I’m sure most people will agree that MID-plate vehicles are considered as public resources, given that they are entirely funded by taxpayers’ money. Going by the same line of reasoning, why are MINDEF’s officers driving these public vehicles home?
MID-plate AUDI driven home
MINDEF's vehicle pass
faint picture, but can see the MID 78 on the condo label
Not bad eh? Not only do we pay these officers their salaries, we also provide them with public vehicles to drive home! Of course, MINDEF will argue that these are top officials and that the private sector does it with company cars etc. But hey, private sector not funded by public money right?
Of course, I wanted to give MINDEF a chance to explain their policy and rationale behind the policy(shouldn’t be too difficult right?), so I chose to email the MINDEF’s Feedback Channel. I reproduce the entire email here.(screenshots attached)
Dear MINDEF officer,
I would like to bring to your attention an example of what I believe is a flagrant abuse of State’s resources. One of your top SAF’s officials has been driving to his condominium home using a MID-plate car. I believe he is of a General-rank although I did not manage to see his rank clearly as he drove past me as he parked his car in the condominium carpark. I believe the identity of the occupant can be easily found out if I divulged the condominium’s address or revealed the exact car plate number.
As a taxpayer of Singapore, I would like to have full clarifications on MINDEF’s policy on the private usage of such public vehicles.
1) Are MID-plate cars considered as public resources, as they are fully paid for via MINDEF’s budget, which is supported by all the taxpayers of Singapore?
2) Are MID-plate cars assigned to each top-ranking officials or they can have different cars on different days based on availability? I believe that is not the case, as I have been seeing the same person drive the same car on different days.
3) Are MID-plate cars allowed for personal use, i.e driving from office to home and vice-versa?I do not believe that travelling from home to office and back again can be considered as “work-related”. I have absolutely no qualms if these officials were driving these cars when they are on official duty but why are they driving the cars home, and parking them in their own condominium’s carpark even on Sundays? Surely Sunday is not considered a working day, and neither is a condominium remotely linked to work?
4) Who pays for the fuel and maintenance of such cars? Do these officials claim such the costs of such fuels as travelling expenses?
5) Under what circumstances are the officials allowed to drive the cars home, and what is the justification for such circumstances?
6) Who grants the permission for any usage of MID-plate cars, or do the officials just do as they please?
I hope you can understand my need for anonymity as MINDEF does have the policy of punishing whistle-blowers. Rest assured that this is a valid case, and I am sure you will be able to verify the case/official if you have the address. I also have the pictorial evidence should you require it. I will be protecting the anonymity of the mentioned official for now because I would like to hear from MINDEF first. If MINDEF chooses to ignore this email and refuses to answer the above-mentioned questions, I believe major blog-sites will be happy to carry this story and I will also go public with the address of the mentioned officer, along with the picture of the MINDEF’s car.
Do feel free to contact me via this email if you need any clarifications, or any assistance in carrying out any investigation and I look forward to hearing from MINDEF soon.
screenshot of email sent
After reminding them a couple of times that they have the obligation to use humans to reply, other than auto-responders, Ms Vani from MINDEF Feedback Unit had this to say.
Dear Sir / Mdm
MINDEF Feedback Unit
Thank you for writing in to MINDEF Feedback Unit. Kindly provide us your full particulars.
Best Regards
Vani
Vani's reply
Dear Vani,This is very disappointing. Firstly, I have yet to hear from MINDEF despite a 6 day gap. I have to remind your people that there is an issue at hand before MINDEF even bothers to reply again. Perhaps MINDEF thinks that this is not a serious issue enough to address?
Secondly, I’ve explained clearly why I do not wish to reveal my identity. I do not believe the revelation of my identity has anything to do with the issue at hand. All I asked for are clear and precise questions, all of which do not involve my identity. If MINDEF still attempts to pursue my identity rather than answer the questions, it is rather obvious MINDEF seeks to silence me, rather than answer me.
If that is the case, I will go public immediately and leave the public to judge the issue at hand. By then, I am afraid I will not be able to protect the identity of your official.
66 Comments
May 20, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Don’t worry, he will die in a car crash in that Audi soon enough, you will know who already.
Poor peasants hopeless with no food to eat, while these leeches splurge on taxpayers money. Will be struck by lightning.
May 30, 2009 at 1:39 am
they will be struck by the lightning. the PAP lightning. see lee hsien loong, lim swee say, teo chee hean, lui tuck homophobic yew?
October 23, 2009 at 12:43 pm
I too met MID vehicle who do not give way, coming out from carpark to main road. Some driving skills.
May 20, 2009 at 2:01 pm
how come raybo keep mentioning <> big fxxx?
i tink u forgotten the rate of return over tis. 10mths sacrifice with rate of return more than 10years. =)
a fabulous investment, rite? it is just up to individual whether they want to join or dun wanna join. it’s d mentality, dude. it’s either u wan a career, seeing urself wearing uniform or u wan a civilian life. it’s simple as tat.
April 29, 2009 at 12:03 am
Some of the comments about packing your bags and prepare to limp kopi is just helping the papies perpetuate the climate of fear. Does it help in anyway in the promotion of civil liberties? Lesser Mortal is one of the few courageous Singaporeans to blog frankly and speak out his thoughts. As Singaporeans and tax-payers, we have a right to know how OUR money is spent and accountable! This should be the start of accountability by all Civil Servants. Remember, these so called high flyers paid by taxpayers monies are our SERVANTS. Singaporeans are not their slaves. If we do not ask questions, are these Civil Servants going to question themselves?
April 27, 2009 at 1:26 am
its ok for such officers to drive home such a car.
it is part of their renumeration package and it is attached with their appointment(s). Chief Guards Officer,Chief Commando Officer..G1 army etc…it is not any tom,dick, harry Major that have this entitlement.
In Thailand,a captain already have privates doing gardening,chauffeuring and guarding his house..so Singapore Officers are already shortchanged.
Furthermore,because of their appointment(s),inevitably they may have to meet up their counterparts of the same appointment/rank and u do not expect the officer to turn up with his own proton saga or toyota.
Good image has been a long standing military tradition and it is only right that yr taxpayers should be proud of yr officers.
Bro,i always supported what you posted so far,no matter who u bashed..it was always funny for me. This time round,just let this one star general off..he is just doing his job.
If your employer provide u with a car for your work,would you not drive it?
Many mortals go temple or church to pray for all these entitlements while this guy worked hard to get it.
If mindef reply,good.If not,just let it go okay?
April 29, 2009 at 1:11 am
i don’t think it is right. we are not underpaying them, neither are we trying to exploit them. i am pretty sure you will agree that their pay is more than generous enough. superscale anyone?
why are the taxpayers being forced to cough up for their transport to and fro camp? Please remember, the main thrust of the article was on him driving it home and to camp. During working hours, I am fine with using MID cars for official work-related matters.
yes of course, if employer provide car just drive lor. so that’s why i am questioning his employer, whose funds are obtained from the average Singaporean. Why are you providing the car?
sad to say, MINDEF refuses to reply. so much for sound policy.
April 26, 2009 at 11:23 am
Hey this one star general or one eyed general??
Cannot even park his car properly, can he shoot properly or not?
April 28, 2009 at 12:11 pm
does it matter at all?
your rude comments don’t justify anything
your jealous
green with envy and you have the right to be.
If you managed to get through the OCS programme to be commissioned, and earn the right to wear the Kit Kat bar, then you earned the right to criticize. If you didn’t get that opportunity then best you just shut up, put out your raw tongue and have it washed with chilli padi.
April 29, 2009 at 12:52 am
Dear Raybo,
Please, keep it civil. Even if Normal Mortal were slightly rude, it is not appropriate of you to ask him to “shut up”. In fact, I don’t see any right for you to deny someone his freedom of speech. I do not see anyone asking you to SHUT UP in spite of your contrasting opinions. I urge you to respect the opinions of others too.
“If you managed to get through the OCS programme to be commissioned, and earn the right to wear the Kit Kat bar, then you earned the right to criticize.”
This statement is flawed in so many ways. Allow me to draw a parallel. “If you did not go through what the ministers went through to get to where they are, you have no right to criticise them.” I doubt you will agree with this. If you do, I guess it is not easy to have a discussion with you, though it probably will be infinitely easier to have an argument or flaming session with you.
Now I am not sure if all of these generals have “earned their perks” simply because I have not seen them at work, and neither have you I believe.
Going through TEN MONTHS of OCS, though admirable, is most definitely doable for most people if they are given a chance. This is of my honest opinion.
There is no doubt that it is a punishing career. But so is being a garbage collector, a sewage collector, a teacher, a doctor or a lawyer.
Pardon me for being cynical but
1) where are you getting your information from? Hearsay or MINDEF directives?
2) what makes you so sure that this particular officer does not drive this car out to “play”? Remember, just because you don’t think it’s likely doesn’t mean it never happens.
I’ve tried to place myself in this General’s shoes and my opinion greatly differs from yours. In short, I would gladly drive it. Yes, I have a different opinion from you. But then again, we are different individuals. I urge you not to diss the “puny and straight linear thinking syndrome” of the people here because it is not respectful. It is hard to reply courteously to someone as rude as you, but I am trying.
I also wish to bring your attention to the fact that MINDEF did NOT respond to the author’s query. While it might (or might not) be fair for MINDEF personnel to drive about in MID cars, don’t you think the least MINDEF could do was to reply to the author with an appropriate extract of it’s directive on this issue? After all, if it is part of the directive, there should be no issue with bring it up. In addition, don’t you feel that the request for the author’s details seems chillingly similar to a witch hunt? Surely, Singaporeans are entitled to question. Don’t you think so? If MINDEF takes the author to be an ignorant fool, then they should respond to this ignorant fool and answer his queries. Moreover, why do you need the details of a SINGAPORE CITIZEN who had a query? How is that relevant and how will it be useful? As I speak (type), do bear in mind MINDEF’s penchant to go after those who dare speak out. Personally, I can see why the author preferred to remain “annonymous”, if it is even possible.
All in all, I feel that MINDEF could have reacted better by responding with a clear and definite answer to the author’s queries, and there will be no such issue today.
“put out your raw tongue and have it washed with chilli padi.”
Put out this comment of yours and have it washed with a dose of common sense and respect. You are/were an officer in the Army, so act like it. Everyone is open to questioning or we run the risk of having dictator, be it in an organisation such as the Army, a corporate firm or even the government.
Raybo. Please, be nice.
April 29, 2009 at 4:02 pm
People who have poor background and cannot argue their case tend to have no choice but shout and be rude.
OCS trained or not, General or not he clearly cannot park his car straight.
Is he cocked eyed? I think so no matter what chilli padi you put on your tongue.
April 29, 2009 at 4:10 pm
By the way there is nothing to be jealous about. Not his car I can afford my own dont need to leech it off the system, definitely not the way he parks my eye sight a least allows me to park straight.
Being an army officer means nothing to me. I could have been one had I opted but chose the real world instead and have no regrets better that barking instructions to people who dare not respond just because you have one crab more than him.
Incidentally dont think that there is anything proud about our army any way, paper tigers nice to look at not proven in battle can make a lot of noise yes.
May 4, 2009 at 2:06 am
loooool. but then again, i think the points he made are damn ridiculous. like the beating red lights thing. hahaha.
April 25, 2009 at 12:48 pm
[...] Party: What should the Indian rojak man be charged for? – Everyday’s Life in a Snapshot: Taxpayers paying for MINDEF’s officers’ private transport [Thanks Jaunty Jabber] – The Asia File: Singapore to welcome ‘Dr Death’ after Oxford [...]
April 24, 2009 at 1:20 am
I believe there was a picture on STOMP before where a CD officer drove his car home and someone reported it.
The MHA replied saying that they allow the CD officer to drive home the CD car so that he can respond to emergencies quicker.
what utter bullshit.
If its any consolation… at least the ‘general’ is driving the car home himself. Can you imagine if he has a driver that has to drive him home and to camp every day? That’s car resources+NSlave’s ‘allowance’ being poorly used
April 29, 2009 at 1:14 am
actually, i’ve got information(unverified) that sometimes, he’s being driven home by a driver. =) i presume that isn’t a regular. =)
maybe they gave him the car so he can react faster to emergencies, like bomb attacks by foreign forces, foreign troop invasions etc. he will drive his MID car and reach the destination speedily to lead the charge at the fore-front.
April 24, 2009 at 12:26 am
isnt this the same as managers being given a corporate car?
Don’t see what all the fuss is about
April 24, 2009 at 12:37 am
ohhhh. this must be someone who thinks government officials fully deserve their private sector pay and perks, without the necessary accountability.
since that’s the case, i will not attempt to argue with idiots who miss the main crux of the issue altogether. as they say, idiots will bring you down to their level, and own you with their experience.
April 23, 2009 at 7:59 pm
that’s probably a BG (at least)
saw a div comd car with a similar make
my ex-CO (COL) drove a clunky MID Ford laser although that was like 7 years back
April 23, 2009 at 10:47 pm
yes, Its a one-star general.
did your ex-CO drive that car home and to camp? if yes, who pays for the maintenance, fuel blah blah?
April 28, 2009 at 12:27 pm
these starred generals have earned their perks. really people, the originator of this article is really a sore eyed monster.
I don’t think he knows what its like to sacrifice 10 months of sleep and comforts to earn the right to become an officer. These people went through it and I admired them because when I went through what they went through I realized quickly they really have risen above the cohorts of other officers to drive home an AUDI.
Its a punishing career, more mental as they rise the ranks, no joking matter. The policitcal and miltiary lines are more and more blurred the higher they rise. . .there is one caveat though, these cars can ONLY be driven strictly to and from Work. Its not for shopping, jalan-jalan or visitng mom and dad, nor is it used for going to the pasar malem. And the Approved Driver (the general etc ) MUST be wearing the SAF uniform while driving an MID vehicle. Remember he cannot go to Cold Storage on the way form work or go to the pub for a pint en route from work. So there are tons of limitations for using a Public Resource, and if the officer driving gets pulled over for a traffic violation *poof!!* the privilege is revoked, key returned to the Lt Gen Chief of Staff end of story, and yes the guilty driver gets to pay the fine(s) out of his personal bank account – MinDef don’t pay these things. And for sure for sure for sure, the media will be all over it, and so will the Min of Defence. Is it a privilege then? think about it, little green eyed jealous monster who originated this article – its more a liability than a perk to drive of all brands, an AUDI. Wow, the linear thinking syndrome of you folks is so puny and striaght its not even funny. Try placing yourself in this general’s shoes man…c’mon – I’d decline to drive it. Can’t speed in it, can’t run red lights, can’t go to the gold link or go for a round of drinks to “show it off” and MUST wear No 3 in order to drive this beast. (wtf) its is more a hassle than a privilege. Of course, how far can he go? Cannot even cross the causeway let alone go near it. If anyone vandalizes the car this officer would be severely reprimanded for not keeping the govt vehicle secure. What else can not go right for this sorry chap? I would not want to take up those keys – I’d rather drive my own clunker, and I’d change into my pt kit to drive home barefoot in my own car more comfy. and if I wanted to spit out the window (no one watching ahh…) so what? When in uniform everyone is expected to be proud of personal bearing and personal turnout and be proud of one’s unifirm, regardless of rank. When in pt kit do as you please ah beng ah kow who can tell who’s who?
geeeeez. getta life.
April 29, 2009 at 1:08 am
you don’t get to drive it. period. MID cars are not meant for smart people like you who think that not being able to beat red lights and not being able to speed are liabilities.
April 23, 2009 at 7:37 pm
I think I would like to answer on behalf of Mindef :-
Thank you for your concern.
As matters relating to remuneration package for our officers are private and confidential, we do not see any need to respond at all to any “Tom, Dick or Harry”, what more to an anonymous writer. As we would like to respect the privacy of our officers, we would like to assure the public that our officers’ remuneration are one of the most competitive that such experienced officers can command in the private sector. Please do not begrudge them for whatever they have achieved as they have risked their working lives in order to protect ours.
Therefore in future please refrain from questioning their entitlement to drive an Audi car (or any car for that matter) as they have sacrificed enough to make Singapore such a peaceful country. If you are not happy, then please do not vote PAP in future elections to register your unhappiness as more than 66% of the population are more than happy with the policies put in place by PAP.
May God bless those underprivileged ones.
Yours truly,
April 23, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Dear Alan Wong,
Thank you for your prompt reply. I guess that’s as close as I can get with MINDEF.
So are you confirming it is part of remuneration package that top officers are provided with vehicles to drive home and drive to work? However, I do not believe the comparison with private sector is apt because public funds are being used for this, and I, being a law-abiding taxpayer, have every right to know where my money is going to. I would also like to question the comparison with the private sector, because we know its really a ridiculous matter to compare when no comparison is possible. put it simply, its a case of comparing apples with oranges. when these officers do not even work in the private sector before retirement, how is it possible to extrapolate and “know” that these officers will command the same kind of perks in the private sector?
I agree with you that they have risked their lives. However, they are being paid VERY WELL. It’s not like they are receiving salaries less than US President Obama. In fact, I have proof that based on the superscale salary system these people are on, they actually earn more than Obama, and definitely way more their compatriots in the US army who really risk their lives. so where does the vehicle come again?
I see. If you are out to ask me about who i vote, i’m sorry i cannot answer that question. every vote is secret. you have to check with the Elections Department to know who I voted for. =)
You are right. god bless the non-elites/lesser mortals.
yours sincerely.
P.S. Mind answering my questions?
April 24, 2009 at 7:33 am
Dear Mr. Lesser Mortal,
It is with much regret that our response has raised even more queries than those previous ones. Nevertheless, in accordance with our code of conduct, it would be most impolite of us if we chose not to reply to your further queries. Therefore, our response to your further concern shall be as follows :-
1) Yes, we do confirm that it is part of the remuneration package.
2) Contrary to your misguided beliefs, our own studies have shown that defence officers can be hired privately similar as in the case of private killers hired to carry out assasinations. As this involved sensitive information which cannot be revealed, we regret that we cannot divulge any details. May we suggest that you try Google to source for the current remuneration levels for the hiring of assasins?
3) We have already made it quite clear to the public not to begrudge any of our public servant for their salaries, bonuses, cooking lessons, etc. Remember that if we do not pay these public servants well enough, then they may be as corrupt as those in Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, China, etc. Don’t you agree it is better to offer money on top of the table rather than under the table, as we believe in an absolute transparent bureacracy?
4) As to your question as to whether we would ask who you intend to vote, we wish to inform you that we are above politics. Therefore we have made it clear that we do not give a damn whether you would vote PAP in the next questions.
As we need to justify that we are indeed very busy with our defence work, we trust that we have cleared any misunderstanding that you may have and therefore we shall treat this matter as closed.
Anyway, we would like to sincerely thank you for your utmost concern about our officers’ welfare and benefits. If you would like to reveal your true identity to us, we would be most delighted to invite you for a private tea party so that we can get to know you better.
April 29, 2009 at 1:20 am
Hi,
1) thank you for confirming that its part of the remuneration package. I have a question. Why does the renumeration package include this? Do you mean such a talented general will quit SAF to join private sector if we don’t include the car? silly me, I thought he is serving because of passion, and that he’s well paid enough. obviously, money is never enough.
2) ahh i see. just like ministers? where can i apply?
3) yes you got that right. to defeat corruption, we must legalise it. transparency is the way to go for these. anything illegal, we make it legal as long as it serves our needs. I completely understand. and yes I agree that its better to offer so much money on top of the table that it would be stupid to take from under the table. peace of mind when sleeping is always important.
4) i see. can i ask why are many top generals retired into plump government sector jobs or top political posts? no relationship?
please do not close this matter so quickly. you’ve yet to properly answer all my original questions. your defence work can wait. remember, Singaporeans are your employers. have you forgotten about this already?
No thanks. I will pass the kind offer. Please extend the offer to the general instead and perhaps send him for more parking lessons(in Paris?), as pointed out by our helpful and observant readers.
April 28, 2009 at 12:52 pm
these 1,2,3-starred generals have earned their perks. really people, the originator of this article is really a sore eyed monster.
I don’t think he knows what its like to sacrifice 10 months of sleep and comforts to earn the right to become an officer. These people went through it and I admired them because when it was my turn to go and I went through what they went through I realized quickly they really have risen above the cohorts of other officers to drive home an AUDI as part of their remuneration package. Think its fun? read on!
The life of an aspiring career officer is not only physically opunishing at the onset of his first 10 years, it only gets more strenous mentally and emotionally as they rise up the ranks, no joking matter. The political and ideological and miltiary lines get more and more blurred the higher they rise. . .and it can become a very dangerous powerplay when officers all strive to earn the good word of their CGS……..part of the “rewards” of wearing 3 crabs or a star is getting the “privilege” of driving a company issued precision machine………there is one caveat though, these cars can ONLY be driven strictly to and from Work. Its not for shopping, jalan-jalan or visiting mom and dad, nor is it used for going to the pasar malam with the wifey and kids. Hell No. And the Approved Driver (the general etc ) MUST be wearing the SAF uniform while driving an MID vehicle. Remember he cannot go to Cold Storage on the way form work or go to the pub for a pint en route from work. So there are tons of limitations for using a Public Resource, and if the officer driving gets pulled over for a traffic violation *poof!!* the privilege is revoked, key returned to the Lt Gen Chief of Staff end of story, and yes the guilty driver gets to pay the fine(s) out of his personal bank account – MinDef don’t pay these things. And for sure for sure for sure, the media will be all over it, and so will the Min of Defence, Mr. TCH. So does this really sound like a frikn’ privilege, then? think about it, little green eyed jealous monster who originated this article – its more a source of potential embarrassment, and a complete liability than a perk to drive of all brands, an AUDI. Wow, the linear thinking syndrome of you folks in this gawd forsaken toxic environment is so puny and straight-lined its not even funny. Try placing yourself in this general’s shoes man…c’mon – I’d personally decline to drive it. Can’t speed in it, can’t run red lights, can’t go to the gold link or go for a round of drinks to “show it off” and MUST wear No 3 in order to drive this beast. (wtf) its is more a hassle than a privilege. Of course, how far can he go? Cannot even cross the causeway let alone go near it. If anyone vandalizes the car this officer would be severely reprimanded for not keeping the govt vehicle secure. What else can not go right for this sorry chap? I would not want to take up those keys – I’d rather drive my own clunker, and I’d change into my pt kit to drive home barefoot in my own car more comfy. and if I wanted to spit out the window (no one watching ahh…) so what? When in uniform everyone is expected to be proud of personal bearing and personal turnout and be proud of one’s uniform, regardless of rank. When in p.t. kit you can do as you please…. ah beng ah kow and general…. who can tell who’s who?
geeeeez. getta life.
hopefully this answers the questions posed on this blog. No doubt, it was a Good article to debate over. But all of you who haven’t experienced what it is like to earn the right to be commissioned from a lowly-regarded and highly-despised OCT to a 2LT then LTA or CPT , I urge you people to stand down. You see only the pomp and glamour of the Commissioning parade on YouTube and in Pioneer magazines and other various local media. But if you have never been in any of the cohorts of OCTs who went through sheer hell and high water with personally shed blood and sweat while being clinically deprived in 10 months of sleep, comforts, rest-time and enduring sustained mentally challenging harrassment from Clinically Cruel Instructors as part of the OCC and managed to hang in there long enough to win a sword of merit or sword of honour or win the Best PT or Platoon Best Cadet etc, then you have no inkling of what these generals have done to earn their right to drive home an AUDI Benz or whichever “luxury” MID-plated car they have been assigned. If you are a commissioned officer on this blog you have earned the right to criticize – be truthful to yourself – but if you were a non-comm’d person or some Other Ranked personnel past or present then keep your comments civil. Or keep it completely. Its disgusting to hear from folks who have no idea what its like to be in such a challenging yet sometimes debilitating career despite the high ranks and lofty appointments – many a times its really a thankless job most days. these are just tiny perks the army gave them to keep them on an even keel……and its a helluva liability too! I may not agree to their perks but I reluctantly concede to say they actually earned it.
Have you?
April 29, 2009 at 1:06 am
you know, i am loathe to replying to your entire glorification of the officers’ corps. i leave that to my discerning readers who actually believe and agree with your rubbish. and believe me, don’t talk as if you know me because i don’t give a damn about the officers’ corps or what they do or what they went through. seriously. nobody in the outside world whose thinking straight gives a fucking damn.
now let me point out some of your more stupid(tough fight) points made.
you claimed that its a liability instead of a perk, before you said it was a perk in the end. the contradictions are obvious, but i will let that go. what i wanted to point out was that you gave reasons like these for the MID car to be a liability:
1) Remember he cannot go to Cold Storage on the way form work
2)go to the pub for a pint en route from work.
3) Can’t speed in it, can’t run red lights, can’t go to the gold link or go for a round of drinks to “show it off” and MUST wear No 3 in order to drive this beast. (CLASSIC)
dude, that reflects your maturity of thought, along with its lack of clarity and coherence. you actually said that driving MID car is a liability because gosh, you can’t speed or beat red lights? i don’t think i need to say anymore.
so whose the green eyed monster now from the fawning of the officers’ corps? you or me?
April 23, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Paying for their private transport? Isn’t it part of the remuneration package (including salary and other perks)? If we put the issue as one of the public paying for their private transport, then we can also say that we are paying for so many other things. If a Mindef officer buys a condo, we are paying for their condo?
I think would be better to cast the issue in terms of whether they deserve the sort of remuneration packages they are getting, i.e. if there’s a problem, it’s not really because the cars are used for their personal activities, but because their remuneration and perks exceeds normal standards.
April 23, 2009 at 10:38 pm
hi molly, the issue is whether MID vehicles are considered government property, i.e public resources. if they are, as such, why are we allowing these vehicles to be used for privately? quite different from salaries, but that’s another case altogether. =)
i don’t believe its part of the remuneration package actually. i believe its MINDEF’s policy. =)
and we all know they definitely deserve that kind of remuneration. after all, if we try to save on millions, and these people handle billions, we will end up losing billions and humpty dumpty will never be put right again and singaporean girls will become maids in other countries. i was merely questioning why are they using AUDIs, and not FERRARIs? after all, top generals need top speed to get to their destination to save Singapore in the shortest possible time. =D
April 28, 2009 at 1:02 pm
you last statement is childish and immature.
All officers regardless of rank, are subject to the Highway and Road Acts enforced by the Sgp Police Force.
There is no excuse or reason good enough for a top ranked general to go at top speed regardless of the urgency of his duties.
Yes if any one gave YOU a ferrari for free, you’d be scared to drive it too!
the AUDIs are less then 2000cc but they DO pack a lot of horsepower no doubt.
Let’s keep this civil and dun be a smartaleck.
April 29, 2009 at 1:00 am
guess what raybo? dont be a smartaleck. it’s painfully obvious that i am being sarcastic here. but i will excuse you for your severe lack of intelligence, as you’ve shown by trolling here and replying to a few other posts using the same content.
here’s what I can deduce about you from just your few replies.
MINDEF’s personnel:
1) uninspiring(check)
2) uncreative and unoriginal(check)
3) stupid(check check check)
April 23, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Sorry, just want to drop a comment
as much as i may not like what some of the SAF policies are… i think there is no problem with high ranking officials bringing their cars home…
i was only a man in NS, but even back then, our unit had some sort of insurance for us (not clear of the specifics) but i distinctly remember that our coverage includes the time when:
1. we go home from camp
2. we go camp from home
which means if something bad happens to us during this 2 times, the whatever insurance our unit got for us can be used.
extend this to officers with MID cars. I would think it is fair OK to say that getting the officer from work to home or from home to work is still rather ‘official’ business.
i would only have a problem with the officer in question brings his MID car to go out and play or something.
just 2 cents…
April 23, 2009 at 10:34 pm
how has insurance got to do with using MID cars? i am completely perplexed. granted, yes insurance covers you from home to workplace and workplace to home, but how has that got to do with using MID cars to travel? if that’s the case, all the NSFs can claim transport allowance from going to and fro from camps no? regulars also.
i’m very sure transport claims for SAF DOES NOT allow this. and you never know. =)
April 23, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Yes, transport claims for NSF is possible.
Secondly, many of the things you are asking, is not public domain info. I doubt people would be able to answer many things here.
But, most of this info is common sense to anyone who has served NS lah..
April 26, 2009 at 11:23 am
Remember that soldier who became paralyzed during off working hours in the camp and Mindef sued to reject claims even though the incident happened in the camp?
How does this match the coverage issue?
That one only ikan bilis solider not one star general though
April 29, 2009 at 1:13 am
well, one system, many set of rules. =)
April 23, 2009 at 2:51 pm
While you are at this, why not ask why government officials are also allowed to drive their government vehicles home?
April 23, 2009 at 10:28 pm
by proxy, the same question applies. i am interested to know what officials are driving government vehicles home? if you have any cases, you can contact me at onesingaporecitizen@gmail.com and I will be happy to highlight this issue too.
April 23, 2009 at 11:40 am
Any chap who has served NS before will know that if you are assigned an MID car, you can drive it back and forth from home to work as long as you sign up for some payment plan.
There’s no free ride, MINDEF certainly isn’t daft.
April 23, 2009 at 10:26 pm
yea, so what payment plan is this? does it include paying the road tax, insurance, petrol, COE and monthly mortgage on the Audi? if not, why not then?
April 23, 2009 at 11:51 pm
It’s a combination of the above. I can’t remember the breakdown.
In any case, I don’t see the big fuss over this. The cost of maintaining this small fleet is not that great in the context of the entire budget.
At least they do not assign cars to anyone below a BG or a COL, as far as I can see.
April 23, 2009 at 11:36 am
[...] Party: What should the Indian rojak man be charged for? – Everyday’s Life in a Snapshot: Taxpayers paying for MINDEF’s officers’ private transport [Thanks Jaunty Jabber] – The Asia File: Singapore to welcome ‘Dr Death’ after Oxford [...]
April 23, 2009 at 4:18 am
Dude, im sorry but u got it all wrong. Have u served NS b4? If u did, go ask ur friends that served in Transport or MT Line. They can give u all the answers. Top ranking official not breaking any rules, only the parking abit off LOL
And blackmailing Mindef? Cmon man.. What are you thinking? If u are really sincere to know the answers why are u so afraid of leaving your name and contact? They can track you down if they wan. You know tat rite? If you believe in what you believe, stand firm to it. Let them contact you and you can ask them face to face. Are you seeking the truth? or u juz wann to bash mindef?
Blackmailing is not cool man, regardless of govt bodies or lesser moral like u and me.
No hard feelings.
April 23, 2009 at 9:42 am
well well well, ladadee, i think you got it all wrong instead. no hard feelings.
you see, rules are created for a reason. just because the rules are there does not necessarily mean the rules are right. sure, they might have a policy in this. in fact, i surmised as much. what i am questioning really is the details for the policy and the justifications for it. why should the taxpayers foot the bill for private transport and private usage? would you like to pay if your school principals and directors everywhere all had public vehicles but they drove them to and fro from work and home?
lol. although it seems like i’m blackmailing mindef, i’m not.i wanted to put pressure on MINDEF to reveal their justifications for the policy, and I did give them a chance to clear everything up without this going to public. they were the ones who refused. revealing my reasons will help mindef to track me down. and no they can’t track me down via an anonymous email. and isn’t it obvious MINDEF isn’t interested in answering me? what has my identity got to do with this issue, you mind pointing out?
=) no hard feelings.
April 23, 2009 at 2:26 am
wah lau!
i though only ‘the transporter’ got chance drive audi.
didn’t know generals in saf also need to drive supercars to perform their ‘mission’.
lesser mortal, thanks for pointing this out.
theres too much shxt in the ‘impeccable’ gahment & everyone should do their part to wake up the rest of singapore.
April 23, 2009 at 9:46 am
their mission very secret one, like transporter like that. that’s why need supercars to perform. and supercars to drive home. =)
i pointed it out. the government is refusing to engage. =) oh wells, not surprising.
April 22, 2009 at 11:57 pm
I believe the exposure is minimal and it would not have the impact u may wish in making this public..
Any other sites going to help you out with this? TOC?
April 23, 2009 at 9:47 am
i did go into contact with TOC and wayangparty.
wayangparty felt that there was rules in place that allowed it and didn’t want to cooperate in this, regardless of whether the rules were just.
negotiations with TOC broke down so I just went ahead with releasing this.
April 22, 2009 at 2:15 pm
whoever you are, lesser mortal, i must say you’ve got guts and gumption.
it’s good that you are bringing all these issues out into the public domain. if we want to walk the talk about active citizenry, then public and government institutions should take our feedback constructively and not seek to silence/ignore us.
now, you better go and pack your suitcase.
April 22, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Actually I think he doesn’t need to worry at all ON THIS ISSUE. Since he was just doing his part and pointing out facts. Who knows Mindef may encourage such feedbacks so as to cut down on any Officers who may be abusing the Benefits without their knowing. ^_^
So the Blog Owner may be doing a Great Service to the Nation isn’t it? =D
But then you may of course need to pack your bags for other issues. Just not this one. =X
April 23, 2009 at 9:48 am
isn’t that the saddest thing of all? we can’t even criticise or comment on the people we pay to do their jobs, without looking over our shoulders. the climate of fear….is really pervasive. V for Vendetta anyone?
April 23, 2009 at 9:49 am
i am packing my suitcase already. i predict the police will be at the airport helping me “move on”.
the government thinks that knowing the identity is most important than the issue. no identity, no talk. i wonder why. makes it easier to sue?
April 22, 2009 at 9:47 am
Hi, nearly forgot. With your permission, i would like to replicate this post on my blog.
http://informationreadbyme.blogspot.com/2009/04/taxpayers-paying-for-mindefs-officers.html
If you disagree, pls inform me through any means you prefer, even through a reply to this comment.
Thanks in advance!!
April 22, 2009 at 10:00 am
no problem. =) youre welcome to replicate this post. =)
April 22, 2009 at 9:40 am
U seldom write but every post also good. =D
Do note that for this MID car, the Codo Sticker is on it, which likely means it’s a regular event for the Person to drive it home.
Additionally, usually the MID cars is park in camp and they will drive their own cars back. From what I understand, they are advised not to drive MID cars home which I can understand.
Whether or not there’s a Rental System for such cars I do not know but then again, who wants to drive this car out when it obviously shows who they are? Unless there’s some obvious benefits like Free Petrol, Free Road Tax, Free Insurance, Free Maintainance, etc.
Taking the above into consideration, if you drive MID 15days per mth, you would save 50% on the cost of your Personal Car. That’s easily 1k or more per mth. =D
April 22, 2009 at 9:48 am
hi daniel, thanks for the compliment. been very busy and tired recently, so hence the lower number of posts.
he drives his car home everyday. =) everyone knows when he doesn’t go to work, because those are days the MID car is in the condo.
and why not? if you were given a MID vehicle for private use, you will want to drive it home wouldn’t you, assuming free road tax, free petrol, free maintenance etc. otherwise, why would you drive it home? given this scenario, the question thus to ask is: why are you given a public vehicle for private use? that was something i questioned MINDEF on, and they refused to answer.
April 23, 2009 at 2:31 pm
petrol? just go to the MT line and pump lah!! FOC as long as you slight your shoulder a little bit while talking to the poor private… HAHAHAHHAHA..
April 23, 2009 at 10:28 pm
rank oh ranks. that’s sad. respect is earned. that’s not how you earn respect.
April 22, 2009 at 4:02 am
prepare to go lim kopi soon! don’t mess with the uniformed people dude.
April 22, 2009 at 9:30 am
???? am i being threatened? as a taxpayer, don’t i have the right to know exactly where every cent is spent?
April 22, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Right? *snorts* Where have you been for the past 60 years?
But yeah,
in short, No.
In Long
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
April 23, 2009 at 9:47 am
=((( what are you saying actually? haha
May 29, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Hahaha you’re so damn jealous of elites.. you are sad hahahah. Though its still a good laugh for me hahahhahahaha.
wtf 10 mth OCS?! 10 month OCS = one chocolate bar
thats all you get.
4 month OCS +SAFOS + 10 more yrs of hard work = then you get the MID Audi
Oh and i read the bit in which you tried talking big to threaten Mindef “i’m sure many blog sites will be happy to” hahahaha and you were probably swelling inside when you sent the email thinking that you were so great, only to be snubbed like a little filthy cockroach casually stamped by an SAF goretex boot.
Now that was funny!
May 30, 2009 at 1:28 am
nice trolling. use three separate accounts to talk here.
yea that’s right i am damn jealous i can’t join the PAP. no shit there. you know me damn well. and hey i also can see you don’t read irony. so since u don’t i shall not continue explaining further.
go ahead and think that these people are very very talented. oh and productive.
April 22, 2009 at 2:09 am
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