Dear Straits Times Journalist.

Do you frequently suffer from writers' block? Are you worried that your editor will reject your story or force you to resubmit your story at the 11th hour? Are you sometimes at a loss as to who to interview regarding the latest government announcement?

Well fear not, as usual, sammyboy provides you with all the answers. The next time one of those big shot govt. honchos makes an announcement, all you need to do to file your story in double quick time is to fill in the blanks below and presto!..... your story can be on the editor's desk way ahead of everyone else.

The template also guarantees that you will never get into trouble with top management for inadvertently going beyond the " OB markers".

When you get promoted don't forget to buy sammyboy a drink OK.

Thumbs Up for govt.'s policy on_______________,

_______________have given the thumbs up for the government's recent announcement regarding___________.

"The govt. has shown considerable foresight in introducing these ground breaking measures to_____________", said Mr./Ms/Madam__________(NMP/MP/RC Chairman/Union Leader/GLC CEO etc.*). "The timing of the measures is significant as Singapore is facing considerable external threats because of________________. The astute leadership provided by the govt. will no doubt guide Singapore through ______________.

Another NMP/MP/RC Chairman/Union Leader/GLC CEO etc.*, Mr./Ms/Madam____________ also heaped praise on the strong leadership provided by the govt."This proves that the govt. does not simply adopt populist policies but is willing to make tough decisions regarding_________in order to do what is best for Singapore in the long term."

Opposition Leader Mr. (Cheam See Tong/Low Thia Khiang*) was critical of the new policies though. He stated that they did not provide any relief for the poor and destitute as they would not benefit whatsoever from___________________.

However, BG__________ Minister/Minister of State* for___________ dismissed the opposition leader's comments outright. "It would be a grave mistake for Singapore to_______________. We are an Asian society and to blindly adopt Western concepts which are totally unsuitable for Singapore would be disastrous for the country".

BG__________ added that the opposition, as usual, was devoid of any new ideas. He challenged Mr. Chiam/Low* to come up with alternative policies rather than just criticizing the govt. regarding____________________.

The _______ Dept. of NTU/NUS* has been studying the issue of___________ and an independent in depth study shows conclusively that the govt. is on the right track regarding___________ and the policies will start to bear fruit in the 1st/2nd/3rd/4th* quarter of 2002/2003/2004*.

Professor_________, Head of the______ Dept. of (NTU/NUS*) stated that the govt. had obviously done a very thorough study as the govt. forecasts are in line with the Dept.'s long term projections regarding__________.

Professor_______'s views were echoed by the_________, Chairman of (Singtel/NOL/DBS/PSA/ST/..or any other GLC*) "Singapore is now poised for a considerable period of sustained growth". said Mr./Ms/Madam__________. "It's Kudos for the govt.'s efforts to____________________.

___________________________
ST Journalist par Excellence.

*Delete as applicable.