South Korea isn’t the only one that can produce dramas.  The DPRK seems to have produced one to inaugurate its new leader, Kim Jong Un, that has caught the world’s attention!

The news was out yesterday night, but I guess its more or less confirmed today.  There was in fact some form political leadership transfer going on in DPRK.  

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8081500.stm

Kim Jong Un is so far a bogeyman, and about just 1 year younger than I am.  No one has seen him other than the childhood photo shown in the BBC page.  Chang is likely to act as regent but since he’s had some kinda of falling out with Kim Jong Il before, he could be at the centre of some kind of power grab in this transition.

It is likely this series of events could have been intentionally engineered to create some form of “solidarity” in the Armed Forces to realign their loyalty to the young Kim by generating some form of external crisis.  If so, there are two options, “Play along”, or “Don’t play along”.

If we play along, we may contribute to the drama and allow the Kim Family to maintain their political hold over DPRK, avoiding a nightmare regime collapse both the US-ROK and China fears.  A regime collapse could result in feudal wars breaking out over the north, and push millions of refugees towards the South, and North, across the Yalu in China.   Downside to playing along is that it contributes to the tense situation, and perhaps even a possibility of some skirmishes, leading to casualties.  Violence could spiral out of restraint resulting in a greater conflict.  All that could be risky; a risky drama that is only “concluded” by an ambiguous “wink-wink” by the American and North Korean leadership/directorship. 

In my opinion, whether to play along or not, the next rational move is to contain the situation and ensure that the decision making process is handled by as few parties as possible; eliminating any accidental South Korean or Japanese “misfires.”   The US and China have to act in concert to make decisions whether to play along or not, and when to quit in this “drama” started by North Korea.

Yes, I’ve been super duper busy the last couple of weeks.  Mainly due to examinations and term paper submissions.  

My last paper was last Friday, finally wrapping up a year’s work at NUS.  I look forward to moving on to my second year as I continue to develop an interest political science.  I finally realized that those theorists and philosophers are not just a bunch of air heads that haven’t got too much to do in their free time.  Their theories and ideas really contribute in understanding the world around us; the politics; the relationships.  I’m quite glad I got into this field.  Damn good time to study in view of the economic climate.

I was down at IMDEX 2009 yesterday as well.  Managed to board and tour 5  foreign an local warships; HMS Bulkwark (LPD), USS Kidd (DDG, Arleigh Burke), KD Pahang (Meko 100), RSLN Sayura and RSS Formidable.   Got quite a number beautiful of external shots of the various ships but unfortunately, we faced several photography restrictions once on board.  Our American host, Lt Zeller was very accommodating however, and gave us very clear signals of when we could take photos.  A major photo-op miss was the Kidd’s CIC however.  It has got to be one of the most advanced CIC’s I have ever seen, perhaps only matched by the Formidable.  Oh, by the way, we weren’t allowed to take any photos once below decks on the Formidable.  A little of a shame since that would be one of those places Singaporeans would really want to see.

Still, our RSN hosts were very hospitable and provided us a great opportunity to snap shots of some of the most advanced and powerful warships on the earth.

Thats all for now… gonna hit the sack.

Haven’t been following up on my blog much lately due to school work and archery competitions.  Thankfully, mid-term tests are coming to an end an one major competition is over.  

Finally got some free time to look at what’s been going on in the world around me lately after Obama became the US President.  First, there was the huge economic stimulus bill that was passed in a seemingly hurried fashion.  The Republicans didn’t have a chance to look through the 1000 page bill in time, and the overwhelming democrat majority in both houses got the bill through.  Interestingly, they got a couple of the Republican senators to vote for the bill as well ensuring that it was filibuster proof.  Any results from the bill is unlikely to show until quite some time though, but hey, at least the feds are busy printing money; not necessarily a good thing.

Second, AIG posted up its fourth quarter loss of some 61 billion, and the taxpayers are expected to hand them another 30 billion.  Will this strategy of constantly handing out money to failing banks work?  If it does, what results has been shown so far?  It seems that the hand outs will continue and the federal reserve will get to continue creating more money to hand out to these banks.  In the long run, I guess inflation and devaluation is to be expected.

Third, Clinton’s round the world tour, Obama’s engagement with Europe and UK, and a step back from the missile shield hoping Russia will help keep Iran in check.  This seems to be the only action that Obama has a direct hand in so far; engaging the international community, and re-building much squandered trust in the United States.   One of the top agendas is his “Global New Deal”, echoing Roosevelts economic stimulus plans in the 1933.  In this Global New Deal, the world’s banking systems would be ‘cleaned up’ and in Gordon Brown’s opinion, introduction of a global regulatory framework.  

Obama has seemed to have adopted an internation approach towards this global credit crisis.  It is important to restore confidence in the United States as a strong and stable economic powerhouse.  And its precisely this abstract concept of “confidence” that spins the financial globe.  Until this new global new deal can take effect, it seems that he’s content to hand out as much money as possible to keep major financial institutions alive until the light at the end of the tunnel can be seen.   Obama is a strong orator, who has inspired much of America to gain access to the office of presidency.  But will his speaking abilities convince world leaders of the necessary measures to agree and implement the global new deal to save the world?

I was bored.  What can I say?

Instead of taking the usual A1 or A2 bus, I felt the urge to take a leisurely stroll to YIH.  For no particular reason I guess?  Just needed to walk a bit.

For a while, some rudimentary scaffolding caught my attention, and for whatever reasons again, I had the urge to take photos of it.  Couldn’t quite decide what I saw in them until I took a look at the photos.  (They were taken off my Samsun i780)  

 

Criss Cross

Yeah, I know its an odd resolution, but I sort of “zoomed” in a bit.  Lost a bit of clarity as well.  Oh well.   Anyways, this picture looked to me like a messy criss cross of lines… from the scaffolding, the railings, the roofing angles, tiles of the building behind.  Okay, I’m sick of looking at this already.

 

 

In between

I just found the way the objects in this shot was lined up interesting.  Natural on the left, Natural-Manmade, then Manmade… Kinda reminds me of the left and right wings of politics.

Like I said, I was bored….

I honestly believe that an across the board GST percentage reduction will fare better at stimulating spending than targetd GST credits for the less well-off. 

A recent response to this on the ST forums was by a lady who felt that targeted GST credits would stimulate spending more than GST reduction.  However, I felt that she did not sufficiently substantiate why she thought so.  

There are a few reasons why I think an across the board GST percentage reduction would be better.  In line with her argument, there is a division between consumers who are more wealthy and those that are less wealthy.  By reducing GST across the board, there is an incentive to wealthier Singaporeans to continue spending.  They generally, in no small part due to their wealth, spend MORE, and spend MORE OFTEN, than Singaporeans who are less well off.   The less wealthy Singaporeans, also benefit from the across the board reduction, but at a lesser level as their expenditure is proportionately less.  

Pardon me if I sound a bit socialist; but reducing the GST percentage does help “redistribute” the wealth accumulated by those who are financially advantaged, to the local economy and HOPEFULLY, that would circulate and find themselves into the hands of those financially disadvantaged.

This is not to say Targeted GST credits will not work. But it is not stimulating spending directly, especially spending from those who actually have more money. Instead, a possible backfire is that the less wealthy Singaporeans would prefer to hold and save that money as part of their longer term effort to control expenditure. 

If we really HAVE to go one way with this, I’d say an across the board reduction would be more effective in increasing spending.  However, I feel that the less wealthy Singaporeans need a little helping hand as well.  Can these 2 solutions not run parallel at an adjusted level?

An interesting post I encountered on sgforums lately which I added some thoughts of mine too.  Just to back it up here so that I can use it for my “Government and Politics of Singapore” module.  

My primary disagreement was that the “engagement” of the ruling government is promoting an “Athenian Democracy” in Singapore, and hence opposition parties can be done away with.  That I felt was a little too far a stretch for an argument.  There is simply no way for such engagements to prevent unfavorable bills (bills that everybody doesn’t like) from being passed.  Not in a parliamentary system, especially a unicameral one.  

Instead, the nightmare scenario can be considered.  The government, without opposition parties, passes unfavorable bills despite negative reaction from the people.  AND ONLY AFTER the unfavorable laws are in place, the citizenry react to it, and provide “feedback” to the government to tweak it (if they even decide to).  Instead thinking before action, it will become a action then think, feedback loop.  Eg, pass laws to raise tax levels to 50% first, then “engage” the citizens to see how they like it, and then whether we should adjust it.  The country would just be a step away from a totalitarian state.

Point is; never do away with Opposition Parties.  The thought if it shudders me as it reminds me of the Nazi Party and the “Night of the Long Knives…” 

My reply on the forums:

Even McCain had alternatives and he campaigned on them.

I liked that one! Hahaha!

 

As far engaging the government goes, its a good thing but at the end of the day, still something thats not substantial when compared to parliamentary votes against an unfavorable bill.  Hence, there is a need for opposition parties, not in the sense to “oppose” but rather to act as a check and balance to prevent a single party from passing any bill they like.

The ordinary Singaporean can only complain even if they encounter an unfavorable bill or decision.  Only in parliament, can there be actual action taken against something that the people obviously don’t want.  For example, suppose the ruling government decides to increase income tax to 50%.  They engage the people who complain all they like, but at the end of the day, the bill passed is turned into law because the representation from the ruling party is too great ( greater than 2/3).  At the end of the day, what can “engagement” give a democratic society?  

A feedback channel perhaps, but definitely nothing tantamount to parliamentary vote.  Hence to say that Singapore is becoming an “Athean (I think u mean Athenian) democracy” would be a fallacious arguement simply because our “citizen democratic action” simply has no power to influence any bills concretely.

But when you consider a different and more even parliament, where the representation is roughly even, such a ludicrous bill would present an opportunity to the opposition parties to vote against and throw that bill out of the window, scoring brownie points with the electorate (us).  Especially important if GEs are round the corner. 

Having said that, opposition parties cannot simply oppose a bill for the sake of opposing it.  It seems that many Asian democracies have a tendency to encounter policy making paralysis when the opposition parties get too zealous with their (pardon the pun) opposition.  Example, a  much needed healthcare update plan, is drawn out into a long and unnecessary debate and consistently voted against by such overzealous opposition parties. 

However, that would not be an irreparable occurance since the next GE would result in fewer electoral votes for such pain in the ass oppositions, thereby reducing their influence in parliament. Opposition parties would then have shot themselves in the foot.

In my opinion, Singaporeans do not fear the ruling government.  After all, they can put them out of power by just voting for oppositions.  What Singaporeans fear I feel, would be uncertainties.  Uncertainties of a new and more complex parliament and politics.  The possible implications on their lifestyle and financial standing.  Uncertainties of whether a new ruling government can be up to the task of managing the country and crafting strong economic policies that we are used to, that we benefit from.  ”Kiasuism” seems to be the word that pops into my head. 

At the end of the day, Opposition Parties need to strengthen their positions by showing that they are capable people, and are able to consider a strategic level that will benefit and secure Singaporeans.  Just criticism of current policies isn’t enough, they really need to be able to propose strong and sound alternatives!  

I really liked what the original author commented about McCain!

Chinese New Year is one of the best holidays ever.  Not only is one on a holiday, one is also “paid” for it!  I shan’t disclose how much I have accumulated this year in light of the economic situation.  Its generally NOT NICE to talk about how much money you have or have spent when others are not doing well.  

Anyways, what I will talk about is how I spent the first portion of my CNY harvest.  I went to a pub with my sisters, bro, cousin and guest.  

Its a pretty cool place that goes by “Howl at the Moon” located at Cuppage, and we happened to be there while they were celebrating Australia Day.  Yes! 26th Jan the Australians celebrates Australia Day!  What is that? Check wiki – >  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_Day

So there we were, a few Chinese locals in a pub full of Kiwi-hating Australians getting drunk and happy.  The band at “HATM” usually play whatever the customers request, and if you add in a tip to it, they will do their best to play that song for you.  Of course, people are free to outbid you if they think your request sucks.

What I really liked about that place is the way the band “rah-rah” the audience and occassionally pulls up a few of its patrons to take part in this little game.  It seems that they’ve recently added this “Wheel of Fortune” thing for the guests to play with as well.  One guy was called up, and he spun “lapdance.”  The odd thing was, the dude called ANOTHER dude up to give him his “lapdance.”  It was a disturbingly funny sight. =D

Okay, phone camera isn’t too good…

 

On the back, they’ve got these mirror things where you can write whatever you want on it.  You just need to up the amount the previous guy paid to put his phrase on it.  ”Do the world a favor, sink NZ and fish off it,” stuck for quite a while apparently due to the lack of Kiwis being around.

 

All in all, I liked the place.  Australia Day made it even rowdier I suspect.  An excellent place to watch people get drunk, dance and do silly things.  

 

http://hawxgame.us.ubi.com/

I saw couple of trailers on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VorCe8bzeKM ( warning: french guy introducing the game with heavy accent ) of this new Air Combat action shooter called HAWX.  I guess air combat game fans who have been familiar with this genre would find this game remarkably similar to the Ace Combat Series.  However, what I’m looking out for, as with all Tom Clancy’s games is storyline behind the action.

From what I understand, HAWX is gonna be one of the first of upcoming games that link up the entire Tom Clancy universe of Ghost Recon, Rainbow 6 and etc.  Featured in this game would be the latest 4.5-5G fighters like the F-16 (my personal fav), the F-22 Raptor, Typhoon, Rafale, as well as a couple of oldies such as the Harrier, Tomcat and Jaguar. 

Naturally, its not gonna match up to any hard core sims such as F4AF, it sure makes up with all the pretty graphics and creative gameplay style. (Ref 2min 45s of the youtube video… like WOW! man…)  Having a Godly load of missiles, and fuel sure makes the action a lot more fun too.  I always figured 6 AMRAAMs was not enough for me. =D

I seriously cannot wait for this one to hit the stores.  Thankfully, there’s gonna be a PC version as well, so a rig upgrade seems necessary in the months to come.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNhfIexncdc (opens in new window)

February 20th 2009 is indeed a momentuous day for the US, and the world.  President Barack Obama’s inauguration is a historic day perhaps nearly matching the election of President Roosevelt.  Like the 1930s, the world is facing recession with fears of depression.  The world is also at war, against terror and tyranny of those who use violence to coerce others into submission.  

President Obama is going to have his work cut out for him for his first term.  And right at the top of that “things to do” is restoring the troubled economy that has affected the rest of the world. Among others, there is the resolution to the Iraq War and getting American troops home to their families, fixing the health care system to meet the needs of the less wealthy Americans, re-tooling their industries for harnessing greener technology, and investing into research and use of greener alternative fuels, reducing reliance on Middle Eastern oil.  Work that is going to take more than 4 years to achieve and propel America to compete against Europe, Asia and Russia. 

Despite all that work, it seems our local opposition political martyr, Dr Chee,  has “youtubed” a message for the 44th United States President: “Come save Singapore’s Democracy.” 

So, how can Singapore’s illiberal democracy be affected such that it becomes more “liberal?”   Traditional Bush options would have been… 

1. Regime Change through invasion
2. Economic Sanctions then Regime Change
3. Invasion and get stuck with Regime Change.

So what exactly can the United States do to help Singapore become more liberal with Obama at the helm?  He did promise countries with an “iron fist” that he would “help” them loosen up in his inauguration speech.   With so much other high-priority mess to clean up after Bush, I seriously wonder how creative the new United States President can get. 

Seriously, dear Mr President, please do get your economy on track and your citizens spending and buying again.  Our little economy relies on exports and re-exports to the US.   If your economy continues to decline, ours will too.  When that happens, there will be more suffering than a little “illiberal democracy.”  ”Liberalization” can come after we get fed and have money to spend. =D

I never thought someone would try such a thing, but someone did.  Can’t say I like the idea cos it makes me feel “lonely” to be left out of such a prestigious in-group. =P

A couple of reasons really.  

Firstly, the creation of any association, club for any industry, field or sport, is a political process and it becomes a political entity in that particular field.  The creation of such an entity such as the ABS, creates a segregation of “in” and “out” groups, even if it was not their intention to do so.  Perhaps arguably in such an entity, their intention was to create an “in-group” of Singaporean bloggers.  A legitimate argument that the association has claimed itself was that they wanted to “unite” Singaporean bloggers. 

If so, the quesiton is this.  Was the committee of the ABS then voted in by “Singaporean” bloggers or did they self-declare themselves to represent Singaporean bloggers?  I certainly wasn’t informed of such a committee election. 

Secondly, I disagree with the idea of a blogging association to engage the government(PAP) in policy making.  Reason being that it impedes democratic political development in Singapore.  This was a suggestion mentioned by the President of the association in her own blog pertaining her goals and ideas for the association.

“A chance to engage the Government in discussions on its policies and help shape Singapore, making it a better place to live and work.Singapore is our country and we have the duty as citizens to see that our brothers and sisters are taken care of and protected.

The association will not be a tool of politics but members should be able to speak up and stand up for justice.” 

-President of ABS

The concern in this case is similar to those brought up by the oppositions when the government introduced the NCMP and NMPs.  People who could “say” alot in policy making but could not vote on the affairs.  At the end of the day, parliamentary votes count, not talk.  Singaporeans, and Singaporean bloggers have to understand that such “engagement” through an association can only be a cheap and ineffective replacement to the parliamentary process where you must be able to talk AND vote.  If anyone wants to affect the policy making process, please take up politics actively and get yourself elected in as an MP.  

As Minister Mentor Lee has pointed out, we need the next generation of leaders and politicians to come out and lead Singapore.  Its great that people can comment and criticise political issues on their blogs, but they need to step out and get involved as well.  

Finally, I really do like the diverse, bitchy, and scandalous blog scene we have.  I don’t really quite know what kinda unity this group is trying to promote, or what kinda “professional” standards of blogging they are trying to cultivate.  To be honest, a blog is simply where I can gather my thoughts, say what is in my head, however I wish.  Its a web journal, that is a little more public than diary, but I’m pretty sure there isn’t a need to conform to any “standards.”  Maybe they should rename themselves to Association of Professional Bloggers Singapore.  Then they can justify their agenda of “cultivating” standards among professional bloggers.  For now, I like my bo-standard blog.

I guess I don’t really care.  1/2 blog entries are personal anyway, and 1/4 are on archery.  Stuff that people hardly would give a shit about.  

 

Oops I used a bad word.