[Defending the Lion City] As usual, Alex Tan Zhixiang can only lie and lie

As usual, Alex Tan Zhixiang, "Chief Editor" of the one-man operation slime site, States Times Review, cannot help but to spin yet another lie.

Alex Tan claims that China/HK had already agreed to "release" the Terrex ICVs on 28 Nov 2016.

But a quick search on the web for any official statements on the "release" from China or HK just draws a blank.

Pic: FLOP

As of 13 Dec 2016, there is no such news found on the South China Morning Post. Even the Communist Party's hawkish mouthpiece/tabloid, the Global Times, has no article that says the ICVs have been released.

In fact, on 27 Nov, just a day before Alex Tan's claim, Global Times published an editorial that said that the ICVs "should be melted down". Does this sound to you like our ICVs have been released?

So it is very clear that Alex Tan has yet again spinned another lie to draw internet traffic to his trash-site so that he can continue stir irrational fears and to make money from advertising.

Pic: Shut Down TRS (STR FB post made on 6 Dec 2016)

However, what is disturbing here is NOT the news that some extreme elements of China's communist govt wants to destroy Singapore's property WITHOUT any clear reasons or legal basis, apart from trying to make a obtuse political statement.

What Singaporeans should truly be concerned about here, are the intentions of our "so-called" opposition supporters, politician-wannabes and "alternative media" sites like States Times Review.

FB Comment posted by Alex Tan / STR on 12 Dec 2016

It is one thing to be opposing the government. That is a given and is rightly expected in any democratic system.

However, it is totally different situation when you are "opposing" based on twisted lies and half-truths to try and gain support for your cause to profit from lies you spin.

It is even more damning when you start to side with foreign interests to backstab and betray your country simply for the sake of 'opposing' the government.

In the case of the Terrex ICVs, it is very obvious that even based on their own laws, China / HK has no legal basis to detain our vehicles.

If China / HK can openly justify the detention accordingly to their own laws, they would have already done so by now. But they haven't.

Singapore has not changed its stance on the One China Principle since establishing diplomatic ties in 1990. Nor has it attempted to hide its relations with Taiwan over defence matters.

In 1990, the then Chinese Premier Li Peng said Beijing would not be "too disturbed" by the Republic's continued use of military training facilities in Taiwan after the establishment of Sino-Singapore ties. 

Mr Li had said at a news conference: "We sympathise with Singapore's position and understand its need to build a strong defence force. On this matter, suitable arrangements will be made. (Reference)

So it is very clear to any observer that China is simply taking advantage of the ICV situation to pressure Singapore to bow to China's wishes.

So should Singapore be intimated by China's bullying tactics?

Alex Tan Zhixiang and his followers demand that Singapore "apologize" to China.

Our question to Alex Tan Zhixiang, is "Apologise for fuc what?"

As the facts show thus far, Singapore is simply standing her ground based on principles and protecting her interests.

And these interests includes not appearing to be a weak vassal state of any foreign power - China or otherwise.

Alex Tan Zhixiang claims to be a "patriot".

But would a real patriot make up fake stories for his own profit, and side with foreign interests to attack their own country?

As one great and loyal Opposition MP had once said:

"...there are certain people there who would like to see Singapore being run down and attacked Singapore. 

The issue here is not just about people like Chee Soon Juan who come and go in any event but about the survival of Singapore. 

Singapore's survival is at stake because there is an attack on the basic institution of Singapore and on the system of Singapore. 

And it is the duty of loyal Opposition to defend Singapore." 

Mr Chiam See Tong  

3 Nov 1995, Parliament (Column: 280)

Read more here:

MINDEF News Release:  (6 Dec 2016) - Update on Detention of SAF Terrex ICVs. "... have  not  been provided  formal  reasons  as  yet.."

South China Morning Post: News coverage of Singapore's Terrex ICVs

Channel NewsAsia: (6 Dec 2016) 2 weeks on, no formal reasons given for detention of SAF vehicles in HK: MINDEF (6 Dec 2016)

Nikkei Asian Review: (5Dec 2016) China pressures Singapore with seizure of military hardware

Channel NewsAsia: (1Dec 2016) Formal reasons for detaining armoured vehicles not yet given: MINDEF

Financial Times: (25 Nov 2016) Mystery over seized Singapore army vehicles in Hong Kong

South China Morning Post: (24 Nov 2016) Hong Kong caught in diplomatic bind as customs seizeshipment of military vehicles from Taiwan

Channel NewsAsia: (24 Nov 2016) 9 armoured vehicles bound for Singapore 'delayed' at Hong Kong customs

Mr Chiam See Tong's quote, 3 Nov 1995, Parliament, Column 280

Parliament of Singapore: Official Reports - Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)

YouTube video of speech

[Defending the Lion City] Still unable to give reasons for detaining our Terrexes

Really, What the Fu*k China/HK?

After two weeks of "investigations", you still can't tell us up front why you are detaining our Terrexes?

Don't get us involved in your domestic politics.

Return our Terrexes!


Read more here:

Channel NewsAsia: (6 Dec 2016) 2 weeks on, no formal reasons given for detention of SAF vehicles in HK: MINDEF

Channel NewsAsia: (1Dec 2016) Formal reasons for detaining armoured vehicles not yet given: MINDEF

Channel NewsAsia: (24 Nov 2016) 9 armoured vehicles bound for Singapore 'delayed' at Hong Kong customs

[Defending the Lion City] No matter how the Wind howls, the Mountain cannot bow to it.

“No matter how the Wind howls, the Mountain cannot bow to it.”

As of 2 Dec 2016, China / Hong Kong have yet to provide any satisfactory reason to Singapore for detaining 9 Terrex ICVs on 23 Nov 2016. 

This is despite of APL (the shipping firm contracted to ship the Terrex ICVs) meeting with the HK Customs authorities for 7 hours last Tue, 29 Nov, and at a second meeting on 1 Dec 2016.

I wonder if China realizes that the longer this fiasco drags out without any proper explanation, it actually makes China look really bad in the eyes of the international community.

If this whole thing was about having proper papers / permits / whatever-else-documentation-you-need/want, this would have been easily resolved before it ever made the news.

So really, IMO there are only two possible explanations.

One – The HK Customs are really, really badly ineffective / inefficient / incompetent.

But that’s very unlikely – given that (1) this is NOT the first time that Singapore’s military equipment has transit through its ports, and previous transits have had no problems. And (2) HK is also one of the world’s busiest ports. You don’t become one of the world’s busiest ports by being ineffective / inefficient / incompetent.

That means the only reasonable explanation is that China (or maybe some faction of the communist leadership) really wants to show Singapore/Taiwan/Hong Kong who’s the boss.

They want to let Singapore and the rest of the world know that they are damn buay song (unhappy) over Singapore's stand of respecting and upholding the primacy of international law (vis a vis the Hague Tribunal's South China Sea Ruling) when it comes to settling disputes.

And/or maybe some of these communist 's balls comrades are itching to stir up some  communistic fervor in hopes of scoring some brownie points with the Communist President.

But whatever China’s rational/irrational reasons are, I do wonder if China realizes how big a dick moron this incident makes them to be before the international community?

If this incident is over the fact that Singapore continues to have direct defence relations with Taiwan, then it is all the more puzzling.

Singapore has not changed its stance on the One China Principle since establishing diplomatic ties in 1990. Nor has it attempted to hide its relations with Taiwan over defence matters.

In 1990, the then Chinese Premier Li Peng said Beijing would not be "too disturbed" by the Republic's continued use of military training facilities in Taiwan after the establishment of Sino-Singapore ties.Mr Li had said at a news conference: "We sympathise with Singapore's position and understand its need to build a strong defence force. On this matter, suitable arrangements will be made. (Reference)

If China continues to drag this fiasco on without providing a valid reason, legal or otherwise, for the detention of our Terrex ICVs, then China will only be hurting themselves in the long run.

The Chinese President had said at the UN General Assembly in 2015, “The big, strong and rich should not bully the small, weak and poor. Big countries should treat small countries as equals, and take a right approach to justice and interests by putting justice before interests.” (Reference)

China seems to have conveniently forgotten what it had said before the world.

The incident will show that China can, and will take arbitrary action when it pleases or deems it profitable to do so without regard to international law and justice.

It will show China as a shallow-minded nation who does not value sincere friendships and loyalties, and is only interested in fair-weather friends who are willing to acquiesce to China in exchange for benefits.

It will prove that China will be a vindictive power, who believes that might makes right, and therefore all other countries must bow in deference to China’s whims and fancies.

President Xi’s often repeated assurances to the world that China will be a peaceful nation and will not pose as a threat will start to ring hollow.

After all, if China can callously coerce/pressure Singapore, whose relationship China labels as “special and unique”, over simple issues that do not agree with China, then what assurances do other countries have that they will be dealing with China in good faith?

No one would trust or believe the word of China any more.

As for Singapore, it cannot, will not, bow to external pressure and intimidation when it comes to issues that pertain to Singapore’s sovereignty and interests. Neither will it allow itself to be made use of as a pawn in someone else's geopolitical game.

As Ambassador-at-large Bilahari Kausikanputs it:

“Our government is not rash but the considerations are not just relations with China.  

If we allow ourselves to be intimidated by Beijing what do you think our immediate neighbours will think?”

Read more here

The Straits Times: 2 Dec 2016 - Seized SAF vehicles: APL meets HK Customs again

The Straits Times: 2 Dec 2016 - Putting Terrex issue in perspective

TODAY: 1 Dec 2016 - No formal reason given by HK a weekafter detaining SAF terrex vehicles: Mindef

The Straits Times - 30 Nov 2016: Training arrangement with Taiwan dates back to 1975

The New York Times: 22 Nov 2014 - Asia’s‘Big Guy’ Spreads Cash and Seeks Influence in Pacific Region

Republica: 29 Sept 2015 - Big, strong and rich countries shouldn't bully small, weak.

[Defending the Lion City] Standing Firm in the face of intimidation

In the recent days, the controversy over the detaining of Singapore's 9 Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicles has been alarming to say the least.

At this point in time, China / HK has not clarified publicly the reason for holding Terrex ICVs and neither are there any obvious reasons to for them to do so.

This incident clearly shows that the world is by default, not a friendly place.

Nations will look out for their own interest, first and foremost. And they will use any and all means available to them to protect and advance their interests, even at the expense of friendly nations.

The ramifications  of this incident are very clear, and hold important lessons for Singapore.

China, or any other country for that matter, can and will unilaterally take actions that would be harmful to Singapore.

And when such a scenario comes to being, what is Singapore to do?

Pic: Singapore Matters FB page

Singapore is no stranger to foreign powers doing what they can to intimidate, change or influence Singapore’s position.

We have had a public building bombed; had our national airline hijacked; had our PM offered substantial monetary bribes; been insulted with warships with ominous names; threatened with cutting off our water supply; harmed economically with a cut-off in the supply of sand for reclamation; intimidated with paratrooper airdrops right at our doorsteps on our National Day and threatened with trade and diplomatic sanctions over the punishment meted out to a vandal - all these in our short 50 years as an independent nation.

Did we waver under these withering circumstances?

No. Singapore stood firm.

Singapore does not seek to make enemies. We are a small country and all we want to do is to be good friends to everyone.

We are willing to discuss and cooperate, as we have done in the past with nations whom we have had disputes with. We will seek to resolve any disputes amicably such that is both a win-win for all parties and in accordance with international law and norms.

But make no mistake. Singapore will not bow to external pressures on matters which do not serve her interests.

And do not step across the line and test our resolve and ability to defend ourselves.

Pic: Fabrications About The PAP FB page

It is perhaps at this time, that we start to clearly see the immense value of a strong SAF which is supported by Singaporeans.

Unfortunately, there are certain Singaporeans who, rather than stand united as one nation, have caved in to fears/pressure and have demanded that the Govt "apologise" to China over the Terrex ICVs. There is even a online petition for this cowardly move now.

Zhong Bredan - a known rabid enthusiastic SDP supporter
Pic: Shut down TRS

Pic: Shut down TRS

There is no other way to put this.

These people who, have at the first sign of pressure want Singapore to bow before a foreign power, ARE TRAITORS

Pic: Fabrications About The PAP

Instead of coming together and defending Singapore's interests, these Traitors rather have Singapore
acquiesce to foreign demands which are prejudicial to Singapore's interests.

And if we look at the history behind these Traitors, we see that they have long been agitating against National Service, and saying that Singapore does not need such a strong armed forces.

You can have differing opinions based in facts when it comes to domestic and internal issues. That is your right, and to be expected.

But when you collaborate with foreign powers to undermine Singapore and her interests as a nation, then you are a Traitor in all sense of the word.

And this incident clearly answers the perennial question: "Have you ever wondered, why must we serve? .."

Here is a post written by Mark Farha Kon (via FB) that provides much food for thought on the need for NS and a strong SAF.

==================================================

By Mark Farha Kon via FB, 27 Nov 2015.

I'm no warfighter. I think many of us serving our two years in the army aren't. But I know of a good number of people who, at moment's notice, are more than willing to get up, put on their Full Battle Order, and defend Singapore.

Because we know what is at stake. Because we know that the peace we enjoy is not free. Because we know how much blood sweat and tears was poured into the building of this miracle nation.

When we leave home everyday and tell our family we love them, we look in their eyes and we know what we fight for, what we defend. We know we have the luxury of coming back home to a house intact, a family intact. Many people in war torn zones don't get this chance we take for granted.

When we walk past a mosque next to a temple next to a church, we know this is something completely inorganic. That it took and still takes effort, understanding, racial harmony, to enjoy such things as non-event.

You type from your office chair in your 8-5 job in your air conditioned room, which you drove to in your air conditioned car, and mock the preparedness of the SAF in the event an incursion occurs.

But you forget, not everybody passed out a lance corporal like you, unfulfilled and bitter that the government "stole" two years of your life. And whilst everybody counted down to their ORD the same way you did, they didn't waste their two years lamenting the fact.

They learnt to accustom themselves to communal living, they lost their hair, wore the same number 4 as everyone else, ran in the same PT kit as everyone else, and learnt that in the army, there was no strata. The bungalow kid and the HDB kid all slept on the same beds, ate the same food, got punished all the same. Army was and still is the great equalizer.

Then some went on to go through 9 months of vigorous training, many attritioning throughout the course. Those that made it, we call them officers. Others went on to don three chevrons, spending 6 months in the grueling hell they call Specialist Cadet School. Most get sent to the Infantry Regiments, 1 to 9 SIR as riflemen, and as they say, life for them is 2 years of Tekong. Not to forget those that got sent to commandos, guards, naval diver unit. They all became more comfortable in the humid forest, drenched in perspiration, long 4 covered in mud, than you ever will be in your crisp white shirt and business pants.

And they all learned things you complainers and naysayers of the SAF never will : purpose, camaraderie, drive, determination, grit, sacrifice.

You pay 200 a month for a manicured gym to go to with towels provided, protein shake bars, steam and shower rooms. The jungle is their gym. Flipping tyres, running in the full heat of the sun.

You haven't seen the Master Warrant Officers who have badges so plentiful, they run out of space on their uniform to sew it on. The ones with ranger and guard tabs. The ones who went to America, trained as navy seals, and passed out navy seals. Yes, we have navy seals in Singapore, and they are Singaporean.

The ones who everyday, hold themselves to the highest standards in the execution of their jobs, because they know, they're not just doing a job for a pay : they're keeping Singapore safe.

So that naysayers like you who passed out lance corporal with neither testimony nor combat skills badge can mock the very system and organization that allows you the safety and peace of mind to even think of mocking them.

I know these soldiers, I know these men, I've seen these enciks. They might drink beer and talk nonsense while off duty, and you dismiss and discount them, but inside they possess the grit you never will. They are proud to be part of the SAF, and their stories, scars and experiences they will forever carry with them as badges of honor. They've done much and gone through much worth remembering, i can't say the same for you complainers.

A Master Warrant Officer who is a special ops commando once told me this : "why 国家 and not 家国? Because if there is no country, can you even have a home?"

These people who do, and not just talk, have all my respect.

Yours sincerely, a clerk in the SAF.

By Mark Farha Kon via FB, 27 Nov 2015.
==================================================

Read more here:

Media reports

TODAY: 29 Nov 2016 - Singapore troop carriers should be 'melted down': The Global Times

The Straits Times: 29 Nov 2016 - Made-in-Singapore Terrex a key addition to SAF

Channel NewsAsia: 29 Nov 2016 - Singapore states intent to recover army vehicles held in Hong Kong

TODAY: 28 Nov 2016 - Seized SAF vehicles: Beijing tells Singapore to adhere to One-China policy

The Straits Times: 25 Nov 2016 - SAF armoured vehicles seized at Hong Kong port

Opinions

The Middle Ground: 30 Nov 2016 - Terrex tank seizure: What do we think? How do we react?

Senang Diri: 26 Nov 2016 - Teachable moments from SAF Terrex ICVs seized in Hong Kong

Mothership.Sg: Are we being “bullied” into submission by China over this Terrex incident?

Unscrambled.Sg: What’s the deal with China holding our military vehicles? Bilahari Kausikan explains

[Defending the Lion City] In memory of 2LT Tay Seow Kai

2LT Tay Seow Kai (1949 - 1970)

Pic: From Sim Boon Leng's FB

Most of us would have been fortunate enough to have gone through our NS stint without much drama, save perhaps a few bruises and light injuries.

However, there are the rare few who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

2LT Tay Seow Kai is one of the few who made sacrifices that as a nation, we should not and cannot forget.


=================================================================


'Let Singaporeans remember the real Singapore heroes' 
By Sim Boon Leng (via Facebook), 12 Nov 2016

I would like to share the story of a forgotten hero, 2LT Tay Seow Kai. A true hero who gave his life at the young age of just 21 years old to save others' life.

He was the 3rd son and brightest of a family of 12 siblings. He was good in painting and many more.

He joined the Singapore Arm Force after his studies. And with the monthly allowance, he provided for the family and took care of the younger siblings.

He did well in the SAF and was then promoted to an officer. However, tragedy struck. On that faithful day during a live grenade exercise, a recruit Kwok fumbled while handling a live grenade. Uncle Seow Kai grabbed the grenade from Kwok'. It then exploded in his hand, killing him in the process. Recruit Kwok life was saved along with another corporal.

This incident happened on 26 August 1970. Uncle Seow Kai's name has been forgotten by many. It is an injustice to him if his bravery and heroism are forgotten as well.

Please share this story if you can. Let Singaporeans remember the real Singapore heroes and Uncle Seow Kai is one of them.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/sim.boonleng/posts/10155106605462289

Photos: https://www.facebook.com/sim.boonleng/posts/10155109973392289?pnref=story



=================================================================

The following is the description of 2LT Tay Seow Kai's actions, extracted from a RSIS Commentary written by Samuel Chan.

2LT Tay Seow Kai

"... there was the distinguished action of 2LT Tay Seow Kai when a recruit fumbled with a grenade during live practice on 26 August 1970.  

The watchful 21 year-old platoon commander snatched the grenade to shield his recruits from danger.  

The ensuing detonation fatally wounded Tay but his selfless action saved two recruits that fateful day.  

He was buried in Chua Chu Kang Cemetery with full military honours on 28 August 1970. ..."

Source: S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS)

The following paragraph is extracted from a RSIS Commentary written by Samuel Chan.

Sending a clear message 

"... The actions of Lieutenants Teo, Tay, and Zulhelmi are also testaments to the dedicated individuals found in the SAF. 

Their devotion to duty does not pale in comparison to those awarded the SAF Medal for Distinguished Act. 

Perhaps, they only failed to qualify for the decoration by virtue of time and administration. In fact, it can be argued that these three examples warrant the retrospective award of (or upgrade to) the medal. 

By making this so the defence establishment would be sending a clear message that dedication to service is valued and will never be forgotten. 

It will speak volumes that individual commitment to defence will be recognised and acknowledged consistently regardless of era, and that time does not age or separate distinguished acts. 

This is especially poignant as the SAF undertakes a relentless schedule of operations and exercises both domestically and internationally. 

Honouring these past deeds in a consistent manner is part and parcel of doing the right things. This goes beyond the medal as an object and heraldry as a system. 

It delves into the very heart of what makes the SAF strong – the people and its values. This SAF Day on 1 July would be an opportunity to make things right. ..."

Source:
Making Things Right: Retrospective Honours for Distinguished Acts

By Samuel Chan (RSIS COMMENTARIES No. 038/2012 dated 9 March 2012) (Backup)

=================================================================

Perhaps it is about time that Singapore should consider having a monument dedicated to the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty to the nation - not just only for the SAF but for the SPF, SCDF and other govt agencies.

In addition to recognizing their sacrifice to the nation, the monument would also serve to remind Singaporeans who our heroes are, what they believed in, and ensure that the story of their heroic deeds will never be lost to time.

Somebody's (A.S.S) gonna get hurt real bad

Screen-capture from Google Cache. (Note: Hoax text and Bull-shit logo added by us)

So in other news which is as fake as Trump University, we see All Singapore Stuff aka A.S.S posting a really sensationally fake article today (11 Nov) about the roof of Punggol Waterway Terraces collapsing.

In addition to the picture, this is what the article said.

According to Mothership, it seemed real enough that the authorities (police, SCDF) went to the building to investigate.

As it turns out, HDB has posted on its Facebook page, confirming that the article put up by A.S.S is a hoax., and that a police report will be made soon.

The article has since been taken down but you can still see it on Google Cache here.

What else is there to say? 

Except perhaps....

Well, good luck A.S.S. Your ASS is gonna get hurt soon need it.

Read more here

• Mothership: All Singapore Stuff posts hoax about collapsed roof at Punggol Waterway Terraces, made SPF/SCDF go down to investigate

• Lianhe Zaobao: 水滨台组屋屋顶坍塌？原是虚惊一场 (Mandarin)

• Google Cache of removed A.S.S Article: ROOF OF PUNGGOL WATERWAY TERRACES COLLAPSE 

In case you missed it - Additional Benefits for Dads, and single Moms

Pic: Channel NewsAsia

In case you missed it (due to the shocking news that a Tangerine has been elected as the 45th US President, the upcoming festive season, school exams and now school holidays), the SG Govt has given Dads, and single Mothers additional benefits.

=====================================================================

Extended leave benefits for dads, unwed mums passed into law in Singapore

Channel NewsAsia, 10 Nov 2016

SINGAPORE: New fathers will get two weeks of Government-paid paternity leave, while unwed mothers will get 16 weeks of maternity leave from Jan 1 next year, after Parliament passed changes to the Child Development Co-Savings Act (CDCA) on Thursday (Nov 10).

Currently, fathers are entitled to only one week of compulsory, Government-paid paternity leave, with a second week provided by their employers on a voluntary basis. Unwed mothers, meanwhile, are entitled to eight weeks of maternity leave under the Employment Act.

Responding to a question on the take-up rate for paternity leave, Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin noted that this was 42 per cent in 2015 and 38 per cent in 2014.

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, he said that studies will be conducted to investigate what is preventing more fathers from exercising their paternity leave entitlement.

DADS CAN TAKE UP TO TWO MONTHS’ LEAVE IN BABY’S FIRST YEAR

The Amendment Bill also provided for shared parental leave to be increased from one to four weeks, from Jul 1 next year. This refers to leave taken from the spouse’s maternity leave, if she opts to share it.

Shared parental leave was introduced in mid-2013. According to data from the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), about 1,400 mothers shared maternity leave with their husbands last year, roughly the same as in 2014.

All in, "about 4,000 fathers have taken shared parental leave as at end-August 2016," said Mr Tan, adding that even though the leave enhancements are focused on the critical infant period, active fatherhood must continue beyond infancy.

Including the six days of childcare leave and one week of unpaid infant care leave that fathers are currently entitled to, the changes bring the number of leave days fathers can take in their child’s first year to up to two months.

PARITY FOR CHILDREN BORN TO UNWED MUMS

The extension of maternity leave benefits to unwed mothers complements an earlier move to ensure that children will not be excluded from state support for the fact that they were born to unwed parents.

Earlier this year, Mr Tan announced that children of unwed parents, born from Sep 1, 2016, will be eligible for Child Development Account benefits. These accounts help pay for childcare and healthcare needs, with the Government matching deposits made by parents up to S$6,000.

Based on statistics provided by MSF, there were 518 children born to unwed mothers in 2015, compared to 557 in 2014.

SUPPORT FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS

Other key changes to the CDCA provide for greater support for adoptive parents.

From Jul 1 next year, adoptive mothers will get 12 weeks of adoption leave. For the first and second child, the first four weeks of the leave will be paid for by their employers and the last eight weeks will be funded by the Government. For the third and subsequent child, all 12 weeks of leave will be funded by the Government.

Currently, adoption leave is for four weeks, and is fully paid by the Government.

From Jan 1, unwed people adopting children will qualify for leave, with women eligible for adoption leave and men eligible for paternity leave. This is intended to help those who are eligible bond with and care for their adopted child.

There were 326 adoption applications in 2015, down slightly from 352 in 2014. In general, about half of all adoption applications are for children below 12 months old.

Less than than 5 per cent of adoption applications are by unwed people, according to data provided by MSF.

Pic: Channel NewsAsia

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Two weeks of paid paternity leave: Fathers can choose to clear the two-week block of leave within 16 weeks from the birth of the child.

Alternatively, they can work out an agreement with their employer to take the leave flexibly by days within a year from the birth of the child.

Four weeks of shared parental leave: Parents can decide how to apportion the four weeks of shared parental leave between them at any time before the child turns 1 year old. The decision cannot be changed once it is made.

Fathers can choose to use the shared leave in one continuous stretch or flexibly by days, subject to his employer's agreement.

12 weeks of adoption leave for mothers: This must be used within a year from the birth of the child. The mother should clear the leave at one go from the date of her formal intent to adopt. Alternatively, she can work out an agreement with her employer to clear an eight-week stretch and take the remaining four weeks of leave flexibly.

Source: CNA

Trump says that Singapore stole 199 jobs from America

Singapore - the little red dot of the world - has been put in the spotlight by the US Presidential Elections not once, but twice.

The first time was when Kenneth Sng, a Singaporean studying in Washington University, delivered the opening speech as the Student Union President, at the start of the second US Presidential debate on 9 Oct 2016. (See here for details.)

That was a moment of pride for Singapore. Even PM Lee praised Kenneth on Facebook, saying "Glad that he mentioned 'Singapore, my home', in his remarks. Well done Kenneth. Keep the Singapore flag flying high!"

Then came the second time when Singapore was again mentioned. However this time, the reason for the mention was puzzling, some even going as far as to say that it was an outright lie simply not true.

Then candidate Donald Trump (now, unbelievably, President-elect), during his campaign rally on 6 Nov at Florida, had stated that Baxter Healthcare Corporation had laid off off 199 workers and move their jobs to Singapore. (See here, here, here, here and YouTube video here from the 1:48:30 mark)

Needless to say, Singaporean netizens were quick to condemn curse Trump point out the fallacies in his statement.

Trump, whose own line of merchandise is made outside of the US.

Pic: SGAG

Some think that Trump was simply being his typical clueless self and probably thought that Singapore was part of China. (which actually happens more often that you might think).

Pic: SGAG

When you put Singapore next to the US, its obvious how small we are. (And we are NOT a part of China)

Pic: Mashable / Google Maps

Geographical Size
Singapore: 687 SqKm
US: 9,147,593 SqKm

Gross Domestic Product
Singapore: $293 billion which ranks 38th in the world.
US: $17.9 trillion which is the highest GDP in the world.
(Source)

Population Size
Singapore: 5.78 million (2016) (Source)
US:  323.95 million (2016) (Source)
The States has a population that is more than 50 times larger than Singapore!


As the facts above show, Singapore is really a microbe when compared to the US. And yet, Trump feels threatened by the loss of "199 jobs".

And as far as Baxter Healthcare is concerned, their global website states that "Baxter employs approximately 61,500 people worldwide and conducts business in more than 100 countries."

That isn't at all surprising considering that Baxter Healthcare is a global company. And when you consider the "199 jobs" that Trump quoted, that number becomes insignificant when you consider the size of the whole company. This isn't a fair representation of the facts at all, Trump!

Even PM Lee, whether as an intentional throw-back at Trump or not, mentioned in this little factoid in his congratulatory letter to Trump.

"... Investments by Singapore companies in the United States, combined with America’s exports to Singapore, have created some 240,000 jobs for American workers. ..."

And let's see what the facts are relating to US and Singapore Trade. Here's some information extracted from the Office of the US Trade Representative.

U.S.-Singapore Trade Facts 

U.S. goods and private services trade with Singapore totaled $68 billion in 2012 (latest data available). 

Exports totaled $43 billion; Imports totaled $25 billion. The U.S. goods and services trade surplus with Singapore was $18 billion in 2012. 

Singapore is currently our 17th largest goods trading partner with $49 billion in total (two ways) goods trade during 2013. Goods exports totaled $31 billion; Goods imports totaled $18 billion. 

The U.S. goods trade surplus with Singapore was $13 billion in 2013. 

Trade in private services with Singapore (exports and imports) totaled $17 billion in 2012 (latest data available). Services exports were $12 billion; Services imports were $5 billion. 

The U.S. services trade surplus with Singapore was $7 billion in 2012. 

Source: Office of the US Trade Representative website (as of 11 Nov 2016)

Read more:

Channel NewsAsia: PM Lee sends congratulatory letters to Donald Trump, Mike Pence

Mashable Asia: Trump accuses tiny Singapore of stealing U.S. jobs, immediately gets trolled

Channel NewsAsia: Singapore among countries stealing US jobs: Trump

Reactions to the KPMG Report on the AHPETC / AHTC

Pic: Singapore Matters FB Page

Pic: Screen-cap from Goh Meng Seng's FB page

Pic: Fabrications About The PAP FB page  Quote Source: Goh Meng Seng FB page

Danny Loh: the missing link in the AHTC saga

By Bertha Henson, The Middle Ground 

"... It’s a pity that documents and emails have been deleted from the accounts of the FMSS directors and employees.

Said KPMG: “Email archives pertaining to How Weng Fan were not present on the electronic device that we were informed was assigned to her.” 

On June 2 last year, 17 documents and four email archives were deleted from the profile of Mr Loh.

We wonder what Mr Loh could have said if he was alive. ..." (See Full Article here)

When Town Council managers start issuing cheques to themselves outside… 

By 'I Tahan You Very Long Already'

"... Now every resident of Aljunied and Hougang has to ask himself- Can I trust the denials of my Town Council and MPs any more? Will my hard-earned money be paid to WP supporters? Will the Town Council properly maintain my lifts, electricity fittings and other essential amenities?   ..." (See Full Article Here)

AHTC getting sued 

By 'Thoughts of Real Singaporeans'  

"... The Workers’ Party have always been a credible opposition party. They can no longer brush this issue aside as they had done previously because their own independent (read NOT PAP) auditors found these lapses (and there is just no way they could blame the PAP for it).

All eyes will be on their leader Low Thia Khiang as he needs to continue and show that the Workers’ Party are not like the cronies of the PAP and rise above this AHTC / AHPETC saga. 

Are his Workers’ Party members as loyal as they seem? or will they hightail, rat each other out and leave him to face the consequences? ..." (See Full Article here)

No Way Out for Workers Party 

By 'onwardssignapore' 

"... Some interesting observations, first, how long do they need to correct the accounts? It’s already slightly more than a year since GE2015. Time is precious, no? If this is a measurement of effectiveness, they have failed miserably. ..." (See Full Article here)

Pic: Onwardssignapore

Pic: FLOP FB Page

Pic: Squeaky Hammer FB Page

Read more below

• Straits Times: MND, HDB ask WP-run AHTC to take steps to recover improper past payments (4 Nov 2016)

• Ministry of National Development: MND’s Statement on the KPMG Report (4 Nov 2016)

• Channel NewsAsia: KPMG notes 'serious flaws' in AHTC's governance (1 Nov 2016)

• Mothership.Sg: KPMG’s report on Aljunied-Hougang Town Council’s so serious, the word “criminal” was mentioned (1 Nov 2016)

• KPMG Report on AHTC: Report on Improper Payments (31 Oct 2016) (Backup link)

Breaking news : Independent Auditors find questionable transactions amounting over S$1.5m

Now we know why WP has been so reluctant to resolve the AHPETC / AHTC Account mess.

Now we know why WP has been wanting to appoint their choice of incompetent Auditors.

Now we know why WP wants to have a "non-disclosure" clause before releasing the account documents to the Auditors and PRPTC.

As the Chinese proverb says, “紙包不住火“, which literally means that paper cannot cover fire.

The factual truth about how the AHPETC / AHTC 's sad state of financial affairs came about, will soon be exposed. 

Transparency and Accountability indeed. Let's wait and see what sort of lame excuses WP will come up with now.



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AHTC made millions in improper payments, KPMG flags concerns about criminal conduct

TODAY : http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/ahtc-made-millions-improper-payments-some-shortcomings-if-deliberate-could-amount-criminal

SINGAPORE — Independent auditors have found that flawed governance in the Workers’ Party-run Aljunied Hougang Town Council (AHTC) led to improper payments running into the millions to various parties, including to its former managing agent FM Solutions & Services (FMSS) and service provider FM Solutions and Integrated Services (FMSI).

In a report made public on the town council's website on Tuesday (Nov 1), KPMG said improper payments to FMSS and FMSI alone amounted to over S$1.5 million.

AHTC also overpaid when it appointed FMSS as its managing agent by more than S$1.2 million, said KPMG, which was appointed by AHTC on court orders to help fix compliance and governance lapses uncovered in a special audit by the Auditor-General’s Office.

Read the full article here : http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/ahtc-made-millions-improper-payments-some-shortcomings-if-deliberate-could-amount-criminal

Transcript of PM Lee Hsien Loong's interview with Ian Bremmer, Time Magazine

A summit with leaders of the (then) negotiating states of the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement (TPP). Pictured, from left, are Naoto Kan (Japan), Nguyễn Minh Triết (Vietnam), Julia Gillard (Australia), Sebastián Piñera (Chile), Lee Hsien Loong (Singapore), Barack Obama (United States), John Key (New Zealand), Hassanal Bolkiah (Brunei), Alan García (Peru), and Muhyiddin Yassin (Malaysia). Six of these leaders represent countries that are currently negotiating to join the group. Pic: Wikimedia Commons

Interview Transcript Extract:

Q: What are the consequences of no TPP?

PM: Your standing goes down with many countries around the world. Your opponents as well as your friends will say, "You talked about the strategic re-balance, you talked about developing your relationships. You can move aircraft carriers around. But what are the aircraft carriers in support of"? It has to be deeper economic and broad relationships. You do not do things which the Chinese do. The Chinese go around with lollipops in their pockets. They have aid, they have friendship deals, they build you a Prime Minister’s office or President’s office, or Parliament House or foreign ministry. For them, trade is an extension of their foreign policy.

You do not do these retail items. The one big thing which you have done is to settle the TPP, which Obama has done. It shows that you are serious, that you are prepared to deepen the relationship and that you are putting a stake here which you will have an interest in upholding. Now, let’s say you cannot deliver on the TPP. After you have gotten Vietnam to join, after you have gotten Japan to join, after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made very difficult arrangements on agriculture, cars, sugar and dairy. Now you say, "I walk away, that I do not believe in this deal." How can anybody believe in you anymore?

It is not just on trade, even on strategic issues. The key thing in Northeast Asia is North Korea. They are unpredictable, they are developing their nuclear capabilities and their missiles. You do not want the South Koreans to do that, you do not want the Japanese to do that. What is the restraint on them? It is your credibility as an ally and as a deterrent. I do not think failing to ratify the TPP will strengthen that at all, or help Mr. Abe, who has gone out on a limb to support this and is in the process of ratifying it right now.

Read the Full Interview Transcript (from PMO) here.

Singapore’s Lee Hsien Loong on the U.S. Election, Free Trade and Why Government Isn’t a Startup

By Ian Bremmer, TIMES

"Maybe Americans feel they don’t need the rest of the world anymore"

By virtue of its location—on the mouth of the Strait of Malacca in Southeast Asia, through which one-third of the world’s seaborne traffic passes daily — Singapore has always been a country that punches well above its weight on the geopolitical and economic stage. It’s a country of many cultures and languages, and one that is a staunch ally of the U.S. while maintaining strong trading ties with a rising China.

That makes Lee Hsien Loong, Singpore’s Prime Minister and the son of its founder Lee Kuan Yew, a good person to speak to if you want to understand how Asia works. TIME foreign-affairs columnist Ian Bremmer had a chance recently to sit down with Lee in Singapore. The full transcript of their conversation — which touches on U.S. politics, China’s reforms and how to run a country in the age of automation — is reprinted below:

Q: Let me ask you a couple of questions about the perception of the U.S. election in Singapore, because I am very interested in that. Let us assume Hillary [Clinton] is going to win, I feel very confident about that. Let us assume that Trump does not do significant damage after the elections are over. How much damage do you think has been done concretely through this 18-month electoral process?

PM: In every American election, crazy things are said. Positions are taken which the winners try very hard to forget afterwards. George Bush Sr. said “read my lips” and regretted it. All American candidates who won have before winning been very harsh on China, and after winning, much more restrained in their approach towards China. On trade too, that has been true for some time. But this time it has been so nasty and harsh that I think Hillary, if she wins, will have a lot of things to unspeak which she will find very difficult to do. I think TPP [the Trans-Pacific Partnership] will be a casualty if it is not settled by January.

Read the full  Times Magazine article "Singapore’s Lee Hsien Loong on the U.S. Election, Free Trade and Why Government Isn’t a Startup" here.

Workers Party demonstrate what it means to be "Transparent & Accountable"

So in the long running drama that is the AHPETC / AHTEC Town Council accounts, the Workers Party have decided that in the best interest of the public, as well as to demonstrate what it really means to be "Transparent & Accountable", WP are demanding that a Non-Disclosure clause be imposed BEFORE any Town Council Documents relating to Punggol East SMC (which Lee Li Lian lost in the 2015 General Elections to PAP's Charles Chong) is released to Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council (PRPTC) to finish the handover of accounts.

According to a TODAY news article, there are two reasons given by AHTC vice-chairman Sylvia Lim to explain why there has been a delay in handing over the Accounts.

(1)  There are "... confidentiality concerns that “need to be worked out”. Information relating to the town council’s vendors, contracting rates, and staff must not fall into the hands of a third party."

and

(2) that it would be "... physically challenging for AHTC staff to sieve through files and extract documents pertaining only to Punggol East."

First reason given - The Docs are "confidential" and must not fall into the hands of a "third party".

Can we say that this reason is rubbish to the nth degree? Why should the documents of the Town Council be "confidential"?  Who are the "third parties" that you are afraid of?

You are managing and operating a public entity. You are dealing with pretty mundane municipal matters like maintenance, area cleaning, facilities management etc. You are NOT a company with confidential Intellectual Property or designs that could be stolen by a competitor.

And what third parties? The Govt? What bullshit! The AGO just audited you. The PAP? Come on lah, you lost the SMC to the PAP. And they (PAP & PRPTC) are taking over Punggol East SMC from you. They have every right to any and all documents relating to PE SMC.

Unless, of course, you have something to hide which is either horribly embarrassing or will be politically very damaging to the Workers party (like showing how incompetent the Town Council was managed and where all the TC surplus was spent on).


Second reason - "Physically challenging"???   

What kind of a rubbish, bull-shit, primary school level type of excuse is this?

Hello! Didn't you invest in a new accounting/Town Council Mangt system when you took over in 2011? (See here, here and here)

Are you now suggesting that that this accounting/TC mangt IT system never materialised and/or is the system so badly built that the Town Council accounts are all hard-copy based?? (which in itself is a real cause for concern too. You spent the resident's money on the system but it fails to do the job it was designed for??)

Come on lah.. who are you trying to bluff?

The last few times AHPETC / AHTC tried to put obstacles in the way of the AGO / HDB in trying to sort out the TC accounting mess that WP created, it turned out that WP was simply trying to hide their incompetence from the public.

For example, back in Jan 2016, WP refused to use a "Big-Four" Audit firm to audit the TC accounts. Instead, WP wanted to appoint their own Auditors. It would later turn out that WP's choice of Auditors would be poorly qualified and simply not up to the task. 

And what's even more interesting is that in the end, all of  the WP nominated audit firms Business Assurance and MRI Moores, withdrew from being considered as AHTC's nominated accountants, without providing for any substantial reasons to explain their withdrawal.

What is interesting is that WP then applied to the Court for ACRA’s PMP documents (relating to WP's choice of Auditors) to not be released to the public. (CNA, 22 Jan 2016)

Isn't this all very suspiciously convenient? WP (intentionally?) chooses an incompetent unqualified audit firm. When this rejected by the Courts , WP applies to for the relevant documents to be kept secret. 

Why does WP want to seal the documents? 

And here's another fine example of WP's Transparency & Accountability moto in action. When the Court decided that a Big-Four Audit firm would be appointed, WP then tried to put a limit on what the Audit firm could check!

In MND's Reply to Media Queries on the Court of Appeal Hearing of 7 Jan 2016, it stated that: 

2(ii) Accountants’ Terms of Reference – AHTC’s Statement refers to the Court’s “helpful clarification that the accountants… were not being given a carte blanche to look into the TC’s affairs”. 

However: the Statement fails to disclose that AHTC had tried, unsuccessfully, to limit the accountants’ terms of reference, to: 

(a) Only the non-compliances identified by the Auditor-General’s Report (the “AGO Report”) of Feb 2015, and 

(b) Only any improper past payments involving its former managing agent, FM Solutions & Services (“FMSS”) and FM Solutions and Integrated Services (“FMSI”).

In other words, when WP failed to appoint an unqualified Auditor (perhaps in hopes that using an unqualified Auditor would mean less Audit findings.), WP had attempted to restrict what the Independent Auditor could do in its Audit.

And since the appointment of KPMG as the Independent Auditors, the public has since come to known that there are so many problems with the AHPTEC / AHTC accounts, that it really simply unbelievable.

The TC Accounts are under WP's direct control and oversight. How can WP have let things get into such a mess?

Why is WP constantly blocking access to documents?

Why did WP attempt to appoint unqualified Auditors?

Why did WP attempt to limit the scope of the Independent Auditors?

Is this an attempt at hiding something that would be disastrous for WP?

What ever happened to WP's promise of Transparency and Accountability?

What happened to WP's "over 25 years of experience managing Town Councils" ?

This are pertinent questions that remained unanswered by WP.

And yet, Low's response to the whole mess is simply this.

Read more here:

• TODAY: 25 Oct 2016 - AHTC seeks non-disclosure clause for document handover to PRPTC

• CNA: 7 Jan 2016 - HDB raises concerns about AHTC's choice of accountant

• Ministry of National Development: Reply to Media Queries on the Court of Appeal Hearing of 7 Jan 2016

• CNA: 22 Jan 2016 - Court orders AHTC to appoint 'Big 4' accounting firm 

• Read more about the AHPETC / AHTC saga