From time to time, one sees letters in Straits Times Forum Page that make you go 'Hear, hear!' or make you wish that you have written it yourself. Below is one such letter:

Incumbent MP Chiam deserves respect

I REFER to the criticism levelled on Mr Chiam See Tong, MP for Potong Pasir, by Mr Chan Mia Lee in his letter, 'Chiam should focus on bonding with residents' (ST, Oct 26).

Let me first state that I am not a resident of Potong Pasir. Neither do I know Mr Chiam personally, nor am I an opposition supporter. As a matter of fact, I have always voted for the PAP candidate.

But I have great respect for Mr Chiam. Here is a man who has risen against all odds to win a seat to represent Potong Pasir. As an opposition MP, he has been an honourable Member of Parliament. He does not oppose for opposition's sake.

For him to be re-elected in Potong Pasir for five consecutive terms says a lot about the level of support he enjoys from his constituents.

But here is also a Member of Parliament who is not the adviser to grassroots organisations in his own backyard. Instead, Mr Sitoh Yih Pin, who has repeatedly failed to wrest the constituency from him, is the adviser.

In every PAP ward, the elected representative is the adviser to the grassroots organisations. Why is this not the case in Potong Pasir?

Grassroots organisations are not part of any political party. Neither should they have any political affiliation. If that is the case, why is Mr Chiam not the adviser to the grassroots organisations in his ward?

I do not think Mr Chiam is paranoid and insecure just because a crooner sang praises of his rival at a National Day dinner.

A National Day dinner is not a political-party event. The crooner has no business to be singing praises of Mr Sitoh and urging the diners to vote for him.

This is outright disrespectful of the incumbent MP. Imagine if the same incident were to take place in the Prime Minister's ward. Would the Prime Minister laugh off the incident?

More likely than not, the crooner would be hauled up for interfering in local politics. The organiser would also be hauled up for turning the dinner into a political event without a permit.

Representing a constituency as an MP is a serious undertaking. It is not a beauty parade or a karaoke contest.

Did Mr Sitoh apply for a permit to hold a political rally during the dinner? If not, would he not have broken the law when the crooner urged diners to vote for him?

Under election rules, shouldn't there be no campaigning outside of the election period? Should the police not investigate the matter and take appropriate action against the organiser and the crooner?

Mr Chiam has repeatedly shown that he is a gentleman, even though he is an opposition member. Even Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong have openly praised him for his gentlemanliness and said good things about him.

Why can't Mr Sitoh and his supporters reciprocate by respecting Mr Chiam as the incumbent MP? Sure, fight him if you must in the next election and may the better man win. But, until then, Mr Chiam is the elected representative of Potong Pasir and deserves the respect and support that should be accorded to every MP.

In disrespecting an honourable Member of Parliament, Mr Sitoh and his supporters are showing disrespect to Parliament.

Patrick Tan Siong Kuan
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Hublot dinner by The Hour Glass

Was lucky enough to secure an invite to the Hublot dinner organised by The Hour Glass. Special guest was Hublot CEO Jean Claude Biver, a most dynamic 50+ year-old man. Venue was at Zambuca Italian Restaurant at Pan Pacific Hotel.

The entire restaurant was booked for the event. It was surprisingly spacious, with two levels of seating. The huge Hublot logo is on the wall at the far end.


The tables were sprinkled with rose petals.


Main course was pan fried baby snapper loin served on a bed of soft polenta draped with lobster bisque and prawn topped with pea shoots. It's obvious from the photo that I have pushed the disgusting pea shoots aside. Bad news was I had NO idea what that layer of 'polenta' at the bottom is; it has the texture of mashed potato BUT it certainly didn't taste like it-- I didn't like the taste of 'polenta' :


Dessert luckily, was the ever-popular tiramisu. It was excellent, not over-drenched with alcohol:


Models posing with the latest Hublot watches. These angmoh models were frighteningly tall:


Hublot CEO Jean Claude Biver giving his speech, which we all enjoyed. The Europeans just seem to radiate so much passion, which is so rare in Singaporeans:


A pair of the latest Hublot watches-- the Hublot Big Bang. It's a watch with a fusion of rubber, ceramic, kevlar and stainless steel. The white one is a limited edition circulated from table to table for us to examine up-close while the black one is the regular version:


KC and me:


April (of The Hour Glass) and me:


Yvonne (of The Hour Glass) and me:


Watch afficionados, all of 'em:


Thanks to Hublot and The Hour Glass for a great time!

The sky poured buckets this afternoon, accompanied by a spectacular light and sound show.
4 animals that I saw in the rain while waiting at my void deck (in no order):
1) centipede
2) toad
3) cockroach
4) lizard

I tried to drown the cockroach by kicking it into a rain puddle; it kind of got carried downstream. I'm sure it escaped alive.

Typing this in a Biomedical computer lab at Temasek Polytechnic now; students are engaged in some online exercises as part of their Biomedical Experience organised by TP Engineering School. The welcome gift for each student (and teacher) was a plastic thingy that is a namecard holder, a massager, and a baby-rattle-- so inventive.

Remembered this joke I saw from a trailer of Arrested Development: A daughter saboes her mother by giving her a t-shirt with the word 'SHEMALE' printed in front. The poor clueless mother is pleasantly surprised, says it's nice, and asks her daughter what's that word. Daughter replies, 'It's Shee-mar-leh....'.

Finally, was lucky enough to be spared a long agonizing wait. Rushed down to Hour Glass, and it didn't take too long to get my hands on the Sinn U1. I love this write-up taken from watchbuys.com :

'Sinn released a private showing of this watch at the 2005 Basel Watch Fair, and the reception was overwhelming. The technology and design elements used to create the new Sinn U1 go far beyond standards used at most watch companies.

The U1 and U2 are designed to be virtually impervious to water penetration. The U1 and U2 cases are made from stainless steel that is also used in the construction of the outer hull of submarines. The steel was by procured by Sinn from a steel supplier to Emden GmbH, one of Germany's North Sea shipbuilding yards who construct submarines from the very same steel. This submarine steel is not only extraordinarily sea water resistant (PRE value up to 38), it possesses also the highest anti-magnetic quality.

Because of the special steel used from the submarine steel manufacturer, and the use of Sinn's Tegiment technology, this case can be hardened up to 1500 Vickers instead of the usual 220 Vickers used on most watch cases. Further, the case resists the effects of exposure to salt water and salt water environments.

The uni-directional ratchet operated rotating bezel is also milled from this submarine steel. The indices are machined directly into the bezel without the use of bezel inserts, which can corrode or come loose at deep depths. The international testing lab of Germanischen Lloyd has tested the U1, and determined that the watch can be certified as water resistant to 1,000 meters. This same firm tests submarines for their ability to withstand the effects of underwater use.

The watch has an automatic mechanical movement, operating at 28,800 beats per hour, shockproof according to DIN 8308 specification and anti-magnetic according to DIN 8309 specification. It operates in temperatures between -45 deg Celsius to +80 deg Celsius due to the special lubricants in the movement applied in the Sinn laboratory.'

Aaaaah, how cool and over-engineered can a watch get?

I received a call last night, and it was from Anthony of The Hour Glass at Ngee Ann City!!
Something nice has arrived...

And look what a Chinese lady has to say about my current favourite commercial on TV in the Online ST Forum today:

Visa's advertisement is arrogant, condescending to Asians

I am writing to protest against Visa's latest advertisement featuring actor Richard Gere in India.

It reeks strongly of racial stereotyping, condescension and arrogance. The last thing the world needs is a not-so-subtle message that only a big, white American guy can free poor Asians with American financial clout by way of a Visa credit card.

Other subtle messages may be given to more negative interpretations, which surely do not dwell well in our present suspicious global climate.

Visa may want to rethink its advertising strategy if its aim is to attract Asian customers.

So far, it is only successful in offending the sensibilities of most Asians and it may be prudent to withdraw this advertisement.

Claire Chong (Mrs)
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Please lah, overreacting a bit, isn't she? It's set in India probably to show that even in such a ulu place like a marketplace in a 3rd world country, the vendors can still accept Visa, so means go anywhere with Visa still can use. And Richard Gere used his card to give the little girl a GIFT, not to rescue her from financial distress.

Some editor's head is gonna roll

Saw this in today's ST Forum page, which made me go, 'huh??':

Headline smacks of arrogant conceit

I REFER to the article, 'S'pore can help Russia make its mark: MM Lee' (ST, Oct 12).

This is an arrogant conceit. When Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew was addressing Russian academics and students, he was conscious that he was talking to a people with great technological and scientific prowess. He never said Singapore can help Russia make its mark.

Yeong Yoon Ying (Mdm)
Press Secretary to Minister Mentor
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Wah, a ST article headline has offended the Father of the PM! I thought Straits Times publish article very strict, got controls by the State one? How can this happen man.

Site server was down for a few days, so I couldn't post.
Anyway, this reply came out on Saturday 15 Oct in Straits Times Forum page.

MediaCorp series didn't breach Films Act

I REFER to the letter, 'Films Act: Did MediaCorp run foul of the law?' (ST, Oct 14), by Mr Kelvin Lau Jit Hwee. He asked if MediaCorp's screening of a series on PAP leaders earlier this year could have violated the Films Act.

The series referred to is the programme Up Close, which featured five ministers. In the series, the ministers discussed with invited guests policy issues pertaining to their portfolios, such as youth, employment, education and health.

The series clearly did not breach the Films Act as the discussions were conducted in a non-partisan manner and were aired by MediaCorp for the purpose of reporting current affairs.

K. Bhavani (Ms)
Director
Corporate Communications
Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts
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I'm sure Martyn See thinks otherwise.
In addition, Cherian George has not come up with a second retort to the PM's press secretary. It would have been interesting to see a further one-on-one, but well, Forum space is limited.

Couldn't believe my eyes when I opened the papers, and saw that a short letter I emailed to Straits Times Forum 2 days ago actually made it to print:

Films Act: Did MediaCorp run foul of the law?

I REFER to Mr Chen Hwai Liang's letter, 'Govt doesn't depend on 'calibrated coercion' (ST, Oct 12), in which he reiterated that 'the Government must act when the law is broken, whether by opposition politicians or government supporters'.

Police are investigating independent Singaporean film maker Martyn See for making a documentary about an opposition leader as he may have violated the Films Act, which bans political advertising using film or video.

Earlier this year, MediaCorp screened a series on PAP leaders. Is it possible that it could have violated the Act? If yes, shouldn't it face police investigation too?

Kelvin Lau Jit Hwee

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Of course, my letter was inspired by this report, which I also posted in this blog on Sept 19:

Agence France Presse
September 2, 2005
SINGAPORE

A SINGAPOREAN activist has filed a police complaint against national broadcaster MediaCorp for allegedly violating the island's Films Act banning political advertising using film or video.
The complaint, filed by Yap Keng Ho, accuses MediaCorp of screening two programs about ruling People's Action Party leaders and is meant as a protest against Singapore's stringent censorship, Yap said.

Yap told AFP Friday, Sept 2, he wanted to expose a pro-ruling party bias in the legislation banning political films with his complaint, which comes as police investigate independent Singaporean film maker Martyn See for making a documentary about an opposition leader.

The Films Act bans political advertising using films or videos, as well as movies directed towards any political end such as promoting parties.

"I feel that it is a very unfair and biased legislation," Yap, a 44-year-old information technology consultant, told AFP. "I want to show the world whether law enforcement (in Singapore) is going to be fair or not."

Yap's complaint alleges that MediaCorp had violated the Films Act by screening two programs in 2002 and this year featuring Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew and his son, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, respectively.

A spokesman for the Singapore police confirmed they received the complaint "and are currently making the necessary checks with the Media Development Authority (MDA)."

A spokesman for MediaCorp said they were unaware of Yap's complaint.

On Monday, filmmaker See surrendered to police his camera and remaining tapes of the documentary "Singapore Rebel" about Chee Soon Juan, secretary-general of the opposition Singapore Democratic Party.

Chee, the most vocal opposition politician in Singapore, is facing bankruptcy after the High Court ordered him to pay S$500,000 (US$300,000) for defaming PAP leaders.

Affluent Singapore has often been criticised by human rights groups for maintaining strict political controls despite its rapid modernisation since becoming a republic 40 years ago last month. Singapore has been ruled by the PAP since independence.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Like I had said, chances of MediaCorp facing police action are practically NIL; it will be like the Government shooting itself in the foot.

Your Birthdate: February 20

Your birth on the 20th day of the month adds a degree of emotion, sensitivity, and intuition to your reading. The 2 energy provided here is very social, allowing you to make friends easily and quickly. Yet you are apt to have a rather nervous air in the company of a large group. You have a warmhearted nature and emotional understanding that constantly seeks affection. You are very prone to become depressed and moody, as emotions can turn inward and cause anxiety and mental turmoil. It can be hard for you to bounce back to reality when depression sets in. When things are going well, you can go just as far the other way and become extremely affectionate.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Something about Cats and Dogs

Imagine: A dog is fed, cleaned and looked after by you. Naturally, it thinks you are GOD.
On the other hand, a cat is fed, cleaned and looked after by you. Naturally, it thinks it is GOD.

Anyway, I love both cats and dogs.

And this animated gif really takes the cake...


The result... Awwwww, can't we all just get along?


OT: I tried the hainanese pork chops with curry rice at the coffeeshop near Blk 85 on Saturday-- yummy.

Just learnt on the radio news today that police have decided to let off the perpetrator of the Buangkok White Elephants with 'a stern warning'. Must be cos elections are coming.

Had an opportunity to catch Kumar in action at Gold Dust (Orchard Towers) last night, cos I won invite to the launch of the movie '40 year old Virgin'. Got a pair of free passes to the movie somemore, not bad. The jokes came fast and furious, but now, I can only remember these 2:

- Kumar said he's good and kind so he thinks he will go to heaven and become an angel. Problem is, he's Indian, so he will look more like a bat.

- Kumar said since now got Indian President, he too, would like to become the next President, cos he likes the idea of his framed photo in govt offices everywhere. There's a difference: photos of the President and First Lady can BOTH be of Kumar himself.

Hahahaha.

Was lucky enough to be invited to the Sinn party last night at Paulaner Brahaus. Hour Glass booked the entire 2nd level for the party.
I got my Sinn catalog autographed by the German CEO of Sinn.
Spotted quite a few familiar faces as usual.
Besides free flow of beer (their famous light-colour brew and dark-colour brew), there were mini breaded chicken cutlets, pork sausages, and grilled pork knuckles and assorted other finger foods so it sure seemed like a mini Oktoberfest.
Got Wei Koh to explain the mysterious gear train of his FP Journe Chronometer Souverain to me-- beautiful watch, with entire movement crafted in rose gold!
Admired Prof Harry's Sinn U1, a 1000m diving watch with a case made of real submarine steel!

It was a great informal atmosphere.


Models (the human kind) wearing Sinn tees in a most beguiling fashion. The old man is the CEO of Sinn.


Of course, there were Sinn's latest models on display.


Tjeng Jaw (pronounced Cheng Yao) and me. The gold medal was presented to Jaw by Sinn CEO for his assistance in the event, etc (I forgot what the medal said already).


April (of Hour Glass) and me. Kudos to her for picking this venue!


Jaw and the ladies: brand manager of Harry Winston (forgot her name), Dolly and April.

Findings have shown that Vancouver is the world's most livable city.
Within Asia, Tokyo takes the top spot for most livable city.
Surprisingly, or not surprisingly, Singapore is ranked the 54th most livable city (Seoul is also ranked 54th by the way). That's certainly something for us No.1-mad Singaporeans to ponder about. Hey, Ministers with million-dollar salaries, back to the drawing-board! Yeah, I sound spoilt and whiny, but then, S'pore is such a nanny-state.

Went to Katong for laksa and nasi-lemak breakfast.
Went to East Coast to enjoy sea-breeze.
Went to pick up NATO straps (black & olive) from Anders.
Went to Orchard, since it was nearby.
Tried the teh-peng (iced milk tea) from Ah Mei Kaya Toast at Paragon basement, one sip, and I knew this HAS to be the best teh-peng I ever tasted. $1.50 per cup, but still cheap compared to Starbucks.
Went home.
Cycled to Soon Watt, then to Attitude Bikes to have my rear disc brake serviced. Problem was rectified in a jiffy, whereas Soon Watt had said to come back another day as it will take too long, hmmph. Mechanics at Attitude amused themselves with my Honka Hoota. Finally, disc brakes no longer draggy.