tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295439512012-01-06T17:48:08.894+08:00Musings, meanders & mantras on issues of the day.Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.comBlogger3201100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-44425460568781011002012-01-06T09:43:00.000+08:002012-01-06T09:43:04.005+08:00

INTERVIEW WITH THE STRAITS TIMES (SINGAPORE) ON 5 JANUARY 2012 I was asked what I thought about the benchmark of pegging ministerial salaries to the top 1000 earners in Singapore. Some of these remarks were published in The Straits Times on 6 January 2012. Remarks It is really a “no-choice” benchmark. The Prime Minister had to deliver on a promise made in the heat of the general election:

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-61515861091533102602011-12-22T07:21:00.002+08:002011-12-22T13:36:59.175+08:00

NOTE SENT TO MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR JURONG GRC On his own Facebook page, your comrade and the honourable Member of Parliament, Seng Han Thong has reportedly said: “The staff are not trained for this emergency preparedness, they know how to prevent terrorist but even this one, they are not prepared so they follow a very strict kind of SOP, so they have to be flexible, and especially to deal

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-32286243423757255652011-10-27T17:14:00.000+08:002011-10-27T17:14:35.595+08:00

NOTE SENT TO SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT ON 25 OCTOBER 2011 Parliament sat to debate the President's Address from 17 October 2011 to 21 October 2011. It has been [about] five days since the debates ended. It is clear that the mainstream media has failed to provide comprehensive coverage of the debates. For example, Parliament provides a link on its website to a special page for Parliament on

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-81458412367075693682011-10-24T21:10:00.002+08:002011-10-24T21:11:18.733+08:00

ARTICLE FIRST PUBLISHED BY PUBLICHOUSE.SG ON 24 OCTOBER 2011 A few years ago, there was a rebranding of the government’s Feedback Unit. Led by a new chief then, the Honourable Member of Parliament Amy Khor, it became Reach. Reach plays an important role as an arm of the Executive. In its own words, its role is “to feel the pulse of the ground and keep the government apprised of key issues of

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-78911584501458030982011-10-20T23:49:00.000+08:002011-10-20T23:50:53.475+08:00

According to one news media, the Honourable Minister for Law Kasiviswanathan Shanmugam has recently remarked, "We don't, as the government, have a monopoly on ideas - nor expertise, nor resources in every field. And there's a clear recognition that to achieve the best possible policies for Singapore, we have to tap on the private sector and volunteers. This ensures a range of perspectives and

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-28350167256294539492011-09-20T23:00:00.000+08:002011-09-20T23:02:30.898+08:00

Dennis, a reader of this blog, shared these thoughts below in response to an earlier post. I thought it deserves a space of its own. **** There is a lack of talent of the preferred mound that the PAP traditionally prefers, trained from a certain predictable pool, ex-scholars, first class honours perhaps, subscribed to the same right wing political philosophy, favours the rule of the elite,

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-9859760536548236582011-09-18T11:41:00.000+08:002011-09-20T23:17:18.122+08:00

My friend, Siva, who used to work at the political desk of The Straits Times, penned the thoughts below. ***** Lee Kuan Yew says there isn't enough talent for an alternative Cabinet. Our new President (a former Deputy Prime Minister and LKY's first choice for Prime Minister) ran Government Investment Corporation of Singapore when it racked up huge losses. The ex-Foreign Minister, whose

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-21179685598980460822011-09-18T00:01:00.000+08:002011-09-18T00:17:19.603+08:00

The Yellow Ribbon Project was started in 2004 to help ex-offenders re-integrate into society. Its annual flagship event, the Yellow Ribbon Prison Run, around the populated Changi Prison complex will begin in a few hours. I participated in the run some years back. I also tried to volunteer for the initiative some years ago. I was very excited that such an initiative existed. My enthusiasm has

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-83938452652820183032011-09-17T18:53:00.005+08:002011-09-17T23:25:21.978+08:00

My own view has always been that the abolition of the Internal Security Act is not necessary. I would like in place, within the framework of the ISA, certain safeguards to ensure that it is not abused for political purposes. Some have argued that this was the case with the so-called Marxist Conspiracy, when one Minister is reported to have resigned over the incident. A current Deputy Prime

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-62727257330733280192011-09-14T00:19:00.006+08:002011-09-14T00:48:29.322+08:00

NOTE SENT TO PRESIDENT OF THE LAW SOCIETY OF SINGAPORE ON 13 SEPTEMBER 2011"I wish to draw your attention to an advertisement on the Law Society website.The advertisement states, "Roy & Partners are expanding and have vacancies for Chinese Junior and Senior Litigation Secretaries to handle motor claims and personal injury claims."The Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices provides

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-51412817393289064182011-08-25T01:49:00.004+08:002011-08-25T01:54:25.889+08:00

And you wonder how they missed her for Tin Pei Ling? I hope she runs for Parliament in 2016 and give voters like me a chance to let her be our voice. After all that she has said, I don't have to give you any more additional reasons about why I am voting for her father. As a Singaporean, I wholly agree with her. When you vote this Saturday, make your voice count. Happiness, Dharmendra Yadav

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-84932833522773909732011-08-23T01:14:00.006+08:002011-08-23T01:28:14.644+08:00

The Workers’ Party yesterday released a statement about how their constituents are being disadvantaged by shameful politicking. What is the President of Singapore – who is above politics; who was deemed elected by the whole electorate; who is supposed to be the balance of power – doing about it? He has been absolutely silent. No surprise there because apparently he cannot act, except with the

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-27008578480197209362011-08-17T09:12:00.007+08:002011-08-17T09:51:55.549+08:00

I did not wish to make any comments on this issue initially. Many friends have made their views known to me. A foreign service government scholar even invited me to participate in a “Cook and Share a Pot of Curry” event this Sunday, which I accepted after some hesitation. It heartened me that many of my non-Indian friends were the ones taking the lead in reacting to this issue, and that it

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-77763119705915236182011-08-15T22:20:00.003+08:002011-08-15T23:01:38.473+08:00

Having sat through about three hours of the Prime Minister’s National Day Rally 2011, I was reminded of some words that an opposition politician had shared at an event a day earlier. The opposition politician had suggested the ruling party has run out of solutions to offer Singaporeans and, like its dying founding fathers, it is ailing. The Minister present at the event naturally disagreed

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-70181840426040020972011-08-15T11:52:00.005+08:002011-08-15T15:10:56.437+08:00

I am a donor to the theatre company, W!ld Rice. I think there are many things that can be said or expressed through theatre about issues of the day, without offending prevailing sensitivities. W!ld Rice has, in recent years, earned a name for itself in this regard. One of the ways it does so is through its biennial Singapore Theatre Festival, which started in 2006. The Straits Times interviewed

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-40185394551094625672011-08-13T23:59:00.001+08:002011-08-14T09:58:57.439+08:00

The government has replied to my friend's letter, in the face of an unfortunate and shameful attempt by an agency of the Ministry of Law to brandish as exemplary a case that had a racist outcome. My friend's comments, the reply from the Ministry of Law and the response of my friend to the Ministry of Law is made available below. If you agree with my friend's views, please consider raising this

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-74561554236989354902011-08-11T20:47:00.007+08:002011-08-11T21:17:01.837+08:00

I had initially held back endorsing my former boss, Tan Kin Lian, as I did not wish to pre-empt the issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility. It is time to stand up and be counted. I worked with him for some 5 years. I have written about what his presidency will mean. I know his strengths and weaknesses. I believe he has the right values that this august office needs. I agree he can be the

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-24621928472597944152011-08-11T00:01:00.001+08:002011-08-11T00:05:58.246+08:00

[Note: This is a third party perspective of a grassroots leader.] During a dialogue themed Singaporeans in Conversation, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean spoke to about 250 students. When asked about the PAP losing power some day, he replied affirmatively. He added, "But do I see a smooth transition to a system that's more glorious? The answer is no. I think it will be a very difficult

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-64018192131371171292011-08-10T19:23:00.008+08:002011-08-10T19:53:49.076+08:00

My college friend has written a letter below in relation to recent achievements that an agency of Singapore's Ministry of Law sought to trumpet. Their benchmark in the promotion of racist practices in secular Singapore is hardly something to be proud about. I support his views and I hope the Ministry apologises. Happiness, Dharmendra Yadav LETTER SENT TO THE MINISTRY OF LAW ON 10 AUGUST 2011

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-13897638235018697602011-08-10T12:00:00.004+08:002011-08-10T19:22:31.086+08:00

Minister Lim Swee Say (LSS) has come out to defend the position of my former employer, NTUC Income, in the wake of revelations as to why my former boss and presidential hopeful, Tan Kin Lian (TKL), left NTUC Income. He has shared he wanted NTUC Income to be run more professionally, not that it implies that TKL ran it unprofessionally. LSS has a very different style from that of his predecessors,

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-38687592449008416692011-08-09T20:24:00.005+08:002011-08-09T20:41:19.631+08:00

In 2005, on the occasion of Singapore's 40th year of independence from colonialism and Malaysian rule, a newspaper asked me about my wish for Singapore. I replied, "I wish Singapore will be a nation of persons that seek happiness, love happiness and share happiness. As we continue to progress as a country and personally, we must continue to embrace changes (including accepting people with

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-13928174022618222792011-08-07T17:46:00.002+08:002011-08-09T18:01:30.616+08:00

[Note: This is a third party perspective.] The Presidential Election is heating up. Candidates have started “soft campaigns” to bring their message out and to let voters get to know them. One in particular caught my interest. Dr Tony Tan has voiced that the president must be someone in a position to share expertise with the government and aid, guide or advise the government where needed. More

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-9366301377068174162011-08-03T17:55:00.006+08:002011-08-03T18:06:43.531+08:00

NOTE SENT TO NTUC PRESIDENT JOHN DE PAYVAI write to you as your union member.You disclosed recently that you invited one of the presidential candidates to speak to fellow union members. The NTUC has always supported values of fair treatment and equal opportunities. It is therefore unfortunate that it has not invited others in similar situations to do the same.I must also protest your expression

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-43529839478421004252011-08-02T07:34:00.006+08:002011-08-02T08:01:25.550+08:00

I really do not like it when public servants perched in their lofty crystal towers preach of values they don't seem to have. A case in point is this recent letter from the Ministry of Manpower, which was a response to this letter featured on The Online Citizen.The ministry's letter states "it is critical to remain objective and ensure that employees' claims are valid". This value of objectivity

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-65173068752219664952011-08-01T17:26:00.003+08:002011-08-01T17:33:43.260+08:00

NOTE SENT TO THE STRAITS TIMES EDITOR ON 1 AUGUST 2011The Straits Times has spent the last three days promoting its new application for portable devices, which was launched today.I am not sure how long this will continue but I will not be surprised if you run a story tomorrow to tell readers about the reception of this launch.As a reader of The Straits Times, I cannot help but wonder if either

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-40132748733068766072011-07-26T18:15:00.000+08:002011-07-26T18:20:46.755+08:00

When a university goes out of its way to wax lyrical about how two-thirds of its graduates have secured jobs before graduation, some tough questions need to be asked about its motivations for doing so.Insecurity could be one motivation. This was implied in remarks made by its top academic when he touched on the communication or social skills of this university’s graduates as compared to

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-27537769681244073522011-07-24T13:17:00.007+08:002011-07-24T15:22:45.506+08:00

I am dedicating this song to President Sellapan Ramanathan in honour of his new-found determination.Suddenly, he has woken up from his two terms of slumber. He has been in the news almost daily to show that he intends to leave the office that pays him millions annually on a high note.In doing so, he has shown an unprecedented resolve to ensure that he does not go down in Singapore’s history books

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-11408582283288990742011-07-21T22:07:00.004+08:002011-07-21T23:22:58.338+08:00

This week, a law student told me about her Chinese friend, who used to date an Indian boy. The parents of this boy found the relationship so objectionable that they used to lock him up to prevent him from meeting his girlfriend. He would be left with little choice but to climb out of windows to meet her.This difference became a frequent cause of misunderstanding, and eventually her friend ended

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-25149457024108516072011-07-20T07:33:00.007+08:002011-07-20T07:58:06.978+08:00

In the heat of the recent general election, alternative media platforms like The Online Citizen and Temasek Review Emeritus launched their respective fund-raising efforts.Many Singaporeans dipped into their hard-earned salaries to support such work. Others contributed part of their Grow and Share package to these causes. In doing so, these individuals chose to forgo the 250% tax deduction one

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-4161436235233822442011-07-19T22:16:00.010+08:002011-07-20T14:59:42.484+08:00

A former press secretary to a minister in Singapore once told me that it was not the policy of the leadership in power to respond to issues raised in the online or alternative media. I told the dutiful secretary that such thinking would one day cost the leadership, and be a thing of the past.About ten days ago, Temasek Review Emeritus and news agency Associated Press published articles that, at

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-81644690910210360842011-07-17T10:53:00.007+08:002011-07-17T15:13:52.083+08:00

Serial killers often display a pattern of murders before they earn their titles in criminology. For our presidential candidates, a metaphorical pattern of murder is also emerging: resigning from their respective political parties so as to kill their links with such organisations in attempts to declare new-found independence.Tan Jee Say, in announcing his bid for the presidency, has not bucked

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-40784167556858373392011-07-16T00:44:00.005+08:002011-07-16T01:13:30.016+08:00

Two political developments in recent weeks have negatively affected me.LEE & GOH SECRETARIAT This should be the new name of a special team in the Prime Minister’s Office, who have been designated to take care of the affairs of two former Prime Ministers: Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong.I find this extension of services by the Prime Minister’s Office a conceit; we don’t want our former Prime

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-29884931190742696282011-07-15T06:28:00.008+08:002011-07-15T08:05:13.644+08:00

I gave up on our public transport system two years ago for various reasons. I choose to drive. This means I have to cut down a lot of other expenses. (Wealth Watchers made this decision easier for me.) When I don't drive, I walk (or fly). When I do take public transport in exceptional situations, I come out reassured about the choice I made.I was in the Republic of Singapore Navy when Singapore's

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-45386983794311162992011-07-09T11:57:00.005+08:002011-07-09T12:36:21.511+08:00

The Prime Minister’s Office has released certain guidelines on how the Presidential Election campaign is to be conducted.The official position is that the guidelines serve to ensure “the process of getting elected to the office of President should be dignified and above the political fray”.A reading of the guidelines however may lead a person to a different conclusion.By releasing these

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-29053743032597691082011-06-29T02:47:00.005+08:002011-06-29T16:28:55.094+08:00

The phrase “unifying figure” has become the buzzword of a trait we would like in the next President of Singapore.One presidential candidate coined it. Everyone else jumped on the bandwagon. Even the usually creative Prime Minister of Singapore has thought it apt enough to adopt it in his stealthy endorsement of the latest presidential candidate.What is this “unifying figure” really?At the last

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-75102011521090224332011-06-26T01:45:00.009+08:002011-06-26T02:50:18.795+08:00

It was recently disclosed that fewer people in their twenties and thirties are getting married in Singapore, and more are getting divorced. I am not surprised.Among my friends, I can count an increasing incidence of them, who married early (in their twenties) and have been through their first divorce. A majority of them got hitched after getting to know their partner for a year or two. The

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-5100167526709958982011-06-24T00:10:00.003+08:002011-06-24T00:36:59.259+08:00

During a performance of the Singapore Dance Theatre at the Esplanade some years ago, where the contributions of both Dr Tony Tan and Tan Kin Lian in promoting dance as a form of expression was acknowledged, I walked out of one the toilet cubicles at interval time to find myself in the presence of this elderly gentleman. It was only when I began to rinse my hands did I realise who that old man was

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-15650403277921993312011-06-23T06:51:00.005+08:002011-07-15T06:58:06.880+08:00

I don't really know much about the Housing and Development Board or its various schemes. In particular, I have not been following the recent controversy surrounding the Design, Build and Sell Scheme: a scheme that HDB says "involves the private sector in the development of public housing so as to bring about greater innovation in the building and design of flats and offer more housing choices to

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-73572390894296743632011-06-21T14:06:00.004+08:002011-06-21T14:58:20.596+08:00

LETTER SENT TO CHAIRMAN, SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF LEGAL EDUCATION AND PRESIDENT, LAW SOCIETY OF SINGAPOREIt has recently been brought to my attention that the course fees for the equivalent of the Postgraduate Practical Law Course now known as the Preparatory Course leading to Part B of the Singapore Bar Examinations, now conducted by the Singapore Institute of Legal Education, has rose from S

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-78064743375598809392011-06-20T13:54:00.008+08:002011-06-24T00:29:32.529+08:00

A Malay friend recently told me that a community group for Malay Muslims had organised a high tea reception to welcome the “two new People's Action Party Malay MPs”, which the Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs saw fit and proper to attend as a guest.He asked me, “What about the new opposition Malay MP?”The report noted that “about 100 others, including leaders of various Malay/Muslim

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-44317250437162681252011-06-12T11:14:00.005+08:002011-06-12T11:44:39.119+08:00

FOLLOW-UP INTERVIEW WITH THE STRAITS TIMES ON 10 JUNE 2011I was asked more about George's appeal to youths and his presidential bid. The article was published today.As a young professional in my early 30s, I have no issue with George and the work he is doing with youths. Those of a generation before me have concerns. What about the older generation? What about people from his generation? What is

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-38092312225525272422011-06-11T19:30:00.005+08:002011-06-11T20:06:12.369+08:00

The Minister for Law in Singapore recently issued a statement. He noted,"The Constitution clearly defines the role and scope of the President. He has custodial powers, not executive powers. In other words, he can veto or block Government actions in specified areas... The President’s veto powers over the Government are limited to specific areas:(a) Protection of past reserves,i.e. reserves

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-32321301557592626552011-06-08T21:07:00.008+08:002011-06-08T21:27:08.868+08:00

INTERVIEW WITH THE STRAITS TIMES ON 8 JUNE 2011QUESTIONI'm actually writing a story on the "youth" energy behind George Yeo's campaign for the Presidency. I saw your blog post on your concern that not one of his supporters who went to pick up forms for him were "of a passing generation".Actually, the impression some are getting from his campaign so far is that it seems quite "Obama 2008" - being

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-71781343072760944452011-06-07T18:30:00.001+08:002011-06-07T23:33:33.029+08:00

Irony – the best loser of the ruling party in the recent General Election now seems to have the best chance to be the next head of state of Singapore.The post-Aljunied story of George Yeo Yong-Boon or Georgie, the variant of George one can use to address him, is fast turning out to be a narrative of motives, impressions, reservations and aspirations.MOTIVESAbout two months ago, a suggestion that

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-74565722068282287032011-06-03T22:43:00.011+08:002011-06-04T07:53:39.142+08:00

At the outset, I should disclose that I have a personal nexus to this subject and it is something I feel very strongly about. You should read what follows below taking this fact into account. I am going to be unusually subjective.Some present and former employees of NTUC Income will probably have shivers down their spine if they hear their former boss wants to be the next President of

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-78317858920094569662011-06-02T19:51:00.003+08:002011-06-02T20:07:02.048+08:00

Traditionally, the elected presidency of Singapore has been the preserve of the National Trades Union Congress. The candidate likely to muster the confidence of NTUC is supported by the People's Action Party leadership.Former President Ong Teng Cheong (expired) and the current President S R Nathan were both active unionists, who depended critically on the NTUC to be eventually elected as heads of

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-34877848061593883782011-06-01T21:28:00.007+08:002011-06-01T21:56:07.051+08:00

Some time ago, I had received confidential feedback from certain sources, including employees of pay TV providers, that the government was not supportive of Al-Jazeera English channel being carried in Singapore. I wrote to Singapore's media regulators on this. Their reply setting out the government's position follows below. I will now be engaging my own pay TV provider, Starhub, to provide this

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-76096884030606817912011-05-31T22:24:00.005+08:002011-05-31T22:34:35.664+08:00

In the past week, I have had at least two men facing separate allegations of outraging the modesty of women approaching me for guidance on appointing suitable legal advisers.This is unsurprising. I am hearing of more such cases. Perhaps, we are opening up too fast as a society, or becoming trigger-happy in expressing our feelings. Alternatively, it may be due to an incapacity to control one’s

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-84155289733586629322011-05-30T23:59:00.002+08:002011-05-31T00:46:52.927+08:00

I was asked to share my views on her today, and so I will.Her credentials, her past, her actions, her values – they are all out there in the open. These have been scrutinised until her critics have gone black!Whether one likes it or not, the bottomline is this. She is now an honourable Member of Parliament of the Republic of Singapore. The voters of Marine Parade GRC have placed in her their

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-13506953736590491102011-05-29T22:51:00.004+08:002011-05-29T23:11:10.169+08:00

Some people have written to me to ask what they can do about the alleged breach of a law against campaigning over a particular period by one candidate during the recent general elections. Some people have lodged police reports against the candidate. Others are frustrated by how fast the police investigations are moving. For some background, read here (but note that I do not agree with the

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-13169973695638247602011-05-28T23:53:00.006+08:002011-05-29T11:33:05.582+08:00

LETTER SENT TO THE ADDRESSEE ON HIS FACEBOOK PAGE ON 29 MAY 2011Honourable Tan Cheng Bock Sir,I welcome your willingness to put yourself up for selection and then election as the next President of Singapore. I can only hope that more individuals will follow your example, and put themselves up for selection and possible election.I studied in schools not very far from the constituency where you

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-1771355941645597012011-05-26T07:12:00.001+08:002011-05-26T07:18:40.325+08:00

ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN TODAY (SINGAPORE) ON 26 MAY 2011At his second swearing-in ceremony as Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong continues the tradition of using that august platform to send a message to Singapore and its citizens.This time round, he wants a comprehensive review of political salaries. He has appointed the Government's preferred "correctional player", Mr Gerard Ee, to undertake the

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-8697186527958251502011-05-24T21:43:00.005+08:002011-05-24T22:48:13.206+08:00

As the school holidays are around the corner, some students have written to me about securing internships. They are motivated to do this for different reasons. Some want to gain valuable work experience and others want to make money.For a lot of internships, I am often told that something’s gotta give. You either get experience or make money. You can’t have both. I beg to differ.My first

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-81855852845523145382011-05-23T19:15:00.005+08:002011-05-24T22:47:47.330+08:00

LETTER TO MINISTER FOR INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND THE ARTS ON 23 MAY 2011Firstly, I wish to congratulate you on your recent appointment as Minister for Information, Communication & the Arts. Your appointment could not have been more timely and I am sure we will see certain changes in the way the desires of viewers, readers and listeners are managed. Insyallah.Secondly, I write to request that

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-33313063996725597252011-05-20T13:38:00.009+08:002011-05-20T14:22:01.738+08:00

Many years ago, I wrote about the legacy that Goh Chok Tong could leave towards the end of his political career. The view, which follows below, was published in Today on 12 April 2003.It took 8 years for Goh to achieve this, and I am glad he finally persuaded his predecessor to make a grand exit with him. Singapore was ready for a future without Lee Kuan Yew more than a decade ago.Happiness,

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-5589292404443845882011-05-14T19:05:00.003+08:002011-05-14T19:29:57.068+08:00

INTERVIEW WITH THE STRAITS TIMES ON 13 MAY 2011In your blog Think Happiness, you published two posts from an Aljunied resident, who in his first post said he noticed that the notice boards had been stripped, and also that rubbish and litter around the estate were not cleared. The second post clarified that a few days after Sunday, he went back to look at the estate again to find that most things

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-10691805890333336072011-05-11T22:13:00.004+08:002011-05-11T22:42:02.056+08:00

Thank you to all readers who have offered their feedback on this posting. I am especially grateful to those, who checked the issues raised with the relevant town council and/or provided your own assessment of the situation on the ground. I am also appreciative of the journalists, who helped verify the situation and confirmed that this was not the case.Based on your feedback, I asked the Aljunied

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-61591449727007904752011-05-11T07:59:00.012+08:002011-05-11T22:52:53.746+08:00

Some days back, a friend wrote about his choice in Aljunied. Today, he wants to give you an insight into what is happening now that he has exercised his choice. Essentially, they need all the help that they can find. [Note: Please read the follow-up here.]Many years ago, I told Sylvia Lim, if she were elected in any constituency, I will come help her make a difference on a non-partisan basis. I

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com92tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-21089760194956152912011-05-11T00:58:00.006+08:002011-05-11T01:28:56.604+08:00

I attended the inaugural Pink Dot because, among other fundamental rights, I believe in the right to life, which to me includes the right to live a life without fear. To me, this is more important than keeping or repealing controversial legislation. I didn’t attend it subsequently because I felt I had no further value to add by attending the event.This year, I will make it a point to attend Pink

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-58485966328697569942011-05-09T20:36:00.005+08:002011-05-09T20:54:08.394+08:00

Before the General Election, I took issue with The Straits Times about its past elections coverage. The editor of The Straits Times and I have exchanged further correspondence on this and it follows below.RECEIVED FROM THE STRAITS TIMES EDITOR ON 9 MAY 2011I delayed replying to you because I thought you should have the benefit of reading The Straits Times' entire coverage of the General Election.

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-85431529375656929122011-05-07T00:08:00.005+08:002011-05-07T00:45:42.591+08:00

An old friend who lives in Aljunied and does voluntary work in the neighbourhood took the day off yesterday to think about his choice today. He has made his decision, and asked me to make his assessment available on my blog. His thoughts follow below. You decide whether or not you agree with him.Vote in the manner that you think is right today. I will be doing the same too. Majulah Singapura!

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com63tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-1230593663583960432011-05-06T00:01:00.003+08:002011-05-06T00:04:47.753+08:00

Tomorrow, Singapore goes to the polls. My sister sent me this message. She said this message, which she thinks is "well-researched" and "orginal", summarises developments in the past days.*****"There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction." - Winston ChurchillBut..."Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts." - Arnold

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-47323976114542615482011-05-05T20:57:00.010+08:002011-05-06T02:05:35.541+08:00

Many people have welcomed the Prime Minister's recent speech. Cherian George has written about a new compact. Patrick Daniel, a key leader of a press corps fiercely loyal to the ruling party, has said: "Whatever the (election) result, this is the starting point of a new script."I am not as hopeful. The Prime Minister made similar remarks to the Harvard Club in the period leading to his ascendancy

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-87499889741654198492011-05-04T15:54:00.005+08:002011-05-04T17:29:39.312+08:00

My dear Prime Minister,I refer to your speech at the rally of your political party yesterday. As a first-time voter under the age of 35, I felt I should respond to you.At the outset, I must state that I welcome your candid remarks and advice to voters like me. I know from your own track record that, when you say something will be looked into, it will be.However, I only wish your candid remarks

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-65135588082092967032011-05-03T19:01:00.002+08:002011-05-03T19:11:46.273+08:00

A few months ago, some people reacted negatively upon learning that the worth of the Singapore President is about S$2.5 million in remuneration. They felt that the pay was unjustified, and that the President didn't do much to be worthy of such an amount.The President's stupendous silence in the face of this criticism and the fact that he left it to the Executive to defend him also did not help

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-32140489879407702002011-05-02T15:11:00.009+08:002011-05-03T15:49:58.809+08:00

I must thank The New Paper for inspiring me to write this. The New Paper stands by its story but I think there is an arguable case of bad journalism here. I was at the said rally, and I can confirm that no such incident happened.The New Paper's report probably did no justice to the police. I understand from certain sources that additional police resources have been activated for duty at such

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-55270345009692935202011-05-01T11:24:00.004+08:002011-05-01T11:42:02.263+08:00

As I expected, the opposition strategy of not contesting Tanjong Pagar GRC is going to cost these opposition parties. It has freed up MM Lee Kuan Yew, along with his loyal press corps, to focus on other areas that are being contested.MM Lee has jumped on the opportunity, gone into over-drive and is now running on adrenaline. He is grabbing the opposition bulls by their horns and throwing them

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-63876173629511381222011-04-30T12:54:00.007+08:002011-04-30T13:13:18.839+08:00

I have a soft spot for lawyers in politics, especially those that muster the courage to put themselves up in single-member constituencies against the dominant party.I think, as the history of many democracies shows, many of them go on to be strong politicians on both sides of the political spectrum.They also go into Parliament, with a sound understanding of how the legislative process works. They

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-61584598536430836762011-04-30T00:01:00.003+08:002011-04-30T00:12:43.075+08:00

Elections are regularly held in a democracy. In these times, it is not just the duty of the public service to ensure that political parties participate fairly. Voters also have a role to play by providing feedback to the public service. This is one such example of what an ordinary voter can do.LETTER SENT TO CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD ON 29 APRIL 2011WHAT HAPPENEDI am a

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-88429988248493693052011-04-29T14:34:00.007+08:002011-04-29T16:02:01.663+08:00

I read this and I felt I should add my views for what it's worth.I have many friends and relatives, who are public servants. They work for ministries, statutory boards, organs of state and other government-linked bodies in Singapore. Many of them are fiercely loyal to the party in power because their loyalty to the Executive of the day demands it.However, it is sad that some of them develop an

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-67948023350006993182011-04-29T11:53:00.006+08:002011-04-29T16:08:21.205+08:00

Over the past few days, I have had the opportunity to meet friends from both sides of the political spectrum in Aljunied GRC. Some newspapers are doing a very good job in underscoring the case for the ruling party. That is not surprising, given where their loyalties should lie.George Yeo recently spoke about the "emotional dilemma" of the Aljunied GRC voter. With respect, I think he was probably

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-13125130861386138642011-04-28T01:23:00.003+08:002011-04-28T01:48:51.431+08:00

8287 – if some of you tried to buy this number at your neighbourhood 4-D shop yesterday, you would have been sorely disappointed. It sold out!We learnt yesterday that 82 out of 87 seats in the Singapore Legislature will be polled on 7 May 2011. I want to touch on one game-changing moment of the day, while I accept there were many others.Unionist Steve Tan is going into the history books of both

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-26513576748243998982011-04-27T00:04:00.005+08:002011-04-28T01:52:21.367+08:00

Ordinarily, I would rule out contributing to a party like the Singapore Democratic Party. I still cannot forget how the then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong was treated by one of its leaders. My view is, whether or not we agree with the views of the party in power, the Prime Minister as head of the Executive deserves some level of respect and decorum. I also find unacceptable the past attempts of

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-57848772674814672552011-04-26T02:19:00.003+08:002011-04-28T01:52:21.368+08:00

LETTER SENT TO MY PAP MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT TODAYI write to you as your constituent. Many of us have pledged our support to your candidacy in the coming general elections.Your fellow party members have asked us to step back, and consider the value of the team and party in considering your candidacy.If we were to do so, I am afraid there may be more reasons not to support your team and party as

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-84181812382472910472011-04-25T23:19:00.005+08:002011-04-28T01:52:28.256+08:00

Individual ministerial responsibility for the escape of the limping Mas Selamat Kastari from Whitley Road Detention Centre is an issue I have touched on in the past. As this is something I feel strongly about, I have had to revisit it in light of some new revelations.Addressing this incident, Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng recently reflected, “I told Parliament, that a mistake was made,

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-10651095315911964892011-04-24T16:17:00.004+08:002011-04-28T01:52:34.477+08:00

The Straits Times Editor, Han Fook Kwang, responded to this letter I sent about giving me a choice to suspend my subscription to ST during the General Elections period in Singapore.I responded to the ST Editor a few weeks later to express my reservations about ST's ability to report things fairly.EXTRACT OF REPLY FROM ST EDITOR ON RECEIVED ON 31 MARCH 2011I'm sorry you've found our political

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-73685664429348207422011-03-24T00:57:00.003+08:002011-04-28T01:52:34.478+08:00

LETTER SENT TO THE STRAITS TIMES EDITOR ON 24 MARCH 2011I have been a reader of The Straits Times for as long as I can sanely remember – a critical reader, if I may add. I am generally pleased with the quality of issues you cover.But in recent weeks, I have found that your coverage of Singapore issues focuses too much on the political climate here, in particular on the People’s Action Party. I

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-16253994979677995142011-03-21T23:59:00.006+08:002011-03-22T00:48:16.748+08:00

I now receive queries not just from potential law students but also current ones. Here is one I recently received.QUESTIONI am a final year LLB student from India. I am interested as to what are the means in which I can work in Singapore and take up the newly introduced 'Foreign Practitioner Examination' (FPE).ANSWERThe FPE will be administered by the Singapore Institute of Legal Education.

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-1843740841773588812011-03-20T12:39:00.002+08:002011-03-20T12:44:58.739+08:00

The GCE ‘A’ Level results were released some weeks back. Traditionally, this is the time of the year when I receive many queries from those who have collected their results.Many contact me about the options they have, specifically in relation to studying law in England & Wales.Some of them have the luxury of unconditional offers from multiple universities. Some have conditional offers but didn’t

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-61275449319132515502011-03-18T16:45:00.003+08:002011-03-18T17:31:14.018+08:00

Singapore drivers have had to deal with rising motor insurance premiums in recent years. This trend is not isolated to Singapore. Despite this trend, there are still people who do not shop around for suitable insurance cover.I bought my first car in Singapore last year because of the low car prices. The purchase was made just before car prices started to shoot up. One of the things that struck me

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-38951254905484570312010-01-10T13:06:00.003+08:002011-05-20T22:24:28.962+08:00

Last week, I made a decision to leave my current job. As soon as I made that decision, I informed my current employer that I had to started to apply elsewhere.Some of my friends were surprised by the way I did so. They said that they would secure a job elsewhere before notifying their current employer.I told them that, when I joined, I told my current employer that I believed in being

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-19439037719254759482010-01-03T11:02:00.004+08:002010-01-03T11:16:56.261+08:00

Many people I know are resistant to consult doctors. Many of my loved ones join this list.They end up going to work ill. They end up ailing at home and worrying those around them.It is not that they cannot afford it.They just prefer to self-medicate. To them, it is just a small problem.Come what may, they just refuse to see the doctor.A lot of times, that small problem ends up being passed on to

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-38647610630197862842010-01-02T13:20:00.004+08:002010-01-02T13:28:57.954+08:00

Afterthoughts:This advertisement reminded me about three things.First, it is an important reminder of what a wealthy life should be. Unfortunately, in the pursuit of that elusive pot of gold, many of us tend to lose the plot.Second, it is an important reminder of the influential role mothers play in our lives.I have been blessed with three mothers in my life: my grandmother, my godmother and my

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-79978565504361382222010-01-01T12:17:00.004+08:002010-01-01T12:37:17.921+08:00

Unlike others who make resolutions, I usually set a theme or focus for the year and plan the year ahead. As the year passes, I set goals around this focus.In the past 2 years, I have focused on development. As part of that process, I left my job of 5 years as a corporate counsel.I went back to law school to do a law conversion programme and I got my licence to practise law in Singapore. I now

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-45068384931408039942009-08-25T12:29:00.004+08:002009-08-25T13:22:18.348+08:00

PEOPLE & POWER: HUMAN TRADEWITNESS: MIGRANT DREAMSPart IPart IIAfterthoughts:1. Some years ago, the leading broadsheet of Singapore dedicated a whole section to foreign workers who had prospered in Singapore and returned to their respective countries to build beautiful homes and families. That story, as these documentaries show, has now changed.2. What is even more shocking is the regulator's

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-8211364836398155022009-08-02T12:39:00.004+08:002009-08-02T13:02:16.353+08:00

In the past months, at least two friends have approached me about their employment contracts.They told me, "I am not covered by the Employment Act. How?"As they held management positions with their base pay exceeding S$2,500.00, they were right.From the website of the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore:"The Employment Act covers every employee (regardless of nationality) who is under a contract of

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-40949359096099461812009-05-20T13:27:00.007+08:002009-05-20T13:59:05.538+08:00

I have just made an individual pledge to this wonderful private-sector initiative to beat the downturn. Add yours today!In light of my own pledge, I have had applications from several highly qualified and talented candidates for some of the more recent roles made available here. They have not been able to secure jobs on the basis that they are "over-qualified".What the employer really means is: "

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-11869200797460852082009-05-15T00:33:00.003+08:002009-05-15T00:42:53.316+08:00

It may be useful to share three things I have learnt from job-seekers for this role:1. Recognise the difference between a resume and a "CV". Keep your resume brief, that is not more than 3 pages. Two pages are ideal. The resume should give a snapshot of you and its primary purpose is to give the employer a relevant basis to invite you for an interview. Address the requirements of the role in both

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-81704150593456477302009-05-06T12:34:00.004+08:002009-05-06T14:19:57.158+08:00

I have been following developments in the AWARE saga from a distance, unlike other members of the legal fraternity. A non-exhaustive list of articles following this development is available here. Many, including the Honourable Nominated Member of Parliament Siew Kum Hong, have written about the lessons that we can draw out from this experience.I have been particularly disturbed by the $90,000

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-54122097788974064022009-04-25T11:09:00.010+08:002009-04-25T14:38:56.127+08:00

In the past week, I have received a range of reactions from different sections of the legal fraternity in relation to the AWARE coup.Firstly, there are those who consider themselves "God's Children" and see it as their religious mandate to do all that they can to endorse the work of those who wash away their sins and of those around them.Secondly, there are others who are absolutely appalled by

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-38640523489519074772009-04-21T01:44:00.006+08:002009-04-21T02:15:38.515+08:00

In December 2008, I visited my family doctor. My family and I have been seeing him for over a decade now.He's one of those doctors who takes great pride in what he does. He also likes to empower his patients with knowledge so that they may exercise greater personal responsibility about their health.It is therefore normal for him to give little nuggets of information for his patients to take back

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-12411583289405608512009-04-19T01:16:00.005+08:002009-04-19T11:03:34.333+08:00

QUESTIONIn relation to this:A. Wonder if there is any truth or merit to the figures posted?B. Are young lawyers really willing to sacrifice all their waking hours for a few hundred/thousand dollars more?Read more about the above question here.ANSWER (A)In the past, the United Kingdom Singapore Law Students Society used to publish detailed statistics about the salary and benefit packages offered

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-60844176801101795732009-04-18T12:06:00.002+08:002009-04-18T12:10:54.724+08:00

ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN WEEKEND TODAY ON 18 APRIL 2009Very rarely does a private sector employer comment publicly about what its employee does in his or her personal time. It is even rarer for a private sector employer to express disagreement about its employee’s voluntary commitments.DBS did both when it came out to express its view on the personal and voluntary work of its vice-president of credit

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-23567866789566719882009-04-07T17:00:00.005+08:002009-04-07T17:09:37.648+08:00

Seen on the back cover of the December 1962 edition of the Malaya Law Review.Imagine what would happen if this same advertisement were to be carried by a publication of similar standing today?Happiness,Dharmendra YadavPlease consider the environment. Do you really need to print this?

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-77977257156806273252009-04-02T07:22:00.002+08:002009-04-02T07:35:38.419+08:00

The reply below was received from the Law Society of Singapore regarding matters raised here.On a related issue, other law firms have announced the following monthly salaries for their newly qualified lawyers or reviewed their earlier announcements:1. Drew and Napier - $4,0002. Shook Lin & Bok - $4,000 (reduced following review)3. Allen & Gledhill - $4,000 (increased following review)It confirms

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-71764356564394890552009-03-28T14:27:00.003+08:002009-03-28T14:33:27.094+08:00

LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE LAW SOCIETY OF SINGAPORE ON 28 MARCH 2009Last week, I wrote to you about the need for the Law Society to extend help to pupils, who have not been retained by various law firms. I am happy that the Law Society has acted quickly to look into this matter and is continuing to do so.I want to highlight to you another disturbing practice that I think the Law Society

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-23998890825047621412009-03-27T11:49:00.002+08:002009-03-27T11:54:23.817+08:00

Several newly qualified lawyers in Singapore have sought my views on salaries they are being offered by their employers.Starting salaries at law firms are probably a good indication of how well the firm is doing in these times. It is also perhaps an indication of how much law firms value the talents they attract.Over the past months, large law firms have announced the following monthly salaries

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-80181112456909685272009-03-23T22:51:00.003+08:002009-03-23T22:59:48.874+08:00

The following reply was received from the Law Society of Singapore regarding matters raised here.Happiness,Dharmendra YadavPlease consider the environment. Do you really need to print this?REPLY FROM SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS) ON BEHALF PRESIDENT, THE LAW SOCIETY OF SINGAPORE, ON 23 MARCH 2009We thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.We agreed

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-75116745441676507282009-03-22T12:52:00.002+08:002009-03-22T13:03:28.069+08:00

LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE LAW SOCIETY OF SINGAPORE ON 22 MARCH 2009Several law firms have announced that they will not be retaining all the pupils they had recruited. While announcements are pending from certain law firms, there are indications that they too may not be retaining all their present pupils. Most of these pupils affected were attached to corporate legal teams but there are some

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29543951.post-48543145177360731162009-02-21T09:31:00.006+08:002009-02-21T09:58:36.445+08:00

Afterthought:1. A friend shared this advertisement with me earlier today.2. I like advertisements, especially those that get you talking or those that generally leave you feeling positive about the world we live in. This is one of them. It's also one of those advertisements that really keeps you guessing till the end. How you react at the end will probably be an indication of your own values,

Dharmendra Yadavhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17567869679628318815noreply@blogger.com0