degrees of separation that connect all the major players in the Parti case.
It is also noteworthy that the authorities have steadfastly refused to convene a committee of inquiry (COI) for the Parti case.

It is also crucial to remember that the High Court had no dog in the fight where Parti was concerned. It simply looked at the facts in front of it. Authorities however may have an agenda to ensure that no mistake is admitted.
Is it really possible for the Minister to deal with any of the issues his video promised in the absence of such a COI?

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#11
Who is in charge of the civil service? Prime Minister

Forum: Govt channels could be more responsive to feedback
PUBLISHED NOV 13, 2020, 2:00 AM SGT

I applaud the nation's leaders for embracing more digital platforms for citizen feedback, which increases access and convenience - especially important in today's increasingly digitalised world. The means by which feedback can be given include e-Meet-the-People Sessions (e-MPS), e-mail, or apps such as OneService.

But I have so far been unimpressed with the responses.

I have been giving feedback over the past year about someone's home alarm going off in the wee hours in my neighbourhood, which has disturbed sleep and caused anxiety.

I have written to my town council, as well as through OneService and, most recently, e-MPS. Each time, I have been referred to the Housing Board, which provides a link that expires after a certain duration, after which all correspondence ceases.

With my most recent e-mail via e-MPS in July, I sought more attention for my case, seeing that there was poor follow-up each time.

I did not receive a reply until I provided my address and NRIC number - which I found odd, given that the alarm was affecting not only my household. I was once again referred to the HDB.

A follow-up e-mail in September via e-MPS to ask why I received a reply only when my NRIC number was provided went unanswered.

I have also not been contacted by the HDB.

I believe that more accountability and responsiveness are expected on these platforms. Mr Alex Yeo had similar feedback (Better communication by govt agencies can go a long way, Sept 19).

It is encouraging to hear more promises by the authorities to listen to feedback from citizens, but if some of these platforms have not been shown to help, then these promises just ring hollow.

Many citizens believe the Government is doing much behind the scenes, but too often, there is poor communication.

Agencies can sometimes make mistakes, and that is the purpose of having a feedback mechanism. But if things do not improve after feedback is given, then something may be wrong with that mechanism.

Lim Wei Yang