Misplaced Priorities

Dissatisfied with the poor job the Commissioner of Charities (COC) had done in 2008, missing out on the alleged lack of compliance with regulations and code of governance at City Harvest Church in 2008, Nominated Member of Parliament Lawrence Lien had asked whether current governance review methodologies have to be reviewed. Acting Minister Chan Chun Sing responded by saying that his ministry "would continue to develop the methodology over time to better help charities improve their governance standards." File away under "pending", akan datang.

On subject of New Zealander  Robert Dahlberg and Briton Robert Springall jumping bail, Members of Parliament (MP) David Ong (Jurong GRC) and Tin Pei Ling (Marine Parade GRC) called for tighter measures to stop foreigners accused of crime from fleeing the country. Second Minister for Home Affairs S Iswaran responded by saying that his ministry is reviewing its processes, "We will see what else can be done to strengthen the framework and the procedures."  File away under "pending", akan datang.

In a written reply to MP Liang Eng Hwa (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC), same Iswaran, this time wearing the hat of Second Minister for Trade and Industry, said Singapore will continue to host the F1 Night Race "only if the terms for a full 5-year extension are economically viable."  He told Parliament that negotiations  between race promoter Singapore GP and Formula One Management (FOM) were "still ongoing". File away under "pending", akan datang. I stand corrected.

Apparently, hours after the minister stated his (and presumably the standing government's) position, Bernie Ecclestone told the press FOM has secured agreement to stage the Grand Prix for another 5 years after the current contract expires in September, and that the timing of the official announcement will be decided and made by the Singapore Government. Whoa, does Bernie know something that Iswaran doesn't?  Maybe the "economically viable" condition was intended for Ecclestone, not Singapore. Of the $150 million that goes into each night race, 60 percent or $90 million is paid by the Singapore Government. This is on top of the $35 million fee for the rights to stage the event (last year the number went up to $42 million). For Ecclestone, it's pure profit from the starting line. Todate, we have yet to see a comprehensive financial report of any of the races. From the perspective of Singapore taxpayer of course, not the foreigner's.