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Hi, Does anybody know the admin of the Opel sg forum? http://www.dreamvale.net/sgopel/index.php I tried to register several times for a few months but the registration never seems to get any response and approval.
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Where the forum go? Anyone know?
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Agree with the writer. We should not be xenophobic and classify all of them as baddies. It's the poilcy that we have issues with, not the person. From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...oreans-20130223 A foreigner's appeal to Singaporeans Published on Feb 23, 2013 I AM a second-year student at a university here. I am also what many would call "foreign talent" - someone "who steals university places from your relatives and friends, and studies at the expense of your parents' tax money". The recent uproar over the Government's policy on immigrants has been of some concern to me. I decided to study in Singapore because it is close to and culturally similar to my country. My education here has been, to a large extent, subsidised through a Ministry of Education tuition grant. This grant requires me to work for at least three years in Singapore after I graduate. So I would be competing with my Singaporean peers for jobs. This raises the question: Am I making Singapore less Singaporean? Am I unknowingly making life too difficult for citizens? It was certainly not my intention to do so. I came here to get a good education. It saddens me to see how netizens paint all immigrants in the same bad light and post racist and xenophobic comments online. Getting more immigrants from New Delhi, for example, would certainly not make Singapore the "rape capital of the world". Immigrants have different cultural and educational backgrounds. Many of us share the aspirations of Singapore citizens. When I see the hatred for foreign workers, I sometimes wonder if it would be possible for me to work here and serve out my bond. I urge Singaporeans not to let prejudice and stereotypes guide public policy. I hope to graduate in a Singapore that still respects diversity, not because the law says so but because the people genuinely believe it is the right thing to do. I hope Singapore's new citizens are treated in a way that is reflective of the educated, meritocratic and unbiased society that Singapore is. I hope the recent uproar does not create further barriers between citizens and foreigners. Abhinav Mishra
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Drove up CH about three years back and took the so-called new route. Quite scary as what the writer described of vehicles overtaking on the steep slopes against on-coming traffic on the opposite lane. The drive there itself was already very tiring for us and coupled with heart-stopping moments of fully-loaded trucks and buses coming your way from the opposite lane was no joke... From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Online...ory_777229.html Horror ride down Cameron Highlands Published on Mar 14, 2012 I AM writing in to share my family's recent harrowing experience while returning on a Five Stars Tours coach from Cameron Highlands to Singapore. On the descent from Cameron Highlands, the driver negotiated the mountain bends at high speed, causing the coach to tilt as it lurched left and right. Ahead of a mountain bend, he overtook a vehicle in front despite oncoming traffic. Alarmed, I appealed to him to drive more carefully, but he replied that he was behind schedule. I appealed to the relief driver sitting in a passenger seat behind him to advise his colleague to drive more carefully. To my horror, the driver turned around to stare at us, taking his eyes off the road while the bus was speeding down the mountain. I shouted at him to keep his eyes on the road, but he continued staring at me for a few seconds before he stepped on the brakes and told me to take over if I was dissatisfied. I telephoned the Singapore head office of Five Stars Tours to relate the incident, and it arranged for the relief driver to take over until we reached an interchange location where a transfer of coach was arranged. Yang Zhiren
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From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...-claim-20130325 Left in the lurch over car insurance claim Published on Mar 25, 2013 LAST July, my car was hit from behind by another car. I reported the accident to the insurance firm-designated workshop, thinking I could go ahead with the repairs. However, half a year passed with no progress. The workshop said the insurance company was sitting on the claim. When I called the insurance company, it said the other driver never reported the incident, so it could not proceed with the claim. I made a police report but the police said they would not take action as there was no injury. I later found out that the other driver and I had policies under the same insurance company. Is this the way an insurance company acts on claims? Is there a loophole somewhere? My car was damaged but I cannot receive compensation even though it was not my fault. The insurance company asked me to claim on my own insurance or go to a lawyer, for which I would have to cough out more money. I am at my wits' end. Wendy Ang Kweng Gee (Ms)
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Agree having computer wizards around is good but the fact remains that the good doc ignores or seems to be unaware that many such positions are overwhelmed by foreigners especially from a particular nation. How will locals fare? Was involved in a big construction project next to Jalan Buroh and the main contractor employed a NUS computer PHD holder to be their planner. He was a nice chap from Myanmar and when I asked why he did not teach or do further research in local institutions, he said, "Friend, do you know how many computer PHD holders are out there in the market? I got this job because I went knocking on the (main contractor's name) office to show my sincerity." And that was in 1998. From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...needed-20130409 More home-grown geeks needed Published on Apr 09, 2013 ONE of the pillars of modern technology is computer software code. While many of our students can use computer programs, few can write code. This deficiency must be rectified for us to remain competitive, create well-paying jobs and become self-sufficient in providing for our information technology (IT) needs. According to an article in The Telegraph last month, the demand for IT specialists in Britain is growing at four times the rate of the overall workforce. In the United States, there will be an estimated 1.4 million computer jobs by 2020, but only 400,000 computer science students. To address this demand in Britain, code clubs have been set up to teach coding in schools to children aged nine to 11. In January last year, computer science was added to the English Baccalaureate. By September this year, computer science will be added to the British curriculum as a fourth science. Nearer home, schools in Vietnam teach programming to young children as part of the curriculum. It is time the Ministry of Education faced this challenge. Fully funded coding lessons at graded levels akin to music exams, with recognised certification at the end of eight years, should be made available in all schools to pupils aged 10 and older. Computer science should also be more widely offered as an O- and A-level subject. There must also be more places for computer science students at our tertiary institutions. The ministry must regularly consult businesses to match students' software skills with those sought by industries. For example, many of the insurance industry's computer programs still run on Fortran and Cobol, but these languages have been phased out of the polytechnic curriculum. Computers are needed for the smooth running of almost all infrastructure in Singapore as well as in our military defence. Hence, we need home-grown geeks to keep our economy running, and generate products and services that will attract investors, as well as help in the defence of Singapore, especially against the growing threat of cyber terrorism. Anne Chong Su Yan (Dr)
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Siao liao then those with vocation as a sniper can do what huh? Maybe work for LTA's outsourced enforcement agencies catching motorists perhaps? [laugh] From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...kplace-20130408 Recognise skills learnt in NS at the workplace Published on Apr 08, 2013 MANY interesting ideas were put forward to change the perception of national service (NS) being a liability rather than an asset ("Getting back that NS feeling"; March 23). The top suggestion should be to recognise the skills acquired by full-time national servicemen during their training. Even the roles of non-combat NSFs as clerks, for example, should not be viewed as a form of compulsory cheap labour. Instead, the IT skills and work experience they acquire during their NS stints should be taken into consideration in the selection of applicants for government scholarships or civil service jobs. This is especially so for those who are recognised by their supervisors for having commendable work attitudes. Similarly, for officers in the public service, the leadership skills they acquire during their training days should be noted when they are being considered for promotion. Simply giving NSmen pay increments is insufficient. By being recognised for their skills, NSmen will view their service as an advantage rather than a burden to be performed without a choice. This is especially so as there are significant disadvantages in devoting two years at the prime of one's life to NS. I hope the upcoming review will be fruitful and yield more positive attitudes towards serving NS. Yeo Boon Eng (Ms)
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Betcha no one gives a thought to the cost of this little piece of protruded structure which is out of sight. [shakehead] But caveat emptor so buyer has to bite the bullet if he wants his dream home I guess. From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...-space-20130408 $200,000 for air-con space? Published on Apr 08, 2013 THE Government has introduced several rounds of measures to rein in the continued rise in property prices. There is some effect, yet property prices are holding their own. Recently, I visited a couple of property launches. The showflats attracted quite a crowd and the boards indicated that many units were sold - clear evidence that there was no shortage of buyers. I was told that, at the offer price of about $1,300 psf before any stamp duty, the apartments should be a worthwhile investment for my own stay or rental income. When looking at the price list, I noticed that there was a sizeable area set aside for holding the air-conditioning equipment. A unit with a total saleable area of 61 sq m had 14 sq m provided for air-con space. A quick back of the envelope calculation suggested that the buyer will be paying about $200,000 for the space to house the air-con. Considering that a multi-split air-con system costs about $3,000, I find this situation incomprehensible. To be sure that I was not mistaken, I sought confirmation from the agent, who assured me that the 14 sq m of "air-con" area is indeed chargeable, and that the cost is to be borne by the buyer. This must make Singapore one of the most expensive places in the world to install an air-con system. To have living space costing in excess of $1,000 psf for suburban localities already makes Singapore property prices one of the highest in the world. To have air-con space costing $200,000 should be a wake-up call for Singapore to seriously re-examine its land valuation model. Philip Toh Kee Poon
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From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...arking-20130322 Don't make it so hard to report illegal parking Published on Mar 22, 2013 IN THE early hours of March 13, I saw several vehicles parked illegally in Lorong Mambong in the Holland Village area. As it was a common occurrence, I decided to photograph the vehicles and submit the photos to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for action. I received an e-mail reply on Monday telling me that I should have reported these offences on the One.Motoring website. However, the form for reporting is long and detailed, and deters people from reporting offences. Since November 2010, the LTA has taken over the enforcement and administration of illegal parking offences from the Traffic Police. The police are on duty 24 hours a day, but what are the working hours of LTA enforcement officers? Does the Traffic Police still have the authority or initiative to issue summonses for illegal parking? It would be more effective for both agencies to work together to improve the parking and traffic situation. Khoo Boon Lee -
Why didn't anyone suggest this during my time? From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...-years-20130401 Cut NS to less than 2 years Published on Apr 01, 2013 I WAS heartened to read that improving the perception of national service is finally getting the attention it deserves ("Aiming higher for NS: Getting back that NS feeling", March 23). Present and future generations need to think of NS with pride rather than as a liability. There is no doubt that NS is critical to Singapore's survival. However, its patriotic sentiments are overridden by three factors: First, it is disruptive. It interferes with a young man's studies, university applications, and later, even work. It takes two years on paper, but when the difference between discharge from NS and university start dates are factored in, it can go on for much longer. Second, it is risky to life and limb. Third, it delays the day when a young man can contribute to his family's income and start his own family. As a result, it is perceived as an extreme sacrifice, especially in the light of the head start enjoyed by one's foreign peers in today's competitive world. Recent recruits agree on one thing - that the second year is usually not directly related to military training. The most substantial field training is largely done in the first year. One way to minimise the disruptions and disadvantages that NS causes is to reduce the tenure of service. This is in line with what is happening in several other countries. This way, there will still be a trained reservist force ready to defend the country but the resentment associated with the disruptions will be significantly less. No amount of monetary incentive can replace the two years that are lost in the prime of one's youth. Kelly Kishor Mel (Mrs)
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I only remember what Uncle Ben said: With great power comes great responsibility [laugh] Seriously we all want a caring, understanding and most important of all, a generous boss But the fact is most of the time we do realise there is no such a boss or they rarely in existence and we make do what we have. Bosses pay us to provide a service for them so most basically deliver but some of us do really excel either for self pride or to get more reward i.e. bonuses. From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...piness-20130321 Bosses' role in ensuring workplace happiness Published on Mar 21, 2013 THE workplace, if anything, is not a social laboratory for human endurance. It is an incubator for growth and productivity. The compelling need to retain staff and ensure workplace "happiness", as advocated by Mr Lawrence Loh Kiah Muan ("How to retain staff and keep them happy"; Monday), cannot be a zero-sum game. Too often, the root cause of workplace unhappiness lies in intangible things like the abuse of power, the absence of fair procedures, the instilling of fear that prevents debate, favouritism and the lack of action against bullies. Perhaps central to workplace unhappiness is the mutilation and interpretation of power dispensations. Bosses need to change their mindsets and ensure that power becomes a vehicle for reform, with the concomitant drawing up of definite parameters for its exercise. As a large percentage of Singapore companies are small and medium-sized enterprises, this guiding principal seems to have been lost in the rush to boost bottom lines. Power is greatly coveted everywhere. Perhaps former United States president Abraham Lincoln was right when he said: "If you want to test a man's character, give him power." Jaya Prakash
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Mr Tan did not say what was his vocation nor which service he was in. Anywaz good for him that he finds his experience opening doors for him overseas. The rest of us or at least me seriously do not find our society truly appreciating our 2 or 2.5 years' sacrifice and subsequently reservist obligations Guess some 80-dollar vouchers is some kind of recognisation I reckon.... From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...rs-him-20130321 Military service opened doors for him Published on Mar 21, 2013 "TELL me about your military experience." I have been asked this question repeatedly at interviews for schools and work throughout the world. And I have learnt that the very best global institutions value my military skills, discipline and teamwork. I started out poorly. After faring badly in junior college and being rejected by local universities, I enlisted for national service and, after my basic military training, decided to sign on with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). I hoped to use my military service to bolster my applications for overseas universities. The skills and experience that I gained in the SAF helped me break through seemingly impossible odds. I was offered a place in a foreign university, got my degree, returned to the SAF, and left after serving my four-year bond. I subsequently applied for and was accepted to a top United States graduate programme, then worked in non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international organisations and financial institutions. I have been in no way disadvantaged or "behind my peers". I am a valued contributor in these organisations because the very same leadership skills, teamwork, perseverance and discipline that I acquired in the SAF are equally applicable in NGO work, international diplomacy and development, and investment banking. What is worth noting, however, is that, in my experience, local institutions value these skills and experience less. Where global institutions saw these as strengths, local ones generally did not. This must change. Ultimately, regardless of the value we may or may not extract from national service, it helps to pause and reflect on the privilege of serving in the defence of one's loved ones and country. And we should, perhaps, remember that young men (and women) considered it a privilege, duty and necessity to serve at the advent and formation of the earliest nation states and civilisations. Tan Sheng Hui
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From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...-blood-20130314 (NB: Not sure why the above link needed to be logged in & so the article cannot be accessed unless you are a subsriber) As such I will recall from my memory this incident which was published in the reader's column from zaobao a couple of days back. Remembered this case because it was quite a serious lapse. According to this disgruntled reader they had a horrible experience at a local hospital. IIRC their 84 year-old grandma was warded & needed a blood transfusion. When the nurse tried to perform the transfusion, one of the relatives who was a nurse or was trained in medical procedures was astonished that the blood to be given was of type O+ but their grandma's blood type was AB. She quickly told the nurse who was adamant that the blood type was the one prescribed by the doctor & insisted on performing the procedure. Angered, the relatives quickly summoned the nursing manager & the latter was nonchalant about the mistake. When pressed, the nursing manager was reported to say that she had already apologised what more the relatives wanted. Really jialat... [shakehead]
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From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...llowed-20130301 CHILDCARE CENTRES Should sick kids be allowed in? Published on Mar 01, 2013 MY HUSBAND and I heard from our friends that children sent to childcare centres tend to fall ill frequently, at least in the initial months. As first-time parents, we are concerned and anxious about sending our daughter to a childcare centre. We visited three centres and inquired about their guidelines on admitting children who are unwell. All three centres said they would admit a sick child as long as he does not run a fever higher than 38 deg C. The child would be admitted even if he were having a runny nose or cough, or on medication such as antibiotics. The centres said they were running a business; if they adhered to the Government's "grey" guidelines and barred a sick child from class, working parents would be upset. They would then remove their children from the centres and put them in more "tolerant" centres. We were appalled to hear this. Wouldn't everyone benefit if parents and centres practised social responsibility by not allowing a sick child into the class, where he might spread the illness to other children? Aren't parents granted childcare leave to look after their sick children? I hope to hear from the relevant authorities on the health guidelines for childcare centres. Helen Chong Xu Rong (Ms)
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Reputable = Exquisite = $$$? [laugh] Jokes aside, Samantha & her fiance should look for restaurants instead of hotels which typically charges higher for everything: food, ambience, service, venue, etc And probably they are looking at weekends which explains the $1,450/table charge , excluding taxes some more. Unless they expect their guests to all bao BIG BIG ang pows to help pay for or subsidise the cost, they should really source for cheaper alternatives or even none at all. Have known couples to squabble over everything leading up to the wedding which is regrettable Last thing they need is a glaring deficit over the wedding dinner budget which could not be recovered by the red packets collected. From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...-point-20130226 Hefty price hikes for wedding banquet WHEN my fiance and I inquired with several reputable hotels about the cost of holding a wedding banquet, we were told that the cost of a table for 10 guests averaged about $1,450 (excluding taxes). What was more shocking was that prices were set to increase by 5 per cent if we did not act fast. Friends working in the hospitality industry confirmed that prices for banquet tables increase by an average of 5 per cent every year. However, the quality of the food does not differ. Even the rate of inflation does not justify such a yearly increase. What industry regulations are in place to ensure that hotels and restaurants do not overcharge? Samantha Chan Wei Bing (Ms)
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The good doctor has got some vaild points on town councils (TC) here Have my fair share of [shakehead] experiences with mine and frankly I am not very impressed. Not sure if the TC estate officers conduct rounds during their daily work but the maintenance was rather sloppy or not at all. Constantly giving feedback on defects, some of which are valid concerns, and many times I have to copy my e-mail to the MP before they take notice. Following-up on my feedbacks is another matter altogether [:|] From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...idents-20130221 Town councils need to be more accountable to residents Published on Feb 21, 2013 RECENTLY, the Sembawang Town Council settled a lawsuit brought by a man who became paralysed after falling along a walkway ("Walkway suit 'resolved'"; Feb 1). The town council will also be fined by the National Environment Agency for having mosquito larvae in several water tanks in two Woodlands blocks ("Mosquitoes breeding in water tanks of 2 Woodlands blocks"; Feb 9). Who pays for the settlement and the fine? If they are paid from town council funds, which come mainly from service and conservancy charges, does this mean the residents have to pay the penalty for the town council's lapses? The current system is clearly not effective in keeping town councils accountable to residents. I have given feedback to the West Coast Town Council on pest-infested flower beds, smelly bin chutes, unswept walkways and the dumping of commercial trash in common areas, but have seen few results. There is no sign of a systemic resolution of the issues I raised. How can residents be assured that town councils are doing their job, especially in areas we cannot see, such as the washing of water tanks? There are few customer satisfaction surveys carried out to rate the performance of town councils. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's call to review town council governance is timely. Hopefully it will empower residents and make town councils more accountable. Seto Hann Hoi (Dr)
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Well that's an interesting idea.... From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...iority-20121129 Recognise NSmen with HDB priority Published on Nov 29, 2012 WHEN Singapore's first-generation leaders adopted the Israeli model of a citizen army in 1966, they ensured that every Singaporean family had access to affordable public housing in the form of Housing Board (HDB) flats. The rationale then was to give every conscript soldier greater motivation to defend our young country by giving him a home and country to protect. In the light of the recent debate over public housing, I would like to suggest that the relevant government ministries such as the Ministry of National Development and the Ministry of Defence work together to adopt a back-to-basics approach to address this public property crunch. Singaporean citizens, especially those who have at least one family member who has served or is currently doing National Service should be given first priority to buy new and resale HDB flats. This way, not only are the needs of affordable public housing for Singaporeans met, it will also ensure that every Singaporean soldier has both a home and a country to defend. Some second-generation permanent residents who have served NS but opted not to take up Singaporean citizenship should also be allowed to buy new and resale HDB flats to recognise their contributions to the defence of our nation. New citizens with male children also should not be left out. Those who have sons eligible for NS soon should be allowed to buy new and resale HDB flats surplus to market requirements. This will ensure that the public housing needs and defence requirements of Singapore are met at one go. Hong Chou Hui
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The PSLE system has been around for quite a while and many of us went through this gruelling stage in the early part of our lives to determine where we are heading in our minor-league rat race. So any tinkering or modification to it must be handled with extreme care after a rigorous and comprehensive review by experts. From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...-worse-20121122 PSLE: Don't change for the worse Published on Nov 22, 2012 I AM not certain what the advocates for changes to the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) want, or what the decision to stop naming the top scorers means ("MOE stops naming top students"; yesterday). The system has worked well, and offers a fair and transparent way to allow the most academically inclined pupils to have their pick of secondary schools. The message is clear: To qualify for the school of your choice, you must work for it. Fight for your place if you believe that the school you want is relevant to your ambition and can provide the education you desire. Work harder if the school has a higher cut-off point, or ease up if it has a lower cut-off. Parents must learn to accept that perhaps their children are destined for other paths to success, and help them realise their potential. It is not a recent development that renowned schools like Raffles Institution, Hwa Chong Institution, Anglo-Chinese School and National Junior College have dominated scholarship lists, and produced outstanding graduates in top universities like Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard and Stanford. Demand for places in these schools will certainly outstrip supply; these schools have the pick of the best candidates who will benefit the most from their programmes. To enable children to get into their desired schools through a relaxation of the criteria is a travesty of meritocracy, akin to telling Cambridge and Harvard not to offer places to the brightest, and multinational corporations not to select the best. Have our children become so sheltered that their parents are not prepared to let them fight and compete for something worth their while? How long can we shield our children from the harsh realities of life? The sooner they learn to accept life's simple truths, the better for them. Resilience, adaptability and competitiveness are hallmarks of success. These are the qualities that will stand our children in good stead as they progress in life, and not to have what they want handed to them with less effort. The Government should not swing to the other extreme and possibly dumb down the education system, as Britain has found to its cost. In Singapore's case, the damage might be irreparable. Ang Peng Seong
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From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...better-20121120 Father-in-law's death: Handle patients better Published on Nov 20, 2012 AT ABOUT 5am on Oct 26, my husband and I accompanied my father-in-law, who had fallen and hurt his forehead and mouth, to the Singapore General Hospital's accident and emergency department, where he was placed in an observation ward. We waited until 7am and when no one updated us on his condition, we sought permission to see him. When we did, his right eye had become swollen. We were told that the staff would be stitching up his forehead wound to stop the bleeding, and admission would be done when a bed became available. At around 11.50am, he was admitted. Up to then, nothing had been done for him except the placement of a drip and stitching of his forehead wound. The nurses told us that they had arranged a CT scan for him the next day, as Oct 26 was a public holiday and the relevant staff were not working. The next day, after the scan was done, the neurologists informed us there were multiple injuries to my father-in-law's skull, and bleeding within. We were told that he would be in a coma within 24 hours. Due to his age and sickness, no surgery was suggested. My father-in-law died on Oct 29. There is much room for improvement in how patients are handled. Is it the norm for CT scan departments to be closed on public holidays? Could my father-in-law's death been prevented if the scan had been done on the same day, and corrective action taken to stop the bleeding? Adeline Lim (Madam)
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The luggage over-limit thing can understand but inflight service so CMI meh? From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...-times-20121109 90 mins to get hot drink on Qantas - after asking three times Published on Nov 09, 2012 LAST Saturday, I flew home on Qantas from Melbourne with my four-year-old child. I had a single piece of luggage, which exceeded the 23kg individual weight limit, but was within the limit for two. I had no problems about the luggage weight in earlier legs until the Saturday flight. The Qantas ground staff insisted that I pay an overweight charge. When I tried to explain, referring to the flexibility I was given on the earlier flights, he replied that he would charge me for those legs as well if I did not comply. I had to scramble to find another bag to repack, and meet the 23kg limit. Customer service on board the flight was poor too. I asked three times for a cup of hot chocolate for my child at meal time. It came 1 1/2 hours later, when hot chocolate was served to all. As a premium airline, does Qantas not know how to care for the needs of the young? Syndee Yap (Ms)
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From the good doctor's description, it seemed like the other driver/owner was the victim as his vehicle's damage was "scratches to right back tyre ream and door". If that was the case why would the other driver wanted to claim his own insurance le? I guess Dr Lee might have mistaken and it would be good if the other driver could respond because his honesty/integrity had been doubted liao... From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...claims-20121105 'Blank cheque' motor claims' Published on Nov 05, 2012 I AM a mother of two with 12 years of driving experience and no prior accident history or claims experience. On Oct 23, I had my first car accident at the junction of Balmoral Road and Dunearn Road while I was driving my husband to work. After the other driver and I exchanged the relevant details and snapped pictures related to the accident, it was agreed, or so I thought, that we would each claim the cost of the repairs from our own car insurance. I paid $1,400 for my own repairs, after much deliberation, to avoid claiming from my insurance. Subsequently, I received a letter from my insurer informing me about the other car driver's application to claim the cost of his repairs from my insurance. His repairs for the scratches to his right back tyre ream and door cost $3,500, which was double what I paid to repair the damage to my car. Are there any regulatory bodies guarding consumer rights when a car owner uses these workshops? It seems to me that they may quote high prices when they know the owner is likely to claim from the other party's insurer. Are there cameras at every traffic junction that can provide useful evidence for the claims process? How do we go about obtaining such evidence? Mandy Lee (Dr)
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Any bro feel strongly that he kena chop carrot head by his contractor? From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...extras-20121101 Review contractors' charges for HDB flat extras Published on Nov 01, 2012 I AM glad a Straits Times' check has revealed that the HDB's main contractors are charging two to three times more for some fittings than what other contractors charge ("New package deal for BTO flat buyers"; last Saturday). I am puzzled by how the Housing Board allowed such a situation to pass. I would have thought that it would have been able to negotiate better prices because of the volume of its orders. It may be understandable if the contractors had ramped up the cost by 10 per cent to 20 per cent owing to the superior quality of their fittings. But by twice or thrice the comparative figure? That is hard to swallow. The contractors offer differing views. The non-HDB-contracted builders say the doors they supply are of similar quality to the ones offered by the HDB's main contractors, but the latter claim that the doors they provide are superior. Even if quality was the difference, does it warrant a price that is two to three times higher? Moreover, where is the proof of their claims? The article also mentioned that some flat buyers have no choice but to use the HDB's contractors, because they cannot afford the down payment required by external contractors. This is a classic example of the vicious circle the less well-off are caught in. In retrospect, there may be another group of earlier buyers who have been similarly overcharged. In January, I raised the matter of the high price of HDB studio flats ("Studio flats"; Jan 31), to which the HDB explained that these flats incorporated fittings ("Studio flats: HDB clears the air"; Feb 9). So is it possible that these studio flats cost more than they should because the HDB's contractors charged marked-up prices for the fittings as well? In fact, buyers of these studio flats have no recourse to using non-HDB contractors because the fittings were bundled into the price of the flat. Joan Chng (Ms)
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Do not agree with the writer. IMHO 3 months is not what he envisioned a "reasonable time to reflect" but a short period to lie low for some to chut pattern once again once over. From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...-point-20121023 Expunge demerit points after three months AS MANY people need to drive as part of their work, I hope that the Traffic Police can consider expunging demerit points after three months instead of a year. Motorists are already punished with a monetary fine, but still have to wait for 12 months for the demerit points to be zero again. Three months is a reasonable time for a motorist to reflect on the traffic offence committed. Chan Ban Choon
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A timely reminder article from the good doctor to all of us road warriors... From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...ociety-20121026 Road courtesy is the litmus test of civil society Published on Oct 26, 2012 SENIOR Minister of State for Education Lawrence Wong observed that an "emerging thread" in Our Singapore Conversation has been a focus on values like kindness, graciousness and compassion ("S'poreans care about values, dialogues show"; Sunday). The recent National Kindness Conference also revealed the perception that these values could be improved ("'We are kind, but we could be kinder'"; Sunday). Road accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists and motorists suggest that this problem has much to do with the lack of discipline, courtesy, kindness and graciousness. What is perhaps not sufficiently stressed is that many motorists do not observe basic road etiquette and rules when driving. The highway code test teaches learner drivers to use directional signs when turning, switching lanes, overtaking and slowing down, yet it is commonplace to see our drivers in Singapore flouting these vital indicators, and, to add insult to injury, displaying ugly manners. The consequences are obviously more serious because collisions, injuries and fatalities are the result. Few motorists, for example, use the left or right indicator to show their intentions. Many motorists also tend to speed and cause anxiety for other road users. There is no substitute for complying with the strict driving rules, combined with common-sense driving habits. Steps should be taken to ensure that driving instructors spare no effort in directing learner drivers to observe basic road rules and manners, and in emphasising compliance with highway code rules. There should also be strict enforcement of the rules, and deterrent action should be taken against errant and reckless motorists. At a time when we are pondering on ways to make our future brighter and more meaningful, it should be remembered that road manners are often a good indicator of how a society has progressed in terms of civil behaviour. V. Subramaniam (Dr)
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Hi, just a gentle reminder from our friendly neighbourhood mata : From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...police-20121025 Using cellphone while driving is a serious offence: Police Published on Oct 25, 2012 Drivers who use mobile phones while driving face a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both. -- ST PHOTO ILLUSTRATION THE use of a mobile phone while driving is very dangerous and irresponsible ("Why confiscate traffic offender's cellphone?" by Mr David Leong; Oct 6). Drivers who commit additional traffic offences concurrently, such as speeding or reckless driving, will be prosecuted in court. The offence of using a mobile phone while driving is punishable with a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both. Repeat offenders face a harsher punishment of a fine of up to $2,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both. In addition, they may face disqualification from driving and forfeiture of their mobile phones. While the mobile phone has to be seized as evidence for investigations, the phone's SIM card may be returned to the driver. For cases where a composition may be offered, drivers can make arrangements to collect their mobile phones from the Traffic Police Department once the composition fines have been paid and 12 demerit points awarded. Driving while using the mobile phone is dangerous not only to the drivers, but also to other road users. Be responsible and do not use your mobile phone while driving. A driver who wishes to use the phone should ask his passenger to make or receive calls on his behalf. If travelling alone, drivers are advised to stop at the nearest carpark to make calls. Those who use hands-free kits should try to keep the conversation short. Fong Weng Kiong Assistant Director, Media Relations (Covering) Public Affairs Department Singapore Police Force
