Flat hunting trip

OWNING a flat in my homeland today is not easy for ordinary people like me. I read a lot concern raised by Singaporean with regard to their difficulties to cope rising price of their HDB flats. They can get a flat as early as they are early 30s just before married for working young couple. They seem no patient to reach their turn and continuously voice out to government. I see the process to own a flat here is much easier than ours. Because the buyer can use their CPF money as well as mortgage loan from the banks. They don't need to worry about upfront money by getting from this two sources alone. The government is heavily subsidies for first time buyer especially. But they still no please with the treatment of their own government. Let it be.

In my country, we, people, need to pay full amount of flat price if they want to buy. It's always cash-down. No choice to go with installment as the banking industry is yet to mature and people are less trusting on them after they have experience in losing their saving account. So, whatever we want to buy, we have to pay 100% cash of valuation of the object. The flat buying applying the same. We don't have certain rules to be complied when we make business in the property market. As long as the seller and buyer agree, it can be done. The risk is obviously on the side of buyer because there can be hidden risks behind the seller.

After conceding 2 times reject to my application of PRs, I understood that it is time to buy a flat in my native land before it goes sky-rocket high price which I cannot reach. Before this, I saved my account with the prospect of getting SPR one day in future. Moreover, the tighter rules of foreign worker employment pass make me clear what I should do. These two drove me buy a flat immediately. In early July, I went back my country to attend my daughter's 1st year birthday celebration. As the rumour of current property tax policy expired and increased on next one, my wife and I decided to buy a flat urgent. That's why I decided to spend 2 days in finding a suitable flat before I travel to my home town at upper Burmese. I compiled some possible contact address and numbers from my friends in Singapore so that I can minimize the hunting time.

Once I landed my homeland, it's already gone half day after clearing immigration and custom. After resting a while at my relative house, my sister and I started the journey of hunting a flat in the afternoon. We both have no experience with buying a flat before despite we are in mission. I tried to contact some numbers which I bring from Singapore and make some appointment to meet with potential people. The weather is so hot and getting public transport make us tiresome. In particular place, we use taxi to minimize traveling time. In my mind, I am a bit worry with the information I get from my cousin sister who told me the existing market price of a flat within outskirt of the town. The average price she suggest from her survey is beyond my budget. I am quiet in the taxi with my brain thinking unstoppable.

What will we meet ahead? Will I success this mission? Please continue in next post.

Me & Bukit Timah

IT was rainy day I climbed Singapore's highest mountain/hill together with my friends. Also it is public holiday for presidential polling day. My wife and I joined a group of my friends to climb the mountain which is the first such activities during my stay of more than 3 years in city state. The heavy rain spoiled our pleasure trip effectively. We were already wet once we reach nearest bus stop from the mountain. I thought mountain would be so high before I see it physically. I even couldn't able to see mountain peak when I approach nearest bus-stop.

With the help of my friend who had been there once before, we all crawled in the rain until we reach the visitor center at the bottom of the mountain. There, we wait another friends by sheltering in the visitor center. The wooden visitor center is two story high timber building in which there is an exhibition hall for incoming visitors. The entry fees is free and we all enjoy the exhibition while waiting until rain stop. There are not much rooms to be showcased in the exhibition center. We took some photos for good memory in future and continued to climb the mountain after gathering all friends and rain pause.

First of all, we were required to choose 4 available routes differentiated by different colors which are ranged from easy to difficult. As the rain make country routes slippery, we easily chose the shortest and smooth route and continue our journey. As soon as we start, we are greeted by a couple of monkey who tried to grab some of our plastic bags in which some snacks are placed. But the monkey together with her child didn't succeed to get his target. It's amazing to see a monkey cradle her baby under her body. It look like a kangaroo from Australia. This is first thing worth going there, my wife and I agree.

The entrance route was too steep for us who are not familiar with climbing mountain. Some of our friends are complaining for too steep and even they wanted to surrender without reaching peak of the mountain. There are 2 resting station before we reach the peak. Only first step is steep and the rest route between other stations are relatively mild. We saw some visitors as well as group climbers from the secondary schools with uniform. It's worth to breath fresh air as well as seeing scenery by the route. The well maintained roadside trees are quite tall and unbelievably straight. All the view around are green package which can make our tired eyes a bit relax.

Since the route is stretched to about 1km around, we reached the peak after half an hour climbing. The peak is not as interest as we thought. There is one rest-house and a stone infront of it. There is three sentence on the stone that can be read
Ht. : 163.63m
Lat : N xxxx
Long : E xxx
We all took some photo infront of the black stone for remembrance.
Then we ate the foods we brought together and take a rest only.
Sadly there is no view point to enjoy.
We thought there would be some great view to enjoy after we reach peak as we enjoy from climbing our mountains back home. It's major upsetting for mountaineers I think. Anyway, we gain some good experience from this trip. In return, we also went to quarry site which is beautiful granite mountain wall around the lake. Unfortunately that is not sunny day and it couldn't be as beauty as it is. So we took some photos and return home. It was so pain at the whole body in the following day early morning. But we all have enjoyed the atmosphere and hope no one would complain for such small thing.

At least we all can satisfy ourselves that we have stepped the highest point of city state.

Sign of Divisive Society ?

LAST SATURDAY was Singapore's first ever presidential polling day in their history. About 2.7 million people are eligible to vote. It was rainy day by the help of Irene which blew all asia-pacific region. There were less 2 week campaign time for all 4 candidates before cooling off day in friday. People are paying attention and keep guessing who's going to be their 7th president. The campaign sign board could be seen every where in town. The result come out too close for first two candidates with razor-thin number in different. That lead the election officers to recount to ensure counting are in correct manner.

Eventually, the official result come out at 4:13am of the following day in favor of Dr. Tony Tan who is already favourite among public. As I mentioned in previous post, I tipped him as a winner in this campaign. He won this marginally to runner up by less than 1%. It show members of public had difficult time to choose the right person as their next president. I am surprise to learn the result too. I didn't guess Dr. Tan Chee Bock will get such close. I personally tip Mr. Tan Jee Say as a dark horse. He pull 25% of vote and deemed successful compare to his campaign time. The winner got a lot endorsement from several unions and he took those advantages fully. Otherwise he may not has a chance to win this campaign.

In addition, the winner got support from the government and he is considered the PAP man by opposition wards. Moreover he is ex-DPM and resigned from chairman of GIC for this campaign. So he is closely related to the ruling party and those who voted him must be pro-government people. If this tatic is right, those who voted other candidates are anti-government people. Static show the winner got only 35% and other 65% went to other way. Does it mean more Singaporean are not happy with the PAP? It's really alarming if it's right. No wonder the government is taking considerable measure to ease people's troubles in the effort of winning back their hearts.

Recent GE 2011 also showed the PAP won by 55% only, the record low in the PAP history. Again this PE 2011 ensure the people's will in term of static. The government has clearly heard and the people have been divided significantly as most analysts tell. Being migrant worker myself, I am happy to see Dr. Tony Tan won this presidential election as he will cooperate with the ruling party and will have the same opinion with policies.

Congratulation Dr. Tony Tan. Hope you will take care not only each of Singaporean but foreign visitors like us. Wish you a great 6 years in Istana.

Don't be vulnerable people

I PREVIOUSLY thought that people from the 1st world country are strong in physically and mentally due to their quality society and background. I understood my thought are wrong after I has been working in oversea for few years. I am currently working in ASEAN's most advanced country which is claimed 1st world country by its own people. I am agree with them on the opinion of being a first-world country as I am witnessing the quality of their living standard. However, I personally think that people are playing a part to be fully named first class nation. I see them as a school children because they are demanding society rather than self-reliance on their own merit. The government has done the best possible for its people especially in education, healthcare, living accommodation, etc. But they still got rooms to voice out their bad feeling. Why like that if they are grown up adult. I don't understand on such manner.

When they lose jobs in work, they'll easily point at ruling party for allowing FTs.
When they lose places in school/university, they'll act the same for importing foreign brains.
When their children are losing scholarship at school, they'll complain government policy.
When they are not comfortable with public transport, they'll blame at government for so many foreign people on road.
When they need to pay expensive hospital bills, they'll say government should have covered better.
When the PUBs bill are raised due to certain reason, they'll shout to deaf.
When the roads are flooded, they'll complain for closure of drains.
When....................,.................................
When...............,..........................

It's strange for me as I came from a country of government who don't care people's matter. We have to fix our problems of life by ourselves. We can't rely on government relief effort even we are hit by natural disasters. In general, it's not good to be a citizen of such bad country. But I think such circumstance make our people even stronger as they are used to grow amidst broken things. Law are not governed and things goes as it is. Some people are obviously above the law. People try to swallow their pains if it is bearable as they know going to seek justice will make them double loser. As a person who came from such society, I see Singapore government is quite good for its people. Since the government has arranged a proper education access for its people, people should step on their own after they have been grown up. Asking unlimited things to government is much alike with a school child, I think. So long as they are good at where they stand, they don't need to worry to lose their chair. Likewise, the ruling party doesn't need to assure repeatedly as "Singaporean First".

I sincerely guess, Singapore's generation Y may have such vision of self-reliance in the future so that they can build a better country to live in.

The dawn is coming

THESE days a plenty of good news are coming from my country. People are hoping of good changes coming in with the best interests of them. Some aging policies are being reviewed and modified last week. Top of that, reducing income tax from current 10% to 2% is the most anticipated news among migrant workers and domestic traders. Despite it come for only 6 months, it's better to have short time than never. Outside media also sense that Myanmar's first civilian government is moving a right path. The government is holding the workshop for the attempt of finding a good ways to make Myanmar's worsening economy re-track. The best news was the first meeting of our president and his opposition leader Aung San Su Kyi. Finally a day have come to make people happy. People have been waiting for such day and no one could have thought such day will arrive under this military back government. But they all are human being too and subject to change by time. Time has told us a lot since we got independent from British in 1948. After 6 decades, we all can smell the sense of change and it look like Myanmar's skyline is going to see dawn.

May all of us able to see the sun rise within our generation by the result of good changing.

Softening towards opposition voices ?

TODAY paper pressed one article named "Myanmar papers stop attacks on foreign media". I am interesting to read as it's rare to see my native country's news on local paper. We all know that our state run papers are not reliable to know what's actually happening within country. They are just only show for the good side of the government projects. It is the reason why most of our people switch on foreign media such as BBC, VOA, DVB, etc. Less or more, they are able to highlight government's activities timely and people are trusting in what they are broadcasting. No wonder, government back papers always put their slogans, accusing the VOA and BBC of "sowing hatred among the people" and other Western media of "generating public outrage" in the daily paper. The slogans always told readers not to be swayed by "killer broadcasts designed to cause troubles".

No matter how putting their slogans on paper, those western media gradually became Myanmar people's primary news sources to update them in time. No one would have thought that our junta back civilian government will stop such activities to degrade foreign media. So I must say this news is positive and the world would welcome such step. The today paper also see it as a sign of softening its stance towards opposition voices. Regardless of comment, for sure thing is it's good movement and we all have to welcome on any right step. I hope more of such things going to be happen in my mother land and the civilian government will get people's trust back in near future.

I herewith attach for one sample of slogans as it won't appear in future paper. Hopefully, I can tell my younger generation what had happened in our history when they are grown up. Perhaps they may need to go museum to learn such thing in future. Cheer, have a great leap, Mr. President.

Life's always on

THESE DAYS, the consequent of PM's national day rally speech is overwhelming on the local websites and newspaper. PM is assuring its people by saying "Singaporean First". I don't know if PAP will get back people's heart like their forefathers did. But I see a lot of policy changes with the interest of its people particularly in housing, scholarship, job, healthcare, etc. The government is so aware with the second time potential recession in which US & Europe already suffered. Being export dependent economy like Singapore, no wonder they are seriously concern it. As a result, the servicing industries has found less export in the 2nd quarter of this year compare to one year ago. The government is quick enough to revise their economy focus to 4-5% from previous 6%. Thus, people are aware on losing their jobs and it prompt their government to quickly change foreign worker policy in favor of Singaporean's benefit.

Being foreign worker myself, it's understandable that the government will only take care their own people because the burden would become heavier for government if more of their people become jobless. The data showed that existing three tier of employment pass which is called Q1, P2 and P1, qualifying salaries had been increased on July 1 this year and, they are going to change again in January 1 of next year. It show how the PAP take care of its people's concern. However I am surprise to see some of its people are never satisfying with their government's action and always point out weak points. Let it be. It's non of my business.

What matter me the most is my current pass is going to be expired on April next year. The most recent news suggest that those foreigner who want to get employment pass must earn at least S$3,000 and must graduate from good quality institute. There are two main criteria exist in this case. First can be fulfilled as an experience worker. But latter seem mission impossible for those from my country because no university in my native land is in the list of S'pore's recognizing. Does it mean S'pore is going to fareware to us within a year? If yes, it's really matter to those who didn't upgrade their education in this city. I hope this won't be seriously taken into action in near future.

If everything goes as per plan, we have nothing but to pack our belongings and get back home. My wife and I start to prepare for the worst possible. We'll try to happy ourselves by seeing a good side of life's fate. We're currently living and working here by leaving our 1 year old daughter alone in our home land back. For this reason alone, we'ld be able to relax should we need to return home. Just sincerely believe in our own ability that we'll find another job within domestic and maintain our good family life. Anyway anyhow, life will always goes on. Eventually we all have to leave this lonely planet. It's inevitable.

Who will go Istana...?

SINGAPORE is noisy again with the presidential election is at the corner. Yesterday was nomination day for president-elects and they are able to start their respective campaign from yesterday evening. I am seeing campaign road-side poster on the way to MRT station. The candidates seems don't want to waste their time to attract people's vote. It has been long time to read the president related stories on local media websites as well as newspaper. The strange thing for Singapore this time is it is their first ever election to choose their president. I never knew it till recently I read that news. I thought every time they were choosing by this way. Anyway, I'm sure that it's going to be another milestone for this city state and people will get another excitement time soon after their GE 2011.

Being foreign worker myself, I have nothing to do with this upcoming presidential election but viewing it. I read a lot explanation by law minister and other ministers saying what is the role and power of president. It suggest some locals still unclear with what their president can do legally. Most people including me thought president is just going out and raise hand to people when state ceremony are held like National Day Parade. Another significant role is just witness in solemnization ceremony of cabinet ministers including newly elected PM. Some people are not happy with their president's salary (S$5.0 million/year) against his duties.

I just thinking non-sense and pointless for me by telling so. I'll leave it for their people as I am just visitor in this island state. However I am grateful Singapore for letting me here to work and earn for my family. Thus, I sincerely wish to see S'pore keep progress and of course it might have the best qualifying person in this upcoming presidential election. For me, I'll guess Dr. Tony Tan would be elected as a next president. I hope my guess would be right to the best of my knowledge about those 4 eligible president-elects. Time will tell us true. Lets wait and see.