(Friday, January 21, 2011 / 10:35 AM)
Title: Parents queue overnight for place on kindergarten waitlist
They queued for hours just to get kids on Nanyang Kindergarten's pre-nursery waitlist for enrolment in 2013.They may be 'kiasu', but they're not afraid to admit it.
Parents queued overnight outside of Nanyang Kindergarten to get their one-year-olds on the waitlist for their pre-nursery enrolment in 2013, reported the Straits Times
Those in the pre-nursery programme when they are three, will continue into the kindergarten programme until they are six.
One big reason for its popularity? The school along Bukit Timah boasts Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his children among its notable alumni.
Another reason is the school's emphasis on the teaching of Chinese language.
A queue started forming at 9pm on Sunday, and by the time registration started yesterday at 7.30am, more than 70 parents were already filing past the school gates, with the $100 administration fee in hand.
There are now more than 100 names on the waiting list, said the school's principal, Magdalene Ang.
According to the Straits Times, registration will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to those whose siblings are current or former pupils, or whose parents were former students of the kindergarten.
But this system is apparently not enough to assure some parents already on the priority list.
One parent whom the Straits Times spoke to, Mr Jason tang, 46, started queuing at 5am because he did not want to take any chances. His elder son, six, is already in Nanyang Kindergarten which would put his second child on the priority list.
The high school fees are not a deterring factor either. According to the report, prices for a 10 week term and pre-nursery in 2009 costs between $1,669.20 and $1,776.20, double what it was before.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HAFIZAH:...My first thought after reading this article, those parents must be super 'kiasu' and crazy to queue up from the early morning just to get their one-year-olds on the waitlist for their pre-nursery enrolment in 2013 in the kindergarten that has been attended by many important and well respected government alumni. Well for me, they should not do so since there are many other kindergarten that are as good. It does not really matter whether the school has been attended by many smart well-known people but the important thing is that the children themselves are eager to study hard and also their parents encouragement and support for their children's education.
...But after a few thoughts, I thought maybe if I were a parent myself, I would do the same thing like those 'kiasu' parents by queuing up early in the morning in front of the school just to enrol my young children. I would want the best schools for my children to attend and get educated from the best education systems and getting an excellent results for all their examinations. All parents obviously want the best for their children so that they will grow up with a promised successful future. Other people might comment like what I have said previously in my first paragraph, being 'kiasu', but when they are a parent themselves they will understand the situation better.
...In conclusion, as a parent we are willing to sacrifice anything just to make sure our children are receiving the best education so that they will achieve a better future ahead. Singaporeans are well-known for their 'kiasu-ness', but still it is considered typical for us. Other people from different countries always says Singaporeans are 'kiasu', but the truth is that is how Singaporeans like us achieve our goals. We are so 'kiasu' and hardworking in our work just to be able the achieve the best results. All of us are encouraged to study hard to determine a better future ahead.
ALLYSON:...After reading this article, I feel touched by how much the parents care for their children. They do not mind spending hours just queuing in line to sign their kids up and they are also willing to pay the school’s high school fee just to enroll their kids into that particular nursery. This shows that parents love for their children are so strong that money does not matter as much to them.
...I also feel that being 'kiasu’ sometimes can do people some good. For example, those ‘kiasu’ parents queuing up would have a higher possibility of getting their children into the school as compared to those who decided to take their time. As a result, they those who decided to take their time and not be ‘kiasu’ would lose out as the school already stated that registration will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
...Since the school has made a good name for itself by boasting that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his children was among its notable alumni and their emphasis on the teaching of Chinese language, I can see why the parents want their kids to enroll into that school. The parents wants the best for their children and by enrolling them in this school, they hope that their children would be taught well from the best teachers from a good school and to grow up and be achieving leaders in life, just like Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. After all, if I had children too, I would also want the best for them in life and I’m sure many parents out there would also agree with me on this.
RICHGINIA:...After reading the article, the first thought that comes to my mind is typical Singaporean behavior, “kiasu”. I feel that the parents’ actions are a bit over, queuing for hours just to get kids on to the waiting list. All this hard work might not even be paid off, as they children might not be able to get a vacancy in the school. The kindergarten’s registration is on a first come first serve basic and they have a system where priority are given to those who have siblings that are currently studying in the kindergarten or are former students. However, this system still does not grant assurance to parents who have kids that are current studying in the kindergarten or are former students that their application for their child will be given a vacancy. This shows that no one can be sure that his or her child will be given a vacancy, so why go through all the hardship just to be on a waiting list.
...On the other hand, putting myself into the shoes of a parent, I feel that I would also do the same for my child. All parents would want to give the best to their child, the best toys, the best education and the best future. Hence, they will go all out to give their best, get the best for their child, be it losing face or lowering their pride, they are all willing to do that. I feel that nowadays, children are getting more and more fortunate. They are given almost everything they want and it is the best of all that they want. Hence, I feel that the children should be grateful to their parents when they grow up, they should be filial to their parents to repay their parents.
...In conclusion, I few that we should understand the reason behind people’ action before judging them. Parents may seems “kiasu” but the reason behind is because they want the best for their children, isn’t this touching, giving all out for their children? Hence, we should thinking before we comment on others. I also feel that children should be grateful to their parents for everything that they have now, be it toys or education.
(Tuesday, January 4, 2011 / 10:35 PM)
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Title: COMMENTS
VALERIE QUEK - 100951TAfter reading the article on Biker enraged at driver's poor manners i feel that both parties were at fault. This is because based on what i have learn from basic theory test,you should avoid changing lanes as it will be dangerous as cars on the expressway are on high speed. However I think that the biker was at greater fault as he went to create trouble by following the car.
(Wednesday, December 1, 2010 / 5:51 PM)
Title: Biker enraged at driver's poor manners
Angry biker tails the driver for 20km. Driver claims biker threatened: 'I will remember you wherever you go'.By Geraldine YeoIT WAS his fault, he admitted.
He tried to switch lanes on the expressway without signalling, which irked other motorists.
But what Mr Jonathan Wong did not expect was for one motorcyclist to be so riled up that he tailed his car for almost 20km - with his high beam throughout.
The "chase" ended when Mr Wong was cornered by the biker at a multi-storey carpark in Woodlands. But the drama did not end there.
Mr Wong, 39, a construction coordinator, claimed that the man got off his bike, kicked his car door, pulled him by the collar of his shirt and hurled vulgarities at him.
The scuffle ended only after the cops arrived at the scene.
The incident happened last Tuesday.
Around 7.30pm, Mr Wong picked up his wife from her workplace in Redhill. The couple then headed home to Bukit Panjang in their Toyota Altis.
On the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE), Mr Wong, who was travelling on the first lane, tried to filter into the second lane.
There are three lanes and he was hoping to exit the BKE at Dairy Farm Road.
Mr Wong admitted that he did not signal before trying to filter into the second lane.
As he tried to switch lanes, he suddenly saw that another car was fast approaching, so he quickly moved back into his first lane.
Unknown to him, his actions had upset a motorcyclist on a red motorcycle who was travelling behind Mr Wong's car.
After Mr Wong managed to switch into the second lane, the biker turned on his high beam and started tailing his car closely.
Mr Wong said: "I realised he was following me because he started moving to the third lane when I did."
Afraid that the biker would follow him all the way home, he decided to make a detour, so he went on the Kranji Expressway (KJE).
But the motorcyclist continued pursuing him.
Mr Wong claimed he was driving at 90km/h.
Sensing that the biker was out to create trouble, he told his wife to call the police.
"The police gave us directions to the nearest police station, which was at Woodlands Drive 63," said Mr Wong.
But a wrong turn resulted in the couple being cornered.
Mr Wong had missed the turn into the street where Woodlands Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) was. Instead, he ended up at the block of a nearby multi-storey carpark.
There, Mr Wong tried to do a three-point turn. But in the midst of doing so, the motorcyclist caught up with him and cornered his car.
Mr Wong said: "He parked his bike in front of my car. I tried to gesture to him to move away, but he didn't."
Instead, Mr Wong claimed that the biker, who looked to be in his 30s, approached his car and hammered the windshield once with his fist.
He kicked the driver's door
He then kicked the driver's door.
The impact left a dent and a few scratches on Mr Wong's second-hand car which he bought six months ago.
Said Mr Wong: "The motorcyclist then gestured for me to wind down my window, which I did."
He claimed that the man then reached inside the car and grabbed his polo T-shirt.
"He grabbed my collar and started to pull at it very vigorously. He then scolded vulgarities," said Mr Wong.
Mr Wong added that the man tugged at his shirt so hard that part of the shirt tore.
He claimed the biker then removed his helmet, and pointing to his own face, said: "I will remember you wherever you go. Mark my face. I will remember your car licence plate wherever you go."
The man then stood at the corner of Mr Wong's car to prevent him from driving off.
A few minutes later, a police car from the Woodlands NPC arrived.
A police spokesman told The New Paper that they received a call at around 8.20pm informing them of a dispute near Block 639A, Woodlands Ring Road.
Mr Wong said the police spoke to the two parties separately. He claimed that he was told by the officers to apologise to the motorcyclist, which he refused to.
He added that the police told him he could file a traffic accident report if he wished to.
That was what Mr Wong did at the Police Cantonment Complex at New Bridge Road later that night.
Police confirmed the report and said they are looking into the matter.
Said Mr Wong: "If I don't stand up to road bullies, they may think they can get away with it."
Lawyer William Chai said the incident can be classified as harassment or even assault.
He noted that Mr Wong has two options - either to press the police to take action or to file a civil suit against the motorcyclist.
If need be, Mr Wong's wife can act as a witness.
Mr Chai added: "The driver has a high chance of succeeding in this case, given the duration of the chase as well as the total distance they travelled."
1. BKE
Near the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Mr Wong tries to switch lanes without signalling. The upset motorcyclist turns on his high beam and starts tailing him.
2. KJE
Instead of exiting from the BKE - which is his usual route home - he goes onto the KJE. The biker continues following him.
3. WOODLANDS ROAD, 8pm
Mr Wong's wife calls the police, who then direct her to the Woodlands Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) at Woodlands Drive 63.
4. BLOCK 639A WOODLANDS RING ROAD, 8.20pm
Mr Wong misses the turn into the NPC and instead ends up at the entrance of the multistorey carpark at this block. When he tries to turn out, the motorcyclist stops his bike right in front of Mr Wong's car, blocking him.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------LEONARD:...After reading this article, I feel that what the motorcyclist did was rather foolish. Yes, Mr Jonathan Wong, the driver was the one at fault. He did not signal while trying to change lane. My driving instructor always emphasize on the importance of signal as signal is the only thing that allows you to communicate with other road users.
...But the motorcyclist was so persistent to get even with Mr Wong, as he followed Mr Wong’s car for 20km until Mr Wong’s car was stuck at a block of a nearby multi – storey carpark. The angry motorcyclist then parked his bike infront of Mr Wong’s car and approached his car. The motorcyclist then hammered the windshield once with his fist, kicked the driver’s door which left a dent and a few scratches on it. Next, he grabbed Mr Wong’s polo T – shirt and scolded vulgarities at him. What the motorcyclist did was simply the acts of a bully! Even if Mr Wong was at fault, that doesn’t give him the rights to treat Mr Wong that way.
...So to conclude, I urge every road users obey the traffic rules as one small mistake from anyone will cost an accident to happen. Every road users should signal before trying to change lane as signal will let others know your intention.
RICHGINIA:...After reading the article, I feel that the biker has act on impulsion. Driver cutting into lanes without signaling is quite common. It usually ends off with a horn by the vehicle behind and a sorry signal. However, this is not the case for a driver, Mr Jonathan Wong. Mr Wong know that his was in the wrong for not signalling for a change of lane however, Mr Wong mistake has led to him being threaten by a biker and his car dented with scratches.
...We all know that Mr Wong is the victim for this incident. I feel that the situation may not have turn bad if Mr Wong has gave a hand signal to say sorry to the biker after he have move back to his lane one instead of just keeping the mistake to himself. I also feel that Mr Wong should have the habit of signalling before switching lanes especially with his family members in his car. He is not just responsible for his life but others as well. Hence, I feel that Mr Wong should also reflect on his actions. I am also quite impressed that Mr Wong has the courage to go against road bullies.
...However, by putting myself in the shoes of the biker, I feel that the actions of the biker should not be classified, as road bullies rather it is an act of impulsion. He might face danger when Mr Wong had tried to switch lanes and he felt his life was in danger at that point of time. He might be concern that if Mr Wong continues with his habit, more people maybe be in danger. Hence, he wanted to confront Mr Wong for what his wrong did. The biker acted very harsh on Mr Wong as his life was nearly in danger just now, which made him very pissed off with Mr Wong.
...In conclusion, I felt that both parties are at fault. However, I feel that if the biker had not confronted Mr Wong, the incident will not have happen. I feel that all divers should be more caution when driving and do not act on impulsion.
ALLYSON:...After reading this article, I feel that both the driver and the motorcyclist are in the wrong. After all the advertisements from the traffic police about driving safely and signaling before turning, the driver should have known that he should signal before switching lanes. Without doing so, other drivers would not have known that he wanted to switch lanes and an accident could also have occurred, endangering the lives of those around him. This shows that he is a very inconsiderate person and does not spare a thought for others.
...I understand that the motorcyclist was very upset by the incident but I feel that he got too angry over a small incident like this and over-reacted. He should just have shrugged it off and moved on, instead of following the driver around instead just to vent his anger on him as I’m sure there are many other drivers out there who do not signal before switching lanes. The motorcyclist should certainly go for anger management classes to learn how to control his temper.
...Since both of them are in the wrong, they should both apologize to each other and move on with their lives and not make a big deal out of this small incident.
TECK JIE:...Through this article, I felt that both parties are in the wrong, as Mr. Wong should not change the lane without signaling and the biker should not rain vulgarities and vent his anger at Mr. Wong car even if he is very frustrated about Mr. Wong irresponsible action.
...On the appearance, the biker seems to be the only one who has been charged by Mr. Wong for the scolding of vulgarities on him but Mr. Wong should also play a part on the responsibility for this incident to happen as he did not signal to the other road users. Moreover, when Mr. Wong was told by the police officer to apologize to the biker he refused to do it, this worsens the situation.
...I felt that if he really and sincerely apologizes to the biker, this incident would have a happy ending such that Mr. Wong would not incurred bad relationship with this biker.
...In conclusion, it is naturally for human to be angry by others angry action, however, we should also need to recognize that the wrong things that we do to anger others.
HAFIZAH:...For many years, there were many cases of accidents that involved a car and a motorcycle. Why accidents happened? For me, I think both the car driver and motorcyclist were reckless and were totally not careful. In Singapore, we are fortunate enough to have a well-built road for us to drive on and we seldom have traffic jams unlike other countries with busy roads. But if drivers are not considerate and reckless while driving, accidents can happen anytime, anywhere and then definitely will cause traffic jams.
...For this article, I felt that both parties are in the wrong. First for Mr Wong, he made mistakes while driving and that actually causes the motorcyclist to be mad at him. Imagine if Mr Wong were speeding and accidentally hit the motorcyclist harder than before, the motorcyclist could have injured himself or if it is so serious, the motorcyclist could have died. But the good thing is that Mr Wong admitted he was wrong. For the motorcyclist, I think that he was also at fault. We all know he is very upset and mad at Mr Wong but he should not have acted violently and rudely towards Mr Wong. He could have call Mr Wong out from his car politely, and they could actually discuss the matter personally.
...In conclusion, we all learnt that violence does not solve the problem. We need patience and at the same time, co-operation. We always have to be careful on the road and if any accidents were to happen, we have to be responsible for our own mistakes and apologize to the other party sincerely. If we are stubborn ourselves, nobody would want to co-operate with us and they will act the same way to us. So the first thing is, be nice to others and others will be nice to us too.
(Wednesday, November 24, 2010 / 3:40 PM)
Title: Relatives of Mas Selamat jailed for harbouring him
SINGAPORE - THREE relatives of Mas Selamat Kastari have been jailed for habouring the terrorist leader during his escape from Singapore to Malaysia in late February 2008.
His brother, sister-in-law and niece were sentenced to 12 months, three months and 18 months jail respectively. The three have pleaded guilty to the charges harbouring a prisoner of State and were convicted and sentenced on Nov 18.
Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam revealed in a ministerial statement in Parliament on Monday how the leader of the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiah (JI) escaped with the help of family members.
Mas Selamat Kastari disguised himself as a woman to escape the dragnet cast to prevent him bolting from Singapore - two days after his escape from Whitley Road Detention Centre in February 2008.
After staying overnight at his brother Asmom's flat in Tampines on Feb 29, 2008, Mas Selamat disguised himself as a woman with the help of his niece, Nui Aini bte Asmom, who helped apply make-up on him and secured a tudung for him.
Nui Aini bte Asmom also gave Mas Selamat several items, including clothes, a baseball cap, water, a snack, an illumination stick, air-tight resealable plastic bags to pack the items and a backpack to store all the items. When Mas Selamat asked for a map of Singapore, his niece also gave him a copy.
The flat in Tampines was jointly owned by Mas Selamat's brother, Asmom and his wife Aisah. The couple allowed Mas Selamat to stay in the flat despite knowing that he was the subject of a manhunt.
Before Mas Selamat left the flat, Asmom also gave his brother some traditional medicine, as well as S$100 and RM100 to facilitate his escape from Singapore to Malaysia.
Mas Selamat was caught in Johor on April 1 last year and held in a Malaysian prison until he was handed over to Singapore on Sept 24 this year.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HAFIZAH:...Around two years ago, Singaporeans were terrified when they got to know the most wanted criminal in Singapore,Mas Selamat, disappeared suddenly soon after a few days he was caught. Most of us would say, "why were the policemen so careless that Mas Selamat could escaped easily?!". Then there was a big search for Mas Selamat all around Singapore that includes the forests, when actually for the first few days, he was at his relatives house hiding.
...When I saw the news few days back about Mas Selamat's secret hiding place, I find it so ridiculous. All this while, his relatives were the ones helping him. I guess, family is always the first priority in everyone's life. Most of us will be wondering "why on earth would his relatives help him when they already know he is an escaped-criminal?". But imagine if you are in his relatives's shoes, you would want to do the same thing. You know that you are not supposed to help any criminals even though he/she is your closest family members but if you do not help, you will feel very guilty.
...In conclusion, we all know family is important and always have to be the first priority in our life but we always have to remember that we have to do what is right. For example, it is good to help someone when they are in financial problems like unable to pay up school fees. But helping them to hide from the police after doing some crimes, it is totally wrong! If one day you happened to face the same situation, my advice to you is not to open the door at all and stay quiet because once you open the door, you will tend to have a face-to-face conversation and then will see some changes on their face expression asking some sympathy from you. That is when you will start feeling sorry towards them and in the end no choice but to help. So, we have to remember that do not trust anyone so easily. Never to give 100% trust to anyone because you will never know what will happen next.
RICHGINIA:...I was surprise after reading the article. For the past two years, everyone in Singapore was wondering how Mas Selamat Kastari got to Malaysia without being detected by the police. This remains a mystery until recently; three relatives of Mas Selamat Kastari was sentence to jail. They have been jailed for harbouring the terrorist leader during his escape from Singapore to Malaysia in late February 2008.
...Their actions are partly understandable by putting yourself in their shoes. Would you want your relative to go jailed for a serious offence? I think most of us will not report them to police, as we are still a family.
...At the point of time everyone were blaming the police for neglecting the security of the terrorist leader. Everyone was living in fear that the terrorist may launch another attack in Singapore since their leader has escape.
...Hence, I feel that what the three relative of Mas Selamat Kastari has done was unforgivable. They had helped a terrorist who was a threat to our nation security to escape, leaving many people in fear. Have they thought of the consequences? For example, Mas Selamat Kastari might launch another terrorist attack in Singapore, their friends and partners in Singapore might die in the attack.
...In conclusion, I feel that we should not let our personal feeling affect our value of judgement. Do what is right for the society rather than protect the wrong and cause fear in others.
ALLYSON:...After reading this article, I feel very upset with the three family members which helped Mas Selamat escape. Although he is part of their family, he is still a wanted man by the police and they should tell on him. Just because he is related to them, does not mean that they should protect him. He may not be dangerous to them but he is still a threat to the public and should be captured. If his family members really care for Singapore and the world, they would give him up to the police no matter how close they are.
...I am sure that they knew that if they got caught, they would be jailed. I suppose they would rather help Mas Selamat escape than giving him up to the police and making this world a safer place to live in. If I were in their position, I would hand him over to the police to protect the society as we can’t just think of ourselves but others too. We must be considerate and not be selfish. They should also try to change his perspective of life and provide him with a better mindset instead of accepting his bad behavior and helping him out.
LEONARD:...After reading this article, I am amazed at what the three relatives of Mas Selamat Kastari did to help him escaped. Now Mas Selamat had caused his own brother and his family in deep trouble. His brother, sister-in-law and niece were sentenced to 12 months, three months and 18 months jail respectively.
...In my opinion, 18 months is too light a sentence. What they did was simply a brainless act. This is harbouring a terrorist, not an ordinary criminal. Imagine if Mas Selamat escapes, he will plan on how to attack Singapore and innocent people will be injured or killed.
...But one question that came across my mind was “Why didn’t the police grill Mas Selamat’s family members about his whereabouts?” The police should have check Mas Selamat’s brother’s apartment every once in a while and even taped phone messages at home, mobile phones to check if they make any contact with the wanted man.
...So to conclude, blood is thicker than water. Family members are the one to turn to when you are in need of help so treasure every single one of them.
TECK JIE:...It is naturally for human beings to help their love ones but if in order for them to do something that harm the society and against the law, they should not help their family members nor their friends to do something that may harm others life.
...Instead of helping their family members or friends to get away from justice, they should turn their family members or friends in. This may seems that you are betraying him, but in fact you are helping him in another way.
...You may be wondering why I said that you are helping him by turning him, because by turning him in, u prevented him from making more mistakes by killing the innocent, hence his punishment would not be heavy.
...In conclusion, if you want to help your family members or relatives, you need to weigh the pros and cons of helping your family members of relative. We must not be selfish as to let our family members or friends to harm others.
(Wednesday, November 17, 2010 / 12:03 AM)
Title: MHA to review gangs, youth violence laws
SINGAPORE: The government is considering if laws need to be tweaked to give more police power and sentencing options to deal with gangs and youth violence.
This came in the wake of the recent Downtown East murder and armed rioting at Bukit Panjang.
Minister of State for Education and Home Affairs, Masagos Zulkifli, said the review would take between six and nine months.
Speaking to reporters at a news conference, Mr Masagos said the upcoming review is aimed at clamping down the threat of street gangs.
Beyond sentencing options and police powers, the review will also look at the powers other institutions need to ensure street gangs do not take root in the society.
Mr Masagos also stressed that the government, schools and parents need to work together to help the youth-at-risk.
He cautioned against over-using legislation and oversimplifying the solution to the recent problems, which are multi-faceted and need customised solutions.
He said: "The existing legislation framework is actually sufficient, but we also have to be forward looking - to look at the kind of trends our youth go through, the environment they live in.
"And we have to ensure that these are all cogent in addressing the issues, so that relevant laws can be put into play to address the issues."
Mr Masagos said there are programmes currently available to help youth-at-risk such as school dropouts.
But the message that must be sent out is that while these programmes give them many chances, the law will come down hard on those who cross the line.
Sherrin Chua, assistant director of Community Involvement, Singapore Police Force, said: "In the coming school holidays, the police will be intensifying our checks at the youth congregation hotspots.
"We wish to reiterate that the police do not condone any acts of violence. And those who disregard the law, regardless of their age, will be dealt with accordingly."
The authorities also urge parents to call the police hotline at 1800-225-000, if they suspect their children are involved in secret society activities.
-CNA/wk/al
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HAFIZAH:...Since last month, we were shocked with the numerous articles about youths getting into trouble for no good reasons, innocent ones were slashed and seriously injured themselves. After one tragic incident about a youth who was killed after been attacked at Downtown East, soon there was another similar incident happened at Bukit Panjang and just today, I read about a 18 year old girl who was accused of having a chopper knife in her bag. Then first question I asked myself after reading those article was, “why?!”.
...In my opinion, youths nowsdays think that joining an illegal gang,getting into fights and doing other dangerous activities are cool and and it is something to be proud of. I think they are very wrong. Seriously, they did not think of the consequences before doing anything stupid and useless. They should realise that when doing something dangerous and then get caught by the police, they will not only get themselves into trouble but also hurt their loved ones.
...I think it is because the youths are having their school holidays so they decided to do something that could kill their time. They should find some part-time work instead. Still, it is good to know that the government are taking actions and decided to be strict with these kind of situations. But not only the government,the parents and even the school should help out too. For school, they should have more talks on avoiding crimes and also to maintain self disciplines. For parents, they should keep an eye on their children and make sure they do not mix around with the bad companies. Have a slow talk with their children and find out more about their life.
ALLYSON:...After reading this article, I am glad to know that action is taken to attempt to reduce gangs and youth violence. Following the two incidents, the society became more aware of gangs and youth violence around. This is good as they can be more alert and take more precautions to avoid situations like those.
...I agree with Mr Masagos that the government, schools and parents need to work together to help the youth-at-risk as these three factors play a huge and important role in the lives of youths. They can influence change mindsets of youths. They can even be role models for some of them. When addressing them about important issues like these, we must be sure not to offend them in any way and lose their support.
...Even though given the hotline from the police, some parents may still not dare to call as they are afraid of their children and what they might do to them if they find out. Whereas some parents might not also call as they have take pride in themselves and do not want others to look down on them if they find out. They do not want others to think that they are lousy parents and they do not know how to take care and control their children properly. However, if they really and genuinely care for their children, they should do the right thing and call.
RICHGINIA:...After reading the article, I feel that the government should tweak the laws to give more police power and sentencing options to deal with gangs and youth violence. Most of us should be aware of the gang fights going on lately that have cause harm to innocent people and fear in most of us. After reading most of the articles with regards to gang fights, I fear that I, my friends or my family members will be the next target of the gang. I will also think twice whether I should go out this few days. This causes a fear in me because the gang members will not care whether you are from a gang or not, they will just slash you when they have targeted you.
...Hence, I feel that the government should do something to clam those who are in fear. I find that by tweak the laws will definitely help. When there is more police power to patrol the neighbourhoods, the gang members will not easily commit their act. This will also add on the security of the residents. When the laws are tightening, the gang members will think twice before they act and this give them a chance to turn back.
...I feel that parents and schools also play an important role in dealing with gangs and youth violence. Parents can look out for their child’s unusual behaviour and ask police for help if they needed to. This can prevent their child from going deeper into joining gangs and show that their parents care for them. Schools can look out for suspicious people that loiter around the school to prevents those people from recruiting students to join gangs.
...In conclusion, I feel that the government should tweak the laws to give more police power and sentencing options to deal with gangs and youth violence. Parents and schools should also play their part in preventing the younger generations from joining gangs. This will helps to prevent out peaceful life in Singapore from becoming a disaster where by killings happens every now and then.
LEONARD:...Recently, there were so many cases of teenagers getting into gang fights. First was the Downtown East incident and followed by the Bukit Panjang incident. Both these incidents resulted in a death of a 19-year old student and 7 others injured. These groups of teenagers do things without thinking of the consequences. There groups of teenagers just go round slashing innocent people without a reason. Seriously, what’s wrong with them?
...With this group of reckless teenagers, it’s no longer safe to stay out late at night. So my advice is to stay at home after 11P.M to avoid being the next victim. I agree with what Mr Masagos said” the government, schools and parents need to work together to help the youth-at-risk.” The police force can increase the number of police patrolling the neighbourhood. Schools should monitor the students’ attendance and conduct closely. Keep a close eye on those who misbehave and skip lessons. Parents can impose curfew on their children.
...So to conclude, I hope the number of teenagers getting into gang fights will decrease. The police and Secret Societies Branch should continue to hunt those merciless teenagers so as to prevent more innocent people of getting killed and slashed.
TECK JIE:...Through this article, I felt that the teenagers nowadays like to act without thinking twice I think this is a serious problem as things might become more difficult to handle if this trend continue.
...However, we could still do something before this similar kind of cases continues, such as government should sent more police to patrol around the neighborhood so as to prevent a group of teenagers more than five to hang around and start to doing something that terrified the innocent people life. Secondly, schools should start to enforce more on student discipline so that when they grew up they would not do harm to the society. Lastly, regarding the latest slashing incident, government should enforce more on the law by giving these five young men a sentence of death so that similar kind of cases would not be happening in the future.
...In conclusion, we need to think twice before we do anything. Sometime, things may look like you are on the upper hand now, but things may actually be both parties are in the losing end, therefore before I end, I would like to reinforce my statement that we should think twice before we act.
(Tuesday, November 9, 2010 / 6:23 PM)
Title: Teachers dress inappropriately, too
Reader turns spotlight on teachers after recent debate over dress code for tertiary students. It seems students are not the only guilty ones when it comes to dressing inappropriately for school.
A contributor to Stomp, Wakakaka, sent in a photo of a secondary school teacher deemed inappropriately dressed in a short flowery skirt, and sandals.
Wrote Wakakaka in an email: "This is how a school teacher dresses up to teach in a secondary school.
"Not during school holidays but during normal lesson time.
"If poly students are not allowed to wear short skirts or dresses, how come this teacher does not get reprimanded for wearing such a short skirt to school?"
Wakakaka's observation obviously stems from Republic Poly's recent much-reported circular to students, warning them about being improperly attired.
Well, what about teachers?
According to most school guidelines, teachers do have to follow a strict dress code, such as no spaghetti-strap tops, or revealing clothing. However, it is unclear how strictly the rule is enforced.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HAFIZAH:...Last week, we were shocked with the article regarding Polytechnic students dressing inappropriately for school. Now, we found another article from a reader regarding the teachers dressing inappropriately to school. If the students dressed inappropriately for school, we will blame the teachers for not giving any warnings or advices to their students. But now if it is the teachers who dressed inappropriately to teach their students in school, who should we blame?
...In my opinion, I will not really blame the teachers. For me, every individual will dressed themselves according to what they think it’s comfortable for them. For myself, I dressed to school comfortably without ‘exposing’ any of my body parts that will make others feel disgusted. I have always seen my lecturers and tutors dressing up professionally and at the same time they also showed their students some etiquette about professional dressings. Most of my lecturers and tutors have advised us on what we should or should not wear for office work.
...Regarding the article, the secondary school teacher should really feel guilty about her dressing style when teaching her young students in class. If she continues, her students will have the habit of following her style, wearing slippers and short dress, when it is their turn to study in tertiary school in the future. After all we know that is best that the teachers set good examples for their students.
ALLYSON:... I fully agree with this article as the spotlight is usually focused on the tertiary students and the teachers are being forgotten. Everyone is always complaining about how inappropriate students dress for school and that they are going to school to study and therefore should dress appropriately. However, we tend to focus too much on the students and we do leave out the teachers themselves.
...Although most teachers dress appropriately, I feel that it is the younger generation of fresh young teachers that are the ones dressing inappropriately. As they are younger than the others, they would have similar mindsets to the tertiary students and would also want to keep updated in the latest fashion trends. However, they should still remember that they are still teachers and they go to school to teach students and to be proper role models. After all, students do learn from teachers.
...Other outfits that are inappropriate for teaching should be worn at other times such as when going shopping with their friends. Therefore, students cannot be blamed for dressing inappropriately for school as some teachers themselves do not. Teachers themselves should hence set a good example first before expecting the students to follow and abide by the rules.
TECK JIE:...Regarding this issue, I felt that Wakakaka is just trying to make a big fuse out of it. He/ She is probably one of the Republic Polytechnic student as he/ she is unhappy about the recent incident that her school has once again enforce strict rules in his/ her campus rules and regulations, therefore he/ she hoped that through stomp he/ she could voice out his/ her unhappiness of the school rules to the society, so that society could help him/ her to do something that would change the school rules.
...It is true that teachers should set a good example to their students, however this does not meant that teachers should constraint in their dressing. Everyone have their own style of dressing so that they could better self express themselves, teachers are also not in exception, therefore they could have their own freedom of what to wear and how they don their clothes. Moreover, students and teachers are in different stands, students are the one who are paying school fees while teachers on the other hand are the ones who received their salary, therefore students need to recognize this differentiation between teachers and students. Furthermore, teachers are not the main responsibility to teach students the correct values, this should be the parents’ responsibility to set a good example for their children therefore this should not constraint teachers dressing in school.
...In conclusion, teachers’ responsibilities in students are very negligible, therefore this should not be a reason to constraint teachers’ dressing.
RICHGINIA:...After reading the article, I feel that there is nothing much to debate over why teacher can dress like this but poly students cannot. In my opinion, I feel that there is nothing wrong with teacher dressing like the teacher in the photo to teach lessons in school. Why do I say that? As stated in the article, according to most school guidelines, teachers do have to follow a strict dress code, such as no spaghetti-strap tops, or revealing clothing.
...However, do you know that some school has also a “day off” out of the weekdays for teacher to dress casually or comfortably to school? An example will be my Secondary School. On every Friday, apart from the teachers’ normal attire, teachers are allowed to wear spots attire, T-Shirts & shorts, Sandals to school. Hence, the photo maybe captured during one of the school’s “day off” for teachers.
...I feel that my teacher did a great job in keeping their image as a teacher by dressing professionally for class. I know that teachers should set as a role model for students especially when they are telling the students about the school rules and school attire. Most students are very unhappy of how they should dress for school and hence once they caught a teacher making mistakes on her attire, they will use it to turn against the teacher. However, I feel that poly students should not make a big fuss over this topic due to two reasons.
...Firstly, they may not be aware of the “day off” thing that I mention. Secondly, we all know why we are dressing according to the school attire but it is just that many students just ignore. The reason for dressing properly for lesson is because the school wants to train us to set a good image of ourselves so that when we go out to work it is easier to find job.
...In conclusion, I feel that students should still dress properly to school even if their teacher has dressed inappropriately for once or twice. Reason being the teacher has already gotten a job while the students are still studying and their image is very important to their employer. I also feel that in order to convince students to dress properly, teachers should also reflect on the way they dress and set as role models at all times.
LEONARD:...After reading the article above, I find it rather ridiculous that teachers dress inappropriately to school. First, it’s the polytechnic students dressing inappropriately to school. Now, it’s the teachers’ turn! Like it or not a school is still a school. So both the students and teachers should dress appropriately to school to show a form of respect and for teachers to show their professionalism.
...I understand that the humid weather in Singapore is one of the reasons why students and teachers are wearing skimpy clothes to school. But teachers cannot use the humid weather as an excuse! Teachers should know better on what is appropriate and what is not during school hours. After school hours, they are free to dress in anything they want. However, most schools’ authorities even expect them to dress appropriate after school as they are the role model to students.
...So to conclude, that female teacher should really do some self-reflection as she had set a very bad example for her students to follow. As most of the students look up to their teachers as role model, so I suggest she stop wearing short skirt and sandals to school.
(Friday, October 29, 2010 / 8:43 PM)
Title: Homeless boy, 11, caught for glue sniffing
Joe spends his time unsupervised. Mum works odd jobs and can't look after him.HE'S only 11. But Joe was caught by the police last Wednesday evening, allegedly for inhalant abuse.
It was not his first time.
His 13-year-old friend, Pete, was also caught.
Joe has three older brothers. One's 15 and already under supervision for inhalant abuse.
Another, 17, is in a Reformative Training Centre (RTC) for armed robbery.
The eldest brother, 19, lives with his father.
His parents are divorced.
A reader had alerted The New Paper to a family that had turned a HDB lift lobby into a makeshift home. The "family" was Joe, his mother and 15-year-old brother.
Over two days, we observed Joe and his friend loitering in Yishun instead of being in school. They appeared to be constantly drinking out of soft drink cans.
It was only after they were caught that it became clear they were not drinking but getting their fix by inhaling a substance in the cans.
Inhalant abuse, commonly known as glue-sniffing, usually involves substances like glue, petrol and paint thinner whose vapours can induce a high but have serious health effects on abusers.
The names in this report have been changed because juveniles are involved.
Yes, Joe is 11 and fending for himself.
His mother, Mary, claimed she had tried to encourage him to stay in school but she can't force him.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TECK JIE:...There are a few reasons which cause Joe to sniff glue. Firstly, Joe comes from a divorced family that causes him to sniff glue for attracting his mother attention. Secondly, two of Joe elder brothers set a bad example for him which causes Joe to sniff glue. Lastly, Joe glue sniffing maybe cause by his bad association.
...However cases like Joe can be prevent through a few ways. Firstly, Joe mother could show Joe more concern so that Joe would not be lead to astray by his elder brothers. Secondly, Joe should mix up with the right company so that he would not follow one of his brother footsteps. Lastly, schools should let students know more consequences of glue sniffing so that this could somehow make the students think twice before they ended up like Joe.
...In here I really hope that someone could help the needy families such as Joe family so that such tragedy would not happen again. Best wishes to Joe for overcoming his habit on glue sniffing.
LEONARD: ...At the age of 11, majority are still studying in primary school. But for Joe, that was not the case. Joe quit school this year as he doesn’t even have a home to study in, no place to keep his books and can’t even bath properly to go to school. So he spends his time idling away at playgrounds and coffee shops. Due to boredom and peer pressure, Joe turned to inhalant abuse. Inhalant abuse, commonly known as glue-sniffing, usually involves substances like glue, petrol and paint thinner whose vapours can induce a high but serious health effects on abusers. Joe buys glue by saving his lunch money.
...I feel that Joe is just wasting his life as education is very important in Singapore. He definitely will have a hard time making a living in future unless he returns to school now. He should also quit glue-sniffing as it will harm his body and cause many serious health effects. Saving money to buy glue is really a silly act as at the age of 11, it is the growing up stage for him so it is important for him not to skip any meals.
HAFIZAH:...After reading this article, I really feel that the young generation nowadays are getting themselves involved in a dangerous and harmful activity. Joe, for instance, since he does not receive much attention from his parents, he found himself a new hobby. Started to hang around and mix around with the bad companies and do nonsensical activity and in the end got himself into trouble.
...What is so good about glue sniffing? For me, the smell is so strong and also it may cause harm to our health. The type of glue that I am talking about is not the normal glue we used for art craft but the glue used for heavy works, yellow carpenter's glue (Aliphatic resin). It is definitely not good for our brain. It may cause some damage to our brain if we often smell the glue. Glue is invented for the right purpose but not for the wrong usage.
...In this article, I cannot only blame the child for what happened. The parents are at fault too. Even if they are divorced, still they have to give enough love, care and concern towards their kids who are actually innocent victims in their failed marriage. As for the mother, even if she has to go work and has to leave her son alone, she actually can ask help from any of her friends to look after her son while she is away. All I say is family’s love really play a big part in a person’s life. A child cannot grow up healthily and strong without their parents care.
ALLYSON:...After reading this article, I really pity Joe. His family has fallen apart and being the youngest, he hardly has a say in anything and this saddens me. Since his mum works odd jobs and can’t look after him, he would be rather lonely most of the time and depressed. With no close family members around him to take good care of him and show him what love is, anybody would start to feel alone, useless and even turn rebellious.
...He may have started inhalant abuse because he was depressed due to all his family problems and we cannot blame him for this as it is more of the parents’ fault of not taking care of their children properly. With parents that are hardly around, he may also have mixed with bad companies while schooling that introduced him to glue sniffing.
...He should go for counseling and be informed about the harmful effects of glue sniffing. He should also be cared for properly and be taught well about life as he is currently in his growing stage.
RICHGINIA:...Glue sniffing may have slipped down the list of worries for parents but it is still a major problem in the society. A good example will be the article above. As stated in the article, Joe, 11 & Pete, 13 were caught glue sniffing. From their age, we can notice that both of them are teenagers. I was thinking why teenagers sniff glue? And how did they get hold of additive glue such as aliphatic resin?
...I feel that it maybe be due to some of the following reasons that I am going to give. Firstly, Joe might sniff glue just to attract his mother attention. As stated in the article, Joe’s parents have divorced; hence Joe’s mother might be working throughout the day to support her children and neglected their needs for care. Secondly, since Joe is currently not studying, he has nothing much to do all day and therefore, he wants to try out something new or things that he is curious about. Thirdly, It maybe because he is following his brother’s foot step of learning bad as his brother did not set a good example for him or a good role model for him to follow. Lastly maybe because of the type of friend he mixes with, maybe he often mix with friends who are bad influence to him. They might have introduced him to glue sniffing and get him addicted.
...In conclusion, I feel that glue sniffing cases can be reduce by the following: Firstly, parents should concern more for their children and discipline each of them well as one sibling affect the others. The younger ones will take their elder sibling as role models to learn from. Secondly, I think that teenagers might get hold of glue from places where it’s under construction and carpenters using strong glues to do glue things. Hence, I feel that carpenters should take the responsibility of keeping the glues away from unauthorised people. Lastly, government can also help by giving them a proper home by helping them with loans and subsidy. This will make more optimistic towards life and hence, treasure their life and health more.
