Little knowledge is dangerous

EARLY yesterday, our biggest city, Yangon, was being blazed by unusual fire. There are a lot claims saying their opinions. In my country, the authority used to point electrical shock as a reason of fires. In fact, it is generated by the owner of the initiating place to mitigate their offense. Unlike the past this time, the serial photos uploading online almost immediately and public able to access it. It probably make our authority a bit hard to express what they think as there are evidences available online. More thoughtful people upload their opinion or comments by judging on the photos. It benefit others by reading their judgement rather than reading state paper just saying wire shock every time.

We knew from the report that the fire started from the state warehouse in which a lot chemical stored. Those chemical substances make fire uncontrollable for few hours and even claim dozens dead and several dozens injured. Some photo suggest, our outdated firemen are helpless but seeing at blazing. The unexpected exploration did surprise them and they might have got distraught. I understand from some books that not every fire can be extinguished by water. There are other materials such as foam, chemical, to kill fire. Of course, such knowledge may not come cheap and I am not sure our fire-fighter are well equipped or not. Anyhow, it's regrettable to learn some fire-fighters were killed by exploration and fire. Perhaps, such fire is first ever experience for them. The poor is never good in any perspective. The poor society may not afford to equip our fire department well. It had claimed our people's lives when it come without prior notice like this incident.

Finally, the root of all problems back to authority. Why our authority allow people store such dangerous chemical amid residential quarters? Does it mean they don't foresee the potential risks like this? Does it mean they don't value our people's life? Does it mean our business men could do anything regardless of lawful or lawless. Does it mean there are some elite society that can do everything what they like. Does it mean the sign of corruption condition. There must be some people behind to take responsible for this tragic. I don't know if our authority will take necessary action so that our people may not encounter such tragic again in future. Sometime, knowing little make us our life extremely put dangerous. It's understandable that ordinary people are not aware of such thing. However, the authorities should have aware of such case because it may cause our people's life on the edge. Hopefully, our authority able to uncover the real reason of this incident as they are obliged to protect our people's life.

Victim of Greedy agent

IT's been relatively long time I am unable to turn my blog. Coincidentally, during that period, there were a lot head line news with regard to our community. Cheating Agent from Peninsular Plaza hit top most amidst several adverse news because we all migrant workers rely on them to send our hard earn money back home. We all knew that this business is not legal. But we have to use their service because no choice. We don't have banking service like our counterpart from other countries enjoy. Again, we all have to risk our hard earn money by using those agents.

Being Buddhist person, our people are quite optimistic until they are being cheated unfairly. Eventually, disaster news had arrived to us mercilessly. What happened to our unknown fellow citizen agent? They have made a good return business due to this illegal money transfer market. They may not survive without our help. Likewise, we may not be so easy to send back our money without their service. So we are inter-dependent. In such scenario, we keep put our faith in each other. We know that it's not a perfect route. We occasionally found some bitter taste with regard to unsuccessful money transfer which mostly can be settled later.

However, this time, it's not resolvable due to huge amount involved. The report said there are 4 to 5 million Dollar taken away by a greedy person. The problem is victims are unable to file at police due to illegal business. I never thought there would be such huge amount circulating by our agents. There were some news suggests that the Myanmar agents from peninsular plaza may not be survive without illegal effort. They cited the expensive rental fees of downtown plaza which is reported about SGD 5,000 per room. Some analyst guess they are part of money laundering coming from Myanmar's generals back home. Some shops were founded by some Myanmar tycoons and generals. No matter the shops are making profit or lose for them so long as they can make some legal money source for them in order to avoid possible future prosecution against them.

Since, the wide spread biggest cheat story, there have been most scare in money transfer through our agents. Some are still crying for their lost hard earn money. In mitigation of their grief, some got back half amount. Those who escape from this incident became more cautious when money transfer time is getting in mind. At the same time, there are news saying Myanmar government is planning to set up some bank to help it citizen transferring money without worry. It's good news and it follow the most interesting news of income tax free policy. Fortunately, our government have thought of our plight oversea and we welcome such news with both arms. It's impossible for us and even we don't believe the new first come out by thinking just rumors. Anyway I am sure it may ease our life in foreign land. Meanwhile, I read news saying MFA will audit on the shops of peninsular plaza in the wake of shock cheat Burmese stories.

May all my fellow citizen able to transfer their hard earn money without worry.

People on the go

NOWADAYS is information age. Those who know earlier info got stand ahead of the rest. It make people in the rush mode regardless of places. In the past, people have to rely on desktop to access information world. So they need to stay at home or office to enable them access. Now, technologies make our life easier and closer at the fastest pace. We don't need to wait until we reach work or home to know what's happening to the world. Everybody nowadays use mobile phone that empower them keep in touch with others. Business people used smart phone that can access internet from anywhere. It mean, they can work anywhere, no matter where they are. They can keep relationship with their loved ones while they are working. Now, there are a lot things can be done on the go.

It's nothing new to see around that people are talking, playing games, watching video, sending email/sms, reading noble, capturing a good photo, listen music/radio, etc nowadays. People seem do not have enough time to do things properly. They are working on the go, eating on the go, drinking on the go, even apply make-up on the go. Recently I read and saw a news showing Hong Kong's working adults are putting their uniform on the MRT in the sight of fellow commuters. What happen to our world so far? But it's unstoppable and continuing. Who dare to stop as modern people quietly accept it and follow. Finally we may have to rely on our religious practices as well as quality education which more emphasize on EQ rather than IQ alone. Without them, I believe there are no way to tame our people especially to younger generation.

Train Headache

SINCE last Thursday train breakdown, the public have been experiencing serial disclosure/disruption of the similar cases on the route to/from work. Most of head line news in the local newspaper are taken by train related incidents news and voice of commuters. Since, Singaporean are easy to complain, they started to voice out so that authority and responsible party could hear their displeasure. The government initially seem silent and later look into the matter after SMRT CEO admit they didn't prepare for such large scales incident. The transport operator failed to oversee such unwanted incidents despite they started train operation in 1987. The train driver and MRT staffs fail to update the latest status to the panic commuters stuck in the underground trains and it put SMRT's handling skill from bad to worse. As usual, the opposition party started to raise their concern to grab people's votes in the expense of other party.

The government privatized the train operating service and awarded to two major operators, SMRT and SBS. The reason making public property to privatizing is to create competition which can improve quality of service at lower wages. However, the commuters are facing the opposites as the two operators are doing business on separate lines. It make people little choice on choosing their public transportation. Thus some residents voice out to accuse monopoly business by two big operators. The train operators admit on their flawed service and continuously pledge to improve their service to better satisfy public. In the meantime, the PM and LTA step in to make full investigation on what had wrong and the found are reported in local newspaper with the hope of seeking commuter's sympathy.

As a person from third world country, I find republic's public transport is world class and satisfy with servicing as I had witnessed the worst back in home land. As a people of poor country, we have no choice to blame on public transport but use alternative routes. In here, SMRT arranged free shuttle bus ride for affecting commuters. But that is not enough to please those people from demanding society. I need to spend about 2 hours a day on board train to bridge between work and home. As I am living in northern part of city and my work is located at the eastern part, it's inevitable to use public transport. Everyday I have to pass city area with the full stretch of underground route.

Unfortunately, all recent incidents were happened in underground section and I'm aware of tasting that. Today paper state that train speed must be necessarily reduced by half from maximum 80mph to 40mph especially in the section of underground. Meaning, commuters need longer travel time to reach their destination. Since public safety cannot be compromised, people have no choice but leave home early to ensure they get work on time. Last time commuters are much aware of terrorist threat and now the breakdown of train is overtaking this. Everybody cautious in listening any announcement from speaker now with the prospect of stuck in the train. For me, it's praying time when the train start through underground until escape from it. What a good practice is it for me? I believe, all religion people will act the same with me for the safe of all lives. In this perspective, we all should thank to SMRT rather than blaming them.

May all commuter enjoy safe ride to work and home.

Myanmar Generals & LKY 4

I had called on Ne Win when he visited Singapore for medical treatment a year earlier, in 1994. He talked about his peace and serenity of mind through his practice of meditation. For two years after he withdrew from government in 1988, he had been in torment, fretting and worrying about what was going on in the country. Then in 1990 he began to read about meditation. He now spent many hours each day, in the morning, afternoon and evening, in silent meditation. He certainly looked much better than the sickly person I had met in Rangoon in 1986.

He was in Singapore again in 1997 to see his doctors. At the age of 86, he looked even better than on his last visit. This time he spoke only about meditation, giving me advice on how I could improve my meditation. I asked if he did not worry about the sickness of his loved ones, like children and grandchildren. Yes he did, but he could control, reduce and forget these sufferings through meditation. Did he not worry when his old generals asked for his advice? No, he replied; when they did this, he told them never to talk about their work because he had retired from the troubles of this world. However, diplomats told me he commanded respect and authority within the military and could still wield influence.

The West, especially the United States, believed that economic sanctions could force the government to hand power to Aung San Suu Kyi, who had won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. I did not think this was likely. The army has been Myanmar's only instrument of government since Ne Win took power in 1962. The military leaders can be persuaded to share power and gradually civilianize the government. But unless the United States or the United Nations is prepared to send in armed forces to hold the country together, as it is doing in Bosnia, Myanmar without the army would be ungovernable. The West is impatient with Asean's constructive engagement and was puzzled when its leaders admitted Myanmar as a member in July 1997. But what better way is there to have the country develop, open up and gradually change? In Cambodia a UN force that supervised elections could not install the winner into government because the de facto government under Hun Sen controlled the army, the police and the administration.

The generals will eventually have to adjust and change to a form of government more like their Asean neighbors. This will come about sooner if their contacts with the international community increase.

source: from third world to first by LKY.

Why are we blogging?

THE EVERYTHING blogging book introduce top ten reasons to blog at their introduction and they are herewith share for fellow bloggers who might not aware previously.
1. To express yourself
2. To publish online easily and quickly
3. To market something-especially yourself
4. To establish yourself as an expert
5. To conduct research
6. To build an informational resource for others
7. To connect with like-minded people
8. To build an online community
9. To be entertained or to entertain others
10. To share content, photographs, and other media with friends and family.

Since I have been blogging for couple years, I really don't know what's the reason for blog posting by myself to be honest. I, with the help of one mutual friend, am exposed to view one of our friend's blog one day and I got idea to share my life experience to date as a form of diary. Beside, I wanted to practice my English writing skill by blogging with foreign language. For sure what I getting from blogging is I had to read with a greater care so that I could withdraw something special for my blog. That make me a cautious person because if I just read and forget easily will make no point.

Now I might have been addict in blogging while it's not helping to improve my career advancement. Anyway, I am happy to tell over computer how do I feeling against a particular case and share with my friends. It doesn't matter how respond I receive, at least I could able to read my writing post when I am retired and hopefully it will help me not feeling loneliness. As long as I could access internet, I may keep posting to share my opinions. Sometime I feel scared to post politically oriented ones as we are not suppose to express our feeling in our country. Some evident had make us think twice. I think, it is universal right to express what we feel and hopefully our authority will respect on other feeling sooner or later. May all blogger able to express their opinion without worry.

Salary Competition

TODAY news state the pay rise for Australia PM make their leader earn higher than America's Obama. Surprisingly, the new salaries of world's most advanced two countries leaders still far below than their counterpart from Singapore. Perhaps the reason behind huge gap must be other remuneration package allowed to those leaders. The news added some pecks would be cut from politicians after new salaries is effected. I believe that government staffs salaries is much related to how they corrupt in any given countries. The least corruption countries have happy staffs who earn a good salaries and they don't need to expect for any bribe. Like a good salary they are given, the stretcher law is already there to prostitute any offenders. No wonder, such countries are always leading in the list of good governing ranks.

Let me share a real story shared by MM Lee in his book. He was once accused at the parliament for taking high salary by his opposition party leader. The accuser highlighted how high his salary is compare to regional leaders. That time, republic's leader's salary is S$29,000 a month while Malaysia PM receive S$ 10,000 but he take only S$9,000. Opposition leader added that Philippine president was only S$1,000 a month and Indonesia's president was about S$2,500. Also he highlight that Singapore's population was far less than Indonesia which has 250 millions that time. It's quite interesting to read how MM Lee respond to opposition leader's question.

He admit he's getting highest salary amid regional counterparts. However, he explained that he is taking no other pecks or remuneration by government. He stayed at his home as well as drive his own car. His salary come lump sum basic. Likewise, all ministers also got the same way. He let all minister levels staffs decide themselves on how they want to spend their wages. Moreover, he said how other PM enjoy their remuneration package over their salaries. They include, travel allowance, cars, houses, medical insurance for himself and their family members, their child education, etc. He added, how Malaysia PM is given an official house, motorcar with driver, even a good chef for his kitchen. He also pointed that Malaysia PM are given a land plot to build their own house after they got retired. Likewise, Indonesia president would be given state house after they step down. Those all beneficial are not given to republic PM. Thus, MM Lee asked his accuser to take all benefits into account and make comparison.

We should take lesson from such cases when we approach to review our government staff's salary to match with sky rocket commodities prices. Otherwise, the corruption will never be combat due to system wrong. Singapore is 4th least corruption country in the world while their cabinet ministers and PM earn probably world's highest salaries. Lets glance some world's leading country's head salaries by Singapore Dollars. The salary is meant for annual one.

US President Obama : S$ 517,656
Australia PM Julia Gillard : S$ 622,000
Singapore PM Lee : S$ 4,000,000
Myanmar President Thein Sein : S$ 98,360
Cambodia PM : S$ 12,000

Myanmar Generals & LKY 3

WHEN his prime minister, Maung Maung Kha, visited Singapore in September 1986, I tried to interest him in tourism, telling him of an article Ihad read in the Singapore American (a publication of our American community), in which two teachers from the American School described their visit to Rangoon, Mandalay and Pagan. They had hitchhiked for part of the journey and found it a fascinating adventure. I suggested that he open up Burma, build hotels and get safe aircraft to fly from Rangoon to Mandalay and Pagan. He would get large numbers of tourists and considerable revenue. He listened quietly but said little. Nothing happened. Ne Win did not want foreigners in Burma.

Only in 1993, when Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt, one of their key leaders, saw me in Singapore did I find a leader who was responsive, probably because Ne Win had had a change of heart. Ne Win must have told him that I was an old friend because he listened quietly as I explained that Myanmar had to adjust to the post-Cold War world, open up its economy and develop the whole country. I pointed to China and Vietnam, two examples of former closed countries that were developing their tourism and inviting foreign investors to create jobs and wealth.

Khin Nyunt was then in charge of intelligence and the strongman of the junta or SLORC (State Law and Order Restoration Council). I asked him to reconsider his policy towards Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of Burma's hero and first prime minister, Aung San. She had married an Englishman but had returned to Myanmar to lead a movement against the military government. They could not lock her up forever; she would be a continuing embarrassment to their government.

Myanmar had to improve the lives of the people, coopt capable people with experience abroad into the government. A government of military officers could never get the economy going. I suggested he should make it possible for Singapore to engage and help Myanmar economically. Singapore could defend its position internationally, if this engagement was to help Myanmar return to normalcy, not to maintain the present system. My note-taker, a ministry of foreign affairs desk officer for Myanmar, was fearful that he would react strongly and was surprised when, at the end of the discussion, he thanked me for my "valuable opinion".

When General Than Shwe, the Myanmar prime minister and chairman of SLORC, visited Singapore in June 1995, I suggested that he visit Indonesia to learn how it had changed from a military leadership, with General Suharto in charge, to an elected presidency. The Indonesian constitution gave the army a direct role in government, with representation in the legislature under a system called dwi-fungsi (two functions). The Indonesian army had a constitutional role in ensuring the security and integrity of the country. Elections for the president and the legislature were held every five years. Myanmar had to go in that direction if it wanted to be like the other countries in Southeast Asia.

(to be continued)
source: from third world to first - the Singapore story : 1965-2000

Good Environment

ONE DAY, I was talking with one PR friend whose the whole family is also staying in lion city. We got a good long conversation. He is a medical professional and has two daughters who are studying in lion city. In the middle of talking, my friend suddenly questioned me that when will I bring my one year old daughter here. I was lost to immediate answer but pausing with uhhhhhhh. He, without waiting my answer, continued to emphasis his question by saying, the given environment in home land is not suitable for a children. I able to response by saying "yes". He is quite candid in talking with me and seem enjoy family life in republic. He is now already early 40s, but he still learning new skill by attending serial course in different varsities & polytechnics. I am impressed by his encouraged words and felt guilty. He added, in Singapore, there is good environment for young learner. I was completely agreed with him and almost silent. I know he friendly advised me as he knows my family condition well. He may be a family man and encourage me to enjoy what he had tasted in his life.

My wife and I were always discuss how can we reunited our own family without affecting our work-life balance. We realize that we can't afford to stay away from our child for long period. It prompt us to seek a possible solution if there are chances back home. Unfortunately, we are not SPR who can afford to stay legally in republic without working. It make our family apart and suffer a bit. We know there are some option that allow us to bring our child here. They are expensive and we don't like our child adapt the wrong attitude from the local nanny. That's why we both agreed to leave our child at home land with the aid of my elder sisters. We hope our daughter may not feel for being apart from parent until she recognizes who is who.

One fine afternoon, my wife and I went to national library nearby our house. Since I enter membership in two months ago, that is the first time my wife accompanied me. She is not a good reader and I teased her to explore in the kid section so she can find a suitable books. We two went around kid section and met a lot of children there busy with searching an interesting books to hire. Some children are silently reading on the chairs of designated places. Some very young kids were reading by the guidance of their parent. The circumstance make us remember our child of course. We both imagine to visit the library together with our child if we are allow to live together in lion city. We continue to explore the book shelf and found the standard of English for 10-12 years old is good enough for our graduates. We both agree that we should hire some stories books so we could able to story telling when we visit home in coming CNY holiday. In fact, those books meant for young children are relatively difficult for my wife despite she is an engineer degree holder from my country. We no wonder why Singapore's education is one of the best in the world.

In return from the library visit to home, we both wanted to live our child in such environment. Coincidentally, one of my friend present us kid books for our child despite she is still 15 months old. It drive us to start collect some good books when there is a chance to buy. I silently remember what my friend once told me and agreed with him that what's a good environment mean. May we have a chance to provide our child a good environment regardless of home or abroad.

Myanmar Generals & LKY 2

My one unforgettable conversation during that visit was with the butler at the Strand Hotel - an Indian in his late 50s, with greying hair and beard. He brought in breakfast looking forlorn and dejected, and said in English, "Sire, this is my last day, I shall not be here tomorrow." He did not know whether his Burmese assistant would be able to serve me the same breakfast: British-style tea with milk and sugar, toast and scrambled eggs. I asked why he wanted to leave. He replied, "I have to leave. I was born and have lived here all my life, but the government wants all Indians to leave. I cannot take with me more than a small sum of money and my personal belongings." Where was he going? "India." Did he have relatives there? "No." His grandparents had been brought in by the British but the government wanted to send him back. He was right about my breakfast. The next day the tray was not as neat nor the toast as crisp.

That afternoon, Ne Win played golf with me at the former British Rangoon Golf Club. It was an extraordinary game. On both sides of every fairway and surrounding us, the four players, were troops with guns, facing outwards. When not swinging a club Ne Win wore a steel helmet. I hesitated to ask why. His minister, one of the players, murmured something about an assassination threat.

When Ne Win visited Singapore in 1968 and played golf, he was not security-conscious and did not wear a steel helmet. When he next came, in 1974, I suggested we should coordinate our policies to get the United States, China and the Soviet Union to maintain a presence in the region, so as to have some power balance. He was not in the least interested, preferring to leave these matters to the superpowers.

I last visited Rangoon in January 1986. Ne Win's new wife was a doctor, well-educated and much younger than Kitty, who had died. Ne Win had an excellent recall of events that happened 15-30 years ago. Over dinner, I found that despite Burma's 20 years of economic stagnation, he was as distrustful of foreign powers as ever. He spoke of being locked in a "battle of wits" against elements outside Burma who wanted to make as much as they could at the expense of his country.

It was sad to see Rangoon worse than it had been since my 1965 visit. There were no new roads or buildings. Everything was in disrepair and there were potholes in the main roads. The few cars were of 1950 or '60 vintage. There was nothing any of his ministers could do, given his policies. The English newspaper was a single-leaf, four-page tabloid. The Burmese paper was slightly less skimpy. The people in attendance at their famous Shwe Dagon pagoda looked shabby and poor. From my car, the shops looked empty.

(To be continued)
source: From third world to first-the Singapore story by Lee Kuan Yew

Unwanted New Year Present

IT's displeasure to read our government is preparing to increase electricity tariff by one fold affected from the 1st day of 2012. It's not welcoming news to our struggling people and definitely shouldn't welcome new year this way. We understand that the world economy is in the downturn spiral currently and most economist suggest that next year economy outlook also not in favorable way. Regardless of world's economy ups and downs, our people would have interested in their daily routine on how to survive their lives amid uncertainties. Under this circumstance, the new civilian government's frequent policy change make our people to shoulder additional burden. How can they absorb such unwanted burdens initiated by their elected government unless there are some helpful efforts from the same source? Our people might have know how to survive in the broken places as they have come cross a lot similar situation in past.

The news come out together with the reason behind which is announced by minister of electricity. He highlighted how does it cost the government to generate and distribute electricity for its people. He also urged people's understanding in increasing the rate of electricity as his department has been long losing business in favor of people's ease. He added how our tariff is low in the region that we are placed in 13th cheapest even with the revised rate. But he concealed how low we are in the standing of GDP per capital. He might have thought our people are not as wise as they are. Unfortunately, our relevant EMG media subsequently make a news by drawing all related facts among region. It's helpful for our people to fully understand the situation we stand at the moment.

In fact, the government should not count on whether the state is making lose or profit against its people. Because the government is collecting variety of taxes from people as well as selling natural resources which is belong to our people. Then they should have made those assets in trying to subside expensive things for our people. All government around the world doing that way. Digging from the people's pockets should have been put the last chance to opt. But they seems the last option come first. If they are not competent in handling such case, they should have handled the power to other able men. Doing such things without people's consent might have cost their votes in at least next general election. Of course if there are no more advanced votes system as they enjoyed in the 1st election.

They repeatedly announced that they were elected fairly by our people in media front. If they are considered themselves as people's party, then why are they keep doing policies that suffer people? It's really questionable. Recently, the authority allowed the railway ministry to increase ticket fees by ten folds. Where got such things in the world? sudden increase for 1000%, what a crazy act is it? But such things are happening in our homeland. Never mind, lives keep going on. People tried to avoid expensive route as much as possible. Recently, Singapore's leading taxi operator amended their fares after decade long fixed. Their people started to make noise around the media for those changing. In fact, the changing is just a fraction of 1% only. But they still show their unhappiness to relevant authorities. Why not our leaders take lessons from our neighboring countries? They would draw facts that favor their ways. It's not really right to do so if we are about to change the whole system to go ahead.

Let me conclude this post by Singapore's founder LKY's pledge to its people in his early days speeches. "You vote me and I take responsibility for ensuring your life as comfortable as possible". What a good promise is it? The attitude of any leader should be that way if he/she is suppose to be a good one. How can we say they are a good party so long as they never stop irritating our people by keep changing policies. In the meantime, we welcome some policies that may ease people's difficulties in life and credit to current leader and his association. May our people free from worry in new year.

Do you understand our plights ?

I AM really sadden by the news of Myanmar maid's tragic incident. She is as young as 27 years old. Late 20s is deemed the best part of a person in life. Perhaps she had been here with the prospect of getting a domestic worker. I don't know what make her do such crazy thing. We, Burmese, wouldn't do such escape unless it's too much to cope. Our religious way prevent us to do such case. But I'm sure she might have been face tremendous pressure after landing lion city. She may have been persuaded by Myanmar agent for getting a good paid job. The report said she is a runaway girl from the maid agency. I don't think she run away for digging opportunity. I am pretty sure she run away due to either she understand her dream will not be fulfilled or cannot bear the unfairness/bullied by her agent. Who would want to jump of the pedestrian bridge if she has a good life with a job? Fortunately she failed to meet her expectation and got broken right arm and left leg only. For the time being, the hospital is still assessing if she got serious injury on head or not. I am wondering if our consular step into the case or not.

In the back home, our leaders are busying with reforming. They know our country is losing the best brains to neighboring countries due to lack of job creation. We welcome the news of development in Myanmar with their endeavors. It'ld be pretty good if they aware the plight of our nationalities oversea. I want our leaders to understand that we all are missing our home land and it's unfortunate to be accused as a traitor by some of uneducated officials. We're temporarily working oversea due to circumstance. I'm sure we all will come back home when our mother land has a greener pasture. Because no other place is better than home. May our authorities sympathize our plights.

Myanmar Generals & LKY

I AM currently reading a book written by Lee Kuan Yew. The book is made of memoirs by world's best known state man and named "from third world to first". He recalls the days he and his old-guard colleagues who together made possible to transform tiny fishing village to incredible metropolitan city state which is widely respected by even world's biggest nations today. I am always curious how do they transform this resource-less island to first world country. Fortunately I found this book in the national library stands and it could able to answer my queries.

The book is too good to ignore for those who study modern political science because its contents are not only this tiny city state but the trends of regional countries as well as world's most developed countries nowadays. I could able to realize why Singapore's founding father is so powerful even he had stepped down from his top post. He has been reference for some world's leaders to get advices in coping their struggles. Since my country had a golden days while Singapore got its independent on 1965, their founding leaders couldn't able to afford to ignore our leaders. Therefore LKY's part of memoirs contain my country's history which is probably the reason why Myanmar have been upside down since Military cope in 1962. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew has shared his peak days of experiences and I see it valuable to understand for our citizen to know the real story. It prompt me to post this Myanmar section before I return the book to library so I could able to read it in sometime in future. I am grateful to MM Lee for his sharing the past of our history especially in the range of 1962 to 2000 period. I sincerely hope you'll find this story interesting especially if you are one of my fellow citizen. I believe knowing our own history as it is might be our universal right and hope you'll find it valuable sharing.

My first visit to Rangoon (Yangon) was in April 1962. Prime Minister U Nu of Burma (as Myanmar was called before 1989) had asked General Ne Win to take over in 1958 because his elected government could not contain the insurgencies and rebellions of the many minority groups. After 18 months of military rule, a general election was held. When U Nu's party was returned, Ne Win handed back power. But soon U Nu was in difficulties again, and Ne Win seized power in March 1962, just before my visit.

Unlike Colombo, which I visited in 1965, Rangoon seemed dilapidated and run-down. It had been under Japanese occupation, and although spared the worst when the British fought their way back from Bengal, the damage had been considerable. Ne Win received Choo and me warmly at his house. I was disconcerted to see it ringed with guns and tanks. Obviously he took no chances. My visit was to counter the propaganda of Indonesia's President Sukarno that Malaysia was a neo-colonialist plot. Over lunch, Ne Win listened to my explanations, but was not attentive. He was preoccupied with maintaining law and order, keeping down insurrections and holding Burma together.

He lived in a medium-sized bungalow in the suburbs. He was friendly, as was his wife, Khin May Than (Kitty), a former nurse and a vivacious lady. Both were English-speaking and intelligent. Burma was one of the better-endowed countries of Southeast Asia, a rice and food exporter before the war. However, the democratic system of government did not work. The people were not of one race, speaking one language. The British had brought together into one country a whole host of different races occupying different parts of this mountainous country.

"The Burmese way to socialism" was Ne Win's motto for the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma. His policy was simple: achieve self-reliance and get rid of the Indians and Chinese who had come into Burma with the British. The Chinese had started to leave even under U Nu, many settling in Thailand and Singapore. The larger number were the Indians, whom the British had recruited into the government service. They were slowly squeezed out.

My next visit to Rangoon was in May 1965, after attending a conference for Asian socialists in Bombay. Ne Win liked that part of my speech where I had said, "If we approach Asian problems of poverty and underdevelopment through the rosy spectacles of the Western European socialists we are sure to fail." I did not realize at that time how determined he was to be self-sufficient, to have little to do with the outside world and to return to a romantic, idyllic past when Burma was rich and self-sufficient.

(to be continued)

Know the lines

7 months ago, one Indian worker got injury at work site. He sustained some fracture at arm and is allowed to stay away from his job. He was paid basic salary plus 2 hour OT for every working day by company. However, company treatment seem not good enough for him because he secretly hired a private lawyer and tried to sue company. The lawyer and he initially approached MOM to express his frustration on not getting compensation by his current employer. The MOM subsequently informed HR to take action on the worker's concern. So, the worker is asked to come office to negotiate. I see him like a normal man. He is employed through labor agent and his agent is also present when he came in.

I personally thought, getting 7 months salaries is already good for him. Moreover, he don't need to worry for losing the job. Perhaps somebody might have suggested him to chase for compensation. I understand from my Indian colleague who perform as an interpreter during negotiation. Eventually, the worker agree on that company will chase on insurance company and will pay if the application is successful. As a return, he will have to withdraw his filing to MOM against company. I was surprising to learn the case initially.

I asked my office Indian staff how dare he sue the company in the expense of his job. My friend explained that the worker needs to hire a lawyer first before he can approach to MOM. Again wondering how can he afford to hire expensive lawyer for uncertain case. My friend explained me that there are some lawyer firms at the little india area and those who has work/injury related problems could consult them for free first. They will need to explain the story they are facing and get advise upon. Then it is up to them whether to continue or not. If they think is less chance, say No and needless to pay. If they want to continue, they will have to sign on agreement that allow lawyer to cut a certain percentage of winning amount. He said usually lawyer firm charge about 2% for their service. I ask what if they lost the case. My friend said, the client have to agree on minimum payment had they lost the case. It cost them usually about S$500 and subject to case. I understood why they dare to sue against master.

I'm quite sure that my fellow citizen won't choice the same way Indian workers do. We are too much hesitating even for the case of sure win due to our keep quiet environmental background. They said "silent is gold" and would it be really gold for every single case? I don't think so. It's likely to be bullied if you are too much silent especially you are working in abroad. Lacking in language proficiency skill might have deter us from potential confrontation against our superiors. Another reason might be that we were grown up in where justice are hard to find. In our native land, we know that money conquer almost everything, not only judge of court alone. May the law able to protect the interest of the poor in this planet.

Know your rights

LAST month, one of my friend fallen down to the floor while he is working OT at his office. The incident happened on 8:00pm and even in front of his own boss. He has been working in the company for more than 4 years since he landed in lion city. So he could be considered one of senior staffs. He got nothing for doing OT every night. But he keep doing OT since he has always more than good enough assignment. It's fine for a worker to devote his/her time to employer.

After falling down, he was unable to stand up himself and boss suggested to call ambulance. He raised his hand to show his disagreement on calling ambulance. He knows hows much the hospital bill is going to be if he is admitted to any hospital. Calling ambulance mean he would be brought to nearby hospital. With the fear of hospital, he blocked the boss's suggestion by asking him to try with nearby clinic first. He felt pain but he alter the best option to cheaper one. In fact, he's going to get marry on coming CNY and he is afraid of postpone due to his medical condition. So he tried not to get himself in the uncontrollable situation.

Later, he understands from clinic doctor that his kidney is not functioning well. The doctor again advised him to go hospital but he refused. My friend requested the doctor to try other methods rather than sending hospital. The doctor with the consent of my friend tried to prescribe few medicine to wait and see condition. However, the doctor reminded him that he will have to go if the condition is not better after prescription is finished. He easily agreed and prayed not to get bad outcome. One week later, the result came out and he feels a bit better and again he urged the doctor to continue medicine. He only took few days medical leaves despite the doctor asked him to rest longer days.

He is such loyalty to his company. However those all worthiness turned appalling once he is told by company HR manager that he cannot claim medical expenses which is about S$500 only. He thought his boss would allow his bills because the boss saw he collapse during working at the office. But he finally understood that he had to bear those all bill by himself. He had bought medical insurance from one local bank 6 months before this incident. Thus, he went to the bank to know if his insurance could cover the bills or not. But he found out that the bank is demanding so many documentation that are not easily sustainable in his view. Once he shared his experience me, I encourage him to chase the documents to provide insurance. His answer is that he don't want to take any more leaves because he'll have to take leave if he wants to chase those required documents.

We all were told by insurance company staffs how would it be cover when we fallen into sick before we decided to buy their insurance. It's disappointing to know it is hard to re-claim medical expenses once we need their help to settle our case. In fact, it's easier to cheat those potential clients who are lack of legal knowledge by agents. Despite we are working in oversea now, we all don't take care enough local laws when everything goes right with us. It is our fault that we are not prepared for those stormy days ahead. It really makes us vulnerable people compare to our counterparts from other countries. I'm writing this post to share other case involved by other foreign worker. We'll learn how they all prepare to protect their interest in the foreign land. Hopefully you'll want to wait to read my next post. Stay tuned in. I'll be back soon.

Obama's letter to our president

His Excellency
Thein Sein,
President of the Union of Burma,
Naypyidaw

Dear President Thein Sein:

I am pleased we had an opportunity to see each other in Bali (Indonesia), at the US-Asean Leaders Meeting two weeks ago. I am encouraged that under your leadership your country has undertaken several encouraging steps on the path toward reform.

I have asked Secretary of State Clinton to visit your country to discuss your vision for reform, explore how the United States can support and advance your efforts to transition to democracy and promote protection of human rights, and talk directly to your government and citizens about prospects for enhancing relations between our two countries. To that end, she will engage your government about our continuing concerns in the spirit of mutual interest and mutual respect. There is much work to be done, and as Secretary of State Clinton and I have said previously, the United States stands ready to serve as a genuine partner in your effort to achieve lasting change.

I appreciate your government's help in planning and preparing for this milestone visit. I look forward to hearing the tangible outcomes of Secretary Clinton's discussions, which we all hope will put us on a path to a new phase in our bilateral relationship.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

Obama's letter to our lady

Aung San Suu Kyi
Rangoon, Burma

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi:

It was a pleasure and an honor to speak with you recently. As I said during our conversation, I have long admired your brave and unwavering struggle for democracy, and I consider our conversation a highlight of my recent visit to Asia.

I am pleased that the Burmese government has taken several encouraging steps in the direction of democracy and reform. Secretary of State Clinton's visit will explore how the United States can support efforts to foster political opening and respect for universal human rights, as well as demonstrate the seriousness of our commitment to helping the people of Burma achieve their democratic aspirations.

I thank you for your welcome of the Secretary's visit, and look forward to speaking to you again. Thank you for the inspiration you provide all of us around the world who share the values of democracy, human rights, and justice. We stand by you now and always.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

No U turn, please

WE only need one able person to pull our nation from the misery. South Africa had Nelson Mandela to raise their profile in the world. Luckily, we have our lady who has similar quality with Mandela. They both were imprisoned by their respective government for their peaceful expression. Mandela was freed and succeeded the nation. Now our lady had been freed and no doubt that she will follow the way her fellow noble peace price winner's way. Good news is already there that our election commission had passed NLD's application for re-register as a political party. The constitution has been amended to allow our lady eligible for participation in upcoming by-election. People are out of patient to vote her party win. Probably our president and his soft-liners ministers are trying to persuade their hard liner colleagues at the parliament.

We all believe that the soft liners will eventually win after our lady enter to the area of parliament. It'ld be incredible force for soft liners group to draw people's attention. Also we sincerely believe in our lady that she will fully represent the feeling of our people. Also we trust in her ability of handling the sensitive issues such as ethnic minority peace talk and healing wounds with international communities. We are very much itchy to see her sit presidential seat one day in near future. We all want to follow her leadership toward the same goal. We all want to give everything we possess in life if she is suppose to be a leader of us. Finally, we all wish together that our dream may become true sooner than later. The dawn is already in Myanmar's sky and the brighter future is smellable now. May our nation unable to return to regime again.

Are we ready enough to move forward?

SINGAPORE has been surrender their top spot to other nations who do better in term of least corruption. Recently 2011 least corrupt data come out and Singapore is placed at 5th falling from its previous spot, first. What had made Singapore dropped in position? Some Singaporean show their unhappiness for the news. It's human nature that people want to possess the best things in the world. Thus, Singaporean are not exceptional. It don't bother me really as I'm just a foreign worker here.

What matter most is the position of my country which stand at position 182, third from the bottom. The survey covered 185 nations worldwide. Only , North Korea, Afghanistan & Kazakhstan got behind us. What a disappointing result to know that. Perhaps it's difficult to digest for all Myanmar citizen especially those who love their country. It's really alarming and we have to review our worsening policy and attitude of our people. How do we compete with other nations without having a good attitude in mind. It doesn't matter we are republic or communist. Let me draw one example here. Why India is still poor despite they are the biggest democracy country in the world? Why China is prosperous despite they are still communist? It might highlight us what the most important thing to develop our nation is our mind, attitude and loyalty.

Enough is enough. lets not bring our past attitude to the present because it's not match with our brand news democratic government. The big question to ask ourselves here is "Are we strong enough to rectify our bad attitude that can block our progress to a developing nation?" First thing first and the rest would be orderly followed to generate a prosperous nation sooner than later, I do believe. May our nation rise graciously amid world community.

Ambitious China

As a layman, I never fully understand why China is aggressive in overseas investments until I read a statement by Mr. Gao Xiqing's remark, a vice-chairment and president of China Investment Corp (CIC), the world's larget sovereign wealth fund. He clarified that China aims to make profits and build influence from its overseas investments and not just give away money. How simple is it by him to understand all confuses? Yes, such message should have been relay to our leaders so that they can realize China's secret aim behind their mouth-watering policy for Burma.

We all know that currently US and Europe are facing financial crisis for a relatively long time and unsettled yet. China is the biggest creditor to US as they were investing in US exchange reserves for over US$3 trillion. When China is being approached by European countries to buy their debts recently in order to ease their crisis, what do you think of China's response? As usual, China won't do business unless there is some benefit for them. Look what they said, Beijing is willing to invest in their debts if EU fulfill their three key demands. They are

1) More influence at the International Monetary Fund
2) Market economy status in the World Trade organization and
3) the lifting of a European arms embargo

Following China demands, EU withdrew their seeking for help from Asia's Giant. Mr. Gao told one summit in Hong Kong that "In the process of investing overseas, we have to be rational and profitable". He added, we frequently meet with foreign regulators whose attitude is that we should give them money and leave everything to them. Nothing comes for free in this world, he insisted.

Our policy makers should take every FDI proposes to them carefully in order to get right investment. Currently our trade ministry got a lot approached by several companies from not only regional but the world. They have to be long-sighted people to generate maximum profits for our people. Some big companies are just coming to dig our gold opportunity with little return from them. We have to choose based on national interests, not personal. We all hope that our republic government officials are good enough to pick up an excellent choice from several offers for a particular development. Unlike our past, we are getting much opportunities to choose from. In brief, it's time not to depend alone on China. Lets be wise in order to avoid China's dirty trap.

Your progress Our Happiness

AS a stay-away parent, we can't afford to live worry less for leaveing our only one daughter back homeland. She seems a little bit uncommon from her age of peers. Despite her specialist doctor repeatedly tells us it's not a problem, we as a parent, do worry in a thought of something have been wrong in her. We could able to wish and provide the best support we could in lure of her good health. We keep in touch with her guardian aunty so we could able to know her condition. In general, she is developing slowly at all steps. She was born relatively small and can be considered undersized. Then failed to receive finest milk from her working mother. As a formula baby, we cannot hope for the best granted, I think.

Once she didn't have teeth when she reached the age she is supposed to have some. She didn't sit when she have the age of sit. Also she didn't walk when she should have been enjoy walking around. Fortunately, these all came to her with delay and make us relax. Since she is only 1 year and 4 months, this is time to expect her to start walking and speaking. Again she is not confident in walking herself independently. She only walks with the help of others. She in fact didn't rely on other help to walk. What other people need to help is just giving their finger so she can hold it on. She would be immediately stop and sit down if her aid release their finger. As long as they keep holding her, she would enjoy walking, even running ahead. Eventually, a good news of her arrived few days ago I called to my eldest sister. She gladly told me that my little princess has gained confident in walking herself now. What a good news to us? Once I shared my wife this news, she was visibly happy and insists that our daughter knows we're coming home soon in CNY holiday. Thus, she tried to walk herself before we arrive so she can show her new skill to her beloving run away Dad and Mum.

My guardian sister predicted that this time union of our family would be very hard to depart again as our daughter is speaking cutely now and even relatives find it difficult to forget a good time with her. Anyway we'll try to enjoy our family time once we reunite in coming CNY days. Time is ticking and of course we can't wait to witness our little princess walking together with us. What a wonderful family time would it be? Perhaps I have no proper words to express exact feeling. Thanks my daughter for making our life more meaningful.