Ong Beng Soon Elvin @ NSP

Application of Minimum Wages

2010-11-20T10:07:00.000-08:00

Recently, NTUC Chief Lim Swee Say was reported to have said that minimum wages would have no effect in helping the lower income families. Perhaps, he had mistaken their values and importance of safeguarding the basic rights of low-wages workers and do not understand the purpose of minimum wages. In a modern and progressive society, it would be unethical to sacrifice the workers’ rights and benefits, especially when one is within the “first world” environment.

While Singapore’s GDP may have appreciated by about 15%this year, the general wages of most workers have remained stagnant and symptom of declining especially the lower and unskilled workers. Last year in 2009, average wages have decreased by 3.5%. Since we have free competition in the local labour market, it is important that we recognise and safeguard the rights of our entire workforce.

A recent study on Minimum Wages in the US (the Annuals of Economics and Finance) had shown that it disadvantages were actual exaggerated. The most common objection to any increment in the minimum wages was that mainly from small business owners. They felt that the increment in labour costs would ultimately lead to reduced employment and eventually leads to the failure of business. However, a growing number of new studies showed that the flexibilities of employees and employers were being overlooked, whenever the minimum wages changes. Studies also noted that those States that increased their minimum wages, have shown stronger job growth instead, when compared to those whose the minimum wages remained static. Moreover, the risk of business failure did not increase whenever there is an increment to the minimum wages.

Many countries have already implement the Minimum Wages Policy in their labour market, though in practice they do vary considerably. The pertinent points include:

• The Minimum Wages Policy prevents the wages of lower income workers from further downward revision, due to the huge availability of foreign workers, or from the increased business overheads,

• It helps to improve workers’ confidence in the seeking of viable jobs, and encourages the unemployed to seek alternate employment such as contract work, instead of waiting for more permanent and higher paid positions,

• It establishes a fairer employment environment for all workers,

• It motivates the low-wages labourer to perform better to achieve a higher productivity which would contribute towards better economic growth,

• It helps to reduce the income gap between the rich and the poor, by increasing spending power.

• It reduces the number of families requiring social assistance from the Government, and therefore reduces the volume of social problem.

It is undeniable that Singapore would continue to reply on foreign labour to feed its industries, for the sake of economic growth. Thus, some form of Minimum Wages guideline should be put in place to protect the interest of the unskilled and lower-income workforce.

Since the levels of Minimum Wages would depends much o the performance of the National economy, such statistic can be used to help Government to gauge the impact of the labour demand. The success of such a scheme would also depend on the level of collaboration between the Authorities, the Employers and the Business community. At the same time, skills enhancement training should be extended and easily made available to all workers, with generous subsidies.

Singapore needs to develop a better infrastructure and a more conducive environment for the growth of its workforce. A skilled workforce is more productive than unskilled one. The current influx of cheap foreign workers reflects poorly on our productivity and on the success of the Government’s program to enhance productivity. It is therefore essential that we do not step backwards to accept the low productivity performance of those foreign labourers, if we are to sustain ourselves as a “first world” nation.

By Elvin Ong

Minimum Wage Controversy

2010-10-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

(adapted from an article by Richard Thomas, eHow Contributor)

The issue of “minimum wage” is familiarly referred to those unskilled services many youngsters take on in their teens to earn pocket money. However, few are aware that the minimum wage is actually an imported concept found in most countries, and that its effects are the subject of a long-standing debate among economists and labour experts.

Identification
The minimum wage is the lowest rate at which a worker can be paid. There are minimum wage laws pegged to hourly, daily and even monthly rates. Also, a minimum wage law usually makes it illegal for a person to sell his labour for less than the minimum rate.

Function
The general purpose of a minimum wage law is to guarantee a living wage to all workers who work a standard period of time, whatever that may be. In theory, any labourer who works 40 hours a week on minimum wage should be at or above the poverty line. However, the minimum wage has not kept pace with inflation and cost of living increases, and is now well behind that standard.

History
Minimum wage laws were first passed in Australia and New Zealand in the 1890s. They are now present in most countries, although how well they are enforced and the degree to which they guarantee a reasonable living is highly variable.

Effects
In USA, the minimum wage is set to rise to US $7.25 per hour by 2010. However, numerous states and even cities have laws that specify higher wages than are established according to the Federal minimum wage. This is sometimes done by stating that the local minimum wage is the Federal minimum wage plus an additional amount. For example, the District of Columbia has a wage rate that is always $1 higher than the Federal minimum. Other states pass laws that supersede the Federal minimum (almost always replacing it with a higher rate) or by adjusting the existing, state-mandated rate for inflation.

Considerations
Determining the real social and economic value of the minimum wage is tricky. Migrant labour, for example, is often done by illegal aliens who are rarely paid the minimum wage. At the same time, most citizens would want to do that work, given the same rate. Studies reveal that almost 75% economists think that the minimum wage increases unemployment, and only 10% believe that the minimum wage has a beneficial effect in combating poverty. However, there are clearly unskilled service industry jobs that are filled by minimum wage workers, workers who would obviously receive less were it not for the minimum wage.

Elvin Ong

Rights And Dignity of Singaporean Labours

2010-07-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

In many years, Singaporean labours have gradually lost their rights and dignity over the years. During the economic downturn, this problem has once again surfaced and many have raised this question to the government of the unions. But nevertheless, labours in Singapore is to be slash when operational cost in Singapore continuously to go up as lack of recognise voice from union is found. As lack of workers protection and long term operation cost reduction schemes, employers are been force to choose an option and alternative ways to survive. That is why lower salary foreign labours comes into the picture of all industries including the highly skills.

Due to that circumstance many Singaporean have fall into this situation of carrying the burden of heavy debt causes by inflation even when holding the position of high paid but unstable jobs. It is foresee that our next generation will be facing even tougher challenges and uncertainty. Till now, the present government still does not have any solution or taking a step to put Singaporean labour as priority in making of policy. This is why the important of have an alternative power in parliament has to come in to secure for what we have any take control of the downfall of Singaporean labours. To achieve that, the public be involve in the political influence by joining the opposition. As a member of the Opposition Party, I sincerely hope that the opposition camps have to strengthen and toughen by take challenges and responsibilities.

Deepest Sympathy For Death of Ms Lo Hoei Yen

2008-11-29T01:22:00.000-08:00

It is tremendously sad to hear that Ms Lo Hoei Yen a Singaporean who has taken as hostage by Terrorists in Mumbai has been killed. I as a Singaporean would give my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

I am strongly against this ruthless act from these Extremes. It is total unacceptable for killing innocent civilian and innocent victims. I do also strongly believes all Singaporeans do stand together against such act too.

We have heard many news from foreign lands, people been kill by terrorists. It is very sad to hear the first Singaporeans to be kill in such incidents. We have known and many have questions the government stand proclaiming to the world toward US may soon cause such happen. It is a sound alarm for all Singaporeans again the war against Singaporeans from terrorists. The safety for Singaporeans and reason of Singaporeans to be attack by terrorists have ring again with a innocent death.

I hope to take this opportunity to call all Singaporeans to be alert against terrorism, regardless who you are and where are you. We must be prepared and be alert at all times to prevent and even reaction if this incident happen.

I do also hope that the government will review the foreign relation issue again and be more careful toward such policies, to be more concern with the comfort toward people of the foreign lands. We do hope such foreign relation will be build on priority on safety of our follow citizens.

Lastly, may God grant her family comfort and strength they need and may God peace surround them.

Mr Elvin Ong
2nd Organising Secretary
National Solidarity Party

What is going on with PAP & Government

2008-09-03T05:54:00.000-07:00

PAP IS indeed ‘more equal’ than others!
Oh… Just how short does PAP think that our memory is? Or just how dumb do they take us for??

Last year, there was rejection of a police permit to hold the Workers’ Party 50th Anniversary Cycling Event on 9 September 2007 at the East Coast Park. In parliament, Ms Sylvia Lim, on behalf of WP asked the govt to provide reasons for the rejection. Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee said “…the reason why political parties are not allowed to organise outdoor activities has been explained in Parliament before. Police does not allow political parties to organise outdoor gatherings because such activities have the potential for public disorder and mischief, and may disrupt community life. Police’s requirement is that such party activities be held indoors or within stadiums, so that any law and order problems would be contained. This policy applies to all political parties. The Workers’ Party had applied to the Police to organise a mass cycling event to celebrate the party’s 50th anniversary at the East Coast Park. The East Coast Park is a recreational park for Singaporeans and their families. It is not meant to be used by a political party to promote its cause. Apart from displacing the usual recreational users of East Coast Park, it is an open area where there is greater potential for a breach of the peace, public disorder and unruly behaviour. As I have explained, Police takes a more cautious approach towards outdoor activities organized by political parties. In line with this approach, Police rejected Workers’ Party’s application. (see http://www.mha.gov.sg/news_details.aspx?nid=1102).

So ok, WP’s cycling event was deemed too hazardous too be held outdoors. Whatever….
But look at the bloody ST newspaper frontpage this morning! LHL was photographed cycling, with a caption that reads: “Much to the delight of spectators, PM Lee and MPs like Seng Han Thong made their entrance on bicycles at the PAP CARNIVAL AT WEST COAST PARK yesterday….”.

Post on http://blueheeler.wordpress.com/2008/09/01/knnbccb-pap-is-indeed-more-equal-than-others/

By Elvin:
I am surprise that the PAP are allow to organise outdoor activities but MHA reject WP outdoor activities.
Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee said “…the reason why political parties are not allowed to organise outdoor activities has been explained in Parliament before. Police does not allow political parties to organise outdoor gatherings because such activities have the potential for public disorder and mischief, and may disrupt community life."
Is PAP a political party? Will their outdoor activities allow such potential to happen too?

http://www.mha.gov.sg/news_details.aspx?nid=1102

The PAP own all another explaination again.

National Day 2008 Messages

2008-08-09T23:17:00.001-07:00

Red Star Community Service (RSCS) National Day Message 2008

Dear Members, Volunteers and Residents,

I hope to wish all a Happy National Day. Let together celebrate our Nation 43rd Birthday. Red Star Community Service (RSCS) have when through times of ups and downs during this season of uncertainty in the community and even during this hard time of welfare organization. Looking back when our organization is form, which fell in the time of NKF saga. RSCS have when through difficult times of survivor. But all of our members have stand united to gain confidence and to fulfill visions and goals, and manage to gain supports from many grassroots to join us as volunteers.

Because of our consistency of perseverance, our projects and outreach have benefit and help many unfortunate. Our volunteers have seen the true side of our community, and hope to contribute more to help. These have motivated us to move on with our limited abilities and resources.

Another challenge that we are facing is global inflation. The increase in operation cost is one big issue to overcome. To due with that, we have work together with other non government organization in our helping hand campaign. We have successful enlarge our network and many more needy families are reached with the combine effort.

As we strongly believe that we are part of our nation. It is all our responsibilities to united as one, to reach out to those who are left behind from our society. Today I will like to thank all who have contribute their most effort in our projects for build a strong community spirit in our neighbourhood.

Once again I wish all members, volunteers and residents a Happy National Day.

Elvin Ong Beng Soon
Hon. Secretary
Red Star Community Service

NSP National Day Message 2008
Dear fellow Singaporeans,

Happy National Day

. . . but are there good reasons to celebrate?

Inflation is at an all time high. Consumer prices are soaring, fuel oil is at record prices, and the value of our money is also getting smaller. So, is there any good cause to celebrate?

More ERP gantries are being installed, for longer hours, and some at higher prices too. Night ERP is here to stay. Even though our night-time drive home does not affect economic productivity, they are still up. These will directly affect our time spent with our families. The Government wants us to take more public transport like buses and MRT. Yet, the Public Transport Council has given its green light for both the SMRT and Comfort-Delgro to ask for another guaranteed 3% fare hike -- to enable them to maintain their profit margin, in the light of soaring business costs.

When the workers asked for a corresponding pay rise to cope with the higher cost of living, Finance Minister Tharman responded that it will cause another round of inflation. It is indeed a surprise that our workers have such powers to cause Inflation, but not our Ministers. Do you know that our PAP Ministers would soon be enjoying another round of confirmed wage hike of up to 21. 64% at the end of 2008. This hike was approved in Parliament last year.

Our President, MM, SM and PM will each earn around $3.76 million per annum, after this wage hike. Now, if those scary wages are not inflationary, how can our workers’request for a pay-rise be inflationary?

When increasing the GST to 7% last year, the Government, estimated that it would suffer a $700,000 deficit with the GST-offset package. But by the end of 2007, it reported a budget surplus of $6.45 billion instead. The Government had once again extracted too much more money from the people, than was required to run this country.

Except for some PAP elites, life is getting tougher for everyone in Singapore. Middle-income Singaporeans have been hit hard, and are badly squeezed by the Government’s policies. Are you one of them? If so, what are you going to do about it? We cannot remain indifferent and pretend that nothing can be done.

On this occasion of our 43rd National Day, may we wish you a happy holiday. We would also urge you to think and reflect on how we (together) can work to lobby the PAP Government to squeeze less and do more for the people of Singapore.

Please email us at < nsp-cec@yahoogroups.com> to express your views, concerns, ideas and suggestions on how we can compete with the PAP more effectively. When there is greater political competition, there will be a greater desire to serve you – the people of Singapore -- better.

Once again, Happy National Day.

Sebastain Teo Kway Huang
President
National Solidarity Party

Sealing up of Air Ventilation holes of rental 1 room flat

2008-07-24T01:20:00.001-07:00

I and my team of members have recent done a house to house visit at one of the block of 1 room flats located at Toa Payoh. As there are recent complaints from many of such resident that the Housing Development Board (HDB) have seal off all air ventilation holes of their rented apartment, causes a lot of inconvenience to them. Many are concern about why such decisions are made without their knowledge and comments from them. Worries from many residents of this block regarding of safety of those residents living alone are bring up to me.

Many comments such as the warmness and brightness inside their apartment and are affected especially the lower level apartments, causes an increase of their utilities bills as usage of electricity are increased. These have affected badly especially for the very low income residents.

We have also encountered few residents living in their apartment without water and electricity for about 12 years. We have take note of such case and will assist them.

With our knowledge, the MP of that estate has visited 2 week before our visit only just to explaining the HDB decision. What have authorizes done to assist them with their basic needs?

Therefore during our visit, we do collect feedback from the affect residents house to house. We also invited them to sign on petition regarding on disagree of such decision made from HDB without their concern and proper solution. We are glad that approximate of 61% of our interviewed residents have sign on the petition, and addition around 6% of resident are against the HDB decision but worries to sign on the petition. These results have caused an alarm to this issue this issue

We have decided to bring this issue up to HDB and Town Council for follow up action regard of what we discovered and collected.

Need for People-Orientated Policies

2008-07-22T04:59:00.000-07:00

Singapore has been through numerous periods of ups and downs. Unfortunately this year, it is in the midst of economic uncertainty, despite official predictions of positive GDP growth. Globally, inflation in both food and fuel has affected the life of people everywhere. Singaporeans are no exception. They suffer the tension of seeing the diminishing value of their incomes and savings. Opportunities for local entrepreneurs are also lost daily, as the inflation rate seems to climb faster than their incomes.

Singaporeans also have to face the high competition for jobs, the increase in daily expenditure on public transport and basic necessities – with the installation of more ERP gantries and the increment of their rates at the same time; as well as the increased GST charges. Singapore has been successful in global markets, and in attracting foreign investments which have contributed to our economic growth. Most local properties have appreciated in value. It is also easier to make purchases on credit -- credit cards are comparatively easy to apply and use. But not everyone is benefiting. A recent MOM report estimated that only about 40% of all newly created jobs went the local workforce, many of whom got lower paid jobs.

REPLACING LOCAL WORKERSThe mass media reported that though the local market had a somewhat positive growth, most SMEs face a tremendous stress over the jump in operational costs coupled with declining business volume, as a result of fuel price hikes, increased space rentals, increased ERP rates, and even competition from our own GLCs. Most companies (even large foreign ones) have little option, but to trim their operational costs by passing the increased costs to the consumer, by retrenchment, by reducing workers’ pay, by adopting a flexible pay scheme, and by replacing local workers with lower paid foreign ones, as part of their survival strategy. Some even chose to close shop to avoid greater losses.

The National Solidarity Party (NSP) has with its limited resources, extended help to several low income groups with some assistance and contributions from certain NGOs. The NSP has also proposed to the Government, through the mass media, to consider the reduction or even total exemption of the GST charges on certain basic food items. It would also be a great help to local SMEs with the deduction or removal of tax on diesel, and the provision of subsidies on ERP charges. Employers should be encouraged to give preference to the local workforce. These policies would initiate keener competition, and better motivation for organizational growth. They would then contribute to the nation’s economic expansion. Such policies will attract more foreign investments, and at the same time moderate the jobs competition with our highly skilled workforce.

MANY POOR LEFT OUT
The PAP Government has promised to work for the continuous growth of our GDP, but has to be reminded of the consistent plight of the lower-income groups, many of whom have contributed to national development in their own ways. Still, many poor citizens have somehow been left out from the Government’s “public assistance” schemes. The people are more concerned with having steady jobs with steady pays, instead of those PA schemes, which are rigidly constructed and subjectively applied, albeit to discourage abuse but consequently rendered with little or no compassion.

Singaporeans face a consistently level of stress each day, with more and more concerns piling up. These have correspondingly made life in general less and less tolerable. If Singapore is to have a more equitable level of growth for both the nation and its people, the Government must inevitably implement more “people-orientated” policies to generate a widespread positive effect for all concerned.

By Elvin Ong

More Equitable Assistance Necessary

2008-06-25T08:32:00.001-07:00

Global inflation has affected the market worldwide, as well as the political stability of many nations. Consequently, many responsible governments have initiated a variety of programs to tackle inflationary problems, some of which involved cutting down on national expenditure. Others have introduced policies and other administrative measures to help reduce the otherwise runaway rate of inflation.

The rapid hike in the cost-of-living has created considerable tension amongst the people everywhere. Recently, the Hong Kong Government abolished import duty on diesel. The move was much welcomed, especially by public transport operators and the public at large. Public transportation is an essential need; it constitutes a main determinant in any cost-of-living evaluation.

At home, the PAP Government alleges that it has assisted the lower income families to tide over rising consumer prices all across the board. Many local Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) have also contributed much efforts in helping the less fortunate community. But all those assistance may not be universally equitable, in the sense that the spread may not be thorough enough -– not everyone benefit.

In view of our comparatively stronger economy, the Government should do more to alleviate the peoples’ sufferings brought about by the inflation. Whilst it may be concerned with the probable economic slowdown and its potential impact on our employment rate, the Government is not well focussed on the dangers of a prolonged inflation. It is apparently too fist-tight with its fiscal assistance.

Without liberalising its monetary policy, the Government still retains a great deal of fiscal leverage. More effective administrative measures are required to ease the problem of domestic inflation. The PAP government owes the people a responsibility of care to help all Singaporeans during these difficult times.

By Elvin Ong

2008-06-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

Amendment of regulation Ministry of Manpower for employing foreigner in Singapore

I am glad that finally MOM have realise the critical situation of the current employment rate of Singaporean. I personally encourage such amendment of this regulation to prevent the miss use of the relax regulation.

During the past few years, PAP government have come out with more relax and flexible policies to allow more companies to employ more foreign workers to prevent the so call lack of manpower in Singapore to fill up job vacancies. Because of more competitive lower pay that these workers are willing to take and longer hours they are willing to work, this have attract many companies to find ways to get them by finding "loop holes" in policies and to replace the local workers with them. Many lower level employees are affected as they are the major group to be replaced.

Result show in statistic of MOM is that this cause many Singaporean to lose their job and have many problems to encourage companies to keep them, especially the recent increase of retrench rate announce.

During May Day on 2008, many opposition party politicians bring up this topics regarding about too many new job vacancies taken up by foreigners. These have given Singaporean and PAP government another round of "Alarm Call".

Although PAP have run and hide from this problem causes by these policies, I personally is encouraged with the progress and result that many voices of our people are heard after a series of pressure to PAP government. Let us together again be watchful for the outcome and continue to voice out our view of this current amendment of MOM policies for employing foreigner.

2008-04-21T23:46:00.000-07:00

The missing point on Mas Selamat's escape committee investigation result.
I personally quite satisfied with the investigation result and suggestion given by the committee regarding about the escape of Mas Selamat from Whitley Detention Centre. But I do still disappointed of the point of why is the media been miss out during that situation, is not been mention or suggested to prevent this to happen again.

I personally thing that this information would be critical to the public as such dangerous person might be hidding in the mids of the our community.

Could critical information be released earlier?
One of the biggest contentions surrounding this event is the four-hour time lag between Mas Selamat’s escape and the notification of the media. Before we point fingers, we must first think through what could have happened.

The first step in this train of consequences is the discovery of Mas Selamat’s disappearance. At this point in time, the guards, and their commander, would only know that he has eluded the guards. The first step would be to sound the alarm, and lock down the facility. At the same time, neighbouring police posts, and the regional police headquarters, would be alerted. As the guards search the detention centre, the police would begin to set up a cordon around the area. This would require dozens of police officers, all of whom need to be diverted and directed to their positions by their superiors.

But before that can happen, they need to swiftly decide how and where to position their men, which takes time.

After the perimeter has been established, the police would have to wait for the guards to complete their search. Meanwhile, the police commanders need to inform their counterparts at the airport, Causeway, and other points of egress from the country, in case Selamat is on his way there. The national police headquarters would also be alerted as well. The Ministry of Home Affairs would be called up, and then a Cabinet meeting called. More policemen would probably be called up at this point, to reinforce the hasty cordon and to expand the perimeter. When Selamat is declared to have escaped, the dragnet must expand. But this means the police needs reinforcements.

A national call-up of police officers would ensue. The police commanders would have to call upon the Special Operations Command. The SOC would then mobilise the Police Tactical Unit and the Police National Service Key Installation Protection Unit. At the same time, the Gurkha Contingent was activated to aid in the search. Later, Guards and Army Developmental Force soldiers were called up to aid the search.

The train of information has now split into several branches, each carrying a massive amount of raw data and communications as everybody tries to coordinate with each other. A minimum of six organisations would have to work together, leading to a lot of friction owing to different operating procedures and mindsets.

Somewhere amidst this maelstrom of information, the police would judge that Mas Selamat has breached the cordon. News of this would have to travel up the line, possibly all the way to the Cabinet. Someone higher up would then decide to alert the media, and gather the essential information the media crews need. Once the media stations get that information, they would need to set up before going live. The media would not have been informed any earlier, in case Mas Selamat was found within the detention centre, in the area cordoned by the police, or some distance near the cordon — in which case, there would be no national bulletin to broadcast.

Could this system have been streamlined? Maybe. Until and unless an insider tells us what happened that day, we wouldn’t know who said what to whom, and how much information was being traded. I do believe, however, that the four-hour delay could have been cut short, to perhaps an hour or two, or three at most. It is better to send a false alarm than to risk an escape.

The trickle of information the media received following his escape, however, was disgustingly sparse. Drab by drab, day after day, the media released crucial information about Selamat’s description. It began with his name, inferred race, and height. Then came his limp — but a man has two legs. Only after that were we told to look out for someone who limps along on his left leg. Some time after that, the police revealed that this limp was only noticeable when he runs or walks briskly. By now, there have been hundreds of calls to the police, all of which have yielded nothing but wasted time and energy.

What should have been done was full disclosure. When the decision was made to announce Selamat’s escape, the media should have been given Selamat’s physical description. Every media organisation should have been given his name, height, weight, distinguishing features, and a description of the clothes he last wore. Television media and government agencies should have received his photograph to broadcast on air and on the Internet.

The following day, news agencies should have broadcast a notice to watch for suspicious activities and people, such as a neighbour suddenly buying more food than usual or curtains being drawn even at night, in case someone were to live near a possible Selamat confederate. Had this information been released earlier, Selamat could have been captured earlier.

Lest we forget, the blame is not entirely on the media. We must also consider that the media only broadcast what information it was given. In this case, we must also examine why our security agencies failed to release this information in a timely manner. Stinginess with information in this scenario would hinder Selamat’s successful capture, and could indeed aid his escape. In any event, our media and security agencies have lost their credibility in the eyes of the world.

2008-03-08T17:49:00.000-08:00

How do you thing about this article please which I received from my email? Is this a good way to control inflation? Please give feedback.

Inflation Control
The Bank of Canada's (and most other central banks) overriding PUBLIC mandate today is to control inflation and keep it between one and three percent per year. This mandate takes precedence over any other consideration. This was not the original purpose of our central bank and it is not even a good purpose. In fact, as I will describe later in this section, it is the source of Canada's growing impoverished and homeless population.
More about Price Inflation
We've already covered a simplistic version of how inflating the money supply too much can cause price inflation and now it is time to get a bit more detailed. Extra money does not necessarily translate to higher prices and there are a few reasons for this:
Price inflation can only happen if people have both enough money to pay more for a product and also a desire to own that product. If you don't want something or cannot afford it, you cannot contribute to its rise in price. For example, if nobody in a country wants to buy Brussel Sprout lollipops, it doesn't matter how much the money supply is inflated - its price will not go up because nobody will buy them.
Savings - If everyone in a country was happy with their wages and any extra money they received was saved instead of spent, new money entering the economy would have no chance to affect prices - nobody is spending that money.
Selective introduction of money - If only a certain number of people were receiving the new money and not spending it on the same things as the majority of the population, the majority would notice little or no price inflation because what they are purchasing is not being competed for with all that new money.
The Bank of Canada controls inflation by using the last of the above reasons. It keeps prices down by keeping money away from those products and services that the majority of Canadian's require on a daily basis. Think about this: In the early 1970s a loaf of bread cost roughly 50 cents. Today, it is under $2.00 - less than 4 times the 1970s price. Our money supply has increase 1525% - over fifteen times! If the price of bread had increased at the same rate as our money supply, it should be over $7 a loaf. If we actually live in a true capitalist society, a 1525% increase in money supply would be matched with a 1525% increase in the price of staples such as bread. So how is it that bread has actually gone down in price when compared to the money supply? The answer is both simple and reprehensible.
How many times have you heard something similar to the following: "Unemployment has dropped for the third quarter in a row, prompting speculation that the Bank of Canada (BoC) will raise interest rates to stave off inflation."? Probably hundreds of times - but you never really paid attention to it because you didn't really know what it meant. Well, it means that the BoC felt too many people were working and they needed to throw people out of work. That is an incredible statement and I will say it again in another way:
When too many people are working, it is the job of the central bank to increase unemployment.
People that are not working do not have enough income to bid up prices. In addition, having a large pool of unemployed people that would gladly take your job for less pay than you receive will force wages down, allowing the few people that benefit from an expanding money supply to hoard even more of the newly created credit.
Hard to believe? The proof is announced regularly in the news - listen carefully the next time you hear about the BoC raising interest rates. A generic example would be:
"The unemployment rate dropped for the third quarter in a row to just below 6%, prompting speculation that the Bank of Canada will raise interest rates to stave off inflation".
If that isn't enough for you, then look at the next chart which compares BoC imposed interest rates and unemployment rates.

(data updated Aug 2006)
The BoC has been trying to keep unemployment between 7 and 8 percent since the late 1970s. Follow the interest rate changes since 1995 and you can see the pattern. Following the 1992 depression (it was a depression, but the mainstream media refused to call it one) unemployment was high thanks to high interest rates. Having done its job, the BoC relaxed interest rates to bring unemployment back down to between 7-8%. By mid 1997 it was apparent that unemployment was on its way down so the BoC started hiking interest rates to keep the drop in unemployment at a reasonable (to them) rate. In mid 1999 the target rate of 7.5% was reached so interest rates were raised to stop the drop in unemployment. This worked a bit too well and unemployment went higher than they wanted, so interest rates were again dropped. The World Trade Center attacks happened in 2001 which hurt the markets and so interest rates were dropped to prevent a drastic rise in unemployment. Things went pretty smoothly until 2004 when the target rate of 7.5% was again reached. Since then, unemployment has been declining to the BoC has been raising interest rates to raise unemployment yet again!
In the last year many businessmen have been concerned about the lack of working people hurting their bottom lines and they've been calling on the BoC to ease up a bit on unemployment. It looks like the BoC has acquiesced and is now using a target between 6 and 7 percent unemployment - at least it looks that way, they do not publicly acknowledge their role in maintaining high unemployment so you can only look at trends to see where the actual target rate is.
This manipulation of unemployment is neither new nor is it unique to Canada - it even has a name: Non-Accelerating Inflation Rate of Unemployment (NAIRU for short). You can do an internet search on NAIRU and find all sorts of sites and official papers. Everybody from the US Federal Reserve to the Bank of Canada and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have many paper written discussing this trade off between inflation and unemployment.
So getting back to inflation control. You should, by now, understand that prices can only be bid up if there are people with enough money bidding up the price. By keeping people from earning enough money to bid prices up, the BoC is keeping the price increases on everyday items below the rate of money supply expansion. Working people are getting little of this 1525% increase in money supply but it is not disappearing into the ether - if working folks aren't getting it then that means rich folks must be. This is the source of the ever-widening wealth-gap. Our Bank of Canada is making poor people poorer in order to allow banks to keep inflating our money supply at an alarming rate and make rich people much richer.
This is not the worst of it; the way we calculate unemployment today has extremely important ramifications when combined with an unemployment to combat inflation policy. It forces an ever increasing number of people into unemployment, poverty, and finally homelessness - which will be explained in the next section.

2008-02-21T04:35:00.000-08:00

It a great and speical day for our whole nation to celebrate for winning the bid to host the Youth Olympic Games 2010. We have once again show the world the capabilities and our hardwork. We have once again gain the trust from the international community. As one of the citizen of Singapore, I and my team of comrade will contribute our part to make this event as successful one.

2007-11-25T00:13:00.000-08:00

Singaporean Dragon Boat Team Accident in Cambodia
I personally feel sad regarding the accident happen at Cambodia. As a Singaporean, I hope to send my deepest sympathies to this missing victim's family members. I hope to call apon all Singaporean to keep in prayer for this families to be strong during this toughest time.

I also hope to call an alertness on safety awareness for all Singaporean when participanting in sport event in local or oversea. It is not only duty of government, but also duty of everyone. I believe that safety can't be practice just by enforcing law, but must be inbuild in our lifestyle. We hope that this will be an incident that we should not forget and will be learn by all Singaporean.

2007-10-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

Support on Section 377A
I hope to show my support on Section 377A regarding on the issue of homosexual. I do say that because I do not agree on legalising such act as it it will send a wrong signal that we agree on this. I strongly urge that the government should openly stand aginst this act and help this people by focusing on educating the community of correcting and prevention of such mind set.

I do not mean to reject the community of gay and lesbian. I do strongly encourage that the community should not reject them. They must be part of the community in Singapore, but we must not neglect the moral standard.

I do also strongly agree that Law should be made according on moral as it is the foundation fo all healthy nation for everyone and our next generation.

2007-09-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

Concern on Myanmar peace
I wish to show my concern regarding about the incident happening in Myanmar. I am totally shock of what the Government of Myanmar have done to the people. This act is simply a direct challenge of human right and dignity of the Myanmar people and even the whole world.

I hope to call upon the Government of Myanmar to have a peace talk with all party and even give out the political control back to the people. Myanmar government should stop all activities and go for peace talk to prevent on unnecessary blood shed of innocent. As a government, the future stabilities of the country must be priority instead of wanting to continue holding the political power.

I also wish to call upon government of all nations to reach out their helping hand to this nation especially to the people. I also urge Singapore government will play an positive role as a Chairman of ASEAN to be actively involve in helping to solve this serious problem which have a high risk of destroying the peace Myanmar and eventually affect whole South East Asia.

The above comment is written regard about the acticles below fro Yahoo News
YANGON, Myanmar - Soldiers fired automatic weapons into a crowd of anti-government protesters Thursday as tens of thousands defied the ruling military junta's crackdown with a 10th straight day of demonstrations.

A Japanese Foreign Ministry official told The Associated Press that several people, including a Japanese national, were found dead following Thursday's protests.

The information was transmitted by Myanmar's Foreign Ministry to the Japanese Embassy in Yangon, the official said on condition of anonymity citing protocol.

The chaos came a day after the government said clashes in Yangon killed at least one man. Dissidents outside Myanmar reported receiving news of up to eight deaths Wednesday.

Some reports said the dead included monks, who are widely revered in Myanmar, and the emergence of such martyr figures could stoke public anger against the regime and escalate the violence.

Witnesses told the AP that five men were arrested and severely beaten Thursday after soldiers fired into a crowd near a bridge across the Pazundaung River on the east side of downtown Yangon.

Shots were fired after several thousand protesters on the west side of the river ignored orders to disband.

In other parts of the city, some protesters shouted "Give us freedom, give us freedom!" at soldiers. Thousands ran through the streets after warning shots were fired into crowds that had swollen to 70,000. Bloody sandals were left lying in the road.

Thursday's protests followed early morning raids on Buddhist monasteries during which soldiers reportedly beat up monks and arrested more than 100.

The monks have spearheaded the largest challenge to the military junta in the isolated Southeast Asian nation since a failed uprising in 1988. In that crisis, soldiers shot into crowds of peaceful demonstrators, killing some 3,000 people.

As the stiffest challenge to the generals in two decades, the crisis that began Aug. 19 with protests over a fuel price hike has drawn increasing international pressure on the regime, especially from its chief economic and diplomatic ally, China.

"China hopes that all parties in Myanmar exercise restraint and properly handle the current issue so as to ensure the situation there does not escalate and get complicated," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said Thursday at a twice-weekly media briefing.

The United States called on Myanmar's military leaders to open a dialogue with peaceful protesters and urged China to do what it can to prevent further bloodshed.

"We all need to agree on the fact that the Burmese government has got to stop thinking that this can be solved by police and military, and start thinking about the need for genuine reconciliation with the broad spectrum of political activists in the country," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill in Beijing.

Myanmar's state-run newspaper blamed "saboteurs inside and outside the nation" for causing the protests in Yangon, and said the demonstrations were much smaller than the media are reporting.

"Saboteurs from inside and outside the nation and some foreign radio stations, who are jealous of national peace and development, have been making instigative acts through lies to cause internal instability and civil commotion," The New Light of Myanmar, which serves as a mouthpiece for the military government said Thursday.

Also Thursday, security forces arrested Myint Thein, the spokesman for opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's political party, family members said.

Several other monasteries that are considered hotbeds of the pro-democracy movement were raided by security forces before dawn in an apparent attempt to prevent the demonstrations spearheaded by the Buddhist clergy.

A monk at Ngwe Kyar Yan monastery pointed to bloodstains on the concrete floor and said a number of monks were beaten and at least 100 of its 150 monks taken away in vehicles. Shots were fired in the air during the chaotic raid, he said on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

"Soldiers slammed the monastery gate with the car, breaking the lock and forcing it into the monastery," the monk said. "They smashed the doors down, broke windows and furniture. When monks resisted, they shot at the monks and used tear gas and beat up the monks and dragged into trucks."

Empty bullet shells, broken doors, furniture and glass peppered the bloodstained, concrete floor of the monastery.

A female lay disciple said a number of monks also were arrested at the Moe Gaung monastery, which was being guarded by soldiers. Both monasteries are located in Yangon's northern suburbs.

Dramatic images of Wednesday's protests, many transmitted by dissidents using cell phones and the Internet, riveted world attention on the escalating faceoff between the military regime and its opponents.

2007-09-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

Helping Hand Campaign
In our developed island, care to the community shouldn¹t be a privilege of the chosen. It has to find its way to all the community with no exceptions. We want everybody to embody our healthiest aspirations and to become responsible citizen, be able and willing to work, take care of themselves and others. Everyone in our community should have this kind of spirit in order for build a society which is for all of the people. It is not surpise to have some unfortunate people who is left behind from the community and need support . The humanitarian project "Helping Hands Campaign" is joining forces with the resident from all wards of life and volunteer form our orgnaisation. We want the sun to shine on all of people and don¹t want anybody to stay at from our development of our nation.Many of the residents who have seen what happen in their neighbourhood, many know this unfortunate and unreach neigbhours but do not know how to help as either their have reject this opportunity or have no relation with this people. Therefore, recruiting volunteers directly from the neighbourhood are part of mission to establish our vision for our aim. We emphasize on approach as a organization that including them as part of the community, but not reaching out to them as an unfortunate. We believe through this approach we can achieve to cultivate the act of kind as a life style and bonding of community as priority in our nation.To achieve in our aim, our action is to willing to go to every little step and help light up that spark in the little hearts. Our goal is big and bold. Those who believe will conquer the world!We began the campaign, we need the help from the public by taking a step forward to be our volunteer, let join our helping hand and caring heart to transform our nation.

2006-11-13T05:04:00.000-08:00

OUTREACH AT THE WEST

Red Star Community Service conducted the 1st public outreach at Boon Lay MRT Station last Sunday (12 Nov 06). It mark the start of our passion to help the needys and all Singaporean. The purpose of this event is to announce our present to the public and also a time for recruiting volunteers. It is a good start as there are people who is interested about our present and also glad to hear our vision.

2006-10-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

Comment on Transport Minister Message
-Winning back commuter of public transport

I glad to see that Transport Minister effort on improving public transport system to win back commuters. But does this mean public transport fare will increase again later? It is proven in history whenever new service or transport is introduce, the follow up will be the increase of transport fare as authorities says increasing of operation cost. Is this a good news for commuters?
I thing we are not focus on the basic issue. We know that operators of public transport is facing the increase of fuel cost and also other factors. Government should play a part to show a good example by reducing the road tax, free ERP for public transport and operator can support by reducing wastage of fuel and also other soucre of income. Since we cannot change the external factor, but we can make full use of the internal factors. This will encourage operators to maintain the fare or even reduce it. This will increase the number of people to take public transport as most people who own their own transport find that it will be much affordable to own it then the accumulated cost of taking public transport.
Singapore can have a world class transport, but will this be a blessing the the people or an extra burden the people. There can be package of funds to help the needys, but don't forget it is still an extra weight to the common people.

Elvin Ong Beng Soon

2006-10-25T06:10:00.000-07:00

Red Star Community Service

As a volunteer, we are to show concern for others through positive Actions. That is the spirit of Red Star Community Service (RSCS). Volunteering is giving, but also the opportunity to receive, example a deep sense of personal encouragement and also empowerment knowing that making a positive impact in others and you own life. Volunteer also connecting people to another, creating healthier families and better community in our nation

2006-10-25T05:48:00.000-07:00

SAME PHOTO OF GENERAL ELECTION 2006

Election Poster along Sengkang

SDA Election Rally 2006

General Election 2006 Pasir Ris-Pouggol GRC SDA Candidates

2006-10-25T05:37:00.000-07:00

Comments on PM National Day Rally 2006

Foreign Talent
It is true that birth rate in Singapore has fallen. To overcome this, we need to recruit more foreign talent to sustain manpower in the up growing economy. But the problem is why there still unemployment happening in Singapore? Although there are skill training available everywhere for elderly workers and those who need to change their field of work to earn for a living, there are still voices of unemployment although they went round and round of training, and some every been replaced, just because cannot commit 24 hrs standby (real life single parent encounter), which foreign workers willing to commit with a much lower pay.Are we working forward to economic grow together with zero unemployment or just economic grow but sacrifice the few who is left behind? The current policy for recruitment of foreign talent should be improve but not letting loose. Will the high living cost in Singapore attract them to still on?Government should enforce laws and right for Singaporean such as adjustable a percentage of local employment in the company by close monitoring the market grows just like the adjustable salary scheme. We must take care of foreign talent by the same treatment of local workers. They are our future key to maintain our success in our nation growth, but let us not forget the few as they are still the foundation of our nation.
Medical Cost
Let me welcome PM for allowing increase of withdrawal of medisave, medisave top up and also posting of individual hospital medical fee on line to increase competitiveness for a lower medical fee because of rising cost of medical care.

Elvin Ong

2006-10-25T05:14:00.000-07:00

Why Joining Opposition Party
I strongly believe that everyone can be actively involve and be more concern in Singapore's politics, especially the younger generation. Being the leaders for the next generation, we must contribute our best to build a democratically strong nation. My experience in volunteering in the meet-the-people session in Potong Pasir Constituency have let me know the residents in the town and had since built a friendly relationship with them. I also learned and discovered the life of the residents and served them faithfully.As a opposition party, we must not oppose for the sake of opposing. We are here to show the ruling party the right of the people of Singapore, so the ruling party will not have monopoly ideas that they can do what they want. We are here to enable you to exercise the right to vote and to enable you to bring your voice and your alternative views in the parliament by exercising democracy in Singapore. Therefore we need the support of the people in Singapore like you, because with you, we can make a difference and a better living for our family and our next generation to come. We believe that we do not need to some one great to serve the community. The only thing we need is the heart to serve, a 'never say die spirit' and willing to move a step forward.