Abusing maids – again by theonlinecitizen It would seem that employers are adopting a new tactic to punish their maids – perhaps avoiding physical abuse like in the past. Is starvation of maids the new method employers are using to punish their domestic helper? Be mindful of the affective gap by Catharine Lim The policy on ministerial salaries will, at …

By Leong Sze Hian I think we may need to re-think our mindset to not over-concentrate the smartest like our scholars and the most successful elite, in the decision-making hierarchy of our GLCs. Otherwise, the silliest of costly blunders not just in money terms, but to Singapore’s reputation and relationships, may happen, has happened, and we should try harder to …

By Celluloid Reality(s) Singapore’s existence since 1965 has been an exercise in idealism underpinned by a ideology of pragmatism, brought about by a keen sense of sober realism in the days following the expulsion from Malaysia and realizing that this nation had to survive on whatever it had. Pragmatism in the Singaporean context has often been defined to be a …

This is an excerpt of the parliamentary debate between PAP MP Dr Lily Neo and Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on the issue of public assistance. Dr Lily Neo: Sir, I want to check with the Minister again when he said on the strict criteria on the entitlement for PA recipients. May I ask him what is his definition of “subsistence living”? …

By theonlinecitizen Perhaps the most disheartening thing about the debate over ministers’ salary is the end-result. Many have spoken, some very passionately. Most, as far as I can discern, are against the increase. Yet, in spite of all this, nothing changed the government’s mind about the pay rise. Catherine Lim’s analysis of what she termed “the skill of the strategy” …

By Koh Choon Lin The Government is increasingly dependent on computer software to operate. Singaporeans access important services like SingPass via the Internet, leading the makers of software exerting substantial control over how the Government operates. Most software currently used by the Government is like a black box. It is proprietary, which means that the Government is not allowed to …

By Zyberzitizen Eversince the issue of ministers salary emerged recently, the PAP government has been taking great pains to let Singaporeans know how “extraordinary” they are. This is not unexpected, of course. How else would they justify their highest-in-the-world salary, right? It is getting to the point of making us nauseous – and sick in the stomach. Here are some …

A Danish citizen, Mr. Gregory Glen, responds to MM Lee’s remarks that Denmark, Finland and Switzerland can afford mediocrity in the remuneration of their ministers. This is an extract from the blog, This Lush Garden Within. I read with interest Mentor Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s remark in Singapore’s Parliament that Denmark, Finland and Switzerland can afford mediocrity in the remuneration …

“We have live debate all the time in the parliament. I think that is the most appropriate place for us to conduct our debate unless you think otherwise. All discussions are recorded officially in the parliament proceedings, the Hansard. Hence we make sure of our facts before we debate. I guess what you want is entertainment, a debate or dialogue …

The following is a video on the recent ministers’ pay hike. It is recommended to theonlinecitizen by a reader. It’s rather humourous. Take a look: