November 2007

The Big Squeeze

In a Straits Times editorial “Negative CPF (Central Provident Fund) reactions: Tricks the mind plays” (Oct 5, 07), Senior Writer Chua Mui Hoong wrote: “Different reactions to the CPF returns spring from a mental activity called ‘anchoring’. This is when people start with a basis for comparing something and then judge it accordingly.” Let’s see… So, is that like our Government leaders comparing their basic salaries with CEOs in the private sector and, consequently, anchoring on a ‘justified’ sum of S$3 million a year? Still, we wonder why the populace has an ‘anchoring’ mentality. What’s new? The system here has a way of turning the tables on the public to negate the latter’s discontent. Methinks all thinking Singaporeans know that well enough, just that there’s no point in voicing it, unless they don’t mind being treated as an ‘outcast’ like moi!

So, what’s my take on the CPF? Like everything else under the inflationary sun these days, it’s all about control. With so much freedom given us by our Masters compared to, say, ten years ago and all because of the Internet no less, it’s contingent to curb your spending power, so you’ll still need to rely on our Masters to dictate your every move! It’s the most logical way to rein you in and keep you in check. Most of all, to keep you in compliance, no matter how far you get to run these days; be it to the cinema to watch graphic (enough) incest (Savage Grace), headbang at those black/death -metal gigs (Mayhem, Slayer), or to Bintan for a Net-aroused sex-out holiday. Don’t think you don’t need the Government to determine your livelihood and welfare, buster!

So, when I suddenly read about authorities moving in to prosecute taxi touts, I begin to have a different point of view. I, too, abhor cab drivers choosing their fares by touting or waiting unscrupulously with ‘on call’ signs to swing an extra surcharge, but I realize they are probably being so squeezed by the system, they’re only resorting to a logical, albeit unlawful, measure.

Well then, mark my words, there’ll be a much-much better pay-out of Singapore Shares and Progress Package when the next General Election rolls around. I’m beginning to think this big squeeze is really preparing us for a bigger pay-out that coincidentally happens (of course!) when voters support is very much needed by our Masters in these Net-informed times. It’s only a matter of strategy since money talks louder than everything else in Singapore. Yes, dare I say, louder than religion too! (Read my lips – “building casino is not a religious issue”, wink-wink!)

How contorted is my argument – I hear you say. That’s my personal Straight Times, lor!

“Flap over Minister Mentor’s remarks on non-Malays” was one headline in the ST on Oct 13. Funny, Singaporeans always get into deep shit with the law for inciting racial recriminations, but our MM… Don’t tell me he’s above the law; that can never be, not least for international repute! Anyway the flap he drew came from this remark: “If Malaysia would just educate the Chinese and Indians, use them and treat them as their citizens, they can equal us and even do better than us and we would be happy to rejoin them.” Of course, it’s always up to Singapore whether we wanna be part of Malaysia as a country or not!

Like those in the moral right of our land, I, too, believe MM is telling the truth. If only Malaysia knew how to treat and use her citizens to function as subservient digits for all of her nation-building goals, we’d truly have a worthy rival. Don’t think Malaysia is reading our MM right. Perhaps our neighbor is really buying into some fanciful notion of Western democracy’, unlike our kind that works uniquely well for achieving ‘world class’ economic glory. Sure helps to have a media ‘enthralled’, by the way.

The working well bit is relative, of course; especially when nothing’s too alarming for our enthralled press to overstate. You want real service, go to a private enterprise – I hear some say. Yes, I’ve heard stories about our NUH (National University Hospital) services. And, from my own experience, many of our quasi-establishments have plenty of idiots with precious little initiative other than pressing buttons and covering their asses, which is plenty frustrating when it comes to dealing with reality issues.

Much help too that truckloads of loud and bossy immigrants from mainland China, who only know how to twang their ‘lost’ way around, are engaged as staff in some of these ‘reality practices’. Lord knows, too, that “Singapore can expect to add about 200.000 permanent residents and 40,000 citizens to its fold over the next five years”. Says who? Well… “When in Singapore, do as Singaporeans do, “ cried Bertha Henson in a Sunday Times editorial (Sept 30). Oh boy, a lot of good that’s gonna do in the long run.

Never mind that we never really fully question why the real need to add so many PRs to our tiny island in the first place. What’s the use? We’ll only be told for our own good what’s best for economic survival and industrial peace! Nor are we told of the exact number of Singaporeans canceling or have cancelled their citizenship… annually!!

Take note, Malaysia, we could just attract those other citizens of yours with our famed bulging pockets! Not that you are tight with population to spare. But pardon us for not thinking it, it’s been known that the world is always measured by our country’s world-class achievements and we are really uniquely the envy of countries all over. Just that, some of us don’t know how to appreciate that fact!

What arrogance mean, hah? -- X’ Ho