Au revoir Singapour !...

Hi folks... It has taken a long time for me to pen my thoughts and make them accessible to the public. Am I being WATCHED? It does not matter now that I have left S_pore for good.

Well, I would like to share with you my thoughts on leaving S_pore. I have taught for over six years; I have watched how short-sighted management suppress "creativity" and settle for ambitious and man-power draining projects. I questioned the logic of "putting up shows" to impress others. Of course, this does not go well with the style of S_porean management. I have seen overworked teachers putting on a brave smile all for the sake of "bread and butter".

I can vividly remember an episode when I visited Mc Donald's for a quick bite. There I saw an old man (who reminded me of my grandpa) cleaning my table and I had tears in my eyes. I knew how much the fast food chains paid their staff in S_pore and surely the Senior Citizens (pioneers of modern S_pore) deserve a better fate. I also recall images of these Senior Citizens sleeping under the void decks or scavenging bins for survival. It broke my heart. I remember the promises of the S_porean Govt, like many other governments, seeking for re-election.

The P_A_P has been governing S_pore since her separation from Malaysia. It has never been seriously challenged; no one dares (and there have been casualties amongst those who have done it)… the rules of election campaigns change in almost every election… there are too few opposition parties especially since they lack financial backing. In neighbouring countries, different parties have come into power and have left the scene. But not the P_A_P, it has stood the test of time (at least for now), it has the essential elements under its control; the press, military, business. Perhaps George Bush should learn from the P_A_P on how to turn a disastrous strategy into a so-called “win-win” situation. But I am afraid this sort of feat is only possible in S_pore.

I do not think the P_A_P can ever be held accountable for all its decisions; with L_K_Y still in action, and L_H_L holding two portfolios - P_M and the Finance minister (even though there are many “able” people in the party). If you have done your homework, this is not normal in any democractic govt; the opposition and public will question and challenge that. I ask what the future for S_pore is. I have stopped saying the pledge during my years of teaching, I feel some of these words are not "accurate".

I remembered "Animal Farm" for widening my views on many issues. It is ironic that it is the same gov that felt strongly against having casinos and yet they are the ones who have endorsed it. I still believe that the public should vote on the casino issue, especially since S_pore is so compact and any change can affect her citizens instantly. If the vote had taken place, and the majority had voted in favor of the casinos, I would respect the S_porean gov for promoting democracy. But this did not happen and the rest is history. I know what gambling does; it gives false hope and it steals. My family was partly wrecked by it. If this quick-profit making business (I_R) is the future, I fear for S_pore.

In order to be freed from these, a "control-alternate-delete" must be performed...a system reboot. I have decided to leave everything behind...P_A_P, mee-siam mia hum, M_O_E and move on to Ozzie Land.

Ozzie Land is by no means, a perfect system; she has flaws too. It has a relaxed attitude and you have to learn be patient for almost everything. However, her citizens and press can ask questions at least. The skilled blue collar workers earn as much as the white ones. The air is cleaner etc....

All things said, I am still grateful to S_pore. I had some wonderful experiences and memories. I did most of my tertiary education there and even got a scholarship to the UK. I met my wife there and have wonderful family/friends/students there and also came to know and accept JC into my life, in S_pore. I also witnessed the birth of my daughter in S_pore.

"Taste the breeze of freedom and see the vastness of opportunities..."

Thank you S_pore, I would like to wish you all the best in 2007 and pray for wise leaders in your gov.

---an ex-citizen wef 2006, des---