All right, all right, I admit it. I am vain. And arrogant. And insecure. And spiteful. And jealous. These are the demons on my back that keep yelling into my ear, telling me what to do and how to behave.
I want to be the best person I can be. To do the best that I can and to be all that I was made and born to be. But in doing so, I always look alongside me and see others. And compare. That's it, really, isn't it? I'd be perfectly happy doing what I did if I didn't know or care what someone else was doing. But I do not have that luxury.
The most glaring thing about the prominence and greatness of others is the inadequacy I feel in myself. This has to change. I know this is a lesson a long time in coming and I have tried my best to avoid it by humility and modesty, if often of the false variety. But now, it comes to it. There's no escaping and no side alley to duck into. Just the plain and hideous face of my pride sneering at me. And comparing.
This must end. The way it has to. The way of honour and of truth. If will must strive against will, so be it. Only that it not be from selfishness and ambition, but for the desire to do what is right.
I hope I am walking the right path and if I am not, may some kind soul lead me to it.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Come on, guys...
Dear MPs, why must it take a poor GE result for you to want to serve and understand the public? Weren't you supposed to do this regardless of the GE? Weren't you supposed to be doing this all along? Isn't that what an MP does?
Weren't you supposed to be thinking about the rising costs of living and DOING something CONSTRUCTIVE about it? Did it only just occur to you that the massive whirlpool you call your immigration policy has cost
Sure, you all can sit behind your millions and 'consider' the reprecussions. What is a $300,000 3-room HDB flat (I am being conservative, here) to someone who earns a million dollars a year? Don't give me this nonsense about the annual median income being $50,000. If 51 people out of 100 earn $50,000 and the other 49 earn $18,000, what is the relevance of THAT sort of statistic?
All you guys seem to be able to do, for all your self-righteous 'we-are-incorruptable', 'we-are-the-best-there-is' back patting, is tell us each and every time there is an issue, that 'SORRY, WE CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT'. If a million dollar a year salary buys that kind of an answer, I think my nephews could run for government. They're cuter than you, too.
Flooding, housing, Mas Selamat, the rising cost of living, education, retirement (don't get me started on CPF. No, wait, in fact I will), national service, wages, transport, liberty...the list is rather long isn't it?
Flooding the likes of which we have seen in recent months (nope, the interval for this kind of thing is not 50 years) has not occurred at any point in my 30 year lifetime. Don't you think someone other than Mother Earth may possibly have contributed to this?
Isn't land and the prices of public housing controlled by you guys? Don't you own the land? Don't you own HDB? Don't you think a $300,000 3-room apartment for someone earning $18,000 a year is rather STEEP? You might think a 30-year loan creates a twisted sense of 'ownership' for us, but it doesn't. All it does is make us hate you. You try paying for your home over a 30 year period and see how you feel. Not a mansion. A flat, a normal, ordinary HDB flat.
How about retirement? For us, I mean. On what you earn on average in a year, you could retire immediately after that and not have to work for the rest of your life. You don't have to worry that 20% of your money is taken away every month and is strangely, 'earning' DEPRECIATING value. 20% of $1 million leaves you $800,000. $800,000 a year. What do you do with that kind of money?
Inflation is 5% and the CPF gives 2.5%. Come on, guys, what were you thinking when you came up with this? Would YOU invest in something so absurd and then make it mandatory? Here's a little suggestion: give the people more than 5% interest back on their CPF. It's a start. And no, having my life savings for my old age spent on a house which I will need later on IN MY OLD
Here's the heart of the matter: National leaders, yes, that's all of you, right down from Dear Mr. Lee Kuan Yew to every single backbencher MP there is, do not understand what it is like to be a Singaporean. A normal, average Singaporean. Someone who ISN'T a scholar, related to someone powerful or have millions of dollars to spare - does that give you some idea?
That is why your policies don't work, that is why no one buys your excuses and no one wants to listen to you anymore. At best, the current effort looks half-hearted. If you were truly for the people, if you were truly interested in making this country better, you need to look no further for guidance than that average, normal, ordinary Singaporean. Not someone like you. Someone like us.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
We had it in our hands. Freedom and the capacity to effect change for our nation. To speak out against the astronomical prices of homes, against obscene salaries for ministers and against a system of government that keeps the people prisoners. We had a chance to do something about it, but 6 out of 10 Singaporeans decided not to.
6 out of 10 decided that its okay to get 20% of our salaries taken away and put in a faulty scheme that returns far less than even an insurance policy.
6 out of 10 decided that million dollar salaries for ministers who do not share the aspirations or concerns of Singaporeans are okay.
6 out of 10 decided that its okay to let their children be financial hostages should they ever wish to own a home in Singapore.
6 out of 10 decided that they are okay with a system of government that uses you and robs you blind when you are productive, but that abandons you in your old age.
6 out of 10 are okay that the poor are neglected, while the rich enjoy this little island paradise.
6 out of 10 decided that they are okay with empty promises.
It is one thing to be ruled by leaders who view the people as assets to further their financial goals and who choose to ignore them once their vote is secured.
It is quite another when these people choose these leaders for themselves.
After learning of the results of the 2011 General Elections in Singapore, I know one thing is clear. 6 out of 10 Singaporeans, a majority, do not want things to get better. 6 out of 10 are satisfied with the way things are and they agree with the policies and direction this country is taking.
Government leaders, in the leadup to the elections, claimed that they would listen to the people and address their concerns. Now that the votes have been cast in their favour, they say that they won't be looking into the policies they're planning to implement, but merely the WAY they are implemented.
That, is what 6 out 10 Singaporeans wanted. Another broken promise. We had a chance this May to make them listen. Do you honestly believe that they will listen now? 5 years is a long time. Another 5 years of rising costs, people being left out and left behind and the perpetuation of a culture of 'me first'.
I am ashamed to be a Singaporean. We criticise and complain and speak of taking steps to change the status quo, but when we are given the chance to do so, we falter. We lack the integrity to follow through. Contesting parties put themselves on the line to give the people an alternative and a choice, but it seems the people do not want it. I wouldn't blame them if the contesting parties never do return to the political arena. What's the point when they have been betrayed by the very people they sought to serve and save.
So guys, expect an increase in housing prices, expect an increase in immigration, expect an overloaded transport system (6.5 million, remember?), expect your children to be pressed by an overly competitive and academically obsessed education system, expect to be fleeced for more money in a myriad of new taxes and fees I am sure are in the pipeline, expect your lives to be just about work, sleep and then the frenzied attempt to relieve that stress that comes from a meaningless life, expect to be poor with no savings when you retire, get retrenched for a less expensive talent or lose the use of your faculties and expect to become a minority and a lost whisper when the next slate of government policies move to squeeze you into the mould of their favourite type of citizen - a nodding, wimpering sycophant.
There's nothing for it now Singapore. You asked for it.
6 out of 10 decided that its okay to get 20% of our salaries taken away and put in a faulty scheme that returns far less than even an insurance policy.
6 out of 10 decided that million dollar salaries for ministers who do not share the aspirations or concerns of Singaporeans are okay.
6 out of 10 decided that its okay to let their children be financial hostages should they ever wish to own a home in Singapore.
6 out of 10 decided that they are okay with a system of government that uses you and robs you blind when you are productive, but that abandons you in your old age.
6 out of 10 are okay that the poor are neglected, while the rich enjoy this little island paradise.
6 out of 10 decided that they are okay with empty promises.
It is one thing to be ruled by leaders who view the people as assets to further their financial goals and who choose to ignore them once their vote is secured.
It is quite another when these people choose these leaders for themselves.
After learning of the results of the 2011 General Elections in Singapore, I know one thing is clear. 6 out of 10 Singaporeans, a majority, do not want things to get better. 6 out of 10 are satisfied with the way things are and they agree with the policies and direction this country is taking.
Government leaders, in the leadup to the elections, claimed that they would listen to the people and address their concerns. Now that the votes have been cast in their favour, they say that they won't be looking into the policies they're planning to implement, but merely the WAY they are implemented.
That, is what 6 out 10 Singaporeans wanted. Another broken promise. We had a chance this May to make them listen. Do you honestly believe that they will listen now? 5 years is a long time. Another 5 years of rising costs, people being left out and left behind and the perpetuation of a culture of 'me first'.
I am ashamed to be a Singaporean. We criticise and complain and speak of taking steps to change the status quo, but when we are given the chance to do so, we falter. We lack the integrity to follow through. Contesting parties put themselves on the line to give the people an alternative and a choice, but it seems the people do not want it. I wouldn't blame them if the contesting parties never do return to the political arena. What's the point when they have been betrayed by the very people they sought to serve and save.
So guys, expect an increase in housing prices, expect an increase in immigration, expect an overloaded transport system (6.5 million, remember?), expect your children to be pressed by an overly competitive and academically obsessed education system, expect to be fleeced for more money in a myriad of new taxes and fees I am sure are in the pipeline, expect your lives to be just about work, sleep and then the frenzied attempt to relieve that stress that comes from a meaningless life, expect to be poor with no savings when you retire, get retrenched for a less expensive talent or lose the use of your faculties and expect to become a minority and a lost whisper when the next slate of government policies move to squeeze you into the mould of their favourite type of citizen - a nodding, wimpering sycophant.
There's nothing for it now Singapore. You asked for it.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
I know what it is...
I'm a bad boy. I've been thinking of all the times recently when I've been angry with people, whoever it may be for whatever reason. I believe I'm really just angry with myself. I know, narcissistic, but I've analysed it and if I felt better about myself, I know I wouldn't be so bitter or angry.
Monday, December 7, 2009
07 Dec 09
Wow, it has been a while. Since I've last written, I've been kicked around MCYS, sung at a wedding, a private birthday dinner and at the MCYS Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony...
Now, I guess I'm still where I've been the last 2 years...nowhere. I'm set to join the IRs when and if they open. I'm beginning to get a little impatient, being as it is that I got interviewed in August and they are still processing all of our applications.
Oh well, I'll find something else while I'm waiting. Melvin's right, it's better to try and fail miserably, then to live a life doing something you hate. We've all only 1 life to live. If it's not going to be lived the way you want to, it's a darned waste, now isn't it?
Now, go ahead. Go live.
Now, I guess I'm still where I've been the last 2 years...nowhere. I'm set to join the IRs when and if they open. I'm beginning to get a little impatient, being as it is that I got interviewed in August and they are still processing all of our applications.
Oh well, I'll find something else while I'm waiting. Melvin's right, it's better to try and fail miserably, then to live a life doing something you hate. We've all only 1 life to live. If it's not going to be lived the way you want to, it's a darned waste, now isn't it?
Now, go ahead. Go live.
Monday, August 17, 2009
The Qunicy
Subject: RE: Regarding our stay (15 - 16 Aug 09)Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:09:06 +0800From: frontoffice@quincy.com.sgTo: knyht@hotmail.com
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Hi, Joshua and Jyn Yun!!
Wow!! Thank you very much for your beautiful letter. You made the Q team very happy with your nice review. That is why every one of us decided to follow this passionate career, so we can meet nice people and make them happy. At the end of the day, a letter like yours is our best reward and satisfaction.
Please, visit us again any time soon!! I promise you I will learn how to pronounce Jyn Yun properly. Lol!
Hugs and Qisses from the Q team
Be good today…
Ruben
Your Guest Service Executive
Quincy
22 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228517Tel +65 6738 5888
Fax +65 65101938
frontoffice@quincy.com.sg
www.quincy.com.sg
…
Ruben
Your Guest Service Executive
Quincy
22 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228517Tel +65 6738 5888
Fax +65 65101938
frontoffice@quincy.com.sg
www.quincy.com.sg
From: A. Knyht [mailto:knyht@hotmail.com] Sent: Sunday, August 16, 2009 6:01 PMTo: Front Office (The Quincy Hotel); Info (Quincy Hotel)Cc: wizzi_ger@hotmail.comSubject: Regarding our stay (15 - 16 Aug 09)
To the Manager and if possible, CEO of Far East Organisation, It is a matter of utmost seriousness and severity to me that I write to you about the virtues of the Quincy. My girlfriend and I stayed there from the 15 - 16 of August. The moment we stepped in, we were greeted by an air of sincere hospitality, beyond and above anything we have experienced before.
1. The Staff
There are many factors that contribute to the success of a hotel, but I offer my humble opinion that the foundation of any hotel and what makes it a great place to stay at, is the staff. From concierge to waiters at the restaurant, we were treated with so much warmth and kindness. To Leo, Eric and Jaslyn, you guys are really cool. The sense of humour and good cheer you guys have makes one want to linger at the reception for as long as possible, just for the company.
2. RUBEN!
On a special note, I'd like to commend Ruben, who settled us in, explained all that we could enjoy at the Quincy (which we did, to an immense degree) and was with us every step of the way during our stay. His professionalism, bright, winning personality and his attention to detail really won our affection. Plus, he found a romantic table for us at dinner (I owe you one, man!) This gentleman is really first class. One in a billion. If there is any kind of award that you may have for excellent service or for being a model in hospitality, I'd really like to recommend him for it.
3. The Quincy Qoncept
The all-inclusive concept is quite new to me, but it is deeply appreciated. Providing 3 hearty and absolutely delicious meals a day (this coming from someone with a big appetite), complimentary snacks and drinks and all the comforts (and more) of a modern home; like the complimentary broadband and freshly brewed coffee (my favourite), impressed on me vividly that the Quincy is not just a place to stay, but a place that goes the extra 30 miles out of its way to TAKE CARE OF ME. Even the signs and notices put up around the hotel exude charisma. Whether about the rules of the gym or just telling us about the channels on the television, the text is not just informative, it is INTERACTIVE - a very nice touch. The welcome note issued to us with the names, pictures and signatures of our hosts during our stay is another good gesture. The amount of communication between the guests and the hotel makes the place inviting and come alive. If not for the fact that we only had the weekend to spend there, we would have definitely extended our stay. The quality of the staff at the Quincy is simply superb. I'd have to say the HR really did a good job selecting people with the right character, aptitude and attitude for the Quincy - young at heart, humourous and with great love for people. It is the suave and classy decor, combined with great staff and great food that will win acclaim for the Quincy Qoncept. We felt, as I am sure many guests also have, almost sad to check-out. It was a wonderful stay and I will do my best to return. Once again, I'd like to thank everyone at the Quincy for a wonderful weekend.
The Quincy Qoncept
I hope you'd excuse the raving of a victim of the Q,
Who spent a weekend in classy paradise and returned to tell its true.
With quality splendid each and all, what a staff beyond compare!
So hear now, this questing qrying of how much Quincy Qares.
From warm handshake to gracious smile and coffee oh so strong,
To scrumptious meals and chic decor to enjoy all day long,
If only I had another day to rest in this retreat,
So come one and all to Quincy and to the Qoncept you're sure to meet!
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Hi, Joshua and Jyn Yun!!
Wow!! Thank you very much for your beautiful letter. You made the Q team very happy with your nice review. That is why every one of us decided to follow this passionate career, so we can meet nice people and make them happy. At the end of the day, a letter like yours is our best reward and satisfaction.
Please, visit us again any time soon!! I promise you I will learn how to pronounce Jyn Yun properly. Lol!
Hugs and Qisses from the Q team
Be good today…
Ruben
Your Guest Service Executive
Quincy
22 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228517Tel +65 6738 5888
Fax +65 65101938
frontoffice@quincy.com.sg
www.quincy.com.sg
…
Ruben
Your Guest Service Executive
Quincy
22 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228517Tel +65 6738 5888
Fax +65 65101938
frontoffice@quincy.com.sg
www.quincy.com.sg
From: A. Knyht [mailto:knyht@hotmail.com] Sent: Sunday, August 16, 2009 6:01 PMTo: Front Office (The Quincy Hotel); Info (Quincy Hotel)Cc: wizzi_ger@hotmail.comSubject: Regarding our stay (15 - 16 Aug 09)
To the Manager and if possible, CEO of Far East Organisation, It is a matter of utmost seriousness and severity to me that I write to you about the virtues of the Quincy. My girlfriend and I stayed there from the 15 - 16 of August. The moment we stepped in, we were greeted by an air of sincere hospitality, beyond and above anything we have experienced before.
1. The Staff
There are many factors that contribute to the success of a hotel, but I offer my humble opinion that the foundation of any hotel and what makes it a great place to stay at, is the staff. From concierge to waiters at the restaurant, we were treated with so much warmth and kindness. To Leo, Eric and Jaslyn, you guys are really cool. The sense of humour and good cheer you guys have makes one want to linger at the reception for as long as possible, just for the company.
2. RUBEN!
On a special note, I'd like to commend Ruben, who settled us in, explained all that we could enjoy at the Quincy (which we did, to an immense degree) and was with us every step of the way during our stay. His professionalism, bright, winning personality and his attention to detail really won our affection. Plus, he found a romantic table for us at dinner (I owe you one, man!) This gentleman is really first class. One in a billion. If there is any kind of award that you may have for excellent service or for being a model in hospitality, I'd really like to recommend him for it.
3. The Quincy Qoncept
The all-inclusive concept is quite new to me, but it is deeply appreciated. Providing 3 hearty and absolutely delicious meals a day (this coming from someone with a big appetite), complimentary snacks and drinks and all the comforts (and more) of a modern home; like the complimentary broadband and freshly brewed coffee (my favourite), impressed on me vividly that the Quincy is not just a place to stay, but a place that goes the extra 30 miles out of its way to TAKE CARE OF ME. Even the signs and notices put up around the hotel exude charisma. Whether about the rules of the gym or just telling us about the channels on the television, the text is not just informative, it is INTERACTIVE - a very nice touch. The welcome note issued to us with the names, pictures and signatures of our hosts during our stay is another good gesture. The amount of communication between the guests and the hotel makes the place inviting and come alive. If not for the fact that we only had the weekend to spend there, we would have definitely extended our stay. The quality of the staff at the Quincy is simply superb. I'd have to say the HR really did a good job selecting people with the right character, aptitude and attitude for the Quincy - young at heart, humourous and with great love for people. It is the suave and classy decor, combined with great staff and great food that will win acclaim for the Quincy Qoncept. We felt, as I am sure many guests also have, almost sad to check-out. It was a wonderful stay and I will do my best to return. Once again, I'd like to thank everyone at the Quincy for a wonderful weekend.
The Quincy Qoncept
I hope you'd excuse the raving of a victim of the Q,
Who spent a weekend in classy paradise and returned to tell its true.
With quality splendid each and all, what a staff beyond compare!
So hear now, this questing qrying of how much Quincy Qares.
From warm handshake to gracious smile and coffee oh so strong,
To scrumptious meals and chic decor to enjoy all day long,
If only I had another day to rest in this retreat,
So come one and all to Quincy and to the Qoncept you're sure to meet!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
At one point or another, we find ourselves at a cross road. What do we do with our lives? Which path do we choose? I find myself at a cross road right now.
Do I want to be like everyone else? Get a regular job, so I can work my ass off 8 - 12 hours a day at a job I hate, so I can get that car, that house that I won't get to enjoy for 8 - 12 hours of that same day...
I know it might not be like that, but that's what I normally see. Some might argue that they don't hate their jobs...yup, they'll tell everyone that. But they know it ain't true.
I don't want to be like that. Don't want to live like that. I'm not sure what I'm going to be or what I'm going to do with my life. That's my secret. I know I don't want to live like the rest of these guys...nope, no way.
Do I want to be like everyone else? Get a regular job, so I can work my ass off 8 - 12 hours a day at a job I hate, so I can get that car, that house that I won't get to enjoy for 8 - 12 hours of that same day...
I know it might not be like that, but that's what I normally see. Some might argue that they don't hate their jobs...yup, they'll tell everyone that. But they know it ain't true.
I don't want to be like that. Don't want to live like that. I'm not sure what I'm going to be or what I'm going to do with my life. That's my secret. I know I don't want to live like the rest of these guys...nope, no way.
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