Something Here And There - Part 1

Hello everyone and dobroe uto. I’m guessing that most of you are either just waking up or bored to actually come to this site and check for updates. Well, congrats cause it’s updated, like finally; after all those quiet weeks. It’s been almost a month or maybe more. If you are all wondering what I have been up to, wonder no more. What’s important is that I’m here today.

During these few weeks, a lot have happened. First up, African Americans and liberal humanitarians worldwide rejoice. Barack Obama is the new president and he’s due in about 10 weeks. These 10 weeks will be Bush’s last days in the office. I hope that dosen’t get to his head and make him abuse his power in that limited time period. Which brings to mind a question, should a South-East Asian country like Singapore have a two-way political system whereby the opposition goes head to the head against the ruling party?

To begin with, Singapore is a parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster system of unicameral parliamentary. What this means is that, the state-of-head (the President) is a ceremonial figure while the country is governed by the prime minister who represents the ruling party. Interesting note here, Singapore’s ruling party has been the same ever since independence; and another interesting note, Singapore is the only country to have a senior minister and a minister mentor-ministers who still have to offer in a development of a country. Having state that, Singapore does have other parties that generically have the interests of the citizens at heart. With regards to the question, should these parties be given the responsibility to keep check on the ruling party as what the Americans have been doing?

I think that they should not have this system. Singapore is a small country and I think we are doing well as it is though there are a lot of changes that I hope to happen. For example, I would really love to see this state as a full-fledged traditional democratic society. What we’re having now is actually procedural democracy; democracy achieved through the decisions made by the ruling party, not the majority of the people as what true democracy means. Another thing I would love to see is the actual freedom of speech. Nowadays, we do have freedom of speech but not to the extent of street demonstrations and private campaigns. I do understand the need for peace and harmony and not having a catalyst for riots and such; and for this matter, I will put the majority of the blame on the citizens for two things. First is the fact that most of them are oblivious to almost everything that’s happening around them saved for their interest in making money and the other is the lack of control of emotions during any campaigns be it in forms of demonstrations, music and other methods, thus having the need of a ruling to justify the freedom of speech. If these things do happen, it would be great. Life might be more exciting then like all those debates and talks and campaigns and meets like those in Malaysia which is broadcast live. But then again, the matter of reputation to the world comes to mind.

From politics to suicide and deaths. These two weeks, I’ve actually heard of 3 death cases all connected in some minor ways to me. Goodness gracious me. The first one is the death of a Marsiling Secondary School student from my batch. I don’t know him that well but he passed away after being run over by a bus as he was riding. It’s really sad that even if you are careful, accidents can still happen. From my pasts very little experience with him, I’d say he’s a really quiet chap who keeps to himself mostly. I should think he’s a nice guy. I don’t know him that well but I pray that he rests in peace.

The two other deaths are suicide cases. One of which was my classmate this year. Her suicide was a surprise. She committed suicide apparently because of her break up. Again I wasn’t that close to her. The only time I remembered speaking to her was on what shampoo I used but it’s sad really to know that a person takes their own life over such matters. I won’t say such matters are trivial because they’re not. They involve emotions and mental health which is a dangerous combination to have for a chronic depression. And the last person was the guy who got mauled by the tigers. I don’t know the guy but I used to work there so again the little connections link me. He was reportedly to be under intense pressure and stress that wholly affected his mind. Again the mind; such a brilliant creation that is always the brunt of all physical and emotional pain. Again I won’t say that his was over a trivial matter.

I just hope that all the readers out there will practice caution upon receiving a really bad news. I don’t want to hear news of any suicides from anyone of you because you are all now link to me. So if you do commit suicide, I’ll feel sucky. Life is already very short. One day you’re born, the next you’re gone. Cool line; I’ll have to copyright that. In all seriousness, stay positive. Don’t even look at a pair of scissors or anything dangerous when you’re feeling down. Instead, eat chocolates and ice creams, then go to sleep. It should help to cool you’re emotions down enough for you to think rationally after. Don’t drink on it as well, cause you’ll behave funny when under heavy influence.

I think I should stop here though I know I can carry on; but it’s getting way too long. Maybe next time. Till then dos vidanya.