Pinoy ‘FT’: It’s time for Pinoys to mark as a ‘strong race’ in Singapore

With an increasing number of foreigners coming here, the respective communities are beginning to exert their influence in Singapore to serve their own interests.

Filipinos are one of the largest communities in Singapore and it appears that a number of them are thinking of building a ‘second’ Philippines here, judging from some of the comments posted on the popular pinoysg forum.

In a discussion thread on the status of the pinoy community in Singapore, one Pinoy ‘FT’ called on his fellow countrymen to ‘mark as a strong race’ in Singapore whatever he means:

“…..like it or not, Singapore has become a home to most of our Kababayans. I think it is time for the Filipinos to mark as a strong race here in Singapore.”

[Source: Hardwarezone Forum]

Using the example of the newcomers from India, he added that he hope the Filipinos will be the next race to exert their influence in Singapore:

“Malays were the original race here but overthrown by strong Chinese community here then last year., the Indians were the most number of immigrants and look at their influence now in Singapore. Hope next race would be the Filipinos. We can build this nation here in Singapore.”

Meanwhile, Singapore leaders continue to exhort Singaporeans to make an extra effort to ‘integrate’ with the immigrants to make them welcomed, accepted and happy in Singapore even as they are harboring thoughts to ‘assimilate’ us instead.

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VIDEO: Plight of a homeless Singapore single man in his 30s

A Singaporean man in his 30s finally got a HDB flat last year after balloting for four years with his father, but he may now have problems paying for the flat as he does not qualify for the HDB grants due to his income exceeding $5,000 per month.

Watch the video below:

Maid charged for adding menstrual blood into her employer’s coffee cup

An Indonesian maid was charged for adding menstrual blood to her employer’s coffee cup.

The 24 year old maid Jumiah allegedly committed mischief by adding her menstrual blood into the cup of her 38-year-old male employer at a flat in Choa Chu Kang on Aug 31 last year.

It is not known if her employer had drunk the extra ‘content’.

Jumiah did not reveal why she committed the act. She said through an Indonesian interpreter that she was pleading guilty.

Png Eng Huat: NCMP ballot ‘flip-flop’ will not affect my chances in the by-election

Despite his numerous flip-flops in less than a day on the NCMP ballot issue, WP candidate for Hougang Png Eng Huat remains confident that the episode will not affect his chances in the by-election.

Mr Png had earlier claimed that he took his name out of the ballot for the NCMP scheme, but after it was revealed that his name was in the ballot, he changed his story and said it is ‘part of the procedure’ for EVERY candidate in the team to be considered in the ballot.

According to the WP CEC minutes sent to the press – only three names were on the ballot: Eric Tan, Gerald Giam and Png Eng Huat. Two other members of the team Glenda Han and Mohd Fazli were not considered for the position.

The episode not only caused some confusion among Singaporeans, but dented public confidence in the Workers Party and its choice of candidate as well after the Yaw Shin Leong sex scandal which led to the need to call for a by-election on 26 May.

However, Mr Png does not think too much of the episode. Speaking to queries from the media, he declared:

“This episode would not have an impact on voters’ confidence in the party or affect my chances in the by-election.”

When asked to comment further on the issue, he told the press that WP Chief Low Thia Kiang will be addressing it in tonight’s rally.

Meanwhile, WP supporters  have rallied behind Mr Png in cyberspace by attacking those who dare to criticize him even as they continue their vicious smear campaign against his PAP opponent Desmond Choo.

Many political pundits such as Derek Da Cunha and Eugene Tan have dismissed the chances of Mr Choo with the pro-WP Yahoo News predicting an ‘easy victory’ for WP even before a single vote is cast as if Hougang is its ‘property’.

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Related articles:

Png Eng Huat clarifies: Part of procedure for every candidate in the team to be included in ballot for NCMP post/a>

Lianhe Zaobao: Png Eng Huat received one vote for NCMP position

Png Eng Huat: I made a choice not to be considered for post of NCMP

Desmond Choo debunked accusation by WP supporter Seah Ee Onn

Young Hougang voters growing disillusioned with Workers Party?

Desmond Choo: I did not use taxpayers’ monies to fund any social welfare projects

DPM Teo asked Hougang voters if WP is taking them for granted

Low Thia Kiang launched blistering attack on Desmond Choo

Hougang residents plead: Do not link national issues to this ward

Political analysts: Yaw Shin Leong’s apology has made things worse for WP

PM Lee: Hougang by-election an uphill fight for the PAP

Hougang residents yearn for change after 20 years under WP

Desmond Choo: Yaw saga has ended and I wish Shin Leong all the best

Yaw Shin Leong ‘apologizes’ to Hougang residents after three months

Desmond Choo: Don’t mix up providing alternative voices to the real purpose of the Hougang by-election

Desmond Choo: I share a kiss with my wife every morning

Straight fight between PAP and WP in Hougang by-election

WP confused over who to field in Hougang by-election?

Png Eng Huat: Hougang residents are very warm and friendly to me

Desmond Choo: I will be an independent voice as an MP

Png Eng Huat: I will not use my Facebook page till the by-election is over

Desmond Choo: I will serve Hougang residents for as long as it takes

Hougang by-election is about Hougang residents and not national politics

Subhas Anandan to offer free legal aid to Hougang residents

Political observers predict easy victory for Workers Party in Hougang

Angry WP supporter asks PM Lee why his father is still a MP

Low Thia Kiang praised WP’s performance so far

PAP unveils Desmond Choo as candidate for Hougang by-election/

Low Thia Kiang satisfied other parties are not contesting in Hougang

Tan Jee Say calls for opposition unity in Hougang by-election

Sylvia Lim: WP will contest in Tampines GRC in the next General Election

PM Lee: WP still has not given Singaporeans a proper account of what happened

By-election for Hougang to be called on 26 May

Desmond Choo to be replaced at PAP candidate for Hougang?

Desmond Choo launches project to provide free hearing aids to Hougang elderly residents

Desmond Choo visiting temples in Hougang

Hougang residents warming up to Mr Desmond Choo

DPM Teo: Desmond Choo is a very good man

PHOTOS: Desmond Choo helping Hougang residents

AGC: Application for Hougang by-election ‘totally misconceived’

Desmond Choo: More Hougang residents are seeking my assistance

NMP: Hougang by-election likely to be held in last quarter of 2012

Rumor: Ang Mo Kio GRC and Hougang SMC to hold by-elections together?

Low Thia Kiang introduced Png Eng Huat to Hougang residents

Dilemma faced by PM Lee in calling for a by-election in Hougang

Desmond Choo to set up unemployment center in Hougang

Hougang residents: We won’t trust WP easily anymore

Hougang by-election application to be reviewed by supreme court

The right time to call for by-election in Hougang

PM Lee blames Workers Party for causing seat of Houagng to be vacant

PAP may send signal that it does not respect right of voters

Hougang resident files affidavit in High Court

PAP woos Hougang residents with free nursing services

Desmond Choo: I am ready to serve Hougang residents

PHOTO: Pinoy community to celebrate their Independence Day in Singapore

A netizen was amused when he spotted this promotion poster at Suntec City:

[Source: Hardwarezone Forum]

The event is open to Filipino citizens, those with dual citizenships and ‘former’ Filipinos.

Png Eng Huat clarifies: Part of ‘procedure’ for EVERY candidate in the team to be included in ballot for NCMP post

WP candidate for Hougang Mr Png Eng Huat has apologized for causing ‘confusion’ to those who thought he had ‘literally’ omitted his name from the ballot papers.

Mr Png had earlier claimed he did not consider himself for the NCMP post as he was ‘against’ it.

“I actually took my name out of the ballot for the NCMP post. Because I have a personal stand against the NCMP scheme, so that’s why my name wasn’t in the ballot. So I don’t think DPM knows all of these.“

However, in an email sent to Lianhe Zaobao, one WP insider revealed that contrary to what Mr Png had said, his name was on the ballot and he received only one vote for the position.

The anonymous source go on to say that Mr Png had never stated he was against the NCMP scheme:

“Nowhere in this meeting did Png Eng Huat indicate to the CEC to remove his name from the ballot. In fact there was one CEC vote for him.”

Speaking to queries from the media during a walkabout this morning, Mr Png reiterated that he had told WP Chief Low Thia Kiang that he did not want to be considered for the NCMP seat, but it was ‘part of the procedure’ for every candidate in the team to be included for consideration in the ‘secret ballot’ by the CEC.

However, in the CEC minutes provided by the informant, the names of other two East Coast candidate Glenda Han and Mohd Fazli were NOT in the ballot:

[Source: Lianhe Zaobao]

The WP East Coast GRC team comprised of Eric Tan, Gerald Giam, Png Eng Huat, Glenda Han and Mohd Fazli. Eric Tan resigned from WP after he was sidelined by Gerald Giam for the NCMP position while Mohd Fazli left a few days after Yaw Shin Leong was expelled from the party.

Mr Png declined to comment further and said Mr Low will be addressing the issue during a WP rally in Hougang tonight.

Though Mr Png is the candidate for Hougang, he appeared to be overshadowed by Mr Low who has been doing most of the walking and talking for him.

The seat of Hougang was left vacant after its ex-WP MP Yaw Shin Leong was sacked from the party for his failure to address swirling rumors around his alleged extramarital affairs with multiple married women, including two key WP female leaders.

Regardless of the truth, the result of the vote does reveal that Mr Png wasn’t that highly regarded within WP after all.

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Related articles:

Lianhe Zaobao: Png Eng Huat received one vote for NCMP position

Png Eng Huat: I made a choice not to be considered for post of NCMP

Desmond Choo debunked accusation by WP supporter Seah Ee Onn

Young Hougang voters growing disillusioned with Workers Party?

Desmond Choo: I did not use taxpayers’ monies to fund any social welfare projects

DPM Teo asked Hougang voters if WP is taking them for granted

Low Thia Kiang launched blistering attack on Desmond Choo

Hougang residents plead: Do not link national issues to this ward

Political analysts: Yaw Shin Leong’s apology has made things worse for WP

PM Lee: Hougang by-election an uphill fight for the PAP

Hougang residents yearn for change after 20 years under WP

Desmond Choo: Yaw saga has ended and I wish Shin Leong all the best

Yaw Shin Leong ‘apologizes’ to Hougang residents after three months

Desmond Choo: Don’t mix up providing alternative voices to the real purpose of the Hougang by-election

Desmond Choo: I share a kiss with my wife every morning

Straight fight between PAP and WP in Hougang by-election

WP confused over who to field in Hougang by-election?

Png Eng Huat: Hougang residents are very warm and friendly to me

Desmond Choo: I will be an independent voice as an MP

Png Eng Huat: I will not use my Facebook page till the by-election is over

Desmond Choo: I will serve Hougang residents for as long as it takes

Hougang by-election is about Hougang residents and not national politics

Subhas Anandan to offer free legal aid to Hougang residents

Political observers predict easy victory for Workers Party in Hougang

Angry WP supporter asks PM Lee why his father is still a MP

Low Thia Kiang praised WP’s performance so far

PAP unveils Desmond Choo as candidate for Hougang by-election/

Low Thia Kiang satisfied other parties are not contesting in Hougang

Tan Jee Say calls for opposition unity in Hougang by-election

Sylvia Lim: WP will contest in Tampines GRC in the next General Election

PM Lee: WP still has not given Singaporeans a proper account of what happened

By-election for Hougang to be called on 26 May

Desmond Choo to be replaced at PAP candidate for Hougang?

Desmond Choo launches project to provide free hearing aids to Hougang elderly residents

Desmond Choo visiting temples in Hougang

Hougang residents warming up to Mr Desmond Choo

DPM Teo: Desmond Choo is a very good man

PHOTOS: Desmond Choo helping Hougang residents

AGC: Application for Hougang by-election ‘totally misconceived’

Desmond Choo: More Hougang residents are seeking my assistance

NMP: Hougang by-election likely to be held in last quarter of 2012

Rumor: Ang Mo Kio GRC and Hougang SMC to hold by-elections together?

Low Thia Kiang introduced Png Eng Huat to Hougang residents

Dilemma faced by PM Lee in calling for a by-election in Hougang

Desmond Choo to set up unemployment center in Hougang

Hougang residents: We won’t trust WP easily anymore

Hougang by-election application to be reviewed by supreme court

The right time to call for by-election in Hougang

PM Lee blames Workers Party for causing seat of Houagng to be vacant

PAP may send signal that it does not respect right of voters

Hougang resident files affidavit in High Court

PAP woos Hougang residents with free nursing services

Desmond Choo: I am ready to serve Hougang residents

Chan Chun Sing: We could boost our fertility rate if we accept women having children out of wedlock

Singapore can boost its low fertility rate if Singaporeans can accept women having children out of the wedlock, said ‘Acting’ Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Chan Chun Sing.

Speaking during a forum held by the Institute of Policy Studies on the issue of integration, Mr Chan said Singapore will have to make some difficult ‘social choices’ if it wants to solve problems such as a low fertility rate and low wages.

“Singapore could turn its dismal total fertility rate (TFR) of 1.2 around, as Nordic countries managed to do – if it accepts women having children out of wedlock, but are we prepared to do that? These are social choices that we have to make for ourselves,” Mr Chan said.

His comments caused a stir in cyberspace with some netizens disagreeing with him.

Some comments on Hardwarezone forum:

“what kinda moral values is he trying to teach our young kids” – KevlinOo

“these deaf frogs before talk bird really ish pls go set good sexample with action by changing your HDB, education and social policies first to stop discriminating single parent then come talk to us about accepting people that had kids out of wedlock.” – soulhacker

“more single mothers ? i am not saying Single Mother is not good, but its a little bit better for a child to grow up in a complete family. And if more girls are welcomed to this choose a lifestyle like this, who going to take care of the men when we grow old. Instead of finding the real problem ..they are again taking the easy way out…. these way got side effect.. its may solve the problem now, but it will create more problem in the future….” – evildoer

What do the ladies here think? Do you accept having children out of wedlock?

Lianhe Zaobao: Png Eng Huat received only one vote for NCMP position during WP CEC meeting

Workers Party candidate for Hougang Png Eng Huat appeared to be caught with his pants down after it was revealed that his name was indeed in the ballot to select the best losing candidate in East Coast GRC to fill the position of NCMP in parliament.

During an election speech last Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean asked if Hougang voters have been taken granted by WP by fielding Png Eng Huat, a candidate who was not even considered for the NCMP position.

This prompted a response by Mr Png who claimed he did not consider himself for the NCMP post as he was ‘against’ it.

“I actually took my name out of the ballot for the NCMP post. Because I have a personal stand against the NCMP scheme, so that’s why my name wasn’t in the ballot. So I don’t think DPM knows all of these.“

However, in an email sent to Lianhe Zaobao, one WP insider revealed that contrary to what Mr Png had said, his name was on the ballot and he received only one vote for the position.

Attached below are minutes of the WP CEC meeting obtained from Lianhe Zaobao:

[Source: Lianhe Zaobao]

The minutes showed clearly that Gerald Giam obtained 7 votes, two ahead of Eric Tan and Png received only ONE pathetic vote.

The informant wrote in Chinese that he made the difficult choice to expose the Workers Party because he chose loyalty to Singapore over party allegiance:

“我以一颗下沉的心给你写这信。在我的党和新加坡之间，我必须做非常艰难的选择，但是我选择忠于我的国家，而不是已经变得刚愎自用的党。在过去的一年里，我的良心不安，看着党这些月以来所经历的，我不能选择再保持沉默。”

When contacted by the Zaobao, the Workers Party declined to comment on the issue though party Chairman Sylvia Lim said she will address it at the WP rally tonight.

In the General Election last year, WP sent Low Thia Kiang’s protege Yaw Shin Leong to contest in the ward. Yaw was the treasurer and ‘number three’ man in WP while Png only joined WP in 2008 and hold no key position in the party. In fact, Png was serving in Aljunied GRC before being ‘parachuted’ suddenly into Hougang Constituency Committee in the aftermath of Yaw’s sacking this year.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Related articles:

Png Eng Huat: I made a choice not to be considered for post of NCMP

Desmond Choo debunked accusation by WP supporter Seah Ee Onn

Young Hougang voters growing disillusioned with Workers Party?

Desmond Choo: I did not use taxpayers’ monies to fund any social welfare projects

DPM Teo asked Hougang voters if WP is taking them for granted

Low Thia Kiang launched blistering attack on Desmond Choo

Hougang residents plead: Do not link national issues to this ward

Political analysts: Yaw Shin Leong’s apology has made things worse for WP

PM Lee: Hougang by-election an uphill fight for the PAP

Hougang residents yearn for change after 20 years under WP

Desmond Choo: Yaw saga has ended and I wish Shin Leong all the best

Yaw Shin Leong ‘apologizes’ to Hougang residents after three months

Desmond Choo: Don’t mix up providing alternative voices to the real purpose of the Hougang by-election

Desmond Choo: I share a kiss with my wife every morning

Straight fight between PAP and WP in Hougang by-election

WP confused over who to field in Hougang by-election?

Png Eng Huat: Hougang residents are very warm and friendly to me

Desmond Choo: I will be an independent voice as an MP

Png Eng Huat: I will not use my Facebook page till the by-election is over

Desmond Choo: I will serve Hougang residents for as long as it takes

Hougang by-election is about Hougang residents and not national politics

Subhas Anandan to offer free legal aid to Hougang residents

Political observers predict easy victory for Workers Party in Hougang

Angry WP supporter asks PM Lee why his father is still a MP

Low Thia Kiang praised WP’s performance so far

PAP unveils Desmond Choo as candidate for Hougang by-election/

Low Thia Kiang satisfied other parties are not contesting in Hougang

Tan Jee Say calls for opposition unity in Hougang by-election

Sylvia Lim: WP will contest in Tampines GRC in the next General Election

PM Lee: WP still has not given Singaporeans a proper account of what happened

By-election for Hougang to be called on 26 May

Desmond Choo to be replaced at PAP candidate for Hougang?

Desmond Choo launches project to provide free hearing aids to Hougang elderly residents

Desmond Choo visiting temples in Hougang

Hougang residents warming up to Mr Desmond Choo

DPM Teo: Desmond Choo is a very good man

PHOTOS: Desmond Choo helping Hougang residents

AGC: Application for Hougang by-election ‘totally misconceived’

Desmond Choo: More Hougang residents are seeking my assistance

NMP: Hougang by-election likely to be held in last quarter of 2012

Rumor: Ang Mo Kio GRC and Hougang SMC to hold by-elections together?

Low Thia Kiang introduced Png Eng Huat to Hougang residents

Dilemma faced by PM Lee in calling for a by-election in Hougang

Desmond Choo to set up unemployment center in Hougang

Hougang residents: We won’t trust WP easily anymore

Hougang by-election application to be reviewed by supreme court

The right time to call for by-election in Hougang

PM Lee blames Workers Party for causing seat of Houagng to be vacant

PAP may send signal that it does not respect right of voters

Hougang resident files affidavit in High Court

PAP woos Hougang residents with free nursing services

Desmond Choo: I am ready to serve Hougang residents

SMRT bus drivers: Pay may fall due to longer work week

SMRT may have raised the basic salary of their bus drivers, but their take-home pay may actually fall as a result due to a longer work week.

Speaking to queries from the media, MRT bus drivers have expressed concern that their take-home pay may fall because their working week has been lengthened from five days to six.

MRT bus drivers are usually paid a basic salary of about $1,300 monthly for a five-day work week. They are paid 50 percent extra if they chose to work a sixth day.

Under the new scheme, they will simply receive the normal daily pay though it has been increased to $1,600 monthly.

Let’s do a simple calculation:

In the past, SMRT drivers earn $65/day and $97.50 for the sixth day which will net them $1690 monthly. Now they will just earn $1,600 which is $90 less than what they used to earn.

It is indeed ‘smart’ of SMRT to launch a PR campaign to repair its battered image in the eyes of the public by ‘raising’ the pay of its drivers which actually amounted to a decrease in real wages instead to help the company cut costs and maximize profits for the shareholders.

Chan Chun Sing: I hope more Singaporeans stay rooted here with a Singaporean identity

The challenge of integration does not just involve immigration, but it is also providing meaningful opportunities for the young, so that they’ll stay rooted with a Singaporean identity, said Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Chan Chun Sing.

Speaking at the final session of the Institute of Policy Studies conference on integration, Mr Chan revealed that immigration is an issue which the government intends to ‘debate’ on extensively this year.

He expressed his concern at how Singaporeans will look at Singapore in the future:

“We hope not to be the one whereby our young people all go elsewhere and come back for retirement because that will have implications on what we said to provide opportunities for our young. I hope there is a large enough corps of Singaporeans that will stay rooted here.”

Mr Chan added that he does not want to see Singapore becomes like a ‘hotel’ where people just come in and go without staying rooted.

“Because if everybody just come and go and this is nothing but Hotel Singapore, then I think we have another set of challenges which we have to manage and I am not sure that it will put us in good stead going forward or is that the best way for us to go forward.”

Due to the government’s pro-foreigner and ultra-liberal immigration policies, large number of non-speaking foreigners have relocated to Singapore in the last few years which has led to a great dilution of the nascent Singaporean identity.

Despite the public sentiments on the ground, Singapore leaders have been exhorting Singaporeans to make an extra effort to ‘integrate’ with the newcomers to make them feel welcomed, accepted and happy in Singapore.