Aviva Open Singapore 2007

Give me a chance to reply.

My statement is very general and need not apply to your country in particular, unless there is a reason to do so. You should not insinuate into what I say and put it so negatively.

My statement applies especially to some developing countries where the country is big and resources rich but the leaders are corrupt and poverty is more rampant, educational levels low, crime rate tends to be higher as a result. We have read so much from the papers and seen with our own eyes the sufferings of the common folks, many of whom do not have a decent meal a day.

There are also developed countries with 'imported' social problems in that the foreign workers bring with them social habits and behaviours which are at odds with their host country. Some even resort to killing each other because of misunderstandings. This may be a way of settling arguments in their own country but is totally unacceptable in the host country. Singapore has experienced some of these problems. But the enforcement agencies, like the Police, etc, are able to tackle and contain them before they are being blown out of proportion and become a menace to society.

The degree of crime, etc, is relative and is present in all countries, whether they are from the First World or the Third World. The effectiveness of the law and its implementation is what counts most and therein lies the difference of whether one feels safer or more comfortable in one country compared to another and makes his final choice, having considered all other relevant issues. But unfortunately, for the majority us, it is not easy to migrate to another "better" country because of our own limitations and the host country's strict requirements. For the better educated, mobile young professional, it is much easier, because talents are wanted especially in countries which want to push ahead for various reasons. So if one is really talented the world is at his feet.

Now let's come back to XBall's comments which elicited a reply from me and for which you are not happy about. He said he prefers living in Malaysia and not Singapore, because the latter is too crowded. I have given him a reply and acknowledged that Singapore will be more crowded in future because we need more people to build the economy:

"Got to say something, Singapore is too crowded and will become even more so in years to come as it increases its population.

I still think Malaysia is a better place to live in. Sorry.

I will retire in Australia, the lucky country."

Then I asked why he wants to retire in Australia if he likes Malaysia so much.

But you miscontrued it as unwarranted and became agitated.
You should know that King Stirer XBall meant no harm and this forum is just an escape for us to unleash our stress, if any, or just an exchange of views and information. XBall is entitled to his own opinions as much as we are entitled to ours.

Yes property prices are hotting up in Singapore. Foreign money is pouring in from many countries not only for prime properties but also for other investment instruments and avenues. This is good for Singapore as foreigners show confidence in our country. Even Malaysia's Genting International feels happy to have won the bid to build an Integrated Resort, with a casino, on our Sentosa island that will cost some US$3 billion. American conglomerate, Sands, has clinched the first IR costing about the same price to be built on reclaimed land at Marina Bay.

Fortunately for the common masses, long ago since it came into power, the government has not only initiated a plan to enable about 80% of ordinary people to own their own HDB (Housing Development Board) homes, but is constantly reviewing the mass housing situation in order not to allow prices to escalate out of proportion. For the well-paid young professionals who wish to live in condominium style, they have to pay the market price which is driven by market forces. Now the price is shooting up because demand for the popular properties has exceeded supply.

 

I thought you were more defensive than me when you finally said Malaysia and Australia are both wonderful places to live but you prefer to retire in Australia instead.

But I agree with you when you say:

"A bit of difference in opinions do not hurt anyone. To each his own I say. I have lived in Singapore and Malaysia so I have my own opinions."

 

I've watched not a few badminton tournaments in Malaysia, the most recent being the ABC in nearby JB and the farthest in Alor Star last November. But I have watched more in KL, in Cheras KLBA.

I have driven to many places in Malaysia, including Cameron Highlands and Fraser Hill, when I was much younger and never felt in danger. Naturally I enjoyed myself otherwise I wouldn't have bothered to drive for so long hours to so many places. Like many other Singaporeans, it is also a chance to get out of tiny Singapore, other than taking a tour elsewhere overseas. Also things are relatively cheaper as the Sing dollar is higher in value, unlike before Singapore gained independence when the exchange rate used to be the other way round.

But nowadays my trips up north is mainly by coach. I continue to enjoy myself with the places I visit and the food I take, though in some places, prices are nearly just as high as in Singapore. It is not true that one does not have to pay for using the roads as there are tolls to be paid along the highways.

As for having to pay higher prices, this also depends on supply and demand and the priorities of the country's government. In some countries, prices of goods and services may appear cheaper, but the resident may already have paid heavily upfront in the form of higher direct and indirect taxes.

However there were reports of some unfortunate Singaporeans whose lives were endangered and who received poor treatment at the immigration checkpoints. From time to time, such things do happen anywhere in the world but it is unfair to generalise and stereotype.

So how can anybody accuse me of not liking Malaysia? To me Malaysians and Singaporeans are not much different. They are only divided by political boundaries. But Malaysians who work in Singapore will certainly enjoy the best of both worlds, provided Singapore continues to make economic headway.

 

Of course I'll be watching the Aviva Open. Oh I've almost forgotten that May 1 is Labour Day, public holiday. Therefore I really have no good excuse not to be there early.

But Jimbo, did I have the privilege of meeting you before? Sorry, I tried but just can't figure out where and when. Do PM me with your hp number so that we can meet up again.

 

Relax Wilfred. Give me a chance. I'm greatly disadvantaged by age!

 

So by logic, the younger you are the more aggressive you get! I suppose you are in this category.

 

Wow, your aggressivenes really shows! You instigate, you stir, you add fuel to fire. You assume you can beat me easily in badminton. Sure, but if you are my age and we face each other in the badminton court, it may not be what you think. You don't win on unfair grounds. Pick a man your size, as they say.

Retorting? Surely in a democracy, this is fair play? You put forward something and when it concerns a certain party, surely that concerned party must be given a chance to reply? Worst still if it is a wrong accusation without basis. If it is unanswered, it can mean that the accused party is guilty.