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The exams are over! & as I've promised, I've begun shifting some entries to the new blog, and this will be the last post here. Hope to see you at the new & better l.z.y./Data!
Channel NewsAsia is reporting on this with all they've got, though it seems we only had a road cave-in at the Circle Line MRT site & nobody dead or injured. It's been some two hours since the collapse & they still only have still images. Will continue tuning in to see whether there's anything more to this, like Hotel New World II, or CNA's just blowing up this infrastructural screwup.
Angola, Djibouti, Myanmar and North Korea. It is not often that Singapore is mentioned in the same breath as these countries.
But, like these four nations, the Republic has yet to sign the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Cerd).
All but 23 of the 191 members of the United Nations have signed Cerd, making it the most signed human rights instrument in the UN after the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
Of the non-signatories, Singapore is the highest ranked in the UN's human development index and one of only three high human development countries. The other two are Brunei and Saint Kitts & Nevis.
- Today 20 Apr, Conventional wisdom
Reading on, it seems the only problem with ratifying this convention is this. I don't really think that should be a show-stopper, unless there are some lingering policies which the government is afraid would trigger complaints, like perhaps the racial quotas for HDB flats.
..Currently, the closest thing to a monitoring body on racial discrimination in Singapore is the Presidential Council for Minority Rights, which is meant to ensure that Parliament does not pass any discriminatory legislation.
If Singapore were to ratify Cerd, its reports would have to be made public. It would also be possible for someone to submit a complaint about racial discrimination directly to the committee.
For a Government which prefers a "softly, softly" approach, the publicity and moral pressure that might ensue as a consequence of signing the convention would not be welcome, suggested Dr Thio.
- Today 20 Apr, Conventional wisdom
On another note, it's not altogether surprising that we can be grouped with countries like "Angola, Djibouti, Myanmar and North Korea" when it comes to not ratifying international agreements. We're not that high & mighty all the time you know.
The prospects of the United Nations taking over the transition in Iraq may now be fatally compromised. The world body is caught up in a welter of allegations and evidence suggesting strongly that a noble effort of humanitarian assistance was tainted by greed, bribery, and the most venal kind of power politics. The U.N. was supposed to oversee the oil-for-food program that allowed Saddam Hussein to sell oil and use the proceeds to buy essential food and medicine for the Iraqi people. At least $10 billion, evidently, went into the pockets of political operators.
It is a tribute to the new American-installed democracy in Iraq that an Iraqi newspaper has been in the forefront of exposing the racket and naming the 270 international power brokers who seem to have had their hands in the till. Here's how the scam allegedly worked: Saddam sold oil to his friends and allies around the world at deep discounts. The buyers resold the oil at huge profits. Saddam then got kickbacks of 10 percent from both the oil traders and the suppliers of humanitarian goods. Iraqi bean counters, fortunately, kept meticulous records.
- US News 26 Apr, A tangled web, unraveled
IT WAS chilling to read the Insight report, 'My S'pore will be one where...' (ST, April 10), on the hopes of five tertiary students for the future. It not only chilled the spine but sent shivers into the heart as well.
I'm not sure if their responses were what Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had in mind. Apart from Ms Jean Kua, they were more interested in expounding their personal passions. It is not about shaping a better Singapore for tomorrow but a Singapore better suited to their tastes...
NELSON ANG BENG HO
- ST 10 Apr, Why must it always be about YOU?
Wow, what a smackdown. For some reason Mr. Nelson Ang even drags in Mr. Koo Swee Chiow going off cycling & "leaving [his wife] pregnant and about to give birth"! I think the connection here is the overemphasis on one's own dreams & aspirations at the expense of wider responsibilities & concerns. I wasn't so harsh myself, but I too want to ask why it must always be YOU. It would be good if some or all of those tertiary students responded to Mr. Ang's letter. Oh yes, Mr. Koo too, "innocent" victim though he is. Or else, maybe his wife can defend his actions.
This is really cool. Taken from the ST's website; also on page 3 of today's paper.
The weekly drama ended its 3-month-long run this morning. It's written by the same person as the one who wrote Oyaji, which also means "father" but is used only by sons. Both these family dramas work in almost the same way. When we are introduced to these big families (Oyaji: parents, two daughters & a son; Otousan: father & four daughters) they have their predefined characteristics & roles in the family, & on the surface things are going swimmingly. Then some catastrophic event occurs (Oyaji: eldest daughter's pregnancy out of wedlock; Otousan: the father wants to get remarried) to upset this nice equilibrium. Everyone is at loggerheads with everyone else, everyone asks themselves what their purpose in the family is, almost everybody leaves home or threatens to, & by the middle of the show the state of the family is at an unprecedented nadir, exemplified by only the father remaining at the dining table (get tissues ready). Then things begin to pick up. Don't remember much of Oyaji so I'll talk about Otousan: the daughters begin wising up to their responsibilities & their deep love for their father & their deceased mother, & at the end of some of the episodes we have touching scenes of them in tears, apologising to their father as some of their other sisters look on. These complement earlier end-of-episode scenes of leaving home & screaming at the father, you see. Just in time for the finale, everyone resolves their problems with their oyaji/otousan & with each other, the family has found a new equilibrium (new jobs, renewed responsibilities, matured attitudes etc.), & we have our happii endo, "happy ending" in Japanese.
I may have described the drama like it's some terribly hackneyed crap, & on some level (most notably the story) it is, but it's not totally unwatchable, especially if you also take in other essential elements of the Japanese drama like the star-studded main cast, the interesting supporting characters, the good acting, the memorable bi gi emu - BGM - background music, & the settings. The Oyaji is a doctor & one of the family's problems is that his son doesn't want to be one too in order to take over his father's clinic. The Otousan, on the other hand, is a soba shop owner who gave up his office work to marry into his wife's family & take over the shop. Here the future of the shop's proprietorship is not so important, but many events happen there.
I'm also beginning to like Tamura Masakazu, who plays the father in both these family dramas. Although I've only watched these two shows of his, plus the older Lieutenant Furuhata Ninzaburo, a terrific eponymous detective show, I see why the man is supposed to have a commanding presence in Japanese TV circles. An analogue to him in Hollywood may be Morgan Freeman - they both exude charisma & authority. That's why I was very amused when a scene in Love Story has Subo Misaki (Nakayama Miho), an editor for a romance novel writer Nagase Ko (Toyokawa Etsushi), describe the angel in one of his stories as "Tamura Masakazu-like." Compare that to Morgan Freeman's recent role in Bruce Almighty as, well, the Almighty. Tamura Masakazu is also special in that he's unmistakably him in every role he takes on - e.g. his slightly-odd dialogue delivery that sometimes goes off-key - but that never hinders him from playing the character well.
The government's complete response to the Remaking Singapore Committee report was released recently. Of the 72 recommendations, only 12 were rejected, & some of them have already been implemented. Cynics and pessimists would note, however, that most of those approved recommendations, while important, were hardly the most controversial nor the most necessary for a complete remaking of Singapore. Hence today the ST asks whether the field of electoral politics remains an inviolable sacred cow, & how long that should last:
..Some of the 'yeses' in the RSC will lead to a more open, politically diverse society, such as allowing automatic registration for most societies. But what is most disappointing this week is the silence over an important but overlooked part of the RSC report: the annex.
Under the heading 'Proposals without consensus', the annex addressed issues long raised by political observers as potential obstacles in Singapore's democratic development: the dampening effect of defamation suits on political dissidence; media freedom; and rules governing elections, especially the redrawing of electoral boundaries close to polling day.
These are controversial issues - some would argue the most significant - which members of the RSC thought deserving of discussion. It is a pity they have not merited a response from the Government so far.
- ST 17 Apr, Remaking Singapore: Slow lane for politics?
I blogged about the "Proposals without Consensus" here - I too found them the most controversial but also possibly the most beneficial. Anyhow, here is the government's full response (PDF) & a summarised version (PDF). The rejected suggestions are as follows. Strangely, I found the report to contain 70 suggestions, not 72, & 14 were rejected, not 12 (some of those were parts of suggestions). It still works out to 20% though.
6. Introduce multi-ethnic/religious education. This will help to generate greater understanding of different races and religions in Singapore. At tertiary level, introduce specialised religious courses and comparative religion. [Not accepted for both schools & universities.]
7a. Language Competencies: give students the flexibility to choose a 2nd language and not be restricted to their mother tongues, so that they can learn a language that they either believe is beneficial to them in future or are more confident of mastering. [Not accepted, "would go against the fundamental tenets of our mother tongue policy... to enable our students to understand and appreciate their cultural values and roots".]
8b. Public education on religion: Declaration on Religious Harmony to consolidate current practices and OB markers. [Not accepted, "The Declaration is not a legal document and it is not intended to regulate religious groups in Singapore."]
15. Re-think representation and franchise, in view of the mobility of Singaporeans. In addition to voting by overseas Singaporeans, consider the appointment of Nominated MPs for overseas Singaporeans and the creation of "overseas constituencies." [Not accepted for now.]
23. Introduce PE as an O-level subject. [Not accepted for now.]
27. Adopt a green/red lane approach for public entertainment licensing. Instead of a "catch-all" clause and a short exemption list, consider listing down the types of activities that are less likely to be approved, and would need to go through the licensing process. Activities not on this "red lane" list will be given automatic licensing. [MDA is working to expand the list of categories of arts performances that are exempted from licensing, and will consider this approach alongside the Censorship Review Committee's proposal for a "two-year term licence for arts groups with a proven track record of responsibility."]
28. Designate performance venues for relaxing rules. Provide a "designated space" where specific rules can be relaxed to facilitate expression and experimentation. Artists could perform without the need for a public entertainment licence. Law and order can still be safeguarded by measures such as a simple registration process, explicit rules prohibiting content that could cause racial/religious enmity and limiting indoor seating capacity. [Not accepted, "MITA does not believe that it is practical to create an essentially 'hands-off zone' without running the danger of the impact of some actions or activities spilling beyond the artificial boundary with serious consequences on society at large."]
34. Define "political" OB markers. This will reduce ambiguity and dispel the impression that the discussion of political governance is tantamount to engagement in politics. [Not accepted: "OB markers cannot be delineated absolutely, but will shift dynamically according to the circumstance."]
43. Housing mortgages and the safety net. HDB to consider allowing Singaporeans to re-mortgage part of their assets to meet urgent cash requirements rather than for them to be forced to sell their flats. HDB could also explore other means of helping financially-strapped Singaporeans.
49. Appoint an authority to coordinate transportation planning for the less mobile, such as the elderly and the disabled, to ensure integrated access for all. [Not accepted, "we are confident that with the continuing close collaboration under the existing inter-agency workgroups and forums, further progress will be made to address the transport needs of the less mobile."]
54. Harmonise the medical benefits of female and male civil servants. [Under review.]
56. Form a National Family Council. This centralised agency will drive the family movement in Singapore and to advocate pro-family policies. It will take on a holistic and cohesive approach to analysing family issues and policies, and drive research and training on family-related policies/trends/issues. [Not accepted, "MCDS is the lead agency for family matters in Singapore."]
59. Preserve memories of Singapore life through a Community Museum & Radio and Museum of Everyday Life. [Not accepted, NHB museums have done many exhibitions, other heritage centres exist already.]
61. Free up more time for Singaporeans; implement 5-day week in Civil Service. [Under review.]
- Government's response to the recommendations, 15 Apr (PDF)
William Saletan says, "don't get wrapped up in bin Laden's tape", addressing the Europeans like bin Laden was. He had an article called Truth or Consequences way back in 20 September 2001 analysing the flaws of consequentialism - understanding what America had done to piss off these people so badly & then correcting it. The Washington Post also has an editorial that is optimistic about Europe declining bin Laden's offer: No Separate Peace (16 Apr).
..In my hands there is a message to remind you that justice is a duty towards those whom you love and those whom you do not. And people's rights will not be harmed if the opponent speaks out about them.
The greatest rule of safety is justice, and stopping injustice and aggression. It was said: Oppression kills the oppressors and the hotbed of injustice is evil. The situation in occupied Palestine is an example. What happened on 11 September [2001] and 11 March [the Madrid train bombings] is your commodity that was returned to you.
It is known that security is a pressing necessity for all mankind. We do not agree that you should monopolise it only for yourselves. Also, vigilant people do not allow their politicians to tamper with their security.
Having said this, we would like to inform you that labelling us and our acts as terrorism is also a description of you and of your acts. Reaction comes at the same level as the original action. Our acts are reaction to your own acts, which are represented by the destruction and killing of our kinfolk in Afghanistan, Iraq and Palestine.
The act that horrified the world; that is, the killing of the old, handicapped [Hamas spiritual leader] Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, may God have mercy on him, is sufficient evidence.
We pledge to God that we will punish America for him, God willing.
Which religion considers your killed ones innocent and our killed ones worthless? And which principle considers your blood real blood and our blood water? Reciprocal treatment is fair and the one who starts injustice bears greater blame.
..Based on the above, and in order to deny war merchants a chance and in response to the positive interaction shown by recent events and opinion polls, which indicate that most European peoples want peace, I ask honest people, especially ulema, preachers and merchants, to form a permanent committee to enlighten European peoples of the justice of our causes, above all Palestine. They can make use of the huge potential of the media.
I also offer a reconciliation initiative to them [the "European peoples"], whose essence is our commitment to stopping operations against every country that commits itself to not attacking Muslims or interfering in their affairs - including the US conspiracy on the greater Muslim world.
This reconciliation can be renewed once the period signed by the first government expires and a second government is formed with the consent of both parties.
The reconciliation will start with the departure of its last soldier from our country.
The door of reconciliation is open for three months of the date of announcing this statement.
For those who reject reconciliation and want war, we are ready.
As for those who want reconciliation, we have given them a chance. Stop shedding our blood so as to preserve your blood. It is in your hands to apply this easy, yet difficult, formula. You know that the situation will expand and increase if you delay things.
If this happens, do not blame us - blame yourselves.
- Excerpts from the bin Laden tape, translated by BBC
The leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy & the EU have already rejected bin Laden's offer of a truce or a "reconciliation" (Europe: No deal with bin Laden, CNN). This new tape is generally seen as a crafty attempt by bin Laden to divide the West & prey on the anti-Iraq war attitudes of many Europeans (Tape shows bin Laden's adaptability, Washington Post; Tape plays to European audience, BBC) - note the astute mentions of "war merchants" like Haliburton, which seem to automatically arouse disdain like Bush does.
Indeed, my first reaction was that bin Laden's trying to divide and conquer the supposed enemies of Islam - America vs. Europe, or more worryingly, the anti-war majority vs. their politicians. But then, this truce offer seemed so ingeniously crafted, with specific clauses like making this offer valid for three months & even renewal with the change of governments. (Of course, if he were negotiating with most Middle East countries, he wouldn't have needed that clause, haha.) The question I think many peaceful people have on their minds is this: despite what bin Laden & his cronies have done & are doing, & the clear opportunism of this offer, is he serious about it? Can there be a "peace in our time"?
..Hans-Joachim Schmidt, a senior research associate at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt, said the offer was unlikely to affect German policy.
"We are part of the NATO mission" in Afghanistan, Schmidt said. "This cannot work for the German government." Some Europeans, he said, believe that countries that refused to provide troops for the Iraq war have bought themselves protection from al Qaeda attack.
In a conversation on a Berlin sidewalk, Wolfgang Lindner, 52, an office worker, praised the German government's rejection of the purported offer. "You can't bargain for peace," he said.
Daniela Brenner, 26, a waitress, said she would not trust bin Laden on such an offer, but added that she would want to think about it.
- the Washington Post 16 Apr, Europeans Reject Bin Laden 'Truce'
To have an agreement between two parties, there has to be confidence with both that their counterpart will fulfill their part of the bargain. As I see it, the only way to a long-term peace between the Muslim world & the rest (mostly the West) is the renunciation of violence, especially on civilians, & greater understanding of each others' values & practices. A fairer economic distribution would help too, but the problems the Arab world, most importantly, faces in this area can't all be blamed on the West. & so long as the Muslim world continues to spew out sermons of hatred (e.g. "The Palestinians," in their own words, Winds of Change) & treat the very idea of Israel & the US as inimical to Islam, there can be no lasting peace.
Somewhat mischievously, I wondered what it would be like if a European country, or even Europe as a whole, did agree in principle to a truce, "reconciliation" as bin Laden proposes. I, for one, do not think bin Laden is a man of his word, that he would really leave the Europeans alone. As I see it this proposed offer has about as much credibility as Hitler's erstwhile pact with Stalin. But what if some or all of the Europeans tried to call bin Laden's bluff? We will agree to a truce so long as you agree to these conditions - perfectly reasonable ones that we need to guarantee that you will keep your word.
1. Who are you speaking for? al-Qaeda? al-Qaeda's most closely affiliated cells & organisations? What about lone wolves who may be waiting for their chance in Europe right now? How can we be sure that you can speak for all these people & that we'll not be terrorised by al-Qaeda II? Get your terrorists to admit themselves as such, & afterwards, immediately leave our countries.
2. How can we trust you? How do we know that it's you that's making this agreement? There has to be some way of verifying that Osama bin Laden's the man making the agreement. For this we probably need a video with clear & unmistakeable footage of bin Laden acknowledging this agreement. (This video, of course, can be "conveniently" intercepted by the remaining enemies of al-Qaeda should they like to, in order to obtain clues of bin Laden's whereabouts.)
These conditions are what I can think of now. Consider that if any of the following are true, this offer could not possibly be taken up convincingly, & we would have called bin Laden's bluff: (1) he's dead, the tapes are faked & there's no way to bring him back from the grave to ink this agreement of goodwill with Europe; (2) he does not want to show his hand (i.e. the terrorist cells) that may be in Europe; (3) he cannot, after all, speak for very many terrorists - he could have inspired them, but he may not have control over them.
Sigh, but after considering all this, I think it would be far too difficult to trust bin Laden even if he managed to fulfill all these conditions. It would be too easy for him & his small coterie to forge a peace deal & other terrorist groups to strike all the same (i.e. he may think he can speak for all Islamic terrorists, but he doesn't). Should he go back on his word, there isn't any ambassador or return address we could go to to demand our money (& civilians' lives) back (i.e. there can never be the necessary level of trust between Europe & al-Qaeda by the nature of their organisations). bin Laden may or may not want "reconciliation" with anyone except the US & Israel, but I think any reconciliation with bin Laden in sincere faith is a reckless move.
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