Waves Of Change Crashing Into Singapore

An opposition party (Workers Party) finally won a GRC. A GRC a.k.a. Group Representation Constituency was meant as a way for minorities to get elected as an MP (Member of Parliament). Many Singaporeans viewed the GRC as a way for the PAP (People's Action Party) to get weak candidates elected by riding on the coattails of stronger candidates.

Instead of having one person in an election ward, a GRC groups several candidates in a larger area by combining several election wards. So voting is for the whole group, not the individual.

The GRC made it hard for opposition parties to get elected to the PAP controlled parliament. This is due to a lack of capable candidates willing to join the opposition and fear of the ruling party. Most older Singaporeans have some level of fear for the PAP. Some of this fear has transferred to the younger generation.

Unfortunately for the PAP, this fear has mutated into resentment. Many of my peers feel that the PAP have lost touch with the people. There's a strong sense of disconnect.

The PAP has had uncontested power for so long that they think they are gods, or at least that's how many Singaporeans sees it. The PAP just does whatever it wants without regard for Singaporeans' opinions.

Well, the PAP finally lost a GRC. The Workers Party fielded strong candidates to contest the Aljunied GRC and won. Congratulations and please make a difference in parliament.

Change and the Little Red Dot

It's been a long time since I blogged. I've been so busy with my restaurant. But there's so much energy in the air it's hard to ignore. It's the energy of change.

Change is sweeping the world. The future is exciting. What excites me the most is a little red dot 85 miles north of the equator. Singapore. My homeland.

Singapore will have their General Elections on May 7. The PAP will retain control of parliament but it'll be interesting to see if the opposition makes any gains.

I'm one of the "losers" so labeled by the PAP because I chose to seek greener pastures elsewhere. I guess being a "lesser mortal[s]", it's only natural I'm a "loser". But how does that make me a "bacteria"?

Yes. The PAP has called Singaporeans "losers", "lesser mortals, and "bacteria". Great way to win votes.

I love Singapore and think the PAP did a great job, but maybe it's time for a little change and a huge dose of humility.

Singapore a.k.a. Food Paradise

I’m back in Singapore enjoying good food and warm weather. Nice change from Texas cuisine and bipolar weather. I love Texas’ food but they only seem to do a few things well - BBQ, hamburgers, Tex-Mex & steak.

Satay
Poo Ja (steamed)
Mee Goreng
Singapore is known as a food paradise and good food is a national pastime. Singaporeans talk about food all the time. Lunch and dinner are often planned during/after breakfast. Sometimes, dinning plans for several days can be planned in a day.

Sweet & Sour Pork
Egg Foo Yoong
Soy Beans in Pork Jelly
For the uninitiated, most Singaporeans don’t cook. Work hours are long. Good, cheap food plentiful. Eating out is the norm.

Olive Fried Rice
Kway Chap
Thap Thim Krawp aka Reb Rubies
So how do you eat right in a place like this? If you’re on vacation, DON’T. Food is part of every culture and not experiencing it would be a huge loss.

Beef Noodles
Laksa
Char Kway Teow
Anyways, I went to the gym yesterday. Working out is always good, especially on vacations. Headed to the gym again later. May swim after working out.