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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
Cutting down reliance on US military equipment

Cutting down reliance on US military equipment

There is a rampant rumor going around that claims Egypt has ordered 48 J10C with a price tag of USD$25B...
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 jaw-dropping election

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...
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
Singapore’s Sports Industry: A Rising Powerhouse...

Singapore’s Sports Industry: A Rising Powerhouse...

Singapore’s sports industry is on the cusp of greatness, leveraging cutting-edge infrastructure and...
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...
Sticky & Recent Articles

Opposition gunning Tampines GRC to kick unpopular Mah Bow Tan out of office

Opposition gunning Tampines GRC to kick unpopular Mah Bow Tan out of office

Written by Our Correspondent At least three opposition parties have expressed their interest to contest in Tampines GRC in the next general election helmed by National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan who is becoming an increasingly reviled figure in Singapore due to his failure to curb the sky-rocketing prices of HDB flats which is causing tremendous hardships to ordinary Singaporeans, especially first time home buyers. According to a Straits Times report today, the National Solidarity Party, Singapore Democratic Party and Reform Party may be contesting in Tampines GRC though the latter's Secretary-General Kenneth Jeyaretnam declined to comment further when contacted this week. Leaders from the opposition believe that rising unhappiness on the ground over the hike in the prices of public housing will give them a chance against the incumbents led by Mah Bow Tan. Mr Mah first took part in the 1984 elections when he lost unexpectedly to SDP's Mr Chiam See Tong in Potong Pasir. He subsequently entered Parliament in 1988 via Tampines GRC where he had held ever since. Under his charge, the prices of HDB flats have rocketed over the last few years, contributed partly by inadequate number of new flats being built in the face of rising demand fueled by mass immigration during the same period of time. Though Singapore was supposedly to be in recession in 2009, the prices of resale flats increased by 8.2 per cent with median COVs doubling to $24,000. New launches for Build-to-order (BTO) flats are grossly over-subscribed, an indication of how severe the housing shortage crisis is. Instead of acknowledging his mistakes and seek to rectify them, Mr Mah lashed out at first-time home buyers for being "choosy" and asked them to be "realistic". He later admitted that he was "caught off guard" by the spike in prices as well. Despite evidence suggesting otherwise, Mr Mah is adamant that HDB flats remain "affordable" to Singaporean and urge "Singaporeans to play their part by buying a home within their means.” Quoting the affordability benchmark of 30 per cent used frequently by HDB to show that HDB flats remain affordable to ordinary Singaporeans, Mr Mah said a family with a monthly income of $3,000 can buy a flat worth up to $250,000 and spend only 30 per cent of their income every month on the mortgage. “Similarly, a family with a monthly income of $4,000 can afford to buy a new flat worth up to $333,000 without spending more than 30 per cent a month on the mortgage. This means they can comfortably buy any of the flats offered in the latest BTO projects this month,” he added. However, Mr Mah fails to take into account the bank interest rates and inflation over the years which will lead eventually to the family spending more than 30 per cent of their monthly income on the mortgage. Furthermore, after depleting their entire CPF for these over-priced 99-year leasehold HDB flats, they will have little or no savings left for their retirement. It appears that Mr Mah and his colleagues are unable to comprehend the hardships and sufferings of ordinary Singaporeans, especially first-time home buyers who are under great stress to afford a roof over their heads. Besides Mr Mah, his colleagues are equally unsympathetic towards the genuine concerns of Singaporeans. Ms Grace Fu, the Senior Minister of State for National Development claimed that rising prices of HDB flats help to "create wealth" for Singaporeans. Law Minister Shanmugam said he had a "hunch" that Singaporeans are the "culprits" for the predicament they find themselves in today. While many Singaporeans are unhappy with Mr Mah, it is unlikely they will cast their vote for the opposition if they field a weak team there without any concrete plan for the nation. Political anaylst Eugene Tan told Straits Times in an interview that "it would be a 'narrow and self-limiting' strategy for any opposition party to pick an electoral ward based on the minister's portfolio." "It will have some effect only if housing is a problem with Tampines GRC voters, thus making it 'a useful lightning rod. To make the 'national issue' strategy effective, opposition parties have to raise the same issue across all constituencies they are contesting and give concrete alternative proposals," he added. The rising costs of public housing linked together with the relentless influx of foreigner will be the single most important issue in the next general election. The opposition has to come together under a common umbrella standing on a common platform with a common manifesto and alternative vision for Singapore like Malaysia's opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat to stand any chance of denying the PAP its traditional two thirds majority in Parliament.  Read More →

PM Lee: Govt does not have control over prices of resale flats

PM Lee: Govt does not have control over prices of resale flats

Written by Our Correspondent Despite being the highest paid government in the world, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong admitted that his government "does not have control ovver the prices of resale flats." During a speech made at a gala dinner to celebrate HDB's 50th anniversary, PM Lee reiterated that his government is "committed" to keeping HDB flats "affordable" without elaborating more on how he is going to achieve his goal. "These resale prices are set by individual households who transact flats on a willing buyer, willing seller basis, and are affected by movements and sentiments in the wider economy, including the private property market. Hence, resale prices of HDB flats will fluctuate from year to year," he explained. PM Lee cannot be more wrong. The sky-rocketing HDB flat prices boils down only to two reasons: limited supply of new flats in the face of a rising population. According to figures from HDB Infoweb, the prices of resale flats increase by a record high of 8.2 per cent in 2009, a recession year. Median Cash-Over-Valuation (COVs) doubled from $12,000 in the third quarter to $24,000 in the last quarter. As public housing is a necessity in Singapore of which HDB is the sole supplier, Singaporeans have no choice but to pay exorbitant prices for a roof over their heads. The lack of new flats force many Singaporeans to dip into the resale market which is already flooded by PRs thereby exacerbating the situation. Propnex CEO Mohamad Ismail told Straits Times in an interview a few weeks ago that PRs make up 20 per cent of the buyers in the resale markets. Other real estate agencies such as ERA and C&H quoted higher figures of 40 and 50 per cent respectively. The quandrary faced by Singaporeans is largely the fault of PM Lee's government. It has tried to increase the population too fast without building adequate flats to house them. Recent launches of BTO flats are more than 5 to 10 times subscribed even in less popular areas like Choa Chua Kang, an indication of how serious the housing shortage has become. Only slightly more than 11,000 new flats were built between the years 2006 – 2008 when there were over 90,000 PRs and 20,000 new citizens alone in 2008:   [Source: HDB Financial Report 2008/2009] Below is a graph illustrating how the rise in the prices of resale flats coincides with the rise in the number of foreigners in Singapore between the years 2000 and 2008, courtesy of Kojakbt, the moderator of 3in1kopitiam: Due to the ruling party’s liberal immigration policy, foreigners now made up 36 per cent of Singapore’s population, up from 14 per cent in 1990. The prices of HDB flats are kept artificially high by building less flats than needed to meet the demand and increasing the population via immigration. PM Lee appears to be optimistic that the flats are able to maintain their current value for the foreseeable future: "Over the long term, the value of HDB flats depends on the strength of the Singapore economy. Provided Singapore continues to do well, our flats will maintain their value, and Singaporeans can enjoy an appreciating asset," he said. He missed out on the crucial fact that Singapore's economy is heavily dependent on the global economy and any shock to the global financial system as in 2008 will have disastrous consequences on our own. In the event the world were to enter an economic depression, foreigners will leave Singapore in droves and our property prices will crash overnight, plunging many Singaporeans into debts. Despite evidence suggesting otherwise, PM Lee, like other ministers before him, have continued to insist that HDB flats remain "affordable" to ordinary Singaporeans. Are they really so blind to the reality on the ground? Since they don't even dare to admit their mistakes in the first place, how can Singaporeans harbor any hopes on them to rectify the problem? Singaporeans must vote wisely in the next election or they may have to wait till their parents pass on before they inherit a roof over their heads.     Related articles: >> 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 →

YPAP resorts to use of police and media to silent online critics over the “Eric How” fiasco

YPAP resorts to use of police and media to silent online critics over the “Eric How” fiasco

OPINION The writing has been on the wall for quite sometime now. For the past few weeks, the YPAP has been mired in controversies over insensitive remarks made by its members on the YPAP Facebook, first by Sear Hock Rong and then by a "Eric How" who sparked massive outrage by his most callous remarks on netizens. Unable to win over its detractors by superior logic and reasoning and feeling overwhelmed by the relentless brickbats hurled at them, the YPAP resorts to a familiar modus operandi used perennially by its senior members to fix and cripple their political opponents by using the police to instill fear in their critics and the media to demonize them. The bitter truth is: the YPAP is fast losing support among young Singaporeans, especially the online community and what better way to reclaim lost support by playing the sympathy card and portraying themselves as hapless victims of a smear campaign orchestrated by their critics to bring them down. The controversy was sparked way back last year when a YPAP leader and moderator of its Facebook Sear Hock Rong leaked confidential information about an online critic of the PAP and used it to attack his character, not quite unlike the typical character assassination sprees employed by the PAP on its detractors. When it was subsequently revealed that there may exist a potential conflict of interest between Sear's business dealings with Eunos grassroots organizations where he is (still) currently serving in, YPAP members rallied to his defence. One of them, a "Eric How" posted some disparaging remarks about netizens on the YPAP Facebook on 1 January 2010 which sparked a massive outcry in cyberspace. For the entire two weeks or so, the mainstream media chose to keep mum on the matter until last Friday when Lianhe Wanbao dropped a bombshell - that a "Eric How" from YPAP had made a police report over somebody "impersonating" him on Facebook. He later revealed on his Facebook that its was YPAP Chairman Teo Ser Luck who asked him to make the report. This was followed by a full page article on The Straits Times with another "Eric How" whose uncle is a prominent grassroots leader in Kampung Kembangan Constituency making another police report. As expected, the state media tried to portray the two PAP "Eric Hows" as a victim of an online conspiracy to discredit the PAP and pin the blame on the new media for spreading unfounded rumors about its members. Coincidentally, the YPAP issued an official statement on its Facbook on the same day distancing themselves from the remarks which seems to suggest that the move has been planned and orchestrated well beforehand together with the media and police reports. YPAP Chairman Teo Ser Luck and Vice Chairman Zaqy Mohamad jumped onto the bandwagon and tried to cast aspersions on the credibility of the new media. The Temasek Review, which has been covering the story was singled out for propagating "misinformation". The Straits Times further tried to smear our name by claiming that we posted a snapshot of the victim's Facebook which was subsequently deleted. This had never occurred - all along we posted only the snapshots of comments made by the "Eric How" on the YPAP Facebook as we are well aware how petty, vindictive and arrogant these YPAP members are from our previous dealings with them. The YPAP must have thought that by bringing the police into the picture, it will stop tongues from wagging and deter the new media from continuing to speculate on the identity of "Eric How". It proved to be a wrong move which backfired dramatically on them. Instead of winning support from the netizens, it sparked off another round of criticisms against the "childish" behavior of the two PAP members. Such impersonations are pretty common occurrences in cyberspace. Besides, there is no evidence to suggest so as the "Eric How" responsible for the remarks has a different avatar and Facebook ID from the Eric How who made the first police report. It is not unusual to find two persons with the same name and surname in Singapore. All the two "Eric Hows" need to do is to issue an official statement on their Facebook to clarify that they were not the ones who posted the offensive remarks on the YPAP Facebook which will suffice. There is absolutely no need to go to the police and blow the matter up in the media. To complicate matters, both appeared to have the tacit support of YPAP to do so which betrays their utter lack of understanding of how the new media works. In the first place, it is improbable that the police will bother to investigate the matter and the entire saga is now looking like a "wayang" staged to extricate the YPAP from a difficult situation. Unfortunately, the negative publicity enshrouding the YPAP did not disappear with the police reports. Many netizens are now questioning if the "Eric How" who made the comments is an impostor at all. Some even speculated that it was the real "Eric How" from YPAP all along and the "impersonation" story was cooked up to limit the damage the fallout as the public backlash is storm-balling and it will be extremely embarrassing for YPAP to backtrack now and ask Eric How to apologize when its members had been lending support to him initially. Caught in a no man's land, the only way out is to throw a smoke-bomb to divert public attention, pin the blame on netizens for circulating unconfirmed rumors and to frighten online critics of the PAP into silence. One PAP supporter posted a comment immediately on our site trying to intimidate us by saying that he hopes "we will offer our full assistance to the police" which we obliged by putting up a $300 reward for anybody with information pertaining to Eric How. Ever since, one of the "Eric How" who lived in a HDB flat has been playing the "victim" to win the sympathy of netizens. Though he claimed he wished to "close the episode and move on", he had been using all sorts of dirty tricks to implicate us including suggesting that we have cropped the avatar of the "Eric How" making the disparaging remarks on 1 January 2010 which we demolished immediately. He has yet to retract his statement and apologized to us as requested of him. The "Eric How" fracas is turning out to be a PR disaster for the YPAP and a nightmare for Teo Ser Luck and Zaqy Mohamad who had demonstrated their ignorance of the new media for the whole of Singapore to see. While the identity of "Eric How" remains a mystery, the fact is that - other YPAP members such as Sear Hock Rong, Edgar Khieu and Genesis Shen have been equally guilty of name-callings on the YPAP Facebook. From the protracted flame war between the YPAP and the rest of Singapore's blogosphere, we have witnessed a plethora of dirty underhanded tactics being used by the YPAP to "fix" their online critics - character assassination, flaming, banning, and making police reports - they have indeed learnt fast from their senior members. Do YPAP members think that just because they belong to the ruling party, the Singapore police will take "extra care" of them? Isn't this an abuse of precious public resources? Somemore it was a YPAP leader Teo Ser Luck who asked Eric How to make the police report in the first place when there are far superior means to resolve the matter. The Singapore police should be spending more time on the two cases of molest and loanshark harassment which were highlighted here lately. Or if they really have nothing better to do, investigate the SBS "hijack" case and charge the PRC couple and family for creating public nuisance and disorder. The next time YPAP members want to make a police report again, please heed the advice of your most esteemed Foreign Minister George Yeo: "Please go and see your MP"  Read More →

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