best of times

It is the best of times, it is the worst of times, it is the age of wisdom, it is the age of foolishness, it is the epoch of belief, it is the epoch of incredulity. Or so someone once said.

With the elections coming and the papers reporting good news on a daily basis, it is natural that Singaporeans are led into thinking that good times are upon us.

Today, however, the Professional Cynic, that is moi, peers into his Swarovski^TM crystal ball and foresees possible bad times in the not so distant future. Headlines, headlines and more headlines - and none of them good.

Here's a prelude of what to expect in the following months, especially when the elections are over. You have been warned.

• GDP growth falls short, previous forecast over-optimistic


• Job cuts necessary to keep economy going: Manpower Minister


• Workers risk losing out as foreign talent pool reaches record level
  


• Transport fare hikes brought forward to June


• Cigarette tax up with immediate effect
  


• No CPF restoration but further cuts likely, says PM


• Panel to study need for GST raise


• Buangkok to close again due to poor ridership


• STI hovering at dangerous levels, analysts warn


• Do not expect handouts every year, workers told


• First, casinos. Next, legalised prostitution
  

The last one there does sound a little interesting...

The future might seem gloom, but there's hope yet. Just wait another 4-5 years, when the next General Elections come along, ha!

Disclaimer: The above list comes purely from the imagination of the Professional Cynic. We think he tends to be a little pessimistic.