Had some sort of a short pep talk with a friend earlier. It's not so much of a prep me up type of talk, more of a you should do more and wake your idea type of talk. It's a little demoralising of course but this is Singapore, where it's easier to be contented and to play by the social rules.
The talk reminded me of a little line someone, now half hibernating in Canada, said to me on MSN once: "The system in Singapore makes you feel lousy about yourself". This is easily evident in the examples my pep-talk friend cited: in an previous interview he attended, the interviewers scrutinised his results since his 'A' Levels, and easily found out he had repeated his 'A's based on the year his Chinese 'AO' results were reported in. Furthermore, compared to my peers, I am 2 years behind most of them, never mind what reasons. And I reckon most employers won't give two hoots about why and how you fail to keep up with the system. As long as you did at some point in your life, you are effectively a defect. I would think.
But nevertheless, it will be indeed self defeating to keep on thinking in negative terms like this. So I guess I will add a little deviation: "The system in Singapore can make you feel lousy about yourself, but you can choose to make yourself feel better".
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Friday, January 19, 2007
Resumè
One resumè:
Two continents + six friends: ∑ [Head-hunter, Auditor, Masters Graduate, Service engineer
technician, 2.Graduate student ]^(many comments/opinions) = Ten revisions
Let revisions = A pair of sore eyes, one cranky going stale graduate
Two continents + six friends: ∑ [Head-hunter, Auditor, Masters Graduate, Service engineer
technician, 2.Graduate student ]^(many comments/opinions) = Ten revisions
Let revisions = A pair of sore eyes, one cranky going stale graduate
Monday, January 01, 2007
Friday, September 01, 2006
Random pictures
Hello hello!
This is one of those posts that are about nothing in particular. What I really want to do is to post up some pictures I have been snapping on my new phone. The picture quality isn't much to crow about when viewed on a computer but look really quite nice on a phone's display screen. And I like to think that, in a way, these snapshots are also about showing the bits and pieces of the city I have grown accustomed to and like over the last few years.
For starters, I don't drive because I can't afford nor do I want to bust my ass working to buy a car here (I don't even have a licence). I therefore rely alot on the public transport system here. And this public transport system here runs on a rather strict timetable basis, which means one could very well get stranded in some other suburb if you missed the last bus that goes round to your suburb! Getting a cab is really quite expensive, the taxi metre jumps five cents per second when the cab is moving and probably about 5 cents per 15 seconds when it is stationary. Thus, this
is your next best friend in knowing how long you have to wait and when to start making for that nearest atm.
Waiting for the bus always have the feel that it's an exercise in practising the virtues of patience, and very often one can be easily bored or just get numbed by the winter winds.
And so, it's always a pleasant surprise to have a furry dog coming about the corner and padding up to you on one of those cold winter-turning-spring evenings, with a stick in the jaws gazing at you expectantly.
Because. It just makes you go "Awwwww..." (unless you are a cat lover).
But life goes on after seeing cute furry canines on the streetside. And every so in a blue moon, you'll see something that may just amuse you to no end even though the friend walking just beside would be wondering,
"What the heck, why is that even interesting?"
Ah well, although it is starting to sound like my primary school composition, I feel as if I am on a roll here, so onward I say!
When I get the chance, I would pop down by the quay and get some quality caffeine kick, which owing to the location, costs me about 70 cents more than if I get it elsewhere (i.e. $3.20 instead of the usual $2.50). Usually I get to sit alone enjoying my downtime and sometimes a seagull would swoop down and perch at the railings for a while.
But mostly, I am just contented to sit back and watch the sun go down.
This is one of those posts that are about nothing in particular. What I really want to do is to post up some pictures I have been snapping on my new phone. The picture quality isn't much to crow about when viewed on a computer but look really quite nice on a phone's display screen. And I like to think that, in a way, these snapshots are also about showing the bits and pieces of the city I have grown accustomed to and like over the last few years.
For starters, I don't drive because I can't afford nor do I want to bust my ass working to buy a car here (I don't even have a licence). I therefore rely alot on the public transport system here. And this public transport system here runs on a rather strict timetable basis, which means one could very well get stranded in some other suburb if you missed the last bus that goes round to your suburb! Getting a cab is really quite expensive, the taxi metre jumps five cents per second when the cab is moving and probably about 5 cents per 15 seconds when it is stationary. Thus, this
is your next best friend in knowing how long you have to wait and when to start making for that nearest atm.
Waiting for the bus always have the feel that it's an exercise in practising the virtues of patience, and very often one can be easily bored or just get numbed by the winter winds.
And so, it's always a pleasant surprise to have a furry dog coming about the corner and padding up to you on one of those cold winter-turning-spring evenings, with a stick in the jaws gazing at you expectantly. Because. It just makes you go "Awwwww..." (unless you are a cat lover).
But life goes on after seeing cute furry canines on the streetside. And every so in a blue moon, you'll see something that may just amuse you to no end even though the friend walking just beside would be wondering,
"What the heck, why is that even interesting?"
Ah well, although it is starting to sound like my primary school composition, I feel as if I am on a roll here, so onward I say!
When I get the chance, I would pop down by the quay and get some quality caffeine kick, which owing to the location, costs me about 70 cents more than if I get it elsewhere (i.e. $3.20 instead of the usual $2.50). Usually I get to sit alone enjoying my downtime and sometimes a seagull would swoop down and perch at the railings for a while.
But mostly, I am just contented to sit back and watch the sun go down.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Some updates
It's been a while since my last update. Commitments and laziness both served to delay the promised updates earlier. Well, let no one get too excited yet cos this ain't the promised update too. A summary of what roughly happened would be a more apt description of this post.
Starting from around the time I came back in Feb...nothing much really happened then. I was slacking around and generally being a slacker (the perennial theme of my life, I'm changing that believe me). My memory is fuzzy of that period..probably still reeling in from the changes in my life circumstances. March is when I was slightly more comfortable in my skin back in Singapore, started to volunteer on an ad hoc basis doing some manual labour...hehe. Got to know a few nice people. Bank account depleting like nothing from my constant travelling around the island and lots and lots of Kopi-o EVERY MORNING as well as a Newspaper to tinkle my little brain. Of course, the occasional Starbucks and dinning out with some nice souls helped to 'negative-ise' the BA (English purists please butt out).
And oh, been reading online religiously every night and pissing some bloggers off sometimes with innane comments, and sometimes trying to desperately show off a few cents I have in my grey matter up there. How this does not gel with the summary I don't care.
Onwards to April, spent some time all the while fighting/cajoling the University Admin, faculty admin and pinging the School Admin for my last stand this coming session 2..sigh. Don't know how many times I have to laspe back into a pseudo aussie accent/slang on the phone to try and get things done. I occasionally throw them off with a few slips of Singaporean tinged English though, hehe. Tried to look for substitute subjects in the local unis, some came close most don't, and the timing definitely was off. Most of the local Unis are structuring their academic year to be a replica of the American ones...sigh. But it's not my main concern anyway.
Still in April, got to go on my first trip to Tioman Island. By the good grace of a very good friend since high school, he invited me to join him and a friend of his who brought more friends along to this trip. Am quite glad to have joined in this trip, got to know a couple of fabulous people. Finally did my virgin attempt at snorkeling...yes yes, very late I know but better than never right? All in all, it was great fun, good food, very agreeable company, fantastic get away etc etc etc...whew. I am thankful for this break is probably the best I can sum up.
Right, so what else...ok I had actually started on this part time assignment just slightly before the tioman trip. It pays ok, 3 day week by virtue of the schedule the company runs on, was introduced by a friend, once I agan I shall now give thanks here to the friend for giving me a means to improve on my bank balance for a little while.
And during this time, I was trying my bestest to wring out an internship with a local organisation that shall not be named here with the help of a couple of nice staff from there. But due to the unfortunate timing of their own internal staffing recomposition as well as organisation committments, the attempt was ding-donging for a while going no where. So I continue to toil on my part time assignment...until one day...
...A volcano somewhere in a neighbouring country started becoming more grumpy and threatened to spill more than a few streams of lava down its sides. And thus I was offered the chance of a lifetime to go on my very first 'disaster tour' by the same org that was dinging and donging my wishful internship. Being a typical Singaporean with a slightly higher adventure quorum than the typical heartlander, I jumped at the chance and so off I flew towards the rumbling volcano. Our mission is simple, to render pre-emptive aid to villagers relocated in temporary shelters while waiting and hoping for the volcano to simmer down.
Oh, just before this little jaunt to the volcano, I managed to get my damn student visa approved for the third time in my life for the damn bloody degree that I HAVE to FINISH...
After I got back..I was too embarassed to go back to the pld job cos I left at a rather hasty notice but hey it was within the stipulated time frame as stated in the contract so i was within my obligations. So what I did? I went on and became a pretend-intern at the organisation that shall not be named here.
In the little bit of time during while I was pretending to be an intern in the organisation-that-shall-not-be-named-here, I somehow got involved in the major non-event that happens in my little country every 5 years as stated in the constitution (that can be changed rather easily though). That is the General Elections folks, GE 2006. A most interesting event and experience for me. The motivating factor was the thought that I would be taking part in a very important democractic process.
I really think my country is very democratic but the Thais have to BEAT us by being even more democractic: they have demostrations that lead up to a snap poll, and then the polls were carried out without their major opposition parties, TRT won overwhelmingly but it was later challenged in the courts and it was determined the results were void. So now they are in the midst of preparing a second round of polls.
Oh well, maybe they should learn from Singapore, you know, our ruling party won overwhelmingly too even when we have a substantial number of contestations from the opposition parties (kechil kurup types lah but they did well to be well coordinated this time round). And a challenged was mounted in the high court to void the result cos some kechil Kurup opposition party member anyhow thought the ruling party was buying votes by giving out the progress package (to where I also dunnoe).
Okok, I better stop here, later genna "Gomezed"...
In the meantime I must announced that Bangkok is so full of shoppable stuff...I busted my imaginary budget while I was there recently...sigh sigh sigh...I wish I have more bahts and more time, more bahts and time...
Til the next time...stop and smell the flowers
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Cough..kaff..acckks..xcus-zimoi
Apologia for the long intermission (snickers)... just returning from the limbo to have a look see.
However, will update soon, with pictures.
Meanwhile adieu.
However, will update soon, with pictures.
Meanwhile adieu.
Monday, December 05, 2005
limbotic post
My father who raised me for 26 years had passed away on the 17th November 2005.
I don't know what I am feeling now.
I still have things to do and his last wish for me to fulfil.
But I feel stuck.
I am irritable at every small issue now. This is bad.
I remember crying uncontrollably for the first time in many years on that day.
There was so much I had wanted to do for him when I would have come back from Sydney.
But now, it all became a mere possibility that remains stuck on 17th November 2005.
I miss him alot.
I really hope his essence, his soul will go on to the Western Paradise as described in the Buddhist scriptures.
I really do miss him.
I don't know what I am feeling now.
I still have things to do and his last wish for me to fulfil.
But I feel stuck.
I am irritable at every small issue now. This is bad.
I remember crying uncontrollably for the first time in many years on that day.
There was so much I had wanted to do for him when I would have come back from Sydney.
But now, it all became a mere possibility that remains stuck on 17th November 2005.
I miss him alot.
I really hope his essence, his soul will go on to the Western Paradise as described in the Buddhist scriptures.
I really do miss him.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Numbers for thought...
According to an article in the Goodweekend (29 Oct 2005), a weekend magazine of the Sydney Morning Herald, there are some interesting statistics with regards toimmigration figures to Australia.
Settler arrivals by birthplace,
Singapore
1993-1994
502
2003-2004
2224
So over a period of ten years, the numbers from Singapore jumped by a factor of four.
China, India and Sudan showed a similar jump in terms of factor, while South Africa and Zimbawe increased by a factor of five and ten respectively.
Interestingly, the numbers from Hong Kong dropped drastically by a factor of three (from 3333 in 93-94 to 1125 in 03-04).
This clearly is not the aggregate numbers but rather it seemed to be a year on year basis. However, the numbers indicated do not differentiate between permanent migration to those who are on a temporary basis (like students for example). Still, it gives some food for thought. The numbers are from DIMIA.
Settler arrivals by birthplace,
Singapore
1993-1994
502
2003-2004
2224
So over a period of ten years, the numbers from Singapore jumped by a factor of four.
China, India and Sudan showed a similar jump in terms of factor, while South Africa and Zimbawe increased by a factor of five and ten respectively.
Interestingly, the numbers from Hong Kong dropped drastically by a factor of three (from 3333 in 93-94 to 1125 in 03-04).
This clearly is not the aggregate numbers but rather it seemed to be a year on year basis. However, the numbers indicated do not differentiate between permanent migration to those who are on a temporary basis (like students for example). Still, it gives some food for thought. The numbers are from DIMIA.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
The zazzle
Sometimes, fate plays a cruel joke. Like the legends of the past, what one lech for, always seems to be around the corner, but never, within my grasp.
Kind counsel abound, the fog of war twirls round the mind, stumbling steps I take. Yet again. And again.
The sounds of the ship horn blast through the air, and I will, sink again to the cold depths, akin to the destiny of the cursed maiden, fair Titanic.
Kind counsel abound, the fog of war twirls round the mind, stumbling steps I take. Yet again. And again.
The sounds of the ship horn blast through the air, and I will, sink again to the cold depths, akin to the destiny of the cursed maiden, fair Titanic.
3 old ladies
Once upon a time, there were three old ladies. They didn't want to die out in the open. So they came up with a plan.
The plan was to rob a bank. For one, is to live out her dream, to do what she want. Before she fades away into the shadows, away with Death.
They eventually got caught, and the one who dreamt, saw Death waiting, and slept peacefully away on the hard prison bed.
Her dear two friends, waited, And being like any other good old ladies, they behaved well, and were released soon after 8 months of prison life. They were lucky, their klutzy adorers had found the money that was spirited away (the police never found them because the driver of the getaway car hid the money in an old folks home).
The money was used to buy a rusting old fishing boat. The two old ladies were understandably non too happy with it, but it was all good.
The plan was to rob a bank. For one, is to live out her dream, to do what she want. Before she fades away into the shadows, away with Death.
They eventually got caught, and the one who dreamt, saw Death waiting, and slept peacefully away on the hard prison bed.
Her dear two friends, waited, And being like any other good old ladies, they behaved well, and were released soon after 8 months of prison life. They were lucky, their klutzy adorers had found the money that was spirited away (the police never found them because the driver of the getaway car hid the money in an old folks home).
The money was used to buy a rusting old fishing boat. The two old ladies were understandably non too happy with it, but it was all good.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Last stick of ciggie
Ciggie, heh, I've used the bastardised form for cigarette. Nice, life should be convenient.
It's just 6 mnutes past 3 am (AEST), and the last stub lies miserably together with its two cousins in a lid that I conveniently use as a makeshift ashtray. Like an awkward threesome with no voyeurs.
It's a cool dusk, wet from the smattering of rain, falling where it is not needed the most. That, my friend, is not convenient. Firstly, it drives the mosquitoes into my room, through the balcony door left ajar. Thus the motivation to fill the room with ciggie smoke to literally smoke out the mosquitoes. Heh, a failed experiment of course, cigarette smoke are never meant to substitute for mozzie coils.
Secondly, it makes you feel just a tad more miserable than you already are, especially if you are still staying up.
Thirdly, it just mocks at you, for not having another warm body by your side when you lay down beneath the cover. Of course this betrays one of my desires, need, want, dreams. For now, I make do with a faux version of the vulpes vulpes.
But, there is just something magical about the sounds of rain falling amongst the veil of the eventide.
It's just 6 mnutes past 3 am (AEST), and the last stub lies miserably together with its two cousins in a lid that I conveniently use as a makeshift ashtray. Like an awkward threesome with no voyeurs.
It's a cool dusk, wet from the smattering of rain, falling where it is not needed the most. That, my friend, is not convenient. Firstly, it drives the mosquitoes into my room, through the balcony door left ajar. Thus the motivation to fill the room with ciggie smoke to literally smoke out the mosquitoes. Heh, a failed experiment of course, cigarette smoke are never meant to substitute for mozzie coils.
Secondly, it makes you feel just a tad more miserable than you already are, especially if you are still staying up.
Thirdly, it just mocks at you, for not having another warm body by your side when you lay down beneath the cover. Of course this betrays one of my desires, need, want, dreams. For now, I make do with a faux version of the vulpes vulpes.
But, there is just something magical about the sounds of rain falling amongst the veil of the eventide.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
小薇 from the past
小薇
有一个美丽的小女孩 她的名字叫作小薇
她有双温柔的眼睛 她悄悄偷走我的心
小薇啊 你可知道我多爱你 我要带你飞到天上去
看那星星多美丽 摘下一颗亲手送给你
有一个美丽的小女孩 她的名字叫作小薇
她有双温柔的眼睛 她悄悄偷走我的心
小薇啊 你可知道我多爱你 我要带你飞到天上去
看那星星多美丽 摘下一颗亲手送给你 小薇啊
你可知道我多爱你 我要带你飞到天上去
看那星星多美丽 摘下一颗亲手送给你
有一个美丽的小女孩 她的名字叫作小薇
她有双温柔的眼睛 她悄悄偷走我的心
小薇啊 你可知道我多爱你 我要带你飞到天上去
看那星星多美丽 摘下一颗亲手送给你
有一个美丽的小女孩 她的名字叫作小薇
她有双温柔的眼睛 她悄悄偷走我的心
小薇啊 你可知道我多爱你 我要带你飞到天上去
看那星星多美丽 摘下一颗亲手送给你 小薇啊
你可知道我多爱你 我要带你飞到天上去
看那星星多美丽 摘下一颗亲手送给你
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Random meanderings
"Who are you?"
"Where did you come from?"
"Why are you here?"
"Where are you trying to go from here?"
"What is most important to you...?"
-Tsubasa Chronicles 20-
---------------------------------------
Why blogging is seditious?
Premise 1: Blogging requires some thinking
Premise 2: Thinking is dangerous, mostly.
Conclusion: Blogging is therefore dangerous.
(May be removed/edited)
"Where did you come from?"
"Why are you here?"
"Where are you trying to go from here?"
"What is most important to you...?"
-Tsubasa Chronicles 20-
---------------------------------------
Why blogging is seditious?
Premise 1: Blogging requires some thinking
Premise 2: Thinking is dangerous, mostly.
Conclusion: Blogging is therefore dangerous.
(May be removed/edited)
Friday, September 16, 2005
It's friday night...
and what are you doing?
It's a cold tonight in Sydney. I wonder if you still remember the nights here.
The puffs of your warm breathes fascinates me to no end. Does it still do for you as well?
I remember the wet nights that often accompanies spring's entrance, do the falling rain still makes you look out the window?
The distant sounds of the traffic, ever unceasing, the infrequent stillness of the night, broken by the screams of piercing sirens. Do you still hear them often?
The wet sounds emmanting from every step pounding on the uneven pavement, and the cold biting winds, harshly tells me that Spring is coming.
Spring is coming. It is Friday night, and what are you doing?
It's a cold tonight in Sydney. I wonder if you still remember the nights here.
The puffs of your warm breathes fascinates me to no end. Does it still do for you as well?
I remember the wet nights that often accompanies spring's entrance, do the falling rain still makes you look out the window?
The distant sounds of the traffic, ever unceasing, the infrequent stillness of the night, broken by the screams of piercing sirens. Do you still hear them often?
The wet sounds emmanting from every step pounding on the uneven pavement, and the cold biting winds, harshly tells me that Spring is coming.
Spring is coming. It is Friday night, and what are you doing?
Sunday, September 11, 2005
September 11
Wow, it's September 11 again.
*Closed my eyes and wished hard for world peace world peace world peace....*
Listening to: Yoru Wo Kakeru
*Closed my eyes and wished hard for world peace world peace world peace....*
Listening to: Yoru Wo Kakeru
Thursday, September 08, 2005
AGM 2005
The agm was over a couple of hours ago. Just can't help thinking we could have done it much more properly and organised. Blame it on my pedantic need to get things done right. Why organise something where we do it the SAF way: rush to wait wait to rush.
No one else seemed to know what to do and the one who should look more presidential was happy to wait. Fine. I am just another kancheong spider that will be blown away in the wiind.
And surprisingly there was some politicking going on in the presidential elections, since I was expecting just a straight fight between the two contestants without any other third parties.
But guess I was wrong. But the right person did get elected and so shall it be.
The pacing of the agm didn't feel very comfortable and there is the perennial sydromne where people leave after voting for the president.
Fact of life: nobody gives a shit about the rest of the supporting committee.
Fact of life number 2: it's also the very well connected people that gets to high places. I am pretty sure hard work and effort is a factor in success as well but how much of it also depends on the aforementioned.
Now to await the dreaded awards.
No one else seemed to know what to do and the one who should look more presidential was happy to wait. Fine. I am just another kancheong spider that will be blown away in the wiind.
And surprisingly there was some politicking going on in the presidential elections, since I was expecting just a straight fight between the two contestants without any other third parties.
But guess I was wrong. But the right person did get elected and so shall it be.
The pacing of the agm didn't feel very comfortable and there is the perennial sydromne where people leave after voting for the president.
Fact of life: nobody gives a shit about the rest of the supporting committee.
Fact of life number 2: it's also the very well connected people that gets to high places. I am pretty sure hard work and effort is a factor in success as well but how much of it also depends on the aforementioned.
Now to await the dreaded awards.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
The last post
must be some of the shittest post I ever written. But i don't believe in authoritarian censorship, so it shall be left behind to torment whoever dares venture here.
Sometimes
The world of the looking glass.
Is so unreal.
And, yet, can bring real pain.
Then, you, sometimes, sometimes dream.
About that, auric, blazing star rise.
In the, thin boundary yonder.
And, as I gaze, upon your silhouette.
Cast upon the cold surface.
Listening, wondering, of the tales.
From the hearts asunder.
Then before, the rays' strength is at its zenith.
Silently, swiftly, gently shall my shadow fade.
Is so unreal.
And, yet, can bring real pain.
Then, you, sometimes, sometimes dream.
About that, auric, blazing star rise.
In the, thin boundary yonder.
And, as I gaze, upon your silhouette.
Cast upon the cold surface.
Listening, wondering, of the tales.
From the hearts asunder.
Then before, the rays' strength is at its zenith.
Silently, swiftly, gently shall my shadow fade.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Wondering skeptic
I was trying to see if I can view the NDP rally speech online, to see what sort of goodie bag the government is giving out.
Unfortunately, our very competitive media industry have only one main broadcaster, and the main source of such a livestreaming was to have come from the ChannelNewsAsia (at the rate that we import CHinese people, it's going to be called ChinaNewAsia soon, wahaha...oops oops, falling into the insular singaporean mode again).
Anyway, because our CNA see themselves as the BBC of Asia, they also put all their videocasting of their shows through the Real Network, and you have to subscribe to their premium version of the Realplayer to get access to premium content. And as I am a poor student, with no credit card, I am left with no option but to give RealPlayer a middle finger and say goodbye to the live webcast.
So much for trying to connect to all Singaporeans.
Unfortunately, our very competitive media industry have only one main broadcaster, and the main source of such a livestreaming was to have come from the ChannelNewsAsia (at the rate that we import CHinese people, it's going to be called ChinaNewAsia soon, wahaha...oops oops, falling into the insular singaporean mode again).
Anyway, because our CNA see themselves as the BBC of Asia, they also put all their videocasting of their shows through the Real Network, and you have to subscribe to their premium version of the Realplayer to get access to premium content. And as I am a poor student, with no credit card, I am left with no option but to give RealPlayer a middle finger and say goodbye to the live webcast.
So much for trying to connect to all Singaporeans.
Friday, August 19, 2005
The skeptical cynic strikes!
From Todayonline (18 August 2005)
Letter from Janaine Lau
Press Secretary to Minister for Law
Your article "Changing Istana" (Aug 13-14), although purporting to be based on views of experts, contained misleading and inaccurate statements about the constitutional role of the President and his relationship with the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA).
.
First, the article said that in 2004, Parliament passed new provisions "to make it possible for the Government to transfer its reserves to selected statutory boards and Government companies, without such transfers being regarded as a draw on past reserves".
.
In fact, the amendments merely enabled the Government to transfer its past reserves to the past reserves of protected statutory boards and Government companies. This would not enable the Government to draw on these past reserves.
.
Secondly, the article said the majority of the six-member CPA "must agree with the President before he can effectively veto the Government's budget or key appointments".
.
There is no requirement that the CPA has to agree with the President before he can exercise his veto. However, if the President vetoes the budget or key appointments contrary to the CPA's recommendation, the veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority in Parliament. But if the CPA agrees with the President, then his veto is final and cannot be overridden by Parliament.
-------------
Notice the words in bold above.
From the dictionary.com, the definition of veto:
n. pl. ve·toes
1.
1. The vested power or constitutional right of one branch or department of government to refuse approval of measures proposed by another department, especially the power of a chief executive to reject a bill passed by the legislature and thus prevent or delay its enactment into law.
2. Exercise of this right.
3. An official document or message from a chief executive stating the reasons for rejection of a bill.
2. An authoritative prohibition or rejection of a proposed or intended act.
tr.v. ve·toed, ve·to·ing, ve·toes
1. To prevent (a legislative bill) from becoming law by exercising the power of veto.
2. To forbid or prohibit authoritatively.
Then let's see the make up of the Council of Presidential Advisors (from http://www.istana.gov.sg/cpa.html):
The Council comprises six members, of whom two are appointed by the President at his discretion, two are the Prime Minister's nominees, one is the Chief Justice's nominee and the sixth, the nominee of the Chairman of the Public Service Commission.
And then let's see who makes up the majority of the Parliament (from here):
Total of 84 seats in Parliament.
seats by party - PAP 82, WP 1, SPP 1
And we just wonder why was there so much hoo ha about the non-president elections earlier.
Letter from Janaine Lau
Press Secretary to Minister for Law
Your article "Changing Istana" (Aug 13-14), although purporting to be based on views of experts, contained misleading and inaccurate statements about the constitutional role of the President and his relationship with the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA).
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First, the article said that in 2004, Parliament passed new provisions "to make it possible for the Government to transfer its reserves to selected statutory boards and Government companies, without such transfers being regarded as a draw on past reserves".
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In fact, the amendments merely enabled the Government to transfer its past reserves to the past reserves of protected statutory boards and Government companies. This would not enable the Government to draw on these past reserves.
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Secondly, the article said the majority of the six-member CPA "must agree with the President before he can effectively veto the Government's budget or key appointments".
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There is no requirement that the CPA has to agree with the President before he can exercise his veto. However, if the President vetoes the budget or key appointments contrary to the CPA's recommendation, the veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority in Parliament. But if the CPA agrees with the President, then his veto is final and cannot be overridden by Parliament.
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Notice the words in bold above.
From the dictionary.com, the definition of veto:
n. pl. ve·toes
1.
1. The vested power or constitutional right of one branch or department of government to refuse approval of measures proposed by another department, especially the power of a chief executive to reject a bill passed by the legislature and thus prevent or delay its enactment into law.
2. Exercise of this right.
3. An official document or message from a chief executive stating the reasons for rejection of a bill.
2. An authoritative prohibition or rejection of a proposed or intended act.
tr.v. ve·toed, ve·to·ing, ve·toes
1. To prevent (a legislative bill) from becoming law by exercising the power of veto.
2. To forbid or prohibit authoritatively.
Then let's see the make up of the Council of Presidential Advisors (from http://www.istana.gov.sg/cpa.html):
The Council comprises six members, of whom two are appointed by the President at his discretion, two are the Prime Minister's nominees, one is the Chief Justice's nominee and the sixth, the nominee of the Chairman of the Public Service Commission.
And then let's see who makes up the majority of the Parliament (from here):
Total of 84 seats in Parliament.
seats by party - PAP 82, WP 1, SPP 1
And we just wonder why was there so much hoo ha about the non-president elections earlier.
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