The Anti Neo-Democracy Theorist

Heart for the People: Siew, Low and Yaacob
Credits: Channelnewsasia

As you probably would know, the government has decided to raise GST to 7% om July 1. To alleviate the burden of increasing Goods and Service taxes, the Government has come up with an offset package or “Workfare”. The package purport to favor the lower income over the higher income in Singapore. However, the devil is in the details, in which the MPs debate in parliament today.

In addition, Channelnewsasia has began to show actual debates by MPs online, which is one of the best things that has happened in the political development of Singapore. We can actually hear straight from the MPs’ mouths on what they speak, instead of their speeches being filtered by the Straits Times.

Three speeches particularly impressed me: Low Thia Khiang of WP, NMP Siew Kum Hong and PAP MP Halimah Yaacob.

I want to point to you Workers’ Party Mr. Low Thia Khiang speech on the budget. The speech was very innovate and possess a slightly different approach in questioning the GST increase. I was impressed with his fluency and train of thought. He disagreed with the increase in the GST, saying the government would be able to provide for the low-income workers without any increase. Speaking in Mandarin, he also touched on the effects of increasing the GST on Singapore’s retail and tourism industry.

In addition, NMP Siew Kum Hong, a new NMP appointed just a few months ago, has very interesting insights on globalization, income tax, GST and public policy. I am very glad he brought up the entire notion of “neo-liberal globalization”; on whether the “race to the bottom” policies of cutting income tax and raising GST is actually sustainable to Singapore in the long run. He offered suggestions on ways to help the “sandwiched class.”

The MP for Jurong GRC, Halimah Yaacob noted that hospital and polyclinic fees are not included in the Government’s decision to freeze all government fees for a year and asked for a reassurance that such fees will not go up as they are basic necessities. On the WIS she pointed out that low income families may need more help and a review on the supplements may need to be done annually. I enjoyed watching her suggest proposals to keep costs of living down; one of which are suggestions to prevent profiteering by businesses as a result of the GST hike.

See and hear their short speeches here:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/sgbudget07/videoarchives.htm

CNA report on Low Thia Khiang Speech here:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/260936_26/1/.html

NMP Siew and PAP MP Halimah is on the first page while opposition MP Low is on the second page of the video. Not to be missed!

Grooving to the beat of Jailhouse Rock or Puff Daddy?

Credits: Channelnewsasia

Notice the differences in coverages between international and domestic media of our P-65 MPs’ hip hop dance at the Chingay Festival:

My own analysis is that is the heartlanders that will actually appreciate their hip hop dance; as Baey Yam Keng rightly points out, such a dance is no difference from a good karaoke singing session by an MP in a grassroots event. However, I doubt this hip hop dance will have any positive effects on the more sophisticated younger voters, which is ironically the very target group the P-65 PAP MPs want to reach through this dance.

The Advertiser (Australia)
February 26, 2007 Monday

Pollies get hip at street parade

CLAD in military-style pants, bright T-shirts and dangling chains, 12 Singapore lawmakers grooved to hip-hop music at the city-state’s largest annual street parade.

The MPs were joined by 300 dancers as they executed their moves at the Chingay parade, which marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebration. A cheering audience of thousands crowded the sidewalks of the Orchard Rd shopping district which was ablaze with lights.

The MPs’ grunge style was a far cry from the usual dress code of the nation’s ruling People’s Action Party, who wear all-white at party functions. The flamboyant display at the parade was seen as part of the party’s continuing efforts to ditch its authoritarian and conservative image.

The Straits Times (Singapore)
February 25, 2007 Sunday

Hip-hopping MPs thrill Chingay crowd

TWELVE post-65 MPs stole the show at last night’s Chingay parade, as they took to the streets and grooved to hip-hop music.Clad in camouflage cargo pants and an assortment of T-shirts and tank tops, they performed their five-minute dance routine in front of about 100,000 people who turned up in Orchard Road for the parade. While it might have been unconventional, MP Baey Yam Keng felt their performance was no different from MPs singing at other events.

‘It’s just another form of performing arts,’ he said. ‘Also, it’s a rare chance to be part of the celebration and I hope people appreciate the effort.’ Indeed, it seems the effort did pay off. The crowd cheered and clapped throughout the performance and when it ended, Minister for Manpower Ng Eng Hen even gave his Parliament colleagues the thumbs-up from the VIP seating area.
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Warwick University-Not coming to S’pore for some time?

Credits: Wikipedia

I chanced upon a professor Su Kong Qing 萧功秦 in Shanghai Shi Fan University’s analysis of Singapore and Chinese politics. The article is currently hosted on the Wuhan University of Science and Technology’s webpage. It is an interestingly argued piece and the author discusses the applicability of the “Singapore political model” on China.

Sometimes, I wonder if it is China has any less academic freedom than let’s say, a country like Singapore? Just read this paragraph:

首先，与新加坡相比，中国当下的改革开放过程与现代化转型过程中，存 在着引爆性的社会问题。在改革开放二十年过程中，累积了相当多的社会矛盾，这一状况与中国从全能体制中脱离出来的特点有密切关联。归纳起来中国社会转型存 在着五大困境，一是相当一部分官僚的经济腐败，二是发展过程中的分配不公，三是贫富两极分化与地区差别扩大，四是农村失业严重，五是金融坏帐问题。此外， 还存在对政府权威的持续挑战，少数民族分离主义问题，以及大量历史遗留问题，等等。在一旦出现多元竞争时，反对党必然会把这类问题作为攻击执政党的突破 口，使原来受到压抑的不满得到渲泄的合法机会，并进而引发政治参与爆炸。

Applicability of the system and the difference in “political culture” between Singaporeans and the Chinese:

相反，新加坡的政治文化与中国相比有两个显著不同的特点，首先，是英国 殖民地时期长期形成的法制传统与完整的司法体系，人民习惯于在法制下规范自己的行为，其次，新加坡的政治文化是政治冷淡型，新加坡民众一般没有强烈的政治 参与热情。新加坡人的民族性有其历史文化渊源。用李光耀的话来说，新加坡华人是“福建船民与苦力的后代”，整体上没有受到过革命动员性政治文化的影响，他 们在权威主义的多党制下多比较“老实本份”。这两个特点相结合，使新加坡型的“选举权威主义”可以通过法制框架来有效规范公众的政治行为。同时，由于新加 坡公众的政治文化是冷淡型的，反对党对民众的政治动员力则相当有限。尤其是受到执政党通过资源垄断对反对党的活动的限制的情况下更是如此。正因为如此，即 使存在合法的多党制，新加坡也不会形成政治参与过度扩大。政治稳定可以持续下来.

Do you agree with the author? What do you think?

An Oasis in a Desert or A Drop of Poison in the Well?

Credits: RovingPress

There has been a lot written on Potong Pasir. The writers on Potong Pasir include academias, journalists, political analysts and bloggers. Xenoboy romanticized Potong Pasir and its residents prior to the 2006 General election. Other bloggers have expressed sympathy for Mr. Chiam. Two Singaporeans have defended Mr. Chiam’s work in Potong Pasir in response to Mr. Chia’s earlier complain letter about Mr. Chiam. (See Below)

To me, Potong Pasir is an exercise in the irony of power. While the Singapore government urges Singaporeans to have the “true spirit of Singaporean nationalism and loyalty”, ironically, Potong Pasir in an organic fashion (independent of the state) have a tighter community and nation bond that let say, Toa Payoh. (It amuses me how writer Neil Humphrey tries to invoke the Toa Payoh spirit in his books while not many Toa Payohians feel that way) While many Singaporeans complain they never see their MP and feel “disconnected” with the powers-to-be, many Potong Pasir residents often see two MPs–hence the term of abalone politics. (Sitoh Yin Pin served abalone porridge to PP residents; truth is stranger than fiction, yes) How penetrative is the state power? How responsive are Singaporeans towards state ideological “orthodoxing”?

While many elites complain that most Singaporeans do not even know their MPs despite big banners everywhere, who doesn’t know the Member of Parliament from Potong Pasir? Why did so many Potong Pasir residents show up on the streets when Chiam was reelected in GE 2006 with an increased majority? I do not think that any residents showed up welcoming their MPs on the streets in Orchard or Toa Payoh. Singaporeans do not feel not much “pressures” living in PAP wards; but opposition residents often feel that they under siege; from the media looking for quotable quotes; from nosey tourists who want to see Singapore in the 1980s; from the PAP trying to win their votes and from Chiam and his supporters reaching out to more affluent residents in Sennett Estate.

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Stretching our imagination on the Singapore Girl

Credits: Uniform Freak

The recent debate over whether we should keep the SIA girl goes deeper than the surface analysis of the economic viability of Singapore airlines. It is not just about marketing or finance. It is a representation of something deeper within Singaporeans.

From a women’s rights perspective, it reflects our contradiction towards the issue of human rights in general. While there seems to be a consensus that the Singapore Girl portrays a traditional and subservient woman, there is no consensus on whether we should “update it”. What does it mean to update it anyway? Are we talking about “updating women” here in the same way we talk about “upgrading our digits in the economy?” Are we extracting essence from human beings and protraying them as objects? How do we concieve air steward and air stewardess?

In a sense to many S’poreans, yes, woman rights are important but money is more important. If we dare to take the leap to change, who knows how the change in the protrayal of the Singapore “women” will keep us afloat? The status quo is probably more desirable then. Let’s change then-to decide not to change.

The S’pore girl also reflects some concerns among Singaporeans over the treatment of native Singaporeans. It seems that foreigners like the Singapore Girl because it is a brand of instant recognition while locals have more reservations on such a symbol. It reflects how many Singaporeans feel when they fly SIA; they claim that foreigners especially white passengers recieved better and more prompt service. (I personally never felt this way except once but many Singaporeans have complain about it, even to the ST forums) Isn’t that a reflection of how many Singaporeans feel about the current open immigration policy in Singapore? The Merlion, beautiful condos, Newton hawker center and world class Biopolis- For foreigners or for Singaporeans?

Last, the campaign for “reinvention of the SIA girl” reflects our relentless pursue of excellence; however, the social reality is that many people cannot catch the globalizing train. The masses surge towards an ever changing notion of “excellence”, but can’t seem to grasp it no matter how hard they try. (Remember the Book–Lexus and the Olive Tree?) While SIA continues to aim for record high profits in an industry known more for its failures and success through the reinvention of the Singapore Girl, the reality is that more and more Singaporeans are feeling that they cannot afford to fly their national carrier. They opt for fiercer but cheaper names like Tiger. No Workfare for SIA economy class. [Although SIA fares are getting more and more competitive lah with competition]

Let me share a caveat here. Singapore Airlines is one of my favorite airlines and I love flying SIA; but what is important to me are the competitive fares (Yes, it is actually cheaper to fly by SIA to America through their web deals than the often complained but supposedly ‘cheaper’ Northwest), the Krisworld entertainment system (Great Movies), and the good service provided. The rest is not that important. Honestly I don’t care who serves me as long as they are polite and responsive. And I don’t think ever SIA can beat Thai Airways in terms of makan so is not even a negative factor anymore when choosing to fly SIA.

Will the Singapore Girl change? Should we remember the fiasco over the renaming of “Marina Bay” to “Marina Bay” after an expensive consultative exercise? Or should we remember the change of our country’s name from “Singapura” to “Singapore”?

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Credits: Cebu Forums

Audrey Tan, the assistant money editor for the Straits Times, passionately pleas for Singaporeans to embrace globalisation (globalization) in her op-ed on the philosophy behind the latest budget. While I agree with her that the government has come up with significant policies to mitigate the worst of globalization on lower-income workers, I find her analysis surprising on some counts.

The reality is that neo-liberal globalization (opening of markets, increasing flow of human resources, free trade philosophy, even to some extent elements of social Darwinism) is very much the dominant rhetoric in most countries today, including Singapore. In these societies, concessions have to be made by the state to deal with problems that come with neo-liberal globalization. Feelings of racialized xenophobia and union marginalization are but two of these elements. In addition, relentless practicalization of the global education system since the 1980s has been adopted to deal with the challenges of neo-liberal globalization. Engineers, accountants, lawyers, technicians, factory workers, assembly plant coordinators, general managers are but products of either intensive technical education or undergraduate specialized education in engineering, accountancy, business and law.

The paradox arises then; in order to survive in a globalized world, we need creativity, passion and risk-taking endeavors to succeed. However to some extent, isn’t it true that by focusing on a particular specialization in your immediate post-secondary level of education somehow limits your creative vision and understanding on the very topic you are studying in? Do we reflect on the assumptions behind the fields we study and work in? Does your discipline of work and study encourage you to do so? Do your government and family encourage you to revisit the underpinnings of your understanding and faiths?

Let me explain. For example, Ms Tan argues that embracing globalization is based on sound economic theory. However, is such theory based solely on the prevailing neo-liberal economic discourses? Does she look beyond the “cognitive block” of neo-liberalism to examine alternative interpretations of a desired and ideal political economy? Do ordinary folks see globalization as a form of “neo-colonialism”? Do ordinary folks view “biting the bullet” as a “natural” extension of the effects of globalization? What are the tensions being played out in creating an orthodox ideology of “neo-liberalism” in our economy?

From a personal experience, I find that taking classes in the humanities such as philosophy, religion and history helps one to think and write critically; to challenge long held assumptions; and to constantly look inwards at one’s belief systems to examine our own analysis. It always fascinate me how some historians can embrace Foucault’s work, even though he is often “anti-history” in his analysis. I guess that attests to the notion that assumptions of humanities are often revisited and sometimes incorporated into the discipline. Models and structures are sometimes but “scaffolding” to our fuller understanding of people and their economies. A scaffolding analogy would suggest then that sometimes models and prevailing structures actually prevent us from seeing the bigger picture! Are we helmed in by our own structures of belief? Should we fit complex social reality into boxes of structures or in the case “globalization”?

I leave you with my Carleton’s professor’s view on the study of history:
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Happy Lunar New Year to one and all! Being in Carleton makes you realize that the New Year is not only celebrated by the Chinese but by the Hmong, the Vietnamese and the Koreans. Also, did you know that Japanese do not celebrate the Lunar New Year but rather consider Jan 1st as the new year?

Anyway, to the main topic of today’s post. Chiam See Tong complains to SPH editors that a particular journalist lacks journalistic integrity with regards to a news report about the purported difficulty of Chiam in providing lift upgrading for PP residents.

The undercurrents run deeper. A Straits Times Forum Letter by Chan Mia Lee later directly criticizes Chiam for no doing his duty as a MP with regards life upgrading. Mr. Chan has previously criticized Mr. Chiam in a ST forum letter in Oct 2005 with regards to Chiam’s “paranoid” over Sitoh Yin Pin’s invitation of a foreign singer to sing in Potong Pasir. After which, three ST forum letters wrote in to support Chiam. (See below)

Chiam’s complaint letter to SPH can be accessed here. The news article and the “citizens” ST forum letter can be seen below. Note the dates.
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A call for papers for an undergraduate conference on the topic of SEA Americans. Also, the conference is interested in having papers on Southeast Asia itself too; especially on issues of nationalism, ethnicity, sovereignty and human rights. Any questions, you can post your comments here or email cwong@carleton.edu.

Conference on Southeast Asian Americans: Building Scholarship and Cross-Campus Connections

May 12-13, 2007, at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota

On campuses across the United States, a new generation of young scholars is engaged in research on the history, immigration, and contemporary life of Southeast Asian Americans in the United States. Undergraduate students are carrying out exciting research projects about the dynamic changes taking place in communities of Southeast Asian Americans and the relationship of these communities to the larger society and global environment. The “Conference on Southeast Asian Americans” has two principal aims. First, the conference will provide a forum for undergraduates to share and discuss their research. Second, the conference will offer a space for faculty and undergraduates to develop collaborative relationships for future research endeavors. The conference will focus on studies of Southeast Asian Americans who are immigrants or descendents of immigrants from the mainland of Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. We are especially interested in papers about the ethnic Burmese, Cambodian, Hmong, Khmu, Lao, Lue, Mien, Thai, Thaidam, and Vietnamese.

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The recent walkabout by Steve Chia and his National Solidarity Party comrades suggest that Steve Chia might not have quit politics. NSP seems to be back, in orange uniforms.

Are we to see another fight in Chua Chu Kang again in the next election?

Encouraging more companies to pay CPF to lower wage workers through the indirect methods of workfare can only be good for these workers. A very innovative policy by the government.

The Straits Times (Singapore)
February 14, 2007 Wednesday

Swee Say: Partial Workfare will get low-wage workers on CPF scheme;
Call to give those without CPF half- bonus, if they pay half of Medisave contribution

LET a low-wage worker pay half or less than the usual Medisave contribution. But let him get half or more of the Workfare bonus.

This ‘partial Workfare’ approach is being recommended by the labour movement to help low-wage workers who are not on the Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings scheme.
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