tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post3050910710505854954..comments2024-03-19T18:44:15.041+08:00Comments on Little Stories: The Great EscapeGilbert Koh aka Mr Wanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027678080233274309noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-83920024155094357452008-03-02T21:43:00.000+08:002008-03-02T21:43:00.000+08:00This thread is now closed. However you can continu...This thread is now closed. However you can continue discussing the Mas Selamat matter here:<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://mrwangsaysso.blogspot.com/2008/03/independence-of-inquiry-commission.html" REL="nofollow">The Independence of the Inquiry Commission</A>. <BR/><BR/>(this is my new post on the matter).Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01027678080233274309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-77333805871451793472008-03-02T21:23:00.000+08:002008-03-02T21:23:00.000+08:00er well actually I gave him a 4 hour headstart and...er well actually I gave him a 4 hour headstart and thought we could catch him again.<BR/><BR/>had to divert attention from the embarassingly large budget surplus, y'know.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-17095699304146673892008-03-02T20:25:00.000+08:002008-03-02T20:25:00.000+08:00I think this Mas fugitive was smuggled out this wa...I think this Mas fugitive was smuggled out this way: <BR/><BR/><B>Stowaway survives SIA flight from KL hidden in wheel well</B><BR/><BR/>http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20071012-29740.html<BR/><BR/>This Palestinian man could be a terrorist used as a guinea pig...<BR/><BR/>Ah that's dangerious!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-79066465760541060422008-03-02T18:25:00.000+08:002008-03-02T18:25:00.000+08:00One Woman MP, whilst distributing Mas Selamat Flye...One Woman MP, whilst distributing Mas Selamat Flyers told the Television(TCS)viewers that anyone who sees Mas Selamat should report to the Authority. She, MP Cynthia Phua, declared that Mas Selamat is a DANGEROUS MAN.<BR/><BR/>At the beginning, Minister Wong Kan Seng said the four hours delay in informing the Public, of Selamats' escape was because Selamat poses no imminent dangers to members of the public.<BR/><BR/>Later on, another Government Officials said that members of the Public were not alarmed and went about their lives as per normal. <BR/><BR/>Everyone knows how glib our Leaders have been all these years and how left, right, center, above and below, they always have reasons to defend themselves in any mistake. But when they gave too much excuses for too many wrongs, they themselves exposed much of their(leaders) contradictions.<BR/><BR/>Mas Selamat was(is) a citizen who had(has) conflicting political interests against the Rulers of this country. He is not one citizen against other citizens, except maybe those he and his fellow members deem offensive.<BR/><BR/>Most Singaporeans are indeed not alarmed as most are awared that Mas Selamat had not done anything destructive and fatal to any other citizen thus far. Although he was said to have sinister plans such as crashing plane into Changi Airport and other destructions, he has yet to harm a single soul.<BR/><BR/>The average citizen does not get to know what Selamat intended(intend) to do. But with his arrest reported in the Mass Medias, we did get to know that there was(is) an individual Singaporean, unhappy with the Leadership of his(Selamat) country. It was between him and the State. Can we say that there are(were) indeed many such individuals in our history after Independence. In fact there are plenty and numbers growing as the day goes by.<BR/><BR/>The only difference, we can see, is that many are charged and convicted and or sued till bankrupt for opposing peacefully. As for Selamat, all we are told(not by Selamat himself) was that he(Selamat) intend to use destructive methods instead of peaceful means.<BR/><BR/>I agree with the Minister who said that the Citizens are not ruffled as I do find that people mostly go about living as normal. And I don't see why not? Peace n Prosperity.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-38217419402632362382008-03-02T18:07:00.000+08:002008-03-02T18:07:00.000+08:00Edited:2) They're selfish. Argue for their own mil...Edited:<BR/><BR/>2) They're selfish. Argue for their own million-dollar salaries and tell you not to be calculative and be happy and contented (lest the tourists will be wondering how come Singaporeans are an unhappy lot and this is no good for the GOOD reputation of Singapore). ENCOURAGE you with posters to dream the million-dollar dream with Toto, Big Sweep, 4-D etc. Open branches in every conceivable place. Suck in more money from the poor because they are the ones betting heavily to buy a HOPE.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-90472348065598954152008-03-02T17:04:00.000+08:002008-03-02T17:04:00.000+08:00Why I'm so unforgiving of mistakes committed by ou...Why I'm so unforgiving of mistakes committed by our government...<BR/><BR/>Reasons:<BR/><BR/>1) They are unforgiving of our mistakes. Think of heavy fines, imprisonment, etc for all sorts of minor offences. When they make mistakes, you hear them say: "honest mistake", "oversight", "lapse"...<BR/><BR/><BR/>2) They're selfish. Argue for their own million-dollar salaries and tell you not to be calculative and be happy and contented (lest the tourists will be wondering how come Singaporeans are an unhappy lot). Let you dream the million-dollar dream with Toto, Big Sweep, 4-D etc. Open branches in every conceivable place. Sucks in more money from the poor because they are the ones betting heavily.<BR/><BR/>3) They even want to manage what's yours. Think CPF LIFE scheme!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-20998356473223936902008-03-02T17:03:00.000+08:002008-03-02T17:03:00.000+08:00This is not the 1st time that this had happened in...This is not the 1st time that this had happened in recent 2-3 years.<BR/><BR/>Does anybody still remember Ah Took, One eye dragon and Richard Yong?<BR/><BR/>Does anyone still remember how James Gomez was asked to bear responsibilty for his mistake?<BR/><BR/>Com'on there got to be a limit to all these mistakes. Shouldn't WKS come out to bear his political responsibilty?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-45504798911129479922008-03-02T16:25:00.000+08:002008-03-02T16:25:00.000+08:00In the last 50 years, has a single disgruntled gue...In the last 50 years, has a single disgruntled guest ever escaped from the delightfully warm hospitality of this Garmen's 6-star interrogation, er, hotels? Not so we've been told. <I>"It's not a tea-party"</I> according to an earlier throwaway WKS remark in Parliament in answer to a question on detainees. NOBODY leaves Hotel California without their say-so.<BR/><BR/>But now you would have us believe that a middle-aged man with a dodgy leg calmly strolls out as if checking out of the Shangri-La, and all the King's horses and all the Prince's men cannot bring Humpty Kastari back into your lovin' arms again.<BR/><BR/>And you are dreadfully shocked when there is a deafening chorus from thoughtful people (aka 'idiots') of <B><I>wtf, wtf....WTF???</I></B><BR/><BR/>And you pretend to be mystified why cynical, sarcastic, mocking (aka 'un-patriotic') posts should suddenly explode with chortles of "Pull my other leg, Garmen, it's got bells on"!<BR/><BR/>And you are aghast that anyone (aka 'fools') should even think to question your agenda and your spin.<BR/><BR/>Leaders pretending to be virgins, touched for the very first time. Pathetic.<BR/><BR/>It's not yet April 1st but it <B>is</B> the year of the Rat and the blogosphere here smells one. Rotting. Smelly. <I>* chow ka bey si, sayeth Ah Beng. *</I>geriatric_eunuchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08434274041757214875noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-50831388600686069562008-03-02T16:13:00.000+08:002008-03-02T16:13:00.000+08:00To Danielle:Clearly you're so besotted with the in...To Danielle:<BR/><BR/>Clearly you're so besotted with the incumbents. Delivered more than they could? I nearly choked on my coffee whilst reading this hahaha.<BR/><BR/>WKS is the head honcho; he plans and directs whatsoever its in the MHA's directives. <BR/><BR/>To allow a JI bugger to escape and cite a ludicrous reason - security lapse; escaped via the toilet is obviously a strawman excuse and it is seriously laughable. One would wonder was he taking on a role as the court jester?<BR/><BR/>If the subordinates below you screw up, it means his immediate supervisor wasnt doing his job. The same goes for the guy supervising that immediate supervisor who also wasnt doing his job, and yada yada, and it leads all the way up to the man himself - WKS.<BR/><BR/>Speaking of rationalism, you're not being rational here. When shit happens, the head has to accept the blame regardless. The abovementioned logic would illustrate this.<BR/><BR/>Im just building on Robert's comment in layman terms which I thought was brilliantly put across.<BR/><BR/>Of course, with posts such as mine and the rest of the like-minded ones will spurn a new rhetoric from the other side of the camp:<BR/><BR/>"Lets stop shifting the blame. It's an honest mistake; an oversight. Lets work in tandem and bring Mas Selamat to justice."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-194448527364822452008-03-02T14:35:00.000+08:002008-03-02T14:35:00.000+08:00It is extremely appalling to note that despite all...It is extremely appalling to note that despite all these claims of a world class nation, tight security, vigilance, non-complacency, with our ministers paid exorbitant sums of money, to realize that there has been security breaches again and again. First the AWOL of an officer, then the incident of Dave Teo Ming, and now the escape of a top wanted criminal. What is the use of an apology when there is no explanation as to how and why this could happen. There are many burning questions in each citizen's mind, questioning the supposed efficient government, the police force, and the miliarty. What exactly happened? Why has no one else stepped in to explain why? What had allowed him to escape? Why is it that a search outside of the detention centre was only embarked on hours later and isolated searches in parts of the islands days later? Shouldn't there be an island-wide search with more policemen and solders deloyed by now? Shouldn't there be a stepping up of security at all checkpoints and facilities by now? It is claimed that he is acting alone and there is no one to help him. How do you know that, he, being the top figure in JI in Singapore will not find ready people to help and harbour him until the coast is clear? Or perhaps with help, he is already out of the country while our men are still mounting small searches around already small Singapore? What makes you think that this was not a long-planned escape? I think it is high time the Singapore government realize that the citizens are no longer satisfied with an apology, with no explanation nor accountability whatsoever as to what happened. Safe and secure Singapore is now a laughing stock. Someone has to take responsibility. We cannot move on until the knots have been untied.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-89779698958918863502008-03-02T13:16:00.000+08:002008-03-02T13:16:00.000+08:00If we look at the big picture, the consequences o...If we look at the big picture, the consequences of letting a terrorist escape could be disastrous because the results could be in losses in thousands of innocent lifes or billions of dollars in destruction and re-construction costs.<BR/><BR/>Yes, the chance of this happening could be one in a million but the question is can we afford to suffer such a disaster.<BR/><BR/>And yet our Minister had the guts to say that the escaped terrorist does not pose an imminent danger to the public. <BR/><BR/>On what basis did WKS make the statement, may I ask ? Does WKS mean that the escape was sanctioned by the Home Ministry ? <BR/><BR/>Until and unless he clarifies the matter convincingly, otherwise I would assume that WKS is actually a very irresponsible Minister.<BR/><BR/>And may I ask those critics here whether an irresponsible person is fit to continue in his duties as a Cabinet Minister ?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-40439369188170584102008-03-02T13:12:00.000+08:002008-03-02T13:12:00.000+08:00Resign? It only goes to show how many of you still...Resign? It only goes to show how many of you still look to the Western world for solutions as if they had all the answers. Whatever they do, we must also do in order that we're also seen as advanced, developed, progressive, whatnot. I'm beginning to believe that we really don't have a brain of our own.<BR/><BR/>CEOs resign? True, but you don't mention the huge, to put it mildly, severance package - or whatever it' called - they get to pocket on saying goodbye to the mess of shit they leave behind.<BR/><BR/>And do you get CEOs being asked to resign for say their secretary's or the cleaning lady's embezzlement of company funds? After all, they're ultimately responsible for everything that goes wrong with the company, right?<BR/><BR/>Duh.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-33490036664647976142008-03-02T12:49:00.000+08:002008-03-02T12:49:00.000+08:00Mr Wang Says So wrote: "What has happened this wee...<I>Mr Wang Says So wrote: "What has happened this week is potentially very, very serious - far more serious than a $7,100,000,000 budget mistake"</I><BR/><BR/>Not to mention very embarrassing too when we've been boasting about our anti-terrorist efforts, often at the expense of our neighbours.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04590701122080823338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-51992464869198136602008-03-02T12:46:00.000+08:002008-03-02T12:46:00.000+08:00oh the cyber-squads understands exactly what they ...oh the cyber-squads understands exactly what they are paid to do... to pose as anons and citizens to spread FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt) to reduce the political fallout of this failure and ensure their masters survival. <BR/><BR/>the situation is quite clear and succinctly explain by Mr Wang above.<BR/>If you are a minster drawings tens of millions in salary from the state, you have responsibility for things that happens, even if they are caused by inept subordinate, for you are the one that set up the system and the PICs. YOU are responsible for check and ensure. As the army always say... you think i though who confirm?? in this case, it will be the minister who have to carry the ultimate responsibility for this colossal failure in the system.<BR/><BR/>There is nothing unpatriotic about calling for the WKS to leave for his mistake. In fact, I think it will be more unpatriotic to NOT call for his resignation and abandon the country to his now proven failures. Such is the life of a minister and especially one that have extolling their own infallability... ...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-87943546438284059462008-03-02T12:40:00.000+08:002008-03-02T12:40:00.000+08:00From George:''And George, I am a Singaporean, not ...From George:<BR/><BR/>''And George, I am a Singaporean, not a foreigner as you assume. I am neither anti nor pro PAP/Government. I am pro-Singapore. Pessimism and cynicism can do nothing for your country. If you truly feel that the system has failed, do something more than grumble. Otherwise, you deserve to be angry and miserable for the rest of your life.''<BR/><BR/>Denialle,<BR/>Your above - sounds as detached as ever. You said 'your country' - mine, and not yours?<BR/><BR/>If you are unaware of what the govt does to the opposition, you are either in Michael Jackson's Neverland or a pappy aplogist/supporter in deep denial. <BR/><BR/>For your education, criticism is a valid and legitimate way to show your sentiments about the way we are governed. Surely, you are not trying to instigate that all of us run riot on the streets? That would be playing into your and your master's hands isn't it?<BR/><BR/>My challenge to you - show us your bright ideas about how you would do it or shut up!<BR/><BR/>By the way, many people normal are fed up with the antics and high-handedness of the govt, for good reasons. Your last sentence has betrayed the sort you are - those with plenty at stake and to lose when Singaporeans finally free themselves from the govt's yoke.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-24660794414798167652008-03-02T12:33:00.000+08:002008-03-02T12:33:00.000+08:00Danielle wrote: "I disagree simply that it is jump...<I> Danielle wrote: "I disagree simply that it is jumping the gun to call for WKS to resign, as though he authorised the man's release when it was a failure on his subordinates. I will leave it at that. </I><BR/><BR/>Sorry, but that's plain naive. <BR/><BR/>When you sit in a position of authority, you'll have to learn to answer for the follies of your charges as well. <BR/><BR/>That's a core principle of leadership, and it works in all facets of society--parents and their children, bosses and their employees, officers and their men, and above all, heads of state and their electorate.<BR/><BR/>But it's always been the norm in Singapore that when there's a major foul-up, those in-charged offer little more than an apology while the guy at the foot of the hierachy gets most of the blame.<BR/><BR/>Is a little accountability (and dignity) too much to ask from one of the world's most highly paid governments? ;-)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04590701122080823338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-50929541534257414452008-03-02T12:27:00.000+08:002008-03-02T12:27:00.000+08:00I think I can understand why the Government did no...I think I can understand why the Government did not inform the public about 4 hours later.<BR/><BR/>In the earlier case involving the NSF with rifle, they didn't inform the public until they have caught the NSF.<BR/><BR/>They didn't want the public to panic as well as alerting the NSF.<BR/><BR/>Likewise, the government might have thought that they could capture a crippled within 4 hours timespan, but they were overly confident and they then decided to inform the public.<BR/><BR/>It's embarrasing. A crippled. Thousands of Soildiers and Police Force.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-46650235095782167062008-03-02T11:54:00.000+08:002008-03-02T11:54:00.000+08:00Is this a Distraction or another Psychology warfar...Is this a Distraction or another Psychology warfare on its people?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-80750334690680208412008-03-02T10:58:00.000+08:002008-03-02T10:58:00.000+08:00Dear Mr Wang,I agree with you. Please do not be di...Dear Mr Wang,<BR/><BR/>I agree with you. Please do not be discouraged by PAP cybersquads.<BR/><BR/>Point 1 - the situation is serious and you don't need to wait 5 years for Mas Selamat to kill thousands of people. For the past few days, you can see the vast jams at the imigration checkpoints and the thousands of soldiers and police combing the streets at night. If anyone adds up the total costs of the miles of jammed lorries, buses and cars and the thousands of soldiers and police, I won't be surprised that the tally could be more than 50 times WKS's obscene salary.<BR/><BR/>Point 2 - there is nothing wrong with rallying bloggers to put up Mas Selamat's pictures on the websites. I salute you for that initiative. No matter whether Mas is guilty or innocent, he is undoubtedly a wanted FUGITIVE. Enough said. But it does speak volumes on how cybersquads are desperate to criticise your posts.<BR/><BR/>Point 3 - firing of WKS is standard fare in the rest of the world, but quite alien for Singapore, that's why so many Singaporeans and particularly PAP cybersquads would not understand. When a chief executive is held accountable, only then will he put in place proper systems for his subordinates to follow. No money, no talk - everybody understands this. The corollary is obviously - no sacking, no talk.<BR/><BR/>When the CEO of Citibank was sacked, the whole world saw it as the culmination of 33,000 Citibank employees world-wide already sacked. It would be unthinkable to imagine that the executives in-charge of the sub-prime loans were not sacked. Only head-in-the-sand Singaporeans would see it as a solitary CEO being sacked. And that is exactly how your critics failed to understand your article.<BR/><BR/>Point 4 - there is nothing cynical or unconstructive in your article. These are just words of readers who can't find any valid points to disagree with you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-67821470759546603322008-03-02T10:53:00.000+08:002008-03-02T10:53:00.000+08:00anon March 2008 1:13pm had stooped too low for mak...anon March 2008 1:13pm had stooped too low for making personal attacks on Mr Wang.<BR/><BR/>Another anon March 2008 1:14AM stated that Gurkhas are neutral. Neutral when taking orders only from their only employer? How neutral? The Commenter was 'just kidding' and injuring at the same time! Dangerous Man this one.<BR/><BR/>And anon March 2 2008 2:49AM.<BR/>Singapore became independence given on a platter with National Defence thrown in by the Giver; the British Colonial Master. The Tiny Island was solidly developed because of its' STRATEGIC GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION.<BR/><BR/>The Chinese from China and Indian from India were here to look for prosperities long before the Westerners arrived. Do You know why anon March 2 2008 2:49AM ?<BR/><BR/>Because Singapore then was the Richest compared to all other South East Asian Members.<BR/><BR/>Taking Independence from the British was liked inheriting a great fortune. <BR/><BR/>Singaporeans; please understand or read up the earlier Histories of Singapore, but not from the Singapore Textbooks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-10105846702401467002008-03-02T09:37:00.000+08:002008-03-02T09:37:00.000+08:00In the midst of this hulaballoo, I saw a full page...In the midst of this hulaballoo, I saw a full page advertisement on CPF Life annuities. Is this item passed into law already? Was there a debate on the 12 options in the parliament? Is my CPF gone for life? Do we citizens get a 13th choice to opt out of this money making scheme by the government? This is the issue the govt is trying to hide with the Mas escape thing? Think.family manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15947152469230212562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-70052798461323381742008-03-02T08:18:00.000+08:002008-03-02T08:18:00.000+08:00There has been a call for constructive suggestions...There has been a call for constructive suggestions. How about a financial reward? Money works wonders for Singaporeans. Some expect Ministers to be paid well for doing what they do. Shouldn't informers be paid well too for sticking their neck out, even if it's to help their country?Sing Republichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03727610894064487879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-11088691861735742672008-03-02T04:33:00.000+08:002008-03-02T04:33:00.000+08:00I concur with Mr Wang that this issue is indeed ve...I concur with Mr Wang that this issue is indeed very serious, and should not be taken lightly. <BR/><BR/>With that in mind I cannot condone Wong Kan Seng's excuse for notifying Singapore 4 hours after Mas Selamat had escaped from the Whitley Detention Center. WKS said that he was unarmed, and escape posed no imminent danger to the public.<BR/><BR/>WHAT THE HELL IS HE SAYING??? This terrorist can make bombs out of everyday chemicals and had plans to hijack a plane and crash into Changi Airport; and you're telling me he's not an imminent threat? This is a breach of national security, and I find no humor in all the Prison Break parodies online. This person is potentially dangerous and is a threat to you and your loved ones.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-26605758368240019242008-03-02T02:49:00.000+08:002008-03-02T02:49:00.000+08:00I'm extremely annoyed! Of cos with the unexplainab...I'm extremely annoyed! Of cos with the unexplainable and inexcusable escape of the JI detainee. However, after reading the blog and the comments, I'm furious and sad with how irrational, immature and subjective Singaporeans can be!<BR/><BR/>Singapore's success doesn't happen by chance. Everybody know Singapore has no natural resources but does everyone really know the implications of it? Our success is in fact against theories! Find me a country which manage to achieve a status of Developed Nation within 40yrs without any natural resources! When the Malaysians kicked us out in 1965, they thought we will definitely be crawling back asking for help! <BR/><BR/>Mr Wang, I still strongly disagree with your views despite your justifications. Go and understand more about Singapore before you make a statement on the amount of money the ministers are making and LINKING it with this incident. The other countries' ministers are probably earning less but get them to disclose their perks! You will be appalled, I assure you!<BR/><BR/>All I simply ask for is, do not disregard previous efforts due to a single incident. Without those previous efforts, Singapore probably won't have a terminal 2 & 3, let alone having to worry about being bombed!<BR/><BR/>You will probably think I'm pro govt. I'm not. Its just that I love Singapore hence I appreciate and are thankful to the millionaire ministers for making it such a wonderful country.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-91421963310765382682008-03-02T02:12:00.000+08:002008-03-02T02:12:00.000+08:00Someone said it is so hard to find a talent like W...Someone said it is so hard to find a talent like WKS. I laughed so much I almost fell off my chair. So people actually believed that there are no talents in Singapore and need to resort to hiring foreigners. <BR/>Don't have to look far. Mr. Wang is one such talent. I think he can do a better job than WKS, and I am sure he will not need 2 million a year to do a better job.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com