70 Storeys above Ground Zero

Malaysian in general were substantially affected by the recent petrol price increase. Well, is that the case in Singapore, I had wondered before going there. Probably not. This may be because majority of the people travel by public transport. The pinch was therefore not felt as there may not have been any fare hike sanctioned by the Government.

But, I did gauge some murmurs from at least one taxi driver who was unusually talkative about his heart-felt concerns knowing I am somebody not from within. Two things he mentioned:

• The Government is going to import Mainland Chinese to become taxi drivers. I doubt it is workable as they can't speak English which is prerequisite in a country like Singapore.
• Government's ministers are paid exorbitant salaries, why can they have a cut to benefit the less fortunate or the poorer sector ?

I was surprised that Singaporean taxi-drivers are a dying breed and that the country needs foreigners to keep this important trade going.

Well, on the exorbitant salaries of the ministers, he was not convinced that high pay is a deterrent against corruption among politicians.

While murmurs and complaints are unavoidable and remain daily routines, my lunch date fortunately was still on. This time at a staggering height of 70 storeys above ground zero. The food and the views were both spectacular and unforgettable!