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SINGAPORE - With only days to go before the Republic elects its next President, the business community here has urged Singaporeans to "send a strong message on stability and economic rationality" through their votes. Dear Mr Chew, the former Minister Mentor said we are daft - why don't you say it out loud and suggest who to vote?
In a press statement yesterday, the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) said that "recent events have led a number of our members, including multi-national corporations, to consider whether Singapore will continue to remain politically stable and whether the business environment in Singapore could change".Dear Mr Chew, you have insulted both government and the people of Singapore. If after 52 years of ruling a state/nation then, and it cannot sustain any Elected President in a country with 95% of the seats in Parliament, the all of us have failed.
The SBF added: "When businesses invest billions, these are questions that will be asked, and have already been asked. The answer to these questions could determine serious investment decisions, and jobs in Singapore. If Singapore becomes less stable, it will be much less attractive for businesses, given the higher costs in Singapore."Sir, a gentle reminder. The last 12 years an under-unengaged and lack-lustre president has made Singapore one of the costliest places to operate a business and to maintain a decent life-style. Don't you think a more active one will spur the government to greater heights? Let me give you and your members a serious suggestion - google "most oppressed countries in the world" and then get your members to re-locate to these places. You will get all the stability you want. Talking about daftness.
The SBF represents more than 17,000 companies, the local and foreign business chambers as well as key national and industry associations that contribute significantly to the Republic's economy. Oh Mr Chew, naughty, naughty. You forgot to mention that Singaporeans too have contributed BILLIONS to your members' profits too.
Asked to elaborate on what it meant by "recent events", the SBF told Today that the Presidential Election is "taking place amid a backdrop of global economic turbulence, further perpetuated by political gridlock and partisan politics in some countries".So, what's the beef? When the global economy is good and GDP goes up, we are told the government has done a good job. (You know, I know, it is ONE TIDE LIFTS ALL) When bad times are round the corner, it is never the government's fault - it is the fault of globalisation. Again, we had the same party in government in the past 52 years and the same president for 12 years - were we spared of any recession or bad times? You may want to try harder; remember, we are daft.
It added: "These events have highlighted the importance of political stability and the maintenance of a stable business environment for both international and local businesses. "The shifting sentiment as a result of the recent Singapore General Election is also notable."Of course the results were notable, especially for the people. Why not come up front and say what you want to say? We are daft, remember?
In the statement, the SBF reiterated that the results of the Presidential Election will be "closely watched" by its members. This is a veiled threat to ALL SINGAPOREANS and does not reflect the leadership, the empathy of a leading business organisation which has been benefitting to the tunes of billions of dollars over the years. And for which Singaporeans have contributed significantly too. It is a two-way process. Your members are not charitable organisations. Now, without the first vote even being cast for almost ceremonial role, there is all this talk of running away!I hope our government takes note of your comments and respond appropriately.
It reiterated that businesses invest here despite the higher costs due to the political stability, transparent business rules and lawful government, stable infrastructure and safety, as well as the skilled workforce - adding that businesses would only continue to invest here should the conditions remain the same.Dear Mr Chew, the only constant in life is change. Even daft Singaporeans can tell you that even your business environment has been changing too, right?
The SBF said that if it appears that the political environment here is becoming "less stable and more contentious", and if a move towards policies which encourage greater spending seems likely, then business decisions could be affected. Dear Mr Chew, this is really an uncalled for, unnecessary re-iteration of the veiled threat. It is precisely statements like yours, which beat around the bush with veiled threats, insinuations and rumour-mongering which will scare investors away.
It added: "The choice of Singaporeans as to who should be the next Elected President will say much, as to whether Singapore continues to value what has made it successful so far." Okay, I AM daft. Tell me who to vote.
According to an SBF spokesperson, its constitution does not allow it to endorse any of the presidential candidates. Oops, looks I have just wasted my time.
-- http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110825-0000293/Send-strong-message-on-economic-stability
In a press statement yesterday, the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) said that "recent events have led a number of our members, including multi-national corporations, to consider whether Singapore will continue to remain politically stable and whether the business environment in Singapore could change".Dear Mr Chew, you have insulted both government and the people of Singapore. If after 52 years of ruling a state/nation then, and it cannot sustain any Elected President in a country with 95% of the seats in Parliament, the all of us have failed.
The SBF added: "When businesses invest billions, these are questions that will be asked, and have already been asked. The answer to these questions could determine serious investment decisions, and jobs in Singapore. If Singapore becomes less stable, it will be much less attractive for businesses, given the higher costs in Singapore."Sir, a gentle reminder. The last 12 years an under-unengaged and lack-lustre president has made Singapore one of the costliest places to operate a business and to maintain a decent life-style. Don't you think a more active one will spur the government to greater heights? Let me give you and your members a serious suggestion - google "most oppressed countries in the world" and then get your members to re-locate to these places. You will get all the stability you want. Talking about daftness.
The SBF represents more than 17,000 companies, the local and foreign business chambers as well as key national and industry associations that contribute significantly to the Republic's economy. Oh Mr Chew, naughty, naughty. You forgot to mention that Singaporeans too have contributed BILLIONS to your members' profits too.
Asked to elaborate on what it meant by "recent events", the SBF told Today that the Presidential Election is "taking place amid a backdrop of global economic turbulence, further perpetuated by political gridlock and partisan politics in some countries".So, what's the beef? When the global economy is good and GDP goes up, we are told the government has done a good job. (You know, I know, it is ONE TIDE LIFTS ALL) When bad times are round the corner, it is never the government's fault - it is the fault of globalisation. Again, we had the same party in government in the past 52 years and the same president for 12 years - were we spared of any recession or bad times? You may want to try harder; remember, we are daft.
It added: "These events have highlighted the importance of political stability and the maintenance of a stable business environment for both international and local businesses. "The shifting sentiment as a result of the recent Singapore General Election is also notable."Of course the results were notable, especially for the people. Why not come up front and say what you want to say? We are daft, remember?
In the statement, the SBF reiterated that the results of the Presidential Election will be "closely watched" by its members. This is a veiled threat to ALL SINGAPOREANS and does not reflect the leadership, the empathy of a leading business organisation which has been benefitting to the tunes of billions of dollars over the years. And for which Singaporeans have contributed significantly too. It is a two-way process. Your members are not charitable organisations. Now, without the first vote even being cast for almost ceremonial role, there is all this talk of running away!I hope our government takes note of your comments and respond appropriately.
It reiterated that businesses invest here despite the higher costs due to the political stability, transparent business rules and lawful government, stable infrastructure and safety, as well as the skilled workforce - adding that businesses would only continue to invest here should the conditions remain the same.Dear Mr Chew, the only constant in life is change. Even daft Singaporeans can tell you that even your business environment has been changing too, right?
The SBF said that if it appears that the political environment here is becoming "less stable and more contentious", and if a move towards policies which encourage greater spending seems likely, then business decisions could be affected. Dear Mr Chew, this is really an uncalled for, unnecessary re-iteration of the veiled threat. It is precisely statements like yours, which beat around the bush with veiled threats, insinuations and rumour-mongering which will scare investors away.
It added: "The choice of Singaporeans as to who should be the next Elected President will say much, as to whether Singapore continues to value what has made it successful so far." Okay, I AM daft. Tell me who to vote.
According to an SBF spokesperson, its constitution does not allow it to endorse any of the presidential candidates. Oops, looks I have just wasted my time.
-- http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110825-0000293/Send-strong-message-on-economic-stability
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