Dear Mr Speaker Sir,
I am glad to return to this forum after a lapse of about 2
years. Over the last 2 years I had been tolling day and night over
2 jobs in large MNCs with a large percentage of Ang MOs. IN 1 of
the 2, I was summarily forced to resign after my National
Service without a good reason despite achieving superb results -
above 130% of targets and assessment from my American boss. After
he left the company, my division was transferred to the hands of
an Aussie (apparently my boss for just a day) who
appointed an ANG MO person who was supposed to help me oversee
during my NS. "help" becomes an interesting and convenient
word. My Aussie boss happens to be just 1 day being my official
boss....
In short, if my bad experience is of any trends, many MNCs
are placing Ang Mos instead of the usual locals in the past in the
name that locals are not as capable. We all know capability is a
subjective matter, not to mention our laws does not protect
executive and management personnels.
Many recruiters were surprised why I had not pursue a legal
action on the organization who wrongfully removed me. Who wants a
prolonged court hearing where its your words against their words
when due compensation was already paid with all letters of
indemnity being signed (I have to admit I signed them under duress
as I was sick and obviously shocked). Besides why the inconvenience
to attend court, fight a legal case, spending good money on lawyers
without confidence of winning when we saw so many failed cases,
tarnished reputations and sadly wondering if I get suppport or
sympathy from the judge when obviously our government who is so
dependent on foreign investors.... Don't mean or imply defarmation,
just fair comment- just my feelings....
In my current work place, the number of Ang MOs are
increasing and key management positions are given to Ang Mos and
foreigners (Indian Nationals..maybe they are cheaper?). Many of the
decisions are based on who knows who- which is understandable
except that this is now within the Ang Mo community. The
interesting thing is that these people do not walk the talk but
just keep talking without actually really doing anything
substantial. Guess who takes the pains when issues came up. Bingo!
the locals- Singaporeans! I felt sad seeing so many capable people
being bullied and let down by their Ang Mo bosses who does not work
hard nor smart but flying first and business class, taking credit
and passing blame to others, treating the locals with talent like
overly paid secretaries- arranging conference calls,
meetings....reminding me of the pilot syndrome....
I longed for the days when the government was more restrictive
on foreigners joining our ranks. Many of us have good management
experience but now if our government's policy of getting so many
foreigners into our country, I wonder why do we SIngaporean have to
die for this island and how are we going to get to the level
hierachy without the due experience.
It is ironic that I have just been given the National Service
Medal and placed in Military reserve. As much as I am proud of what
I have done for my country, I wonder if I am proud of what my
government has done to us.
From Coffee shops to senior management positions, foreigners are
taking Singaporean's positions. Sometimes by force (where I
experienced first hand- without knowing why even till today-
because I suppose there isn't any) and some by opportunity cost as
well as who knows who.... what a pathetic state of affairs
Increasingly I feel like a second class citizen. As much as I
appreciate the finances (in comparison to local companies), I
wonder when the next bad experience will come. As much as I worked
over time, over weekends, cleaning the shit of my ang mo bosses-
with so many of them - I have 4 bosses- direct and dotted
included.... I wonder why they are paid so much more than I am,
with all the full facilities and expat packages, when I am actually
the guy doing the job, taking the accountability and having to keep
answering "what value I bring to the organization" when I wonder
what my bosses bring other than talking or teaching me " how to
suck eggs" kind of advice.
Can any politician or anyone out there bother to give me some
encouragement....Don't try to psycho me.... as I am just pissed. As
I lick my wounds, I recalled watching MONEY NO ENOUGH ...where the
bak Kua company was messed up by the chao ang mo... I wonder when
our government will realize the folly as much as the loss of
national integrity and dignity as we kneel down and kowtow just to
attract more investors to our shores.... where have the back bone
and strength of our Lee Kuan Yew spirit gone to??? Our government
is sick!
Increasingly I wonder if it is still worth to let me and my
family - including my son to serve NS when he is due......I wonder
who am I...... what is the meaning of Singaporean? Why we need our
government at all when we are left to fend for ourselves...
So as much as I have a job...I wonder where is my soul and where
is my identity and pride...
