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Money

So much hoo-ha over a rich man spending his money. I didn't read the article that offended so many people so I only have 2 things to say about it, which are: (a) if I had the chance I also want to learn a thing or two from Le Cordon Bleu, and (b) that is where Sam Soon trained to be a patissiere in the show.

Anyway, there are so many articles today about how much people will save with the new budget and all. Good for everyone.

And then there's the Merrill Lynch guy who, in a TT-like move, spent US$1, 400 on a waste paper basket and US$5,852 on a coffee table, among other things. That is quite amazing. But what is also amazing is that such a waste paper basket can actually be bought.

Then there's Mr Thaksin who is using up his non-frozen assets staying in a five-star Dubai hotel and wondering how he is going to continue staying at such a place. Well...

Finally, I was amused to read about Serena Williams, who has earned US$22 million in tennis money in her career, 'cutting back' and carrying a US$12 bag at this year's AO.

So many ways to manage money...
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Lam Chun See said…
Actually I was very tempted to write to the press to criticize the minister for his insensitive remarks. No wonder morale of civil servants are so low in spite of high salaries. How can the boss publicly humiliate subordinate in this manner over a private matter?

Typical case of over-reacting to public's (petty) gripes; and showing lact of loyalty to one's subordinates.

Furthermore, for years, the govt has been criticizing civil servants and Sporeans in general, and our young people in particular for lacking passion. Now you have a man who willing to spend his hard-earned money on his passion; who are we to criticize him.

Anyway, I was glad to read many letters to the press defending the civil servant. Didn't the minister read about the Japanese prime minister who told the press off for questioning his lavish lifestyle?
10:46 am
Anonymous said…
It was interesting to see the letters and comments supporting the man. It just shows that there are many ways to look at one thing.
9:40 pm
fuzzoo said…
But then again you know how pro-Gahmen the national media is, so I wouldn't be surprised if they chose to publish letters in support of the Perm Sec and ignore letters from those against just to try to balance things out. I actually quite enjoyed reading about the Perm Sec's holiday because it's the sort of holiday I would never have but even then I did sense a boastful nature - e.g. the subtle mention of his son going to Brown University (some parents just can't resist boasting about their children) and worse his mention that - when you are at the top, people think you are indispensable but if you have been a good leader, you can go away for 5 weeks or more. That really raised my eyebrow! In other words, he's openly declaring that he is a good leader (and can be dispensed with for a period of at least 5 weeks)! Ayoh, where's the Asian modesty (not to mention good old common sense)? But what's worst I feel is what the MP Charles Chong said after the issue was raised in parliament - he said "maybe lesser mortals were envious...". Really make me wonder if that's how our MPs view the people - as a different class of beings. Reminds me of today's history lesson with my girls - the classes of people in ancient rome - the patricians (our gahmen), plebians (us lesser mortals), slaves (foreign workers with little rights and protection). When I pay top dollar for these leaders, I think it is only fair to expect them to have some EQ.
2:19 pm
Anonymous said…
However, EQ is a non-examinable subject and doesn't get assessed...
11:36 am
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