Friday, December 31, 2004
Goodbye 2004....and what lies ahead for 2005
2004 indeed would be a year of change. Many chinese have believed that the monkey years would always be the defining years because many things which have a significant impact on the world would occur. And the year 2004 has indeed been a year of change. Just as the world has changed with regards to the political and the natural climate; I believe that this year, especially for those taking major examinations, would in fact be a radical change for the personal self as well.
Great changes would be seen in the world. Democracy had its limelight this year. Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and India saw changes in political leadership, where the new leaders strive to wipe out old, corrupt practices and bring about a 'renaissance' to national policy. We've seen Badawi's slogan of 'Islam Hadhari', as well as Lee Hsien Loong willing to engage the younger generation, where we're now debating over the casino when previous administrations would not ponder upon. Manmoham Singh is faced with the challenge that many Asian countries face, which is to close the rich-poor gap as well as to fight corruption. However, the degree of political changes in Asia seems rather subdued this year. It takes time for new governments to fully put its mechanism in place, as seen in these countries. The changes and its effects need time to materialise, and this has been hampered by the constant threats of terrorism, the rise of China, and more recently, the tsunami tragedy just a few days ago. This will adversely affect the countries hit for the cost of damage, both psychological and economic, for the relief has not been fully in place, and to rebuild and restore the tourist industry may take years, not months. If you look at Bali now and two years back, the scars continue to linger and this indeed changes the social climate in Asia, for new solutions need to be found as it recovers from the aftermath of the disaster.
Natural disasters also defined the major changes in the global climate today. Typhoons and earthquakes become more destructive, which negative effects is further exarcebated by the unceasing enivronmental devastation by humans themselves. Logging, pollution, you name it. And nature indeed has been more wrathful than ever before.
On the economic front, challenges arises such as the falling US dollar versus the undervalued Chinese renminbi. Even as Asia grows in this bullish 2004, we do not know whether this growth can be sustained in the year 2005. Following Bush's re-election, the US dollar falls as they face the gigantic twin deficit. Outsourcing to Asia and cheaper US goods may seem good, but I feel that if the Bush admin does not do something to arrest the growing deficit, they may drag the entire global economy down as there can be a time global capital can no longer control the US economy, as well as the continued possiblity of the Chinese 'bubble burst'. With the basic changes taking place this year, its effects on the global economy would indeed be felt significantly the following year. As China grows, South-east Asia now has to find ways to capitalise on it. In addition, the struggle for free trade continues on, which I think would be a very interesting show to watch.
Personally, 2004 has been a very radical and defining period for myself. As I found myself in the tough battle of the A levels, I realise I was in a rather hostile climate. The A levels, and the future battle over scholarships is indeed Darwinistic. I realised that the realities of life has changed drastically, just as I have been transiting from the carefree civillian life to that of the regimental military life for the past three weeks. I have the feeling that I was in a more hostile environment in my army camp compared to my JC with respect to the competition for fame and fortune. 75% of the recruits in Mohawk Company are taking S papers, making Mohawk Company the 'scholar company' in the 49th PTP Enhanced Batch. (This batch has 4 companies comprising of Mohawk, Orion, Raven and Whisky) The famous reputation of Mohawk being one of the best and most 'siong' companies in BMTC is enough to make me worry how I'm going to cope when BMT starts soon. Many of my platoon mates have the grand design of not just scholarships but also to enter OCS/SISPEC. In fact, my instructors are now possessing the grand design of transforming Zenon from a high-pitched cheeky boy to that of a firm and forceful soldier. Now I feel that my 'grand designs' are nothing compared to my platoon mates. I should count myself lucky that my platoon is considered the 'welfare' platoon in Mohawk for we are scolded and tekaned less often. Some say it's because of the 'white horse' in my platoon (a son of a one-star general) and that we all should appreciate that. My next three months will indeed be the most radical period of my life, for I now find myself lonely, and that I have to build up positive rapport with fellow instructors, company, platoon and section-mates. The road indeed is tough and rough. I may be shag, but I know I will not quit.
2005 will be the time where we see the effects of the changes of 2004 taking shape. This will be the time where the newly-elected governments will show whether they live up to their promises. And for us, 2005 will be the time where for the guys, we will face the challenge of surviving BMT and adapting to the regimental military life. For the girls, you'll face the challenge of surviving in the working world before adjusting to the rigours of university life. No one knows what the year of the rooster will bring about, but for sure we know that no matter what happens, we'll survive as long as there's a way. I wish all my faithful readers an enriching and fulfilling new year ahead.
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zeligdhilee breaking the MUSIC.
20:00
Thursday, December 30, 2004
The catastrophic earthquake-tsunami that grappled Asia would've emotionally brought the world down to its knees. As we grappled on with the grim news over the widespread death, destruction and the aftermath of the tidal waves that had hit so many countries, as well as its massive death toll (as now it's exceeding 80,000), it seems that we all have to feel lucky that we Singaporeans have been untouched physically by the earthquake. Had the epicentre had been in southern Sumatra or Java, Singapore may not be able to escape from the tidal waves, given its large Ritcher scale. The widespread effects of the earthquake has puzzled, as well as has saddened me. As we say a prayer, as well as donating as much as we can, perhaps we should all feel symphathetic for those who've been affected. Also, I feel that this is a time to do as much good as we can, as well as to cherish the fact that Singapore has always been relatively untouched by the natural disasters that keep on affecting the other Asian countries. This is now a time to reflect, pray and to give, as 2004 closes with a tearful and emotional one. May we welcome 2005 with a pinch of love and compassion, as the future is always unpredictable, given the fact that everything is indeed inpermanent.
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I don't seem to have much feedback from my readers with regards to my first two weeks' experience as a recruit. Anyway, my fellow platoon and myself have started to feel the 'real' thing of what life in the military is like. Just on bookout day (yesterday), the instructors decided to give us a 'comprehensive' workout. By the end of the day, we had done up to 150 push-ups (both as warm-ups and punishments), a 2.4km run, gym training and many more. Yet, our instructors could tell that we all were trying very hard to 'endure' the rigorous training. The officer said that in future, in order to make us even more fitter, they'd have to find even more opportunities to do even more push-ups and crunches. However we all know that the sadistic things have yet to start cos' it's not even the BMT phase. That day to me was the very first day of 'tekan'...
By the way, the instructors were grappling with the high Attend B/C rate in our company. (Attend B/C is a medical grading for military personnel who report sick) Many of us have paid a visit to Tekong's 24-hour medical centre for a range of problems, starting from lower-limb related injuries to viral fever (temperatures from 39 degrees and above) to sore throat and runny hose. In fact, our superiors were alarmed and concerned, that they vented our frustrations on us. On the days following rigorous training (such as route march and runs), the number of people excused could form a 'sick platoon' (a platoon can have up to 50 people), as a sergeant from our neighbouring Leopard company have remarked. In addition, our neighbouring Orion company had a fever scare where at least 10 recruits had a viral fever of at least 39 degrees. Henceforth, it seems that we've to take precautions with regards to personal hygiene and diet. Our instructors gave us a harsh warning, saying that falling sick would put you out of action for at least a week (eg. 3 days light duties + 3 days of progressive recovery = 6 days), henceforth missing crucial lessons along the way. Apart from this, they advised us to take Vit C supplements as well as NOT hanging your clothes inside your bunk. By the way, there's a new rule in BMTC saying that you simply need 75% attendance in all lessons (medical excuses counts as absent) to pass out, henceforth it's not so necessary to pass all the crucial tests like the IPPT, SOC and marksmanship. However, if you're indeed aiming for OCS/SISPEC, passing the IPPT is the minimum prerequiste. The instructors henceforth hinted that if we keep on missing lessons thanks to sickness, we may find ourselves at risk of doing a 'recourse'. Thus, they end up telling us not to report sick for all the little things unless it's really serious like fever, telling us that persistent muscle aches is common and it's okay for you to ache all over since we're not physically conditioned enough.
However, the fitness instructors(FS) and the MOs (FS = Fitness Specialists. This new abbreviation officially replaces the common abbreviation of 'PTI') have a contrasting view, saying it is important to report sick ASAP lest the problem becomes serious and hard to deal with, as anything minor can always cause serious repercussions. Thus, there is a clash of opinions between the FS,MOs and the instructors (sergeants/officers) with regards as to knowing your own body. In fact, my FS berated a recruit for not telling him that he was actually excused for certain excercises. If you wanna ask me what's my view, it's simple. You know your own body and you must judge for yourself as to whether you're that physically well to handle a tough training session. Given the current clash of opinions, I think at this moment I'd go with the FSs' advice because they're more qualified with respect to our physical fitness compared to our army instructors. I know some of you out here will disagree with me, but I'd simply reply back that you're your own judge, and that you're always playing with you and your platoon mates' lives. So, when you know you can't take it, make sure you don't push yourself. You won't get into any trouble, and good luck to those joining me next week.
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zeligdhilee breaking the MUSIC.
17:00
Saturday, December 25, 2004
A Mohawk Christmas story
Ladies and Gentlemen...... Zenon is back! Well, after a fortnight's confinement in Tekomg, I'm here to tell you about my fortnight in Tekong, as well as to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! I booked out yesterday afternoon and I'll be booking in tomorrow evening. However, owing to the coming New Year holiday, I may get to book out by Wednesday night (29th Dec) and book in on Sunday evening again (2nd Jan). First of all, I'd like to thank you readers for all the moral support, and I'm sure you'll be assured that I'm still surviving here after two weeks of PTP. However, I shall use alot of military abbreviations in which my female readers may not understand, but I shall guide you all along the way. I urge my January friends (I shall now call my friends enlisting on 6/7 Jan as 'January' friends) to read this article very carefully and bear the hidden advice in mind. By the way, if you're from Mohawk company, I'd appreciate if you tell me that you're reading my blog, because I want to exercise my caution in expressing myself. It'd be a disaster if one day I get into trouble because the person reading this blog now is one of my superiors, and I do not want this to happen.
I enlisted on the morning of the 10th of December. I felt like I was a nobody. I was the only one of two TJCians (The other being Dominic of 18/03) who were enlisted into Mohawk Coy. (Coy = Company) As I soon later found out, and as expected, Mohawk Coy would be a very interesting coy to be in. Some of your seniors may have told you that Mohawk Coy is one of the best and most 'xiong' (tough) companies to be in, being one of the more reputable companies in BMTC (Basic Military Training Centre). And that was true. The instructors, being the officers and sergeants, are indeed 'professional' in dealing with us. They address us as 'gentlemen' and not recruits, and they always take opportunity to remark on you if you do not meet up to their standards. Apart from this, Mohawk Coy is actually a scholar coy. 75% of the people in my coy take S papers, and they're actually aiming for civilian scholarships. Being a PTP batch, we were being demeaned as 'chao muggers' from the start. I actually felt the level of competitiveness over scholarships to be more intense than in TJ, because a large bulk of people from this coy hail from the Top 5 JCs, with the majority from Raffles, National and Victoria. Apparently, HwaChongnians and TJCians are very physically fit. Hence, the instructors demand alot of us. They may yell at us, yet they've great patience in guiding us in the relevant physical exercises as the time goes.
The day always start at 0530, which in military terms is called "Reveille" (pronouced Re-ve-li), the wake up time. We wake up with a quick wash-up, as well as tidying up our bunks before we fall in at 0545. The day starts with the basic warm up exercises, which includes the 5BX (5 Basic Exercises). The 5BX includes a slow jog, jumping jacks, push-ups, burpees and crunches. So this means that everyday, we do at least 20 push-ups. Many of us still can't do a single standard push-up, which includes myself, and often you'd hear the instructors shouting phrases like "Butts down!", "Endure" and especially, "Don't f*** the floor!" Also, we may have a short run if necessary. The 5BX gets interuppted briefly at 0600 daily for a flag raising ceremony. You'd hear the bugle playing the music, and wherever you are, you've to keep still.
Following that, we have breakfast (at about 0630). With respect to food (Qiong Hui asked me a question about vegetarian food in BMTC), there's really no difference with respect to School 1 and 2's cookhouses with respect to taste. The cookhouse food is quite tasty, and is quite like home-cooked food. (But I still think my mum's food is the best) We usually have a hot drink + American/Traditional breakfast. As for lunch/dinner, you're always given rice with 2 servings of meat/fish, 1-2 servings of vegetables, soup, a fruit of your choice and fruit punch. Occassionally you do get ice cream. Well, I think the cookhouse could've done better with respect to vegetables. Apart from this, the cookhouse people are always generous with respect to rice. Because of this, there was a high wastage rate in BMTC for the first few days, as we had to adapt to the short time given by our instructors to finish our food, and also the fact that as we get physically conditioned, it takes time for our appetites to get better and hence eat faster. Apart from this, we do get a night snack for the first week, such as a humble bun, and we've a munch while we hear the CRO. (Company Routine Order)
Training is always 'progressive'. As we're in PTP, we focus heavily on PT, such as Combat PT 1, Combat PT 2, AGR (Ability Group Run) as well as gym training. Combat PT 1 is a basic warm-up exercise for all trainings, which includes 8 warm-up exercises and 3 movement drills and is generally simple even though you do another 20 push-ups. Combat PT 2 is quite a challenge to all. Another 20 push-ups, as well as sit-ups and 3 climbing drills using the chin-up bar makes it frustrating for all. It also includes Medicine Ball (a ball which weighs 4kg) and Dumbell drills (3-5kg based on your ability). I found it quite useful as I get more darker, and though I'm get more tired, I know I'm getting stronger each day. Many of the people in PTP are 'zero-fighters' (A term used to describe recruits who can't do a single chin-up), and hence the gym and the daily chin-up regime is there for us. Well... the result won't be as fast as you expect and it's still a long way to go. By the way, we've already completed our 3km route march! (But we know as of now we won't be able to survive 24km) In addition, the IPPT (Individual Physical Proficiency Test), the military equivalent of the NAPFA test, will come within your first 5 days in the camp, and as expected, less than 5 people passed thanks to chin-ups and standing broad jumps; much to the disgust of our superiors. You need 6 chin ups and a 12.20 timing for 2.4km to clear the IPPT.
Footdrills are also common, a strong symbolism of military discipline. Because of this, those not in uniformed groups would realise that they've to adapt quickly to the malay commands. So..to my January friends, you do not have the priviledge of having time to adapt to military life compared to the PTP batch, so you really need to 'double up' once you enlist. Urgency is important, and more importantly, cleaniness. 'Stand by areas' and 'Stand by beds' is a routine, as your superiors will even penalise you for leaving dust under your beds, on top of your wardrobe as well as the door and window ledges. We've already done 110 Buddha claps and 15 push-ups (which I think is a big discount) thanks to the "Stand-bys".
The day always ends with the CRO (Company Routine Order), where the annoucements are made to round up the day and to prepare for the next day's activities. Lights out is at 2230, and the 1-2 hours before is always hectic as people scramble to call their parents/girlfriends (the only time you can use your handphones), shower (open concept by the way), wash their laundries (sorry no washing machines) and to 'kiwi' (polish) their boots.. I cannot imagine how hectic BMT will be cos' the PTP period actually give us up to 5 hours of free time! And by the way there's regimentation everywhere that I nearly had the temptation to commit insurbodination.
Well, I'm adapting quite well for the past two weeks. It has been an interesting yet challenging fortnight for me. Because of my unique personality and voice, all the sergeants and officers know me. They always seem to put in alot of attention on me in whatever I do even though I feel it's a bit uncomfortable when you know your superiors are always giving you more attention than anyone else. They do give attention to certain people, but they seem to 'like' me for some reason. They wonder what the name 'Zenon' means. And because of this, I end up being the most famous person within my platoon. I really didn't want this to happen just like my days in TJ, but it was just 'unfortunate'. My peers like to chat with me, telling me that I bring colour to their lives, but on the other hand, these same peers would criticise me for being a not so disciplined, slacky, irritating and so on when it comes to serious stuff. I end up answering their questions about whether I've a girlfriend or whether I'm really a man, even dragging the story of my 'lookalike' in the end. I guess my section and platoon mates do want me to do well, given one of the SAF Core Value as "Care for Soldiers". That is why the first three months to me is very important. I've to make sure I make a positive and lasting impression on the people I meet. I've to show that I'm serious, responsible, cooperative and sensitive in whatever I do, which I felt I've not done enough. They want me to be a man. And I have no other choice. My physical strength is still rather absymal, and there's so little time to make up for this. (2 more weeks of PTP and it'll be BMT) I told my superiors in the interviews that I shall only decide whether to take up a leadership role via OCS/SISPEC only when I feel whether I'm worthy of it by the end of the course. There's still a long way to go and like what I've always told my platoon mates, the beginning has not started. The 'tekan' times has not started, and the 'siong' BMT training has yet to start. I guess I shall only know myself when the real thing really starts next month. I still don't feel like a leader, as I feel as a follower right now. I want the reverse, just as our superiors say they want to train all of us to be commanders. And given that Mohawk Coy is one of the best companies, with the country's scholars-to-be in it, I guess it shall be more competitive and demanding when it comes to scholarships and a place in OCS/SISPEC. (By the way there's no more direct route to OCS. Potential leaders must go to SISPEC first before than they can get to OCS)
As usual, the SAF is full of propaganda. The 7 Core Values is an obvious example of this. You know, we even have a formal ceremony to receive the '7 Core Values' or 'propaganda' book. We recite it at every water parade.... "DRINK UP, THE SAF SEVEN CORE VALUES ARE: LOYALTY TO COUNTRY, LEADERSHIP, DISCIPLINE, PROFESSIONALISM, FIGHTING SPIRIT, ETHICS, CARE FOR SOLDIERS; DRINK!" Once I ORD these 7 Core Values shall be wiped off my head instantly. I hate indoctrination of ideas but I know that's how a military survives. I hate the sheer bureaucracy of the SAF (For example to report sick, you've to fill in 4 forms: The Coy and Platoon report sick book, the Coy report sick slip and one slip at the medical centre), and everyone from top to bottom hates it. The SAF has alot of money and yet it can even afford to buy a drum set for BMTC nor cleaning materials for the camp. Well... that's life and we've to learn how to adapt well given the 'culture shock' there. And welcome to the time where there's no such thing as democracy. Even a humble survey is not anonymous.
Amyway, I'm coping well.... and be assured I shall adapt well and get along well with my friends and superiors... do not worry... A very Merry Christmas to you all, and I'll be back soon to continue my story.....
Anyway, a small Christmas gift for you all....
THE TWELVE DAYS OF ARMY (sang to the 12 days of Christmas)
On the ___ day of army my sergeant gave to me,
A one month of PTP / A one IPPT,
Combat PT 2,
3km route march,
a number 4,
5-B-X,
6 chin-ups,
7 hours of sleep,
8 kg dumbells,
9 weeks BMT,
10 minutes lunch,
E-leven B,
12 noon bookout
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zeligdhilee breaking the MUSIC.
22:30
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Ambivalence
Dear readers, today's my last post as a civilian in this blog before I get enlisted tomorrow. So, as you would ask, why the title "Ambivalence"? Well, by looking at the meaning of the word, it means that I'm blogging with rather mixed feelings about what's going to happen from now onwards.
Things just came crashing down on me. This morning, I woke up with a hot forehead. To think that one has a fever one day before enlistment can be disastrous! It was sheer horror! Well, having made my way to the doctor, my doctor said that I'm suffering from 'anxiety', and hence gave me some pills to bring to the army camp. This means I'm technically entering Tekong in a not-so tip-top physical condition. Well... I really have to take care of my health once there.. not just physical but mental. It seems that now the mental health seems to be the more serious issue.. Now, I not only worry about myself but also my mother.
My mother just fractured her leg and that renders her out of work, as well as on crutches for a month. And it happens at a time when I'm about to go. Well, she keeps on telling me not to worry, and continued to tell me what to do in the army camp and so on... That's my biggest worry now. She's alone, with noone else. Thankfully, our neighbour will chip in, but I'm still worried about the times when my mother's really alone. This is the biggest mental obstacle now. And this explains why I go to Tekong with a heavy, ominous and ambivalent heart. My uncle and my neighbour (who will pose as a family member) henceforth shall accompany me instead tomorrow. I have too much to worry now, even though I'm 98% done with the packing.
There seem to be some common saying in the SAF that "fitness and leadership can be trained, and that the most important is one's own mind." A close friend happened to give me a call while I was rushing to the hospital to fetch my mum. We spoke for quite some time, where he was mostly talking and I was mostly listening. (The reverse indeed) He advised me about how to stay positive in the midst of all troubles, giving me his encouragement and the strength for me to continue the momemtum. I felt a bit better but I'm still ambivalent. I do not know what kind of people I'd meet. I do not know how fast I can adapt to the new environment, and whether I can even survive PTP. I do not know whether my mother is OK.
However, one positive thing I know is, everyone's behind me. Everyone's telling me to take it easy, and to stay positive. If you ever ask me what's the most important lesson I've learnt in TJ, it's simply this phrase -- "No man is an island." I'm glad that I've known many encouraging and interesting peers, and their presence have helped me tide through the rough two years. And I can sincerely hope that my NS buddies will just be like my TJ mates, cos' the next two years is even rougher than the past two years. If not for you all, I don't think I can survive. I remembered Mrs Lim Lai Cheng asking me this question about what I thought was my weakness when I just entered the college. I pondered about it and I told her that I may be insensitive to other people's feelings. Two years on, the people of 33/03 have shown what friendship is meant to be. With this, I pledge with my heart, that I shall pass and share the magic of friendship and optimism to the people who I'll meet for the next two years. This shall be my ninth and silent clause that is not in the Oath of Allegiance in the Enlistment Act, which the original contains eight lines pledging loyalty to the nation. Thank you TJC. You made me a better, stronger and more optimistic person. And may we always keep in contact..
Goodbye...and I'll miss you all....
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zeligdhilee breaking the MUSIC.
20:40
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Post Grad thoughts
Two years of JC life started with a bang (Ohana '03) and ended with a bang for most (Final Fantasy '04). Well I really don't have much to say cos' a picture does tell a thousand words.. I've just uploaded the pics on Imagestation, so do view them and savour that time in our life when we were all princes, princesses, CEOs, CEOs' wifes, celebrities, oscar nominees, brides, bridegrooms, prom kings, prom queens and so on...
The Graduation Nite was indeed a memorable one. It is where I bid farewell with my friends whom I've known for the past two to six years. It was the happiest time of my life. It was time where the level of friendship was at the high point. Well, we should not forget the entertaining portions of the graduation nite.. The emcee was great and professional. We got our hot hunks (like Kelvin), and some lame jokes as well. Yazid's speech was short and sharp, a symbol of how life can always be fun.. he totally deserves the Mr Attitude award. I knew who was to get the award the minute he made his speech. Prom King Fahmi was the one as usual.. Perhaps he deserves to be in my 10 most interesting TJCians list, but anyway I'm glad to know him as a friend. The best-looking of all last night were obviously the girls. They were like princesses and gems. They looked as though that day was their wedding day. Numerous photos were taken. Photo-taking were more worth enjoying, compared to the band performances and lucky draws and dances. Well.. TJC has never partied to such a formal level. When I went around the ballroom, I socialised at the school level. Class and PDP lines were trangressed. Everyone to me was a charming TJCian, which explains why my CG doesn't have a dominant presence in my photo album. Friendship knows no boundaries, and everyone's the same last night. I'd never forget this nite man. Thanks for the memories.
Anyway, I'd like to thank all of my peers for all the moral encouragement. Today is my 3rd last day as a civilian. And I'm really busy now.. and I'll never forget the advice and support that you all have given me. To the guys, regardless of when or where you're enlisting, may you take NS in a positive light just as you guys have always assured me despite my pessimistic feelings. NS is a new journey. It is the period of time where friendship reaches a new level compared to our twelve years in school. I'm sure the bonds we'll build in NS will be even stronger than our times in school, but of course you shouldn't neglect the friends you've known in school as well. No doubt the journey is tougher, rougher and full of potholes, but may your tenacity never waver. To the gals, never forget the guys while you're working.. As you meet up with the great unknown in the larger society, be proud of what you're of. I've always believed that women stand up even firmer than men when it comes to what they believe in, and hence may you have a fruitful journey ahead. To all, may we always keep in contact...
This may be my final post and my farewell message. I'll never forget you guys and gals! So.......Adios! And when we chance upon each other, you know what to do. Voila!
P/S: Slyvester does has charisma. If he can attract these "pre pubescent girls with no brains" than it shows that his charisma works. However, in the real world, charisma isn't enough to sway an electorate to vote for someone as history has shown. And I believe that Singapore gave their unanimous support for Taufik based on his own merit, not on charisma, and Sly's charisma per se wasn't enough. Let's consider a liberal democracy in Asia. In Asian societies where the large bulk of the electorate are not well-educated and not very matured with regards to their choice of leader, this is where charisma is the major deciding factor in swaying the future of the nation. Some good examples are Anwar of Malaysia, Estrada of the Phillipines, Sonia Gandhi of India and Megawati of Indonesia. However, history then shows that as the electorade get more matured in their thinking, charisma then succumbs to meritocracy. And this is why I believe Sly has charisma if he can command these girls to scream their lungs out for him.
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zeligdhilee breaking the MUSIC.
20:20
Thursday, December 02, 2004
The new political thinking of the ordinary person
A/N: Sorry for not blogging for the past few days.... got writer's (or blogger's)block and I really have no mood to write anything for this moment. However, a blog is a responsibility. The blogger is responsible for the maintenance of his blog. Well time is running out and I'm still as exhausted as ever. However, allow me to have my take for the day.
Well, Singapore Idol is over, but there seem to be not one but two Singapore Idols! Have you read The New Paper? If not, you gonna know that both Taufik and Sylvester are awarded the same contracts, even though Taufik was declared the winner. Well, you might as well say there's two Singapore Idols with contrasting traits and niches, both combined (perhaps, in Mediacorp's view), giving economies of scale! Just as the American voter decided on Bush based on moral values, putting aside the economy and terrorism, the Singaporean voter apparently chose their Singapore Idol on one thing: meritocracy.
Yep. Meritocracy. The policy of the "PAP-aya" (as called in Steve Chia's yahoo group) or "Gah-men". (as called in TalkingCock.com) Everyone seem to acknowledge, regardless of whom they support, that Taufik's a better singer. However they do acknowledge that Taufik lack the charisma that Sylvester possesses, and that Sylvester will bring about economies of scale for Mediacorp given his wide market and fan base. While Taufik is merely confined to the SEA market, people are saying that Sylvester is a more 'practical' choice for being a bilingual singer, he can reach out more to the rising Asian market, just as Fann Wong and Michelle Yeo has done. Again, one should notice that the ideal of 'pragmatism' is another cardinal principle of the "Gah-men". Yesterday night, my mother rooted for Sylvester while I rooted for Taufik. My mother was the 'pragmatic' one while I was the 'idealistic' and 'meritocratic' one. It's just like the US election, where the bulk of US adults voted Bush while the bulk of first-time voters who're obviously the younger generation voted for Kerry! Hence the question is -- is there a sense of new political thinking in our society today?
The answer is yes. And the very consequence is that, oneself gets more politically and socially aware of the environment he is in. I think Singapore Idol can be a good dress rehearsal for our coming presidential poll next year as well as the parliamentary poll in 2007. As countless fans whined about deserving finalists being booted out and vice versa, I guess we can learn something from this. The bottomline is, if you really stand up for what you really yearn or dream for, take action. Apparently, Singaporeans only realised the consequences of apathy only when all the finalists got eliminated leaving behind Sly and Taufik. Right now, we now have to worry about both of them 'haemorrhaging' (I borrrowed this term from LKY's remarks of the media rivalry) as we do not know how they're going to survive the post-Idol realities. Well, Singaporeans this time round really got serious and voted last night, but will they repeat the same thing again in the General Elections? That's the biggest question I want to pose.
Sadly, it's very hard to say. The number of votes casted last night, in my own view, is an overestimate given some die-hard fans voting hundreds of times. In a general election, you can only vote once. So, since these fans view their idol's progress and well-being so seriously, will they similarly view national issues seriously as well? Singapore Idol is merely a stepping stone, but is a good starting point. The new "Gah-men" under PM Lee has taken the great stride to engaging the youths in Remaking Singapore, whom these youths are also the one who were crazy over Singapore Idol. However, PM Lee should realise that engaging these people is not easy, compared to the 11 Singapore Idol finalists who had an easy time engaging their fans, as well as Bush and Kerry engaging the American people. What is the X-factor then?
Just as many view Sly as having the X-factor in attracting his fans, I think the government must tailor their X-factor in making the 3G people realise how they can benefit from participating. And sorry. I don't have the answer at this moment. It's more difficult to think of this compared to whining about Singapore Idol. Hence, as the 3G (or 'post-65ers) gradually consolidate their influence in the near future, we can expect to see new thinking in the political and social arena. And thus, we can expect to see lots of interesting stuff happening. American Idol 4, I presume? Or Singapore Idol 2?
Well that's quite a short article given the average length of my essays. But time is running short. Enlisting in almost a week's time, and this blog will soon collect dust again. Grad nite will come by as I bid my TJ friends goodbye. And if it's not enough, RSAF has even called me up for selection tests for being a pilot or weapons systems officer two days after Grad (or two days before enlistment). I'm surprised that they asked me. Dunno why, but looks like the SAF is really desparate for manpower given that we're the scare tigers. As usual, nothing's predictable at this moment. Unlike the recent American and Temasek Idols, the Singapore Idol judges were shrewd enough to keep everyone on their toes on who was going to prevail.
P/S: Vasudha, the impression I get from you is mainly from our debate meetings so I'm right as to describe you as 'bitchy'! But your comments tell me that I don't know my president that well compared to those girls from your class as well as from debate. Also, Shaanthanaa should read my archives if she wanna know more about me.
P/P/S: Qiong Hui left me a note in his final blog post:
- zenon: you are not such a slut that i make you out to be. quite kind, quite fine at times. of cuz u r downright annoying in your blog, but that's your freedom of speech and i can't interfere. well den, on my last entry here i gotta clarify you can be a nice person if you want to. maybe you would wanna be more introspective and share your thoughts with yourself more often?
Well....I hope you're sincere in saying this, and you're accurate in your description of me. I have a 'split' personality, as you may have realised. You're equally annoying in your blog, criticising anything you don't like in a very emotional manner, but that makes your blog a very good read. When I blog, my thoughts shoot right back at my face as I write. So, my thoughts is shared not just with you but with myself. However, I think it's even more interesting when your peers know what you're really thinking, and hence, know me at a greater level. That's how we can build greater relations right? Ha, ha. That's the power of the Internet. It creates but it also destroys. Do give me your new blog address please!
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zeligdhilee breaking the MUSIC.
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