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GE2025: Stunning victory for PAPGE2025: Stunning victory for PAP I refer to the CNA’s report, “GE2025: Stunning victory for PAP, winning 87 of 97 seats with higher national vote share in PM Wong's first electoral test” (May 4). GE2025 has clearly delivered the following key messages/notes from the vast majority of voters: The Workers’ Party (WP) has done a fantastic good...

This is not a game of cardsThis is not a game of cards I can appreciate parties wanting to hold their cards close to their chest, but the smoke and mirrors games on nominations day, the shuffling of the DPM from a seat he had openly been declared to be defending, and other ministers shuffling constituencies leaves one feeling the PAP thinks it is playing a game of cards. Constituency...

Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans?Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans? I refer to The Online Citizen GE2025 news report, “Lee Hsien Yang: Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans?” - (April 14), and “The Straits Times’ report, “GE2025: Singaporeans will go to the polls on May 3, Nomination Day on April 23” (April 15), and The Online Citizen GE2025 report,...

𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝... Is the PAP of today exceptional, with unmatched competence and delivery? Afterall, that is their justification for the highest salaries in the world. Let’s look at its more recent track record. Large numbers of NRIC numbers were recently unmasked, leaving Singaporeans exposed to identity theft, fraud, abuse and scams....

GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit TimahGE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit Timah I refer to the CNA news, “GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC but may make way for Singapore Democratic Party” (April 10), “More opposition 'star catches' are emerging. Is Singapore's political scene maturing?” (April 10) and “PSP says government response to Trump tariffs 'overblown',...

GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are recruited into politicsGE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are recruited... I refer to CNA’s news, “GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are recruited into politics” (Mar 28). It is not surprised to notice that in recent weeks, two NMPs and top ministry officials have resigned, fuelling speculation they could be fielded as potential candidates for the ruling People's Action...

More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote in GE2025More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote in GE2025 I refer to The CNA’s News, “GE2025: More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote” (Mar 25). As Singapore’s General Election is due to be held within this year, the following factors will more or less influence the election situation this year: A)The general mentality of voters Voters are generally...

How the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with waning US supportHow the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with waning... I refer to the CNA’s commentaries, “How the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with waning US support” (Mar 4), “Lessons from the Trump-Zelenskyy meltdown- for friends and foes” (Mar 1) and “Will Trump tariffs push China to change economic tack?” (Mar 3). Foremost, we need to recognise the reality...

Singapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum WageSingapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum Wage Singapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum Wage: National Service Should Not Come at the Expense of Opportunity Costs Singapore’s National Service (NS) has long been a cornerstone of the nation’s defense, requiring young men to dedicate two years of their lives to military, civil defense, or police service. While...

Trump-Putin deal on Ukraine will be Europe’s moment of reckoningTrump-Putin deal on Ukraine will be Europe’s moment of... I refer to the CNA’s Commentaries, “Trump-Putin deal on Ukraine will be Europe’s moment of reckoning” (Feb 20) and “Ukraine can survive with the ‘least worst’ peace” (Feb 22). Now, In the eyes of European Union, they have lost trust and confidence in the United States, it is solely due to the flip flop...

From Deepseek to Huawei, US tech restrictions on China are backfiringFrom Deepseek to Huawei, US tech restrictions on China are... I refer to the CNA’s Commentary, “From Deepseek to Huawei, US tech restrictions on China are backfiring” (Jan 31). Would it be practical, useful and effective for the United States to continually pursue an aggressive containment strategy to hobble China’s tech push? Undoubtedly, the answer is obviously not. There...

Don't get distracted by Trump's outlandish Cabinet picksDon't get distracted by Trump's outlandish Cabinet picks I refer to the CNA’s Commentary: “Don't get distracted by Trump's outlandish Cabinet picks” (Nov 25), and “'No one will win a trade war’, China says after Trump tariff threat” (Nov 26). As everyone knows, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will return to power on January 20, 2025. Trump has dismissed...

Putin escalates Ukraine warPutin escalates Ukraine war I refer to The CNA’s Commentary: “Putin escalates Ukraine war by a step, not a leap, with missile experiment” (Nov 23). Foremost, Zelenskyi’s intention to join Nato has greatly threatened the security and survival of Russia. Hence, Zelenskyy has offended Putin and Putin has no choice but to launch a war with...

Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries?Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries? I refer to The TR-Emeritus opinion article, “Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries” (June 14) by Mr Yoong Siew Wah. It has always been a controversial topic which concerns about our top political leaders who receive their salaries that are many times higher than those foreign political leaders. Our...

Supporting Chee Soon Juan's caféSupporting Chee Soon Juan's café I refer to The Independent Singapore’s news, “Singaporeans urged to support Chee Soon Juan's café despite their political preferences” (July 16). The underlying objective of doing any business is to ensure it is viable and profitable. Otherwise, there is no point of undertaking risk for it. It is natural for...

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Editorials
Strong hailstorm strikes China's Xi'an causing airport...

Strong hailstorm strikes China's Xi'an causing airport...

On the evening of May 8, Xi’an, the capital city of China’s Shaanxi Province, was struck by a powerful...
Four parties lost their election deposits in GE2025

Four parties lost their election deposits in GE2025

A total of four opposition parties, the Singapore United Party (SUP), People's Power Party (PPP), People’s...
Level 16 super typhoon devastates multiple cities in...

Level 16 super typhoon devastates multiple cities in...

Northern China was hit by an extreme weather event on Thursday as a massive cold front swept south, colliding...
Level 15 winds destroy buildings rooftops and cause...

Level 15 winds destroy buildings rooftops and cause...

On April 30, northern China was struck by an extreme weather event as a massive cold vortex surged southward,...
TR Emeritus to 'shut-up' on 2nd May 2025

TR Emeritus to 'shut-up' on 2nd May 2025

Please be informed that TR Emeritus (TRE) will shut down its comment function site-wide at 0000 hours...
Chaos in China as extreme storm destroys homes and...

Chaos in China as extreme storm destroys homes and...

Beijing’s 22 million residents were asked to stay indoors on Saturday, as powerful winds swept across...
China, Thailand, and Myanmar in ruins after devastating...

China, Thailand, and Myanmar in ruins after devastating...

On March 28, 2025, a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar near Mandalay, causing...
Myanmar 7.7 earthquake collapses buildings in Thailand,...

Myanmar 7.7 earthquake collapses buildings in Thailand,...

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, causing widespread panic...
Beijing shocked by earthquake and mega sandstorm

Beijing shocked by earthquake and mega sandstorm

Since March 24, 2025, northern China has been battling extreme weather as a massive sandstorm swept through...
Mega hail causes mass destruction in Fujian and Guangdong

Mega hail causes mass destruction in Fujian and Guangdong

An unexpected and severe hailstorm struck multiple cities in Guangdong and Fujian between March 3 and...
Extreme weather struck multiple regions in China

Extreme weather struck multiple regions in China

On March 2, 2025, extreme weather struck multiple regions in China, with parts of Henan province experiencing...
Happy Chinese New Year 2025

Happy Chinese New Year 2025

Wishing all our Chinese readers:     Team@TR Emeritus  
Huge snow caused numerous disruptions on China's major...

Huge snow caused numerous disruptions on China's major...

As the Chinese New Year approaches, millions of people across the country are making their annual journey...
The rapidly spreading HMPV virus you haven’t heard...

The rapidly spreading HMPV virus you haven’t heard...

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is making headlines as cases surge, especially among children and vulnerable...
4.1 magnitude earthquake shakes Shanxi's Linfeng city

4.1 magnitude earthquake shakes Shanxi's Linfeng city

On the evening of January 10, 2025, Linfen City in Shanxi Province was struck by an earthquake. The tremor,...
7.8 magnitude earthquake devastates Tibet

7.8 magnitude earthquake devastates Tibet

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake has hit Tibet, in the region of Shigatse, which is near the border with Nepal. According...
Outbreak of mystery virus in China

Outbreak of mystery virus in China

China is r eportedly facing a new health crisis as the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak rapidly...
Unknown Virus Rampages in China; Hospitals Utterly...

Unknown Virus Rampages in China; Hospitals Utterly...

A blogger in China has shared a video, claiming that this isn’t China’s Spring Festival travel rush;...
Opinions
2025大选—明确授权,变化中的政治格局

2025大选—明确授权,变化中的政治格局

2025年大选结果无可争议,政府再次赢得了强有力的授权,稳固了其在新加坡政治格局中的主导地位。尽管选举结果并不令人意外,但胜利的过程却并非没有争议和复杂性。 值得注意的是,选区划分的变化在本次选战中发挥了重要作用。陈清木医生与徐顺全医生等资深反对派人物,因选区重划而受到显著影响——传统支持基础被分割或并入他区,无疑左右了某些关键选区的最终结果。虽然选区调整在新加坡选举历史上并不罕见,但其公平性与透明度仍持续引发讨论。 工人党虽稳守东北区的传统堡垒,但未能在本届大选中攻下新的选区。不过,该党仍获得两个非选区议员(Ncmp)席位,虽属安慰性质,却在象征意义上维持了国会内多元声音的存在。 更值得关注的是,本届大选所处的人口背景正经历剧烈变化。新加坡人口从2000年的约300万增长至2025年的超过500万。考虑到多年来出生率持续偏低,这一增长几乎可以肯定主要归因于移民流入,尤其可能在华人群体中增长显著。这一趋势对国家的社会结构和政治生态产生了深远影响。 展望2030年大选,各政党不仅要面对一如既往的选区调整与突发的全球事件,更需正视一个不断演变的社会结构。随着越来越多新移民成为国民,选民构成日益多元,政党在政策制定与信息传递上必须更具包容性与前瞻性。他们必须同时争取老一代公民与新加坡新公民的认同,回应共同关切,并跨越代际与文化差异的鸿沟。 在新加坡持续向前迈进的过程中,其政治也必须与时俱进——反映日益多元的人口现实,同时坚守国家的核心价值观:团结、韧性与务实。 Cwc-Ai
A a jaw-dropping election

A a jaw-dropping election

This is a jaw-dropping election. For the opposition. SDP’s Dr Chee and PSP’s Leong were deeply disappointed....
The Nation has rejected multi-party Parliamentary representation

The Nation has rejected multi-party Parliamentary representation

Our party suffered great losses and I personally have suffered the greatest hit. But these personal losses...
A False Analogy That Insults the Intelligence of Singaporeans

A False Analogy That Insults the Intelligence of Singaporeans

Minister Ong Ye Kung’s recent assertion that a “co-driver” bears no responsibility if a car crashes...
There is a cost to losing

There is a cost to losing

There is a cost to losing. At least in PAP’s books. And one of the costs is a policy of priority. That...
Hougang Belongs to the People

Hougang Belongs to the People

Thank You for the Reminder, Mr Marshall Lim. It is with no small measure of amusement that one reads...
Its all about trust

Its all about trust

Dr Ng Eng Hen from PAP has pointed out the most important key point about this General Elections, it...
Misunderstanding What Singaporeans Truly Expect from...

Misunderstanding What Singaporeans Truly Expect from...

The government's repeated assertion that it is "easy for the opposition to ask the government to give...
Punggol GRC

Punggol GRC

Punggol GRC is without question one of the most hotly watched, followed and contested constituency in...
Should Singapore Be Concerned About David Neo’s “Action-Takers,...

Should Singapore Be Concerned About David Neo’s “Action-Takers,...

Singaporeans should pause and reflect on the recent remark by PAP candidate David Neo, who said that...
Why Singaporeans Must Reconsider the Dismissal of SDP’s...

Why Singaporeans Must Reconsider the Dismissal of SDP’s...

The Singapore government’s blunt assertion that the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP)’s proposals...
Expect the exchange of barbs in politics

Expect the exchange of barbs in politics

In a political contest, expect the exchange of barbs. And we do not lack any of it in the rallies held...
Don't Be Swayed by the Noise—Think Critically Before...

Don't Be Swayed by the Noise—Think Critically Before...

In recent weeks, the political buzz in Singapore has reached a new high. Massive crowds at opposition...
We vote whoever is deserving of our vote

We vote whoever is deserving of our vote

I am surprised that Lee Hsien Loong chose to remind us of the 1997 shameful episode when he, his father...
The Case for a Diverse and Balanced Parliament

The Case for a Diverse and Balanced Parliament

The Singapore government has recently stated that "Good government needs good people" and cautioned against...
None of the PAP labour MPs rose to speak when Parliament...

None of the PAP labour MPs rose to speak when Parliament...

I was truly flabbergasted when I learned from one of Pritam Singh's (PS) recent rally video clips that...
A Regrettable Incident and a Timely Call for Reform

A Regrettable Incident and a Timely Call for Reform

The recent racial slur made by a Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) member during the General Election...
A Regrettable But Understandable Outcome

A Regrettable But Understandable Outcome

The walkover in the newly formed Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC is, to many observers, a regrettable...
Letters
GE2025: Stunning victory for PAP

GE2025: Stunning victory for PAP

I refer to the CNA’s report, “GE2025: Stunning victory for PAP, winning 87 of 97 seats with higher...
Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans?

Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans?

I refer to The Online Citizen GE2025 news report, “Lee Hsien Yang: Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs...
GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit...

GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit...

I refer to the CNA news, “GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC but may make...
GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are...

GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are...

I refer to CNA’s news, “GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are recruited into politics”...
More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote...

More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote...

I refer to The CNA’s News, “GE2025: More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote” (Mar...
How the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with...

How the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with...

I refer to the CNA’s commentaries, “How the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with waning...
Singapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum Wage

Singapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum Wage

Singapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum Wage: National Service Should Not Come at the Expense of Opportunity...
Trump-Putin deal on Ukraine will be Europe’s moment...

Trump-Putin deal on Ukraine will be Europe’s moment...

I refer to the CNA’s Commentaries, “Trump-Putin deal on Ukraine will be Europe’s moment of reckoning”...
Snippets
What are the most popular hobbies in Singapore in 2025?

What are the most popular hobbies in Singapore in 2025?

As work-life balance remains a constant talking point in the fast-paced city-state of Singapore, residents...
10 Most Popular Mobile Games in Singapore

10 Most Popular Mobile Games in Singapore

Singaporeans can't get enough of their phones these days, spending tons of time battling opponents, building...
Langkawi to Koh Lipe Ferry: Complete Travel Guide

Langkawi to Koh Lipe Ferry: Complete Travel Guide

Planning a tropical escape from Malaysia to Thailand? The journey from Langkawi to Koh Lipe offers a...
This is not a game of cards

This is not a game of cards

I can appreciate parties wanting to hold their cards close to their chest, but the smoke and mirrors...
𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝...

𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝...

Is the PAP of today exceptional, with unmatched competence and delivery? Afterall, that is their justification...
The sleep science revolution in elite sports

The sleep science revolution in elite sports

Professional sports have entered a new era where recovery science directly impacts performance outcomes....
Sports Betting in Online Casinos as a Way to Improve...

Sports Betting in Online Casinos as a Way to Improve...

In today's world, online sports betting has become not only a popular form of entertainment but also...
Opportunities and features of artificial intelligence...

Opportunities and features of artificial intelligence...

Today, artificial intelligence and neural networks have become a widespread phenomenon, bringing people...
Sticky & Recent Articles

Wendy Chong on how PBM Jack Neo initiated sex with her for the first time in his car

Wendy Chong on how PBM Jack Neo initiated sex with her for the first time in his car

Written by Our Correspondent Prominent PAP grassroots leader and personal friend of Foreign Minister PBM Jack Neo may appear to be a funny comedian in real life, but he is actually a "tiger" when it comes to sex, according to his former mistress 22 year old Wendy Chong. In a no-holds-bar inteview with The New Paper, Wendy revealed how PBM Jack Neo "nudged" her into having sex with him for the first time a month after they met. PBM Jack Neo invited her to watch the editing of "Money No Enough 2" after which it started raining. Both of them had to run to his car and that was the first time PBM Jack Neo held her hand. Wendy told TNP: "It is really not that difficult to resist. He started by putting his left arm around me while he was driving. Then he caressed me on the thigh. And when he stopped the car to kiss me, one thing led to another." From her description, it seemed that Wendy was not quite prepared for PBM Jack Neo's sexual advances though she eventually succumbed to the temptation. It was not revealed if PBM Jack Neo used any protection during the "contact" and if he kept condoms in his car which has curtains perhaps to "facilitate" his sexual exploits. Wendy claimed that Jack reminded her after the "session" to make sure that no "hair" is left behind. The sensational revelation had gripped the entire nation as Jack Neo is a well known figure in the entertainment industry and arguably the most successful Singapore movie director to date. Furthermore, he is associated with the PAP which is known for its squeaky "clean" image and was even praised by then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong during a National Day Rally speech. PBM Jack Neo was awarded a PBM for his grassroots work in 2004 and a Cultural Medallion in 2005. Foreign Minister George Yeo was quick to jump to the defence of his friend PBM Jack Neo and implored Singaporeans to rally around him when he had maintained a two month silence on the death of a man being maimed in a traffic accident by a vehicle driven by a Romanian diplomat.   Related articles: 1. George Yeo supports PBM Jack Neo 2. Foyce accuses PBM Jack Neo of sexual harrassment 3. Wendy Chong: I had sex with Jack Neo twice a week 4. Jack Neo’s wife forgives him for extra marital affair 5. Jack Neo begged Wendy Chong to let him off   EDITORS’ NOTE: If you are new to Temasek Review, you may like to find out more about why prices of HDB flats are escalating which will never be reported by the mainstream media: >> No empirical evidence to suggest that public housing is affordable in Singapore >> When will Singapore’s property bubble burst? >> Why HDB is unable to reveal break down costs of new flats now >> HDB to consider introducing rules to curb property speculation >> HDB blames Singaporeans for not selecting flats when given the chance >> Singaporeans worried about retirement after depleting CPF to pay for over-priced HDB flats >> Mah Bow Tan acknowledged that rising HDB flat prices has sparked “fresh concerns” >> PM Lee: Govt does not have control over prices of resale flats” >> COVs of resale flats shooting through the roof >> HDB resale price index hit record high in 2009 >> Singaporean wants PRs to live in rented flats instead of buying resale flats >> Singaporeans wants PRs to be banned from selling HDB flats at a profit >> Shanmugam: Singaporeans likely culprits for driving up HDB flat prices >> Mah Bow Tan: HDB flats remain affordable >> Means testing for PRs to buy resale flats >> Immigration and public housing: should the govt or people plan ahead? >> Grace Fu: hard to predict demand for housing >> Indonesian PR bought 4-room flat at $653,000 >> Mah Bow Tan asks home buyers to be realistic >> PAP MP blames young couples who cannot get a flat for not planning ahead >> Home affordability: HDB versus the public >> Demand vs supply: so many applicants, so few flats >> Number of applicants exceed number of flats >> HDB to increase supply of flats >> Mah: don’t compare with prices in the past >> ERA: 40 per cent of HDB flat buyers are PRs  Read More →

George Yeo expresses his support for PBM Jack Neo after his sexual exploits, but asked molest victim to see MP

George Yeo expresses his support for PBM Jack Neo after his sexual exploits, but asked molest victim to see MP

Written by Our Correspondent Singapore's Foreign Minister George Yeo is not well known for his "empathy", but he has rallied behind disgraced movie director PBM Jack Neo almost immediately after his sexual exploits was widely publicized by the media. It is reported that Mr Yeo is a personal friend of Jack Neo who is a PAP member, prominent grassroots leader and was awarded a PBM for his "services" to the PAP during the 2004 National Day Rally. PBM Jack Neo was reported to have an affair with a freelance model 28 years old younger than him Wendy Chong and made sexual overtures to another actress Foyce Le Xuan. Mr Yeo claimed that Jack called him to inform him of the affair before the news broke last Saturday. Jack Neo has forged close ties with PAP MPs including Mr Yeo over the years. He is awarded the PBM in 2004 and a Cultural Medallion in 2005 for his accomplishments in the movie industry. Writing on his blog, Mr Yeo said: "Life is a long and often difficult journey, and what Jack and his family are going through is what he might have presented in his own movie, except that this time it is about himself." He also urged Singaporeans to rally around Jack and his family: "We are used to having Jack make us laugh, bring cheer to our daily lives, explain our trials and make them easier to bear. Let us rally around Jack, his wife and his children at this time." With due respect to Mr Yeo, though he is used to having Jack tickle his toes, the women who were "preyed on" by Jack are definitely not amused by him. One of them, Foyce Le Xuan described her short stint with Jack's entertainment group as a "traumatic experience" after he tried to bed her several times. The empathy and understanding displayed by Mr Yeo to Jack appeared to contradict his callous response to a molest victim seeking help on his Facebook: An irate netizen tipped us off on an exchange between George Yeo and a young lady by the name of Miss Ang on 11 January 2010: [Source: George Yeo's Facebook, 11 January 2010 ] Miss Ang reported a case of molest in November last year to the police and has not received a reply from them yet. Instead of offer her help and solace, Mr Yeo replied in a curt manner: "Please see your MP" In another instance, Mr Yeo did not comment on the double hit and run road traffic accident at Bukit Panjang involving a Romanian diplomat which killed a young man for two months till the media asked him about it. His answer: "What happened is very bad." A more apt response from Mr Yeo in this case should be: Jack: "I am screwed by the media." George: "Please see your MP. (Teo Chee Hean if he is not napping)" Media: "What do you think of Jack's affair?" George: "What happened is very bad."   Related articles: 1. Netizens slammed George Yeo for curt reply to molest victim 2. George Yeo apologizes to molest victim 3. George Yeo to molest victim: go and see your MP   EDITORS' NOTE: If you are new to Temasek Review, you may like to find out more about why prices of HDB flats are escalating which will never be reported by the mainstream media: >> No empirical evidence to suggest that public housing is affordable in Singapore >> When will Singapore’s property bubble burst? >> Why HDB is unable to reveal break down costs of new flats now >> HDB to consider introducing rules to curb property speculation >> HDB blames Singaporeans for not selecting flats when given the chance >> Singaporeans worried about retirement after depleting CPF to pay for over-priced HDB flats >> Mah Bow Tan acknowledged that rising HDB flat prices has sparked “fresh concerns” >> PM Lee: Govt does not have control over prices of resale flats” >> COVs of resale flats shooting through the roof >> HDB resale price index hit record high in 2009 >> Singaporean wants PRs to live in rented flats instead of buying resale flats >> Singaporeans wants PRs to be banned from selling HDB flats at a profit >> Shanmugam: Singaporeans likely culprits for driving up HDB flat prices >> Mah Bow Tan: HDB flats remain affordable >> Means testing for PRs to buy resale flats >> Immigration and public housing: should the govt or people plan ahead? >> Grace Fu: hard to predict demand for housing >> Indonesian PR bought 4-room flat at $653,000 >> Mah Bow Tan asks home buyers to be realistic >> PAP MP blames young couples who cannot get a flat for not planning ahead >> Home affordability: HDB versus the public >> Demand vs supply: so many applicants, so few flats >> Number of applicants exceed number of flats >> HDB to increase supply of flats >> Mah: don’t compare with prices in the past >> ERA: 40 per cent of HDB flat buyers are PRs  Read More →

2 PAP Town Councils raise their S&C charges as PAP ministers look forward to another pay hike

2 PAP Town Councils raise their S&C charges as PAP ministers look forward to another pay hike

Written by Our Correspondent After proclaiming that the Singapore economy is set to start growing again this year, the PAP ministers have been quick to increase their own pay and now it seems that the Town Councils will be raising their S&C charges as well. Two PAP Town Councils Aljunied and Jurong have announced that they will raise their monthly service and conservancy (S&C) charges from April onwards, citing "higher maintenance and operating costs." According to information posted on their websites, charges will go up by between 50 cents and $4.50 for Singapore homeowners, depending on the type of flat. At least three angry readers have emailed us the flyers they received informing them of the hike in S&C charges: Attached below are the revised charges for Aljunied: One reader told us that he suspected that the hike is linked to the investment losses suffered by the Town Council: "I don't see the opposition wards increasing their S&C charges, why only us? How much did they lose in Lehman? Should open their accounts and let us residents have a look! Where is the transparency?" Another added: "To us a few dollars mean alot. We are not so rich like GIC which can afford to lose billions of dollars in a flash!" Aljunied Town Council claimed on its website that "it was 'no longer sustainable' to maintain charges at the current level without running into an operating deficit. Keeping the current charges would mean deteriorating standards over time, which would only raise costs further." On their websites, both town councils said the increases were not tied to losses made in investments linked to the failed Lehman Brothers investment bank. While the economy has improved this year, its effects are hardly felt by ordinary Singaporeans whose wages remain stagnant as the cost of living continues to rise. As a certain percentage of their multi-million salary package is pegged to GDP growth, the PAP ministers are quick to raise their own salaries by an estimated 8.8 percent which will cost Singapore taxpayers another $58 million dollars or so. A quick check reveals that the S&C charges for Potong Pasir are only about 70 to 80 percent that of Aljunied: The hike in electrical tariffs and cleaning costs affect the whole of Singapore including Potong Pasir. Why then did Potong Pasir not increase its S&C charges. Are PAP MPs less efficient than opposition MPs in managing the Town Councils? As expected, the state media jumped quickly to the defence of the PAP Town Councils without revealing the truth that the opposition is able to run their estates equally as well with less S&C charges. It was reported in 2008 that the PAP Town Councils have accumulated millions of dollars in their sinking funds to save for rainy days. The two PAP Town Councils should reveal their sinking funds before asking Singaporeans to pay more for the S&C charges.  Read More →

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