US Presidential Debate: Singapore Student Kenneth Sng Makes History Speaking At Debate

Kyle Malinda-WhiteOctober 10, 2016

ricky l18 seconds ago

Singaporeans giving the opportunity to speak in a US Presidential debate is an honor.

US has being expounding democracy as a governance system to many parts of the World.

Democracy though expound the right of citizens to choose their Government is a noble system.

It also has its flaw - where the 2 equally strong parties - will result in a deadlocked Government when 2 sides give in to partisan views - instead of for the good of the Nation. This happen when the party's interest override the Nation's interest.

Thus a Singaporean who has been given the Honour to speak in a US Presidential debate - should put in the 2 cents worth - to make a Democratic System better - to prevent a deadlock Government - by putting Nation before Party, Nation before Self.

ricky l18 seconds ago

Singapore though is a little red dot - can be exceptional --- with vision, thinking and insight ---- that go far beyond its physical size.

This is where Superpowers and other Countries will take note and give the due respect.

Where fairness, justice and equality - provide the foundation of the vision, thoughts and insights.

Edwin7 minutes ago

So, how does it benefit the SG commoners?

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  ricky l8 seconds ago

  Simple address and find solutions to the excess of raw Capitalism ---- to make the Exclusive Economic System into an Inclusive Economic System that benefit everyone.

  If US as a Superpower can successfully solve this - its export of Democratic System and Capitalist Economic System --- will benefit the World that adopt similar systems.

  Also help US to prevent a deadlock Government - and make it more responsive to economic, political and social challenges.

  All these will help SG commoners.

  

  ricky l8 seconds ago

  US is among the originator of :-

  (1) Democracy Government System - Political System

  (2) Advocate of Capitalism and Laissez Faire. - Economic System.

  Both are good systems --- but they have their flaws.

  If US are able to redress the flaws ---- the Countries all over the World will benefit including Singapore.

  And if Singapore has good ideas to contribute, why not?

  
  
• vv s1 hour ago

  US is trying to pull Singapore into China-West dispute, by painting a picture that Singapore is more inclined to US.

  
  

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    ricky l18 seconds ago

    Don't promote the conspiracy theory against China.

    Singapore always provide a balanced and unbiased views on US and China - and in fact bridge US and China (and vice versa) to be friendly with one another in terms of Economy, business, trade, political engagement with all levels and even military diplomacy.

    The South China Sea dispute - is the one that blow up the whole matter.

    And Singapore is consistent in its balanced, unbiased position based on fairness, equality and justice anchor on international law.

    Singapore position of a friendly US and China engagement does not change.

    So stop promoting the unfriendly stance against China.

    

    woshilulu1 hour ago

    Sng has been brainwashed by Western ideas of democracy. What is needed is China's system of governance in Singapore. Chinese-Singaporeans are descendants of China and will welcome China's system of governance more readily.

    Western ideas of democracy should stay at home and slowly burn to oblivion.

    
    

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      ricky l8 seconds ago

      China system of governance - if evolved where the Government can be chosen by their citizens --- will be an ideal system.

      Note that :- a Government chosen by the people will produce policies that meet the aspirations of the people as the Government lifeline - depends on the people's choice.

      

      ricky l8 seconds ago

      China has improved tremendously from a full planned economy - which is inefficient into a full capitalist economy and opening herself and economic integration with the World - which as a result achieve tremendous wealth for her Nation and for her people.

      If China is able to slowly transformed and evolved into a system whereby her people choose her Government - than the Government will have the mandate of the people.

      The chances of revolution or triggering external events to unite internal social cohesion will be very much reduced.

      

      ricky l8 seconds ago

      Sng has not been "brainwashed" nor Singapore has been "brainwashed" by the West to adopt the Western style or ideas of democracy.

      Singapore adopted the democracy system - based on UK Parliamentary system because of the following benefits :-

      (1) The Government is chosen and voted in by the citizens. Thus the Government will formulate policies that benefit all the the people knowing that if this is not so, the Government in the next election will either do badly or lose the election.

      Thus the people know that the Government will try her best to work for the overall good of the people.

      (2) The people will have an outlet to relieve their grievances if the Government did not put in policies that benefit the people. Thus citizens will unlikely to adopt radical approach by resorting to demonstration, revolution, social unrest to overthrow the Government if the Government did not perform well in a democratic, people voted system.

      This is the key advantage of a Democratic System.

      Of course, the disadvantage of a Democratic System where populist politician exploit the system by promising anything under the sun but fail to deliver like the Donald Trump syndrome.

      

      ricky l8 seconds ago

      And if Donald Trump populist but not practical - fly-by-night politician happen to win - by next election, he will be kicked out.

      So a democratic system though not fool-proof --- will inherently have a self-recovery mechanism.

      

      ricky l8 seconds ago

      Most important thing about a Democratic System :-

      the Government that is voted in needs to :-

      (1) Produce a report card every 4 to 5 years - how well they have done in Governance - to convince people they have delivered.

      This will have a great motivation for the Elected Government to deliver.

      (2) Democratic system is also introducing competition - to be elected as Government - and just like Capitalism, competition will drive and motivate candidates to perform well to serve the people.

      The above are the benefits and reasons why Singapore adopt a Democratic System ---- not "brainwashed" as suggested.

      Singapore have brain not to be "brainwashed" - and Singapore adopt the best, most beneficial and less likely to trigger social unrest and blood revolution.

      

      ricky l8 seconds ago

      Otherwise, Singapore National Service conscripted Army cannot work.

      Singapore will need a regular army - to keep internal security - to ensure peace and order - in case people revolt.
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      Bird10 minutes ago
      '@ricky i its better if the buddha speak at e debate
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        TIMOTHY5 hours ago

        Singapore should always be neutral. Learn to be like our neighbours, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei. Do not be a doggie like Pinoys. Better to work with ASEAN at ASEAN level.
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        ricky l9 seconds ago

        Singapore is the coordinator - that bridge ASEAN interest with China interest.

        By doing so, it is everyone's interest to ensure a Win-Win outcome for ASEAN and China.

        To be an honest broker, to ensure a Win-Win outcome for both ASEAN and China, Singapore need to adopt a pragmatic, fair, equal, just position - so that in eyes of both ASEAN and China - Singapore is a trusted coordinator.

        Singapore cannot be a "double-headed snake" to please everyone - but have to adopt a position that is internationally accepted - based on justice, equality, fairness anchor on International Law ---- so that both ASEAN and China can accept to anchor a Win-Win outcome for the South China Sea dispute.

        Singapore will not take sides - as it is none of our business. But Singapore has an interest to ensure that the dispute must be resolved through peaceful means - whether through negotiation, arbitration or mediation --- and not through military confrontation.

        Otherwise if war broke out in South China Sea - both China and ASEAN will suffer - including Singapore.

        This is the reason why Singapore has to state the position - for Peace --- not for war.

        

        ricky l9 seconds ago

        Singapore position and role is unique because Singapore has great business interest, investment, trade in both China and ASEAN --- and any conflict between ASEAN and China ---- will hurt Singapore badly.

        Hence it is the interest of Singapore to ensure both China and ASEAN can resolve the South China Sea dispute peacefully - in a Win-Win outcome.

        If the outcome is not a Win-Win solution - conflict will one day flare out again.

        Hence Singapore position - is a fair, just, equal and pragmatic position - to ensure the final outcome is a Win-Win solution - to ensure long lasting peace.

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          vv s45 minutes ago

          Ricky u still dun understand what south china sea situation is ongoing ? By blocking the whole pacific south china trade line, trading btw korea,Japan are impacted. So by saying playing neutral, what do u meant by that ? Watch as China complete the base @ the fishing island, then all trades lines btw south asia - Korea,Japan all blocked. Then Singapore sit there as it is not affected by it ? U are only looking very skin layer issue. Doesn't means no war means prosperity while ppl eat away ur $$$. If u are working in Japan firm in SG, good luck!
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          ricky l9 seconds ago

          No need to play one Countries against another.

          Asia Pacific is already very complex - with all SuperPowers converging and many Countries in this region jostling for "right of passage - air and sea".

          All have one thing in common ----- no Countries want war --- because everyone's interest will be impacted --- adversely.

          公说公有理，婆说婆有理。

          It is not possible to determine who is right and who is wrong.

          The only way to work itself out - is to conform to International Law - to ensure "right of passage - air and sea" - and there will be no war.

          With every Countries Economic tie together and inter-connected -- do you think there are appetite to fight and burn their money away?

          Eventually, Countries will work itself out.

          Thus Singapore position is very clear and very transparent, and very fair, just with equality --- negotiate, arbitrate, mediate, talk, dialogue to resolve disputes peacefully --- no military confrontation --- by observing International Law.

          This is Singapore consistent and transparent stand --- without taking sides.

          

          ricky l9 seconds ago

          Simply say, this is how international law play out - for all Countries to follow.

          If some decide otherwise and not play by the international law, they can negotiate with the claimant parties - to "buy (purchase) the rights" to come up with a Win-Win outcome ---- then there will be no war.

          

          ricky l9 seconds ago

          When there is a "Willing Seller" and there is a "Willing Buyer" ----- then peaceful resolution is possible.

          

          ricky l9 seconds ago

          Everything has a price.

          It is about paying the right price - with a "Willing Seller" and a "Willing Buyer".

          Then 不是皆大欢喜吗？
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          ricky l9 seconds ago
          Selling some rocks and islands and buying them for the rights of access - can be a lucrative deal for both sides - and can be a "Win-Win" outcome.

          It is a business deal - then there is no appetite for war.

          But the "international right of passage - air and sea" cannot be blocked - regardless of who control the rocks and islands --- according to international law.
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          ricky l9 seconds ago

          Because international law to ensure "international right of passage - air and sea" - is a lifeline to all Countries in the World - to allow trade, business, travel to be carry out without disruption, obstruction and paying "passage money".

          This right cannot be breached or control by any Country --- in the International water.

          

          ricky l9 seconds ago

          That is why observing International Law is so important.

          

          ricky l39 seconds ago

          The crux of message to resolve the South China Sea dispute is :-

          "Why fight when you can trade"?

          The meaning of trade is :-

          "I want to buy some of your rocks and islands - give me your price ---- ie. direct purchase, business deal, investment, build my infrastructure, give me right to fish, share whatever resources or mineral dig out from the island or sea around the rocks etc".

          Transform the "fight for sovereign rights" into "negotiation for business deal".

          Then no need to fight what - business can negotiate and talk - no need to 动刀动枪，动气动阵 - 动钱 就可以了 - 皆大欢喜。
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