3 Teenagers Charged becos of racist Facebook group

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=279828277914&ref=mf

Ah Pu Neh Neh... is racist!

POLICE have arrested three Chinese youths for posting racist remarks on popular social networking site Facebook.

The trio, aged between 17 and 18, are believed to be active members of a Facebook group which is named after a derogatory term to describe Indians.

Following a report lodged last Saturday, police conducted extensive inquiries and established the identity of the suspects.

All three suspects were arrested on 31 Jan 2010 and have since been released on bail. Investigations into the case are on-going.

Under the Sedition Act, anyone found guilty of promoting feelings of ill-will and hostility between different races or classes of the population of Singapore shall be liable, on conviction for a first offence, to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both.

Commander of Bedok Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police, Teo Chun Ching said; "Police take a very stern view of acts that could threaten the social harmony in Singapore. The Internet may be a convenient medium to express one's views but members of the public should bear in mind that they are no less accountable for their actions online."

Ah Neh Rojak stall food poisoning cases due to Shit

MOH verified!

An Indian rojak stall that was linked to a food poisoning outbreak last year was poorly maintained.

This is according to a Senior Public Health Officer from the Ministry of Health (MOH), Abdul Rahman Osman, who inspected the Rojak Geylang Serai stall on April 4 last year.

In a coroner's inquiry on Tuesday, the court heard how the stall was dirty with food stains and showed signs of cockroach infestation.

The ministry also found bacteria - indicative of poor sanitary conditions - on a chopping board used to cut food items in the stall.

One of the bacteria - staphylococcus aureus - is commonly found on human skin, while the other - faecal coliform - indicates faecal cross contamination.

However, the licensee of the stall, Sheik Alauddin Mohideen, said that his outlet was cleaned with soap and water every day after closing time. He added that his staff wear gloves when they handle cooked food.

Two women died after eating rojak bought from the outlet last year - 57-year-old Aminah Samijo, who died on April 6; and 59-year-old Norani Kassim, who died on April 8.

Do we continues to eat hand made Roti Prata? what if the indian guy didn't wash his hands after shitting?!

Ah Neh FT push Cabby but its an Accident

THE death of a cabby from a severe head injury two days after he was pushed and hit his head on the ground accident.

State Coroner Victor Yeo on Monday recorded a verdict of misadventure at an inquest into the death of relief Trans Cab driver Chew Peng Choon, 62, in September 2008.

The man who had pushed him was tried and acquitted of causing his death by doing a negligent act last November. But former financial controller Arun Rajan, 30, was back in the coroner's court as a potential defendant. He elected to remain silent.

Mr Arun, who was tipsy, had vomited inside Mr Chew's cab as he was the way way home to Tampines sometime past 1.30am on Sept 27, 2008.

Mr Chew then demanded an extra $50 to clean up the mess but Mr Rajan refused to pay, sparking an argument. Mr Rajan later withdrew $50 from a convenience store at a petrol kiosk along Tampines Avenue 9.

After paying $30 for his cab fare, Mr Chew continued to ask for the cleaning charges and also tried to punch Mr Arun.

While Mr Arun was walking away, Mr Chew took an object from his tax and confronted Mr Arun, who grabbed his fist and pushed him, causing the cabby to fall backwards He died two days later in hospital of a broken skull.

Enjoy Thaipusam 2010

The annual Thaipusam festival drew some 9,500 devotees this year - about 400 more than last year. And they all fulfilled their vows to the Hindu deity Lord Muruga.

Devotees walked the four-kilometre stretch from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Serangoon Road to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple in Tank Road.

Organisers said more people took part this year because it was held over the weekend.
Most of the devotees carried pots filled with milk, called the paal kudam. Others shouldered kaavadis - tower-shaped spiked structures - as a form of thanksgiving or family tradition.

One devotee said: "My daughter-in-law wanted to carry the paal kudam. She made a vow and we followed her."

Another commented: "In our family, we usually come to the temple during Thaipusam when we have a newborn..."

The colourful festival is also a draw for tourists.

It is also common to see Singaporeans of other races taking part in the festival, a point also highlighted by the guest of honour who was at both temples to witness the procession.

Lim Hwee Hua, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, and Second Minister for Finance and Transport, said: "They have grown up together amidst diversity, (and have the) opportunity to experience each other's culture and that is really natural and that is really good.

"But what we would like to build into them is that elsewhere outside of Singapore, some of these differences can become a source of tension. We just want them to be aware of it.

"Celebrate the differences, but at the same time, respect that we are all born differently and we are all born of different backgrounds, different religious beliefs. So I believe that we should continue to build that consciousness, but allow the natural assimilation to continue in a very good way."

The Thaipusam procession, which began at midnight, continues for a 24-hour period.

Shamu: Don't jump to conclusion... errrr...

If my knowledge thru CSI and many crime related books didn't help improve my analytical skills - I'm a dam-fool.

IT IS not right or appropriate for the Singapore Government to determine guilt in the ongoing investigations related to a hit-and-run accident involving a Romanian embassy car, said Law Minister K. Shanmugam yesterday.

But it is right for the Government to investigate the facts, put them forward and take the appropriate steps, he told reporters after a dialogue with Yew Tee residents.

"There is no question of us not going through the facts carefully or trying to shield anyone, or not following due processes," he said, stressing the need for fairness.

Mr Shanmugam was replying to a question a resident had posed on the Government's apparent silence on the accident.

Earlier this month, Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo said that due process must be allowed to take its course for the case.

The accident occurred last month in Bukit Panjang. It left one man dead and two men injured. Mr Shanmugam said that the police would "investigate without fear or favour" and that, in the next step, the Attorney-General would "proceed only if he believes that a case can be made in court with witnesses beyond reasonable doubt".

Little India, Mustafa and more must-sees

Enjoy the crowd, smell and the dirt...

Whenever friends from India tell me they are coming to visit for a few days, I draw up a list of places they should go to.

It would include the usual suspects like Sentosa, Jurong Bird Park, the Night Safari and Orchard Road.

If time permits and my visitors can be distracted from the call of the malls, I try to include in their itinerary some of the places that have grown on me since I came to Singapore.

The list would include the steps overlooking the calm waters of the Singapore River at Clarke Quay, East Coast for the feel of sand and the scent of the sea and even CityLink Mall, where you can enjoy a cup of teh C while watching shoppers whiz by frantically.

However, even if a few of these places are left out because of a tight schedule, their visit must absolutely include a trip to Mustafa, the 24-hour shopping centre in Little India.

But then I don't need to specially include a stop at Mustafa in their itinerary. It is an unspoken given.

For Indians living in Singapore, Mustafa is a treasure trove of the things they were so used to back home but weren't sure would be available here.

From Indian spices and the latest Bollywood DVDs to coconut oil and snacks, the store carries all the items they might need.

Indian expat families make at least one visit to Mustafa every month to stock up on that particular masala or on that particular brand of flour.

For visitors, especially budget travellers, the store is akin to Aladdin's cave. A trip to Mustafa would satisfy all their shopping urges, they feel.

Well, they are not far wrong. It is the one place where they can get great deals for brand-name items like perfumes, as well as pick up made-in-Singapore coin purses, coasters and other souvenirs to take home as gifts.

Although Singapore is not lacking in malls, people from the sub-continent are strangely drawn to this multi-storey store.

They go there armed with shopping lists from people back home and requests to get a particular Chinese sauce or some electronic item.

When I was a student in Mumbai and my parents were bound for Singapore, I too would scour the pages of Seventeen magazine and hand them names of creams and perfumes to pick up for me. My first and last epilator was from Singapore.

I was a tourist myself when I paid my first visit to Mustafa about six years ago.

Back then, I too walked around the aisles with a glazed look in my eyes, picking up this and that and dropping the items into my plastic shopping basket, unmindful of how heavy it was getting or how tired my legs were.

But now, I'm smarter. I make a short, tight list of the items that I need and that I'm sure I cannot get anywhere else. That way, I just look at the list and head straight for the right section, turning a deaf ear to the call of other goodies lined up along the way.

I also try to avoid weekends when the store is jam-packed with shoppers.

I follow the same drill with my guests, keeping them confined to the essentials on their visits to the store.

Some of them have expressed their unhappiness about it, but I can't help it.

After all, Singapore is not just about shopping. I want to show them that there is so much more to do and see outside the air-conditioned malls. I'd also like them to spend some time in places other than the usual tourist spots like Sentosa or the Night Safari.

As I discover more places that warm my heart, I find myself adding to the special must-sees that I highlight on my itinerary for visitors.

The next time people tell me they are coming for a visit, I plan to take them walking under the bridges in the city area, from the Esplanade to Boat Quay. I also plan to pick a bus at random and take them on a long bus ride - which I find is a great way to see the city. Next is a trek up the green jungles of Dempsey Hill.

Taking action today, while keeping an eye on tomorrow

President S R Nathan’s Address to Parliament on Monday and the policy statements by Cabinet ministers that followed this week threw up little that was entirely new. But they provided a clear blueprint of the Government’s priorities for the immediate future - and beyond. What then does all this say about this Government and its continual focus on what lies beyond the horizon? What can Singaporeans expect in the next few years? Insight looks between the lines at the Government’s agenda outlined this week.


I sees ‘nothing ground-breaking or awe-inspiring, in some respects’ about the directions and steps that the Government outlined this week when its agenda was presented via President S R Nathan’s Address at the opening of a new session of Parliament.

However, Assistant Professor Tan found them to be ‘comprehensive in outlining the Government’s priorities, key challenges, and commitment to get things done’.

‘In that sense, it was reassuring because substance in governance - getting things done effectively, efficiently and fairly - is far more important than form,’ he tells Insight.

‘It reaffirms the fundamental ethos of the Government and reiterates that there is no silver bullet in governance, which is always a work-in-progress.’

On Monday, President Nathan made clear that the Government’s immediate priority is to see Singapore through the current economic crisis and help Singaporeans cope.

The Government will help companies stay viable to keep jobs, help workers train for new jobs, and ensure children from lower-income families get opportunities to reach their full potential in education, he stressed.

It will also seek new markets and develop new capabilities in growth sectors.

So while there may appear to be little by way of new or major policy announcements or shifts, the reality is that there are existing strategies which are being fine-tuned.

Over this past week, details were released of a review of existing help schemes to make sure that no one falls through the cracks; two new higher learning institutions; investments in health care and other sectors to prepare for a greying population; and even a review of censorship guidelines to stay in tune as society changes.

These show, at one level, the Government’s preparedness to deal with short-term, urgent issues.

But on another level, there is a sophisticated gearing-up to groom Singapore and its people for the challenges ahead.

Dr Tan, who teaches law at the Singapore Management University (SMU), describes this as a ‘necessary, bifocal perspective’ to governance.

In other words, preparing for the upturn even while managing the severe impact of this recession.

Notes political observer Gillian Koh: ‘The Government thinks long term on the demographic trends, on ensuring long-term social mobility, and yet has said enough in these addenda to suggest that the political will is there to help all who need that little extra to survive the current crisis and eventually ride the long-term wave.’

Looking beyond the downturn

EVEN as President Nathan underlined the Government’s priority of helping to mitigate the negative effects of the recession on Singaporeans, SMU economist Davin Chor finds it noteworthy that he also reiterated the need to focus on long-term strategic issues.

Such a focus aims to position Singapore to succeed in the changed global economic landscape that will emerge once the world economy starts to pick up again.

‘One cannot assume for example that developed countries such as the United States will be vibrant growth engines, and that it will be business as usual once again,’ says Assistant Professor Chor.

‘This long-term perspective has been a trademark of the Singapore Government, and it was a timely reminder not to lose sight of this amid the current downturn,’ he adds.

It must be noted that massive schemes to save jobs and help workers pick up skills - whether to hold on to existing jobs or to better find new ones - have been in place for some months now.
Last December, the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (Spur) began subsidising training for local workers and $650 million has been allocated to it.

Measures have been expanded and refined in response to feedback.

Earlier this month, Spur-Jobs was introduced to give companies a grant of up to $400,000 to hire and hang on to trained local workers by helping them cover costs of such items as job advertisements and recruitment services.

The Government is also spending $4.5 billion on Jobs Credit, which subsidises employers’ wage bill for local workers.

Government-backed loans have also seen a robust take-up rate, with $2.5 billion given out since December last year.

Thus it is no surprise that Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang says in his ministry’s addendum to the President’s Address that the various economic agencies will continue to lend companies a hand so they can better compete globally.

The Government will also step up efforts to help businesses expand in key markets as well as new markets such as in Latin America and Eastern Europe.

And even as the Government uses its strong fiscal position to mitigate the impact of the downturn here, Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam says it is stepping up investments ‘to transform Singapore into a high-capability economy, and a global city that stands out for its liveability’.

These investments include an expanded transport network, waterways and parks, to improve the living environment.

Preparing people through education

MR THARMAN also stressed that the Government will devote resources to building a cohesive, inclusive society.

It will keep fees in educational institutions and worker training schemes affordable, raise their standards, and ensure adequate social safety nets, including on health care.

Dr Koh, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) at the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, says this focus on human development through education and health care is ‘extremely consistent with the basic philosophy of the PAP Government’.

‘Education has been the key to social mobility and progress at the individual and national level,’ she notes.

‘The investment is at all levels - our system of Institute of Technical Education and the polytechnics seek to enhance the prospects of all and not just those with high academic ability, allowing for multiple tracks for success.

‘If we can upgrade early education, that would be a great boost in these efforts,’ she adds.
Education Minister Ng Eng Hen, in his addendum, said expanded higher learning opportunities will boost the number of polytechnic places and help achieve a 30 per cent university participation rate for each cohort by 2015.

This expansion of the tertiary education base is very much in line with the Government’s long-term philosophy, notes Dr Chor.

‘It is very difficult to anticipate in a fast-changing economic environment which specific industries or countries will present growth opportunities,’ he explains.

‘What we can say with more certainty, though, is that enhancing and expanding our country’s human capital is a more robust strategy for ensuring that Singapore will continue to have the talent and skills to identify and leverage on these opportunities as and when they come by.
‘This is also consistent with the vision of developing Singapore into a global city, as a strong educated workforce will help to enhance Singapore’s attractiveness as a hub of business and inventive activity,’ he adds.

But a higher pool of graduates carries with it higher demands for secure jobs and career progression.

Dr Tan observes that one sociological implication of having more graduates is that a larger cohort of Singaporeans would have higher expectations in terms of their professional careers.

Also of concern is the fact that a disproportionate number of those who are unprepared should they lose their jobs are tertiary-educated, a recent IPS survey found.

Some of them are in the middle-income band and would collapse if they were to lose their main source of income.

However, the new Singapore Institute of Applied Technology - which will manage joint degree programmes for polytechnic graduates - and the fourth university will focus on areas like the applied sciences, engineering and health sciences where jobs are expected to be in supply.

Dr Koh notes that the Government is responding to demands to widen access to tertiary studies, but has to ensure Singapore gets quality graduates in fields that will be relevant and that lead to well-paying jobs.
‘There is no guarantee of that in an uncertain world and we do not want disillusionment at the end of it,’ she says.

‘The challenge is to cultivate graduates who can be wealth generators themselves - people ready to create opportunities for themselves - not just salaried men and women.’

Preventing future problems now

LIKEWISE, the setting up of a third medical school and more training places for allied health professionals in the light of the ageing population.

This pre-emptive move has parallels in the Government’s strategy for dealing with health issues.

As Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan puts it: ‘Effective health care starts with prevention.’
Hence the priority placed on health screening and corrective programmes, such as those tackling smoking and obesity - conditions which are likely to give rise to other health problems.

This does not mean cures will be neglected, as resources are being devoted to educate people on making more informed decisions about end-of-life care, and building new capabilities in geriatrics and rehabilitation, as part of an overall approach to preparing for an ageing society.

This thinking that prevention is better than cure, that it is better to pre-empt problems now, is not confined to health.

‘The Singapore style of governance is inherently driven by the innate sense of perpetual vulnerability, and the objective of pre-emptive intervention where necessary so that the problems do not manifest more dangerously,’ says Dr Tan. This often means a holistic, integrated inter-agency - or whole-of-government - approach is applied to issues, as they are deemed most effective ‘if we are to tackle the causes, and not just symptoms, of problems’, he adds.

However, Dr Tan feels a whole-of-society approach should also be embraced if people are to feel they have a stake here.

And on the social side

THE Government has not neglected underlying, broader, social concerns, that may be aggravated by the current slump, in its addenda to the President’s Address.

Running through the various ministries’ programmes is a commitment to ensuring equality of opportunity, and a fair and just society, which the ruling People’s Action Party set out to achieve when it formed the Government 50 years ago in June 1959.

The headings in the various ministers’ addenda bear this out: ‘Providing hope and assurance for the needy’ (Community Development, Youth and Sports); ‘Preparing our children for life’ (Education); ‘Enhancing income security and lifelong employability’ (Manpower); and ‘Providing holistic and affordable health care and elder care’ (Ageing Issues).

Public housing will also remain a key pillar of Singapore’s social security system, with the National Development Ministry increasing the supply of new two-room and three-room flats, and rental flats, for lower-income families.

At the same time, much is being done to cater to a more vocal, informed citizenry.
On the media front, the Government is reconvening the Censorship Review Committee to make recommendations on updating content regulations and policies to allow for more choices in content ‘without compromising racial harmony, social cohesion, and strong family values’.
While the programmes may seem underwhelming to some, the call is being made for citizens to aspire to higher standards and to chip in to contribute to shaping how Singapore turns out in the future.

After all, Singapore remains a work-in-progress.

President Nathan highlighted the need to match a First World infrastructure and environment with gracious behaviour so Singapore becomes a more pleasant society to live in.

And as Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng noted in his comments on population policy, Singaporeans have contributed much to Singapore’s transformation over the past 40 years.
Calling on citizens - old and new - to chip in, he said: ‘Our forefathers and, more recently, the new immigrants have come here because of the promise and potential of Singapore: the promise that any individual who has made Singapore home could realise his or her aspirations, and the promise that Singapore will be a good home for them.’

The ball, it seems, is also in Singaporeans’ court to make sure that this promise and potential exists for the next generation.

“Ahpunehneh” is not a proper word

http://deadpoetscave.com/2006/06/the-silence-is-broken

It is not a Tamil word. Nor it is an English word. Nor it is a Greek word. Hell, it is NOT even a word. It is gibberish of the purest kind. Yes, yes. I hear all the gasping and “Did you hear that?!” and “Is it true?”. Yes it’s true. If there is one gibberish that is to be flushed down the toilet, this is it.

I am tired. Tired beyond words to explain what this gibberish has done. I am pretty much sure almost all my Indian counterparts will agree. Been called “Ahpunehneh” in a country that calls itself happily multiracial. There is nothing happy about this. I now take it upon myself to give all my clueless Singaporeans a much needed enlightment on this. Read and read well. And pass it on. Because the next time i hear or read that blasted gibberish, I won’t be patient. Anymore.
It makes me cringe just to think of the gibberish, much less typing it. But what has to be done has to be done. I can’t stress enough. “Ahpunehneh” is not a word. It’s a disgracing gibberish. I once read a comment on MrBrown’s blog that ahpunehneh is a form of respect for elder brother. Form of respect my ass is more like it.

But still, let’s autopsy this stinking mess. This gibberish can be broken down into 2 parts; Ahpu and nehneh. “Ahpu” looks and sounds like the mutated clone of an olden Indian name “Apu”. The name “Apu” was and is in use in India. But I doubt if anyone has been named Apu in Singapore for the past 20years or so. ‘Cause, Apu is, after all, a very old name. And no sane Singaporean parent would want to name their son something that has been used as a racist remark.

The second part, “nehneh”. Just what the hell is this? It is no word in the Tamil language.

Yes. And stop arguing that it is. ‘Cause this is my mother tongue language and not yours. Just because you know a couple of Tamil words and can somewhat mispronounce them doesn’t mean you know this language. The nearest I can place this gibberish is to the Tamil word “Annan”. “Annan” in Tamil means elder brother. We all know that most languages are bound to have these 2 kind of forms; the formal written form and the informal spoken form. For example, “relax” is the formal written form and “relac” is the informal spoken form. In this case “Annan” is the is formal written form. And the way it is said in informal way is “Annah”.

Stop. Before you start agruing that it’s the same. It is not. It is not said in the highly ridiculous singalong tone you use. Another thing is, in chinese you can say papa, mama, poh poh. You can say the word twice and it would still mean you are calling you dad, mom and grandmom. This doesn’t apply to Tamil. Shortening a word then saying it twice doesn’t work in Tamil. Therefore shortening “Annah” to “neh” to “nehneh” is not correct. Don’t think you twist and turn my mother tongue language and claim it’s ok to do so. ‘Cause i will bitch-slap you. So my guess is, there was some guy called Apu in the earlier days of Singapore. And people chopped, pounded and minced the word “Annah” and mutated it into “neh” and postfixed it to “Apu” and voila! You have a gibberish that is known nationwide used to address all Indians.

Now that I have done the autopsy, lets proceed to other things that is related to this gibberish. My dear fellow Singaporeans, you look fucking retarded saying things in a singalong manner and claiming that’s how we sound. There was once I was at Dover station with my group of newly made friends from class. Then one of them said a few sentences in a high singalong tone and weird ass accent. Then started to laugh. The rest didnt know how to respond, because for a starter, this was done in front of a Indian girl. Me. I just looked at him and started to double over with laughter.

After catching my breath, I told him “Did you know how fucking retarded you looked and sounded just now dude?! OH MY GOD!!” and promptly went into fits of laughter again. Red faced, he defended himself by saying “But that’s how you all sound”. I looked him in the eye and asked “Do i sound like that?”. “Err, no..” was his reply. “Does S(another Indian classmate of ours) sound like that?”. “Err..no la..But that’s how they sound in the movies”. “Which part of the movie?”. “The song lor”. This, is the highest form of stupidness i have encountered in my life. A song is supposed to be in a singalong manner, no? So for the record, we don’t talk in a ’singalong’ manner. It’s just your inability to understand a song is a song and doesn’t apply to talking as well. You people definitely don’t talk like Jay Chou or Sammi Cheng or any Chinese artiste’s singing. It’s the same. So quit it.

Next. Repeat after me. Brown is not black. Black is not brown. We have people from different walks of life and somehow in this nationwide disorder, almost all chinese cannot differentiate brown from black. Once again another example that happened to me. This happened in the first year of uni. After one of the lectures, i was waiting at the back of the lecture room, for a couple of my clique guys. This part of the lecture room was not lit but rest assured the rest of the room was. So it is understood the part i was standing wasn’t pitch black. Then another guy from another clique, who was standing near me, turned and said this “Hey TC, why you stand there? You so black, still stand there. Cannot see you lor. *Insert laughter*” The following was the connversation that happened between us after he said this. All my replies were said in a deadpan face and tone.

Me : Now that’s a pity. How long have you been having this disability?
Him : Huh? What disability? What you talking?
Me : Ya what. This color-blindness disability of yours. Have you been having it since young? Never got it checked ah?
Him : *clearly in a confused state* Color blindness?! Where got? Don’t have what..
Me : Yes. It is color blindness. You can’t differentiate brown from black.
Him : *Finally understanding what i was getting at* Oh..aiya..I thought what..
Me : Seriously, you ought to have it checked lor. Can be quite dangerous.
Him : *laughs* How can it be dangerous..
Me : It will be, when i punch you. (Note to everyone. I am not exaggerating. I am capable of throwing a punch to the face)
Him : Hehe, sorry la. Brown and black the same what.
Me : What’s the color of my TShirt?
Him : Black lor.
Me : And my skin?
Him : Hehehe. Brown..ok la ok la..sorry..

I maybe perceived as an anal retentive person in the conversation above. But I don’t appreciate called “black”. Simply because I am not. I am chocolate brown. The bottom line is brown is not black. Black is not brown.

Third. Holding your noses when an Indian comes near you. Some of the older Indians and India nationals (these are 2 different kind of people) adore their coconut or jasmine hair oils. It have been their practise for centuries and just because you can’t stand it, they are not gonna quit. It’s the same how an Amercian will first react to durian.

Do you as a Singaporean give up eating durian just because someone unused to it claims it’s smelly? No i suppose. That been said, not all Indians use these oils. As much as I have observed, modern image conscious Singaporean Indians, don’t use it. So it’s unfair to automatically hold your nose when any Indian comes near you. What are you, a no brainer robot? It’s not like every ah pek, ah mah, uncle and auntie I come across is sweet smelling. Some reek of sweat and body odour. Which is much more worse than coconut and jasmine oil if you ask me.

Fourth. Indian girls and ladies wear a “dot” on our forehead. The proper name is “pottu” but forget it. You are still gonna call it a dot. It is not there for infrared or bluetooth purposes like how one sms from my poly fren claimed to. I am still pissed.

It’s sad to let you all know that this racist behaviour comes mostly from Chinese(not as if you guys don’t know it in the first place). Which is why i can only write about what I have encountered. Just because this race forms the majority of Singapore doesn’t mean it’s superior.

Simply because, it’s not. And I don’t know how long more i will be patient to these kind of racist treatment. Of course, 90% of my friends are chinese. Not all are like this. It’s just too contradictory to claim ourselves as a multiracial country. Yes we have different races and we have one whole day called Racial Harmony Day and we live in relative harmony. But that is only possible because people like me, who have been subjected to racist treatment since young, prefer to keep quiet. But how long do you think we will keep quiet? Patience is only this much. I seriously had enough of all your “ahpunehneh” rubbish, holding noses and all racist acts. And parents, if your kid points and says “ahpunehneh”, correct him/her. Don’t you freaking ignore it or worse encourage it. If i see one more kid look in my general direction and say “ahpunehneh”, i will throttle him/her til he can’t remember the rubbish ever again. I swear i will do it. Because i had enough.

Now that i have said all, whoever reads this, if you are Singaporean, and have done any of the above mentioned or know of people who done or does any of the above, read this entry and read it well. ‘Cause i don’t like to repeat. Print this out, distribute or mention it in your blog. I don’t care. I just want this to gibberish to stop. Because me and my Indian race had enough.
And all my Indian counterparts, whether I know you or not, if any of the above have happened to you, I feel your frustration. Share with me what were your experiences. Everyone else who wants to say something. Go ahead. But do it in a civilised way.

You have been warned.

Prataman's Job

What were the President’s reasons for approving the reserves, and what process did he go through to approve it?

Below is an excerpt from the report by Channel NewsAsia:

“The concern arises over the way the 2—key system operates. It seems the 2—key system operates simultaneously at the same time. When the government key says “unlock”, the other key unlocks automatically,” said Low Thia Khiang, MP for Hougang.

Mr Tharman said: “This is not a ’wayang’ (show)… The point is: the President, advised by the CPA (Council of Presidential Advisers), makes an independent and careful judgement on the government’s case.”

MP for Tampines GRC, Irene Ng, said: “Can I ask the minister whether the process can be refined and improved further so that in future we can make the process more transparent — that the public knows that the institution of the President is one that is strong, and that it can exercise an independent turn of the key.”

Inderjit Singh, MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, said: “What’s missing is the process that the President took after he got briefed by the government. If we could get a sense of what they discussed and what process they went through to decide, then this may clear many of these questions.”

But Mr Tharman said: “I’m not sure why it is relevant. At the end of the day, this is a system that is different from Norway and Australia, where as much detail as possible is provided.

“This is a system that relies on trust in the individuals who are in charge, including those appointed to the CPA and the Elected President. Do you trust them? Have they made decisions wisely? Has the government been acting responsibly?”

Do you trust them? Have they made decisions wisely? Has the government been acting responsibly?

Law minister says Singaporeans should welcome foreign workers

Having foreign workers in Singapore is in the country's national interest, said Law Minister K Shanmugam on Sunday, in response to questions from some Singaporeans who felt that the country could do with fewer foreign workers.

The concerns were raised amidst a worsening economy, with greater competition expected for fewer jobs.

Mr Shanmugam, who took over the Ministry of Law six months ago, made his first community visit on Sunday to Queenstown – one of Singapore's oldest public housing estates.
Besides meeting him, residents there also took the opportunity to raise issues of concern at a dialogue session. Among the matters raised was the social cost of having more foreign workers in Singapore.

The law minister said: "Who builds our HDB flats? Where do we live? Who builds our roads? Can we really even have our basic infrastructure to continue to be upgraded, without foreign workers?

"There are some jobs that Singaporeans won't do, and then there are some jobs that Singaporeans cannot do... We need to be welcoming our guest workers; we need to be welcoming our expatriates, all of that in pursuit of our national interest."

Other issues raised included the recent hike in electricity tariffs and the need for electronic road pricing.

http://politics.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/335819?page=1

For Indians: Vasantham

Launch of Vasantham Tamil Channel in Singapore

October 19 marked a historic milestone in the Singapore local broadcasting. A new channel, called Vasantham (meaning "Spring" in Tamil), is launched today by Mediacorp TV. The ceremony attracted many leaders in Singapore, including President Mr. S. R. Nathan and his wife. Deputy Prime Minister Mr. S. Jayakumar, Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Members of Parliament Mr. S. Iswaran and Ms. Indranee Rajah were also present.

Changes to Vasantham CentralVasantham, the new full-fledged Channel, will replace Vasantham Central. Vasantham Central shared the same TV channel earlier, along with Kids Central and Arts Central. The new Vasantham will telecast about 65 hours of programmes, 9 hours daily from Monday to Saturday and 11 hours on Sunday. The programmes will be availble from 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight from Monday to Saturday and 1:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight on Sunday.
Schedule of MoviesYou can watch five movies a week; three Tamil movies, one Hindi movie and one regional movie (expected to be in Telugu/ Malayalam/ Kannada/ Punjabi languages).

Vasantham is certainly starting off on a big note by telecasting the blockbuster movie "Shivaji", the success from the combination of actor Rajini Kanth, Director Shankar and Music Director A. R. Rehman.

The Singapore Indians, mainly Tamil people, have a better choice now with the free channel Vasantham. Starhub Cable Vision also brings Sun TV, Vijay TV and Vannathirai as paid channels.

More dance around the trees and super fake fighting scenes!

One sick Ah Neh

A 41-YEAR-OLD Indian man was sentenced to 17 years' jail and 14 strokes of the cane by the High Court on Friday for raping his three-year-old daughter.

The victim is the youngest to be raped in Singapore.

The hawker assistant, who was unrepresented, pleaded guilty to the aggravated rape at his Housing Board flat on March 3.

The proceedings was held in camera after the court granted an application by the prosecution.

The man could have been jailed for up to 20 years and caned at least 12 times.