Our MRT system is broken and, really, “no medicine can help”. Singaporeans should not continue hoping for a miracle from PAP, the culprit who created this mess.

The design of our MRT system started in 1972 during Lee Kuan Yew’s “Stop-At-Two” policy. LKY’s policy contributed to a drastic reduction in the number of births which fell from more than 40,000 a year in the 1960s to about 34,000 during the subsequent decade.

Year Population Inc ‘000
1971 2,112.9 38
1972 2,152.4 40
1973 2,193.0 41
1974 2,229.8 36
1975 2,262.6 33
1976 2,293.3 31
1977 2,325.3 32
1978 2,353.6 28
1979 2,383.5 30
1980 2,413.9 30

The key question to determine if our system is doomed to failure: was it designed for the current population? Evidence suggests our MRT system planning couldn’t have anticipated population growth to treble to 100,000 a year 2 decades later. Should commuters expected a system which is not designed for the current passenger loading to function properly?

But PAP threw common sense was thrown out of the window and relied on hope for its ‘planning’: from 1990 to 2015, our population increased at the rate of about 100,000 annually for 25 years!

PAP couldn’t and still cannot put a stop to such an insane population growth rate because our economic growth model is not driven by productivity but population growth.

So while its epic error is being rectified, the system is forced to continue running at max speed due to increasing daily ridership. Are we not inviting the mother of all major disruptions?

In 2008, 21 years after MRT started operations, Lee Kuan Yew said that Singapore’s optimum population should be “5 to 5.5 million”. Logically, LKY’s projected population growth decades earlier could not have been anywhere close to our current population growth of 100,000 a year. Triple confirm there will be more regular major disruptions.

Commuters should not engage in wishful thinking: our MRT system cannot run without major glitches as our population surges.

The system is running at max speed and all SMRT can do is keep its fingers crossed because there is really no room for error.

Speaking to mainstream media reporters at a coffee shop on Wednesday, Bukit Batok candidate Dr Chee Soon Juan said the recent detention of 8 Bangladeshi nationals for ISIS terrorist related activities highlights the Govt's need to tighten Singapore's immigration policy.

Dr Chee said": "That starts at the ICA and this is I think where the lax immigration policy is. You let in hundreds and thousands, millions, you got to be asking yourself. There cannot be people there who are not properly vetted. ... The Government must pay more attention to this problem right now. Tighten the immigration policy for goodness sake, we have been saying this for so many years."

He reiterated his call on the Government to deal with the terror problem at its root cause by stopping the inflow of such radical elements through proper vetting mechanisms.

I refer to the article “1 in 3 local university students admitted last year is a polytechnic student” (Straits Times, May 2).

It states that “The Ministry of Education (MOE) has revealed that last year’s local university intake had the highest ever proportion of polytechnic graduates at nearly 34 per cent, up from 24.7 per cent in 2011.”

NUS has 34% international students? 

Isn’t it a coincidence that the percentage of international students at NUS is also 34 per cent, according to Times Higher Education?

43% non-S’porean students?

Do these international students include PRs?

If not, if we assume that the percentage of PR students is about the same as the 13.5 per cent of the local population – the percentage of PR students may be about 8.9 per cent (66 per cent x 0.135)?

So, does it mean that the percentage of non-Singaporean students is about 42.9 per cent (34 + 8.9)?

Reciprocate trust with more transparency?

LeongSzeHian

We refer to recent reports on the comments made by the ruling party, the People’s Action Party (PAP) and the opposition party, Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), during the campaign of the by-election in Bukit Batok.

Parts of the campaign are currently degenerating into a sloganeering on the character of Dr Chee Soon Juan, the SDP candidate. This looms ominously as the statements are made by ruling party members in the name of the Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong; the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Grace Fu and the Speaker of Parliament, Halimah Yacob.

As election campaign watchers, MARUAH, a human rights group, would like to put on record that this is a disappointing approach taken on by the ruling party. We cite our research in 2011 that showed how media and public figures had conducted themselves at the 2011 General Elections. At the 2013 by-election in Punggol East it did not deteriorate to the current extent, though the opposition candidates were many and the PAP candidate also made some distracting statements that had some of us scratching our heads. In the 2015 hustings, there was improvement by all political parties. The views on candidates were taken up by citizens and in many instances over social media. All revealing a healthier engagement by citizens even as one acknowledges there will be partisan comments. We say it is part of our growth into a democracy.

In this Bukit Batok by-election, however, there seems to be a targeted barrage on Dr Chee’s past behaviour. In politics there are many candidates who will be judged at the ballot box and later as MPs. We ask that this sloganeering be stopped, as it is not in good taste to ensuring that we develop fair, free and democratic election processes.

We also raise attention to Singapore’s Parliamentary Elections Act, Section 59 and Section 61(d) which asks of all – including campaign leaders and leaders of all political parties– to act in a manner that is fair to all election candidates. In addition in the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Code on Free and Fair Elections, it is also clear that all parties need to ensure that the election is conducted in a fair and democratic manner.

In conclusion MARUAH asks again for an Independent Elections Commission, not one under the Prime Minister’s Office.

Dear A.S.S,

My group of riders was having our supper at Adam Corner and it has been our weekly routine. And recently there has been too many disturbance from LTA Enforment officer.....

Everytime an enforcement officer arrive they will usually tell us off nicely to remove our bike from the double yellow line where eventually most of us will leave.

But today, to our dissapointment the officer by the name of Patiban told us to remove our bikes from the yellow line. As usually we leave and shift our bikes away.

Suddenly he went on to the the bikes that was park on the pavements and start to take photos of the bikes. He came to us and told us to remove the bikes on the double yellow line, and we did. When questioned, why did the he took photos of the bike, he was that this is pavement. Then we asked him again, just now you told us to remove the bikes from the yellow line and we did. Did you told us to remove the bikes on the pavement? But kept silent and did not answer our question.

These LTA Enforcement officers are confused between their job and the jobs of traffic police. Even if approached by traffic police, the traffic police officer will tell us off nicely. And not straightaway take photos and summon us. They will explain to us.

But this officer is totally rude in the way he talk. We are very dissapointed with this Patiban.

And recently NEA has cane out with a rule that states stationery parked vehicles engines should be off to reduce the air pollution.

This officer, he bike engine was running and parked on a double yellow line.

Breaking two rules at once. Isn't this a double standard???

Fahmi,
A.S.S Contributor

Dear A.S.S,

My son was having Tom Yum soup from the Thai store in City Square food court.

When he was 3/4 through with his dinner, he realised that there were some white stuff floating. There were maggots!!! I had shared some soup with him too.

Food Republic has called me, sincerely apologized. As to what actions were taken, I'm not sure.

They offered me Food Republic vouchers, but I rejected.

I have emailed NEA.

A.S.S Contributor
Mich Ling

According to the Johor Traffic Police, the Malaysian driver of the black Mercedes S400, SKN8582M has been arrested.

In a Facebook post by Dino Daniel LJ, the driver had caused a 4 car collusion when he decided to switch lanes abruptly without signalling. The driver was also seen driving haphazardly.

When confronted, the driver had allegedly said that he was on good terms with the Johor police. He said there was no evidence that he caused the chain collision as there were no scratches on his car.

The Dino's post went viral with the people demanding for the driver's arrest for dangerous driving and causing danger to other road users.

The police have issued 13 summons to SKN8582M, the earliest was back in 2014. 12 were speeding offenses and 1 was for using the emergency lane.

Dear ASS Editors,

After years brainwashing by the mainstream media, majority of Singaporeans believe that Dr Chee Soon Juan is a political gangster who breaks all rules to get his message out, to fight for liberal Democracy in Singapore. But things are not so simple and both men have a love-hate relationship.

Our founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew famously shared his disdain for Dr Chee. He said of Chee Soon Juan:

"I've had several of my own doctors who are familiar with such conduct... tell me that [CSJ] is near psychopath"

"[CSI is] a political gangster, a liar and a cheat"

"The SDP was doing very well under Chiam See Tong and at one time captured three seats and it became the de-facto leader. You [CSJ] came in and destroy the SDP... Low Thia Kiang has not defame anybody, not defame the government, neither has Chiam See Tong and they have won successive by-elections but you [CSJ] have lost successively because we have disproved to the people that you are not to be believed."

Despite LKY's obvious dislike for Dr Chee's petulant antics, for some strange reason, LKY ended up dishing out sound political advice for Dr Chee, his arch-nemesis during the Lee vs Chee 2008 defamation suit hearing.

LKY's advice for Chee was simple, he said in Court "I am suggesting to Dr Chee that if he follows the constitutional route, with his eloquence, if he can establish credibility with his eloquence, he has a better chance than Mr Low Thia Kiang or Mr Chiam See Tong."

In essence, Lee Kuan Yew felt that if Dr Chee mellowed down on his confrontational politics and played by the rules, he could become a politician more formidable than veterans like Low Thia Khiang and Chiam See Tong. In fact, Dr Chee could become the defacto leader of the Opposition if he could put his eloquence to credible use. From these exchanges, it is clear that both men have Singaporeans' interest at heart and had their own unique way of showing it.

Now at this Bukit Batok 2016 by-election, look at Dr Chee's demeanor, look at his firm standing on moral highground, his refusal to partake in gutter politics, has Dr Chee finally heeded the advice of the late Lee Kuan Yew and at long last fulfilled his political potential?

Majulah Singapura, Majulah LKY, Majulah Dr Chee!

Vasu
A.S.S. Contributor

Dear A.S.S,

I saw this and I was absolutely flabbergasted. Who would bless people with expired items?

This is what the woman posted:
Edited post (as it's obviously confusing to some)- 20 packets of orange candy melts to give away/BLESS. (Would appreciate baby wipes or diapers in exchage as I'm preggie now). Kindly comment how many u want. Best before date WAS June 2015. Anyone nice is welcome to take- not necessary to have anything in exchange. (I have blessed quite a few items already with no complaints). Note: this has been expired and for those who want to do testing with it. It's a pity to throw that's why I'm offering it here.

Obviously, people are asking her why and this is her response.

Her reply to comments:
U know what? - yes nobody is asking u to eat it. It's for people who don't mind using it for R&D. And yes
I have blessed a lot of things to people without expecting anything in return. I just put that cos some have Pm me asking if they can give me anything in return. Hope this clarifies and I have updated the post for those who are confused.

J J
A.S.S contributor

<Facebook post by WP MP Pritam Singh>

Just returned from house visits in Eunos (with an interesting exchange with a new citizen), but this story has been on the back of my mind the whole evening. The preamble of the Internal Security Act states - "An Act to provide for the internal security of Singapore, preventive detention, the prevention of subversion, the suppression of organised violence against persons and property in specified areas in Singapore, and for matters incidental thereto."

What the Ministry needs to share is how the Act has been extended to such foreigners who - as reported - do not plan to act against Singapore or Singaporeans, but foreign targets. These Bangladeshis should be deported and sent back to their home countries, for their own agencies to deal with, without invoking the ISA. It would be a different situation if the evidence reveals that they "could" do something in Singapore specifically - but that is not established by the Ministry of Home Affairs' press release.

I have no sympathies for this lot or any other lot that professes violence. But the real worry I have is that we invite ourselves to become a target for terrorism, not least because this sets a precedent for all other "terror" "groups" that fit in our definition of radicalisation. If Hamas or some Aum Shinrikyo-type sect members meet in Singapore to plan attacks elsewhere, this precedent will require us to lock them up under ISA, and to be prepared for the consequences, like revenge.

It is too late to file parliamentary questions for next week's parliamentary session, but I hope the Minister of Home Affairs makes a statement in parliament to MPs on this matter so that we have a chance to query these arrests.

**FLASHER ALERT! ATTENTION TO ALL LADIES STAYING AT BUKIT GOMBAK AREA!

Couldnt get a clearer or front view of this guy. He look like a norm sporty kind of guy, tanned, fit, big build.

He flashed in front of my sis and he was rubbing his penis.

He was wearing #nyp tshirt tt day.

If u ladies happen to see someone familiar pls avoid.

Pls help to share this for the safety of all ladies or maybe men.

I know where the fuck he stay so if this dirty act happen to anyone, let me know i will give the address for police investigation.

Thank you very much. #stomp #sgnews #thestraitstimes #singaporenewspaper #sginstagram #pervert

<Facebook post by Lee Wei Ling>

It has been said that I have signed a petition asking to stop attacking Chee Soon Juan's character. This is false, I have a very poor opinion of Dr Chee, and do not think he is fit to be in Parliament . The man has not changed at all, though he is now posing as a changed man, using his family.

Last week, he allowed his speakers to Attack David Ong and then came on stage and pretended to be magnanimous and said we should not attack character. When pressed, he admitted he knew what the fellow speakers were going to say.

What do you say about such a man? And having made character attacks, when this is pointed out, he then played the martyr, saying his character is being attacked.

why does he not deal with facts: why did he in the first place agree to his speakers attacking David Ong's character, while pretending to be above it all?

I will never support such a person. And I believe that his true nature should be fully exposed- cheating NUS, telling untruths all his life, slippery - And Singaporeans should decide whether such a person should be in Parliament. Is it possible that he has truly reformed?! Just look at what he did last week.

<Facebook post by Adrianna T>

I don't understand why the PAP keeps digging this hole. It should have been quite easy to let Chee show himself as the "dishonorable" person that he is. Yet telling people he is so makes him appear more "honourable". Can't wait for this to be over so we can all see how (1) Chee will never win an election (2) Nor should he (3) How he will definitely find someone to blame for it (4) you really need not keep saying he is awful for him to lose. The people will do that for you quite happily.

Stop doing him favours! Also, the people who think Chee vs Murali is much of a fight at all because "Chee is Chinese": nope. If you've walked the ground the last couple of elections with any of the opposition parties you'll find that Chee has zero support among PAP supporters (duh) and most opposition folks. Who have never ever forgiven him for what he did to Chiam. Or for his fake hunger strikes. Including myself. You're not Gandhi, you're just a very silly man. Who wants people to think you're no longer silly.

But nobody believes you. He's no supporter of LGBTQ rights (only when it is convenient). Not your check and balance. He's a one man megalomaniac who turned his party into the Chee Bye Party with unsound policy and a flimsy grasp of numbers. Ok la his rally got people but really — look at how that heuristic worked out for you in 2015.

In SDP's last rally for Bukit Batok rally, SDP member Yeo Yeu Yong, CEO of Primech international Pte Ltd, laid the smack down on the PAP and vowed that SDP are fully ready to take over the town council's management. He swore that SDP will take care of Bukit Batok and ensure its estate was free of rats and prevent it from turning into Bukit Tikus.

He accused the PAP of focusing on personal attacks and engaging in gutter politics because they feared a prepared and competent SDP. Yeo vowed that as part of the SDP Transition Town Council and its Operations team, he will maximise operations to achieve cost savings which will be passed on the benefit citizens. His SDP team will strive to get innovative ways to manage the town and only work with the best companies to benefit residents.

He intends to set up a task force for emergency deployment to cover any shortfalls and attend to any defect expeditiously. The SDP Town Council is build on the values of Service, Supervision and Savings. Prompt Service, Effective Supervision and Improved Productivity.

Yeo called to break once and for all the myth that SDP is incapable of managing town councils. He deemed this by-election a divine intervention by the Gods to at last allow change in Singapore's political landscape.

"Now is the time! Buay Sai Tu Liao! Vote for the SDP and Vote for Dr Chee!"

"To recap my pledge to you:

One, I will give running the Town Council and keeping our housing estate in tip-top state my top priority.

Two, I will ensure that the upgrading and installation of new amenities like a hawker centre and eldercare and childcare centres continue smoothly.

Three, we will not engage a managing agent.

Four, we will implement our social programmes to uplift the lives of residents here.

And five, to achieve all this I will perform my duties as your MP on a full-time basis.

Over and above all this, you will have an MP who will speak up for you in Parliament and push the PAP to act in your interest.

For example, I will push for retrenchment insurance law that will help Singaporean retrenched workers. As the economic outlook grows bleaker by the day, our workers need protection and assistance.

While the income stops the bills keep piling up and workers who have been laid off need temporary assistance. If Japanese, South Korean, Taiwanese, Hong Kong governments can protect their workers, why can't our government protect us?"

"There's also something important that I want to say to you at this later stage. As we wrap up this campaign and the cooling off day looms, I fear that the PAP will be up to its usual tricks. It's been a disappointing campaign and the PAP has spared no effort in engaging in the most revolting and vicious type of gutter politics.

The worst is Mr Lee Hsien Loong using a made up headline from the Lianhe Wanbao to attack me. How low does the PAP want to go?

But even as I cannot rebut these accusations on cooling off day, the newspapers are free to attack me as they are not bound by the rules of cooling-off days. You can be sure that they will use the opportunity to attack me.

...Yes, from out of the blue, someone, somewhere will post something about the matter and tomorrow the newspapers will all report it. The purpose is to turn you against me.
Please don't fall for this, my friends.

I ask you all to be my eyes and ears and voice to tell your friends and neighbours not to believe the newspapers who are helping Mr Murali to get elected by spreading untrue accusations about me."

(Dr Chee Soon Juan, at Bukit Batok SMC BE2016 Rally on 5 May)

[FACEBOOK POST BY CELEST KUROMI]

ENCIK TAN - MY WORST DINNING EXPERIENCE EVER!

Sorry for my looonnnngggg post.

Hope to share this in case any of u here

who r parents, did the same thing and kanna the same way as me. It will spoil ur day!

My little one is sick so we went to Waterway Point to get the medicine prescribed by the doctor. After that we decided to have a quick lunch at this ENCIK TAN (located at B2).

The 1st thing we did was to look for a baby chair. We r glad that there were 3 of them hidden in a corner of the "restaurant". We happily took 1 and look for a seat.

But.... when we put lo down onto the baby chair then we realised that we r not intelligent enough to use buckle. Went back to check the other 2 baby chair, they r the same. So we check with the Auntie 1 (in white & orange) how to use it and here is her answer: "你们自己拿的，要自己弄。我没有用过，我不知道啦。" (she mean: u take it urself, u should know how to use it! ! I dunno lah! Cos i nv use before!") She replied in a very defensive manner.

Ok nvm... since it is a quick lunch, we just tighten the belt, it still can be use. Better than nothing.

My husband went to order the food, i took out my lo's lunch and start feeding him using our own thermal food jar n water bottle. Guess what? After the 1st spoonful, the Auntie 1 came.

Here is our conversation:
Auntie 1: "这里是HALAL的! 你不可以在这里味他hor!" (This is a HALAL PLACE! U can't feed him here!) Looking stern.
Me: "Huh?! 我不可以在这里味baby吃东西? (What?! I cant feed baby food here??!!)
Then immediately Auntie 2 (in black) came. I supposed she is the manager or boss of the place.
Auntie 2: "你不可以带外面的食物近来我们这里吃! 应为你们煮的食物有用猪肉!" (U can't bring outside food here. Cos this is a HALAL PLACE. Ur food contains pork!)
Pointing at my baby's food i told her inside is only porridge with vegetable.
Auntie 2: "我不管你你面是什么! 我们这里是HALAL的! 你不可以带外面的东西来这里吃! 请你明白HOR! 要是有人拍照放上网，说你们在这里味猪肉，我们就糟糕了! 你要明白hor!" (I don't care what is inside! This s a HALAL PLACE! U can't bring outside food in to eat! If someone take picture and says u all feed pork inside this place then we r in trouble!! Please understand!!!) She sound like chasing us away!
Me: OK! 好! 明白! 我们不会在来了! (Ok. Got it! I won't come here again!)

Immediately i turn to my husband to ask if he had ordered the food. If haven't then we will leave that place.

Unfortunately my chicken cutlet rice is ready n he was waiting for his signature noodle.

Nvm, i put his food aside. Anyway my lo is not feeling well n has poor appetite.

Then the 2 aunties walk away.

We eat as fast as we can n left the place in 5mins.

I tried to look around. But i cant see any HALAL SIGN!

Dear friends,
I love halal food. I definately respect that no pork n no lard in halal food. But since we can eat in the same food court here in sg, what's the big deal if i m feeding my lo in his own dinning set?
This is the 1st time i got told off for feeding my lo. I was extremely unhappy about it. Even McDonald's or any other HALAL makan place don't chase us off for feeding our lo. Moreover i m not using ur bowl/plate to feed.

I m not against these 2 aunties. They r just simply working and executing instructions from boss. The way they put it really sounds nasty. Yes we do undrstand that no outside food or drinks r allowed. But still we were totally shocked to be told off in such a manner.

What if i m a malay mum eating n feeding my lo there? Will the aunties still come n tell me off? They simply assume that i m feeding pork!

NEGATIVE 6 stars!

Dear ASS,

Pls report news - even if it's gossip news in totality and not be the tabloid nonsense that everyone is thinking u out to be.

I refer to this article http://www.allsingaporestuff.com/article/woman-bless-people-expired-cand...

For one, can I be very honest with u- I am the woman who is blessing the candy melts. Yes it's me and I don't shy away like some cowards who reported me to you and used you as a platform when she obviously was already slammed by everyone else on the site.

For the record, the reason why I asked for baby wipes and stuff is because someone who came to collect from me said that they feel bad for taking all the items for free and want to bless me back. I don't even need them, in fact I just said that so that if anyone wants to do so can so they feel good/fair about taking the candy melts. I even have had offers from others to bake stuff for me in exchange which I've also said no need and can just come and take.

Just for your info. Candy melts that are past the best before date are not necessarily expired. You should be more informed about expiry dates and technical terms before reporting, lest the report looks like from an uninformed clueless person who doesn't do proper research.

FYI- this was submitted by a fellow reader.

Jane
A.S.S Contributor

Dear A.S.S,

I hardly rant but today I'm here to share my worst experience ever with a beauty salon, LUSH AESTHETICS!!! BEWARE!!!

Went to try their Facebook promo of fat freeze at $104.86. Upon arrival they asked for my IC and filled up a bloody long survey. Then ask me to choose my promo package and straight away swipe my card for payment of $104.86. Upon seeing the consultant right after I enter into the room, the consultant took a look at my-not-really-very-flabby-tummy and inform me that the promo is for a size "S" device which is however not suitable for my tummy area.

She advise (or rather up-sell me lah) immediately for me to top-up for a bigger cup which is a HUGE jump from $105 to close to $2200 just so that I can cover my whole tummy area. I refuse and reply that I would like to try out the smaller size first, cos my trip there is to try out anyway.

She became defensive and say impatiently that if I choose to take up their promotion, the result will only cause my tummy's fat to be imbalance so I must go only top up $2k trial! After much persuasion which didn't work out, I decided to forgo the promotional trial. Honestly, I'm flabby but not fat and not dumb!

But guess what? They mention even if I refuse to let them try the small cup which in turn will make my tummy imbalance. I still need to pay them a consultation fee of $80++ even though nothing is done!!! I know if I don't pay, I won't be able to leave... I had no choice. I felt so cheated!!!

PLS SHARE WITH YOUR FEMALE FRIENDS!

I learn this lesson by paying $80++. I hope to save you guys time and money by going for such ridiculous trial sessions which is in fact a SCAM in disguise!!!

#LUSHaesthetics #fatfreeze #scam #BEWARE

*sad gal*
A.S.S Contributor

Dear ASS Editors,

It is very strange for Mrs Lina Chiam to issue this statement at this stage of the by-election. This is the second time that she has done so. The timing of the above article is also impeccable. On cooling-off day, no less; which makes it seem more intentional than coincidental. I further question Dr Da Cunha’s and the reporter’s very sensationalised way of presenting the information.

Case in point, in any democratic organization, its leaders are elected by vote. Dr Da Cunha’s analysis of the situation that it was an “empty gesture” is strange, as the alternative, which is to automatically offer Mr Chiam a leadership position in the party, is clearly undemocratic(and I suspect, unconstitutional). One can see that Dr Da Cunha’s position on this matter is untenable and his motive, suspect.

This article also claims that Mr Chiam was ousted from the SDP, when it is on public record that Mr Chiam had, in fact, resigned.

As to the question of Mr Da Cunha’s and of the author’s journalistic integrity(or lack thereof) on cooling-off day, it would perhaps be quite apt to quote Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong,

“Mr Chiam ... was no threat but had, in fact, been ‘good’ for the PAP as "without him, it would have been more difficult to destroy (Singapore Democratic Party chief) Chee Soon Juan.” (PAP sets five goals to win elections in 2002, Straits Times, January 12, 1998)

This is pertinent information which would be useful in aiding the public in forming, as Mrs Chiam says, “a balanced perspective… before making any conclusions.”

No Journalistic Integrity
A.S.S. Contributor