MP for Marine Parade GRC Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim suggested that the Housing & Development Board (HDB) to provide alternative housing to those who have difficulty to service their mortgage loan or faced red tapes in applying for a rental two-room flat be given two choices:
1. Short tenures (5 to 10 years) or
2. Restrictions to selling it to the open market.
He's the second PAP MP that I have high regards on, the other was Mr Hri Kumar of Bishan-Toa Payoh who suggested that the government provide help to those with difficulties of getting a bank loan for their degree.
The way out of poverty is through education, not hand-outs or seeking financial assistance or forcing oneself to take on a low pay and low skill job where if the applicants can't keep up with downgraded lifestyles or unable to pay bills and other comforts that they are used to have will cause them to turn to crime, the only difference is that these people are professionals or managers or other highly skilled personnel.
My MP? Better give us her constituents 10 or more reasons as to why we must for for her for her lack of personal effort to genuinely help those who are not seeking hand-outs but a temporary reprieve.
I normally try not to get involved in politics but I can't help but to voice out my personal opinion.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Mas Selamat sentenced to two years ISA detention
The above headline was taken from The Star Online (May 27, 2009).
Mas Selamat was sentenced to 2 years detention at the Kamunting Detention Center in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia.
While under detention, he will be "rehabilitated" in a similar manner with the WRDC, through debates with religious experts.
2 years later, if he were to be extradited to Singapore again, I doubt he would change for the better because of 2 reasons*.
So, good luck to Singapore's government in their bid to change his mindset on being a radical terrorist and his fixed ideology.
* There are two reasons, proven through research that what causes people to turn to terrorism, but I won't reveal it until the time is ripe.
Mas Selamat was sentenced to 2 years detention at the Kamunting Detention Center in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia.
While under detention, he will be "rehabilitated" in a similar manner with the WRDC, through debates with religious experts.
2 years later, if he were to be extradited to Singapore again, I doubt he would change for the better because of 2 reasons*.
So, good luck to Singapore's government in their bid to change his mindset on being a radical terrorist and his fixed ideology.
* There are two reasons, proven through research that what causes people to turn to terrorism, but I won't reveal it until the time is ripe.
A Govt loan to get your Masters?
This headline was taken from Today Online (May 27, 2009).
The Member of Parliament (MP) of Bishan-Toa Payoh, Mr Hri Kumar proposed that the government should step in with a comprehensive program of student loans for those wanting to read their Master's degree.
Mr Hri Kumar has done the right thing, supportive of Singaporeans who wished to upgrade themselves academically but was put off by problems of getting a study loan from the bank.
Unfortunately, my area MP's secretary was not even keen on that when I seeked help on getting a rental flat for 2 years until I complete my Master degree, but even together with my MP's fellow MP within the same constituency (GRC), I still get a standard reply from the HDB about them unable to accede to my request.
I believe that education is the key to get out of poverty and I mean a foreign university, because I don't mind to relocate to other countries should the going gets tough - due to age discrimination even though the tripartite was set-up to deter this unfair practice.
I believe my MP should list out 10 or more reasons as to why she should get my vote in the next General Election when we the voters chose her over Dr Chee Soon Juan for his questionable conduct.
The Member of Parliament (MP) of Bishan-Toa Payoh, Mr Hri Kumar proposed that the government should step in with a comprehensive program of student loans for those wanting to read their Master's degree.
Mr Hri Kumar has done the right thing, supportive of Singaporeans who wished to upgrade themselves academically but was put off by problems of getting a study loan from the bank.
Unfortunately, my area MP's secretary was not even keen on that when I seeked help on getting a rental flat for 2 years until I complete my Master degree, but even together with my MP's fellow MP within the same constituency (GRC), I still get a standard reply from the HDB about them unable to accede to my request.
I believe that education is the key to get out of poverty and I mean a foreign university, because I don't mind to relocate to other countries should the going gets tough - due to age discrimination even though the tripartite was set-up to deter this unfair practice.
I believe my MP should list out 10 or more reasons as to why she should get my vote in the next General Election when we the voters chose her over Dr Chee Soon Juan for his questionable conduct.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Mas-Selamat-Kastari-Brilliant-Escape-to-Skudai.html
It was reported by The Star that Mas Selamat has worn several layers of clothings, including woman's clothing.
Where did he get that woman's clothing? His wife during her past visits or did he steal someone's clothings during his escape from Whitley Road Detention Center (WRDC)?
And how did he managed not to arouse the guards' attention in WRDC if his clothes looked too bulky or that he had suddenly put on weight too fast?
Or did he bribed anyone to help him gather as many clothings as he could possibly could?
How about the children's arm buoys? Where did he managed to obtain it? Couldn't be too much of a coincidence for him to manage to get it smuggled into WDRC!
How could he simply managed to get children's arms buoy simply by walking from WDRC towards Woodlands?
Even with property cash-back deals made illegal, there are still agents, buyers and sellers are still doing it because their reasoning was, as long as the agent did not make a profit from it, excluding his commission, there was no "wrong doing" of any kind.
This statement was made by an associate director with a local real estate company when he and my agent spoke to me earlier this evening.
Like the popular saying goes... "You can do anything, but don't get caught."
Despite the legislation, people will still try to find ways and means to go over, above, behind it, etc.
Likewise, I too, did mention that there are many security loopholes waiting to be exploited by criminals and terrorists.
Where did he get that woman's clothing? His wife during her past visits or did he steal someone's clothings during his escape from Whitley Road Detention Center (WRDC)?
And how did he managed not to arouse the guards' attention in WRDC if his clothes looked too bulky or that he had suddenly put on weight too fast?
Or did he bribed anyone to help him gather as many clothings as he could possibly could?
How about the children's arm buoys? Where did he managed to obtain it? Couldn't be too much of a coincidence for him to manage to get it smuggled into WDRC!
How could he simply managed to get children's arms buoy simply by walking from WDRC towards Woodlands?
Even with property cash-back deals made illegal, there are still agents, buyers and sellers are still doing it because their reasoning was, as long as the agent did not make a profit from it, excluding his commission, there was no "wrong doing" of any kind.
This statement was made by an associate director with a local real estate company when he and my agent spoke to me earlier this evening.
Like the popular saying goes... "You can do anything, but don't get caught."
Despite the legislation, people will still try to find ways and means to go over, above, behind it, etc.
Likewise, I too, did mention that there are many security loopholes waiting to be exploited by criminals and terrorists.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Mas Selamat Kastari a Master of Disguises and a Survivor
It was reported in The Star online May 23, 2009 that Singapore's escaped ISD detainee Mas Selamat Kastari fled by disguising himself as a woman and also wore layers of clothing after escaping from the Whitley Road Detention Center (WRDC) last year and that he shed each layer of clothings to cover his tracks.
Mas Selamat also had made use of the drains as his escape route towards Woodlands and he had swamed across to toward Stulang Laut, about 2 km from Singapore in the cover of darkness and using a pair of children's arm buoys as an aid.
Not bad for a guy aged 48 and who's not highly educated.
He is indeed a born leader with his determined and well-planned escape methods.
Mas Selamat is also a true survivor, having faced obstacles during his escape and hardships as he crawled through the dirty and smelly drains during his escape.
I think the Malaysian authorities will think very carefully whether they will hand over Mas Selamat after his detention there because of Singapore's stance on "rehabilitation" on terrorists and as I've mentioned in my earlier blog that Mas Selamat is a stubborn guy.
I wonder how Mas Selamat can be successfully reformed.
Mas Selamat also had made use of the drains as his escape route towards Woodlands and he had swamed across to toward Stulang Laut, about 2 km from Singapore in the cover of darkness and using a pair of children's arm buoys as an aid.
Not bad for a guy aged 48 and who's not highly educated.
He is indeed a born leader with his determined and well-planned escape methods.
Mas Selamat is also a true survivor, having faced obstacles during his escape and hardships as he crawled through the dirty and smelly drains during his escape.
I think the Malaysian authorities will think very carefully whether they will hand over Mas Selamat after his detention there because of Singapore's stance on "rehabilitation" on terrorists and as I've mentioned in my earlier blog that Mas Selamat is a stubborn guy.
I wonder how Mas Selamat can be successfully reformed.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
New Security ID Not Good Enough
I went to collect the new Security Identity Card (ID) issued out in several batches to licensed private security personnel, from Operations Managers right down to Security Officers and for those who are exempted (ex-regulars from the SPF, SAF, SCDF, ex-Auxiliary Police Officers (APO's), etc) and for those who are nationally certified under the NSRS and WSQ.
There are obvious security flaws on it but I don't intend to comment on it yet.
Licensing private security personnel is a good beginning for better things to come.
Let's wait for the next bigger move: making grading mandatory for all security services providers and also for the bosses to attend Diploma in Security Management and educating bosses not to flout licensing terms and conditions as well as not to flout the employment laws.
There are obvious security flaws on it but I don't intend to comment on it yet.
Licensing private security personnel is a good beginning for better things to come.
Let's wait for the next bigger move: making grading mandatory for all security services providers and also for the bosses to attend Diploma in Security Management and educating bosses not to flout licensing terms and conditions as well as not to flout the employment laws.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Mas Selamat No Ordinary Criminal
"Mas Selamat Caught: No Ordinary Criminal..." this headline was take from The New Paper, May 18, 2009; page 2 & 3.
Dr Ahmad Nidzammudin Sulaiman, political science head from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) was quoted as saying that the alledged suspect from the Jemaah Islamiah escapee from Singapore, Mas Selamat:
"For somebody regarded as 'special of the special', Mas Selamat will receive maximum attention by the Malaysian authorities. He is considered a dangerous person.
It is no place for a determined and smart terrorist like Mas Selamat."
In my personal opinion, Mas Selamat is indeed very determined but not 'smart' as perceived by Dr Ahmad.
Mas Selamat Kastari is a born leader and is probably stubborn in nature (kepala batu or degil in Malay) and further more, he is from the old school terrorist, probably not that technology and IT savvy as he belongs to the Baby Boomer generation.
But he was trained in bomb making and guerrilla warfare tactics, having trained in Afghanistan and if he had ever served national service in Singapore with the army, most probably he may picked up jungle and urban warfare skills as well.
Dr Ahmad Nidzammudin perceived Mas Selamat Kastari as a dangerous individual, someone who is probably better off isolated in a secured detention center as opposed by Singapore's government stance (DPM Wong Kan Seng) that Mas Selamat Kastari should be 'rehabilitated' rather than incarcerated in prison because he haven't committed any crimes yet and there was no casualties, no fatalities and no losses or damages done yet.
Yeah, this dude is 'innocent' unless otherwise proven... are we that damn sure about it?
Wait for the first coordinated successful terrorism strikes then Singaporeans will wake up but by then damages of properties and assets and loss of lives would be too shocking for Singaporeans because the post recovery process will be painful and traumatic to handle...
Dr Ahmad Nidzammudin Sulaiman, political science head from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) was quoted as saying that the alledged suspect from the Jemaah Islamiah escapee from Singapore, Mas Selamat:
"For somebody regarded as 'special of the special', Mas Selamat will receive maximum attention by the Malaysian authorities. He is considered a dangerous person.
It is no place for a determined and smart terrorist like Mas Selamat."
In my personal opinion, Mas Selamat is indeed very determined but not 'smart' as perceived by Dr Ahmad.
Mas Selamat Kastari is a born leader and is probably stubborn in nature (kepala batu or degil in Malay) and further more, he is from the old school terrorist, probably not that technology and IT savvy as he belongs to the Baby Boomer generation.
But he was trained in bomb making and guerrilla warfare tactics, having trained in Afghanistan and if he had ever served national service in Singapore with the army, most probably he may picked up jungle and urban warfare skills as well.
Dr Ahmad Nidzammudin perceived Mas Selamat Kastari as a dangerous individual, someone who is probably better off isolated in a secured detention center as opposed by Singapore's government stance (DPM Wong Kan Seng) that Mas Selamat Kastari should be 'rehabilitated' rather than incarcerated in prison because he haven't committed any crimes yet and there was no casualties, no fatalities and no losses or damages done yet.
Yeah, this dude is 'innocent' unless otherwise proven... are we that damn sure about it?
Wait for the first coordinated successful terrorism strikes then Singaporeans will wake up but by then damages of properties and assets and loss of lives would be too shocking for Singaporeans because the post recovery process will be painful and traumatic to handle...
Security firms fined for flouting MOM employment law
The newspaper The Straits Times headline (Page C3) "MOM takes 7 'bad' employers to court" dated May 15, 2009 carried out the report of 2 security guard agencies (security services providers) King's Security and Safety Management flouted the employment act law by making their guards working more than 12 hours per day and the guards worked more than 72 hours' of overtime each month, done without prior approval from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
The other security guard agency mentioned was Westpoint Protective Security & Investigation, presumably with similar offenses.
King's Security was one of the Big Boys in the private security industry so the conviction serves as a wake-up call to those who used outsourced security personnel.
Caveat emptor, or let the buyers be aware.
It's time that all private security licensees be made to attend compulsory Security Management courses, either from private institutions or from Temasek Polytechnic or the Security Industry Institute (SII).
And make it mandatory for all the security guard agencies (security services providers) key management staff like Business Development Managers, Business Development Executives, Operations Managers, Operations Executives, Security Executives and Chief Security Officers to attend Security Management courses as well.
If the private security industry doesn't shape up, they should ship out. Period. No two ways about it.
The other security guard agency mentioned was Westpoint Protective Security & Investigation, presumably with similar offenses.
King's Security was one of the Big Boys in the private security industry so the conviction serves as a wake-up call to those who used outsourced security personnel.
Caveat emptor, or let the buyers be aware.
It's time that all private security licensees be made to attend compulsory Security Management courses, either from private institutions or from Temasek Polytechnic or the Security Industry Institute (SII).
And make it mandatory for all the security guard agencies (security services providers) key management staff like Business Development Managers, Business Development Executives, Operations Managers, Operations Executives, Security Executives and Chief Security Officers to attend Security Management courses as well.
If the private security industry doesn't shape up, they should ship out. Period. No two ways about it.
Friday, May 8, 2009
He was plotting new attacks on Singapore
The above title was taken off Today Weekend Online, May 9, 2009.
Anyone who has read my blog ought to know that terrorism is still much alive, especially within the Asean region.
It will be an uphill task to eliminate terrorism when the terrorists and their sympathizers are still frustrated with certain issues (I won't divulge it yet) and until these issues are addressed, perhaps the terrorists and their sympathizers will be more willingly to be law-abiding and peaceful citizens or residents in Singapore as well as the Asean region.
Singapore's perception and reputation of being a safe and secure city-state is actually quite on the contrary, more so after the two Integrated Resorts, Resorts World @ Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands are fully operational.
There are lots of security loopholes, breaches, weaknesses, etc and the terrorists and criminals, including transnational criminals, transnational triads, organized crime syndicates, modern and tech savvy loan sharks, smart burglars, etc are all waiting to utilize the security loopholes readily available and it takes a true security expert and the authorities to complement each other to plug these readily available security loopholes before Singapore is to experience a first successful coordinated and well-planned terror attacks as well as crimes in natures least expected by our police force.
Below are excerpts taken from Today Weekend Online version, quotes by some "security experts":
“I would have thought he would have been caught in southern Thailand,” said RSIS senior fellow Antonio Rappa. “If he were smart, he would have gone there.”
His RSIS colleague, Dr John Harrisson, also felt that Mas Selamat “clearly misjudged his personal security by remaining in the area for any length of time”.
And how about our DPM Mr Wong Kan Seng, who is also the Home Affairs Minister:
“Today, Whitley Road Detention Centre is very different from the one on Feb 27, 2008. Many security measures have been put in place and that is the place we are going to put him in.”
Are Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, expatriates, foreign students, foreign talents and foreign workers, etc are really convinced by the "security experts" and DPM Wong's words?
I, for one, certainly won't because I know that there are many security loopholes, breaches, lapses, etc are still easily available right here under our noses.
Anyone who has read my blog ought to know that terrorism is still much alive, especially within the Asean region.
It will be an uphill task to eliminate terrorism when the terrorists and their sympathizers are still frustrated with certain issues (I won't divulge it yet) and until these issues are addressed, perhaps the terrorists and their sympathizers will be more willingly to be law-abiding and peaceful citizens or residents in Singapore as well as the Asean region.
Singapore's perception and reputation of being a safe and secure city-state is actually quite on the contrary, more so after the two Integrated Resorts, Resorts World @ Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands are fully operational.
There are lots of security loopholes, breaches, weaknesses, etc and the terrorists and criminals, including transnational criminals, transnational triads, organized crime syndicates, modern and tech savvy loan sharks, smart burglars, etc are all waiting to utilize the security loopholes readily available and it takes a true security expert and the authorities to complement each other to plug these readily available security loopholes before Singapore is to experience a first successful coordinated and well-planned terror attacks as well as crimes in natures least expected by our police force.
Below are excerpts taken from Today Weekend Online version, quotes by some "security experts":
“I would have thought he would have been caught in southern Thailand,” said RSIS senior fellow Antonio Rappa. “If he were smart, he would have gone there.”
His RSIS colleague, Dr John Harrisson, also felt that Mas Selamat “clearly misjudged his personal security by remaining in the area for any length of time”.
And how about our DPM Mr Wong Kan Seng, who is also the Home Affairs Minister:
“Today, Whitley Road Detention Centre is very different from the one on Feb 27, 2008. Many security measures have been put in place and that is the place we are going to put him in.”
Are Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, expatriates, foreign students, foreign talents and foreign workers, etc are really convinced by the "security experts" and DPM Wong's words?
I, for one, certainly won't because I know that there are many security loopholes, breaches, lapses, etc are still easily available right here under our noses.
Mas Selamat Captured
This was The Straits Times (May 8, 2009) headline.
Mas Selamat was captured by the Malaysian police about 6 weeks ago.
One of the amazing detail was that he allegedly used 7 toilet rolls to break his fall during his escape from the Whitley Road Detention Center.
How on earth could this guy managed to grab 7 rolls?
Mas Selamat's recapture is no awesome news to cheer because besides escaping the WRDC, he did not commit any actual crime like mass murder, taking a hostage's life, etc.
He will be sent off to be "rehabilitated" again.
Anyone who has undergone military training in Afghanistan would probably been taught how to react to psychological and mental torture, so after a couple of months, most probably he would relent and says, "I quit" and hence becomes "rehabilitated."
Mas Selamat would probably know that he has to practice the art of survival simply by being cooperative and submissive to the religious preachers in order for him to regain his personal freedom.
2009-2010 are the best time for the terrorists to start planning and then to execute their coordinated attack plans simultaneously at various pre-determined locations so that they will achieve their targets and agendas - creating fear, pandemonium, panic, hatred, etc and of course these will lead to great financial disasters and catastrophes to Singapore as our nation's reputation, image and status will go back to ground zero.
In 2009, the world felt the global financial meltdown through USA's banking and financial problems, sub-prime mortgage defaults, etc and in 2010, more businesses and individuals will face the financial brunt through bankruptcies.
In late 2009 and early 2010 is also the right time for transnational criminals, organized crime syndicates, terrorists, etc to make their presence felt because by then Singapore's two Integrated Resorts - Resorts World and Marina Bay Sands will both be operational.
The Jemaah Islamiah and the Al Qaeda are against gambling as their religion does not encourage haram income through revenues made through gambling and furthermore, the Americans, especially the Christians will become their target of attacks.
Another interesting situation would be prostitution, loan sharking activities and money laundering activities that will grow naturally as long as gambling and vice activities are around.
The only difference would be these syndicates and underworld gangs would probably be well-armed with pistols, revolvers and sub-machine guns.
Impossible? Think about it and think really hard before you doubt that it won't happen.
To learn one great real example, email me.
Don't worry, I'm not working for the government now, so I welcome inquiries from all parties.
Mas Selamat was captured by the Malaysian police about 6 weeks ago.
One of the amazing detail was that he allegedly used 7 toilet rolls to break his fall during his escape from the Whitley Road Detention Center.
How on earth could this guy managed to grab 7 rolls?
Mas Selamat's recapture is no awesome news to cheer because besides escaping the WRDC, he did not commit any actual crime like mass murder, taking a hostage's life, etc.
He will be sent off to be "rehabilitated" again.
Anyone who has undergone military training in Afghanistan would probably been taught how to react to psychological and mental torture, so after a couple of months, most probably he would relent and says, "I quit" and hence becomes "rehabilitated."
Mas Selamat would probably know that he has to practice the art of survival simply by being cooperative and submissive to the religious preachers in order for him to regain his personal freedom.
2009-2010 are the best time for the terrorists to start planning and then to execute their coordinated attack plans simultaneously at various pre-determined locations so that they will achieve their targets and agendas - creating fear, pandemonium, panic, hatred, etc and of course these will lead to great financial disasters and catastrophes to Singapore as our nation's reputation, image and status will go back to ground zero.
In 2009, the world felt the global financial meltdown through USA's banking and financial problems, sub-prime mortgage defaults, etc and in 2010, more businesses and individuals will face the financial brunt through bankruptcies.
In late 2009 and early 2010 is also the right time for transnational criminals, organized crime syndicates, terrorists, etc to make their presence felt because by then Singapore's two Integrated Resorts - Resorts World and Marina Bay Sands will both be operational.
The Jemaah Islamiah and the Al Qaeda are against gambling as their religion does not encourage haram income through revenues made through gambling and furthermore, the Americans, especially the Christians will become their target of attacks.
Another interesting situation would be prostitution, loan sharking activities and money laundering activities that will grow naturally as long as gambling and vice activities are around.
The only difference would be these syndicates and underworld gangs would probably be well-armed with pistols, revolvers and sub-machine guns.
Impossible? Think about it and think really hard before you doubt that it won't happen.
To learn one great real example, email me.
Don't worry, I'm not working for the government now, so I welcome inquiries from all parties.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Hands, hearts in tough times
This headline was taken from Today Online, May 7, 2009.
DPM Teo Chee Hean says public servants can help Singaporeans during challenging times by showing “understanding, empathy and sensitivity for people.”
I really wondered if the MPs at the Meet-the-People sessions really practiced "understanding", "empathy" and "sensitivity" for the people.
The most underrated and overlooked group of people during high unemployment rate, recession, financial crisis, economic downturn, retrenchment, reengineering, etc are the professionals and more so if they owned a 5 rooms or bigger HDB flat.
Considered "rich" even when they are jobless and with mounting debts, they can't even qualify for help from Family Service Center or any other organizations for basic help like food, utilities, etc.
So, indirectly, these groups of people, including managers, engineers and technicians, may have no choice as they have no way out, but to make a pact with terrorists, transnational criminals, organized crime syndicates, robbers and thieves, etc in order to get money for survival by squealing vital, critical and secret information needed by the crooks to successfully attain what they want or achieved their agendas.
It is high time that the government provide help to these groups of PMETs who were unfortunate to have bought 5 room or bigger HDB flats so that they too, deserved to be able to provide food for their family and resist the temptations to abetting the criminals and terrorists to achieve their agendas, motives, aspirations, etc.
PMETs have higher education, possess skills and talents, specialized knowledge, with access to certain restricted and secret information, etc.
Live and let live.
DPM Teo Chee Hean says public servants can help Singaporeans during challenging times by showing “understanding, empathy and sensitivity for people.”
I really wondered if the MPs at the Meet-the-People sessions really practiced "understanding", "empathy" and "sensitivity" for the people.
The most underrated and overlooked group of people during high unemployment rate, recession, financial crisis, economic downturn, retrenchment, reengineering, etc are the professionals and more so if they owned a 5 rooms or bigger HDB flat.
Considered "rich" even when they are jobless and with mounting debts, they can't even qualify for help from Family Service Center or any other organizations for basic help like food, utilities, etc.
So, indirectly, these groups of people, including managers, engineers and technicians, may have no choice as they have no way out, but to make a pact with terrorists, transnational criminals, organized crime syndicates, robbers and thieves, etc in order to get money for survival by squealing vital, critical and secret information needed by the crooks to successfully attain what they want or achieved their agendas.
It is high time that the government provide help to these groups of PMETs who were unfortunate to have bought 5 room or bigger HDB flats so that they too, deserved to be able to provide food for their family and resist the temptations to abetting the criminals and terrorists to achieve their agendas, motives, aspirations, etc.
PMETs have higher education, possess skills and talents, specialized knowledge, with access to certain restricted and secret information, etc.
Live and let live.
Outburst at Meet-the-People Session
This incident was reported in The Straits Times, May 7, 2009 but it had happened on April 27, 2009.
A 17 years old male youth was arrested by the police after his violent outburst at a Meet-the-People session.
Despite the government's "kind" gestures of helping his family by giving them food vouchers and getting them a rental flat and waiving their registration and administrative charges, the 17 years old youth's temper flared up and it was reported that he picked up a metal chair and slammed it twice on to the glass door but fortunately the glass door was still intact and no one was hurt.
This incident had happened at Serangoon North Avenue 1 and the youth was out on police bail.
What we have read about the incidents of assaults to the MPs in the past are rather mild - the mentally ill, lowly or uneducated and the poor.
What the MPs haven't experienced yet are severe crises - hostage taking, fatally shot or seriously wounded, real anthrax threat, improvised explosive device, acid attack, etc. carried out by hard-pressed professionals, militants, saboteurs, arsonists, armed professional killers, etc.
Before any readers dismiss that it can't be done right here in Singapore, in actual fact, it still can be carried out by transnational criminals, soldiers of fortune, terrorists, organized crime syndicates, etc and yes, coming soon, the revolutionized loan sharks - from unarmed or armed at the most with parangs, etc - with real weapons as they expand and protect their turfs.
A 17 years old male youth was arrested by the police after his violent outburst at a Meet-the-People session.
Despite the government's "kind" gestures of helping his family by giving them food vouchers and getting them a rental flat and waiving their registration and administrative charges, the 17 years old youth's temper flared up and it was reported that he picked up a metal chair and slammed it twice on to the glass door but fortunately the glass door was still intact and no one was hurt.
This incident had happened at Serangoon North Avenue 1 and the youth was out on police bail.
What we have read about the incidents of assaults to the MPs in the past are rather mild - the mentally ill, lowly or uneducated and the poor.
What the MPs haven't experienced yet are severe crises - hostage taking, fatally shot or seriously wounded, real anthrax threat, improvised explosive device, acid attack, etc. carried out by hard-pressed professionals, militants, saboteurs, arsonists, armed professional killers, etc.
Before any readers dismiss that it can't be done right here in Singapore, in actual fact, it still can be carried out by transnational criminals, soldiers of fortune, terrorists, organized crime syndicates, etc and yes, coming soon, the revolutionized loan sharks - from unarmed or armed at the most with parangs, etc - with real weapons as they expand and protect their turfs.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
One-in-four-return-to-crime
This was the article headline from Today Online, May 6, 2009.
Although the recidivism rate of about 25.1% (or 1 in 4) of ex-offenders went back to crime seemed "low" but the security threats are for real.
Imagine having ex-hardcore criminals like rapists, armed robbers, gangsters, etc that were released after serving their incarceration and rejoin the workforce as cleaners, landscape technician (gardener), construction worker, etc.
The probability of them committing crime, this time thanks to their exposure to the rich and wealthy people's homes, especially in condominiums, makes it easier for them to go back to their old ways again.
That means the "Yellow Ribbon" program is also at stake as innocent employers, those who believed in giving a "second chance" to ex-offenders may not realize that they are hiring human "time bombs" or "power kegs" because these recalcitrant hardcore ex-offenders may resort going back to their old ways when the right time and opportunity for them to commit offence is there.
Although the recidivism rate of about 25.1% (or 1 in 4) of ex-offenders went back to crime seemed "low" but the security threats are for real.
Imagine having ex-hardcore criminals like rapists, armed robbers, gangsters, etc that were released after serving their incarceration and rejoin the workforce as cleaners, landscape technician (gardener), construction worker, etc.
The probability of them committing crime, this time thanks to their exposure to the rich and wealthy people's homes, especially in condominiums, makes it easier for them to go back to their old ways again.
That means the "Yellow Ribbon" program is also at stake as innocent employers, those who believed in giving a "second chance" to ex-offenders may not realize that they are hiring human "time bombs" or "power kegs" because these recalcitrant hardcore ex-offenders may resort going back to their old ways when the right time and opportunity for them to commit offence is there.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Condo residents say guards went AWOL
This news headline appeared in page Home 15, The Sunday Times (May 3, 2009).
It seems that two residents had claimed that the guards, including the duty Security Supervisor was missing from their static posts.
The guards were reportedly "missing" at about 0300-0640 hours (3 a.m. - 6.40 a.m.), this incident shouldn't have happened, especially since most guards (except those who are exempted) has undergone either the National Skills Recognition System (NSRS) or the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) courses to be employed as guards and with the Private Security Industry Act (PSIA) just kicked into effect recently, this incident certainly made a mockery of the SIRD as well as the WDA and other authorities or training schools and open a door to terrorists, transnational criminals, hardcore gangsters, organized crime syndicates, etc an opportunity to expand and strike because they (crime perpetrators) knew such weaknesses, vulnerabilities, breaches and loopholes still exist right here in Singapore!
One female guard was reported to be saying that she was "resting" for 3 hours - what a luxurious break!
Another guard seemed to be "drunk" - this is a no-no under the new Private Security Industry Act (PSIA) new Code of Conduct.
And the Security Supervisor who went out for about 15 minutes to get his breakfast - causing severe security breach while he simply went out without ensuring there is another guard to man his guardhouse - another no-no under the new PSIA new Code of conduct for all licensed guards.
If and should the licensing body, the Security Industry Regulatory Department (SIRD) decide to launch an intensive investigation and should the above allegations be found to be true, then the SIRD should seriously begin to purge these rogue guards by cancelling their 5 years' license because they had compromised security as well as tarnished the negative image that the SIRD, SII, Temasek Polytechnic and approved guard training centers which are trying hard to raise the profile, professionalism and image of the Private Security sector.
Most buildings, factories and plants, warehouses and logistics centers, schools, etc owners or managing agents or the facility management staff failed to ensure proper security procedures and processes are in place and most importantly, actual back-up team to anticipate hanky-panky things from happening whilst the existing guard agency is waiting to withdraw and hand-over to the incoming guard agency.
It seems that two residents had claimed that the guards, including the duty Security Supervisor was missing from their static posts.
The guards were reportedly "missing" at about 0300-0640 hours (3 a.m. - 6.40 a.m.), this incident shouldn't have happened, especially since most guards (except those who are exempted) has undergone either the National Skills Recognition System (NSRS) or the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) courses to be employed as guards and with the Private Security Industry Act (PSIA) just kicked into effect recently, this incident certainly made a mockery of the SIRD as well as the WDA and other authorities or training schools and open a door to terrorists, transnational criminals, hardcore gangsters, organized crime syndicates, etc an opportunity to expand and strike because they (crime perpetrators) knew such weaknesses, vulnerabilities, breaches and loopholes still exist right here in Singapore!
One female guard was reported to be saying that she was "resting" for 3 hours - what a luxurious break!
Another guard seemed to be "drunk" - this is a no-no under the new Private Security Industry Act (PSIA) new Code of Conduct.
And the Security Supervisor who went out for about 15 minutes to get his breakfast - causing severe security breach while he simply went out without ensuring there is another guard to man his guardhouse - another no-no under the new PSIA new Code of conduct for all licensed guards.
If and should the licensing body, the Security Industry Regulatory Department (SIRD) decide to launch an intensive investigation and should the above allegations be found to be true, then the SIRD should seriously begin to purge these rogue guards by cancelling their 5 years' license because they had compromised security as well as tarnished the negative image that the SIRD, SII, Temasek Polytechnic and approved guard training centers which are trying hard to raise the profile, professionalism and image of the Private Security sector.
Most buildings, factories and plants, warehouses and logistics centers, schools, etc owners or managing agents or the facility management staff failed to ensure proper security procedures and processes are in place and most importantly, actual back-up team to anticipate hanky-panky things from happening whilst the existing guard agency is waiting to withdraw and hand-over to the incoming guard agency.
More help for white-collar workers
This was today's (May 2, 2009) The Straits Times news headline.
The Singapore's government is doing something to help the Professionals, Managers, Engineers & Technicians (PMETs) through upgrading of skills in Skills Program for Upgrading and Resilience (SPUR) through subsidies of up to 90% for the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) programs.
Although there are courses under the SPUR programs, it's more suitable for the local environment rather than of international standard.
The government has realized that PMETs can be a deadly force to reckon with if they have no way out or being forced to retaliate through violent or criminal ways if they remain jobless.
I'm still in the midst of writing a series of e-books on vulnerable security flaws, breaches, weaknesses, loopholes, etc and my first e-book should be ready within the middle of May 2009.
The Singapore's government is doing something to help the Professionals, Managers, Engineers & Technicians (PMETs) through upgrading of skills in Skills Program for Upgrading and Resilience (SPUR) through subsidies of up to 90% for the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) programs.
Although there are courses under the SPUR programs, it's more suitable for the local environment rather than of international standard.
The government has realized that PMETs can be a deadly force to reckon with if they have no way out or being forced to retaliate through violent or criminal ways if they remain jobless.
I'm still in the midst of writing a series of e-books on vulnerable security flaws, breaches, weaknesses, loopholes, etc and my first e-book should be ready within the middle of May 2009.
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