Singaporean Parliament: so different from Canada's.

[White_Unifier]

Richest per capita (US $)

Qatar: 127,660
Luxembourg: 104,003
Singapore: 87,855
Brunei: 76,884
Kuwait: 71,887
Norway: 69,249
Ireland: 69,231
UAE: 67,871
Switzerland: 59,561
San Marino: 59,058



There ate some people who say Britain will become the "Singapore of Europe" when it leaves the EU in just over a year's time.

You probably won't have any choice. In a sense, the circumstances that forced Singapore to open itself up to the world turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Let's hope Brexit forces the UK along the same path. Just remember, though, while Singapore might be happy, today, it was dragged into open markets kicking and screaming. The UK will really need to feel the pain first before it opens up, but again, maybe it will end up paying off.

 

[B00Mer]

THE 9 SUCKS OF SINGAPORE
JANUARY 22, 2014BY JAI HO7 MIN READ13 COMMENTS


Ok let’s back it up a little. Firstly, a disclaimer – there is no point in my article. I am just sharing my opinion because opinion sharing seems to be the rage these days.

And secondly, there really isn’t a secondly.

I’ve been reading (and watching) articles and videos written and produced by young Singaporeans telling everyone how much they can’t wait to migrate because they are not proud to be Singaporean. Mainly due to what I call, the 9 sucks of Singapore:

The government sucks
Singaporeans suck (unfriendly, don’t think out of the box etc.)
Foreigners suck (they are taking our jobs, they are snotty etc.)
Transportation system sucks
Jobs suck
Wages suck
Housing sucks
COE sucks
The weather sucks?
I agree that certain things need improving but really, everywhere on the planet has some form of suckiness. Some just suck harder than others.

So here’s the 9 Sucks of Singapore that everyone is bitching about:

The government sucks

Anywhere you go, you will find haters no matter how efficient a government is. Similarly, you will find supporters of bad governments too (no naming names!). Governments are run by humans. Humans are not perfect. So we chose a bunch of people who dare to take a stand and stick to it.

We don’t elect pussy willows that sway in the wind of popular opinion.



Singaporeans suck (they are soooo unfriendly wehhhh wehhhh wehhhhh)

I was born and bred a Singaporean. I say hello to the cab drivers when I get on a cab, I thank waiters and cashiers when they return me my change and I ask young parents if they need help when they struggle with prams outside Wisma (true story). It doesn’t bug me when people are not friendly back because I don’t do it for them to be nice to me.

I do this because I want to and for some weird reason, it makes me happy.

Create your own friendliness. How can you accuse Singaporeans of not being nice when you’re not pleasant to others as well?



Foreigners suck

Well you’re going to have a hard time when you migrate to Australia/New Zealand/wherever then because trust me, there are A LOT of foreigners there. And what makes you think they will be less snotty to you when you’re there? In their homeland? Being the foreign talent?

Also I often encounter this ang moh sales girl at one of those beauty booths at NEX and I don’t know if it’s the colonial subservience ingrained in my Singaporean DNA or something but it makes me TERRIBLY uncomfortable when she tries to sell me something because GOD FORBID MY EX-COLONIAL MASTER IS TRYING TO SELL ME SOMETHING. So yea, foreigners definitely suck here and the only way to escape them is to run away to Australia where there are nooooo foreigners (I’m trying to be sarcastic).



The transportation system sucks

Oh no 2 ways about that, our transport system needs improving. But did you know in Perth, buses only come every half an hour, and in Melbourne, it is not uncommon for train services to be delayed or non-operational because workers go on strike? If you have an exam that day, good luck! And I’m sure you’ve all seen those Japanese workers squashed against their train doors. What I’m trying to say is, yes our system needs improving but other systems have their problems too and the people make do with what they have and move on instead of letting a mrt breakdown or 20c fare hike affect their entire existence.

(Editor: Try London, where good service on all Tube lines make the news)



Jobs suck

Yes the jobs here suck some major balls so I should go to Australasia where lawyers currently can’t find jobs and unemployment is at around 5.8% but I will definitely find a job there because my logic is that the grass is always greener on the other side. Yeahhhhh let me know how that pans out for you.



Wages suck

Go to New Zealand where you can clean hobbit holes for a minimum wage forever. And remember, with great salary comes great taxes. Let’s face it – if you have no skills of value, your wages will suck anywhere in the world you go.



Housing sucks

Yea it’s so much easier and cheaper to buy a house elsewhere like in Australia and that’s why so many young Australians are renting houses right now. http://smh.domain.com.au/real-estat...to-protect-tenants-rights-20131012-2vf3x.html



COE sucks

Yea what is this COE shit it totally sucks they stupid government should just let us buy as many cars as we want like in China, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines and oh I don’t ever have to worry about traffic jams because the carbon monoxide smells sweeter on the other side!



The weather sucks

That. THAT. I absolutely agree. I think we should leave an angry expletive-laden comment on the Universe’s Facebook page or craft a strongly worded email to iamthe****inguniversenumbnuts@idontgiveashit.com



So what I’m trying to say is, (oh I do have a point!), every country has its pros and cons.



London is amazing and so full of excitement, but may the gods of spending have mercy on your wallet.

Wellington is wonderful but there are too many sheep and earthquakes.

Tokyo is incredible but you might grow an extra eye or 2

Hong Kong is fabulous, you’ll just have to deal with living in 500PSI pollution forever.

…and Singapore, well Singapore is just great, but a little congested and sweaty.



Every one of these cities is going to need money to live in, some a little more than others, but they all need money.

If you really hate it here in Singapore, nothing will stop you from moving abroad. But stop trying to justify your decision by making sweeping statements about Singaporeans and slamming our country. Make your decisions, move on with life but don’t influence my fellow Singaporeans with your personal hatred for the country or people.

P/s. I can say these things because, my best friend studied in Melbourne and decided to come back to Singapore to work. After working for a couple of years, he decided hey, the grass is always greener on the other side right? (wrong) So he decided to look for a job with his wife in Melbourne. They proceeded to apply for their PR, and GOT IT. They shipped everything they had there and after a month and a half, came back to Singapore. Why? He found a job, but cost of rent and everyday expenses were far too high. She couldn’t find a job DESPITE BEING AN ACCOUNTANT. Also, I studied in Australia for a couple of years and I liked Singapore better.

The grass is always greener on the other side until it slaps you in the face. Then, it’s red, like the slap mark on your face.

(Editor: The internet says the grass is greener on the other side because it is fertilized with bullshit)

 

[Blackleaf]

You probably won't have any choice. In a sense, the circumstances that forced Singapore to open itself up to the world turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Let's hope Brexit forces the UK along the same path. Just remember, though, while Singapore might be happy, today, it was dragged into open markets kicking and screaming. The UK will really need to feel the pain first before it opens up, but again, maybe it will end up paying off.

Singapore is a great model for Brexit Britain.

Singapore is an outward-looking trading nation, which continues to expand its global trading network, whereas the anti-Brexiters - those inward-looking people who think the world beyond the borders of the sclerotic EU is of little consequence - continuously tell us, bizarrely, that countries around the world won't want to trade with Britain, the world's fifth-largest economy. Singapore is a tiny country - only a tad bigger than Orkney - yet trades with the world. Britain will do the same and become in the Top 10 for GDP per capita.

 

[White_Unifier]

Singapore is a great model for Brexit Britain.

Singapore is an outward-looking trading nation, which continues to expand its global trading network, whereas the anti-Brexiters - those inward-looking people who think the world beyond the borders of the sclerotic EU is of little consequence - continuously tell us, bizarrely, that countries around the world won't want to trade with Britain, the world's fifth-largest economy. Singapore is a tiny country - only a tad bigger than Orkney - yet trades with the world. Britain will do the same and become in the Top 10 for GDP per capita.

I think Singapore also understood something that Canada has failed to understand. On the one hand, Singapore is a very welcoming nation: it does allow visa-free entry to holders of many passports and even has free movement agreements with neighbouring countries for people who possess specific technical skills mainly in electronic engineering and a few others fields. It also actively promotes visa-free acceptance of its own passport holders abroad.

So what makes Singapore so welcoming? Simple: the fact that it will crush you under foot if you break the law. That is what makes Singapore so welcoming. If the west could learn from Singapore, it would be just as welcoming because visitors would know to behave better. For example, would Canada be more welcoming of foreign nationals when Canadians know that those foreigners will soon be allowed to legally smoke pot? Or would Canada be more welcoming if it knows that any foreigner who comes to Canada to murder or traffic drugs will be put to death?

Singapore understands what makes a society more welcoming.

 

[Durry]

I think Singapore also understood something that Canada has failed to understand. On the one hand, Singapore is a very welcoming nation: it does allow visa-free entry to holders of many passports and even has free movement agreements with neighbouring countries for people who possess specific technical skills mainly in electronic engineering and a few others fields. It also actively promotes visa-free acceptance of its own passport holders abroad.

So what makes Singapore so welcoming? Simple: the fact that it will crush you under foot if you break the law. That is what makes Singapore so welcoming. If the west could learn from Singapore, it would be just as welcoming because visitors would know to behave better. For example, would Canada be more welcoming of foreign nationals when Canadians know that those foreigners will soon be allowed to legally smoke pot? Or would Canada be more welcoming if it knows that any foreigner who comes to Canada to murder or traffic drugs will be put to death?

Singapore understands what makes a society more welcoming.

You obviously have not been to Singapore, I have, and I can tell you that Singapore has nothing to teach Canada.

They are not comparable in any way shape or form.
They do what they do and we do what we do, all for different reasons

 

[White_Unifier]

Ha, I just discovered that Singapore is one of the easiest countries in which to get citizenship; but there one major catch:

It does not permit dual citizenship. That is the biggest drawback for a person who would like to acquire more than one citizenship. That said, a Singaporean passport is pretty powerful even on its own. But I guess that drawback alone probably turns many people away from getting Singaporean citizenship if they don't want to abandon the citizenship they already have.

 

[Blackleaf]

I think Singapore also understood something that Canada has failed to understand. On the one hand, Singapore is a very welcoming nation: it does allow visa-free entry to holders of many passports and even has free movement agreements with neighbouring countries for people who possess specific technical skills mainly in electronic engineering and a few others fields. It also actively promotes visa-free acceptance of its own passport holders abroad.

So what makes Singapore so welcoming? Simple: the fact that it will crush you under foot if you break the law. That is what makes Singapore so welcoming. If the west could learn from Singapore, it would be just as welcoming because visitors would know to behave better. For example, would Canada be more welcoming of foreign nationals when Canadians know that those foreigners will soon be allowed to legally smoke pot? Or would Canada be more welcoming if it knows that any foreigner who comes to Canada to murder or traffic drugs will be put to death?

Singapore understands what makes a society more welcoming.

Therein lies the different between the free movement area Singapore is in and the EU's free movement area: one only allows free movement for certain skilled people, and the other has free movement for anyone, skilled or unskilled, non-criminal or criminal.

 

[White_Unifier]

Therein lies the different between the free movement area Singapore is in and the EU's free movement area: one only allows free movement for certain skilled people, and the other has free movement for anyone, skilled or unskilled, non-criminal or criminal.

If an semi-skilled worker really wanted to work in Singapore, he could immigrate easily as long as he has entrepreneurial skills and can establish his own business. Some catches are that Singapore allows only single citizenship and property prices to set up a business are expensive. But if you're willing to abandon your present citizenship and can set up a business in Singapore, and abandon your fondness for chewing gum and narcotics, and can support yourself financially, Welcome to Singapore!

I think the main thing though is that Singapore's strict laws send a clear message to criminals: unless you want to end up with a noose around your neck, you might want to behave or move on.

 

[Blackleaf]

If an semi-skilled worker really wanted to work in Singapore, he could immigrate easily as long as he has entrepreneurial skills and can establish his own business. Some catches are that Singapore allows only single citizenship and property prices to set up a business are expensive. But if you're willing to abandon your present citizenship and can set up a business in Singapore, and abandon your fondness for chewing gum and narcotics, and can support yourself financially, Welcome to Singapore!

I think the main thing though is that Singapore's strict laws send a clear message to criminals: unless you want to end up with a noose around your neck, you might want to behave or move on.

It's a nightmare land for liberals.

 

[taxslave]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDF30ll9L4s

What I found impressive was the quietness in the House. As the Prime Minister speaks, the room is dead silent. He doesn't just attack the opposition but rather shares collaborative words for the opposition, treating it as a partner to build Singapore.

In Canada, question period is like a clown show.

As opposed to Japan which is more like WWF

I don;'t like to see a drug trafficker getting the death penalty. It's sad, really, when we consider how it hurts his family.

That said, I do like how the death penalty serves as an effective deterrent:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwYTDVRmGnc

If I had to choose between being a heroin addict in Canada or in Singapore, I'd choose Singapore any day. In Canada, Trudeau would probably want to help me by legalizing recreational heroin and then taxing it. Singapore would want to help me by cutting off the supply. So you tell me, is Canada or Singapore the most compassionate country towards its addicts?

Cannabis is addictive too by the way.

Wrong. Cannibis is not addictive. That is strictly psychological.

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence

No it ain't. The neighbour's yard is a sea of mud.

 

[mentalfloss]

Kinda funny seeing a libertarian who would express the desire to move into such an authoritarian state.

Not to say it isn't a nice place to live but they are as left wing as you can get.

If you're caught spitting gum on the road, it's a $20,000 fee.

 

[Danbones]

Hey MF! Nice to see you!

Mac changer break down?

 

[B00Mer]

Ha, I just discovered that Singapore is one of the easiest countries in which to get citizenship; but there one major catch:

Then please move, you’ll make Canada a better place..

Wasn’t that the goal of this thread

 

[White_Unifier]

As opposed to Japan which is more like WWF



Wrong. Cannibis is not addictive. That is strictly psychological.



No it ain't. The neighbour's yard is a sea of mud.

Psychological addiction is still an addiction. Cannabis is scientifically proven to be psychologically addictive. It might not be as addictive as other drugs but it's addictive none-the-less not to mention the effect of long-term use on the brain. I don't mind a physician prescribing it, but that's different from recreational use.

Kinda funny seeing a libertarian who would express the desire to move into such an authoritarian state.

Not to say it isn't a nice place to live but they are as left wing as you can get.

If you're caught spitting gum on the road, it's a $20,000 fee.

I don't remember it being that expensive from what I've read, but yes it's at least well over a thousand dollars if I remember. And it doesn't even have to be gum. Just spit is enough.

When did I ever call myself a libertarian? I said I have libertarian leanings. On economic policy, I do have somewhat libertarian leanings, and so does Singapore. On social policy, I'm very conservative and so is Singapore. Seems like a natural fit, wouldn't you say? Sorry, but yes I do care about helping the less fortunate and we don't do that by legalizing harmful drugs, gambling, prostitution, etc.

 

[Johnnny]

We get it. You want to live under a system run by a Benevolent Dictator that tells you how to think, act and live. Most of us aren't into that kinda thing.


https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2017/country-chapters/singapore

Singapore’s political environment is stifling, and citizens continued in 2016 to face severe restrictions on their basic rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. The government effectively controls print media, and online media outlets are forced to register with the government and post a significant bond. Bloggers and online media that comment on political issues are targeted for prosecution with vague and overly broad legal provisions on public order, morality, security, and racial and religious harmony.

 

[White_Unifier]

We get it. You want to live under a system run by a Benevolent Dictator that tells you how to think, act and live. Most of us aren't into that kinda thing.


https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2017/country-chapters/singapore

Singapore is democratic and yes, somewhat authoritarian, but by no means a dictatorship. It's a parliamentary republic.

As for thinking, yes Singapore sensors pornography and religiously, racially, ethnically, and otherwise prejudiced speech to a reasonable degree, but that is not the same as forcing everyone to think alike. I actually do agree that excessive freedom harms a society. I'm far from being a fascist (I support rule by the people for example), but I do not deny being very authoritarian. And interestingly enough, many of the world's most successful economies are in fact benevolent authoritarian comparatively open-bordered and free-market societies. They also tend to have lower crime and addiction rates and often show a narrower gap between the rich and poor. Seems they must be doing something right.

 

[Danbones]

Until moral improves...

beatings will continue

WE can see that you think we are watching you.

 

[Johnnny]

I know, i was mocking you.

As for thinking, yes Singapore sensors pornography and religiously, racially, ethnically, and otherwise prejudiced speech to a reasonable degree, but that is not the same as forcing everyone to think alike. I actually do agree that excessive freedom harms a society.

You forgot the mention that criticism of their government is censored. From the article

Government officials continue to use criminal and civil defamation as a means to silence critics. In December 2015, a court ordered Roy Ngerng Yi Ling to pay Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong 150,000 Singapore dollars (US$105,000) in damages and S$29,000 (US$20,300) in legal costs for a single blog post criticizing the management of the government’s central provident fund.

Just because they have money doesnt mean they should be excused.

In another thread here it was posted that Qatar is one of the richest countries by way of GDP but ain't nobody want to be like them that's for sure, same with Singapore.

If you don't like it here then move there.

 

[gerryh]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV97VonbupM

A brilliant argument for capital punishment. I'm not saying that wrongful convictions can't occur; but the video shows how the deterrent effect make having it in the books worthwhile.

Trudeau could learn from this guy:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tucha8gDmBU

Unless he can absolutely guarantee 100% that not one single person will be wrongly put to death, then no argument for is worth while. Anyone who considers it is, including him, is an asshat and a supporter of murder.

 

[White_Unifier]

I know, i was mocking you.



You forgot the mention that criticism of their government is censored. From the article



Just because they have money doesnt mean they should be excused.

In another thread here it was posted that Qatar is one of the richest countries by way of GDP but ain't nobody want to be like them that's for sure, same with Singapore.

If you don't like it here then move there.

If Signaporeans cannot criticize their government, then how can they have elections, a Parliament, and opposition parties sitting in Parliament?

Unless he can absolutely guarantee 100% that not one single person will be wrongly put to death, then no argument for is worth while. Anyone who considers it is, including him, is an asshat and a supporter of murder.

No, it can never be guaranteed. But the presumption of innocence significantly reduces the risk and the deterrent effect to society is great enough to warrant such a small risk.