' "Singapore should not be behaving like a child and making all this noise," Agung Laksono, the minister coordinating Indonesia's response, told reporters. "This is not what the Indonesian nation wants, it is because of nature." '

Excuse me? This is a fallacious assertion.

First of all, our country is used to having reasonably clean air. This was taken away from us in just a matter of hours on Monday morning. That takes time getting adjusted too. Of course some Singaporeans would complain.

Secondly, the PSI shot up within less than a week to hit the nation's highest ever recorded PSI of 371. Talk about making history. We're told by the NEA that a PSI of more than 300 is hazardous. From a healthy PSI of 44 to a "hazardous" PSI of 371 in a few days? Now that's saying something. 

Thirdly, this is definitely not nature. Would nature spew minute ash particles and nitrogen oxides in hazardous quantities on our tropical island? Not in the last thousand years. But Man (yes, perhaps even some Singaporean companies) would burn forests illegally for the sake of monetary gain. The mess was entirely man-made, motivated by pure avarice. 

So if we're overreacting, Laksono clearly made little effort to see things from our perspective. Contrary to this behaviour, it is noteworthy that PM Lee did attempt to do so for Indonesia in his statement addressed to the latter. 

Lastly, I think some Singaporeans should stop blaming the government.  

Justneededsomewheretovoicemypoliticallycorrectopinions.





A quote from one of my favourite scientists who ever lived. He has a few other quotes that I feel aptly describe the world, science and the human condition. One of the most beautiful feelings I felt today was while being engaged in solving physics problems. #ilovescience (plus art)

I thus conclude that a light and airy room contributes to a satisfactory experience in the acquisition of knowledge.

I now bid thee adieu