ST 3/3/2007: Salary review for Home Team officers

ST 3/3/2007: Salary review for Home Team officers
Ken Kwek

AS SECURITY is paramount to Singapore's survival, recruiting the right people for law enforcement jobs is critical.

A salary review is now on to make jobs in the Home Team more attractive and retain capable officers, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng said yesterday.

It is not easy to find the right people for these jobs.

Recruitment efforts were stepped up last year but only 10 per cent of applicants met the criteria for the junior officers and 15 per cent for senior officers. Fresh recruits need to clear security checks and meet 'demanding' physical, intellectual and psychological requirements.

Compounding the problem was the higher number of resignations last year.

Mr Wong observed that the work was tough on police officers and their families as many often had to forgo annual leave due to 'exigencies of service'. Immigration officers also regularly worked overtime.

He was responding to queries from Non-Constituency MP Sylvia Lim and Mr Christopher De Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC). Both raised concerns that resource constraints on the police may lead to compromises in public security.

Ms Lim also felt the outsourcing of traffic warden duties led to 'overzealous' issuing of fines by private agencies. She also cited a recent letter in The Straits Times Forum page on the time it took for the police to attend to a corpse found in the sea off East Coast Park.

Askin' the same question as the Worker Party lady? You in collusion, homeboy?

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ST 3/3/2007: Quotes in Parliament

Straits Times, 3/3/2007, Quotes

'In the shooting by the gunman dubbed the 'One-eyed Dragon', he claimed he had contacted a friend in Thailand who delivered a semi-automatic Beretta .22-calibre pistol to him in a Johor hotel. How did he manage to bring it into Singapore undetected?' MR CHRISTOPHER DE SOUZA (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC), on controls to reduce the possibility of firearms being brought into Singapore

Homeboy, you can bring illegal Indonesian workers into Singapore. A gun? Peanuts, man, and not the golden kind.

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ST 28/02/2007 -MPs praise 'fundamental shift' in how Govt helps the low-income

Straits Times 28/02/2007
MPs praise 'fundamental shift' in how Govt helps the low-income;
But they feel more can done so that casual workers benefit from new Workfare scheme
Sue Ann Chia

THE new Workfare scheme won accolades from MPs, but they wanted more done to ensure that informal workers such as odd-job labourers can benefit from it.

They were also concerned whether the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) would breed a 'crutch mentality', and lead to low-wage workers not wanting to improve their skills - and salaries - as a result.

The Workfare scheme, which supplements the income of older low-wage workers, was the day's most talked-about issue.

It was raised by almost all 22 MPs who spoke on the first day of the Budget debate yesterday.

Most praised the new permanent social safety net as representing a 'fundamental shift' in how the Government was helping low-income earners whose wages have stagnated or declined over the years.

Workers earning $1,500 and below and who are aged above 35 can receive up to $1,200 in Workfare a year

The aim is also to bring those who are now not part of the CPF, into the scheme.

Opposition MP Low Thia Khiang (Hougang), supported Workfare but questioned it being linked to the CPF.

'To expect those who are doing odd-jobs and have irregular income to maintain a CPF income before they can receive the supplement scheme is not so attractive and in some way shows a lack of sincerity of the Government,' he said.

Other MPs recognised that informal workers faced difficulties signing up.

So instead of making them contribute to Medisave, allow them to just show proof they were working to receive Workfare, said Mr Christopher de Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC).

But Ms Indranee Rajah (Tanjong Pagar GRC) said it could be difficult to show proof as they were in the informal sector and steps should be taken to address this.

This is precisely what the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is trying to do, said labour MP Madam Halimah Yacob (Jurong GRC) and Nominated MP Cham Hui Fong.

A concerted effort is being made to get bosses to put such workers on the CPF system.

Homeboy, listen to the nice lady lawyer with the smarts. I could've told you that. But nice to know you're talking about the po' people.

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ST 28/02/2007 :Workfare's Medisave rule based on self-reliance principle

Straits Times 28/02/2007
Workfare's Medisave rule based on self-reliance principle

GETTING self-employed and informal workers to make some contribution to their Medisave accounts before receiving assistance is a reasonable practice, Manpower Minister Ng Eng Hen said yesterday.

'It is consistent with promoting self-reliance and effort before government assistance is sought or given,' said Dr Ng, referring to the Workfare Income Supplement scheme announced two weeks ago.

Under the scheme, such workers would be eligible for Workfare if they first pay a small sum into their Medisave accounts.

Mr Christopher de Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC) had asked how the Government would ensure that they would benefit from contributing to Medisave, as they already earned so little each month.

He posed the question during the half-hour allotted for questions, before the House debated the Budget.

Dr Ng replied that Workfare, as a structural feature of the social safety net now, must be based on the right principles.

'Otherwise, Workfare can slide into welfarism and become unsustainable as costs escalate,' he said.

He cited the example of cleaners who earned about $600 a month, saying that a contribution rate of 3 per cent to Medisave was reasonable and would draw such workers on board the CPF network.

'And the amount of CPF you get is a few times what you put in. So I think it's a fair system,' he said.

Homeboy cares about his homies still in the ghetto!

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ST 16/2/2006: Khaw: Don't overstretch Medisave

Straits Times 16/02/2007
Khaw: Don't overstretch Medisave, Minister reveals more than 6 in 10 S'poreans who died had less than $2,500 in the account
Lee Hui Chieh

SINGAPOREANS who died after the age of 65 had an average balance of just $3,500 left in their Medisave account, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan said yesterday.

In fact, more than 60 per cent of all Singaporeans who died - regardless of their age - had less than $2,500 of their compulsory medical savings left.

Mr Khaw cited these figures in Parliament as he cautioned against calls for Medisave to be extended to cover a wider range of medical expenses.

'My concern is that most Singaporeans undersave for Medisave,' he said.

Set up 22 years ago, Medisave was originally designed to help people pay hospital bills.

In October last year, its scope was expanded to cover regular outpatient treatment of chronic diseases. Those who have a stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol may dip into their Medisave for this purpose.

Yesterday, Mr Christopher de Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC) asked if Medisave could be used for peripherals related to serious illnesses or hospitalisation.

Nominated MP Kalyani Mehta asked if caregivers of the chronic sick who tend to them at home could use Medisave to pay for respite care - medical help to take over caregivers' tasks temporarily so they can take a break.

Mr Khaw's reply: 'Medisave is not a solve-all for all medical problems. It is highly focused and for it to be effective, it must stay focused.'

He said the current monthly Medisave contribution rate was set based on the premise that it was for hospitalisation costs.

'If, however, you want Medisave to be also used for this and for that, then clearly the contribution rate of 6 per cent has to be raised to a higher level, which I don't think is advisable,' he added.

Go homeboy, go!

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ST 28/12/2006:Still stairs to climb after lift upgrades

Straits Times 28/12/2006
Still stairs to climb after lift upgrades;
HDB will have to resort to half-landings in some blocks
Tan Hui Yee

RESIDENTS in 22 public housing blocks across the island will still have to climb some stairs to get to the lift, even after paying for lift upgrading on their estates.

According to the Housing Board, getting the lift to stop at every floor in these blocks is too expensive or simply not feasible.

'As far as possible, all flats would be provided with direct lift access. However, due to site/technical constraints, it may exceed the budget or it may not be feasible to do so in some blocks. Where it is within the budget to provide half landing solutions, it could be offered to the flat owners,' said the HDB.

Nearby, in the Sunset Way area, some residents are worried about the prospect of half-landings.

Those living in Blocks 101 and 103, part of a precinct of 15 blocks there, have been told that they, too, would get half-landings. The polling date for this precinct has not been set.

Twenty residents in Block 101 submitted a petition last Monday to their MP, Mr Christopher de Souza, asking for these plans to be reconsidered. It said: 'If this 'half-floor' proposal were to go through, what would happen in the future when more of us are elderly and unable to negotiate the stairs? Would we need another upgrading programme to have lifts on every floor, finally?'

One of the petitioners, physician David Tham, 55, told The Straits Times: 'Eight steps - for stroke patients - is very important. In this case, the purpose of the lift upgrading is not very meaningful.'

Mr de Souza has highlighted the concerns to HDB.

But the majority of residents offered these plans have accepted them.

What does Highlighting mean, homeboy? Like, do you do anything? Or do you just send 'em a piece of paper with bits coloured to show they're extra-special important?

Cos I'm telling you, those bits of paper in a bureacracy - they get lost real quick. Now, setting them on fire - that might get attention.

People like action, homeboy. Or you're just talking the walk.

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ST 11/12/2006: Sunny forecast for retailers at Sunset Way

STEP aside, Holland Village. Sunset Way is shedding its quiet and sleepy image - and emerging as the next up-and-coming food and beverage (F&B) hot spot.

The neighbourhood centre, which comprises 50 shops from Block 105 to 109 in Clementi, close to Ngee Ann Polytechnic, is set for a major revamp which will change its landscape, increase the variety of shops, and see a new stretch of cafes, restaurants, alfresco dining and possibly even pubs.

Retail consultant Tan Puay Hoon of Bole Business Services, who is spearheading the upgrading project, hopes it will be the 'next Holland Village' with its lively, trendy cafes and nightspots.

For more than a year now, 13 shops at Block 106 in Sunset Way have been boarded up. Shopkeepers closed their businesses after being selected for the first batch under the restructuring programme.

Under the scheme, first announced last March, tenants who choose to close shop receive an ex-gratia payment of $60,000 - if more than half of the shopkeepers in a block opt to quit. The space is then earmarked for conversion to social communal spaces or void decks.

Resident Lina Chua, 35, said it was a pity the stores had closed, as she missed the shopkeepers and the services they provided. This included a small grocery store, a family clinic and shops which sold dried foodstuffs, incense, paper money and more.

'Now that they've left, this area is so quiet and nothing has been done for more than a year,' she added.

The owner of a drinks stall at the Block 107 foodcourt, who wanted to be known only as Madam Wu, said businesses were suffering as human traffic had decreased.

Ms Tan, a consultant for the Sunset Way Trades Association (SWTA) with 11 years' industry experience, told The Straits Times that market research and surveys showed that the shops were old and needed a new lease of life.

A Housing Board spokesman confirmed that it was working together with the SWTA on implementing the plans. Property consultant Knight Frank has also been appointed to look for suitable tenants in the next two months.

The new mix of stores will cater to a growing number of young couples, middle-income households and expatriates in the community.

Mr Jeffrey Chok, 48, owner of a Chinese medicine shop at Block 107A, said he was looking forward to the changes and believed it could be an attractive alternative to Holland Village.

'F&B is the right direction to go. People will come and our businesses will improve. I like competition - the more the merrier,' he said.

The revamped neighbourhood centre will also be enhanced when upgrading works begin at Sungei Ulu Pandan - the river located next to Sunset Way - under the $23 million Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters Programme.

'We're looking at ways to revitalise Sunset Way so that residents will be better serviced,' said Mr Christopher de Souza, an MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC.

Some changes are also expected among the existing retailers. A spokesman for the trade association said members were willing to participate in training workshops and upgrade their shops.

Ms Tan was hopeful that residents would start to see results by the first quarter of next year.

*cough* This is your turf, homeboy. And it's nearly past the first quarter - where are the results?

Maybe it's just as well, homeboy. I'm not impressed with the recent efforts to 'spruce' up neighbourhood malls - there are flops aplenty, and the only ones that got richer was the people that was hired to spruce 'em.

Who is this Bole Business anyway?

ST Dec 22, 2005
Remake HDB retail districts?
Tan Hui Yee

...

The idea is to have professionals organise regular promotions, retail training and upgrading projects for the Housing Board shops, just like the shopping centre managers do.

Both Mr Wong and Ms Tan Puay Hoon, whose firm Bole Business Services advises merchants in Hong Kah Point, Sunset Way and Tampines, have done surveys to find out what people really want in their neighbourhood centres

Hmm. This was part of an article about consultants being hired to "manage" and improve the shopping experience at heartland areas.

I'm not sure they've got a great track record, homeboy. And I'm not sure they're doing their survey too good - why didn't they come to me? I could've told 'em - this ain't here a second Holland Village. You know why?

We got a real Holland Villge - just down the road. We've even got a fake Holland village - inside Sunset way. This here place is a family zone.

What we do have is loads of petshops and vet clinics. This is pet-central for the West zone, and you can't move for the doggie poo. That's where all the business is being generated right now.

Homeboy - you been home recently?

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ST 3/11/2006: Swearing in

'I'm very happy to see my son take his oath of allegiance. As the mother of an MP, I think he will get my honest feedback.'

MRS PATRICIA DE SOUZA, 59, mother of Holland-Bukit Timah GRC MP Christopher de Souza

Momma luvs ya, homeboy.

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ST 28/10/2006 : Speaking with Youthful Idealism

Straits Times, 28/10/2006

Speaking with youthful idealism


At 30, Mr Christopher de Souza is the youngest MP in Parliament. The lawyer
MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC talks about the issues that concern him.

I will be raising issues closely associated with post-65ers, such as
education.

'I think the Education Ministry has done a fantastic job by also focusing on
'out-of-class' education and I will express my support for its shift towards
holistic education.

'I would also talk about how best we can take care of our teachers, in terms
of easing their heavy workload.

'But as an MP, I want to serve Singaporeans of all ages.

'This approach remains important because some key issues, such as defence and
education, are relevant to every generation of Singaporeans.

'Being the youngest MP, will I be nervous about speaking in Parliament?

'Sure!

'But I will go for a good, fast run and have a quick shower before the
opening. That way, my nerves will settle.'

Homeboy so cute! He's into sports, he's young, and he's Into Education.

Homeboy is DOWN with the younger generation. You know why? Homeboy is one of 'em! He so young - he don't use that Gillette thing yet. But that's ain't a problem see, cos LOTS of us homies are young. So he may be young, but that's good, cos we're young too, see, so being young ain't no prob, fact, it's an ASSET. He's young, so he knows what the young people wants.

Aww. My hommie smart!

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