Malaysia is just a conspiracy

Yes! Malaysia has no longer exist since Singapore leave the united countries. Yet the independant Sabah and Sarawak has been degraded as states of Malaysia just because the poor native are not educated. We've been robbed by the greedy blood suckers that took our natural resources and land.

These are the conversation going on in Facebook before I decided to blog about this sad entry:

Me from Sabah: It would be a different story if Sabah and Sarawak had the same currency with Brunei Dollar and not Ringgit Malaysia. You blood sucking will be nothing without our natural resources in the first place! I'm always a proud Sabahan but lost my love for Malaysia long long time ago

Friend from Sarawak: We can do our part now by sharing the info around whether online or offline and hope one will stand up regroup the people and fight for our true Independence. Oh, the agreement already void, so technically Malaysia does not exist. :/

Me from Sabah: Malaya can do whatever they want, Sabah and Sarawak must unite to regain our rights for our next generations! We need to pull ourselves away from those bloody suckers!!!

Friend from Sarawak: Rephrase on they do whatever they want on their land, keep out from ours :)

Me from Sabah: the worse part, they sold our land and chase our people away from our homes. What are they without us in the first place? I feel very sad for the innocents and money is not what they want but home by their ancestors to their next generation. These robbers not only taken their land, but they took their jobs, theirs food, their homes, theirs lives! Been to these kampung during church mission trip and these people are enjoying the lives they had without complains even with the shortage of water and electrical supply by the government they voted who abandon them for years. I have to agree that without the people there won't be a government!

Friend from Sarawak: Same here. :( Our people are getting their land rob in broad day light. Another is the illegal immigration of people to your state and giving them citizen-ships and rob away your lands. So let's do our part to change this

If you think what the blood sucker done with the money of the tax payers are shitty, being taken for grated is still not that bad. I think being chased away from home and being treated like savages by those barbarians when cries being ignored by the leaders that suppose to look after their people is the saddest story that my native friends are suffering from.

Please prepare yourself and spare half an hour of your time to witness this heart breaking news :( Do check out 18/20 Point Malaysia Agreement for your own understanding.

Dolphin deaths spark renewed opposition to RWS plans

What on earth is happening? Animals are dying!!! Research is one thing but capturing them to entertain humans is cruelty. How you like to caged up and forcefully be taken away from home? :(

Activists say keeping dolphins in captivity lowers their life expectancy. (File photo)

Animal welfare activists are up in arms over Resorts World Sentosa‘s (RWS) decision to proceed with its plan to keep dolphins in its oceanarium despite the death of two of the seven bottlenose dolphins in its possession.

According to The Straits Times, the move has drawn flak from animal welfare groups who are urging the integrated resort to reconsider its decision to keep dolphins in its upcoming Marine Life Park.

The two female dolphins — caught from the wild in the Solomon Islands — died from a melioidosis bacterial infection while being held in the Malaysian island of Langkawi two months ago. Melioidosis is a soil-borne disease, with infections occurring primarily during the rainy season.

The deaths have again sparked fresh opposition to RWS’ plans to house the animals as entertainers. Last May, RWS scrapped a controversial plan to exhibit whale sharks. It explained that it might not be able to care for the animals which can grow up to 15m long and weigh up to 15 tonnes.

Marine conservationist Paul Watson told Today newspaper the “incarceration of dolphins lowers life expectancy of the animals”.

“It’s a trade based on blood and misery and has no place in the 21st century,” said the founder and president of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) executive director Deirdre Moss echoed his views.

”This is a tragedy. The animals were obviously under tremendous stress… If RWS could change its stand on whale sharks, why couldn’t they on dolphins?”

Mr Robin Goh, assistant director of communications at RWS, said the pair of dolphins were perfectly healthy prior to the infection. He added that other animals in holding have not shown any signs of infection.

As for the 18 dolphins being trained at Ocean Adventure Park in the Philippines for the Marine Life Park, RWS said they were in “good health”.

“We’re continuing with the development and establishment of the medical, behavioural, husbandry and training programmes that include the preventive medicine programme to ensure the well-being and health of the dolphins,” said Mr Goh.

The oceanarium — set to be the world’s largest aquarium – takes up a whopping 80,000 square metres, and was part of the resort’s proposal when Genting International won the bid to build the Sentosa integrated resort in 2006. It is scheduled to open next year.

“We’re committed to delivering the bid and the Marine Life Park that will not only boost tourism but research, conservation and education in marine mammals in this part of the region,” Mr Goh added.

However, Ms Moss reiterated: “It’s cruel to capture these animals from the wild with a view to entertain the public. We should promote tourism but not at the expense of these animals.”

Source: Fit to Post - Yahoo! Singapore's blog

5B's,5K's 5C's n 12345 & 54321-must see!

Wonder how true is this? Come to visit both Malaysia and Singapore :D

NO MORE 5C'S
BUT NEW 5B'S in Singapore


Well.....here is something to link the 5cs to the newer 5 bs !

I don't need a CAR, but I want a BMW

I don't need a CONDO, but I want a BUNGALOW

I don't need you to have CASH but I want you to own a BANK

I don't need you to have a CAREER but I want you to be a BOSS

It's interesting for you to read!

Most of you would have heard of the Singapore 5C's! :

Car, Condo, Credit Card, Cash and Career

Heard of the 5B's?

B - BMW

B - Body

B - Brain

B - Billionaire

B - Bungalow

And, and addition with the 5K's ......................

Kiasu (scared of losing)

Kiasi (scared of dying)

Kiabor (scared of wife)

Kiaboh (scared of having nothing)

Kiachenghu (scared of government)

We've been reading about the 5C's! and 5K's for Singaporeans, now
comes the 5 Numerals and Malaysia 's equivalent...

Singapore's 'practice' for Simple Living : 12345
1 - One Wife (If more than one, LKY will consign you out of Singapore anyway )
2 - Two Children
3 - Three Bedroom Condo
4 - Four Wheels
5 - Five Figure Salary

Malaysia's Melayu 'theory' to Simple Living: 54321 must be opposite to Singapore's theory ma
5 - Five Children
4 - Four Wives
3 - Three Figure Salary
2 - Two Wheels
1 - One low-cost Govt. flat

Vacancy for a Girl Friend

OK, this morning I got a coffee invite via message in Facebook. Since I don't know this guy so I went to check his profile and guess what I found. Something good must share around LMAO

Hi all, I m Sameer...
and I am gonna announce ...

-:: Vancancy for a Girl Friend::-

Applications are invited for the following post. The package and incentives are mentioned below.

Designation : Junior girl friend (trainee)
Experience : Must have ditched at least 2 guys (Fresher with excellent credentials will be considered)
Other requirement : Should have the Potential to do street bargaining and fight if required.

Age : 18-25 (if the individual is too good looking but not in the age group can also apply, special considerations will be undertaken for them)
Height, weight, complexions no bar, but is subjective.

Perks and incentives:
Total gross ( Monthly ) :
· 2 gifts worth not exceeding Rs. 1000/-(no precious metals, stones)
· trips to small islands nearby
· 5 Trips to Temple
· Kulfis / Ice creams at a regular gap of 3 days
. Evenings at ECP, Changi point
. Long walk on beaches
· Daily Provision of Samosa/Bread Pakoda/Bhel (evening snacks) worth Rs. 10 /-
· 2 movies per month (on weekends)
· Visits to Shopping Malls and Clubs every Weekend (On your own expense)

A Pair of Jeans or T-shirts according to demand will be gifted, subject to finance availability and to the size available with the shopkeeper.

Net Deductions (Monthly): Affair Fund and un-professional taxes will be informed on joining
The probation period is 6 months, after which confirmation (with Promotion to fulltime Girlfriend)

Plz NOTE:
1. Only females.
2. Girls who left in the last 2 months need not apply.
3. Ex-girlfriends will be eligible only if they agree to the above mentioned conditions.

There is more:
For girls who are not eligible, can take advantage of the referral. Program by referring their friend, colleagues etc.

Candle light or Tube light dinner will be given on every referral, even if candidate is not selected.

Search............ never ends!!

Interested candidates can send their resume with atlest one crystal-clear without make-up photograph.

Subject:
Name/fresher- exp/age.
Photo must be in attachment. to the email address via mail
Note: Applications without photo will be rejected.

Disclaimer :- In the case of any conflict with applicant's x-bfs ,the decison of myself is final . No appeal will be entertained in this case. If further indiscipline is created than he and she will be held responcible and punished accordingly.

Milk Shake VS Zouk Out

I got a feeling, that tonight's gonna be a good night! Not going to ZOUKOUT? Get tired of clubbing every weekend. Want to have some party and get to know new friends. Well, tell you the good news as tonight I'm gonna enjoy my free party with a huge numbers of friends!

The No Ordinary MILK SHAKE

WhosGoing.sg Signature Free Entry

RSVP
RSVP to rsvp@whosgoing.sg with your name, nric, date of birth, mobile and number of guests (with a maximum of 3 guests excluding yourself).

Printout
Alternatively, you can print out our free-entry flyer and present it at the door. Click here for the printout

Gents: Free entry from 9pm - 10.30pm with RSVP or Printout
Ladies: Free entry all night with RSVP or Printout

Free Flow for the Ladies
Do not miss this! There will be a free flow of housepours for the ladies from 9 - 11pm!

Drink Promotions
- 1-for-1 on jugs all night long
- Smirnoff Red @ $150nett
- Hennessey @ $188nett
- Belvedere @ $188nett
- Moet & Chandon 100 @ $128nett

Ambassadors
Priority entry for all ambassadors
Mention your Whosgoing.sg ID at the door to gain access to the Le Chambre Privee room for an ambassador gathering.
50% off purchases on loose house pour drinks (excluding jugs and bottles) at the Le Chambre Privee bar.

Those who wish to join the Ambassador team, please contact budiyan@whosgoing.sg with your name, nric, Whosgoing.sg ID and mobile to gain access to the Le Chambre Privee ambassador room.
(We regret that only selected applicants will be notified by email after the event)

Supperclub
Odeon Towers, 331 North Bridge Road, 6334 4080. Click here for map

RSVP to rsvp@whosgoing.sg with your particulars

OR

Print out the free-entry flyer

OR

You can download the PRINTOUT onto your mobile and show it at the door

Links
Visit the Milk Shake event page on WhosGoing.sg

Add the WhosGoing.sg Fanpage on Facebook

Follow us on twitter for real-time updates

More about Supperclub

Google Maps

Support my friend on SoyJoy Blogger Challenge

OMG Actually this has been up since 25th but I only noticed it today. Well, I'm helping my friend to promote. Check it out~ *Only available in Singapore*

Hello! I would like to request for your support. The SOYJOY Blogger Challenge #1 commences from the 25th of May to 30th of May. I am looking for AS MANY offices to recieve FREE SOYJOY bars within this time frame. Max. 40 bars per location.

 

Please pass on the news to friends/family/collegues/clients/customers to share with this FREE SOYJOY sampling opportunity and thank you for your support!

 

Email me at honeymeow@gmail.com to reply.

Vote for me, Honeymeow at www.gi-joy.com

(voting clocked in once every 3 hours till the end of June 09)

P/S: Do continue to help me vote for Singapore's Only Male Bitch and #2 Chen Tse Yang

Be Inspired by our Higher Learning Special

Got this e-mail from SPH Internet Business - Marketing. Thought it was just another ad until I saw my school did participate along. Well, at least now I know my school EASB is getting involve to be recognize in GO Guide.

Sinkapore or Sinka pore?

Less than an hour ago I got this irritating e-mail.

SINKAPORE.COM

Whatever Lah { Just Talk Lah } Pull out a chair, order some kopi, scratch your armpit – Let's Talk! @#$%^&*()

Singapore's Newly Launched Online Community. Come join us and have fun today!

www.sinkapore.com

Note: Now that you've read this message, you need to foward it to at least 5 people in your contacts. This email message will be tracked, and if you choose to ignore or delete it, the Singapore Government will come hard after you!

www.sinkapore.com

What say you? Who you think you are? To my fellow friends and readers in Singapore, PLEASE DO NOT JOIN THIS COMMUNITY, I strongly discourage by the way they promoted it.

P/S: Do not ever use Singapore Goverment to threaten me for you 'fun' online community, I will report this up to who it may concern if you try to mess up with my already miserable life in Singapore.

Chinese S’poreans should focus on learning Mandarin well, says MM Lee

The trend of Chinese dialects dying out in Singapore is irreversible, said Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, who urged Singaporeans to focus more energy on learning Mandarin instead.

Speaking at the 30th anniversary of the Speak Mandarin Campaign on Tuesday, Mr Lee said the key challenge is no longer about Mandarin versus dialects, but about getting more Chinese Singaporeans to speak Mandarin to their children.

Mastering both English and Mandarin is not an easy task for most children, including the minister mentor’s grandchildren. He said among the seven of them, only one prefers to use Mandarin, whereas the rest often answer in English when he asks them questions in Mandarin.

Mr Lee urged parents to help their children master the language at home. "If both (parents) can speak Mandarin, don’t speak to your child in English, or one in English and one in Chinese. Speak to them in Mandarin, leave their English alone — they will master it," he said.

Research has shown that it is difficult for most children to cope with two languages which are as diverse as English and Mandarin.

According to a study done by Cornelius Kubler, an American professor who teaches Mandarin to US foreign service officers, it takes four times as long to train someone to a level where they can function professionally in Mandarin, compared to other languages like French, German and Spanish.

That is why Mr Lee said there is a need to build a strong Mandarin foundation in children.

On learning dialects, the minister mentor said it causes negative interferences with the learning of Mandarin and English because dialects have different vocabulary, phonetics and syntax.

"Today’s Zaobao had a whole series of middle aged and older generation saying we must have dialects. If you’ve got 100 gigabytes here, then you can put it in. But you haven’t got 100 gigabytes...

"And the more you use dialects, the less you will use your Mandarin. Your Mandarin will go down, your English will not go down because you have to use it," Mr Lee said.

He added that if the government had left language habits to evolve undirected, Chinese Singaporeans would be speaking an adulterated Hokkien—Teochew dialect.

Mr Lee also said the value of a language is its usefulness. If one speaks Hokkien or Cantonese, one could only reach some 60 million people in Fujian and Taiwan, or about 100 million in Guangdong and Hong Kong. With Mandarin, one can reach 1.3 billion Chinese from all provinces in China.

Statistics from the Education Ministry showed that the proportion of Chinese families in Singapore who speak dialects at home has dropped significantly in the past 30 years.

It fell below 10 per cent in 1988 and continued on a downward trend. Since 2001, less than 2 per cent of Chinese students in each cohort have come from dialect—speaking homes, demonstrating that the majority of parents prefer their children to focus on learning English and Mandarin well.

"Did you watch the Beijing Olympics Opening? I was there. I was watching the reactions of the foreign leaders and I knew that they knew this is a country that is going to rise," Mr Lee added.

He said Singapore is useful to China because we have access to the English—speaking world and have developed links with them due to our language policy. At the same time, Singaporeans are fluent in Mandarin; hence we can communicate with those in China and help them understand the West.

As part of this year’s Speak Mandarin Campaign, the Promote Mandarin Council will launch a challenge in two weeks to encourage Chinese Singaporeans to embrace Chinese language and culture.

Originally taken from Channel News Asia

Tales from the crypt in Singapore

Wong Shun Feng says he has seen spirits, been afflicted by supernatural phenomena and taken advice from gods -- and that it's all just part of the job.

Affectionately known to his friends as "Tua Ya Pek" after a Taoist god of the spiritual underworld, Wong is a gravedigger who exhumes the bones of the dead to make way for development in Singapore.

According to Taoist belief, Wong is among the first to greet the dead when they embark on their journey beyond the grave.

But instead of guiding the spirits towards reincarnation, nirvana (transcendence) or the "nine hells," he sends them to a new earthly resting place as cemeteries make way for roads, housing and public services.

The dead are not always willing to move, he says.

"I've seen spirits hovering beside me as I dig their grave, heard them whisper to me 'Ah Tee (young man), please don't move me'," Wong recalls matter-of-factly.

But not all spirits are so benign, he said.

The 53-year-old, who has been a gravedigger for almost 30 years, says he once saw a tree standing over a grave he was exhuming "shaking violently when trees next to it were still -- and there was no breeze".

He said once he was even "punished" for disrespecting the dead when he swore at a grave.

"In the evening after the dig, my left forearm was completely stiff even though I did not injure it, like the forearm of a corpse, and it was only after midnight that I regained use of it," said Wong, gesturing to the affected area.

Nevertheless, he says he is not afraid of the supernatural.

"As long as you have a good heart, they won't harm you," he said.

Neither does he care that people here might look down on him as an anachronism in a Westernised society, despite the fact that superstition has deep roots among ethnic Chinese, who account for 75 percent of the 3.6 million population.

"People might think that this type of work is taboo but I'm fine with it. I like the rugged life," he said.

A stocky man, Wong cuts an imposing figure with a variety of tattoos, the most prominent of which are the images of Tua Ya Pek and Li Ya Pek emblazoned across his chest and back.

The images of the two Taoist deities, who are said to be in charge of keeping spirits in line, are not there for decoration.

"I respect the gods, that's why I tattoo them on my body," said Wong, who claims to have seen apparitions of the gods and received lessons on life and work from them.

On a recent exhumation conducted by the Singapore Land Authority to clear a Chinese cemetery in northern Singapore for redevelopment, it took Wong and three colleagues nearly three hours to dig a narrow hole about four metres (12 feet) deep.

Using simple tools such as plowshares, crowbars and wicker baskets, they burrowed through soil, sand and cement, which the rich used in the past to seal their graves, before finally reaching the coffin.

Prying open the lid, Wong and another gravedigger picked out the bones and washed them with rice wine before handing them to the family, who gave them red packets containing token sums of money in appreciation.

These envelopes are the main source of income for gravediggers because the 100 dollar (65 US) payment for each exhumation only goes to one individual and the gravediggers take turns receiving it.

"The income is not fixed. It depends on how generous the families are with their red packets," said Wong.

As the work is not stable he supplements his earnings with odd jobs such as house painting and repairs.

But he has his hands full for the moment as the 70,000-square-metre (753,000-square-feet) Guang Xiao Shan Cemetery, near the border with Malaysia, has been earmarked for conversion into a train depot.

The pace of Singapore's development has meant that between 1970 and 1998, more than 240,000 graves in 100 cemeteries were exhumed, the latest available estimate shows.

And according to Wong, all the deceased, including the current "residents," must be placated.

"Ghosts are the same as human beings," he said. "They have feelings and emotions as well. How would you feel if you had to shift after living in the same place for 50 years?"

When asked about his own mortality, Wong shrugged as he pointed to the tattoo of the deity Li Ya Pek smiling serenely on his chest.

"I haven't really thought about it. Let's see what my big brother says," he said with a laugh.

Originally taken from yahoo news

[Infocomm Live!] Start to Finish: Winning Ways of an Entrepreneur

Hey, I got an e-mail. Anyone had an idea what is this and is there anyone I know going for this???
Dear Nath,
We would like to extend an invitation for you to join us at the upcoming Infocomm Live! event featuring Matthias Kunze, serial entrepreneur and Managing Director of Yahoo! Mobile APAC.
Date: 20 March 2009
Time: 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Venue: Chamber, The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429

Embracing your passion and finishing to the best of your ability in what you have started is what Matthias Kunze, entrepreneur, former national swimmer for the German team and Ironman triathlete lives by.

Currently the Managing Director for Yahoo! Mobile in Asia, Matthias will share with you inspirations that have led to his success and importantly, the winning ways of an entrepreneur.

Matthias has worked in the mobile advertising, publishing and television industries, and has successfully co-founded several companies in these areas, one of which was acquired by Yahoo! in 2007.

At Yahoo!, Matthias is responsible for extending Yahoo!’s mobile products, broadband services and digital home experiences in the region. Matthias also oversees the deployment and distribution of Yahoo!’s revolutionary mobile products such as Yahoo! oneSearch, Yahoo! Mobile services, as well as leading the mobile monetisation strategy across the Asia Pacific region.

This event is organized by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), in partnership with E27 and The Digital Movement.

yon

Singapore's Merlion tourism icon struck by lightning

Last night my ex was laughing over this news when we're chatting on msn. This morning got this e-mail.

Singapore's Merlion stone sculpture, popular with tourists, has been temporarily closed for repairs after being struck by lightning, the Singapore Tourism Board said Sunday.

The lightning bolt struck the 36-year old sculpture -- a lion's head with a mermaid's tail -- at the mouth of the Singapore River on the southern waterfront during a Saturday afternoon thunderstorm.

A small section of the mane on the left side of the lion head and its right ear were chipped off as a result, while the wave form at its sculpture's base also suffered a crack.

The lightning strike scattered debris and sent about 20 to 30 people, including tourists, who were in the area, running for cover, the Straits Times newspaper reported. A local television news channel said orange sparks flew and a loud explosion was heard at the time.

But the agency's statement said no one was hurt in the incident.

It said it "has engaged contractors to investigate the cause of the incident and carry out immediate assessment of the structure and repairs."

The Merlion, although an icon created by the tourism agency, has some elements of myths related to Singapore's ancient history.

The name Singapore comes from "Singapura," a mixture of Malay and Sanskrit, which means "Lion City." It was given that name apparently because a Hindu prince in ancient times had spotted a lion-like creature when he landed on the island.

Singapore faced a spate of fierce thunderstorms over the weekend.

The lightning strike on the Merlion is being seen as an ill omen by some in the Internet community. One blog wayangparty said, "Just when you think things cannot get worse, our tourist icon -- the Merlion -- was struck by lightning!"

"In ancient China, natural disasters are usually a harbinger of a change in the "mandate of heaven," it noted.

Originally from breitbart

$8 movie tickets from 23th Feb - 30th Apr 09

Print as many copies you want..

Top Up Of EZ-Link Cards At DBS And POSB ATMs

We are pleased to announce that DBS and EZ-Link Pte Ltd (EZL) have introduced a new ATM service at DBS and POSB ATMs – Top Up of ez-link cards. What's more, the ez-link top up service will be available to the recently announced new (replacement) ez-link cards as well. We are also proud to inform that we are the first bank in Singapore to offer this service.

We will be piloting the service at 31 ATMs from 16 Jan 2009 onwards and will gradually roll out to over 900 DBS and POSB ATMs by end June 2009. (Please refer to Appendix 1 for the pilot ATM sites)

With it, DBS will be bringing greater convenience to the majority of commuters who are also our customers. We are also offering the service free of charge.

You may refer to attachment 2 for the ATM screen flow for this service.

Agnes Ang
CBG Business Operations
on behalf of Robin Yap
CBG Deposit Sys & Payment Scvs

Working Together Towards Service Excellence

Flea Carnival @ Taboo (Neil Road)

Hey Everyone,

Once again the renowned and insane flea carnival is making its appearance and this time with an all NEW venue!
The location is a preserved 2 storey old shop house located at 65/67 Neil Road near Chinatown which operates as a club at night called Taboo;
as many as 60 stores will be there offering and selling whatever strange and unique bargains that all of you shouldnt miss out on!
The date of the flea carnival will be on Saturday the 28th of February from 2pm - 9pm. (Walking distance from between Tanjong Pagar & Outram MRT)

For those of you interested in being part of this crazy carnival, please feel free to call Gerry at 97698387 as soon as possible as store spaces are limited and each store rental only cost $35!!. No chairs or tables will be provided due to the limited space but all vendors should feel free to bring their own racks/small tables and stools for their own store displays. So don't miss out on this opportunity to sell your old/new clothes, toys, DVDs, books, sex dolls and whatever else that your imagination can come up with that someone out there may buy............

So come on down on the 28th of Feb 2009 for a fun filled afternoon of treasure hunting and bargain buying from noon to night! see you there!!!


Regards,
Flea Carnival

Next Deepavali changes from Nov 15 to Oct 17???

What a joke LOL Pity Singaporeans and those who are in Singapore.

Rock Those Lashes with Estee Lauder New TurboLash

Girl, nothing to do on Valentine's Day and into Mascara??? Check out Paragon on the 14th Feb 09, 3-4pm. For more details do check on here.

NIKE EXPO SALE - UP TO 60% DISCOUNT

The Nike Warehouse Sale is happening next week from 5-8 Feb 2009 (Thursday - Sunday). Attached is the communication piece. Please help spread the news to your family and friends

Interesting notice

Spotted any mistake in the notice?

Singapore in worst-ever recession after Q4 slump

SINGAPORE, Jan 21 - Singapore's economy shrank the most on record in the last quarter of 2008 and the government forecast a 5 percent contraction this year and a possible fall in consumer prices, which may prompt a one-off currency devaluation.

A government declaration that the economy was suffering its worst ever recession and official forecasts of a continued slump suggested to analysts the central bank could push down the centre of the trading band for the Singapore dollar, effectively devaluing it to help the key export sector.

The grim figures, largely a reflection of Singapore's exposure to the slump in global trade, also pave the way for an expansionary budget on Thursday as the government scrambles to shelter the economy from the worst global financial crisis in decades.

"The Singapore economy is going through its sharpest, deepest and most protracted recession," the Trade Ministry's Second Permanent Secretary Ravi Menon told journalists.

Government data showed gross domestic product shrank in the fourth quarter at a deeper-than-expected and seasonally adjusted rate of 16.9 percent, the biggest fall on record and the third consecutive quarterly contraction. Provisional figures had reported a 12.5 percent slump.

From a year earlier, gross domestic product fell 3.7 percent.

That left 2008 growth at just 1.2 percent, an abrupt turnaround from a 7.7 percent expansion in 2007 when the stock market <.FTSTI>, financial services and property prices were booming.

The government downgraded its view of the economy for the second time in just three weeks, reflecting the rapid deterioration in the global economy that has seen much of the developed world slip into recession.

Singapore now sees GDP falling between 2 percent and 5 percent this year, which would be the worst performance on record, with consumer prices flat to down 1 percent.

"The official acknowledgement of deflation risks keeps alive a strong possibility that an eventual downward band re-centring could be on the cards in April," said Kit Wei Zheng at Citigroup, adding it could also restore some cost competitiveness.

However, the central bank said on Wednesday its monetary policy stance was intact after it moved to zero appreciation for the currency in October to counter the global financial crisis.

It said it had no plans to review policy before a scheduled meeting in April.

Singapore manages monetary policy by adjusting the value of its currency in a secret trade-weighted band.

A sustained slide in prices can be damaging for an economy if it leads to a fall in demand as buyers hold back from making purchases in anticipation of yet lower prices.

However, Prakriti Sofat, an economist at HSBC, said in a note that the risk of sustained deflation in Singapore was remote since consumer prices would fall as the boost from high food and other commodity prices drops out of the annual price comparison.

The Singapore dollar fell to 1-� month low of 1.512 against the U.S. dollar after the GDP data, compared with 1.51 before the data.

It was trading at 1.5044 at 0516 GMT. The central bank said it saw no reason for a persistent weakening of the currency after it fell from a record high in July.

For key central bank and government quotes [ID:nSP422528]

JOB LOSSES

"I'm bearish for the Singapore dollar," said Irene Cheung, currency strategist at Royal Bank of Scotland in Singapore.

"I expect monetary policy to remain accommodative -- they should have recentred the band earlier, but they might still do it -- the sooner the better."

The government expects non-oil domestic exports, which make up around 70 percent of the Southeast Asian city-state's economy, to shrink 9 percent to 11 percent this year, while total trade, which includes entreport activities, may plunge 17-19 percent.

Its manufacturing industry contracted by 10.7 percent in the fourth quarter from the previous year, while services industries recorded no growth. Financial services in Southeast Asia's banking capital fell 1.8 percent.

Singapore last reported three straight quarters of economic contraction in 2001 after the dotcom bubble burst in the United States, badly hurting the island's big electronics sector.

Reflecting the downturn in Singapore, sales of watches and jewellery, popular tourist buys, have fallen. German fashion label Hugo Boss has a 50 percent sale on its suits this month and a night club is offering beer for a dollar to entice customers.

Economists expect the government to unveil fiscal stimulus measures on Thursday in its annual budget and a senior government minister said this week it might tap its multi-billion-dollar reserves for the first time to tackle the slump.

Stimulus measures could include infrastructure spending, tax rebates, training and targeted help for the poor.

"The results show the further deterioration from the global downturn and Singapore is hardly immune from it. I believe there will be emphasis for fiscal measures for the Singapore budget tomorrow, stimulus measures and bolstering for a safety net," said David Cohen of Action Economics. (Additional reporting by Kevin Lim and Saeed Azhar; Editing by Neil Fullick)