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8/3/2019 Today - 20111122
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afternoon edit
Loh Chee Kongnews editor
SINGAPORE There was no end-of-year
cheer for workers yesterday, as Singapores
economy was forecast to grow next year
at a relatively lacklustre pace of between
1 and 3 per cent.
The news would mean a more mod-
est wage growth and bonus package next
year for workers, economists told Today.
Companies will also be more cautious with
hiring, they noted.
The news also saw the Straits Times
Index dropping 1.2 per cent yesterday to
2,697.98, its lowest close since Oct 20.
Still, UOB senior economist Alvin Liew
said: Given that (the labour) market re-
mains fairly tight, there will be some kind
of wage growth involved if the current
situation continues.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Trade and
Industry (MTI) said it expects the economy
to grow by around 5 per cent this year, as it
provided its forecast for next year.
Global economic conditions are ex-
pected to remain subdued in 2012, with the
outlook clouded by increased uncertainty
and financial volatility, the MTI said in a
statement.
It added that its economic growth fore-
cast for next year does not factor in down-
side risks to growth, such as a worsening
debt situation or a full-blown financial
crisis in the advanced economies.
Should these risks come to pass,
growth could come in lower than expected,
the MTI said.
The Singapore economy grew by 6.1 per
cent between July and September, com-
pared to the same period last year, added
MTI.
The ministry expects softer growth in
the fourth quarter, given the deteriorating
external conditions, in particular in the
electronics and biomedical manufacturing
sector and financial services sector.
Singapores open economy has felt the
brunt of a global slowdown.
In a separate statement, IE Singapore
said that Singapores non-oil domestic ex-
ports (NODX) contracted by 1.1 per cent in
the third quarter, compared to the same
period last year. Electronic domestic ex-
ports fell by 17 per cent.
For next year, Singapores NODX may
expand 3 per cent to 5 per cent, IE Singa-
pore added.
At a press briefing yesterday, Monetary
Authority of Singapore deputy managing
director Ong Chong Tee said inflation will
be 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent next year
and the monetary policy stance remains
appropriate.
Mr Liew noted that the tightening of
imported labour would mitigate any po-
tential job losses.
He noted that the slowdown might not
have a uniform impact.
Said Mr Liew: In the depths of the last
recession, some sectors such as phar-
maceuticals were still performing well.
While growth is expected to be rather weak
next year, pharmaceutical is expected to be
still providing some support.
However, should the slowdown trans-
late into a spillover effect into the financial
sector, the banking sector may not be
getting that kind of remuneration pack-
age than they did when there was a sharp
recovery, Mr Liew noted.
Credit Suisse economist W
said that wage growth will def
to less than 5 per cent in gene
is a financial crisis, wage will
or turn negative, he said.
He added: Bonus will al
by how much is hard to say.
make bonus decisions depen
years performance as well as
outlook.
Still, Mr Liew reiterated th
certain growth sectors which
mune or at least buffered
slowdown.
For example, private wea
ment is still looking fairly stro
structural development pers
do see that income levels are
within Asia one of the key
private wealth activities itse
additionaL reporting by C
ts nm 22, 2011 .l.cm s MiCa (p) 031/10/2011 a pubLiCation of newS hotLine 6822 2268
Expect a subdued year ahead: MTIecm ll 1% 3% 2012:gm cs
-1.2%
Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Realeconomic
growth(%)
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
-2
+4.2% +4.6%
+9.2%
+7.4%
+8.7%
+8.8%
+1.5%
-0.8%
+14.5%
Post dotcom globl electonics slump
Gowth despite SarS outbek
Globl ecession fte Le
Higeboex
SourCe: departMent of StatiStiCS, MiniStry of trad
gdp growth over the LaSt deCade
beCKhaM KeepS MuMon future pLanS
SportS page 37
8/3/2019 Today - 20111122
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2
Parliamenttoday tuesday November 22, 2011
Bdok rsvo dhs fccopyc bhvou: Bksh
sumita [email protected]
SINGAPORE The recent spate of deaths
at Bedok Reservoir illustrates the phe-
nomenon of copycat suicides, Dr Vivian
Balakrishnan told Parliament yesterday, as
he sought to put into perspective the inci-
dents that occurred in the last few months.
People who are depressed, that is the
root to the problem ... We do not have the
highest suicide rate, in fact, given our ethnic
composition and our location as a nation, we
are doing quite well, said Dr Balakrishnan,
who did not provide figures.
Dr Balakrishnan was previously Min-
ister for Community Development, Youth
and Sports.
Dr Balakrishnan, who is the Minister
for the Environment and Water Resources,
was responding to a question from Non-
Constituency Member of Parliament Lina
Chiam on what additional measures
apart from beefing up security and putting
up warning signs were being taken by na-
tional water agency PUB in the light of the
recent spate of deaths in Bedok Reservoir.
According to Dr Balakrishnan, the PUB
will put up signs in the area providing informa-
tion on helplines for those who are depressed.
We certainly intensified all our meas-
ures to prevent these sort of untoward
accidents we reviewed the safety param-
eters, we increased patrols, we increased
lights, we put up more signs, he said.
Noting that investigations into
some of the deaths are still in progress,
Dr Balakrishnan reiterated that a multi-
pronged approach is needed to tackle the
issue and it would involve socie
family members and the comm
He said: This is a proble
beyond our reservoirs. In fact,
that there is this phenomenon
cat suicides and, since I came
in the past, we know that the
preferred modes of suicide
been influenced by media cove
way it is portrayed to the pub
Dr Balakrishnan added tha
media has been responsible in
ing of the recent deaths and the
been toned down after the fir
Responding to Mrs Chiams
the water quality, Dr Balakrish
standard operating procedure t
did not need to be changed after
Before the water from th
reaches public taps, it is filtered
cally disinfected to a standard
the World Health Organization
for Drinking Water Quality, Dr B
said. He added that the treatm
rids the water of bacteria, such a
decaying organic matter found
the reservoirs ecosystems. The t
is also tested daily and is safe to d
not eough trais to ru at2-miute itervals durig peak hoursSINGAPORE There are simply not enough
MRT trains to run at two-minute inter-
vals throughout the morning and evening
peak periods.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Min-
ister of State (Transport) Josephine Teo
said that, given the existing fleet, trains
are only able to operate at a two-minute
interval for 45 minutes during morning
peak hours between 7am and 9.30am
along the Yishun to Marina Bay stretch
of the North South Line. Intervals at other
parts of the network are still slightly
longer than two minutes during the
morning peak hours.
Mrs Teo was responding to a question
from Non-Constituency Member of Parlia-
ment Gerald Giam on whether there are
any constraints that prevent MRT trains
from running at two-minute intervals
throughout the periods of 7am to 9.30am
and 5pm to 8pm on weekdays.
Mrs Teo noted that the interval is af-
fected by the number of trains and the size
of the depots.
Pointing out that the passenger load is
uneven during the peak periods, Mrs Teo
added that, during the morning peak peri-
od, there are between 1,350 and 1,420 pas-
sengers per train along the North South and
East West lines and the stretches with the
heaviest passenger loads were between
Bishan and Novena stations, as well as be-
tween Jurong East and Dover stations.
These stretches are most busy be-
tween 7.45am and 8.45am. In contrast, the
average passenger load at these stretches
is about 1,000 to 1,200 passengers per
train for the half hour before and after
this period.
A total of 35 trains will be added to
the fleet in the next four years. This will
increase capacity along the North South
and East West lines by 25 per cent. New
trains are also being bought for the North
East Line (NEL) and the Circle Line (CCL)
and will be delivered in about four to five
years, Mrs Teo added.
This is expected to increase the NELs
capacity by up to 50 per cent and the CCLs
capacity by about 40 per cent.
Depot building work is ongoing.
Mrs Teo said that, despite the challenge
of land scarcity, we are fully committed
to expanding the train fleet in order to
improve frequencies of train arrivals.
Responding to Mr Giams question on
whether the authorities plan ahead of time,
Mrs Teo said that there is advance plan-
ning but projecting demand and ridership
is tricky business and hard to get 100-per-
cent right. sumita sreedharaN
a&e subsds fo fogs h o sy: G K YoSINGAPORE Subsidies for foreigners
needing emergency care are here to stay,
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong told Parlia-
ment yesterday. He also provided statistics
to show that this contributed minimally
to the Governments healthcare spending.
He was responding to Member of Par-
liament Baey Yam Keng (Tampines Group
Representation Constituency), who had
asked if the Government would remove
subsidies for foreigners receiving Acci-
dent and Emergency (A&E) care or impose
means testing where the patients ability
to pay determines the size of the bill.
This is because foreigners here would
probably be covered by workplace insur-
ance or travel insurance, he said.
Currently, a 50-per-cent subsidy is
given to all A&E patients regardless of their
nationality. Mr Gan said that, over the last
five years, foreigners made up 18 per cent
of the yearly patient load at A&E depart-
ments amounting to government subsi-
dies of S$14 million every year.
This is less than 1 per cent of the Health
Ministrys total spending on subsidised
patient services at public hosp
amounted to S$2.2 billion.
For A&E services, becau
fect life and death, we want t
administrative processes in t
partments are kept as simple
he said.
He pointed out that not a
here have workplace insuranc
on long-term visit passes.
And as A&E departments p
cal attention for a short per
getting hospital staff to verify
nationality or doing means test
add to their administrative bur
We still like to keep our
ments streamlined (and) foc
ing the patients, ensuring th
who comes to A&E receives th
treatment that they need, ad
As for Singaporeans who
help even after the 50-per-c
Mr Gan cited the existing Medi
and said the Government wou
to look at ways to help the ne
Ng JiNg yNg
We do not have the hig
suicide rate, in fact, giv
our ethnic compositio
and our location as a n
we are doing quite we
mn f ennnW rc vn bl
8/3/2019 Today - 20111122
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Parliamenttoday tuesday November 22, 2011
Free
Admi
ssion
a o fxb CPF
SINGAPORE A raft of changes to the Cen-
tral Provident Fund (CPF) Act was passed
in Parliament yesterday which seek to en-
courage voluntary top-ups to CPF accounts
and allow for greater flexibility to reverse
inter-account transfers where deserving.
Under the changes, a new Special
Needs Savings Scheme (SNSS) which
will allow parents to better provide for
their special needs children after they die
will also be created by next year.
Minister of State (Manpower) Tan
Chuan-Jin said yesterday the changes rep-
resent yet another step forward in ensuring
that our CPF system remains relevant and
effective for our people.
During the debate on the Bill yesterday,
the SNSS drew the most comments and
suggestions from Members of Parliament.
The scheme will allow parents to nomi-
nate their special needs child to receive their
CPF monies as a stream of income, rather
than just a lump sum payment upon their
deaths, without having to set up a trust.
There will be no minimum balance to
sign up and no administrative charge. Also,
the savings can continue to enjoy CPF inter-
est rates even after the parents death. Said
Mr Tan: (The scheme) will be particularly
useful for parents who do not have sub-
stantial savings outside of the CPF, and for
whom avoiding administrative costs is an
important consideration.
The SNSS originated from a parents
workgroup led by MP Denise Phua in 2006.
Ms Phua, however, took issue with the
eligibility criteria of the scheme yesterday.
Under the scheme, the nominee must have
attended or is attending a special education
(SPED) school, or require assistance in at
least one activity of daily living (ADL), such
as dressing and feeding.
Ms Phua said the restrictive criteria
should be expanded, as many special needs
children do not attend SPED schools.
There are also those who are able to
perform the ADLs and are able academi-
cally, but require help with money man-
agement and long-term planning such as
housing, Ms Phua noted.
Jurong GRC MP Ang Wei Neng pointed
out that while about 2,500 children are
diagnosed with special needs each year,
only 300 enter SPED schools.
Mr Tan stressed the need to be mind-
ful of whom the scheme was designed
for: Persons with disabilities who cannot
support themselves.
There will also be an appeals channel
to allow a more flexible application of the
scheme for those who not meet the criteria,
he added.
Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Zainudin
Nordin asked if better interest rates could
be extended for the nominees, while Sem-
bawang GRC MP Ellen Lee queried as to how
nominees can grow their money to meet
their high monthly costs.
Non-Constituency MP Lina Chiam felt
that the SNSS would not benefit those
whose parents did not have much CPF
savings, while fellow Opposition MP Yaw
Shin Leong also expressed concerns that
the Ministry of Community Development,
Youth and Sports and the CPF Board would
have too much discretionary power over
the approval of nominees.
Mr Tan reiterated that the S
the transferred funds to continu
interest rates, and other fami
can make use of top-up schem
sufficient funds for the nomin
He also assured Mr Yaw
determine the amount of mon
for the nominees at the point of
When Ms Phua pressed
of the scheme in 18 months t
replied: Let us allow the
unfold first.
a w Spc nds SvSch ud whch pspc ds chd c ochd o cv h CPF s of co upo hsd of up su py
Vouy cobuos fobs c b d bypso o py, o jus b
bs d poys tsfs bw CPF c
c b vsd spc scs, such s f bo fc hdshp dh sfd svgs ohousg ss
Good hh qu h Ho Poco SchCPF bs c b wvhy buy w ho, ow covg
ChaNges to the CPF a
Nw n c fpcl n clnn cn
(The scheme) will be
particularly useful for parents
who do not have substantial
savings outside of the CPF,
and for whom avoidingadministrative costs is an
important consideration.
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4
Parliamenttoday tuesday November 22, 2011
Shoud copy poducvy gs hpdcd oco of fog woks?
SINGAPORE Given the national
drive to raise productivity, should
the success of employers pro-
ductivity initiatives become part
of the criteria for allocation of
foreign labour in future, labour
MP Ang Hin Kee (Ang Mo Kio GRC)
asked yesterday.
Tightened access to foreign
workers amid a tight labour mar-
ket has been a long-standing co-
nundrum employers, especially in
labour-intensive sectors such as
manufacturing and construction,
have faced.
Deputy Prime Minister Thar-
man Shanmugaratnam, who is
also Manpower Minister, said
the problem with this approach
is in deciding the baseline for
productivity gains, thereby in-
evitably resulting in some form
of discrimination.
Would you discriminate in
favour of a company which was
previously inefficient and then
did something to become efficient
against a company which had al-
ready did something to become
efficient? said Mr Tharman. Its
extremely difficult to get into
an act of discriminating compa-
nies that have done a good job
of investing all along and raising
productivity and reducing their
manpower requirements.
Updating the House on the
take-up rate of the Productivity and
Innovation Credit (PIC) scheme
tax benefits for employers who im-
plemented productivity initiatives
such as acquisition of equipment or
worker training Mr Tharman said
9,800, or one-fifth of companies
that have filed their tax returns so
far, have claimed reliefs.
He said it is too early to say
how many would tap on the
scheme because corporate tax fil-
ing is ongoing but stressed that
outreach efforts are ongoing.
The PIC was introduced last
year and significantly enhanced in
this years Budget allowing total tax
deductions of up to S$3.2 million for
Years of Assessment 2011 and 2012.
Companies may alternatively
opt for cash payout options for
these initiatives.
Mr Tharman also said road-
maps for the initial 12 sectors
identified for initiatives to boost
productivity under the S$600 mil-
lion committed under the Nation-
al Productivity Fund have largely
been endorsed by the National
Productivity and Continuing Edu-
cation Council.
In construction, for instance,
about 900 companies have re-
ceived help to adopt new tech-
nologies raising their capabilities
or train their employees. Produc-
tivity is expected to improve by
at least 20 per cent when the
projects are completed, he said.
As for the Inclusive Growth
Programme, targeted at improv-
ing the skills and wages of some
25,000 low-wage workers, S$26
million has been pumped into 450
projects involving some 21,000
workers, said Mr Tharman.
Two-thirds of these workers
are expected to receive at least 10
per cent more pay, over and above
their normal raises, he added.
mPs cocd by cho copso cSINGAPORE A one-year time
limit on compensation claims and
restrictions on claims involving
workplace fights under the amend-
ed Work Injury Compensation Act
(WICA) which was passed yes-
terday drew concern from some
Members of Parliament.
Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Yeo Guat
Kwang and Nee Soon GRC MP
Patrick Tay questioned the fair-
ness of the new law requiring
an injured worker to choose be-
tween a civil claim in court and
a claim under the amended leg-
islation, arguing it may not be a
sufficient period for him to know
whether he stands a good chance
of winning in court.
Claimants are now not lim-
ited in when they re-file their
claims with the Ministry of Man-
power (MOM) should they de-
cide to drop their civil suit against
their employers.
Minister of State for Man-
power Tan Chuan-Jin replied
that one year is a reasonable
period of time for workers to
make a considered decision on
how they wish to seek work in-
jury compensation. WICA cannot
afford unlimited flexibility to
allow injured workers to switch
between WICA and common law
at any time, he said.
Adding that some injured
workers re-file their claims as
late as six years after their acci-
dents, Mr Tan also noted injured
workers who are unsuccessful at
common law are n
recourse. They can
the court assesses the
pensation due to hi
costs and direct th
to pay compensation
Mr Tay and Wo
MP Yaw Shin Leong
also questioned the
tions to compensat
involving fights at th
The MOM receives ab
cases a year, of which
ters are work-related
Under the new l
from June next year
are not liable to com
injuries sustained in
the injured worker w
and did not partici
fight; or when the
injured while defend
others, or property; o
to break up a fight.
But Mr Tay felt
very difficult to tell
fault and culpable.
Mr Yaw added t
should be on the au
prove that an inju
should not be compe
In response, Mr T
WICA, being a no-faul
to ensure that the bu
pensation is fair and
Other amendm
legislation include h
pensation limits fo
permanent incapaci
higher coverage for
penses. teo XuaNw
s 900 cncn cpn c p n p.today File Photo
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hot nEWS6today tuesday November 22, 2011
taNya [email protected]
SINGAPORE The daughter of a Sarawak
tycoon, who said she had supported her
former husband financially when they were
married, is now suing her stepdaughter for
part of a S$28.8 million trust, claiming that
it is part of matrimonial assets.
In her High Court suit, businesswoman
Anna Wee, who is also the niece of United
Overseas Bank founder Wee Cho Yaw, is
claiming that her Singaporean ex-husband,
Mr Ng Hock Seng, had fraudulently mis-
represented to her that he did not have
money to support their family during their
10-year marriage.
In fact, Madam Wee alleged, he had
earned US$20 million (S$26.1 million) in
1998 from a wafer fabrication contract.
Mr Ng, who died in 2004 from tongue
cancer, had willed the money in the trust
to his daughter from his first marriage,
Ms Genevieve Ng Li-Ann, and his son and
daughter with Mdm Wee. Ms Ng is the sole
executrix of her fathers estate.
The couple had married in 1988, each
with one child from their previous marriag-
es. They lived in an apartment in Cairnhill
belonging to Mdm Wees father, Sarawak
tycoon Anuar Wee Hood Teck, for nearly
two years before moving to Kuching after
Mr Ngs business ventures failed here.
Mdm Wee, who is in her 50s, claimed
that she became the familys sole bread-
winner after they moved to Kuching.
Yesterday, the court heard that short-
ly after the birth of their first daughter,
Mdm Wee started a company with her
friend. She also issued Mr Ng with a sup-
plementary credit card and paid for his
travel and holiday expenses.
According to Mdm Wee, she intro-
duced many of her own business contacts
to Mr Ng, including the managing director
of a wafer fabrication company. In 1998,
the company gave Mr Ng a US$20 million
contract to supply services to its plant.
Mdm Wee, who is represented by Sen-
ior Counsel Indranee Rajah, said she did not
claim maintenance from Mr Ng because
she believed his claim that he was broke.
He had claimed in an affidavit in Janu-
ary 2000 that he was being financially sup-
ported by his family and friends.
However, court documents revealed
that Mr Ng bought an apartment in Ocean
Park in Singapore and another
sons in Jakarta in 1999.
The trust at the centre o
managed by BNP Paribas Tru
tion, which is incorporated in
Channel Islands.
Mdm Wee is also claimi
against the trust which she
unreasonably incurred unne
by failing to take a neutral s
claim against Mr Ngs estate.
Ms Ng, who is represente
Counsel Deborah Barker, and
Trust Corporation, represented
Tong, disagree with Mdm Wee
Mr Ngs estate is part of matrim
Lawyers for the trust wil
among other things, that Mdm
entitled to the money as she h
to them through her two ch
Mr Ng.
According to court docu
by the defence, Ms Ng said t
between her father and stepm
down because of Mdm Wees
tramarital affair.
The hearing before Justice
continues today.
Mdm Anna Wee (picture)
claims that the S$28.8 million
trust is part of matrimonial
assets, and that her late
ex-husband had fraudulently
misrepresented to her that
he did not have money tosupport their family during
their 10-year marriage.
Photo by erNest Chua
MediSield payus rise admre premiums are cllecedSINGAPORE The total amount of Me-
diShield claims paid out to the public has
risen by 4.4 times over the past decade,
along with an increase in the total sum of
premiums collected over the same period.
In a written parliamentary reply to
Non-Constituency Member of Parliament
Gerald Giam, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong
said that in tandem with enhancements to
MediShield, a Government-initiated health
insurance scheme, premiums received by the
Government had risen by four times.
The enhancements include an exten-
sion of maximum age coverage and daily
claimable limits.
The number of claims increased from
91,000 in 2001 to 236,000 last year, while
the amount of claims paid rose from S$58.8
million to S$248.6 million, Mr Gan said.
Premiums collected also increased by more
than four-fold to S$385.6 million.
MediShield operates on a n
basis and premiums are actua
lated to cover all liabilities for
future years, he said.
Mr Gan gave the assuran
miums will be kept affordable
provements are made to MediS
Singaporeans healthcare need
Responding to a separate
the disbursement of Medifund
help needy Singaporeans pay fo
cal expenses, Mr Gan said S$
was given out in 2009, compar
million in 2000.
Over the same period, th
Medifund applications incre
times to 393,980.
The approval rate of appli
ing this period had also remai
ently high, at over 98 per cent,
NG JiNG yNG
SINGAPORE A total of 2,460 arrests were
made under internal security laws from
1959 to 1990, said Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean
yesterday.
Of these arrests, 1,045 people were
detained under the Preservation of Public
Security Ordinance (1959-1963) and the
Internal Security Act (1963-1990), Mr Teo
said in a written answer to No
ency Member of Parliament
who had asked for a breakdow
and detentions made under th
those years.
Mr Teo said those arreste
tained were for a variety of reaso
involvement in communist-rela
to overthrow the Governmen
religious extremism; Indonesia
tion; foreign subversion and es
terrorism. Many of these ind
their families have put the past
and carried on with their lives o
several decades, he added.
Sarawak ycs dauger sues sepdauger ver s$28.8m rus
2,460 internalsecurity arrestsuntil 1990
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Comment&analy
Cr bkr, pdhrg, d hg
Both the American economy andthe global economy are facinga familiar foe: Policy defeatism.
Throughout modern economic his-
tory, whether in Western Europe in
the 1920s, in the United States in the
1930s or in Japan in the 1990s, every
major financial crisis has been fol-
lowed by premature abandonment
if not reversal of the stimulus
policies that are necessary for sus-
tained recovery. Sadly, the world ap-
pears to be repeating this mistake.
The right thing to do right now
is for the Federal Reserve and the Eu-
ropean Central Bank (ECB) to engage
in further monetary stimulus. Having
lowered short-term interest rates,
they should buy (or in the case of
the Fed, resume buying) significant
quantities of government securities
to help push down long-term inter-
est rates and encourage investment.
It is past time for the Fed and
its European counterpart to act. The
economic outlook has turned out to
be as grim as forecasts based on his-
torical evidence predicted it would
be. Sustained high inflation is not a
threat in this environment.
We need to rebalance the econ-
omy from imports to exports, from
private consumption to savings, from
tax breaks to infrastructure rebuilding
and from the financial sector to eve-
rything else. The process of rebalanc-
ing will require movement of capital
from older industries and activities
to newer ones that is, investment.
But investment has been held
back because of uncertainty over the
economys future prospects. And the
ability to attract investors is being
limited by the giant burden of pri-
vate-sector debt. In other words, a
financing problem is inhibiting the
restructuring of our economy. Allevi-
ating generalised financing problems
and low investor confidence is pre-
cisely what monetary stimulus does.
Some claim that monetary eas-
ing will impede restructuring. But
this makes no sense. For all the talk
that monetary austerity promotes
the creative destruction necessary
for the economy to recover, it does
not work that way.
In Japan in the 1990s, a period
of insufficiently aggressive monetary
stimulus fed lending to zombie com-
panies unproductive borrowers
on whose loans the banks could not
afford to take losses. It was only when
macroeconomic policy led a recovery
in Japan in the first decade of this
century that capital flowed out of the
places it had been trapped and into
new and growing businesses.
Another source of policy defeat-
ism is the widespread but false belief
that our previous unconventional
efforts to stimulate the economy ei-
ther were not terribly effective or are
unlikely to be effective if extended
today. The fact that the American
economy has not fully recovered after
previous rounds of stimulus is not evi-
dence that those failed to work at all.
We know that infusions of cen-
tral bank money to the economy
have been closely associated with
falling long-term interest rates.
We know that the relative price of
riskier assets has gone up, indicat-
ing greater demand for them, when
stimulus has been undertaken. And
we know that banks have received
increased deposits and that inves-
tors and households have expressed
increased confidence, after prior
rounds of quantitative easing. That
combination has had a stimulative
impact, just as a cut in the interest
rate would have in ordinary times.
Scientific research tells us that
high blood pressure and choles-
terol are associated with a higher
risk of heart disease and stroke, and
that certain prescription medica-
tion reduces cholesterol and blood
pressure. Yes, it is difficult to prove
directly that taking the medicine
prevents heart disease and stroke,
and taking them is no guarantee of
health. But still we should take them.
This is the same situation we are in
now, with our economys financial
circulation at risk and quantitative
easing the indicated medicine.
In my opinion, we can go further.
Central banks and governments can
engage in forms of coordinated action
that will target the burden of past
debts that is hanging over the glo-
bal economy. In the US, that means
resolving the distressed mortgage
debt that is weakening our financial
system and reducing labour mobility,
thereby constraining our ability to
grow. It is time for the Federal Reserve
and elected officials to explore ways
to jointly tackle that housing debt.
Independent central bankers
tend to become very squeamish
about expressing sup
particular government
pecially when it involve
buy government bonds
Tragedies have occu
er, when independent c
let worries about the pe
they were too close to
ment prevent them from
thing constructive in ti
Such passivity led
longed recession in J
1990s. It was only whe
Japan and the Ministr
abandoned their mutua
worked together publi
that Japan had a sustain
The same distrust betw
tary and fiscal officials,
about being perceived a
each other, is bringing
to the brink of disaster
Central bank inde
not primarily a matter
but of reality. What ma
central banks do, not w
maintain an appearan
towards the messy rea
nomic and political life
The inflation-fighti
of central banks is not v
voluntary purchases of
or private, made with
clear and long-held eco
Therefore, if the Fed
and the ECB respond
with available tools, inc
scale bond purchases (a
England has already b
they will enhance the
and independence for t
Almost certainly, ev
to do everything right
policy, some economic
continue. But it is the r
and duty of central ban
things better if we can.
Central bank officia
ed too much time over
worrying about how t
tions would appear to
politicians and to the
they to undertake mo
Sometimes you have to
thing even if the benef
to become evident. If w
dertake the monetary s
the grim outlook calls
economies and our peo
fer avoidable and poten
damage.THE NEW YO
Adam Posen, an America
is a member of the Mon
Committee of the Bank
AdAM POSEN
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comment&analysis
14
comment&analysis
15today tuesday November 22,2011
ABOUT 11 years ago, Filipino Chinese Aubrey
Young relocated here for work, and she hasnt
ooked back since.
With an open heart and mind, Aubrey
adjustedtohernewlivingenvironmenteffortlessly.
Singaporeis amulti-culturalsocietythatrespects
all races and religions, she said.
FORMING FRIENDSHIPS
With English as the lingua franca, she found it
easy to communicate and build relationshipswith her co-workers and friends. She would often
have lunch with her colleagues and spend Friday
evenings relaxing with her friends.
Some of her favourite local foods include
chicken rice, minced meat noodles and prawn
noodes. Aubrey said: There is a certain
uniqueness to these dishes that I somehow
associate with Singapore.
Inaddition,whenAubreyfirstcame here,her
Singaporean colleagues showed her around and
helped her adjust to Singapore li fe.
It also helped that her Filipino Chinese
husband, who is a permanent resident, is workingin the same company too. The couple met at work
in the Philippines and relocated here about the
same time.
We got married two years after we came to
Singapore. We had a celebration with our friends
inSingaporeandanotheronewithour familiesand
friends in the Philippines, said Aubrey.
In fact, their colleague Kenneth, who had
formed a close friendship with the couple, was
one of the groomsmen on their wedding day.
Its been a decade, but we still keep in touch,
added Aubrey.
FEELING AT HOMEAfter working here for some time, Aubrey started
to feel a sense of belonging and wanted to call
Singapore home. So the permanent resident
finally became a full-fledged citizen eight years
ago. Thinking long term, I saw myself staying
in Singapore with my family, so I applied for
citizenship, she said.
Today, Aubrey has settled nicely here with
her husband and three children, Kylle Anderrsen,
aged 8, Keith Eldriech, aged 5, and two-year-old
Kiefer Owen. Over the years, the family rented a
few apartments before finally purchasing their
home five years ago. And on every occasion, they
developed meaningful relationships with their
Singaporean neighbours.
They looked beyond race or nationality and
would try to get to know us. That really helped us
tointegrateintothe socialcommunitiesthatwere
part of, she said. The couple even became good
friends with some of their neighbours, who would
visit their children to play with them.
Whats more, the children have adapted wellhere. Kylle is in Primary 2 and attending a local
school.Whiletheystill knowtheirroots,theyhave
lived here most of their lives and already consider
Singapore their home, she said.
Duringtheirfreetime, thefamilyvisitsplaces
such as the beach and theme parks. We often
have lunch and dinner gatherings as it is a great
way for everyone to get together, said Aubrey.
NICOLETTEONG
While they still knowtheir roots, they havelived here most of
their lives and already considerSingapore their home.
With support fromNIC
Charmed by the safeenvironment and modernifestyle, Filipino Chinese
Aubrey Young is happyto call Singapore home
Building meaningful relationshipsSINGAPORE, MY HOME
AubreyYoung(farleft) andherfamily enjoyingalunch together
today tuesday November 22,2011
Hw ch df ar
With Chinas growing influence overthe global economy and its increasingty to project military power, competi-
between the United States and China is
itable. Leaders of both countries assert
mistically that the competition can be
aged without clashes that threaten the
al order.
Most academic analysts are not so san-
e. If history is any guide, Chinas rise
indeed pose a challenge to America.
ng powers seek to gain more authority
he global system, and declining pow-
rarely go down without a fight. And
n the differences between the Chinese
American political systems, pessimists
ht believe that there is an even higher
ihood of war.
am a political realist. Western analysts
labelled my political views hawkish,
the truth is that I have never overvalued
mportance of morality in international
ons. But realism does not mean that pol-
ans should be concerned only with mili-
and economic might. In fact, morality
can play a key role in shaping international
competition between political powers and
separating the winners from the losers.
I came to this conclusion from study-
ing ancient Chinese political theorists like
Guanzi, Confucius, Xunzi and Mencius. They
were writing in the pre-Qin period, before
China was unified as an empire more than
2,000 years ago a world in which small
countries were competing ruthlessly for
territorial advantage.
It was perhaps the greatest period for
Chinese thought, and several schools com-
peted for ideological supremacy and political
influence. They converged on one crucial
insight: The key to international influence
was political power and the central attribute
of political power was morally informed
leadership. Rulers who acted in accord-
ance with moral norms whenever possible
tended to win the race for leadership over
the long term.
China was unified by the ruthless king
of Qin in 221 BC, but his short-lived rule was
not nearly as successful as that of Emperor
Wu of the Han dynasty, who drew on a mix-
ture of legalistic realism and Confucian soft
power to rule the country for over 50 years,
from 140 BC until 86 BC.
According to the ancient Chinese
philosopher Xunzi, there were three types
of leadership: Humane authority, hegemony
and tyranny.
Humane authority won the hearts and
minds of the people at home and abroad.
Tyranny based on military force in-
evitably created enemies. Hegemonic pow-
ers lay in between: They did not cheat
the people at home or allies abroad. But
they were frequently indifferent to moral
concerns and often used violence against
non-allies. The philosophers generally
agreed that humane authority would
win in any competition with hegemony
or tyranny.
Such theories may seem far removed
from our own day, but there are striking par-
allels. Indeed, Mr Henry Kissinger once told
me that he believed that ancient Chinese
thought was more likely than any foreign
ideology to become the dominant intel-
lectual force behind Chinese foreign policy.
The fragmentation of the pre-Qin era
resembles the global divisions of our times,
and the prescriptions provided by political
theorists from that era are directly relevant
today namely that states relying on mili-
tary or economic power without concern
for morally informed leadership are bound
to fail.
Unfortunately, such views are not so in-
fluential in this age of economic determinism,
even if governments often pay lip service to
them. The Chinese government claims that
the political leadership of the Communist
Party is the basis of Chinas economic mira-
cle, but it often acts as though competition
with the US will be played out on the eco-
nomic field alone.
In America, politicians regularly at-
tribute progress, but never failure, to
their own leadership. Both governments
must understand that political leadership,
rather than throwing money at problems,
will determine who wins the race for
global supremacy.
Many people wrongly believe that China
can improve its foreign relations only by
significantly increasing economic aid. But
it is hard to buy affection; such friendship
does not stand the test of difficult times.
CreatING a desIrabLe modeL
How, then, can China win peoples hearts
across the world? According to ancient Chi-
nese philosophers, it must start at home.
Humane authority begins by creating
a desirable model at home that inspires
people abroad.
This means China must shift its pri-
orities away from economic development
to establishing a harmonious society free
of todays huge gaps between rich and poor.
yaN XuetoNG
It needs to replace money wor-
ship with traditional morality and
weed out political corruption in fa-
vour of social justice and fairness.
In other countries, China
must display humane author-
ity in order to compete with the
US, which remains the worlds
pre-eminent hegemonic power.
Military strength underpins he-
gemony and helps to explain why
the US has so many allies. Presi-
dent Obama has made strategic
mistakes in Afghanistan, Iraq and
Libya, but his actions also demon-
strate that Washington is capable
of leading three foreign wars si-
multaneously.
By contrast, Chinas army
has not been involved in any war
since 1984, with Vietnam, and
very few of its high-ranking of-
ficers, let alone its soldiers, have
any battlefield experience.
America enjoys much bet-
ter relations with the rest of the
world than China in terms of both
quantity and quality. America has
more than 50 formal military al-
lies, while China has none.
North Korea and Pakistan
are only quasi-allies of China.
The former established a formal
alliance with China in 1961, but
there have been no joint mili-
tary manoeuvres and no arms
sales for decades. China and Pa-
kistan have substantial military
cooperation, but they have no
formal military alliance binding
them together.
To shape a friendly inter-
national environment for its
rise, Beijing needs to develop
more high-quality diplomatic
and military relationships than
Washington.
No leading power is able to
have friendly relations with every
country in the world, thus the core
of competition between China
and the US will be to see who
has more high-quality friends. In
order to achieve that goal, China
has to provide higher-quality
moral leadership than the US.
China must also recognise
that it is a rising power and as-
sume the responsibilities that
come with that status.
For example, when it comes
to providing protection for weak-
er powers, as the US has done
in Europe and the Persian Gulf,
China needs to create additional
regional security arrangements
with surrounding countries ac-
cording to the model of the
Shanghai Cooperation Organi-
zation a regional forum that
includes China, Russia and several
central Asian countries.
Politically, China should draw
on its tradition of meritocracy.
Top government officials should
be chosen according to their vir-
tue and wisdom, and not simply
technical and administrative abil-
ity. China should also open up and
choose officials from across the
world who meet its standards,
so as to improve its governance.
The Tang dynasty which
lasted from the 7th century to
the 10th and was perhaps Chinas
most glorious period employed
a great number of foreigners as
high-ranking officials. China
should do the same today and
compete with America to attract
talented immigrants.
Over the next decade, Chinas
new leaders will be drawn from
a generation that experienced the
hardships of the Cultural Revolu-
tion. They are resolute and will
most likely value political prin-
ciples more than material ben-
efits. These leaders must play a
larger role on the world stage
and offer more security protec-
tion and economic support to less
powerful countries.
This will mean competing
with the US politically, economi-
cally and technologically. Such
competition may cause diplo-
matic tensions, but there is little
danger of military clashes.
That is because future Chi-
nese-American competition will
differ from that between the
US and the Soviet Union during
the cold war. Neither China nor
America needs proxy wars to pro-
tect its strategic interests or to
gain access to natural resources
and technology.
Chinas quest to enhance
its world leadership status and
Americas effort to maintain its
present position is a zero-sum
game. It is the battle for peoples
hearts and minds that will de-
termine who eventually prevails.
And, as Chinas ancient phi-
losophers predicted, the country
that displays more humane au-
thority will win.
the New york tImes
Yan Xuetong, the author of
Ancient Chinese Thought,
Modern Chinese Power, is a
professor of political science and
dean of the Institute of Modern
International Relations at Tsin-
ghua University. This essay was
translated by Zhaowen Wu and
David Liu from Chinese.
KINLES RUINE B AIRPORT X-RA SCANNERS?
PAGE 31
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TODAY TuESDAY NOVE MBER
Fu n hlp fr
faml that nd tLetter from Leong Sze HianI REFER to the Ministry of Community De-
velopment, Youth and Sports (MCYS) study
that only 20,300 families, or about one in
10 of the 200,000 families in the bottom
fifth of the income ladder, were getting
help under the various ComCare schemes.
Even if the bulk of those getting as-
sistance were in the poorest 10 per cent
of households about 100,000 which
earned a household income of only S$1,400
a month, it still means that only about
two of these 10 poorest households were
helped.
It was found that more than six in 10
lower-income families were able to manage
without outside help, that most such fami-
lies seem to prefer to rely on themselves
rather than seek help from family, friends,
charities or the Government.
I find these findings to be somewhat
odd, as I understand that, in the developed
countries, those in poverty are typically
given benefits and help automatically.
Instead of explaining why most poor
families do not want help, or that about
one in 10 did not know where to get aid,
perhaps we should focus on getting the
help to them.
After all, the Goods and Services
Tax (GST) was last raised from 5 to 7 per
cent, with the main reason of helping the
poor. So, since the funds are already there,
we should focus on getting it to those
in need.
Whatever the reasons for not want-
ing or not knowing about aid, the poor,
particularly the children and the elderly,
should be helped regardless.
I would also like to suggest that an
independent study be done to examine as
to whether the current system, process or
procedures, may be too onerous, such that
it may be deterring needy families from
seeking help.
Dntal prbnd t b f
Letter from Dave Ya
I WANT to thank the Health
Board, for its response (Nov 2
ter regarding dental subsidy f
It mentioned that orthod
ment that is medically relate
subsidised. So how does one
between what is medically
what is aesthetic?
I believe these are all den
that need to be fixed urgently
Moreover, the list of sub
tal treatment provided to
under the expanded Primary C
ship Scheme (PCPS) is extend
crowns, bridges, dentures an
treatment. Are not some of
ments aesthetic?
So why are we not helping
children enough? If denta
are treated from young, you n
the pain the child has to go
also the huge cost in the lon
you arrive at 40 years old bef
qualify for PCPS.
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Voices18today tuesday November 22, 2011
Pet dogs must be leashed in publicL Wng Hn mn (d)Director, Agri Establishment Regulation
For the Chief Executive OfficerAgri-food and Veterinary Authority
n Kn o-HGeneral manager, Parks
National Parks Board
W Mr Brian J ing for his feedback
in the letter Why are dogs on the loose in
a public place? (ov 10).
We agree with Mr ing that dogs on
the loose in public places, particularly
large dogs, can be intimidating. Dog own-
ers should have proper control of their dogs
in public and not allow them to stray. hus,
dog owners are required to leash their dogs
when in a public area.
In addition, Scheduled dog breeds such
as the Doberman Pinscher, German Shep-
herd and Rottweiler must also be muzzled
in public. Dog owners found to be flouting
these rules may be fined up to S$5,000
upon conviction.
Dog owners should also clear up their
dogs defecation in public places, to keep the
environment clean. hose who fail to do so
may be fined for littering.
o remind owners to leash their dogs
and pick up their dogs poo, Parks have put
up signs in our parks and park connectors.
We believe that education is the long-
term solution to the problem of irresponsi-
ble pet owners.
he V thus promotes responsible pet
ownership to equip existing and potential
pet owners with knowledge on the care and
responsibility that comes with owning a pet.
We urge all dog owners to be consid-
erate and exercise proper control of their
dogs at all times so as not to pose a problem
to others.
HoW iN tuNe are our youtHs WitH curreNt affairs?
it urfad rntly that a sngapr bar
tk t nam frm n f th mt nt-
ru Naz nntratn amp f Wrld
War ii. Whl i huddr at th nntvty,
i am al addnd by th ad tat f gn-
ral knwldg f ur ppulatn.
Havng bn an duatr wh wrkd
wth th n thr lat tn, i wa appalld
by hw muh mr thy knw abut mu,
mv and mputr gam than wrld h-
try and urrnt affar.
i uggt that ur xamnatn-rntd
duatn ytm partly t bl
Hwvr, i mut al p
ur anytm, anywhr n
th intrnt vrladng
tr wth nfrmatn. in th
vr, thy h t a nf
ppular ultur vr that f
ant mattr.
Whl sngapr tudnt r
wll glbally n xamnatn, i
thy wll far n a gam f Tr
Letter from daNNy
L H Kng Ln
I RFR to the recent report of cyber-baiting
of teachers by their students (Cyber-baiting
happens to 3 in 10 teachers here, ov 18).
Many years ago, the video of a teacher
lambasting a student was posted on the
Internet. ( classmate had surreptitiously
filmed the episode).
he teacher was furious with the student
because he had done his assignments per-
functorily and his work attitude was abysmal.
She tore the assignments and ordered him
to redo them assiduously and responsibly.
I watched the video three t
the parent of that student, I wo
ful to that teacher. She was res
caring: She went the extra mile
proper work attitude in that stu
hat teacher was, however
by the unwelcome attention the
ated subsequently.
Would she still be as dilig
thusiastic in going after other
like manner? Unlikely. fter a
even mention of follow-up co
the teacher.
Parents and schools should
cert to ensure cyber-baiting is
blow in its infancy. Would it be
tively practical to have pupils su
(labelled) mobiles to the class t
beginning of each day, and re
from him/her when class dism
cybr-batnglutn: Nmbl n la
Dog owners should have proper
control of their dogs in public
and not allow them to stray.
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SingaporeCl wt b sdIn ap HDBntal lat v btt20% huhld: Kha
SINGAPORE While the median household
income for Singaporeans has gone up, that of
the bottom 20th percentile has not which
is why the existing household income ceiling
for HDB rental flats will not be raised.
National Development Minister Khaw
Boon Wan made this point yesterday in
Parliament in response to a question from
Sengkang West MP Lam Pin Min, who pointed
out that the median household income of Sin-
gaporeans rose to S$5,000 last year. Perhaps
it was time to review the S$1,500 income
ceiling for the HDB rental flats, Dr Lam said.
Adding that the current cap ade-
quately covers the bottom 20 per cent of
households, Mr Khaw said: In practice, HDB
exercises flexibility, so that those earning
above S$1,500 can still get a public rental flat,
if they are unable to purchase a flat, have no
family support or other housing options.
He added: Indeed, the median income of
those who applied for two-room flats in recent
BTO launches was S$1,400. This is below the
income ceiling for public rental housing.
Over the last two years, 5,100 tenants
living in the Housing and Development Board
(HDB) rental flats had their rents raised, as
their household incomes rose. Over the same
period, 1,100 tenants had their rents reduced.
Mr Khaw said: It is fair that if you are
earning more, your subsidy will be less than
those earning less.
Still, he reiterated that the HDB was al-
ways sympathetic where there are indi-
vidual cases of financial hardship as a result of
the rental adjustment, they will be reviewed
and re-adjusted if necessary.
Non-constituency MP Gerald Giam noted
the great disparity between open-market
rentals and HDB rentals. He asked if a tiered
approach could be introduced under which
rates for HDB rental flats could be raised
further for some.
Mr Khaw said it was feasible to make ex-
ceptions, but the main goal was still to achieve
permanent ownership for Singaporeans,
rather than a permanent state of tenancy.
Mr Giams suggestion is something the Gov-
ernment could take a look at, Mr Khaw said.
LAws oN LIceNseD moNeYLeNDers eNforceD
i th tw wks sc uls dv-
ts by lcsd mylds kckd
nv 1, 32 ts flutd -
hbts mkt th bussss
thuh mstm md, th itt
d SMS, Lw Mst K Shmum
tld th Hus ystdy.
rstcts wh lcsd m-
ylds c dvts w fcd
ft ccs tht xcssv dvts
culd cu xcssv d ucs-
sy bw.
M Shmum sd th rsty f
Mylds ssud w
th 32 t ts
sc cmld.
advtsmts by l
b fd t th plc f
ts, sd M Shmum, b
sy hw my css th w
T Mp alxYms (Chu C
qust f whth wuld-
shuld ud cmulsy
th cmmtmts vlvd
M Shmum sd t s s
msty wll csd. Teo XU
Lee KUAN Yew, GoH cHoK ToNG HoNoUreD
Wh M gh Chk T tk v
s pm Mst 1990, h ws
w tht my l fd tht
S wuld t suvv wthut
L Ku Yw.
Wh i succdd M L, my
v-d l ws t k S
... i ws qutly dtmd t
mk su tht S wuld ctu
t w d s, emtus S
Mst gh sd ystdy.
it ws mssbl tsk t st t
M Ls shs d wlk hs ftsts.
i dcdd t b myslf, wlk my w
f shs, d d my bst, M gh
ddd, s h ffd lms f hs lf
ltcs du tbut d
osd by th
Fdt f Chs Cl
d S Chs C
Cmmc d idusty, t
cs th ctbut
M L d M gh.
M gh, 70, clld th
th scd-t l
lblld tchcts.
Sm l flt th
f u blls ... But w
t u th xt l ft th
td. W ld uslv
th s f ltcs. W
tth, h sd.
8/3/2019 Today - 20111122
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today tuesday Nove mber
Suppong dnd cgs
NG JING [email protected]
SINGAPORE Public housing
estates already allow for natu-
rally occurring retirement com-
munities, said Health Minister
Gan Kim Yong yesterday, as he
stopped short of saying no to
having retirement villages here.
And to provide more sup-
port for caregivers, the Govern-
ment is also considering giving
more annual parental leave, he
told Parliament yesterday.
Responding to a proposal by
Member of Parliament Christo-
pher de Souza (Holland-Bukit
Timah GRC) on having home-
based health care services or
retirement villages, Mr Gan ac-
knowledged that other countries
have such facilities.
But given that the major-
ity of Singaporeans stay in HDB
estates and many grow old in
their own homes, public hous-
ing estates provide for such an
environment too, Mr Gan added.
He said that the Ministerial
Committee on Ageing would be
releasing a master plan for Sin-
gapores growing silver popula-
tion next year.
The committee, chaired by
Mr Gan, is looking at areas such
as healthcare and manpower
needs on geriatric services
in hospitals.
Providing more support for
caregivers will also be consid-
ered, said Mr Gan, when asked
by MP Tin Pei Ling (Marine Pa-
rade GRC) if caregiver leave for
those looking after the elderly
could be mandated.
Part of our overall mas-
ter plan ... will also include
how we can help and support
these caregivers, some res-
pite in terms of services pro-
vided to them (and) looking at
whether we can provide them
more leave so that they have
more time to look after the
elderly and the frail at home,
Mr Gan said.
CNB CeleBrateS 40th aNNiverSary
th Cn Ncic b (CNb) i cing i 40h nnihi n h h i Kping singp dg-F, 40 n bn. t c h n , h CNb h nch iHig G. I highigh h in f h c g cnn cn h figh gin g in singp. I w fficipn mini f s (H affi n Fign affi)mg Zkifi (igh) n CNb ic Hng Wn yi.PHoto by erNest CHua
taxable Goods From overseas must be deClared at ImmIGratIoN CHeCKPoINts
txb goods boug oss
nd boug no Sngpo mus
b dcd rd Cnn
mmgon cckpons.
t mnd cm fom
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of -nd scoo ods
bgnnng s wk.
Sngpo Cusoms ddd
s cng goods w us
xcdng Goods nd Scs
tx (GSt) f nd du-f ow-
nc qud o so poduc
nocs o cps of oss
pucss fo x compu
a goods boug n
fo oc consumpon
7-p-cn GSt.
Mo ds on Sn
oms guons
customs.gov.sg. CHaNNe
Psle results to be released oN tHursday
t sus of 2011 Pm
Scoo lng exmnon
(PSle) w b sd
on tusd.
Pups m obn
su sps fom spc-
scoos fom noon, sd
Mns of educon.
egb pups w so
c fom spc
pm scoos, opon
foms o sc scond
scoos.
t sus of Scond 1
posngs w b ou on Dc 21.
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wc s bn dsgnd
Spc asssnc Pn scoo
fom Jnu, w dm on
expss cous sudns kng
Cns o hg Cns s
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two mo scoos
vco Scoo nd Cd Gs
w k n fs bc
of Scond 1 sudns n
sx- ngd pogmm.
CHaNNel NeWsasIa
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singapore
today tuesday November 22, 2011
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23today tuesday November 22, 2011
nw tlc lw t b ud lt estHer NG
SINGAPORE They will be used as a last
resort when other means to ensure a fair
playing field have been exhausted, assured
Minister for Information, Communications
and the Arts Yaacob Ibrahim, as laws were
passed yesterday empowering the Govern-
ment to further regulate the telecommu-
nications sector.
These powers include issuing a Separa-
tion Order for the transfer of assets from
a licensee to another entity, in order to
safeguard competition in the market.
For instance, it could be applied in a
scenario where a telco operator has control
over critical infrastructure such as cable
spectrum and could leverage this mar-
ket power against its competitors in its
downstream activities such as the retail of
Internet and mobile services.
The enhanced regulatory powers drew
concern from Non-Constituency MP Lina
Chiam in Parliament yesterday. Can the
minister also reassure the House that the
powers granted to him in this amendment
will not be used other than to promote
market competition and to tackle clear and
present threats to our national security?
she asked.
Dr Yaacob responded: I would like to
assure that before we exercise the separa-
tion order in particular, we will ensure we
exhaust all other means possible within
our powers. The separation order is like the
last resort, in which we have to intervene
in order to secure the kind of competition
we want in the market.
The industry is evolving very, very fast
... with new services and entrants coming
into the market, I think its important to
ensure that the playing field is level.
He added: Ultimately we believe fair
competition will drive prices to affordable
levels for all Singaporeans.
Under the amended Telecommuni-
cations Act, the minister will also have
the power to direct a takeover of a telcos
business if the telco is unable to continue
holding its licence in the instance of insol-
vency, and has to exit the market. This is to
ensure continuity of key telecommunica-
tion networks or services for public and
national interest.
Such a Special Administrative Order
(SAO) is applicable to public telecommu-
nication licensees (PTLS) or telcos that
provide large-scale basic communication
services, and Critical Support Infrastructure
operators that control network facilities
that are essential and difficult to replicate.
For instance, it could be a telco that shares
a coaxial cable in an MRT station with other
content providers.
Also passed were the much-
anticipated revisions in penalties for
telcos that violate their licence codes or
codes of practice, previously capped at
S$1 million.
The new provision will allow operators
to be fined 10 per cent of its annual turno-
ver or S$1 million, whichever is higher,
giving regulator Infocomm Development
Authority (IDA) more flexibility when
deciding on penalties.
The IDA will also now be able to issue
written orders to building owners and
developers to ensure their com
code of practices to provide ac
and facilities for the installatio
tion of telecommunications sy
The last time the Act wa
was in 2005. addItIoNaL re
LIN yaNQIN
The industry is evolving
very, very fast ... with new
services and entrants
coming into the market,
I think its important toensure that the playing
field is level.
mini f Infin,Cnicin nh a yc Ihi
(pic) tod
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World today tuesday Nove mber
Tp Khme ruge eaes n tiaPHNOM PENH Three top Khmer Rouge
leaders accused of orchestrating Cambo-
dias Killing Fields went on trial yesterday
before a United Nations-backed tribunal
more than three decades after some of the
20th centurys worst atrocities.
The charges against the surviving inner
circle of the communist movement all
now in their 80s include crimes against
humanity, genocide, religious persecution,
homicide and torture stemming from their
1975-79 reign of terror.
But there are fears they will not live long
enough for justice to be done so the indict-
ments have been split into separate trials. The
current trial is considering charges involving
the forced removal of people from their cities.
Tribunal spokesman Huy Vannak called
the proceedings the most important trial
in the world because of the seniority of
those involved. It sends a message that
the trial, which survivors have been wait-
ing more then three decades for, finally
begins, he said.
The defendants, who sat side-by-side
with their lawyers, are 85-year-old Nuon
Chea, the Khmer Rouges chief ideologist
and the No 2 leader behind the late Pol Pot,
80-year-old Khieu Samphan, an ex-head of
state, and 86-year-old Ieng Sary, the former
Foreign Minister.
A fourth defendant, 79-year-old Ieng
Thirith, was ruled unfit to stand trial last
week because she has Alzheimers disease.
She is Ieng Sarys wife and served as the
regimes Minister for Social Affairs.aP
Mu bas tpuify Thaif wateBANGKOK Alarmed by the r
of fetid flood waters and the h
they pose, Thais are attemptin
the problem by using mud bal
effective microorganisms (EM
signed to eradicate the danger
The Thai government, pri
nies and relief groups have be
ing the balls to the public as w
ing the flood water with EM in
One charitable group, th
Sufficiency Project, has alread
100,000 mud balls and is o
make half a million.
Each tennis ball-sized sph
rify 4 sq m of polluted water. I
of a culture of microbes that i
tic acid bacteria, yeasts and p
bacteria, as well as molasses, d
organic material like rice.
The Japanese company th
the mud balls, EM Research O
says they have already been
tively in ponds and reservo
uncertain if they will work wit
scale flooding.
If its in a very well-con
ronment, it might be efficacio
But used in a real-life
whether its effective or not,
ger question, said Dr Path
panyalert, deputy director-ge
medical sciences department
Health Ministry.
Meanwhile, the governme
factories that were shut dow
past month because of flo
resume operations by the end
but some may take a few mo
ageNcies
arroyo to be detaiNed temPorarily iN hosPital suite
A Phiippine cut yesteay awe fme
Pesient Gia Ay t be etaine tem-
paiy in an upscae hspita suite n eec-
ta fau chages whie he awyes batte
t get he eease.
Me than a zen eft-wing activists
pteste against the uing an emane
that the 64-yea- be cke up ike a cm-
mn suspect in jai. A specia ai-cnitine
ce cmpete with a iving m an a sma
kitchen has been pepae f Ay at
pice heaquates.
Pesient Benign Aquins aminista-
tin has nt ppse a hspita etentin
an has ee f Ay t be teate
with espect.
Ay, wh is eceiving teatment f
a bne aiment, was aeste at the hspita
n Fiay. She has enie the aegatins
against he. ageNcies
BEIJING First it was money folded into
paper planes that were thrown over the
walls of dissident artist Ai Weiweis home.
Now, the latest show of solidarity with Ai
has taken the unlikeliest form of protest:
Mass nudity.
By yesterday afternoon, 70 Chinese
Internet users had posted naked photos
of themselves on a website called Ai Wei
Fans Nudity Listen, Chinese Govern-
ment: Nudity is not Pornography a rare
form of protest in a country where public
nudity is still taboo.
They uploaded the photos after Beijing
police questioned Ais videographer on
Thursday for allegedly spreading pornog-
raphy online by taking nude photographs
of Ai and four women.
Ai has defended the photos, saying
it is not pornography. If they see nudity
as pornography, then China is still in the
Qing Dynasty.
Supporters of Ai, whose 81-day secret
detention earlier this year had sparked an
international outcry, said that the question-
ing over the nude photographs is Chinas
latest effort to intimidate its most famous
social critic.
Last Tuesday, Ai had paid a bond of
8.45 million yuan (S$1.73 million), paving
the way for an appeal on a tax evasion
charge. The money was raised from con-
tributions from his supporters.
Mr Wen Yunchao, who
nude photographs of himself
site, said he believed the in
against Ais assistant was the
of persecution against Ai.
This is a matter that has
people very indignant, Hong
Wen said.
So we are using this extre
to express our protest.
Many of the photos posted
site were accompanied with
tinged commentaries.
Grandpa, is this pornogra
a user, who was photographe
tomed and writing on a wall wi
89 political turmoil, refer
June 4, 1989, armed crackdow
Tiananmen Square. reuters
F f: F K r Nn c, K spn n in s. reuters
Suppt in the fesh ...Fn f a Wwp n pn nn
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World27today tuesday November 22,2011
RO Egypts military rulers struggled
erday to contain an explosion of pro-
demanding their ouster, as demon-
ors clashed for a third successive day
security forces around Tahrir Square.
The violence put the viability of up-
ing parliamentary elections, due to
on Nov 28, in serious doubt. But the
y insists it will go ahead as planned.
Several political parties and individual
candidates said they were suspending their
electoral campaigns after a weekend in
which at least 22 people were killed.
More clashes broke out across the
country yesterday, with protesters hurling
stones and firebombs and throwing back
tear gas canisters being fired by the police
into Tahrir Square.
In its first official response to the crisis,
the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces
repeated its commitment to its road map
of the transition, but did not clarify when
it will step down.
Presidential powers will remain with
the army until a presidential poll, which may
not happen until late next year or early 2013.
Protesters want a much swifter transition.
Analysts say a surge in violence during
the vote could undermine the new Parlia-
ments legitimacy if the result is questioned
and deepen frustration at the armys han-
dling of the transition.
Presidential hopefuls Mohamed ElBa-
radei and Abdallah Al Ashaal denounced
the violence against protesters and called
for a national salvation government, state
news agency MENA said.
ageNcies
Libya says saif gaddafi to be tried at home
libyas eaes sai they wi
ty Mamma Gaafis sn at
hme an nt han him ve t
the Intenatina Cimina Ct
whee he is chage with cimes
against hmanity.
Hweve, the fme ebe
factin that capte Saif
A Isam Gaafi is efsing
t eive him t the natina
athities in Tipi, aising cn-
cen ve whethe he wi get a
ppe tia an emnstating
the inteim eaes weak h
ve thei facte natin.
Meanwhie, fficias sai ex-
Inteigence Ministe Abah
A Senssi was as capte
aive n Snay by evtin-
ay fightes fm a sthen
egin cae Fazan.
Senssi was caght at
a hse benging t his sis-
te nea the twn f Biak,
abt 500km sth f Tipi
an in the same egin whee
Saif was seize n Satay
whie tying t fee t neigh-
bing Nige.
ageNcies
gyptian eectins in bt afte vient cashesMADRID Spains new leader vowed to
battle the debt crisis but warned that hard
times lie ahead and there would be no
miracles as his conservative party swept
to victory in Sundays general election.
The Popular Party, led by Mr Mari-
ano Rajoy, won 186 seats in the 350-seat
Lower House of Parliament, garnering a
strong mandate to push through further
austerity measures in an attempt to turn
around the economy. Hard times lie
ahead, said Mr Rajoy, who is expected to
be sworn in as Prime Minister on Dec 20.
We are going to govern in the most deli-
cate situation Spain has faced in 30 years.
Mr Rajoy inherits a stagnant economy
with a 23-per-cent unemployment rate and
borrowing costs back at the levels Spain
was paying before it joined the euro. He has
pledged to slash the budget deficit and regain
the nations AAA credit rating and is expected
to name a heavyweight Economy Minister to
deepen painful austerity measures at home.
However, the change in government
failed to immediately lift financial markets,
with Madrids key Ibex index down 1.2 per
cent in early trading yesterday.
Spa
bonds s
cent. A 7
tainable
Spa
country
felled by
In I
were fo
econom
interim
today tuesday November 22,2011
PhiLiP morris sues aussie govt over PackagiNg Law
Tbaccgiant Phiip Misyes-
teay anche ega actin
against Astaias gvenment
essthananh aftePaiament
passe egisatin banning a
gsfmcigaettepackages.
Fm decembe next yea,
tbacc pcts have t be
s in ive geen packs fee
fm baning, bt caying
gaphic heath wanings.
Phiip Mis Asia, which is
base in Hng Kng, seve a
ega ntice f abitatin ne
an investment teaty that Hng
Kng has with Astaia.
The cmpany as intens
t pse caims ne
Astaian aw, saying biins f
as f vaabe taemaks
an investments ae at stake.
ageNcies
Spains new PM wans f ha times ahea
Qantas, 3 nins heat fce settementSYDNEY Qantas Airways,
which grounded planes last
month to force an end to
strikes, said Australias labour
regulator will decide on new
contracts for three unions after
talks broke down.
Fair Work Australia will
impose a deal after negotia-
tions with long-haul pilots,
ground crew and engineers
failed to produce agreements
by yesterdays deadline.
The carrier had 21 days to
reach accords following a rul-
ing by the regulator last month.
The latest development
should not affect travellers, as
neither unions nor management
are legally able to take any in-
dustrial action while the regula-
tor undertakes the arbitration,
which includes hearing evidence
from both sides and drawing up
a binding plan.
The process may take
months, Qantas said.
Qantas and the workers are
waging a bitter fight over pay
and moving jobs to Asia.
It looks like Qantas be-
lieves they will get the better
outcome from deferring to a
decision by Fair Work Australia
rather than continue negotia-
tions, said Mr Scott Marshall,
an analyst at Shaw Stockbrok-
ing. ageNcies
SKIES ClEAr uPt ln Lnn l,llnp nl l.
tn pn pn nsn.h ap 24pn l n 40l nll nn.t nn nlmn n nn enln,a, bl,sl,cln n N.c apn Lnn l nll 10l,nln dln,r n P.h 132l nll n sn. ageNcies,Photo reuters
NEW YORK An American citi-
zen accused of plotting to bomb
police and post offices in New
York City as well as United States
troops returning home remained
in police custody after an ar-
raignment on Sunday on numer-
ous terrorism-related charges.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg
described Jose Pimentel (pic-
ture) as a 27-year-old Al Qaeda
sympathiser who was moti-
vated by terrorist propaganda
and resentment of US troops
in Afghanistan and Iraq.
A US citizen born in the Do-
minican Republic, Pimentel was
arrested on Saturday in a Man-
hattan apartment while assem-
bling a bomb, the police said.
We had to act quickly be-
cause he was in fact putting
this bomb together, said Police
Commissioner Ray Kelly.
Pimentel admitted he took
active steps to build the bomb,
including shaving the match
heads and drilling holes in the
pipes and was one hour away
from completing it, said the
criminal complaint filed by the
Manhattan District Attorney.
The authorities called him a
lone wolf who had converted
to Islam and became a radical.
As a reader of the online
magazine Inspire published by Al
Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula,
Pimentel took instructions from
an article How to Build a Bomb in
the Kitchen of Your Mom.
Mr Kelly said Pimentel
was energised and motivated
to carry out his plan by the
Sept 30 killing of Al Qaedas US-
born cleric Anwar Al Awlaki.
He added that Pimentel
talked about changing his
name to Osama Hussein to cel-
ebrate his heroes Osama bin
Laden and Saddam Hussein.
Pimentel was under sur-
veillance since May 2009 and
considered New York police
cars, a New Jersey police station
and US post office among his
potential targets, officials said.
He also talked about killing US
military personnel returning
from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Pimentel, who has not
been charged in federal court,
faces life in prison if convicted.
ageNcies
A Qaea sympathiseaccse f bmb pts
reuters
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Businesstoday tuesday November 22, 2011
Bfftt vtmopportt JapaFUKUSHIMA Billionaire inves-
tor Warren Buffett said yesterday
he is unfazed by the recent scan-
dal at Japanese camera maker
Olympus and is still looking for
investment opportunities.
Were looking for compa-
nies that have some kind of sus-
tainable competitive advantage,
he said in northern Japans Fuku-
shima prefecture. The fact that
Olympus happens here or Enron
happens in the United States
doesnt affect our attitudes at all,
he said, referring to an account-
ing scandal at Olympus that has
raised questions about Japanese
corporate governance standards.
Mr Buffett, chairman of
Berkshire Hathaway, is visiting
Japan for the first time to tour
a plant of tool maker Tungaloy,
after cancelling his trip in March
when the country was struck by
a record earthquake.
The factory is 40km from
the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear
power plant that wa
the disaster. Tungal
an Israeli firm in wh
holds an 80-per-ce
There are lots
nities in Japan, sai
He is interested in
that will be aroun
many decades.
Mr Buffett also
day that Europes d
shown up a major
17-member euro z
and it would take
words to fix it. He
no idea how Europ
debt crisis, which
Greece two years a
on, would end, tho
there were good
among companies
Not in the de
in the equity space
portunities. I can thi
euro stocks that are
There are stocks I li
derful businesses.
JapaNs exports fall for fIrst tIme IN 3 moNths
Japa xport fll for th frt tm thr
moth lat moth, rodd by a trog y
ad a pttrg global coomy.
export fll 3.7 pr ct o-yar to
5.51 trllo (s$93 bllo), th Fac
Mtry ad ytrday.
Th Octobr fall follow a 2.3-pr-ct
r sptmbr, wth hpmt of m-
codctor ad othr lctroc good fallg
d to trgth th y. Th mpact of Tha
floodg may frthr hrt Japa
export to Cha lmp
7.7 pr ct, potg thr bg
c May. shpmt to th u
fll 2.3 pr ct, whl tho to
uo droppd 2.9 pr ct, d
frt tm fv moth.
import wr p 17.9 pr c
th trad balac to a dfct of
aGeNCIes
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Digital today tuesday November 2
LONDON Airport security
measures could ruin your holi-
day reading plans, if you are
using Amazons Kindle e-reader.
Multiple complaints from
users that their Kindle was ru-
ined by a baggage check prompt-
ed claims that radiation per-
manently affected the devices
electronic ink display.
After my Kindle went
through the X-ray scanner at
Madrid airport, it no longer
worked. I had been reading an
e-book on the way to the airport
so I knew there could be no other
reason, said Mr Michael Hart
from London.
A phone call was made and
someone came along and took
photographs of the bad display.
Its my belief that the scanner
operator who subsequently
questioned me about a radio in
my bag had used a high dose
to look into the radio and the
Kindle too.
According to a leading ex-
pert on electronic ink, the truth
could be more complicated.
I dont think the radiation
used in an airport scanner would
ever be strong enough to dam