Saturday, December 15, 2018
WOTC - How to solve the dispute over air and water access
What is a good way to solve the dispute over the air and water access?
54 % - Discuss the issue over nasi lemak and teh tarik.
WOTC - Dispute over water and air access
I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:
Why did we have a dispute with Malaysia over water and air access?
Here are the responses: (45 Votes)
40 % - Singapore refuses to pay a higher price for water, although the amount is small.
27 % - Malaysia is trying to trying to bring Singapore down.
18 % - Singapore refuses to help them to solve the new Malaysian govt to deal with their financial crisis.
16 % - Singapore must stick to our principled approach.
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1044
Friday, December 14, 2018
An online voting system is better at preventing fraud
Many people distrust online voting system. They think that it can be manipulated.
This is the wrong thinking. Any system can be manipulated. There are ways to manage this risk and control the manipulation.
This is the wrong thinking. Any system can be manipulated. There are ways to manage this risk and control the manipulation.
I explain in this post how the control can be exercised:
These people prefer a manual voting system because it is "safer". They do not realize that the manual system has more risks that are difficult to manage. The manual voting system has been abused in many countries for decades.
I explain the risks of the manual voting system in this post:
In fact, the people in power prefer a manual voting system, because they have the means to take advantage of its flaws.
Instead of being afraid of the hacking in an online voting system, the people who wants more transparency and a more robust democracy should be calling for a move to an online voting system.
Of course, it is important to ensure that the online system is secure and is safe from manipulation. The technology allows these goals to be achieved.
Tan Kin Lian
These people prefer a manual voting system because it is "safer". They do not realize that the manual system has more risks that are difficult to manage. The manual voting system has been abused in many countries for decades.
I explain the risks of the manual voting system in this post:
In fact, the people in power prefer a manual voting system, because they have the means to take advantage of its flaws.
Instead of being afraid of the hacking in an online voting system, the people who wants more transparency and a more robust democracy should be calling for a move to an online voting system.
Of course, it is important to ensure that the online system is secure and is safe from manipulation. The technology allows these goals to be achieved.
Tan Kin Lian
Can ASEAN be relevant?
PM Lee is the current chair of ASEAN. He will relinquish this seat by rotation at the end of 2018.
As the chair, he has the opportunity to make ASEAN more relevant. He could ask ASEAN to step in and find a solution to the territorial dispute between Singapore and Malaysia.
Some people will say that ASEAN is not useful in solving this kind of dispute. I feel that he should give ASEAN a chance.
ASEAN can never be relevant when its member countries, and its chair, undermine its role by not giving it the opportunity to do something useful.
How can other countries respect ASEAN when it cannot help to solve the dispute between two member countries?
He still have two more weeks to do something for ASEAN, right?
He should not miss this opportunity.
Tan Kin Lian
As the chair, he has the opportunity to make ASEAN more relevant. He could ask ASEAN to step in and find a solution to the territorial dispute between Singapore and Malaysia.
Some people will say that ASEAN is not useful in solving this kind of dispute. I feel that he should give ASEAN a chance.
ASEAN can never be relevant when its member countries, and its chair, undermine its role by not giving it the opportunity to do something useful.
How can other countries respect ASEAN when it cannot help to solve the dispute between two member countries?
He still have two more weeks to do something for ASEAN, right?
He should not miss this opportunity.
Tan Kin Lian
Introducing Flores, in Indonesia
I was in Bali two months ago. There were many touts selling tour packages at inflated prices. I declined them.
Later, I went to a booth selling the packages. The young man had curly hair and is quite dark - does not look like an ordinary Indonesian.
He was friendly, helpful and honest. I bought a tour package from him.
He came from Flores.
I searched Google Map for Flores. It pointed to a spot in the middle of East Nusa Tenggara.
Was Flores a town? I thought that it was a small island.
I learned later that Flores was the original name of East Nusa Tenggara. It is the entire island.
The people of Flores look like the people of New Guinea. Most of them are Christians.
Recently, a friend shared with me a chatty song. It attracted me because of the pretty girls and men dancing a line dance. Here is the video:
You can see the joy in their faces.
By the way, these dancers are stewardess and staff of Lion Air. They had a bad crash recently. I hope that they recover from the negative publicity. They seem to be contributing a lot to Indonesia as the second largest airline.
I learned later that the song is Gemu Fameri.
Here is another video that explain the song:
It is also called the Maumere song. I checked Google and found that Maumere is a town in Flores. The lyrics had some words that I recognized as Bahasa but many words that were strange. It must be a local language in Flores.
Tan Kin Lian
Later, I went to a booth selling the packages. The young man had curly hair and is quite dark - does not look like an ordinary Indonesian.
He was friendly, helpful and honest. I bought a tour package from him.
He came from Flores.
I searched Google Map for Flores. It pointed to a spot in the middle of East Nusa Tenggara.
Was Flores a town? I thought that it was a small island.
I learned later that Flores was the original name of East Nusa Tenggara. It is the entire island.
The people of Flores look like the people of New Guinea. Most of them are Christians.
Recently, a friend shared with me a chatty song. It attracted me because of the pretty girls and men dancing a line dance. Here is the video:
You can see the joy in their faces.
By the way, these dancers are stewardess and staff of Lion Air. They had a bad crash recently. I hope that they recover from the negative publicity. They seem to be contributing a lot to Indonesia as the second largest airline.
I learned later that the song is Gemu Fameri.
Here is another video that explain the song:
It is also called the Maumere song. I checked Google and found that Maumere is a town in Flores. The lyrics had some words that I recognized as Bahasa but many words that were strange. It must be a local language in Flores.
Tan Kin Lian
A manual voting system has many risks of fraud
Many people fear that electronic voting system could be abused by the people in charge. They prefer a manual voting system.
There are not aware that a manual voting system has more risks. Here are the risks:
a) It is easy for corrupt election officials to stuff the ballot boxes with fake votes in favor of certain parties.
b) The ballot boxes could be switched on the way to the counting centers.
c) The manual counting could be manipulated to show more votes for certain parties.
These abuses have been rampant in many countries.
The non incumbent parties rely on many volunteers to serve as agents at voting centers, counting centers and also to ensure the safe delivery of the ballot boxes. Still, they are not able to eliminate the fraud.
An electronic voting system also could be abused. But there are ways to ensure that the voting is secure and the the system is made safe from manipulation. It requires much less effort to ensure the integrity of the voting process.
If this is the case, why is the electronic voting system not adopted in many countries?
The answer is obvious to me. But many people miss it. What is the answer?
The incumbent party in power prefer to use the manual voting system. They have the means and resources to make better use of the defects to its advantage.
In countries where there is a more democratic practice, and where is a frequent change of government and where the election commission is truly independent, there is more chance for a better system to be adopted.
The electronic voting system has the advantage of being convenient, secure and safe from manipulation.
Tan Kin Lian
There are not aware that a manual voting system has more risks. Here are the risks:
a) It is easy for corrupt election officials to stuff the ballot boxes with fake votes in favor of certain parties.
b) The ballot boxes could be switched on the way to the counting centers.
c) The manual counting could be manipulated to show more votes for certain parties.
These abuses have been rampant in many countries.
The non incumbent parties rely on many volunteers to serve as agents at voting centers, counting centers and also to ensure the safe delivery of the ballot boxes. Still, they are not able to eliminate the fraud.
An electronic voting system also could be abused. But there are ways to ensure that the voting is secure and the the system is made safe from manipulation. It requires much less effort to ensure the integrity of the voting process.
If this is the case, why is the electronic voting system not adopted in many countries?
The answer is obvious to me. But many people miss it. What is the answer?
The incumbent party in power prefer to use the manual voting system. They have the means and resources to make better use of the defects to its advantage.
In countries where there is a more democratic practice, and where is a frequent change of government and where the election commission is truly independent, there is more chance for a better system to be adopted.
The electronic voting system has the advantage of being convenient, secure and safe from manipulation.
Tan Kin Lian
WOTC - Commission rates on life insurance policies
I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:
Should MAS set control the commission rates paid on life insurance policies?
Here are the responses: (51 Votes)
29 % - Leave it to the market.
29 % - Set caps on the maximum commission that can be paid.
24 % - Require the insurance companies to disclose the commission rates.
18 % - Ban the payment of commissions and ask the adviser to collect a fee
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1043
WOTC - Food poisoning
I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:
Why do we have many food poisoning cases recently?
Here are the responses: (58 Votes)
52 % - We employ food handles from third world countries that are not hygenic.
31 % - The operators are not managing the preparation carefully.
12 % - These are temporary lapses.
5 % - The food supplies are contaminated.
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1042
Thursday, December 13, 2018
WOTC - Pay a higher price for water from Malaysia
I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:
Should Singapore agree earlier to pay a higher price for water from Malaysia?
Here are the responses: (58 Votes)
59 % - The annual sum is small and is worth spending to build goodwill.
31 % - We should insist on our contractual right under international law
7 % - Our sovereignty is at stake.
3 % - Our position in international law is questionable.
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1040
WOTC - Dispute over air and water space
I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:
What is the cause of the dispute over air and water space?
Here are the responses: (57 Votes)
40 % - The inflexibility of the Singapore govt
35 % - Bullying by Malaysia
25 % - The price of water supplied by Malaysia
0 % - The origin of chendol
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1039
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Make life easier fro the citizens
Earlier this year, I took a train from Woodlands to Johor Bahru. It arrived within 5 minutes, compared to a duration of more than 1 hour by bus.
I found out later that there was a train service every hour (actually slightly more) during the peak hours. This is called the KTM Trebau service. You can check Google for the details.
I calculated that it was possible to have four departures every hour, as it is possible to make the return journey every 15 minutes.
I wanted to suggest that the frequency of the train service be increased. I am sure that there will be a big demand for this service.
I read a news report that Malaysia had requested for more departures for this service, but the Singapore govt is "studying the matter". Already many months have passed.
Why does it take so many months for Singapore to study this request? Why are we making it difficult for KTM to increase the departures and put their infrastructure to better use?
It seems to be quite childish for both govts to be playing tit-for-tat and making life difficult for the citizens.
Tan Kin Lian
I found out later that there was a train service every hour (actually slightly more) during the peak hours. This is called the KTM Trebau service. You can check Google for the details.
I calculated that it was possible to have four departures every hour, as it is possible to make the return journey every 15 minutes.
I wanted to suggest that the frequency of the train service be increased. I am sure that there will be a big demand for this service.
I read a news report that Malaysia had requested for more departures for this service, but the Singapore govt is "studying the matter". Already many months have passed.
Why does it take so many months for Singapore to study this request? Why are we making it difficult for KTM to increase the departures and put their infrastructure to better use?
It seems to be quite childish for both govts to be playing tit-for-tat and making life difficult for the citizens.
Tan Kin Lian
Be frugal but generous
Some people may get the wrong impression that I am a person who will give away financial benefit easily to the other party. If I were the leader of a country, would I give away everything?
The answer is "no".
The people who know me well will also know that I am a frugal person. Some might even describe me as "stingy". So, you can be sure that your money is safe with me, if you ever have to entrust it to me, because I would not spend it away easily.
Let me explain first why I like to waive the penalty of $350 million for the cancellation of the High Speed Rail. I have two reasons:
a) Both countries did spend money on the feasibility studies and preparatory work for the High Speed Rail. The money spend on each side is likely to be similar in amount. If Malaysia asked to cancel the project for financial reasons, they would have incurred their expenses also. Out of goodwill and friendly, I would waive the penalty.
I would also consider the money spent ($350 million or more) is not wasted. I believe that the High Speed Rail will be feasible at some time in the future. If it is re-introduced, the money spent on the preparatory work would be recovered. It is a matter of time.
b) On the price of water, I have held for a long time that Malaysia's request for 50 sens per 1,000 gallons is fair. Yes, it is an increase of 16 times from the current level of 3 sens. But we are talking about a passage of 65 years, from 1962 to 2017. Surely, inflation would have justified the increase?
The revised price of 50 sens plus the cost of treatment would probably be much lower than the cost of producing water from other sources, such as desalination and reverse osmosis. I do not know the actual figures, but I trust my gut feel and judgment. I will be happy to be enlightened with the facts.
Anyway, based on the volume of water that is drawn under the agreement, the revised price of 50 sens work out to $15 million A YEAR. This is a small sum of money compared to a national budget of $60 billion.
Be helpful
When we were poor, every dollar is important to us. I can understand this attitude.
However, when we are financially well off, we do not need to be so stingy. We can afford to be generous and helpful. The money that we forego can go to help the other party a great deal, especially when they are financially weak.
I am not talking about giving away a lot of money. It is money that we can afford to give away and get the goodwill and appreciation of the other party.
Be prudent
If you had followed my views closely, you would know that I am unhappy about the large sums of money that are being spent on infrastructure and weapons.
I believe that we could exercise cost control and reduce these expenditures. At heart, I am still a frugal and prudent person.
But when it comes to negotiating with a friendly neighbor, I would prefer to take a more generous approach, because we can afford to be more generous, and it would be more helpful to our neighbor.
Thank you for reading my post completely.
Tan Kin Lian
The answer is "no".
The people who know me well will also know that I am a frugal person. Some might even describe me as "stingy". So, you can be sure that your money is safe with me, if you ever have to entrust it to me, because I would not spend it away easily.
Let me explain first why I like to waive the penalty of $350 million for the cancellation of the High Speed Rail. I have two reasons:
a) Both countries did spend money on the feasibility studies and preparatory work for the High Speed Rail. The money spend on each side is likely to be similar in amount. If Malaysia asked to cancel the project for financial reasons, they would have incurred their expenses also. Out of goodwill and friendly, I would waive the penalty.
I would also consider the money spent ($350 million or more) is not wasted. I believe that the High Speed Rail will be feasible at some time in the future. If it is re-introduced, the money spent on the preparatory work would be recovered. It is a matter of time.
b) On the price of water, I have held for a long time that Malaysia's request for 50 sens per 1,000 gallons is fair. Yes, it is an increase of 16 times from the current level of 3 sens. But we are talking about a passage of 65 years, from 1962 to 2017. Surely, inflation would have justified the increase?
The revised price of 50 sens plus the cost of treatment would probably be much lower than the cost of producing water from other sources, such as desalination and reverse osmosis. I do not know the actual figures, but I trust my gut feel and judgment. I will be happy to be enlightened with the facts.
Anyway, based on the volume of water that is drawn under the agreement, the revised price of 50 sens work out to $15 million A YEAR. This is a small sum of money compared to a national budget of $60 billion.
Be helpful
When we were poor, every dollar is important to us. I can understand this attitude.
However, when we are financially well off, we do not need to be so stingy. We can afford to be generous and helpful. The money that we forego can go to help the other party a great deal, especially when they are financially weak.
I am not talking about giving away a lot of money. It is money that we can afford to give away and get the goodwill and appreciation of the other party.
Be prudent
If you had followed my views closely, you would know that I am unhappy about the large sums of money that are being spent on infrastructure and weapons.
I believe that we could exercise cost control and reduce these expenditures. At heart, I am still a frugal and prudent person.
But when it comes to negotiating with a friendly neighbor, I would prefer to take a more generous approach, because we can afford to be more generous, and it would be more helpful to our neighbor.
Thank you for reading my post completely.
Tan Kin Lian
WOTC - Views about Singapore Democratic Party
I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:
What are your views about the Singapore Democratic Party?
Here are the responses: (63 Votes)
30 % - They will get better support at the next general election.
30 % - They will continue to be tainted by the poor image of Dr. Chee Soon Juan.
24 % - They are well organized and have done their groundwork for many years.
16 % - Dr. Chee Soon Juan is an articulate and effective leader.
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1038s
WOTC - Views about Workers' Party
I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:
What are your views about the Workers' Party?
Here are the responses: (63 Votes)
37 % - They will continue to be well supported.
25 % - They are a credible and effective alternative party.
25 % - They will be considerably weakened after the judgment is passed on Aljunied town council.
13 % - They are too much aligned to the PAP
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1037
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Resolve issues with trust and understanding
I am not small minded. I do not make decisions based on self interest.
Some people suggest that I support Malaysia because I have many properties there.
I do not have "many properties". I just have an apartment in Forest City which is not ready yet. That apartment is affected negatively by Dr. M's decision to restrict sale to foreigners, but I do not hold it against him. He has to do what is right for Malaysia.
But some people are guided by self interest. So, they think that other people think like them. They cannot understand that other people may think differently.
I do have an interest to promote friendly relations between Singapore and Malaysia. I have visited Malaysia and met people of different races there. They are friendly and helpful. Most of them are humble, polite and kind. They work hard to make a living and raise a family. They do not look down on other people - at least among those that I have met.
I do not treat the Malaysian govt as an enemy. I also do not treat the Malaysian people as an enemy.
They may be misunderstanding between countries. There may be differences of views. These differences can be resolved amicable with trust and understanding.
Tan Kin Lian
Some people suggest that I support Malaysia because I have many properties there.
I do not have "many properties". I just have an apartment in Forest City which is not ready yet. That apartment is affected negatively by Dr. M's decision to restrict sale to foreigners, but I do not hold it against him. He has to do what is right for Malaysia.
But some people are guided by self interest. So, they think that other people think like them. They cannot understand that other people may think differently.
I do have an interest to promote friendly relations between Singapore and Malaysia. I have visited Malaysia and met people of different races there. They are friendly and helpful. Most of them are humble, polite and kind. They work hard to make a living and raise a family. They do not look down on other people - at least among those that I have met.
I do not treat the Malaysian govt as an enemy. I also do not treat the Malaysian people as an enemy.
They may be misunderstanding between countries. There may be differences of views. These differences can be resolved amicable with trust and understanding.
Tan Kin Lian
Electronic voting system
The Election Dept plans to introduce mechanical counting of the votes at the next general election.
I prefer that they go for a electronic voting system. The voters can vote online using the SingPass. Those living overseas can also vote online.
For voters who are not familiar with voting online, they can still visit any polling center and show their NRIC. They can submit their vote electronically.
Here are the important elements of the electronic voting system:
a) There is a register of voters. The SingPass or NRIC will identify the voter. This database ensures that a person can only vote once. It also checks that the correct person is submitting the vote. It prevents a fraud from impersonating a voter.
b) Each vote is registered into 2 databases. The Election Dept holds the primary database. The second database is held by the Supreme Court.
This stops a hacker from altering the votes in the primary database. The vote can be audited against the second. Any votes that do not match can be treated as spoiled.
There is technology to prevent the vote from being altered by a hacker.
c) To ensure secrecy of the vote, the identity of the voter will not appear in the voting slip. Instead, there will be a serial number. This serial number ensures that the vote is valid (i.e not a fake vote). There is another table to link the identify of the voter to the serial number, but this table cannot be accessed, except to verify the validity of the vote.
d) If a voter claims that a hacker had voted with his stolen identity, the voter can submit a new vote to replace the earlier vote, but this will be placed under strict control and verification.
At the close of polling, the results can be computed almost immediately.
Singapore has the opportunity to introduce a workable electronic voting system to the world. Due to our small population, it is easy to have this change implemented. The larger countries will have a bigger challenge, but they will be encouraged by a successful experiment on a smaller scale.
Tan Kin Lian
I prefer that they go for a electronic voting system. The voters can vote online using the SingPass. Those living overseas can also vote online.
For voters who are not familiar with voting online, they can still visit any polling center and show their NRIC. They can submit their vote electronically.
Here are the important elements of the electronic voting system:
a) There is a register of voters. The SingPass or NRIC will identify the voter. This database ensures that a person can only vote once. It also checks that the correct person is submitting the vote. It prevents a fraud from impersonating a voter.
b) Each vote is registered into 2 databases. The Election Dept holds the primary database. The second database is held by the Supreme Court.
This stops a hacker from altering the votes in the primary database. The vote can be audited against the second. Any votes that do not match can be treated as spoiled.
There is technology to prevent the vote from being altered by a hacker.
c) To ensure secrecy of the vote, the identity of the voter will not appear in the voting slip. Instead, there will be a serial number. This serial number ensures that the vote is valid (i.e not a fake vote). There is another table to link the identify of the voter to the serial number, but this table cannot be accessed, except to verify the validity of the vote.
d) If a voter claims that a hacker had voted with his stolen identity, the voter can submit a new vote to replace the earlier vote, but this will be placed under strict control and verification.
At the close of polling, the results can be computed almost immediately.
Singapore has the opportunity to introduce a workable electronic voting system to the world. Due to our small population, it is easy to have this change implemented. The larger countries will have a bigger challenge, but they will be encouraged by a successful experiment on a smaller scale.
Tan Kin Lian
Why blockchain will not work as expected
I want to explain why I think that blockchain will not take off.
It was built on the concept of avoiding a trusted third party. This was necessary when one is creating a cryptocurrency. But it will not work well in other situations. In fact, it will be costly and troublesome to manage.
Why is there a need to avoid a trusted third party anyway?
When I use GMail, I have to trust Google. When I use Facebook, I have to trust Facebook (Mr. Zukerberg).
If I don't trust Google, I can go to Yahoo, Microsoft or other e-mail platforms.
My point is that it is better to select a trusted party.
There will be situations where a new platform has to be developed for a specific need and to cater to a defined group of users. For example, a logistic platform for a defined community of shippers and ship owners.
This community can form a cooperative (which they jointly own and control) to be the trusted party to manage the platform.
Apart from owning the trusted party, there is also the need to ensure that the trusted party manage the platform properly. This can be achieved by transparency and audit. All the users should have the means to satisfy themselves that the platform is operating properly. They can look at the audit reports to ensure that the control totals are matched every day.
There is also technology available that allows the transactions to be stored in a duplicate database, to be used to verify the transactions, in case of fraudulent alterations.
There are effective ways under the current technology to ensure transparency and audit. There is no need to go through the blockchain technology, which I consider to be cumbersome and costly.
In the year 1999, there was a lot of hype about the Y2K issue. Many governments around the world, including our own govt, fell for the hype and invested hundred of million dollars to prevent this Y2K issue. The consultants made a lot of money by providing their services for an imaginary and over-hyped problem.
I think blockchain could also be a similar situation.
Let me put in a caveat. There will be situations where the blockchain technology make sense, e.g. cyptocurrency. But these situations will be limited. It will not be extensive.
In case some blockchain enthusiasts think that I am talking nonsense, without understanding what blockchain is, I must declare that my knowledge is limited to watching this video. It is enough for me to form an opinion.
It was built on the concept of avoiding a trusted third party. This was necessary when one is creating a cryptocurrency. But it will not work well in other situations. In fact, it will be costly and troublesome to manage.
Why is there a need to avoid a trusted third party anyway?
When I use GMail, I have to trust Google. When I use Facebook, I have to trust Facebook (Mr. Zukerberg).
If I don't trust Google, I can go to Yahoo, Microsoft or other e-mail platforms.
My point is that it is better to select a trusted party.
There will be situations where a new platform has to be developed for a specific need and to cater to a defined group of users. For example, a logistic platform for a defined community of shippers and ship owners.
This community can form a cooperative (which they jointly own and control) to be the trusted party to manage the platform.
Apart from owning the trusted party, there is also the need to ensure that the trusted party manage the platform properly. This can be achieved by transparency and audit. All the users should have the means to satisfy themselves that the platform is operating properly. They can look at the audit reports to ensure that the control totals are matched every day.
There is also technology available that allows the transactions to be stored in a duplicate database, to be used to verify the transactions, in case of fraudulent alterations.
There are effective ways under the current technology to ensure transparency and audit. There is no need to go through the blockchain technology, which I consider to be cumbersome and costly.
In the year 1999, there was a lot of hype about the Y2K issue. Many governments around the world, including our own govt, fell for the hype and invested hundred of million dollars to prevent this Y2K issue. The consultants made a lot of money by providing their services for an imaginary and over-hyped problem.
I think blockchain could also be a similar situation.
Let me put in a caveat. There will be situations where the blockchain technology make sense, e.g. cyptocurrency. But these situations will be limited. It will not be extensive.
In case some blockchain enthusiasts think that I am talking nonsense, without understanding what blockchain is, I must declare that my knowledge is limited to watching this video. It is enough for me to form an opinion.
WOTC - How do you describe the PAP govt?
I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:
How would you describe the PAP govt?
Here are the responses: (60 Votes)
68 % - No heart
17 % - No ears
8 % - Quite competent.
7 % - No brain
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1036
WOTC - Which minister do you like most? (3)
I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:
Which of the following ministers do you like most?
Here are the responses: (23 Votes)
74 % - Ng Chee Meng
9 % - Desmond Lee
9 % - Josephine Teo
9 % - Indranee Rajah
0 % - Grace Fu
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1035
Monday, December 10, 2018
Focus on win-win solution to resolve the maritime dispute
I thank Gerard Pereira for sharing the article diving the timeline of the dispute regarding the maritime boundary. It explains to me about the brown line (based on the 1979 claim by Malaysia) and why it jutted westward of the red line (agreed between the two countries in 1995).
I now understand the stand taken by the Singapore govt regarding the intrusion of the Malaysia vessels.
I observed that the red line stopped at a certain place before the brown line. I wondered why the 1995 agreement did not extend to include the brown line. If it had been agreed at that time, this dispute could have been avoided.
Was Malaysia acting unfairly in gazetting the boundary in 2018, without consulting Singapore? I withhold my comment.
Both sides have their good reasons for the stance that they have taken in this maritime dispute. It is better for the two govts to meet and resolve the dispute.
Each side has set out their separate pre-condition before the talks can start. I hope that this further "pre-condition" dispute can be resolved. It is not worth generating the bad relations over this side dispute.
When the talks begin, I hope that both sides focus on a win-win relationship, to replace the current lose-lose relations.
What is this win-win relationship?
Singapore likes to have the brown line recognized as the boundary, so that Tuas Port can have the room to develop. Singapore also likes to keep control of the air space, so that Seletar Airport can operate properly as planned.
What does Malaysia want? Let us ask them. Maybe, they want some financial benefit. Maybe the want better access to Pasir Gudang Port through the crooked bridge.
Should Singapore allow Pasir Gudang Port to be developed as a competitor to Tuas Port? I am clear that the answer should be "yes". It is not a good strategy to do well by hampering the effort of the other party. It is better to do well by being more efficient and productive. We can do it.
Maybe the win-win arrangement is to give each party what they really want. Nobody wants a bad and unhappy neighbor. Nobody wants to see both sides suffer.
I send best wishes to both govts in sorting out this issue.
I now understand the stand taken by the Singapore govt regarding the intrusion of the Malaysia vessels.
I observed that the red line stopped at a certain place before the brown line. I wondered why the 1995 agreement did not extend to include the brown line. If it had been agreed at that time, this dispute could have been avoided.
Was Malaysia acting unfairly in gazetting the boundary in 2018, without consulting Singapore? I withhold my comment.
Both sides have their good reasons for the stance that they have taken in this maritime dispute. It is better for the two govts to meet and resolve the dispute.
Each side has set out their separate pre-condition before the talks can start. I hope that this further "pre-condition" dispute can be resolved. It is not worth generating the bad relations over this side dispute.
When the talks begin, I hope that both sides focus on a win-win relationship, to replace the current lose-lose relations.
What is this win-win relationship?
Singapore likes to have the brown line recognized as the boundary, so that Tuas Port can have the room to develop. Singapore also likes to keep control of the air space, so that Seletar Airport can operate properly as planned.
What does Malaysia want? Let us ask them. Maybe, they want some financial benefit. Maybe the want better access to Pasir Gudang Port through the crooked bridge.
Should Singapore allow Pasir Gudang Port to be developed as a competitor to Tuas Port? I am clear that the answer should be "yes". It is not a good strategy to do well by hampering the effort of the other party. It is better to do well by being more efficient and productive. We can do it.
Maybe the win-win arrangement is to give each party what they really want. Nobody wants a bad and unhappy neighbor. Nobody wants to see both sides suffer.
I send best wishes to both govts in sorting out this issue.
Tan Kin Lian
Find a way to solve the dispute
Some people accused me of taking the side of Malaysia on this dispute. That accusation is unfair.
My first task is to understand the nature of the dispute. Our govt has given its side of the dispute. But the Malaysian govt has a different perspective.
The dispute concerns the sending of vessels to certain parts of the waters. Each party claim that the water comes under their "sovereignty".
I look at Google Map and see a line that appears to run midway between the shores of Johore and Singapore prior to the building of Tuas Port. After Tuas Port was built, the waters between this line and the port seems to be quite narrow.
I saw a map from the CNA article that shows the line being pushed towards Johore. How did this new line came about? Was there agreement for this revised line to be pushed outwards from Singapore?
The CNA article did not explain this new line. If anyone knows the background for this revised line, please share with me.
Malaysia has asked that both countries withdraw this vessels from the disputed waters for talks to start. The Singapore govt ask that Malaysia should withdraw their vessels before talks can begin.
I do not wish to comment on which side is acting fairly in this respect.
I like to approach this matter by understanding the nature of the dispute, rather than act on "patriotism". There were many wars in the past that occurred because the people of both sides acted on "patriotism". It is better to understand the nature of the dispute and to try to resolve it by being fair to both sides.
It is not good for one side to win at the expense of the other side. It is also not good for the stronger side to win because of their strength.
For the people who accuse me of being unpatriotic to Singapore, I wish to tell them to look at the issue more rationally. Do not take any side blindly.
If I am convinced that the Singapore side is acting fairly, you can be sure that I will speak out. It is my duty as a loyal citizen.
In the meantime, I like to urge both govts to act with restrain and find a way to solve the dispute.
Tan Kin Lian
My first task is to understand the nature of the dispute. Our govt has given its side of the dispute. But the Malaysian govt has a different perspective.
The dispute concerns the sending of vessels to certain parts of the waters. Each party claim that the water comes under their "sovereignty".
I look at Google Map and see a line that appears to run midway between the shores of Johore and Singapore prior to the building of Tuas Port. After Tuas Port was built, the waters between this line and the port seems to be quite narrow.
I saw a map from the CNA article that shows the line being pushed towards Johore. How did this new line came about? Was there agreement for this revised line to be pushed outwards from Singapore?
The CNA article shows that the "intruding vessels" were between the original and the new lines.
The CNA article did not explain this new line. If anyone knows the background for this revised line, please share with me.
Malaysia has asked that both countries withdraw this vessels from the disputed waters for talks to start. The Singapore govt ask that Malaysia should withdraw their vessels before talks can begin.
I do not wish to comment on which side is acting fairly in this respect.
I like to approach this matter by understanding the nature of the dispute, rather than act on "patriotism". There were many wars in the past that occurred because the people of both sides acted on "patriotism". It is better to understand the nature of the dispute and to try to resolve it by being fair to both sides.
It is not good for one side to win at the expense of the other side. It is also not good for the stronger side to win because of their strength.
For the people who accuse me of being unpatriotic to Singapore, I wish to tell them to look at the issue more rationally. Do not take any side blindly.
If I am convinced that the Singapore side is acting fairly, you can be sure that I will speak out. It is my duty as a loyal citizen.
In the meantime, I like to urge both govts to act with restrain and find a way to solve the dispute.
Tan Kin Lian
Act on these attractive offers
FEEDBACK
Here are the most recent feedback given to govt agencies and commercial organizations and on govt policies.
Read the feedback and vote (agree, disagree) on each feedback. Play an active part as a citizen. Give your view.
http://tklcloud.com/Feedback/latest.aspx
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Do not fall into the trap and lock up your savings in a life insurance policy that gives you a poor return over many years in the future. If you want to quit, you will lose a lot of money. So, you are stuck.
Here are some tips on how to avoid this costly mistake.
https://tankinlian.com/video.aspx
BOOK OFFERS
3 financial books $15 (discount of 58%)
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6 puzzle books $18 (discount of 59%)
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WISDOM OF THE CROWD
Click on these links to see how ordinary people voted on various issues concerning life in Singapore.
https://wisdomofthecrowd.sg/result.aspx
Click here to give your votes on the current issues:
https://wisdomofthecrowd.sg/active_issue.aspx
You will win a prize for participating.
PERFORMANCE OF AGENCIES AND MINISTERS
Click here to find out how the ordinary people assess the performance of our govt agencies and ministers.
Click on the link to submit your vote and win a prize.
https://wisdomofthecrowd.sg/ChartJS.aspx?Section=Minister
Here are the most recent feedback given to govt agencies and commercial organizations and on govt policies.
Read the feedback and vote (agree, disagree) on each feedback. Play an active part as a citizen. Give your view.
http://tklcloud.com/Feedback/latest.aspx
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Do not fall into the trap and lock up your savings in a life insurance policy that gives you a poor return over many years in the future. If you want to quit, you will lose a lot of money. So, you are stuck.
Here are some tips on how to avoid this costly mistake.
https://tankinlian.com/video.aspx
BOOK OFFERS
3 financial books $15 (discount of 58%)
https://tankinlian.com/cart.aspx?ID=51
6 puzzle books $18 (discount of 59%)
https://tankinlian.com/cart.aspx?ID=50
WISDOM OF THE CROWD
Click on these links to see how ordinary people voted on various issues concerning life in Singapore.
https://wisdomofthecrowd.sg/result.aspx
Click here to give your votes on the current issues:
https://wisdomofthecrowd.sg/active_issue.aspx
You will win a prize for participating.
PERFORMANCE OF AGENCIES AND MINISTERS
Click here to find out how the ordinary people assess the performance of our govt agencies and ministers.
Click on the link to submit your vote and win a prize.
https://wisdomofthecrowd.sg/ChartJS.aspx?Section=Minister
Promote cashless payments
There is a fear among some people that cashless payments, e.g. through e-wallets, allow the govt to track the spending of citizens.
This fear is misplaced.
The e-wallet payments are micro-payments. They are payments of small amounts, e.g. to hawkers and small retailers.
There are more than 30 million transactions a day, assuming 6 transactions for each person.
If the govt wants to track the transactions of any individual person, they can already do it through the banking system. These payments are made through bank transfers and credit cards. These payments are larger and more significant.
There is no need for the govt to go down to track the micro-payments.
Furthermore, the payments are for spending at outlets and do not go down to the individual items that are purchased.
So, this fear is unfounded.
Many people still prefer cash, because they can draw it out of ATM machines without paying any charge. They can also bank in cash without any fee.
The banks have to incur costs to provide these cash withdrawal and deposit services. These cost are not negligible.
If the banks were to introduce a fee for cash withdrawal and cash deposit, the cost may encourage people to move towards cashless payments.
I know that the banks are already making big profit. These new fees will increase their profits.
In return for allowing banks to impose these fees, MAS should insist that the banks provide a higher interest rate for savings and fixed deposits.
This will offset the fees that have to be paid by consumers.
If we do not make this change, we will continue with our inefficient and costly payment system, while other countries move ahead.
Tan Kin Lian
This fear is misplaced.
The e-wallet payments are micro-payments. They are payments of small amounts, e.g. to hawkers and small retailers.
There are more than 30 million transactions a day, assuming 6 transactions for each person.
If the govt wants to track the transactions of any individual person, they can already do it through the banking system. These payments are made through bank transfers and credit cards. These payments are larger and more significant.
There is no need for the govt to go down to track the micro-payments.
Furthermore, the payments are for spending at outlets and do not go down to the individual items that are purchased.
So, this fear is unfounded.
Many people still prefer cash, because they can draw it out of ATM machines without paying any charge. They can also bank in cash without any fee.
The banks have to incur costs to provide these cash withdrawal and deposit services. These cost are not negligible.
If the banks were to introduce a fee for cash withdrawal and cash deposit, the cost may encourage people to move towards cashless payments.
I know that the banks are already making big profit. These new fees will increase their profits.
In return for allowing banks to impose these fees, MAS should insist that the banks provide a higher interest rate for savings and fixed deposits.
This will offset the fees that have to be paid by consumers.
If we do not make this change, we will continue with our inefficient and costly payment system, while other countries move ahead.
Tan Kin Lian
Need for wallet clearing house
My friend told me that he wanted to pay through WeChat pay, but was not able to top up the wallet as he does not have a bank account.
He could have asked his friend to transfer funds into his wallet and he can reimburse cash to his friend, or make a credit card transfer.
Cashless payment is popular in China because there are two big platforms - WeChat Pay and AliPay. The merchant only needs to open two accounts.
In Singapore, the merchant has to open 20 accounts to collect cashless payments from 20 platforms, maybe more.
The solution in Singapore is to introduce a low cash clearing house for cashless payments using wallets.
The approach adopted by the govt of using PayNow for the transfers is not efficient. There is a high cost in transfers through the bank clearing system. Although the banks are subsidising the cost at the present time, it is not a sustainable operation.
We need to introduce a wallet clearing house in Singapore.
Tan Kin Lian
He could have asked his friend to transfer funds into his wallet and he can reimburse cash to his friend, or make a credit card transfer.
Cashless payment is popular in China because there are two big platforms - WeChat Pay and AliPay. The merchant only needs to open two accounts.
In Singapore, the merchant has to open 20 accounts to collect cashless payments from 20 platforms, maybe more.
The solution in Singapore is to introduce a low cash clearing house for cashless payments using wallets.
The approach adopted by the govt of using PayNow for the transfers is not efficient. There is a high cost in transfers through the bank clearing system. Although the banks are subsidising the cost at the present time, it is not a sustainable operation.
We need to introduce a wallet clearing house in Singapore.
Tan Kin Lian
Merchant refused to collect cash
A friend told this story about paying for a purchase in China.
He wanted to pay cash. The merchant insisted on cashless payments.
He could not find someone to make the payment on his behalf.
The merchant told him that he will give the food free, i.e. no need to pay.
OK, we still find all kinds of excuses to pay cash. We can keep far behind other countries. We can continue to be a high cost country, with inefficient and costly way of doing business.
He wanted to pay cash. The merchant insisted on cashless payments.
He could not find someone to make the payment on his behalf.
The merchant told him that he will give the food free, i.e. no need to pay.
OK, we still find all kinds of excuses to pay cash. We can keep far behind other countries. We can continue to be a high cost country, with inefficient and costly way of doing business.
WOTC - Most respected senior ministers
I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:
Which of these senior ministers do you respect most?
Here are the responses: (41 Votes)
80 % - Tharman Shanmugaratnam
7 % - Teo Chee Hean
5 % - Ng Eng Hen
5 % - Lee Hsien Loong
2 % - Khaw Boon Wan
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1034
WOTC - Bonus for civil servants
I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:
Should civil servants be given a bonus based on KPI?
Here are the responses: (58 Votes)
38 % - This will encourage the civil servants to improve their performance.
36 % - The bonus will lead them to forget about their service to the public.
19 % - The bonus leads to jealousy, competition and loss of teamwork among the civil servants in a department
7 % - Civil servants should be behave like business executives.
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1033
Sunday, December 09, 2018
Swiss system of direct democracy
The Swiss practices a system of direct democracy. It allows the people to decide on the laws that govern their lives. The decisions are taken at referendums held every three months.
This article in the World Economic Forum explains how the Swiss system works.
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/07/switzerland-direct-democracy-explained/
This article in the World Economic Forum explains how the Swiss system works.
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/07/switzerland-direct-democracy-explained/
This is democratic and works well.
In many countries, the politicians work for vested interests or are corrupt. They do not want to have truly democratic arrangements to work. They want to preserve their power and privileges.
I hope that more countries will adopt the Swiss system of direct democracy.
Tan Kin Lian
In many countries, the politicians work for vested interests or are corrupt. They do not want to have truly democratic arrangements to work. They want to preserve their power and privileges.
I hope that more countries will adopt the Swiss system of direct democracy.
Tan Kin Lian
WOTC - Most respected ministers (2)
I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:
Which of these ministers do you respect most?
Here are the responses: (35 Votes)
29 % - S Iswaran
23 % - Masagoes Zulkilfli
17 % - Vivian Balakrishnan
17 % - Lawrence Wong
14 % - K Shanmugam
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1032
WOTC - Vote share of PAP at next GE
I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:
What do you expect the vote share of the PAP at the next general election?
Here are the responses: (79 Votes)
37 % - 55 to 60%
32 % - Below 55%
19 % - 60 to 65%
10 % - 65 to 70%
3 % - 70% or higher
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1031
WOTC - Should Tan Cheng Bock set up a new party?
I asked this question in the Wisdom of the Crowd:
Should Dr. Tan Cheng Bock set up a new party?
Here are the responses: (74 Votes)
64 % - It is better for Dr. Tan to lead a coalition of the existing non-PAP parties.
16 % - It is better for Dr. Tan to set up a new party and attract its own members.
11 % - A coalition of the smaller non-PAP parties will not be credible anyway.
9 % - The new party will split the non-PAP votes.
http://www.wisdomofthecrowd.sg/chart.aspx?ID=1030
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