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#### Former deputy director charged;
manager helping with investigation ####
# # # # FRAUD at SLA # # # #
####InsanIty####____<><><><>dOIng the SAME thIngs Over & Over agaIn<><><><>____%%%%eXpectIng dIfferent resUlts !!!!%%%%____[!][!][!][!]
<>In Pictures: Billionaire Blowups, 2008<>
© Konstantin Ilyanok/Kommersant
<>Konstantin Zhevago<>
[]March net worth: $3.4 billion[]
{}Current net worth: $350 million{}
^^High-flying Ukrainian wunderkind has lost $3 billion in past several months. Shares of his iron ore producer Ferrexpo, which debuted in London in May 2007, have tanked 89% since March.^^ []The stock's decline brought JPMorgan Chase to his door, recalling a loan. To raise cash, Zhevago sold a 20% stake in Ferrexpo at a 30% discount. Soon after, Ferrexpo's CEO quit, and Zhevago took his spot.[] <> It's probably a good thing the 35-year-old has a day job as a deputy in Ukraine's parliament and is an ally of Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.<>
?? Pasted from ??
####Bar gamblers
without stopping
service####
<<>>
THE CRA should not stop the
IR-heartland shuttles without
considering other alternatives.
I would suggest that the
free shuttles be resumed with
the condition that passengers
get an ink-stamp on their
hands. Casino staff should be
directed not to allow entry to
visitors bearing the stamp.
This would address the
concerns about the shuttle
service encouraging gambling,
while still making available
the convenience of this shuttle
service to those who just
want to visit the IR without
gambling.
####Give us some
notice####
<<>>
THE abrupt cessation of shuttle
services to both IRs on Friday
seemed like overkill by the
CRA. Was this a life-and-death
situation warranting such a
drastic action?
Many elderly and children
visiting the IRs were left
stranded when the shuttle was
abruptly cancelled. At least
24 hours’ notice should have
been given.
####Do more to curb
‘incentives’####
<<>>
FREE bus services between
RWS and HDB heartland areas
began operation a few months
ago. However, it is astonishing
to learn that instead of stepping
in from day one, the authority
only acted recently after receiving
complaints from the public.
It is stated that the IR operators
are not allowed to provide
incentives in any form for
Singaporeans to patronise the
casinos.
What about other possible
incentives such as a personal
chauffeur service, discounted
or even free dining and hotel
accommodation, shopping
vouchers and extra gambling
chips?
Regular patrons may even
receive VIP privileges for overseas
casinos run by the same
operator. Are such incentives
permitted by the authority? If
not, what measures will it take
to ensure the IR operators abide
by the rules?
***Did authorities not
know about shuttles?***
####Was there an
inter-agency
breakdown?####
<<>>
I REFER to “Regulator puts immediate
brake on IR shuttles”
(Sept 11).
It is good that the relevant
authorities acted on the free
shuttle buses to the IRs with
immediate directives. Despite
there being some debate on
whether these buses lured
gamblers to the casino, it cannot
be disputed that it would
certainly entice some gamblers
from the heartlands.
The shuttle bus services
had been in operation for a
while and surely, relevant approvals
must have been sought
from Government agencies by
the transport operators and
approvals duly given — but
perhaps not with the involvement
of the Casino Regulatory
Authority (CRA).
This incident perhaps
highlights the need for greater
inter-Government agency engagement
and interaction on
certain matters, such as the
approval for bus operations to
and from the integrated resorts.
In this case, it appears that
CRA was not aware of the shuttle
bus operations. If this is so,
it is perhaps through no fault of
their own now that the shuttle
bus operators and their employees
find themselves in an
awful bind.
Thinking twice
Malaysians think twice about settling in S'pore in wake of recent property measures
Sep 11, 2010
Understanding the PR psyche
I REFER to Thursday's report ('PRs won't be forced to become citizens'). Foreigners turn to living abroad for a broad range of reasons. Some will even
country-hop as they want to have a taste of living in different environments before settling down in one place.
Permanent Residents (PRs) with special skills will be in demand everywhere and they will leave if the host country makes it difficult for them to settle in.
Already, we have quite a few incentives in the health-care, education and housing areas for PRs who want to become citizens. Nevertheless, many of them may not take up Singapore citizenship merely for tangible reasons, however substantial they may seem. They may do it only when they are able to call the host country home and feel welcomed.
The confidence that the family can survive comfortably in the host country and contribute to its society is also an important element of consideration for foreigners. There is
no point for a PR to become a citizen
if he feels that he will have to struggle to make a living later in his life.
On another note, I feel that the Government should make its criteria for selection of PRs
more stringent so that
only real talent that would benefit the country as a whole are allowed in.
Singaporeans are fairly open to the idea of importing talent to boost our economy and partially solve our declining birth rate. However, those brought in should not be competing for jobs with average Singaporeans.
Bringing in too many foreigners too soon will also not help the situation one bit as the population needs time and space to adapt.
Gilbert Goh
Sydney
Sep 11, 2010
Offer 'same doc' option to all
I APPLAUD the polyclinics for introducing the Family Physician (FP) scheme.
Under the scheme, a patient pays between two and 2.5 times more than general queue patients to enjoy the following benefits:
- Being treated by a senior doctor
- Being treated by the same doctor by appointment only
- Longer consultation time
- Nurse consultation before seeing the doctor
- Access to a physiotherapist or dietitian when the need arises
- Subsidised rates for medication and lab test
- Shorter waiting time
Doctors also benefit from the scheme. They have less stress due to the longer consultation time allotted. They have an increased sense of responsibility and better patient-doctor rapport. They also project a more positive professional image to patients.
I would like to appeal to polyclinics to look into the possibility of extending the idea of "consultation by the same doctor" for general queue patients as well.
Follow-up consultation by the same doctor would be by appointment only. This way, both patients and doctors will benefit.
Tan Teck Kwong
O V E R H E A D :
PRIVATE JACKPOT clUbs prOfits were repOrted In the newspapers jUst a few mOnths agO.
PARIVATE JACKPOT cLubs are fOund In :
- gOlf clUbs ? ? ? ?
- cOuntry clUbs ? ? ? ?
- ntUc clUb at AMK hUb ? ? ? ?
check them OUt ? ? ? ?
niuyear ( Date: 12-Sep-2010 13:08) Posted:
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Anyone actually really made money from Jackpots machines? either RWS or MBS or Privae clubs (where are all those private clubs ??)
pharoah88 ( Date: 12-Sep-2010 13:05) Posted:
SENTOSA is OFFSHORE - gamIng LEVY S$100
MBS is ONSHORE - gamIng LEVEY shOUld be DOUBLED at S$200 [tOO accessIble]
PRIVATE JACKPOT CLUBS RIGHT IN CITY CENTRE - tOO cOnvenIent ? ? ? ? tOO temptIng ? ? ? ?
PRIVATE JACKPOT CLUBS - gamIng LEVY shOUld be hIgher than pUblIc
at S$200 x 1.5 times = S$300 [tOO prIvIlege]
nOte: Private TranspOrt prIces mUst be 1.5 tImes Of pUblIc transpOrt prIces |
|
|
|
From a business viewpoint, RWS providing free bus
services to Sentosa is an asset to them rather than a liability.
This is not something new.Initially, developers also provide
free bus services from MRT stations to their respective condos.
IMM also provide free shuttle bus from MRT stations to the
malls for you to spend your money there. There are many more
free shuttle bus services to various malls in Singapore. The motives
are there,loud and clear, getting the masses to spend. There is no such
thing as a free lunch. WHERE GOT SO GOOD ONE.
pharoah88 ( Date: 12-Sep-2010 12:36) Posted:
Sep 12, 2010
Queues form despite stoppage
Many say they take free rides to Sentosa, not to visit the casino
By Elizabeth Soh
Mr Joseph Yap being informed by a Resorts World Sentosa staff member in Bishan yesterday that the shuttle services to the integrated resort had ceased. -- ST PHOTO: TERENCE TAN
DESPITE widespread media coverage that the Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) shuttle services had stopped running, Singaporeans still turned up at pick-up points yesterday in the hope of getting a free ride to the integrated resort.
Queues were seen in Ang Mo Kio and Bedok, despite signs that said the service had been terminated. Up to 20 people were waiting at a bus stop in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 yesterday at 3pm. When told the shuttle bus was no longer in operation, they reacted with surprise.
Said mechanic T.M. Tan, 47, in Mandarin: 'How are we supposed to get there now? So troublesome.'
He just wanted to go SENTOSA ?
The shuttle service had been in operation since June, serving 19 locations across the island 15 to 33 times a day.
It had been ferrying an average of 2,500 passengers daily and was expected to take a crowd of up to 4,000 over the Hari Raya weekend.
The shuttle service ceased operations immediately on Friday afternoon after a directive from the Casino Regulatory Authority.
Read the full story in The Sunday Times.
|
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Anyone actually really made money from Jackpots machines? either RWS or MBS or Privae clubs (where are all those private clubs ??)
pharoah88 ( Date: 12-Sep-2010 13:05) Posted:
SENTOSA is OFFSHORE - gamIng LEVY S$100
MBS is ONSHORE - gamIng LEVEY shOUld be DOUBLED at S$200 [tOO accessIble]
PRIVATE JACKPOT CLUBS RIGHT IN CITY CENTRE - tOO cOnvenIent ? ? ? ? tOO temptIng ? ? ? ?
PRIVATE JACKPOT CLUBS - gamIng LEVY shOUld be hIgher than pUblIc
at S$200 x 1.5 times = S$300 [tOO prIvIlege]
nOte: Private TranspOrt prIces mUst be 1.5 tImes Of pUblIc transpOrt prIces |
|
SENTOSA is OFFSHORE - gamIng LEVY S$100
MBS is ONSHORE - gamIng LEVEY shOUld be DOUBLED at S$200 [tOO accessIble]
PRIVATE JACKPOT CLUBS RIGHT IN CITY CENTRE - tOO cOnvenIent ? ? ? ? tOO temptIng ? ? ? ?
PRIVATE JACKPOT CLUBS - gamIng LEVY shOUld be hIgher than pUblIc
at S$200 x 1.5 times = S$300 [tOO prIvIlege]
nOte: Private TranspOrt prIces mUst be 1.5 tImes Of pUblIc transpOrt prIces
Sep 12, 2010
Queues form despite stoppage
Many say they take free rides to Sentosa, not to visit the casino
By Elizabeth Soh
Mr Joseph Yap being informed by a Resorts World Sentosa staff member in Bishan yesterday that the shuttle services to the integrated resort had ceased. -- ST PHOTO: TERENCE TAN
DESPITE widespread media coverage that the Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) shuttle services had stopped running, Singaporeans still turned up at pick-up points yesterday in the hope of getting a free ride to the integrated resort.
Queues were seen in Ang Mo Kio and Bedok, despite signs that said the service had been terminated. Up to 20 people were waiting at a bus stop in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 yesterday at 3pm. When told the shuttle bus was no longer in operation, they reacted with surprise.
Said mechanic T.M. Tan, 47, in Mandarin:
'How are we supposed to get there now? So troublesome.'
He just wanted to go SENTOSA ?
The shuttle service had been in operation since June, serving 19 locations across the island 15 to 33 times a day.
It had been ferrying an average of 2,500 passengers daily and was expected to take a crowd of up to 4,000 over the Hari Raya weekend.
The shuttle service ceased operations immediately on Friday afternoon after a directive from the Casino Regulatory Authority.
Read the full story in The Sunday Times.
Citizenship criteria: How much to disclose?
Esther Ng
estherng@mediacorp.com.sg
SINGAPORE
PRs know only that they are eligible to apply, if they are at least 21 and have been a PR for at least “two to six years prior to the date of application”, through two citizenship routes: Economic merits and family ties, according to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority’s (ICA) website.
Last year, the criteria was tightened, with the only detail given that the ability to integrate was an important consideration.
Some countries such as Australia have a clear points system and Institute of Policy Studies research fellow Leong Chan Hoong is one for a more transparent criteria and process, so that applicants know what they are “getting into rather than just filling in forms”.
Said Dr Leong: “The system has to be one that Singaporeans feel is legitimate and assures them about who is being admitted to Singapore and the skills they bring.”
While the ICA has said before that it does not disclose publicly the exact criteria to prevent abuse of information, the National Population Secretariat has said previously that language, culture and contributions to society are broad citizenship considerations.
Those whom MediaCorp spoke to suggested clear indicators in the areas such as education, number of years as a PR, special skills or contribution to Singapore, a salary not less than the median wage and children who have served National Service or have become Singaporeans.
Said Sembawang GRC MP Lim Wee Kiak: “We want to attract bright talent, so the criteria could be a diploma or degree without going into which class or where it’s from.”
But limiting citizenship to diploma and degree holders could mean missing out on talented people without academic qualifications, for instance, hairdresser David Gan or a three-star Michelin chef, said Marine Parade GRC MP Lim Biow Chuan.
More than just defining the criteria, the challenge is to disclose criteria that is both broad and informative for the public, said observers.
Listing such details could subject the Government to “litigation through a judiciary review”, said Singapore Management University law lecturer Eugene Tan.
“If you give A citizenship but not B, and B finds out, B could challenge the Government in court, demand an explanation,” Assistant Professor Tan said.
While ICA may have a set of indicators, “the authorities would want to have the discretion on who they give citizenship and this is the same with other countries”, he added.
IT consultant Manikandan Renganathan, 38, who has lived here for 14 years before becoming a citizen this year, agreed.
“Once you reveal it, more people will try to meet what’s required of them. Do you take all these people in?” he said.
The flipside is that “those who are rejected won’t know how to improve their chances in a couple of years’ time and they could relocate to other countries pre-emptively”, said Asst Prof Tan.
Dr Lim Wee Kiak told MediaCorp, though, that from his experience in dealing with rejected applicants who turn up during his Meet-the-People sessions, the ICA does give “hints”.
“If the written reply says the applicant is advised to re-apply in six months’ time, it means the applicant is not ready yet, or if further upgrading is advised, the applicant needs to improve his skill or education level.”
— The assurance is that those given the red passport will be assessed on their allegiance to Singapore. Some are wondering, though, as the Government plans to approach a number of permanent residents to sink roots here, if the citizenship criteria can be clearer.
Whither the S’pore Spirit?
Tang Li
When my girlfriend told me she was thinking of taking her three year-old out of childcare because he was hitting people, my first reaction was:www.openlaw.com, a gathering of small law firms who have decided to pool their resources.
“Don’t!
If he’s acting like a playground bully, the other kids will find a way of sorting him out — he’s going to run into someone who hits back.” Her reply was an emphatic “no”.
I love her little boy dearly and I am troubled by his behaviour.
However, I am even more troubled by the fact that none of the other children have hit back.
The only way to put a bully in his place is to stand up to him and, much as I don’t want to advocate violence on the playground, I am troubled by this because it seems to me that our children have lost that instinct to stand up for themselves.
This instinct to stand up for oneself is part of the Singapore Spirit that the Prime Minister mentioned in his National Day Rally Speech on Aug 29. When we were ejected from the Malaysian Federation, we were a tiny defenceless island and a tempting target for potential bullies. The government led by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew decided we should show the world that we were no pushovers.
Today, Singapore is a thriving economic hub with enough military muscle to make potential aggressors think twice about taking us on.
We are a nation that has done so much by sticking up for ourselves, yet we have children who do not have the instinct to defend themselves.
This past year, I’ve read about parents calling in the police to investigate a scuffle on the rugby pitch, and calls for an investigation into university orientation practices when three students got a few scratches.
Have we reached the stage that the late Dr Goh Keng Swee once warned us against — asking the Government to
“provide soul and to think for us”?
Singapore has been blessed with decent leadership. However, we have to realise that we are now living in a more complicated world where the Government cannot provide all the answers.
As such, we need to encourage people who stand up for themselves.
Small enterprises need to cooperate to take on larger ones, like in the case of
Being open to such experimentation allows us to get better solutions to tomorrow’s problems.
The Singapore Spirit built our society and will build it for the future.
It’s time we let it flow again.
Raise levy, nOt stOp FREE buses
Why deprive non-gambling patrons?
Letter from Quek Soo Beng
ONE of the Government’s rationales for granting licences to the two gaming operators was that they would build integrated resorts where the majority of amenities and services would be non-gaming in nature.
For example, Resorts World Sentosa has the Universal Studios theme park, numerous shops and food outlets.
Aren’t the IRs multiple-service destinations?
So why the hang-up about Singaporeans enjoying the free shuttle bus services?
It was reported that the majority of bus passengers surveyed were heading not to the casinos but the other amenities within, and even without, the IRs.
The shuttle bus is an excellent customer service.
It seems illogical to contend that the prospect of saving a couple of dollars in bus fare would induce a significant number of people to patronise the casinos considering that a hefty $100 entry fee is still payable. If more gamblers do use the bus service, the pertinent question then is whether the entry levy is high enough.
Gamblers intent on getting to the casino will do so, free shuttle bus or not.
Why then deprive the non-gambling majority of the transport privileges just because some think it is politically correct to “appease” public opinion?
But who exactly is the prohibition of shuttle bus services appeasing?
Surely not the IR customers or people enjoying the free rides to and from the city.
The authorities should not interfere with FREE enterprise efforts to enhance customer service. It is good news if more shopping malls, cinemas, clubs and restaurants start to provide similar complimentary services.
This wOn’t stOp gamblers
Letter from Raymund Koh Joo Guan
I REFER to “RWS withdraws heartland shuttle buses” (Sept 10). There are those who claim the free shuttle service will lure gamblers to the gaming tables. How naive.
The fact that Singaporeans are already paying $100 for a return trip to Genting Highlands is an example of how far gamblers will go.
Do the authorities think that gamblers will not go to the casinos without the shuttle service?
If I were one, I would just take a taxi there. There would be no need to wait for the bus or to look for parking space.
The free shuttle not only brings business to the integrated resorts, it also caters to poorer families [SMRT bus fare UNaffOrdable] and reduces congestion at the Sentosa Gateway.
kItchen gOd
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