Are Singaporeans working more for less?

By Alicia Wong | Fit to Post Finance – Thu, Jun 30, 2011

Private sector workers' wages grew by 5.5 percent in 2010, according to the Ministry of Manpower. (AFP photo)

A strong economy and tightening labour market saw private sector workers' wages grow last year, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

But with a significant leap in labour productivity, did the wage increase keep pace?

The MOM's latest findings show total wages, which comprise of basic wages and the annual variable component, rose by 5.5 percent in 2010, after contracting by 0.4 percent the year before.

After accounting for inflation, real total wages rose by 2.7 percent in 2010, after declining by 1 percent in 2009.

Labour productivity increased significantly by 11 percent in 2010, after two years of declines, reported the MOM. The Ministry attributed the increase to a "robust GDP growth".

The difference in the wage increase and productivity climb has seen one recruitment consultancy question if employees are now "working more for less".

Are we working more for less pay? (Screenshot from Ministry of Manpower)

"The real wage increase is only 2.7 per cent at the back of a significant market recovery post-global financial crisis in 2009," Robert Walters Singapore's director of Financial Services & Legal Pan Zaixian pointed out.

It is "not a considerable wage increment" after taking into consideration the 11 percent increase in productivity, he said. "It seems that the higher increase in output has not translated much more in real wage increment terms."

"Hence, the question is -- are we working for less?" he asked.

Recruitment firm Adecco SEA's regional director Lynne Ng, however, placed the ball in the employees' court by noting that Singapore is "most definitely continuing to be an employee driven market".

She said, "The extremely tight labour market in Singapore with its low unemployment rate is driving up wages and job seeker expectations. Job seekers are holding out for the very best offers and in many cases carefully evaluating several job offers before making a final decision."

"This is very different to the situation in late 2008 and 2009," she added.

Among the industries, higher value-added ones generally paid better, said MOM based on the findings of its occupational wage survey 2010.

The financial services industry was the highest-paying out of many occupational groups, while hotels and restaurants as well as construction sectors were among the lowest-paying industries.

Pan said that since the 2009 financial crisis impacted the financial services industry more than others, the industry thus saw a higher year-on-year increase in wages relative to other industries during the 2010 market recovery.

Ng noted that the sector quickly turned around after the economic challenges of late 2009 and early 2010.

Monthly gross wage by occupational group, June 2010. (Screenshot from the Ministry of Manpower)

Figures show managers continued to command the highest median gross monthly salary at $6,300 in June 2010, while professionals came in second at $4,300. The third-highest paid were the associate professionals and technicians with a median pay of $2,987.

Clerical support workers and service and sales workers earned about $2,000 and $1,788, respectively.

Cleaners, labourers and related workers were the lowest-paid with a median pay of $960. Plant and machine operators were the second-lowest paid with a median salary of $1,896.

The MOM report also found that managers and professionals were more likely to get higher pay as they grow older, while blue-collar and lower-skilled workers' pay peaked early in their 30s.

What are salary expectations for 2011?

"From a percentage increase point of view, I don't foresee higher increases than last year as inflation in Singapore looks to be more contained this year," Pan said.

The market is also more "bottom-line conscious" because of uncertainties in the wider global economies, he added.

On the other hand, Adecco's Ng said she expects to see wages growing in 2011 and that "it will continue to be an employee driven market".

The MOM survey on annual wage changes for 2010 sampled 4,336 private sector establishments with a total of 1,039,100 employees. The survey was conducted using mail questionnaires with clarifications over the phone.

The occupational wage survey 2010 sampled 3,304 private sector establishments, covering some 223,500 CPF contributors in full-time employment. The survey was conducted through mail questionnaires.


Via: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/fit-to-post-finance/singaporeans-working-more-less-153940033.html

[美國] 國際太空站險遭“垃圾”撞，6太空人逃生艙躲劫

國際 2011-06-29 19:40


（美國 華盛頓29日訊）地球週二凌晨險遭一枚大小如旅遊巴士的小行星擊中，最終小行星距地球1萬2千多公里擦身而過。科學家今次走漏眼，一度把這枚編號“2011MD”的小行星當成太空垃圾，直至上週飛臨地球前才發現搞錯。

小行星於大馬時間週二凌晨2時掠過地球，期間飛越南極、大西洋南部、南美洲等地區上空。

小行星與地球曾相距1萬2千230公里，即使中型望遠鏡亦可望到。2011MD直徑只有7至16公尺左右，由於體積細小，美國太空總署（NASA）科學家亦誤以為只是太空垃圾，直至上週才發現搞錯，經觀察證實小行星不會撞向地球。

每6年一小行星掠過地球

據報，每6年便有一顆小行星掠過地球，科學家把1千200多顆小行星列為具潛在危險，指它們有可能撞向地球。今次小行星掠過地球的距離已屬極為接近，而本年初一顆小行星的距離更近，只有5630公里。

小行星飛向地球，其中最可怕的是“零距離接觸”。科學家認為，6千500萬年前小行星撞地球致使恐龍滅絕。據資料記載，上個世紀，小行星至少兩次敲響了地球的大門。

隨時破壞通訊衛星
太空碎片數量逾10萬

人類探索太空54年來，4千600次太空發射活動的結果是，有數量驚人的太空垃圾，正環繞地球飛行，包括退役的航天器、火箭、推進器、棄置衛星、導彈碎片，以及其他金屬、塑料與玻璃碎片等。

NASA稱，美國太空監督網目前正追蹤約1萬6千件大於10公分的太空碎片。

然而，無法觀測到的，直徑小於10公分的太空垃圾碎片的數量料超過10萬，而直徑小於1公分的碎片則多達百萬。

美國曾發表報告稱，環繞地球的太空垃圾眾多，隨時破壞重要的通訊衛星，一旦衛星被擊毀，將瓦解成無數太空碎片，或會進而破壞其他衛星，造成連鎖效應。

日本宇航局及日東公司曾公佈收集太空垃圾的方案，在衛星上貼上數英里闊的金屬網，在軌道內收集太空梭碎片。數周後收集完畢，金屬網將進入大氣層燒毀殆盡。

太空垃圾非首例
小碎片可釀大破壞

雖然今次意外十分罕見，但也非首次聽聞。

2009年3月12日，國際太空站第18長期考察組也曾因太空垃圾飛臨，3名太空人首次臨時疏散到與太空站對接飛行的“聯盟”號太空艙內避險。

一般人可能會認為，在太空中飛行的小小碎片，應該不會危及太空站等體積龐大的航天器的安全。

然而，專家們警告，一個在太空中以每秒8至10公里速度飛行的碎片，即使只有雞蛋般大小，其產生的能量與一輛以時速50公里行駛的重型卡車不相上下，可對太空站造成嚴重破壞。

不過，一旦面對危險，工程人員可調校太空站軌道，減低碰撞機會。若不幸發生嚴重撞擊事故，太空人可乘2艘救生太空艙脫離太空站，返回地球。

（星洲日報／國際）

转自：http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/210305?tid=2

[台灣] 陸客自由行啟動，兩岸和平發展重要里程碑

國際 2011-06-28 18:09

作為赴台個人遊第一批試點城市之一，廈門首發遊客週二分別以海陸兩路赴台旅遊；首發團遊客從廈門乘坐“小三通”廈金航線班船“捷安”輪，開往金門。（圖：新華社）

（台灣 台北28日訊）中國居民赴台自由行週二正式啟動，來自北京、上海和廈門約290名首批中國遊客當天陸續抵達台灣，展開兩岸人民隔絕一甲子後，首次完全的自由流動。

從30多年前的“老死不相往來”，到如今雙方居民都可自由來往，象徵兩岸民間交流逐漸進入雙向、直接、全面的正常狀態，更是兩岸關係和平發展的重要標誌。

【新潮】聞不到自己的體味即代表無體臭？

首發團282人抵台

陸客自由行首發團旅客共282人當天份別從北京、上海、廈門登機抵台。

在北京首都國際機場登機的有61人，他們多數是中、老年人，以探親為主；上海亦有68人出發；福建廈門則有103人，分兩批乘船和飛機往台灣。

其中，來自廈門的數十名陸客當天捷足先登，經由小三通渠道乘船至金門，再由台灣境內航班，10時許已分別到達台北松山機場和台中清泉崗機場，成為首批台灣自由行旅客。

台機場小禮物迎客

台北松山機場及桃園機場當天也熱鬧異常，包括台灣觀光局、移民署及台北市政府均已備妥小禮物，歡迎這批具歷史意義的自由行陸客。

3年多前，中國觀光客赴台旅遊正式啟動，締造歷史，但大批觀光客團進團出，呼嘯而至後如雲消散，今次開放的自由行，由於行程較有彈性，陸客將能以心靈去感受、以眼睛去細察台灣社會百態，不用走馬看花。

評論更指陸客自由行政策的成敗，將牽動2012總統大選，攸關總統馬英九能否連任。

九份、墾丁、地震博物館
將納入升級版景點

根據中國旅行社建議行程，除了台北故宮博物院、日月潭風景區、台北101、阿里山、花蓮等行程外，更有升級版本，將921地震博物館，或是電影場景如《悲情城市》的九份、《海角七號》的墾丁等地統統納入觀光景點新亮點。

但迎接陸客，除了觀光旅館、百貨、餐飲業做足準備，健康檢查及醫學美容產業也加入搶錢戰火。

根據中國旅行業指出，來台自由行旅客，也出現大量學生相約組團、家長帶學生出遊情形，還有想一圓來台夢想的年長長輩、年輕白領階級居多。至於6月初報名的旅客，可能要到7月中旬才能成行。

不過，由於台灣自由行太過搶手，有些參考報價已悄悄上漲600多元人民幣，逼近中國春節黃金周的價格。

取得自由行第一張簽證
左力平想看賽鴿

取得陸客來台自由行第一張簽證的北京彩券投資公司董事長左力平說，除了故宮、阿里山外，他最想看的是台灣賽鴿，這次一定要到南部實地觀察。

陸客赴台自由行週二啟動，北京首發團117人中的61人6時不到，就抵達北京首都機場，雖然早起，但臉上毫無倦容，個個十分興奮。

左力平表示，這是他第一次到台灣，感到非常高興，至於想看的景點，故宮、阿里山一定會去。但最重要的是要到嘉義、高雄實地觀察台灣的賽鴿情況。

22歲的鄭斯濛表示，到台灣後最想逛夜店，先前已上網收集許多夜店資訊，且聽說台灣夜店頗有特色，這次一定要親身體驗。

24歲的李志傑表示，心情很興奮，一整晚都睡不著。

81歲的蕭玉鳳曾有兩次香港自由行經驗，她的女兒表示，母親雖然有些重聽，但精神很好，且喜歡旅行，因此利用自由行機會到台灣看看。

70多歲的朱懷昇則帶著老伴一起到台灣，他表示，到台灣後甚麼都想看，他並展示自己所作的“讚自由行”詩一首，抒發對自由行的感謝之意。

上廁所要關門
中媒宣導來台10件事

陸客自由行週二首發，但由於兩岸人文和生活不同，中國官方新華社日前發表一篇文章，列舉了赴台“一定不要做的10件事”，呼吁中國遊客到台灣觀光要留意一些小細節。

1. 一定不要動不動就說毛主席萬歲：台灣人聽到毛主席就跟提蔣介石3個字一樣，會認為這個人思想太陳舊。

2. 一定不要帶著“兒”音說話：台灣人認為中國人講話有股土腔，現在的台灣普通話只可能有些台語腔，卻不會有土腔。

3. 一定不要上茅房不關門：在台灣，進入衛生間前，得先敲下門，裡頭說“有人”，就別亂拽。進入如廁後，也記得關門上鎖，免得後頭人不留神嚇一跳。

4. 一定不要穿的大紅大綠卻沒梳頭：台灣人崇尚自然風，又四季如夏，簡單的衣裙足矣，無須穿得花紅柳綠，男士也不用穿西服外套。

5. 一定不要拉開大嗓門嚷嚷：中國人氣量足，無論走到哪兒都忘不了大聲講話，尤其到了餐廳，或者在路上講電話，都惟恐天下不知道您在幹嘛！在台灣，人們講話多細聲細氣。

6. 一定不要沒有時間觀念：台灣人的生活講效率，他們常說“搶時間”。台灣人說等一下就過來，意思說5分鐘，但是中國朋友可能聽起來是半小時之內趕過來。

7. 一定不要開車亂按喇叭：中國的駕駛人只要前面有一丁點兒動靜就會按喇叭；在台灣，無論鄉村都市很少聽到喇叭聲。街上有人穿越就得讓行人先行，否則您會被罰錢，還會遭人嗤之以鼻。

8. 一定不要隨處扔垃圾：台灣的垃圾是“不落地”的，必須分類包裝以後回收。包裝塑料袋也是特定的，不可以用自家裡沒用的袋子一包，就把垃圾扔了。那樣的話，環保單位會根據您的垃圾找到您罰錢的。

9. 一定不要大口吃肉、大口喝酒：台灣人講究養生，近年來吃蔬菜比吃肉要貴很多。台灣人看到肉就怕，多數人都會節食減肥。所以來台灣就多品嚐特色美食，別盡想吃大魚大肉。

10. 一定不要用美音法唱歌：台灣人無論男女老少都喜歡唱歌，KTV有很多家，但是中國朋友唱歌（尤其是女士）喜歡用假嗓子飆高音，這就跟台灣人唱歌發聲不同。台灣歌星在中國很火爆，無論是早期的鄧麗君，現在的蔡依林、周華健、周傑倫、張惠妹沒有一個是飆嗓子型的，所以過時的唱法，也就不要帶來展示了。

（星洲日報／國際）

转自：http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/210179?tid=2

質量太差，普騰賽威停產

賽威將走入歷史，普騰更坦言與法國雷諾汽車的合作，經驗慘痛。

（吉隆坡26日訊）國家汽車工業控股（普騰）宣佈，面市近7年的賽威（Savvy）停產，宣稱此款小型轎車質量太差，破壞普騰形象。

普騰董事經理拿督斯裡賽再納更形容，普騰與法國雷諾汽車合作的普騰華嘉馬力1.8升及賽威1.2升，是一項慘痛經驗。

2005年6月推出市場的普騰賽威，本是取代普騰「皇冠」（Tiara）的小型轎車。

賽威質量破壞形象

賽再納指出，普騰汽車確實存在質量問題，如今普騰已停產賽威，讓它退出市場，因為賽威的質量破壞普騰的形象。

賽再納今日在出席2011年官聯公司開放日「普騰董事經理與民交流」的環節後對記者說，讓賽威退出市場，不代表這輛轎車有問題，普騰也並非要召回所有已出售的賽威。

賽威是使用雷諾製造的D4F引擎來啟動，華嘉1.8升馬力的則是使用雷雷諾F4P引擎，然而不少車主皆投訴問題繁多，今日一名公眾當場質詢賽再納，希望普騰能關注此事。

客戶投訴逐漸減少

另外，賽再納坦言，普騰不是一家完美公司，不過在過去5年所接獲的客戶投訴已逐漸減少。

他表示，一些大馬人在批評普騰汽車質量時，是憑著個人印象及傳聞，甚至未曾駕駛過普騰轎車。


他提到，普騰轎車問題不能全怪普騰，因為所有汽車零件皆來自供應商。

「請不要怪罪普騰，普騰一天生產700輛汽車，每98秒生產一輛新車，我們沒有時間檢查普騰零件。」

較早前，賽再納阿比丁在致詞時說，普騰未來在汽車生產時會著重在「銷售便宜，維修零件也便宜」的原則，避免出現車廉零件貴的現象。

他也表示，普騰從去年開始已經醞釀把市場佔有率轉向海外。並且放眼在2016年，把普騰海外市場佔有率提高至72%。目前普騰本地與海外市場佔有率各佔一半。

「東盟、中國、印度和中東國家是我們鎖定的海外市場。」

賽再納表示，普騰在面向海外時，主要面對專才不足，並非計劃或資金問題。


转自：http://www2.orientaldaily.com.my/read/GEN/2fVd00141zq71k5e060s6P0L2f6V7o9X

The Making of a Failed State: Zimbabwe VS Malaysia

Friday, 28 May 2010 Super Admin

THE CORRIDORS OF POWER

by: Raja Petra Kamarudin


Zimbabwe bans newspapers and periodicals. To publish anything in Zimbabwe one needs a publishing licence. And if you violate the ‘terms’ of your publishing licence your licence will be cancelled and your publication will be banned.

It is the same in Malaysia. In fact, in Malaysia, even the printing company is required to apply for a licence. So the Malaysian government can take action against both the publisher as well as the printer. This is ‘one up’ on Zimbabwe.

In 2004, Zimbabwe introduced a detention without trial law. Malaysia did the same 44 years earlier -- in 1960. But in Zimbabwe you can be detained up to 30 days. In Malaysia, you are first detained up to 60 days and thereafter for an indefinite period of time. So Malaysia is, yet again, ‘one up’ on Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe does not allow students to get involved in politics. If they do then action is taken against them. Their scholarships will be withdrawn. The same goes in Malaysia. But in Malaysia they will get sacked from the university as well. So, yet again, Malaysia is ‘one up’ on Zimbabwe.

When we talk about Zimbabwe we always refer to that country as a failed state. We do not, however, consider Malaysia a failed state. This is because we only consider countries whose economies are in a shambles as failed states and Malaysia’s economy is not seen as in a shambles, just yet.

Do we need to wait until Malaysia’s economy is akin to Zimbabwe’s before we declare our country a failed state? There is many a criteria to a failed state, or a state heading in that direction. The state of the economy is just one of the criteria.

When racism and discrimination is not only rampant but state sanctioned as well, that is a mark of a failed state. And this is happening in Malaysia.

When abuse of power and corruption are the order of the day, that is a mark of a failed state. And this is happening in Malaysia.

When the police force is violent and plays the role of judge, jury and executioner, and when extrajudicial killings are almost a daily occurrence, that is a mark of a failed state. And this is happening in Malaysia.

When free speech is stifled and the right of association and peaceful assembly are curtailed, that is a mark of a failed state. And this is happening in Malaysia.

When the judiciary is not independent and judges do the bidding of the powers-that-be and are themselves violators of the law, that is a mark of a failed state. And this is happening in Malaysia.

When elections are rigged and one-sided and when there are no real free and fair elections, that is a mark of a failed state. And this is happening in Malaysia.

When there is no separation of powers and power is concentrated in the hands of one man, the Executive, that is a mark of a failed state. And this is happening in Malaysia.

And the list goes on. What you see in Zimbabwe you see in Malaysia, save maybe for the tribal killings. But where tribalism does not exist in Malaysia, racism does. So whether it is tribalism or racism, it is the same difference.

Ex-Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi used to lament that Malaysia is a country with a first-world infrastructure but a third-world mentality. Never has a truer word been said. And when the one-time Information Minister, Zainuddin Maideen, argued that Malaysia is a democracy because it has elections every five years (if you watch the Aljazeera video you can see he actually said ‘erection’) you know that even Malaysia’s ministers have a third-world mentality if, to him, democracy translates merely to holding an election every five years and nothing more than that.

Well, as I said yesterday, even Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad lamented that Malaysia is a police state and undemocratic in not allowing free speech and the right to assembly (when they blocked him for talking and from attending functions). So how can we disagree with Dr Mahathir who was Malaysia’s Prime Minister for 22 years? If Dr Mahathir says so then it must be so.

No, holding elections every five years does not make Malaysia a democracy. It takes more than just holding elections every five years to make a democracy. To start off, how are these elections held? Are they rigged and rife with fraud? In Malaysia’s case they certainly are.

Even countries like Indonesia allow the opposition equal airtime in the mainstream media and on TV. In Malaysia, they blackout the opposition unless it is negative news aimed at hurting the opposition.

We still have a long way to go to achieve the status of what Anwar Ibrahim calls masyarakat madani (civilised society). And until we stop shouting at Malaysians of Chinese and Indian ethnicity to go back to China and India every time they express their opinions, then Malaysia is no better than Zimbabwe.

By the way, in case many of you are not aware of this yet, the gaming licence just awarded to Vincent Tan is to raise money for the coming general election, which is expected to cost Barisan Nasional about RM1.5 billion. It is also to pay for the cost of the recent Hulu Selangor and Sibu by-elections and the Sarawak state election due soon.

So, if you are a true Malaysian, then it is your patriotic duty to boycott all gambling outlets owned by Vincent Tan. Patronising these outlets means you are assisting Barisan Nasional in cheating the Malaysian voters and in denying them their right to a free and fair election and their right to a government of their choice.

Furthermore, Vincent Tan financed the crossovers that resulted in the collapse of the Pakatan Rakyat Perak state government and he is still financing other crossovers from Pakatan Rakyat aimed at bringing down the Kedah and Selangor state governments. Why do you think Ibrahim Ali and Dr Mahathir have not spoken out on the issue of Vincent Tan's gaming licence?


Via: http://malaysia-today.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32106:the-making-of-a-failed-state&catid=22:the-corridors-of-power&Itemid=100085

一个失败国度的形成：津巴布韦 VS 马来西亚

出处∶今日大马
作者∶Raja Petra Kamarudin
日期∶28-05-2010
原题∶The making of a failed state


津巴布韦是不准发行报纸与期刊的。若要在津巴布韦发行任何东西，就需要一张发行执照。若你违反了你发行执照的“条件”，那你的执照就会被取消，你的发行物同时被禁止。

在马来西亚也一样。实际上，在马来西亚，连印刷公司也需要申请执照。这样马来西亚政府就能同时对付发刊者与印刷者。这要比津巴布韦“更胜一筹”。

在2004年, 津巴布韦颁布了未经审讯就能扣留的法令。马来西亚早在1960年，也就是44年前就干了这回事。不过在津巴布韦你最多能被扣留到30天。而在马来西亚，你起先能被扣留到60天，然后就是无限期了。所以马来西亚又再胜津巴布韦多“一筹”。

津巴布韦不准学生涉及政治。若他们这么做的话就采取行动对付。他们的奖学金会被取消。在马来西亚也一样。不过在马来西亚他们还会给大学开除。所以，马来西亚再一次胜津巴布韦多“一筹”。

当我们谈到津巴布韦的时候，我们总是说那国家是失败国度。虽然如此，我们却没有认为马来西亚是个失败国度。这是因为我们只认为那些国家经济一团糟的才是失败国度，而马来西亚的经济还不算一团糟，不过其实也差不多了。

我们是否要等到马来西亚的经济与津巴布韦一样了，才来说我们的国家是个失败国度呢? 一个失败国度有许多特征，或正朝着那方向的状况。国家经济只是其中之一个特征。

当种族主义与歧视经已猖獗，甚至受到国家的认可时，那么那就是失败国度的标记，而这已正在马来西亚发生。

当滥权与贪腐成了日常时，那就是失败国度的标记，而这已正在马来西亚发生。

当警方变得暴力，兼扮演着法官、陪审及执刑的角色时，当法外致命几乎天天都在发生时，那就是失败国度的标记，而这已正在马来西亚发生。

当自由言论被噤声，结社与和平自由的权利被剥夺时，那就是失败国度的标记，而这已正在马来西亚发生。

当司法没有独立，法官对当权人士言听计从，甚至成为违法者时，那就是失败国度的标记，而这已正在马来西亚发生。

当选举被操纵，被偏袒，没有真正自由与公平的选举时，那就是失败国度的标记，而这已正在马来西亚发生。

当没有权力的分立，反而全都被掌握在一个人，那个行政首长的手中时，那就是失败国度的标记，而这已正在马来西亚发生。

再下来的还有更多。你在津巴布韦看到的，都能在马来西亚看到，也许除了部落杀戮。不过部落主义不存在于马来西亚，种族主义就有。所以不管是部落主义还是种族主义，其实都是一样的。

前首相敦阿都拉时常说，马来西亚是个建设一流，思维却是三流的国家。这话说得实在太好了。而当过资讯部长的Zainuddin Maideen还声称马来西亚有民主，因为它每五年就举办一次选举。(若你有看他在Aljazeera电视台的访谈片断就能看出他其实是在说“勃起”)你就能知道即使马来西亚的部长也只有三流的思维，若对他来说，民主也就是每五年举办一次选举，就这么而已。

就如我昨天所说，即使敦马哈迪医生也曾埋怨说马来西亚是个警察国度，不民主地不容许自由言论与集会自由(当他们阻挡他说话与参加活动时候)。所以我们怎能不同意成为马来西亚首相共22年的人呢? 若马哈迪医生这么说，那么就是真的了。

不，每五年举办一次选举并不代表马来西亚就是个民主国家。民主肯定比每五年举办一次选举来得更加多。例如说，这些选举是如何举办的呢? 他们是否在操纵着呢? 在马来西亚，他们就肯定有了。

即使如印尼般的国家也容许反对党拥有与执政党同等的广播时间。在马来西亚，他们把反对党的画面中断，除非那是一则反对党的负面新闻。

我们要达到安华所谓的masyarakat madani（文明社会）的境界还有很长的路途要走。若我们不停止在每次马来西亚华人与印度人在发表他们的意见时就喊他们回去中国与印度的话，那么马来西亚就不会比津巴布韦好到哪里去。

顺带一提，若你们很多都还没有觉察到这个，也就是颁给了陈志远的赌球执照是用来筹备下届大选资金的。国阵大约需要用到马币15亿元。这笔资金也要用来支付最近的乌雪补选与诗巫补选的费用，以及即将到来的砂朥越州补选的费用。

所以，若你是个真正的马来西亚国民，那么你的爱国责任就是杯葛陈志远属下所有的赌博投注站。去他的投注站下注就等于是帮助国阵欺骗马来西亚选民，否认他们的自由与公平选举以及要选出他们所要的政府的权利。

况且，陈志远资助让霹雳民联倒台的青蛙，也还在资助其他民联的青蛙，期望也让吉打与雪兰莪政府倒台。不然你们以为Ibrahim Ali与马哈迪医生怎么对陈志远的赌球执照都闷声不响呢?

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2010年5月27日，保护记者委员会∶津巴布韦七年来首次容许独立报纸的出现

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2004年2月17日，南非星报∶津巴布韦颁布隔离式之未经审讯扣留30天的法令

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2009年10月14日，非洲短波电台新闻∶福特哈尔大学声称遭撤销之大学生有涉及政治


转自：http://ccliew.blogspot.com/2010/06/blog-post_04.html

提昇語文水平加強競爭力（社論）

2011-06-26 18:56


中華總商會總會長鍾廷森建議政府開明對待各語文，鼓勵國民學習多種語文，加強大馬競爭力。國語是每個國民必須掌握的語文，其重要性自然不在話下；各族學習掌握本身母語是傳承文化的體現，以中文為例，隨著中國的強大，中文儼然已成國際第二大語文，掌握中文是大勢所趨，以我國與中國在經貿和文化等方面的緊密關係，國人提昇中文水平對我國是無往不利。至於英語是國際語文，無論是在商貿、國際論壇、教育、科技等方面依然佔有強大優勢，我國絕對不能忽視提昇英語英文水平。鍾廷森的建議獲得副首相慕尤丁的正面回應，認同需加強國人學習語文的能力。

大馬人通曉多種語文在國際和職場上無疑是一種優勢，但是國人各語文的造詣並非全然屬於高水平，以一般國民的水平來說，只能說是處於中間地帶。以中文而言，之前歡迎中國總理溫家寶儀式看板上的中文出錯；及在英文方面，馬六甲愛極樂植物園資訊牌上被揭多處英文語法錯誤，都反映了事實。至於國語馬來文，華淡小生的掌握能力向來都備受教育部關注尋策改善。這帶出一個問題即我們具備多語的條件和優勢，唯必須更加關注語文的掌握能力和水平。

語文水平的提昇關乎教育制度，以英文為例，以前我們的教學媒介語為英語，後來改為馬來文，近年來則出現教學語政策朝令夕改現象，這些都在影響國人的英語水平。

在一項有關英文英語熟練度指標調查中，大馬是全亞洲英語水平最高的國家，然而在另一項由著名人力仲介集團在5個東南亞國家進行職場英文能力評估的調查中，大馬只排第3，排在新加坡和菲律賓之後。

上述兩項調查結果見仁見智，然而過去的確是國人的英文水平高，現在則面對英文能力下滑的隱憂。英語在商界廣泛被使用，英語掌握能力關乎在商界和企業的發展空間。調查及雇主回饋顯示，英語技能及收入水平處於一個良性循環，水平較高的人，收入也較高。英語的重要程度在未來也不言而喻，從全球科技、學術創新的結果來看，每年發佈的科學論文有半數以上都來自英語系國家，學術參考資料也都多以英語撰寫，我們的確要挽回當年在本區域的頂尖英語水平，以期能夠在各個領域都能取得良好表現。

鍾廷森建議政府有必要在各源流學校實施開明的語文政策，以期學生能夠掌握好各種語文，也必須檢討在中學階段數理科的教學媒介語，以便銜接大專的教學媒介語。不過，誠如鍾廷森所言，在多元社會中，人力資本發展並不容易，它往往被傳統情意結和感受所阻礙。所以政府的挑戰是如何公平地為我國多元社會培育及提供人力資本發展的機會，在政策上必須權衡各語文的發展和學習空間。

除了教育和語文政策，國人對待語文的心態也必須改變，無論是學習還是應用方面都必須持積極和正面態度，尤其是必須多閱讀，吸收新詞匯，學習正確使用語法。以國人目前的語文水平在各領域和國際社會仍有生存空間，但是我們不能就此滿足於現階段的表現和水平，尤其是英文，須知英文能力提昇，對原本已經佔優勢的大馬人力，在職場和國際環境中的條件更是如虎添翼。

綜觀上述，我國語文水平在區域內是佔有優勢，但是近年來有滑落的跡象，如果我們不加強語文這一環節，而且又在勞力、物質資源和親商環境方面的優勢輸給其他區域國家，我國的國家競爭力就會受影響，唯有加強各方面的優勢，我們才能實現高收入先進國的目標。

（星洲日報／社論）

转自：http://opinions.sinchew-i.com/published/date/20110626/16

第三代魔咒（蔡思潔）

2011-06-26 18:45


以“魔鬼式”教育法撼動東西社會的虎媽蔡美兒近日造訪中國，我透過互聯網看了一段她在北京的演講。在演講中她提到了亞洲移民“富不過三代”的魔咒，發現與本地一些家庭面對的情況有些雷同。

虎媽說，美國的亞裔移民第一代，初到美國時生活艱辛，省吃儉用，將所掙的每一分錢和精力都投資在孩子的教育上。第二代如她，因父母悉心的裁培，而相對地優秀，但到了第三代，有了第一第二代的種樹，衣食無憂，沒吃過苦的這一代，反而不太願意付出，視所擁有的一切為理所當然，最終人生走下坡。

虎媽表示，這是她對兩個女兒探取嚴厲教養方式的主要原因，她不希望孩子也墜入美國亞裔移民“富不過三代”的魔咒。其實，亞洲許多國家也面對這種“富不過三代”的窘境，包括我國。

我們常說一代比一代好命，但同時也發現，一代不如一代。生活環境越好，培養出來的孩子反而越“草莓”，怎麼會這樣？其實原因可能就是虎媽所擔心的第三代魔咒（在我國，也可能是第四代）。

祖父母一代從南中國飄洋過海來到南洋打拼，生活流離顛沛，父母是第二代，繼續前人苦幹的精神，辛勤工作，才開始在這塊土地上扎根，到了我這個第三代，生活明顯變好，受教育的機會增加，生活漸入佳境，苦也吃得較少。如今第四代正慢慢長大，比起前面三個世代，他們的生活更加安逸優渥，父母有能力為他們提供最好的生活，以致他們完全不曉得愁苦的滋味。

在電視、手機、電腦、汽車都是理所當然存在的情況下，這批第三或第四代努力奮鬥的目標明顯少了，他們得過且過，生活漫無目的，只管沈浸在物質世界及虛擬世界中。

中國文化評論人許知遠曾如此感嘆：“十年以來，比我更年輕的一代……生活在一個物質與信息豐沛、思想卻匱乏的時代，個人聲音輕易淹沒在喧嘩的眾聲中……大部份人要麼放棄自己對個人獨特性的堅持，要麼躲入一個封閉、自溺的小世界。”

這個第三代魔咒如果沒法解除，第四、第五代大概也難再振作起來，這是一個不能不正視的危機啊！

（星洲日報／情在人間 作者：蔡思潔 《星洲日報》國際新聞組首席記者 言論不代表本站立場）

转自：http://opinions.sinchew-i.com/node/19869?tid=7

[新加坡] 次季转售组屋溢价，中位数回升或破3万

李静仪 (2011-06-26)


　　博纳集团（Propnex）的数据显示，最受买家欢迎的四房式单位在本季的溢价中位数，比上季高出了1万1000元，攀升到3万3000元，涨幅高达50%。

　　组屋转售价格持续攀升，而之前一连几个季度都下滑的现金溢价中位数（Median COV）也明显回升，看来今年第二季会再突破三万元大关，回升到去年同期的高水平。

　　本地两大房地产经纪公司ERA和博纳集团（Propnex）根据各自交易量提供给本报的最新数据显示，作为市场温度计的转售组屋现金溢价中位数自4月以来便不断攀升，显示市场对转售组屋的需求依然炽热。

　　ERA第二季（截至六月中）的整体溢价中位数达3万3000元，博纳的溢价则攀升至3万2000元，各类组屋溢价全面上涨。

　　其中博纳的数据显示，最受买家欢迎的四房式单位在本季的溢价中位数，比上季高出了1万1000元，攀升到3万3000元，涨幅高达50%。

　　五房式溢价也上涨了1万元(43%)，至3万3000元；公寓式组屋(Executive flat)猛涨了1万5000元或50%，至4万5000元；连三房式溢价也起了8000元，逼近3万元。

　　溢价是指组屋估价和卖价之间的落差。转售组屋的溢价中位数曾在去年第二季飙升到3万元，让买家怨声载道，经过多轮的房地产降温措施后，今年第一季好不容易回落至2万1000元。

　　上述两家公司的交易量估计占了组屋转售市场的七成左右。建屋发展局预料会在下月初公布第二季的预估数据，市场估计，组屋转售价指数预料会上涨2%至4%。

　　博纳企业通讯经理陈家扬说，溢价在今年第一季回落相信同政府在1月推出的降温措施有关，许多潜在买家当时不清楚措施的影响，因此暂时观望，加上农历新年期间向来是交易较不活跃的月份。

　　他说：“这些买家现在很多都回到市场，但问题是，要卖房子的人由于受房贷顶限等限制减少了，市场供不应求，溢价水涨船高。”

　　一些较热门的地点如碧山、女皇镇和中部地区的溢价涨幅最惊人，其中碧山转售组屋的溢价中位数从首季的1万8000元，飙升到3万5000元；女皇镇的溢价也从2万5500元猛涨到5万4000元。

　　他估计溢价到了第三季还会进一步攀升至3万5000元。

　　ERA助理副总裁林东荣说：“溢价和组屋转售价持续攀升，显示政府近来（增加供应及加快建组屋）的举措主要是减少等候组屋的首次购屋者的人龙，并没有真正影响到转售市场。”

　　他说：“许文远部长近来推出的政策改变是为了解决首次购屋者面对的问题，这类买家占了整个转售市场不到5%，对市场的影响很小，转售市场主要还是由组屋提升者或大屋换小屋者、永久居民及其他急于拥屋者推动。”


　　转售组屋交易量放缓

　　第二季的数据也显示，组屋转售价继续攀升，但交易量有放缓的迹象，特别是较大型的组屋。

　　林东荣说，与首季相比，三房式组屋的转售价中位数上涨了11%，四房式起了6%，五房式和公寓式组屋则起了3%至4%。

　　博纳的数据则显示，本季度的转售价中位数上涨了2.2%至5.1%，比原先估计的2%至3%来得高。

　　不过林东荣说：“有迹象显示转售价可能遇到了一些阻力，特别是较大型组屋，交易量减少了。”

　　据ERA提供的数字，四房式的交易量从4月的283起，减至5月的246起，到了本月首两周只有51起。五房式本月则只有39起交易，比4月(207起)和5月(182起）减少许多。

　　他相信，这可能是因为政府不断放话说要增建新组屋，买家也可能暂时观望，看下来是否会有其他房屋政策上的改变。

　　他说：“买得起大型组屋的买主可能在等私人房产价格下降，所以他们暂时不进场。”

　　近几个月来积极在裕廊东找房子的李庆祥说：“看了很多四房和五房式单位，低楼的溢价也要至少4万元，两个月前一个距离地铁站10分钟路程的单位开价要6万元，听说也找得到买家。”

　　他说：“感觉溢价越来越高，我们看的房子都只能转卖给新加坡公民或永久居民，但还是很抢手。”

《联合早报》

（编辑：叶文祺）

转自：http://property.zaobao.com.sg/pages7/hdb110626.shtml

中国温家宝总理在英国《金融时报》发表署名文章（全文）

2011年06月26日 11:05:47
来源：外交部网站

资料图：2009年2月1日，中国国务院总理温家宝在英国伦敦接受《金融时报》主编巴伯的专访。新华社记者姚大伟摄

中国国务院总理温家宝在6月23日的英国《金融时报》上发表署名文章，全文如下：

此次金融危机爆发距今已有3年左右的时间，在国际社会的共同努力下，全球经济正逐步复苏。但目前仍存在诸多不稳定性，经济复苏仍较为脆弱。全球增长不均衡；发达经济体的失业率仍居高不下；一些国家的政府债务风险有所加提升；通胀压力日益加大。当危机的冲击尚未完全消退，新的风险已然出现。世界各国必须紧密合作，迎接挑战。

金融危机伊始，中国便迅速采取行动，调整了宏观经济政策，以扩大内需，并出台了一项刺激计划，以保持增长、深化改革并改善民生。通过这些举措，我们已成功克服了众多极端困难，并为中国的发展奠定了坚实的基础。

我们这些努力的一个显著成果就是，中国保持了快速稳定的增长。2008年至2010年间，中国国内生产总值(GDP)分别增长了9.6%、9.2%和 10.3%，同期消费者价格指数(CPI)增幅则分别为5.9%、-0.7%和3.3%，全国城镇地区新增3380万个就业岗位。今年，中国仍保持了稳健的增长。

中国应对危机的重点是扩大内需，并刺激实体经济，巩固长期发展的基础，由内需驱动增长。我们出台了一项为期两年、规模高达4万亿元人民币（合6180亿美元）的投资计划，内容涵盖基础设施开发、经济结构调整、改善人民福利和保护环境。迄今，全国新建铁路1.08万公里，公路约30万公里，增加了2.1亿千瓦的发电装机容量。我们还加大了对科技的支持力度，鼓励企业进行技术升级和创新。四川汶川地震过后，政府已投入逾1万亿元人民币进行灾后重建，在受灾地区修建了高标准的基础设施和公共设施，并对483万套农村住房和175万套城镇住房进行了重建或加固。目前，灾区已旧貌换新颜。我们还努力改善内需与外需之间的平衡。中国贸易顺差占GDP的比率已从2007年的7.5%降至2010年的3.1%。中国经济的迅速发展和进口增长已成为全球复苏的一个驱动因素。

在应对危机期间，中国在社会福祉方面也取得了长足的进步，而就在几年前，我们对此还力不能及。在构建一个同时覆盖城乡地区的社保体制方面，我们取得了突破性进展。我们已推出了一项针对农村的养老保险机制，今年将覆盖全国60%的村镇。基础城镇医保制度和农村医疗合作社制度，现已覆盖90%以上的人口。目前，所有中国人都能享受免费的义务教育。政府在教育方面的支出已增加到GDP的3.69%。

中国还施行了灵活、审慎的经济政策，并确保它们具有针对性和可持续性。我们的预算赤字和债务余额占GDP的比例，分别低于3%和20%。政府预算赤字在2010年和2011年都得到了削减。自 2009年中期以来，我们一直使用货币政策工具吸取过剩的流动性。在2009年第四季度，在维持经济平稳较快增长、进行结构性调整和控制通胀之间取得平衡，被列为宏观调控的主要目标。从2010年1月以来，银行准备金率和基准存贷款利率分别上调了12次和4次。货币和信贷供应因此恢复到了正常水平。 2010年6月，人民币汇率机制改革有所加快，人民币兑美元汇率已升值5.3%。

人们担心中国能否遏制住通胀，同时维持其快速发展步伐。对此我明确给予肯定的回答。物价快速上涨是许多国家面临的一个共同挑战，对于其他新兴经济体和中国来说尤其如此。中国已将限制价格上涨作为宏观经济调控的首要任务，并推出了一套有针对性的政策。这些政策已经奏效。总体价格水平目前处在一个可控的区间，而且预计将稳步下降。在连续七年的粮食增产后，中国目前拥有充足的粮食供应。主要工业品供过于求。进口正在迅速增长。今年价格上涨将得到有力的控制，我们有这个信心。

中国如今正处在一个发展的新起点上。我们已经通过了“十二五规划”，其中提出要转变发展模式。我们将继续对经济进行结构性调整，促进研发和教育，节约能源和资源，推动生态和环境保护，缩小地区差距和城乡差距。中国的工业化和城市化进程正在提速。中国经济正日益走向市场化与国际化。我们完全有能力维持经济平稳快速增长。

中国将继续与其他国家一道承担共同的责任。我们应当齐心协力，加强宏观经济政策的协调，对抗保护主义，改进国际货币体系，应对气候变化及其他挑战。我们应欢迎新兴经济体的快速发展，尊重不同的发展模式，加大对那些最不发达国家的帮助，以增强它们自我发展的能力，并促进全球经济强劲、持续和均衡的发展。


转自：http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2011-06/26/c_121585638.htm



Original:

June 23, 2011 10:11 pm

How China plans to reinforce the global recovery

By Wen Jiabao


About three years have passed since the eruption of the financial crisis. Thanks to the joint efforts of the international community, the global economy is recovering. Yet there remain many uncertainties, and the recovery is fragile. Global growth is uneven; unemployment in developed economies remains high; government debt risks in some countries have mounted; inflationary pressure is increasing. While the shock of the crisis has yet to end, new risks have emerged. The world must co-operate closely to meet the challenges.

China has moved swiftly to fight the financial crisis, adjusting macroeconomic policy to expand domestic demand, and introducing a stimulus package to maintain growth, advance reform and improve people’s lives. By taking these steps, we have overcome extreme difficulties and laid a solid foundation for China’s development.

A notable result of our response to the crisis is that China has maintained steady and fast growth. Between 2008 and 2010, China’s gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of 9.6, 9.2 and 10.3 per cent respectively. The consumer prices index over the same period was 5.9, -0.7 and 3.3 per cent; 33.8m new urban jobs were created. China has maintained sound growth this year.

The thrust of China’s response to the crisis is to expand domestic demand and stimulate the real economy, strengthen the basis for long-term development and make growth domestically driven. We have implemented a two-year, Rmb4,000bn ($618bn) investment programme covering infrastructure development, economic structural adjustment, improving people’s well-being and protection of the environment. As a result, 10,800 km of railways and about 300,000 km of roads have been built and 210m kW of installed capacity for power generation have been added. We have boosted support for science and technology including by encouraging companies to carry out technological upgrading and innovation. More than Rmb1,000bn have been spent in rebuilding after the Wenchuan earthquake. In the affected areas, quality infrastructure and public facilities were constructed, and 4.83m rural houses and 1.75m urban apartments were rebuilt or reinforced. The quake-hit areas have taken on a new look. We are working to improve the balance between domestic and external demand, with the share of trade surplus in GDP dropping from 7.5 per cent in 2007 to 3.1 in 2010. China’s rapid growth and increase in imports are an engine driving the global recovery.

In fighting the crisis, China has made huge strides in developing social programmes, which was beyond our means just a few years ago. We have made breakthroughs in building a social security system covering urban and rural areas. We have introduced a rural old-age insurance scheme which will cover 60 per cent of counties in China this year. The basic urban medical insurance scheme and rural co-operative medical care scheme now cover more than 90 per cent of the population. All Chinese now have access to free compulsory education. Government spending on education has grown to 3.69 per cent of GDP.

It has also pursued flexible and prudent economic policies, and ensured they are targeted and sustainable. Our budget deficit and debt balance are respectively below 3 and 20 per cent of GDP. The government budget deficit has been cut in 2010 and 2011. Since mid-2009, we have used monetary policy tools to absorb excess liquidity. In the fourth quarter of 2009, to strike a balance between maintaining steady and fast growth, conducting structural adjustment and managing inflation were set as the main goal of macroeconomic regulation. Since January 2010, the required reserve ratio and benchmark deposit and lending rates have been raised 12 times and four times respectively. So growth in money and credit supply has returned to normal. In June 2010, reform of the renminbi exchange rate regime was advanced, and the renminbi has appreciated 5.3 per cent against the US dollar.

There is concern as to whether China can rein in inflation and sustain its rapid development. My answer is an emphatic yes. Rapid price rises pose a common challenge to many countries, especially other emerging economies and China. China has made capping price rises the priority of macroeconomic regulation and introduced a host of targeted policies. These have worked. The overall price level is within a controllable range and is expected to drop steadily. The output of grain, of which there is now an abundant supply, has increased for seven years in a row. There is an oversupply of main industrial products. Imports are growing fast. We are confident price rises will be firmly under control this year.

China is now at a new starting point in its drive for development. We have adopted the 12th five-year plan which calls for shifting the development model. We will continue to pursue economic structural adjustment, boost research and development, and education, save energy and resources, promote ecological and environmental conservation, and narrow the regional and urban-rural gap. China’s drive for industrialisation and urbanisation is gathering pace. Its economy is increasingly market-oriented and internationalised. We are fully capable of sustaining steady and fast economic growth.

China will continue to work with other countries with common responsibilities. We should make concerted efforts to strengthen the co-ordination of macroeconomic policies, fight protectionism, improve the international monetary system and tackle climate change and other challenges. We should welcome the fast development of emerging economies, respect different models of development, increase help to least developed countries to enhance their capacity for self-development, and promote strong, sustainable and balanced growth of the global economy.

The writer is China’s premier

Via: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e3fe038a-9dc9-11e0-b30c-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1QTDatukD

獎學金（鄭丁賢）

2011-06-24 09:02


終於，明年起，或許，可以不再為獎學金課題鬧翻天。

首相宣佈，大馬教育文憑（SPM）優秀生，不再享有公共服務局獎學金。

會考試的孩子，即使你有本事拿18個A+，也請你多唸一兩年書再說；疼愛孩子的家長，也請你多等一兩年時間，才確定寶貝是否是天才，或奇才。

道理很簡單。SPM是基本學習能力的考試，也是能夠依賴背書的考試，它不能保證優秀生有思考能力，更無法鑑定他們真正有潛力。

在美國，唸完6年中學，GPA（中學平均積分）之外，還得參加SAT（大學入學考試）。兩者的成績，決定學生是否能夠進入大學，以及頂尖大學。

大學錄取後，一般上獎學金免談。學生可以向家長要，或向家長借；召開家庭會議，談妥借貸年限和條件，包括日後是否願意撫養出資人；不夠的話，自己半工讀解決。

如果家庭經濟欠佳，或是家長一毛不拔，那只好向銀行貸款。

要申請政府和大學的獎學金，門兒都沒有。至少，要等到大學第二年（sophomore）及以後才有資格；政府和大學並不笨，獎學金是一種稀有財，必須投資在真正有潛力的學生。

唸了一年大學，是人才還是庸才，才大致能夠看出來。

更多的獎學金，保留給學士後的課程。大學只不過是基礎，能否有所成就，必須升上研究所再說。

提供碩士生和博士生獎學金，更符合栽培人才的原則。

把獎學金押在懂得考試的中學生身上，只是大馬急功近利的教育政策使然。

幾年來，這些獎學金究竟培養了多少位國際水平的人才，沒人關注；這些學生之中，多少人滯留外國，一去不回頭，也缺乏跟進。

如今，至少唸完STPM、A水平，或是大學預科之後，如果被世界排名30大的頂尖大學的頂尖科系錄取，到時，獲得獎學金是應該的，實至名歸；而如果拿不到獎學金，再找魏家祥。

教育部副部長會很樂意為你爭取，公共服務局也難有推搪的理由。

即使如此，獎學金的篩選還是必須公正和透明，不能有人拿到牛津大學醫學系出國無門，而有人拿到烏克蘭依瓦諾大學醫科，可以風光上路。

至於去而不回者，法律追究，罰款三倍，看誰還敢浪費大馬納稅人的血汗錢。

【熱點新聞：JPA獎學金生亂象】

（星洲日報／馬荷加尼 作者：鄭丁賢 《星洲日報》副總編輯）

转自：http://opinions.sinchew-i.com/node/19852?tid=17

希臘破產骨牌效應開始了（社論）

2011-06-24 19:12


正當希臘政府考慮是否暫時退出歐元單一貨幣區以擺脫債務危機之際，美國聯儲局突下修經濟成長預測，但未暗示會否推動新一波量化寬鬆政策，加上歐元區經濟大幅減速，歐美股市23日全面重挫；與此同時，國際能源署罕見地宣佈將釋出戰備儲油，使油價暴跌到一個月新低。美國為首的幾個工業國家領袖有責任正視此問題，並尋求解決之道。

基本上，國際金融的穩定度每下愈況，有越來越多的因素可以嚴重干擾國際匯市。傳統的長期結構性因素，例如美國財政與外貿的“雙赤字”，以及短期的經濟景氣的變動，固然仍影響美元的走勢，然而存在於國際間的鉅額的短期資本，由於以套匯、套利之投機為目的，移動至為快速，更是衝擊著主要匯市的安定性。目前國際間短期資本的規模越來越龐大，每日交易量高達一兆美元以上，因此各國中央銀行的干預能力，也就越來越不能發揮功能，特別是業已式微的工業國家的央行，其干預匯市的決心也越來越喪失了。以美聯儲局而言，目前只是被動的因應日益惡化的經濟情勢，第二波量化寬鬆政策至本月結束，下半年度經濟若持續下滑，只好再狂印鈔票應急；況且，聯儲局預測今年的失業率與通膨率都高於預期，房市仍然疲弱，悲觀氛圍早已瀰漫歐美市場。

至於中國製造業急速放緩，經濟情勢也不容樂觀，一些經濟學家也表示中國緊縮政策和外需疲軟令國內需求降溫，再加上庫存的調整，令生產增速放緩。據悉，中國內部資金短缺現象迄今未有改善，儘管人民銀行日前暫停發央票，減少從市場抽走資金，卻阻不了拆息持續上揚，顯示季結及半年結臨近，銀行背負壓力有增無減。當務之急是各主要國家的政策協調，包括共同干預匯市在內。目前美國經濟實力日漸消減，在美元外流數量已大，國際資本市場復日益開放的此刻，尋求經由經濟的健全以達成穩定匯率的目的已成奢望，只剩下實事求是提出對策一途了。

近幾年，由於歐美債務危機惡化，美國已自顧不暇。所謂國際間的政策協調已流於空談，加深了國際股匯市的投機氣燄。在今年初的幾波美元匯率劇跌過程中，雖然德國、日本相繼調降了重貼現率，但是市場並未給予美國應有的支撐，顯然市場人士已看清楚美國政府的漠視與聯儲局的無動於衷，認定美國欲藉美元下跌來改善美國的貿易赤字與國際收支。此外，希臘的厄運包括國債遠超過國內生產總值、出口萎縮、競爭力下降、成長衰退等，其導因顯然是當初力求加入歐元區的單一貨幣體系所致，如今希臘實質已破產，任何紓困方案只能令其苟延殘喘，德、法、英等歐元區國家除了再閉眼砸錢，對這個可能引發“大規模的全球衝擊”危機有何政策協調？

表面上，上週歐盟給予希臘170億美元紓困，可以視為一次歐盟政策協調的具體展現。不過這一次的紓困行動無論在時機或是規模，乃至於目標上，都顯得詭異模糊，從而也暴露了其虛晃一招的真面目。事實很清楚，希臘若倒下，葡萄牙、西班牙、愛爾蘭、意大利、比利時也如同等待被宰殺的羔羊。救得了希臘，也救不了其他國家；與其如此，德、法、英只好硬著頭皮展現歐盟精神，象徵式地給予援助。這樣的紓困手法除了說明歐盟國家政治經濟領袖毫無章法之外，也看得出大家都在避重就輕。

近年以來，各主要工業國家紛紛出現弱勢政府，無力解決自身的難題，應是各國難以推動國際政策協調的主因。美國共和黨人掌控了眾議院，奧巴馬政府成了跛腳鴨；日本首相菅直人歷經重大天災侵襲，內外交迫，仰人鼻息，朝不保夕；德國內政焦頭爛額；英法問題叢生，都已自顧不暇，無力再對外讓步，因此所謂政策協調，說穿了就是有些國家犧牲了自身政策的自主性，以成全別的國家。目前形勢惡劣，有誰會做這種利人不利己的事？

（星洲日報／社論）

转自：http://opinions.sinchew-i.com/node/19863

[新加坡] 食物与交通价格上涨带动，新加坡5月份通胀率达4.5％

2011-06-24 早报导读 何丽丽


　　在食物和交通价格上涨的带动下，我国5月份的通货膨胀率达4.5％，虽然超出经济师的预测，不过维持在4月份的水平。

　　彭博社向11名经济师收集到的中位数通胀率预测为4.1％。经济师指出，我国通胀情况目前看似已经回稳，他们普遍认为金融管理局预计不会进一步收紧货币政策。

　　我国今年的通胀率在4月份首次下滑至5％以下的水平，为4.5％，同5月份一致。

　　新加坡统计局昨天公布的数据显示，反映我国通胀情况的消费价格指数（CPI）今年首五个月同比上升4.9％，不包括住房成本上涨4.3％。金管局的全年通胀预测是3％到4％之间，经济师估计我国全年通胀率将达到这个预测范围的较高端。

　　和今年4月份比较，5月份消费价格指数上涨0.6％，不包括住房成本在内则略跌0.2％。经季节性因素调整后，5月份消费价格指数上扬0.6％，不包括住房成本在内则略跌0.1％。

　　华侨银行经济师林秀心表示，金管局有可能会将全年通胀率预测范围上调至3.5％到4.5％之间，主要因为4月份至5月份的通胀率没有明显回落的迹象。她说，未来一两个月的经济数据将是关键，而基于希腊仍存在不稳定性，估计亚洲政策决策者现阶段将维持谨慎态度。

　　若不包括住房成本在内，5月份消费价格指数同比上涨3.3％，增长主要来自交通和食品价格。交通价格涨幅为7.5％，食品价格则增长2.8％。教育与文具、医疗和休闲及其他领域的价格涨幅介于1.2％至3.2％，服饰与鞋子价格增长0.6％，通讯价格则略跌0.3％。

　　另外，由于电费和住房成本上涨，住屋价格涨幅为8.1％。

　　巴克莱资本在新加坡的区域经济师梭法（Prakriti Sofat）表示，5月份通胀率超出预期主要是因为拥车证投标价和电费高涨。她指出，由于人力市场紧缩，薪金将随着生活成本上涨而上扬，导致服务业价格上涨。此外，中国和欧洲的恶劣天气也将对下半年的食品价格造成上升风险。

　　金管局所追踪的5月份同比核心通胀率为2.1％，月比则略跌0.1％。金管局的核心通胀率不包括住房和私人拥车开销。

　　美国银行美林经济师蔡学敏博士表示，通胀率将继续放慢，不过可能还达不到政府的目标，因此估计金管局将维持紧缩的货币政策。

　　汇丰银行经济师埃斯克森（Leif Eskesen）说，5月份的通胀率仍维持在高水平，因此估计金管局不会放下对通胀的“戒心”。

　　大华银行经济师赵佩妮则表示，下半年的整体通胀率（headline inflation）将放缓，主要因为之前几轮的货币政策收紧以及整体经济放缓。她估计金管局将不会在10月份将货币政策进一步收紧。

（联合早报网）

转自：http://www.zaobao.com.sg/sp/sp110624_002.shtml

[Singapore] Buying Shoe Boxes?

June 24, 2011

© Urban Redevelopment Authority. All rights reserved

When I first read of this term, I felt it rather derogatory. But apparently, it is a common term in the industry globally. It refers to an apartment which is very small, typically below 500 sq ft. This is about the size of a standard hotel room here. (A 3R standard HDB is about 700 sq ft.)

Many Hong Kong apartments are almost shoe-boxes; Tokyo too. Singaporeans are however house proud and we want our apartments to be cosy, comfortable and spacious. Most will not have land, but they must not be claustrophobic.

The emergence of shoe-box units here is a recent phenomenon. And it seems to have a demand. The annual take-up of such units has increased from 300 units in 2008 to 1,900 in 2010, or from 6% to 12% of developers’ sales over the same period.

80% of the buyers are Singaporeans, presumably for investment, with a view to rent to expats or singles.

Industry analysts and developers made these comments to me about shoe boxes.

First, many of these units will be completed soon. By 2014, the total number of completed units will increase from 1,100 to 3,800, based on known plans.

Second, some developers who bid high prices for sale sites, are planning to build shoe-box units, adding to the build up.

Third, the newer shoe-box developments are in the suburbs. Their appeal to tenants remains untested.

Some analysts wonder aloud if buyers know what they are in for. Some have suggested that the government should step in to impose a minimum size.

My instinct is not to second guess the market. Some shoe-box units do add to the diversity of housing options here. But we are closely watching its development.

For now, what is important is for potential buyers to weigh the benefits and risks carefully.

On our part, we are requiring developers to give buyers an accurate representation of the units they are buying, both within the show flats and in the sales materials. Analysts can also help refine their analysis by including separate analysis for each category of housing products. Comparing price per sq ft for different products is like comparing apples with oranges.

A shoebox unit is not the same as a 3 room flat. So please go in with eyes open.


转自：http://mndsingapore.wordpress.com/2011/06/24/buying-shoe-boxes/

[Singapore] Massive home supply to hit outskirts

by Ku Swee Yong
04:47 AM Jun 24, 2011


2013 is less than two years away. I am feeling less lonely in expressing my views about the physical completion supply of residential units. It has been five years since I started to scrutinise the total stock of residential units in the pipeline, that is, current stock plus expected completions minus demolitions from en bloc programmes.

Occasionally, people still ask: "Why look at completed supply when land sales are hotly bid and developers sell out most of their stock before construction has completed?"

Regardless of the take up of pre-sales, physical supply and demand will ultimately influence future prices, rentals and returns.

Two weeks ago, in an entry titled My Worries, National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan cautioned in his blog (http://mndsingapore.wordpress.com) about the "massive supply that will hit the market from 2013". As of March 31, the official supply numbers for the next four years are as in the table.

Mr Khaw's worry is about the total 50,826 units that could be completed in 2013 to 2015. With a historical long-term average supply of 8,000 units per year, the average of 17,000 units per year of supply from 2013 to 2015 seems risky should demand from users and tenants not increase in tandem.

I have pointed out in previous commentaries in this newspaper and in my recently published book, Real Estate Riches, that there are inaccuracies in the supply data.

IPA's own estimates are that the completions will take place earlier than what is reported by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), which compiles and presents data based on submissions by developers. For our discussions in this article, let us assume the numbers above to be accurate.


Where are the areas we shouldbe concerned about?

Almost all of the completions expected in 2013 and beyond were launched after the 2008 Lehman crisis. In fact, as the luxury home market struggles to find its feet from the depths of 2009, the mass market residential segment has taken off in terms of value and the number of transactions.

From its trough in 2Q2009, the price index for non-landed residential properties in the Core Central Region (CCR) increased 42 per cent to 204 points from 144 points. The same index for Outside Central Region (OCR) climbed more rapidly, up 54 per cent to 185 points from 120 points.

Many Singaporeans are not surprised to hear of transactions in the outskirts, such as Jurong West, Pasir Ris and Yishun, at S$1,000 to S$1,500 per square foot - even for mass market finishes on 99-year leasehold land.

In terms of the number of homes being constructed, the proportion of units in the more luxurious locations inside CCR will decline from 33 per cent in 2013 to 26 per cent in 2015.

This means the proportion of units in the outskirts (OCR) and mid-tier locations (RCR) of Singapore will rise from 67 per cent to 74 per cent. Now, the percentage rise may seem mild but in absolute numbers, we can expect 8,686 units to be completed within the OCR and RCR in 2013, 13,014 units in 2014 and 14,510 units in 2015.

For the optimistic, those numbers may still be matched by demand from strong job growth, new Permanent Residents and other pass holders - assuming a generous talent attraction programme,

However, when we include the additional supply of public housing and its accelerated pace of building, the numbers start to pile up. We can expect the 16,000 units of HDB flats launched last year to be completed in 2013 and another 22,000 (very likely more) units to be completed in 2014 and 2015.

And with Mr Khaw calling on HDB to build ahead of demand, it has effectively moved from Build-to-Order to Ordered-to-Build. So the completion of HDB units in 2015 and beyond could also be significantly ratcheted up.

Now, we know that the mature estates have limited land to accommodate new HDB units. We estimate that almost all of the 22,000 units launched this year to be completed in 2014 and, say, a ratcheted-up 28,000 units to be completed in 2015 will be in the OCR and RCR.

In terms of physical supply and demand from end users, new HDB flats in mature estates such as Holland Road (situated inside CCR) do not compete with private homes priced at well above S$1,000 psf.

However, new HDB flats - and the vast supply of them - in OCR locations such as Hougang, Bedok or Bukit Panjang will compete for attention from first-time home owners or parents who are financing their children's first marital homes.

Therefore, I perceive the risks of the "massive supply" weighing heavily against private residential projects in the outskirts. Even riskier would be the smaller-sized apartments in the outskirts that were purchased at prices 20 to 40 per cent above the neighbourhood's average psf prices.

Conversely, with very few residential land sales and en bloc programmes in Districts 9, 10 and 11 since 2009, we can hardly expect significant fresh supply in CCR in 2013 to 2015. A significant number of completions in CCR come from the projects delayed since the previous peak, such as d'Leedon (en bloc), Leedon Residence (en bloc) and South Beach (Government Land Sales).

While many investors may be concerned about short-term market jitters, others are looking to take advantage of the uncertainty by searching for solid long-term value buys that offer strong downside protection in the older CCR properties. Our recommendation will be to explore the larger-sized apartments of 2,000 to 4,000 sq ft that were completed before this century.

The investment search might take a lot more effort as many gems lay hidden from us and probably hidden from the risks of the impending "massive supply".


Ku Swee Yong is the founder of real estate agency International Property Advisor, which provides services to high-net-worth individuals. He is the author of Real Estate Riches: Understanding Singapore's Property Market In A Volatile Economy (Marshall Cavendish).


Via: http://www.todayonline.com/Business/Property/EDC110624-0000182/Massive-home-supply-to-hit-outskirts

徹底解決非法外勞問題（社論）

2011-06-23 19:09


政府宣佈從7月11日開始，展開為期兩星期的非法外勞登記活動，讓潛藏在國內各角落的非法外勞，以及他們的僱主，向移民局或政府委任的中介公司登記。政府將在這項涵蓋登記、漂白、特赦、監督、執法和驅逐行動的所謂“6P”計劃下，讓那些非法外勞參與登記，符合條件、獲僱主或廠商聘用、持有通行證件或工作文件，以及沒有犯罪記錄的非法外勞，將獲准申請成為合法外勞。

這項有史以來最大規模的非法外勞合法化計劃，可說是政府對困擾國人多年的非法外勞問題的背水一戰。對非法外勞而言，此次漂白行動是取得合法身份的最後一次機會，對我國政府卻是只許成功不許失敗的關鍵時刻。希望在兩星期期間，非法外勞和僱主都能踴躍出來登記，否則將對政府的威信造成某種程度的衝擊。期限過後，政府必須採取雷厲的取締和逮捕非法外勞的行動，切勿像過去一般，雷聲大雨點小，最後不了了之，任由非法外勞在我國搶掉國人的飯碗或為非作歹。

漂白行動若是嚴正執行，終究有其正面意義。一來通過僱主所繳交的登記費，為國庫增加一筆額外收入；二來可在非法外勞登記時，通過採取生物指紋系統，確鑿掌握外勞的身份和居留地點，同時收集各領域所需外勞的人數和資料，充作日後人力資源的調配。不過，更重要的是，通過登記手續，可讓政府和警方具體掌握流竄或匿藏在國內各角落的非法外勞的行跡。過去外勞由於沒有身份紀錄，犯案後都能逍遙法外，現在有了生物指紋系統，或能逼使他們在我國安份守己地生活。

漂白行動能否成功，主要關鍵還在於僱主的合作與配合。僱主肯定希望所聘僱的外勞擁有合法身份，然而，每名非法外勞的“漂白費”高達4千200令吉，倘若僱主手下數十甚至上百名外勞，則是一筆龐大開銷，僱主在權衡利弊之後，會否忍痛讓他們取得合法身份，應是漂白行動能否取得預期效果的關鍵。不過，為了社會穩定和下一代的福利，我們希望僱主能以大局為重，今後只僱用合法外勞。

我國在90年代初，由於經濟起飛，各領域尤其是建築業和園坵行業亟需大量勞工，因而先後從印尼、孟加拉、尼泊爾等引進外勞。較後時服務業、餐飲業等也相繼引進越南、菲律賓和緬甸外勞。根據保守估計，合法及約滿後成為非法的外勞，加上偷渡入境的非法外勞，目前滯留在全國的非法外勞最少有200多萬人。這個龐大數目已取代印裔社會，成為我國第三大族群，不僅搶了國人的飯碗，他們四處流竄和為非作歹，更加劇社會治安的敗壞。此外，他們每年匯回家國的款額高達50億令吉，也使我國外匯流失慘重。

話說回來，今日國內會出現非法外勞為患的局面，與人力資源部長期來缺乏一以貫之的外勞政策有關。政府今後務須在外勞政策採取堅定和一貫措施，避免一些部門缺乏協調的處理手法一再發生。這次若能借漂白行動，將絕大多數非法外勞驅逐出境，徹底整頓和削減非法外勞人數，便是一大成效。與此同時，也須考量採取嚴厲的取締打擊行動，追緝那些拒絕登記的非法外勞，以彰顯政府對解決非法外勞的決心。事實上，世界其他國家或地區早已意識到外勞帶來的後遺症，而開始對外勞採取嚴厲限制政策，例如歐美、日本、韓國和台灣，都已逐漸減少甚至斷絕對外勞的依賴，值得我國探討。

（星洲日報／社論）

转自：http://opinions.sinchew-i.com/node/19850

Dirty hospital pillows pose hazard: UK study

04:47 AM Jun 23, 2011


LONDON - Hospital patients are at risk of catching infections such as MRSA and C difficile from "biohazard" pillows which are ridden with 30 different bugs, according to a new study.

Nurses are required to regularly wash their hands and disinfect bed frames and mattresses, but underestimate the risk of infection from dirty pillows, said the report.

But dead skin, dandruff, dirty air and contaminated fluids found on pillows in hospital wards expose patients to the risk of diseases ranging from seasonal flu to chickenpox, hepatitis and even leprosy.

The study by St Bartholomew's Hospital and The London National Health Service (NHS) Trust found 30 different types of infection in a sample of pillows taken from hospital wards, posing a significant risk of infection.

While used linen and bedding is changed and laundered between patients and is routinely cleaned, the study found a "very high and unacceptable percentage" of damaged pillows on three test wards.

Tears to the lining or stitching of pillows mean they cannot be effectively cleaned and patients could be exposed to infection.

Germs are released through tears and the stitching of standard NHS pillows when pressure is applied - for example when a patient lays their head down, it added.

The study was sponsored by SleepAngel, which has developed a hermetically sealed pillow to minimise the risk of spreading infection through stitching.

Tests showed that, after three months of use in hospitals, none of these pillows were contaminated on the inside.

Dr Arthur Tucker, Principal Clinical Scientist and Senior Lecturer at St Barts and the London Hospitals and author of the report, said: "The presence of these bugs means that they can and will be passed to patients."

The Daily Telegraph

Via: http://www.todayonline.com/World/EDC110623-0000285/Dirty-hospital-pillows-pose-hazard--UK-study

[Singapore] Throwing the book at discriminatory hiring

by Cheow Xin Yi and Ong Dai Lin
04:47 AM Jun 23, 2011

MOM evokes little-known provision against recruitment agency which advertised vacancies for PRs and Employment Pass holders only


SINGAPORE - A little-known provision under the Employment Agencies Act was evoked recently to take a recruitment agency to task for advertising online for permanent residents and Employment Pass holders only.

It is believed to be the first time the law was applied in such a manner.

The clause, found among the 29 sections, bars employment agencies from acting in "a manner detrimental to public interest" or risk suspension.

On Tuesday, Minister of State (Manpower) Tan Chuan-Jin disclosed in a Facebook posting that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will issue a warning to the recruitment agency after it had spoken to the firm. Brigadier-General (NS) Tan was alerted by a netizen to the agency's job ad.

In reply to MediaCorp's queries, an MOM spokesperson said the Employment Agencies Licensing Branch investigated the agency - believed to be Antal International - for possible breaches arising from a public complaint.

"Due to the discriminatory nature of the online advertisement, the recruitment agency was considered ... to have acted in a manner which is detrimental to the public's interest," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that the agency was only warned because it has "since taken immediate rectification actions". The MOM did not say how many such warnings it had issued before.

It is not only recruitment agencies that show a preference for certain types of candidates. Some companies have specified in job ads on their websites that only certain nationalities need apply. For instance, Chip Eng Seng Corporation, which was looking for a project manager and an architectural structural coordinator earlier this year, stated on its website it preferred candidates with Indian citizenship. This caused a stir among netizens and the company later removed the ads.

The company did not reply to MediaCorp's queries.

Asked about employers' actions, MOM said they "should recognise the value of hiring on merit, leverage on the synergies that could be derived from a diverse workforce, and not let stereotypes exclude candidates that can do the job". It added that only relevant criteria such as qualifications, skills and experience should be used for job ads.

The Republic uses the "promotional and educational approach" on this issue, with the Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices (TAFEP) leading the engagement with companies. MOM said members of the public who encounter discriminatory job ads may provide feedback to TAFEP, which will then help these companies to "review and improve their hiring and advertising practices".

Most recruiters MediaCorp spoke to said they were unaware of the rule governing employment agencies. Cornerstone Career Connnections recruiter Kevin Tay said it was common for clients to request for only foreigners, and he has had to stop doing business with those who insist on this.

Singapore Human Resource Institute executive director David Ang said some contracts between recruiters and clients actually require them to find only foreigners - in cases where the company "has done their part in finding Singaporeans" but are unable to do so because of a shortage of locals with relevant skills. "The recruiter should be more precise in their ad and say 'in fulfilling our contract, we're looking for this group of people', something to that effect, so as not to give an impression that they're being discriminatory," he said.

But Mr Tay believes some consultants "will be put on the spot". Said Mr Tay: "As human beings, you can't just change (employers') mindsets easily."

He thinks the law should be extended to employers, to be fair to recruitment firms.

But Mr Josh Goh, assistant director of corporate services at recruitment agency The GMP Group, feels that legislation for employers will not be as effective in the long run as education.

"Companies will go underground and make it even more difficult for the Government to educate companies about their social responsibility," he said.

Member of Parliament and trade unionist Alex Yam said a balance has to be struck: "Not everything should have a stick. We encourage fair employment as a start ... Most companies do that, and we'll try to encourage that."

He added that extra discussions will be needed to see if Antal International can serve as a case study to formulate future policies.


Via: http://www.todayonline.com/Hotnews/EDC110623-0000334/Throwing-the-book-at-discriminatory-hiring

[国内] 依布拉欣和他的免死牌

作者：杨艾琳 日期：2011年6月22日 时间：傍晚 6点10分


在马来西亚，谁有条件肆言无惮却平安无事？那还用问，当然是依布拉欣。在马来西亚，谁能宣扬种族主义却安然无恙？绝无非议，当然是依布拉欣。

在马来西亚，谁可以焚烧和践踏一个人的肖像，而不惨遭警方拘捕？别问别问，当然是依布拉欣。在马来西亚，谁有资格恐吓人民，若不依他的说法，什么都可能发生？唉，毋庸置疑，还不是他依布拉欣。

说出别人不便讲的言论？

所以我不得不怀疑依布拉欣真正的身份，土权主席除了是主席之外，是不是某一个大马产品或某一个大马机构的代言人，因基于机构本身的一个形象问题，通过他发表一些机构不便发表的言论。

别太在乎，我的阴谋论不过是效仿马哈迪美国人911自撞自尽的荒谬假设，有99%的虚拟，和1%的可能。

诉求横看竖看明明白白

根据《当今大马》的报道，《星报》在网站进行了一项的民意调查，调查的问题是：“你对净选盟2.0在7月9日举办的游行有何看法？”调查显示99%的网民投票支持“它应该获准举行”。

且让咱们再次检讨选举改革八诉求：（1）全面清理选举名册；（2）改善邮寄选票程序；（3）实施点墨制；（4）至少有21天竞选期；（5）各政党可以公平在媒体曝光；（6）加强选举法令的执法；（7）消除贿选；（8）停止龌龊政治。

横看竖看，民主选举该执行的制度，都列得清清楚楚，明明白白。

演技太认真，效果不逼真

当依布拉欣声声抱怨许多人指他煽动，说净选盟不理警方警告执意上街游行，却不算煽动咩的时候，相信凡是没有免死牌的人民都同意，净选盟提出的选举改革八诉求，不止合理，还非常期待。

看来，依布拉欣有一个小小但颇伤脑筋的问题，因为他一直以来尽职尽责，演技太过认真，效果不太逼真，恐吓不过是“呼”一口气，稍嫌气虚。

不怕恐吓继续准备游行

反正大马人民是“吓大?”，他一厢情愿推广“在家囤粮论”，人民继续讨论净选盟709游行，该带些什么，比方说口罩、矿泉水、毛巾、头盔等等，即使批评叫依布拉欣太累，大马却一点都不累。

再者，他焚烧和践踏净选盟2.0主席安美嘉的肖像，指她是“非常危险的兴都女人”，殊不知他自己不止得罪了净选盟，还同时得罪了兴都教徒，得罪了女人，得罪关心民主选举的人民，实在罪该万死，所幸，他有一个大马的免死牌。

人民才能把选举扫干净

所以，如果华人都出来游行，那得感谢谁？当然是依布拉欣。如果自扫门前雪的人，突然关心起政治来，那得感谢谁？当然是依布拉欣。如果听到种族这两个字就很激动的人，突然发现自己是Anak Malaysia的时候，那得感谢谁？当然是依布拉欣。因为大家看到依布拉欣，就看到极端是民主最致命的伤。

如果净选盟2.0和平大集会成功地把选举和补选扫干净，那得感谢谁？Sorry，绝对不是依布拉欣，而是真正爱国的大马人民。

(当今大马)

转自：http://www.malaysiakini.com/columns/167734

Price of Centrale 8 DBSS flats lowered

by Esther Ng
06:07 AM Jun 22, 2011

Centrale 8 at Tampines - a DBSS by Sim Lian Group

SINGAPORE - Centrale 8's developer has reduced the prices of its Design, Build and Sell Scheme flats (DBSS), possibly "caving in" to public pressure, property analysts told MediaCorp.

The most expensive five-room flat is now S$778,000, down from S$880,000.

While Sim Lian Group reiterated yesterday that its initial prices were only indicative, ERA Asia Pacific associate director Eugene Lim pointed out: "When developers reveal their price range, it's usually quite close. For instance, (the previous DBSS project) Adora Green's selling prices were exactly their indicative prices."

SLP International executive director of research and consultancy Nicholas Mak said: "Like any business, they took the risk - they wanted to see if the market would respond positively to their prices or not."

Sim Lian said last week it the premium cost was due to the project's location in Tampines Regional Centre with mature amenities, and the promixity to Tampines MRT station and the future Downtown Line 3 MRT interchange.

In a press release yesterday, Sim Lian Group chief executive officer Kuik Sin Pin said the new price range was decided based on the resale prices, age and location of HDB flats in the same vicinity, prevailing economic conditions and proximity to transport networks and good public facilities.

ERA's Mr Lim said Sim Lian could have been "genuinely pressured" to adjust the pricing.

He added, "The Minister himself said that if you price it too high, no one will want to buy from you."

However, Suntec Chesterton International head of research and consultancy Colin Tan felt that in all probability, the developer would have offered home buyers a discount to its indicative price range. Now, he said, Sim Lian will be making a smaller profit.

The developer did not say how many applications it received when the deadline closed yesterday.

But Mr Lim reckons that the flats are still "pricey": "Usually, the premium above a resale flat for a DBSS is between S$100,000 to S$150,000."

Analysts pointed out that Tampines is a more popular mature estate compared to Yishun, where the lower-priced Adora Green, which is 96 per cent sold after its February launch, is located.

"Centrale 8 not only has the amenities and conveniences, but offers high rental value - this could add five to 10 per cent more in pricing," said Cushman & Wakefield vice-chairman Donald Han.

Mr Mak had another take: "Sim Lian probably thought it had no competition, as there's not much land in Tampines for the Government to launch BTOs."

Centrale 8 pricing
by Esther Ng

Centrale 8' Indicative Prices

Three-Room $397,000 to $510,000

Four-Room $531,000 to $683,000

Five-Room $685,000 to $880,000

Confirmed Price Range

Three-Room $389,000 to $445,000

Four-Room $511,000 to $592,000

Five-Room $685,000 to $778,000


Via: http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110622-0000531/Price-of-Centrale-8-DBSS-flats-lowered

Singapore 'to overtake Switzerland as top wealth management centre'

by Teo Xuanwei
06:07 AM Jun 22, 2011


SINGAPORE - Amid increased financial regulatory pressures in the West post-financial crisis, the Republic has been tipped to oust Switzerland as the world's top wealth management centre within the next two years, according to a survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) published yesterday.

Strong growth in emerging markets in Asia was also another reason behind the survey respondents' bullish prediction that Singapore would leapfrog Switzerland and London to the perch. Hong Kong was also expected to jump ahead of London into third place.

The PwC study, titled Global Private Banking and Wealth Management Survey 2011, involved 275 firms from 67 countries.

PwC's leader of Asia-Pacific global private banking and wealth management Justin Ong said the key factors in the Republic's favour include its strong regulatory environment, efforts by the Government and regulator to promote and develop private banking activities and tax incentives for the wealth management industry.

Private wealth managers Today spoke to felt it was only a matter of time before Singapore overtook Switzerland and London, given that Monetary Authority of Singapore statistics showed that the industry here had grown by 13 per cent to manage S$1.4 trillion last year.

Over the last five years, the industry has recorded an average growth rate of 16 per cent, propelling Singapore from being a small player - according to Boston Consulting Group, in 2007, Switzerland had four times as much offshore assets under management as Singapore - to becoming contenders as top dog.

Said Hoffman & Partners founder and managing partner Urs Brutsch: "We're certainly exceptionally well-positioned to become No 1 because Singapore has all the right ingredients, such as booming economies around the region, a supportive regulator and stable political climate."

Traditional powerhouses such as Switzerland and London will, at best, probably only retain the assets they already hold, he said. HSBC Private Bank chief executive Nancie Dupier noted: "Many wealth management clients already value Singapore's corruption-free environment and emphasis on client confidentiality and these will become increasingly strong pull factors as regulatory concerns grow in importance."

While the exodus of fund managers from the West has been attributed to a harsher regulatory regime, the MAS had reiterated earlier this month that the Republic's laws matched, and in some cases, exceeded international standards.

Mr Brutsch, however, described the two-year timeframe for Singapore to become the top wealth management centre in the world as "incredibly ambitious".

"The mature industries will not fall asleep, they will not stop moving ... there's quite some way to go before we can overtake Switzerland," he said.


Via: http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110622-0000527/Spore-to-overtake-Switzerland-as-top-wealth-management-centre

[China] Shenzhen to ban electric bicycles

04:47 AM Jun 21, 2011


HONG KONG - China's city of Shenzhen will ban electric bicycles from using most roads from next month, a move that could cut demand for lead-acid batteries.

The city, with about 500,000 of the "e-bikes", will keep the ban for six months and review the policy in December, the China Daily reported yesterday.

The policy was being implemented due to safety concerns after 64 people were killed and 233 were injured in 268 accidents caused by "e-bikes" last year in the city. In China, "e-bikes" have up till now not been subject to any licences, including a driving licence, making accident investigations difficult. Other Chinese cities may follow Shenzhen's ban in the future.

Beijing last month reinstated and strengthened the requirements for the use of "e-bikes" in the country, the world's biggest market for the lead-powered bicycles.

Batteries for "e-bikes" accounted for about 20 per cent of China's 3.7 million tonnes of refined lead consumption last year with annual production of more than 17 million "e-bikes", according to research firm Antaike. Reuters


Via: http://www.todayonline.com/World/EDC110621-0000036/Shenzhen-to-ban-electric-bicycles

江父最后的遗作：The Moment of truth Alviss Kong 07-06-2011

[新加坡] 關卡不再大堵塞，入境新山交通改善

國際 2011-06-19 20:39


（新加坡19日訊）入境馬來西亞的交通改善許多！

今天清晨，入境新山的交通原本頗擁擠，但早上9時後恢復順暢，大士關卡則通行無阻。

到今早11時，新柔長堤交通依然十分順暢。

根據新加坡陸交局網站的空中定點攝像機圖像，今早8時許，兀蘭關卡交通頗擁擠，新柔長堤上入境新山的車輛大排長龍，但過了早上9時，交通就恢復順暢，回返新加坡的車道通行無阻。大士關卡交通則一直保持通暢。

相較前兩個週末兀蘭關卡和大士關卡全天持續塞車的情況，昨天和今天入境馬來西亞的交通大大改善，逐漸恢復到平常週末的水平。

交通紓緩相信與大馬移民局官員改而採取抽樣要求入境的部份外國遊客掃描指紋的作業方式有關。

儘管堵車情況雖改善，兀蘭一帶的商家生意還未起色。

馬西嶺一帶靠近兀蘭關卡的商場之前因大塞車，週末生意減少了10%到60%。商家昨天受訪時說，交通雖改善，但生意還是十分冷清。

一名熟食中心攤主告訴記者，顧客多是來往新馬的人，早上時段的塞車仍影響了人潮。一些因塞車影響行程的人也不願意駐足留下來吃點東西。

服飾店老闆汪先生（50歲）說，大馬學校假期剛結束、新幣兌令吉走勢強勁，加上塞車造成不便，入境的大馬顧客減少了，大大影響生意。

（星洲日報／國際）

转自：http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/209045?tid=2

[德國] 小溪驗出大腸桿菌，恐轉移到周邊環境

國際 2011-06-19 18:07


（德國 柏林19日訊）德國當局在法蘭克福東北部一條小溪驗出大腸桿菌。官員估計，病菌可能來自附近一間污水處理廠，或受到附近人及動物的排泄物污染。

德國科研人員表示，腸出血性大腸桿菌可能已通過感染者的排泄物進入河流等周邊環境。

病菌具很強黏附力

德國明斯特大學醫院衛生研究所所長卡希上週六說，許多感染者目前正在通過排泄物排出病菌，因此不能排除病菌已轉移到自然環境的可能性。防疫部門應儘早就如何持久消滅病菌制定對策。

卡希還說，他領導的研究團隊已發現引起此次疫情的O104：H4型大腸桿菌具有很強的聚集黏附能力，即使在人體外也能黏附在物體表面，並能生存較長時間。

此外，這種病菌耐寒能力也較強。在實驗室冰箱中，研究人員設定了5攝氏度的低溫環境。自5月24日至6月18日，病菌樣品在這種環境中一直存活著。

德國負責食品安全事務的聯邦風險評估研究所上週六發表新聞公報說，腸出血性大腸桿菌可通過不同途徑進入公共水域。

比如，有些病菌感染者本人並不出現任何症狀，但卻能通過排泄物不知不覺地傳播病菌。

德疫情近期緩和

當局此前亦發現有人傳人個案。於黑森州一間餐廳女員工，被發現她感染腸出血性大腸桿菌後，再污染食物，導致20名食客染病，反映這種細菌可以透過人或受污染食物，再傳給人。

德國大腸桿菌疫情近期已明顯消退，近期新增病例不斷減少。

【熱點新聞：大腸桿菌肆虐歐洲】

（星洲日報／國際）

转自：http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/209005?tid=2

[新加坡] 千年兵马俑，万里艰辛下南洋

莫美颜 (2011-06-16)

亚洲文明博物馆中国艺术副研究员王珅在检查青铜凤鸟衔环熏炉。

　　东南亚首个兵马俑展——“千秋帝业：兵马俑与秦文化”将从6月24日至10月16日在亚洲文明博物馆盛大展出。来自陕西12所博物馆的100多件展品，包括10尊兵马俑雕像，已排除万难，千里迢迢来到新加坡。

　　国人旅游经验丰富，不少人也到过西安，观看过千军万马气势恢宏的兵马俑展。在本地举行兵马俑展，要如何吸引公众进场参观，成了举办“千秋帝业：兵马俑与秦文化”展的亚洲文明博物馆的一大挑战。

　　负责这次展览的亚洲文明博物馆中国艺术副研究员王珅接受本报专访时坦承，对博物馆来说这确实是一个不小的考验。

　　王珅说，西安的兵马俑展是在1974年的考古现场，还原秦始皇陵兵马俑坑的真实面貌，单单一号坑就有6000多个俑。这次新加坡展览根本无法以数量取胜，只能通过展览不同种类的展品，把秦始皇生前死后生活面貌的一个缩影呈现在参观者面前。

　　这次的展览以9个不同兵种的秦兵俑来展示秦军的全貌。让观众像欣赏雕塑一样，在一米多的近距离欣赏那一个个细节很写实的秦兵俑。展品也包括出土保存完好没生锈的真兵器，精美的青铜器、玉器和金银器，还有近10年新发现的百戏俑坑出土的杂技演员和举重大力士，以及青铜水禽坑出土的羽毛和脚鳞栩栩如生的青铜鹤，并有石铠甲坑出土的石头铠甲。

本地观众将能跨越时空，与2000多年前的秦兵俑近距离“接触”。（陈来福摄）

　　王珅说，博物馆希望通过多样的展品丰富展览内容，让公众从中探索古代秦国的崛起，和秦始皇统一中国的历史，了解中国早期的文化成就，以及这位中国古代首位帝王对中华文明的深远影响。

　　如何搬运和摆放沉甸甸的兵马俑，是亚洲文明博物馆所面对的另一个挑战。比如这次展览唯一一匹陶马俑重500多公斤，必须动用一台起重机和8名工人才能把它搬上展台。

　　王珅说，陶马俑非常脆弱，是出土后拼凑成型的，特别是它的4条腿，为了方便烧制都是中空，更加易碎，所以每移动一步都要非常小心，而且放上去后就再也不能移动了。

　　这次在设计展厅时，博物馆也面对着很大的困难。一般的兵马俑展场地面积都在800平方米到2000平方米之间，而亚洲文明博物馆的展厅则只有480平方米。在有限的空间局限下，博物馆决定以半透明的帷幔间隔展区，制造神秘感，营造特别气氛，并充分利用展厅高耸的天花板，在中央展区以巨幅秦始皇封土图作背景，让有限的空间获得延伸来营造空间感。

　　这是王珅第一次参与大型展览策划工作。她觉得自己很幸运，当看到图片中已有2000多年历史的兵马俑终于一个个出现在自己面前时，就好像与老朋友见面，有一种超越时空的感觉。更不可思议的是因为工作的关系，她竟然有机会手握秦始皇握过的授予臣属兵权后调动军队的虎符。

　　这次兵马俑展能顺利在我国举行，多亏陕西省文物交流中心的积极配合。这是一次国宝出国展，中心对展场、包装、运输、搬运、防震、防潮等方面的要求都非常严格，每个细节都派专人监督，以确保各方面都达到中心的要求。

　　展品于5月中旬点交，5月28日启运，4辆专门运送艺术品的大卡车浩浩荡荡地从西安出发，在高速公路上以不超过80公里的时速，行驶了1400公里3天后才抵达上海，为减少意外的发生频率，再分两批空运来新。

　　陕西省文物交流中心项目主管白丽莎受访时说，为了确保文物的安全，在陆路运输的3天里，运输车队只能在保安条件到位的博物馆停留过夜。

博物馆动用了一台起重机和八名工人，才把这次展览唯——匹五百多公斤重的陶马俑搬上展台。（亚洲博物馆提供）

　　在谈到亚洲文明博物馆的展厅时，白丽莎坦言，起初对面积不超过500平方米，又有12根柱子的展览厅确实有些保留。她担心的是展览效果，展品的安全和观众与展品距离是否太近的问题；来了以后看到亚洲文明博物馆工作团队非常专业，才放下了心头大石。

　　她特别欣赏博物馆充分利用博物馆的高天花板，把5个汉化画像石高挂在墙上的做法，她说：“整个效果很好，文物都达到很好的展示效果。”

手机带你回秦朝

　　（莫美颜报道）亚洲文明博物馆为配合“千秋帝业：兵马俑与秦文化”展，特别推出世界首个为博物馆而设计的综合IPhone应用程序。

　　IPhone用户只须用IPhone的“App Store”下载“ACM Terracotta Warriors IPhone app”，便可通过这项程序，与真人般大小的秦俑合照，观看秦兵步操，甚至让秦兵俑在你的掌上或桌面走动。

　　当然用户还可以利用这项程序观看展厅里的部分展览，听到秦朝丞相李斯被处死前与其子的对话，并可以敲钟和学习秦文化。

　　在学习秦文化部分，包括了以9个秦小篆书写的文字，包括兵、叛、卒、钟、战、弩等而设计的互动式游戏。这些文字将分别出现在多美歌地铁站内、展厅里、展览宣传单上和报章的展览广告上，IPhone用户可通过IPhone的摄像机，对准特定字体，就会出现不同的游戏。

　　比如从6月27日至7月27日，多美歌地铁站内将张贴小篆体的“兵”字，把IPhone摄像机对准“兵”字，手机里就会出现一个活动的兵马俑，你还可与他合照。对准“钟”字，则将出现一个秦公钟，你还可移动钟锤敲钟。

　　亚洲文明博物馆副处长孙德浪在推介会上说：“我们的生活离不开科技，尤其是年轻人，所以我们也希望利用科技与我们的观众联系，提供他们一个新颖的多感官体验，旨在吸引年轻观众。”

　　综合IPhone应用程序，即日起到10月16日展览的最后一天，将让IPhone用户免费下载。之后馆方也考虑将这个应用程序用在其他展览上。

《联合早报》

（编辑：梁嘉芪）

转自：http://travel.zaobao.com.sg/pages6/spore110616.shtml

[Singapore] Will you pay S$880,000 for a HDB flat?

By PropertyGuru | Property Blog – Fri, Jun 17, 2011


5-room DBSS flat in Tampines going for $880,000

Centrale 8 at Tampines

UPDATE

Singapore's Minister of National Development Khaw Boon Wan has clarified that the S$880,000 five-room flats in Tampines belonged to a different class of housing options.

In his latest blog entry, Mr Khaw said that the "negative reaction from the ground was not surprising", but he added that DBSS flats are of a different class of housing type between HDB flats and executive condominiums and private condominiums.

He explained that DBSS flats are designed and priced by private developers. If there are no buyers, there will be no sales.

A five-room HDB flat at Centrale 8 in Tampines has been put on the market for a whopping S$880,000 (around $750 psf), the priciest new public flat to be released for sale under the Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) so far.

Measuring between 1,163 sq ft by 1,173 sq ft each, the 178 five-room units at the project cost nearly twice as much as standard flats sold in the recent Build-To-Order (BTO) project in Tampines, where a 1,216 sq ft flat cost up to S$444,000.

Mohamed Ismail, chief executive of PropNex, said that though the flats were built by Sim Lian Group under the DBSS, the price tag is still higher than any executive condominium.

He admitted that he did a double take when he first heard about the prices.

"No doubt it's in Tampines, which is a mature estate with many good things going for it, but it is still extremely high for a public housing flat," he said.

Despite the hefty price tag, a report from The Straits Times showed that the developer only paid S$261 psf ppr for the 21,132 sq ft site.

"The premium is due to its locale in Tampines Regional Centre with mature amenities such as banks, three shopping malls and the upcoming Integrated Lifestyle Hub," said a spokesman from Sim Lian, explaining the rationale behind the high pricing.

PropertyGuru analyst Tejaswi Chunduri said, "According to Sim Lian Group's indicative price range for Centrale 8, the price range for a five-room flat can be anywhere between S$685,000 and S$880,000. The floor area for these flats is in the range of 1163 to 1173 sq ft."

She added, "This will likely increase the asking price for newly developed projects as well as for the resale flats in estates island-wide."

"It is also within walking distance to the existing Tampines MRT Station and the future downtown line 3 MRT interchange."

However, Nicholas Mak, head of research at SLP International, said in an interview with ST that, while the location is good, it does not justify the flats' astronomical price tag.

"Another side effect is that it might encourage resale flat sellers in the area to increase their prices, as buyers would not need to wait for their units to be built," he said.

Prices of HDB flats have skyrocketed due to limited supply resulting from growing demand fuelled by mass-immigration. However, Khaw noted that "sharp property price increases cannot go on forever."

Mr Khaw assured Singaporeans that he will be ramping up the launches of more BTOs and pricing them appropriately.

25,000 units will be launched later this year, with 12,000 already in the market.

According to the Minister, larger launches may be in the works as they offer a wider range of choices.

Via: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/property-blog/pay-880-000-hdb-flat-102238022.html