Widia's Review

It is evident that the food producers in China are extremely stubborn as they still modified their food. In the article, watermelons were injected with growth stimulating chemicals to make it bigger. This would help producers reap in great profits. However, it seems like they did not spare a thought for their consumers' health. With the discovery of this modified watermelon, more people are afraid to consume China-made products especially after knowing the harmful effects it brings. In turn, this will affect China's economy in the long run as it has lost trust and loyalty from consumers. Despite protests and the punishments set aside for such producers, it still continues. It could be because the punishments are too light. For those who produce food which are non-lethal, they will only be imprisonment. I feel that the sentence should be heavier and fair to all because currently, only producers who produce food which are lethal will be sentenced to death. Both should be sentenced the same punishment as both affect consumers' health. This way more producers will think twice before wanting to inject something into their food products or mix it with certain chemicals. Death is indeed a great threat to most Man.

David's comment

The food problems in China has been around for a really long time already, and it seems that the situation is getting worst. In serious cases, they might cause death amongst the Chinese citizens. This has greatly affected the reputation of Chinese food and products, and that is probably why China is required to take action. I fully support China in making punishments more harsher. This serves as a warning to all those food violators. I can't believe that officials are even accepting bribes. I truly hope that this new policy would strike fears into the hearts of the evil.

Jeyshree's Comment On The Article

I feel that the law that they have imposed in China is necessary. Food is an essential thing for survival. It is kind of sad that even if you are hungry, you cannot trust the food  because the food security in china is rather bad. You would rather prefer to starve than consuming the food. The food in china is no longer safe for the people to consume. Thus, it is a must to have such law to ensure food security. Quoting from the article, "The overall food safety situation is stable and improving, but incidents that still occur regularly have seriously endangered people's lives and caused strong social reactions," It is the carelessness of some people that makes the situation in china worse. This makes the people in China no longer have the trust on their products. Thus, I hope that this new amendment to the law in China would bring back the trust of its consumers. It might also boost their economy to a better level.

Minjung's comment

I think China’s food contamination widens recently. Other than milk, pigs and watermelons, eggs produced in three different provinces in China were even contaminated with melamine. Melamine is very harmful to our health because it can cause kidney stones and renal failure in infants. Therefore, I agree with that those people who violate food regulations should be given harsher punishment.

I believe prevention is more important so people in China should also move aggressively to test a wide variety of food for melamine, including fish, vegetables and meats.

Prabhu"s Review on Article

Nowadays, food from China are posing a serious threat to the society and to the people in China. According to the article, those who didn't follow food safety rules will be serving longer jail terms and will be paying larger fines if found guilty of violating food safety regulations and  death sentences would be given in cases where people died as ordered by The Supreme People's Court.

 A total of 106 people accused of violating food safety, including two who received life imprisonment last month in a "melamine milk" case. If this situation keeps going on the reputation of the food industry of China would be deeply affected and the demand for food imported from China would go down as most of the people would't want to eat or buy food items from the country.In conclusion China should relook into this matter seriously and should do some changes to their food safety regulation for the wellbeing of the poeple.

China: Food safety violators to face death penalty By Steven Jiang, CNNMay 30, 2011 -- Updated 1134 GMT (1934 HKT)

A recent wave of exploding watermelons has spotlighted safety fears in China's food sector

Beijing (CNN) -- Amid deepening public concerns over the country's food safety following a wave of recent scandals, China's highest court has ordered judges nationwide to hand down harsher sentences, including the death penalty, to people convicted of violating food safety regulations.

In a directive released by the state-run Xinhua news agency over the weekend, the Supreme People's Court said in cases where people die from food safety violations, convicted suspects should be given the death sentence, while criminals involved in non-lethal cases should face longer prison terms and larger fines.
It also called for harsher punishment for government officials found protecting food safety violators or accepting bribes from them.

"The overall food safety situation is stable and improving, but incidents that still occur regularly have seriously endangered people's lives and caused strong social reactions," the directive quoted Wang Shengjun, the country's top judge, as saying. "Our task to maintain food safety remains challenging."

From milk laced with melamine, pigs fed with performance-enhancing drugs to watermelons juiced up with growth-stimulating chemicals, a series of recent scandals have outraged Chinese consumers, despite ramped-up government crackdown and state media campaign against food safety violations.

From last September to April this year, Chinese courts have tried and convicted 106 people accused of violating food safety, including two who received life imprisonment last month in a "melamine milk" case, Xinhua reported.

"It's clear that the credibility of the system will suffer," said Peter K. Ben Embarek, the World Health Organization's food safety official. "The (Chinese) consumer will continue to lose confidence in Chinese products and consumers abroad will equally lose confidence in Chinese products."

The latest announcement by China's supreme court, however, seems to run counter to another recent initiative to limit the use of the death penalty by the same court.

In its annual work report, the Supreme People's Court last week instructed lower courts to suspend death sentences for two years if an immediate execution is not deemed necessary.

The Chinese legislature had earlier amended the country's penal code to reduce the number of crimes punishable by death by 13 to 55.

China executes more people than all other countries combined, according to Amnesty International. It estimated the figure, considered a state secret, to be in the thousands last year for "a wide range of crimes that include non-violent offences."

The number of executions elsewhere in the world in 2010 was at least 527, according to the London-based group's annual report released earlier this year.

Prabhu's review on article

The National Solidarity Party's Nicole Seah, the youngest candidate running for this election has become one of the most talked figure in singapore. According to an article she is now the poltician with a total of 99,671 likes in facebook putting MM Lee Kuan Yew in the second position. Even though NSP lost to PAP with a difference of 13 % Nicole Seah mentioned that she will still continue to help the society. She has also managed to upkeep an image as a role model in young people minds.After the elections Ms Seah later issued a letter, "addressed to my friends, my fellow Singaporeans", in which she congratulated Mr Low Thia Khiang and his Workers' Party for "having made political history in Singapore". She also paid tribute to Foreign Minister George Yeo, calling him a "soldier, scholar, statesman" and "a perfect gentleman". This shows her intergrity and positive attitude she has for her constitution . Personally i salute Ms Nicole Seah for her courage and care towads the public. Nicole Seah all the Way!

Minjung's Comment On The Article

I don't really know about Nicole Seah but i can infer from the article that she is a very intelligent person. I think she is also a person with warm heart who is willing to help people around her as she even cried when she talked to a woman having problem with her child’s tuition fees. She was able to understand people well by sharing how their feelings.  A lot of young Singaporeans can take her as role model. Even though she is very young, she was able to attract people's attention by her interesting speech. I hope that she will be elected in the next election and  continue to grow to be a great politician for Singapore’s bright future.  I also wish to see more qualified younger candidates will join in the election.

David's comment on Nicole Seah

NSP, National solidarity party? Or Nicole Seah's Party? Goh Chok Tong said that in his perspective, NSP only has 1 member. Is that really true? However, i feel that that Nicole Seah has really represented the worries and cares of fellow Singaporeans. Though NSP lost in GE 2011, Nicole stated "To me this is just the beginning. I never saw the 2011 election as an end in itself … I was always thinking about what's going to happen five years down the road." This clearly shows us that she is still confident and forward looking despite failure, which shows that she has the attributes and the characteristics of a fine leader despite her age and experiences. The PAP has to improve on it's shortcomings, as there are no doubt these are the reasons why people are voting against them. Though NSP lost, they have really carved a new chapter in the general elections. However, we must not neglect the fact that PAP has granted us stability for the past 30 years. In a nutshell, like Nicole Seah said, "This is just the beginning." Who knows? The NSP might win my vote in the upcoming 5 years, but for now, the People's Action Party still have my uttermost support. Thank you very much for taking up your precious time. You guy's have been really attentive.

Jeyshree's Comment On The Article

Nicole Seah is one of the five members of the National Solidarity Party's (NSP). She has attracted many people by her speech. I think that she was able to communicate with the people well. She even cried when she was talking about the woman who was struggling to pay her child's tuition fees. This shows that she is able place herself as one of us. She is a good role model to all of the younger Singaporeans. She is willing to help more people despite the loss in election. I feel that we can learn a lot of things from her, starting with able to understand other people's feelings. GO NICOLE SEAH!!! =)

Widia's review on the article

Ms Nicole Seah, the youngest member in the five-member NSP team in Marine Parade General Representation Constituency (GRC), is definitely an optimistic and forward-looking Singaporean. Despite losing out to the People's Action Party, she did not admit defeat. She mentioned that this is just the beginning. She is most definitely an exemplary figure as she took defeat in her stride and is looking forward to contribute to the constituency. It is also very evident that she cares a lot about our country and our people. Out of her good will, she has also taken initiative to help a fellow Singaporean, who's facing financial crisis, tutor her child on a pro-bono basis. Pro-bono basis simply means that she does not expect anything in return after rendering help sincere from the heart. I definitely look up to her as she has good Samaritan characteristics and has a drive that never seems to burn out. 

In conclusion, we should not succumb to defeat easily and should continue pushing ourselves to our maximum potential that I am certain everyone has in order to achieve our goals. Defeat should not be taken negatively. Instead, it should be taken as a lifelong and worthwhile experience. We can use that experience to analyse where we have gone wrong and improve on that particular area. We should also contribute to the society as and when we can. There is no need to be a political figure to help others regardless of language, race or religion because we are all living in the same country. We sure do need more Nicole Seahs in our country. 

Nicole Seah: This is just the beginning

SINGAPORE - She walked into the Lavender Food Court looking to grab a bite before heading up to the National Solidarity Party's (NSP) headquarters across the street but ended up being swamped by the media and well-wishers.

Surrounded by reporters looking for interviews and supporters looking for photo opportunities, a tired-looking Nicole Seah trudged up to the NSP office without eating anything.

Ms Seah, part of the five-member NSP team in Marine Parade General Representation Constituency (GRC), may have just lost her very first election to the People's Action Party (PAP) team led by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong but she vowed to go on.

"I'm not tired, I'm raring to go. To me this is just the beginning. I never saw the 2011 election as an end in itself … I was always thinking about what's going to happen five years down the road.

"I'm not disappointed, I think it was a very strong show that we put up," said the 24-year-old, whose popularity has made her one of the higher-profile candidates in this General Election.

She said that she planned to head to MacPherson today to meet a woman struggling to pay her child's tuition fees. At a rally on Thursday night, Ms Seah cried when she talked about the plight of the woman whom she had met during a walkabout. Ms Seah told reporters that she is trying to get someone to give the woman's child's tuition "on a pro-bono basis".

"I'm not sure if I qualify as (a role model) but at the very least I've given young Singaporeans that space to talk … to think about how to formulate their own opinions … standpoints and the way they are going to contribute to the political discourse in our society," said the advertising executive.

Ms Seah said she is optimistic about the changes that are taking place in Singapore's political landscape.

"Things are going to get more interesting, you are going to see more young Singaporeans step up, a lot more qualified and credible candidates … to contribute to a more vibrant and diverse political landscape … and this speaks of how we are maturing as a society," she said. 

"(The campaigning experience) was definitely worth it. It was easily one of the most exhilarating experiences I've ever had and …

"It was a very difficult decision at the beginning to want to put myself out there, especially knowing how Opposition candidates have it tougher … But I wouldn't change a single thing.

"We can't wait to move forward and do more for the constituency," said Ms Seah.

Ms Seah later issued a letter, "addressed to my friends, my fellow Singaporeans", in which she congratulated Mr Low Thia Khiang and his Workers' Party for "having made political history in Singapore". She also paid tribute to Foreign Minister George Yeo, calling him a "soldier, scholar, statesman" and "a perfect gentleman".

As for Mr Chiam See Tong, Ms Seah said Singaporeans owe the veteran Opposition politician a "debt of gratitude" and added: "We will carry on the work you began. "

Minjung's comment

Osama Bin Laden is believed to have ordered the attacks on New York and Washington on 11 September 2001 and a numerous peole in USA. Bin Laden is also known as the top of the US "most wanted" list. It's a great relief that the US's operation was very sucessful and managed to kill him but i personally think that it has made the world a much dangerous world. The reason is because there are still some Al - Qaeda's remaining leaders. Even though many were killed or captured, there are sill some new names have emerged.
Ayman al-Zawahiri is expected to replace Osama Bin Laden as the leader of al - Qaeda. He is number two in the "most wanted terrorist" list announced by the US government and he has a great potential to attack USA again. Many people and Ayman al-Zawahiri must be mourning and swearing to give their lives in revenge against US. Therefore, USA should be always ready for any atttacks from Al - Qaeda.
This means that the fight against the terror will still go on....

Prabhu's Review on Article

After reading and hearing the news of Osama Bin Laden being dead, the whole world was surprised and felt justice was finally served as the most wanted terrorist has been shot by the US Army. Osma Bin Laden the terrorist who made everyone grief in pain made a major impact in USA and the world after the 11/9 incident which happen 10 yeas ago . According to the article, it is mentioned that the US Army has buried him in the sea but is it true? Most of them are questioning his death as there is no evidence, President Barack Obama decided not to release the real images of bin Laden's body as there are fake pictures circulating around the net. People all over the world are anxiously waiting for the pictures to be shown in the media. Finally there willl be peace in the country, although the most wanted terrorist is dead the country must always stay vigilant at all times. You never know, when you or your country be attacked by a terrorist!

David's Review On article

After reading the article. I somehow have this strong feeling that Osama Bin Ladin is not dead. First and foremost, this is not the first time that the United States have claim that they have killed the Afghanistan leader. Not only that, after murderiing Osama, they threw away the body at sea. They could have at least show more hard evidence to proof that Osama was killed by them. Any Tom, Dick or Harry could randomly claim that they have killed Osama, or any Afghanistan leader of some sort. However, if i were to take their words. I feel that it might not be entirely a good thing that Osama has been killed and publicised like that. This would seem to serve as a great insult to the organisation and they would reform into a more stronger group and soon would plan their revenge. In a nutshell, i still have this strong feeling that Osama is not dead. I just pray that God bless America and every other nations being targeted. Amen.

Widia's Review On Article

The article mentioned that one of the most wanted terrorist, Osama Bin Laden, had been killed by the US armed forces. Personally I do not agree with this operation conducted by the US armed forces. Osama launched an attack on 9 September 2001. It has already been 10 years therefore I see no point in prosecuting this man. He has been living in fear for the past years after killing millions of innocent people. They say, what goes around comes around. At this time and age, humans should not live by this statement as it invokes the characteristic of carrying out vengeance in them. The US are highly respected by people all over the world. They should be setting a good example. Instead of immediately killing him, they could have held Osama captive and reasoned out with him before conducting prosecution. It is important to hear one's say before carrying out neccessary actions. At the very least, we would all know what he had in mind when he did that inhuman act. We would have known his last words or his purpose in doing what he did. So that it will serve as a reminder to the public and all the other terrorists.

Jeyshree's Review On The Article

He was the man behind the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. He was also responsible for the insecurity in certain countries.  Recently, the news said that the U.S military forces in Pakistan killed Osama Bin Laden. They also said that the U.S military captured his body and buried it at sea. It is indeed good news, but how reliable is this news? There is no evidence that he is dead for sure.  Well, there was news before that Osama had died, but they found him again. The Americans were happy in hearing the death of the religious extremist, Osama Bin Laden.  But however, there are chances that a new “Osama” can be formed. Never think that it’s all over.  We should always stay vigilant!

US has killed Osama bin Laden: Obama

Al Qaeda's elusive leader Osama bin Laden is dead and his body has been recovered by US authorities, CNN reported on Sunday.

WASHINGTON - THE United States has killed Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden nearly 10 years after the September 11, 2001 attacks, President Barack Obama said in a dramatic televised address on Sunday.

'Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of Al-Qaeda, and a terrorist who's responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women and children,' Mr Obama said in a surprise late night White House address.

The world's most wanted man had been killed in a Pakistani compound in an operation on Sunday, which had been carried after cooperation from Islamabad, the US leader said.

Mr Obama said in the historic address from the White House that he had directed the US armed forces to launch an attack against a compound in Pakistan on Sunday acting on a lead that first emerged last August.

'A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties.' -- AFP