'Should we ban Singapore products?'

I really should be writing my thesis, considering I have AT LEAST 2 chapters left plus another assignment begging my attention. But the Internet is such a terribly evil thing that keeps my focus somewhere else. Ok maybe not the internet, more like my lack of self-discipline.

I was reading The Nation (Thai newspaper) online just now and came across a forum topic titled 'Should we ban Singapore products?'. For those who have been following, with the sale of Shin corp to Temasek Holdings (who at this point own 96% of their shares), Thais have been irated by this deal which they deem to be a sale of national interests to Singapore.

I read through some of the posts in the forum and there are Thais, Singaporeans, Malaysians airing their views there. There are varied views, some pro-Singapore, some anti-Singapore and these come from all 3 groups of people. Being the Singaporean that I am though, I was wondering if Singaporeans actually make anti-government/anti-LKY/anti-Lee Hsien Loong/anti-etc. remarks or worse still 'slander' them, whether they would be liable to being charged for it. I guess we have to go back to laws regarding cyberspace to get the answer. Maybe if I paid more attention in Computing and Society I would know the answer.

Anyway, it's quite hilarious reading the forum really. I find that there are many comments which reflect how one-track minded people can be and how the emotions of the heart can really cloud all judgement. I don't claim to be able to be rational and objective in this issue, or any others for that matter, but some arguments hold no water and you know it when you read it. Well it provides a good laugh nonetheless.

I must say though that sometimes things people say about Singapore, which I personally deem inaccurate/inappropriate, does trigger flashes of nationalistic sentiments in me. Perhaps one of the instances where the self/other thing is reinforcing my sense of identity.

Alright that's it, I'm done. Oh one more thing, last night I had onion prata and to my (pleasant) surprise, the prata man put so much onion in it! Usually they are quite stingy but this time it was practically over-flowing with onions...yum. I think it's a new chef/owner. Pretty random but never mind.