“In reality, the [government] has not diverted from its fundamental stand even with this ‘bold’ Budget, by the standards of this ultra-conservative government, which has adopted neo-liberal economic policies. Budget 2009 despite its magnitude looks very similar to past stimulus plans, which is a broad mix of supply-side measures to help businesses, public-sector spending and cash handouts to stave off social discontent.”
Ravi Philemon
“..straight into the Oval Office, [Obama] froze the wages of public officers in his administration earning above USD100,000 [a year] telling them that Public Service is a privilege. I cannot say the same of Singapore.”
Chia Ti Lik
“Using the economy as ideological content will subject the legitimacy myth to logical contradictions.. When people are not able to consume as they wish.. [they lose] coherence in what it means to be a citizen of the country.. other ideologies will come into play – ethnicity and religion are the more powerful ones. Without an alternative ideology, or alternative representation [people cannot direct their anger merely by voting the ruling party out of office]. They turn to racism, religion, or keep the anger buried deep until one day it manifests. Without an alternative mode of dissent, economic crises become destabilising periods that affect not only the economy, but also the very imagination of the nation itself.”
phishy
“It is uniquely Singapore that ostensible liberalization can become a tool of concrete oppression. The means of oppression are constantly updated and take the guise of “progressive” liberalization. It used to be that people are told to shut up. You no longer need to do that when you can ensure that they won’t be heard whether or not they shut up. Cool.”
mollymeek
“So when a fool dumps fuel into a fire that already burns, one wonders what his agenda is. Who is sowing the actual discord in our society? ..We’re speaking about our concerns, Mr [Eugene] Wee. Just what in the hell are you doing?”
Packrat
This week’s roundup and recommended reads after the break.
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