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Thursday 30 August 2012

A Caricature of Oneself.

As an individual, everyone has his views, habits, likes and dislikes, idiosyncracies, etc. If we are not careful, we may create a "Caricature of Oneself" if we completely shut ourselves to other people's thinking, views, philosophies, etc.  I am sometimes guilty of such behaviour myself!  We like to hear our own voices and think our viewpoints, ideas, etc are only relevant and important.  We forget others' thinking and philosohies are just as important and we need to listen them out.  Hopefully from these exchanges we all understand one another better and thereby learn from one another.   After viewing PM's National Day Rally Speech, I  felt that he had lost a golden opportunity for an "epoch-making" moment to set the stage for the next level of Singapore's development and progress in the political arena.  Correct me if I am wrong, I did not see any Opposition Parties' MPs at the Rally.  I was thinking and  hoping he would exhibit courage and this time round he would embrace opposition views and ideas.  It is alright to speak of the Nation's many successes and the action he is taking to tackle the many issues and challenges confronting the country.  But alas! he has forgotten the angst and anger of the 40% of the electorate who has voted against the Government.  Should not part of the speech be addressed to their concerns and the Opposition Parties who represented them!   "Inclusiveness" should not be defined selfishly  to include only people on the same page but must include all people with different views and ideas. The opportunity has been lost and the drawing of a "Caricature of A Great Nation Like Singapore" has yet to start!

Monday 6 August 2012

Our National Pledge.

On 9th August 2012 Singapore will celebrate its 47th Birthday.  On this joyous and auspicious occasion my best wishes for many more years of happiness, prosperity and progress for THIS LITTLE RED DOT!  Do you know as citizens of this country we are expected to keep in our hearts  the oath  of allegiance?  Yes, you have guessed  it right - Our National Pledge:-                                         
                                          We, the citizens of Singapore,
                                           pledge ourselves as one united people,
                                           regardless of race, language or religion,
                                           to build a democratic society
                                           based on justice and equality
                                           so as to achieve happiness,
                                           prosperity and progress
                                           for our nation.

I will like to delve into the phrase "to build a democratic society".  Are there any laws in our Constitution or the existence of any Institutions which impede or make our progress difficult  " to truly build a democratic society".  If this is indeed so, should not an "Ombudsman" be appointed to look into the matter so that our Nation can progress!  Happy National Day!