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Podcasts didn't decide GE2025Podcasts didn't decide GE2025 I refer to the CNA’s Commentary: Podcasts didn't decide GE2025, but they changed how Singaporeans engage with politics (May 9). The 2025 General Election has several features/characteristics that deserve our attention, discussion and reflection: In today era, technological revolution, innovation and advancement...

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...

Due to the nature of the news and contents appearing on TR Emeritus, we are rating the website for 'above 18' only.
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
The three of threes about DPM Heng Swee Kiat

The three of threes about DPM Heng Swee Kiat

The first part of the threes is about the when, the how and the why? And it is about his retirement...
我们是否该重新思考国防开支的优先顺序?

我们是否该重新思考国防开支的优先顺序?

新加坡政府近日宣布将采购两艘额外的“无畏级”潜艇,引发了一个重要问题:我们的国防力量,到底需要多强? 毫无疑问,一个强大且可信的军队对于保障国家主权与威慑潜在威胁是不可或缺的。新加坡地处战略要冲,国土面积有限,因此需要一支现代化的武装部队。然而,当我们对比邻国——马来西亚拥有两艘潜艇、印尼正逐步扩展至十二艘——新加坡在水下战力上已处于领先地位。这不禁让人质疑,我们是否正引领着一场无声的区域军备竞赛? 问题在于:当威慑的需求被满足后,继续扩军是否已经超出必要? 一艘“无畏级”潜艇的估价超过十亿新元,还不包括长期的运营与维护成本。这两艘新潜艇的资金,若能转用于迫切的民生需求,例如医疗保健、老龄化支援、教育及弱势群体扶助,或许对社会的整体韧性更具意义。 政府一再强调国防开支是经过审慎规划的,但当生活成本日益上升,政府却仍需将消费税(Gst)提高至9%甚至更多,这种矛盾不禁令人困惑。如果某些战略性国防项目能够延后或循序推进,节省下来的资源是否可以用于社会发展呢? “全面防卫”不仅仅是硬件实力,更是要赢得人民的心与信任。让人民感到安心、有保障、受到重视,这种安全感无法靠潜艇来衡量,而是通过每一位国人的生活实感体现出来。 这并非是在呼吁削弱我们的国防,而是呼吁我们重新思考国家的优先事项。当我们继续推进军事现代化的同时,也不要忽视同样重要的任务——巩固社会契约、增强国民凝聚力。   Cwc-Ai  
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...
Letters
Podcasts didn't decide GE2025

Podcasts didn't decide GE2025

I refer to the CNA’s Commentary: Podcasts didn't decide GE2025, but they changed how Singaporeans engage...
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...
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

Najib struggles to make a mark in 2009

Najib struggles to make a mark in 2009

By Julia Yeow from Malaysiakini Despite of a host of new economic and social policies, Prime Minister Najib Razak still struggles to win over the allegiance of voters and make an indelible mark in his first year in office. In April, Najib was appointed as the country's sixth prime minister in the midst of a global economic meltdown and tumultuous local politics. At the time he took over, Najib's ruling Barisan Nasional coalition was just beginning to come to terms with devastating losses in the 2008 elections, which sharply cut their majority in parliament, to slightly over 50 per cent. The opposition, headed by former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim, had taken control of five out of 13 states, and denied BN a two-thirds majority for the first time in over 50 years. Najib's popularity rating then was at 43 per cent, the lowest of all recent prime ministers at the time of their appointments. Eager to prove his critics wrong and win back some semblance of public support for the government, Najib, 56, promised a string of political and social reforms. His first actions as premier were to lift bans on two opposition publications and release 13 people held under the draconian Internal Security Act that allows indefinite detention without trial for those accused of being threats to national security. Najib also pledged to conduct a review of the law, but stopped short of repealing it. As finance minister, he introduced bold economic liberalisation efforts to woo investment, including ending a 30-per-cent requirement for ethnic Malay ownership in 27 public services, and scrapping a decades-long policy requiring listed businesses to allocate at least 30 percent of their shares to Malays. Najib is also pushing for improved efficiency in all ministries and government offices, and has used new media channels such as social network Twitter and Facebook to reach out to the public. However, his approval ratings after six months in office stood at 56 per cent, a drop of almost 10 per cent from three months before, according to independent pollster, the Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research. Read rest of article on Malaysiakini  Read More →

Alex Tan “apologizes” to YPAP member Sear Hock Rong on his blog for causing “distress” to him

Alex Tan “apologizes” to YPAP member Sear Hock Rong on his blog for causing “distress” to him

Written by Our Correspondent The on-going YPAP v Alex Tan saga took another twist when the latter "apologized" to Mr Sear Hock Rong in his latest blog entry. Hock Rong had earlier demanded that Alex and Temasek Review apologized for causing "distress" to him and his family as well as for "putting the PAP in a bad light." In his article, Alex claimed that he had posted an apology on Hock Rong's blog which was not approved by him. He subsequently posted another comment anonymously which was approved: "Thanks a lot for clarifying. The general public needs to know what truly transpired lest they get fed a one-sided story by temasek review. With this clarification, i believe viewers can safely evaluate and judge the situation." For some strange reasons, there were only 6 comments posted on Hock Rong's article and all of them in support of him including the above "fake" comment by Alex. Alex poured scorn on Hock Rong for deleting comments bearing "anti-PAP content": "yes the above comment were by me Alex Tan and its meant to carry hock rong's balls...oops vulgarities again (i better start exocising the NS demon in me) erm i meant "rational" and "polite" as the way YPAP want it. besides, any message bearing anti-PAP content will be deleted, thus I experimented with a comment, and alas! it got hock rong's approval and managed to see light!" In Alex's original comment which was censored by Hock Rong, he explained that he clarified his DB sentence only after Hock Rong revealed it in YPAP Facebook and he did not how he got the confidential information about him: "Hi Hock Rong, please note that i have clarified my DB sentence only after you mentioned it in YPAP Facebook forum (and how did you get such info i dont want to know), and not before, as your post suggests. I am sorry I hurt your feelings with my vulgarities and disrespect...do you want my love plaster to your wounded heart?" Hock Rong had received much flak for his taunting of Alex using his DB record which is reminiscent of the tactics used by the PAP on its political opponents. Alex also asked Hock Rong to clarify if there is a conflict of interest between his job and grassroots work: "I need some advice from you: you, being Chairman of Eunos Community Club Youth Executive Committee and a Eunos Grassroot "leader", is also the Managing Director (wah seh! dilector wor!) of a training workshop company, R2E Concepts, had clients from Eunos Citizens' Consultative Committee, Eunos Zone '1' Residents' Committee, Eunos Zone '3' Residents' Committee, Eunos Zone '5' Residents' Committee PCF Eunos. May I ask if there is a conflict of interest ?" Hock Rong's community work at Eunos had come under intense public scrutiny from netizens after it was revealed that some of his company's clients are grassroots organizations from Eunos. (the information is actually posted on Hock Rong's company website) Forumers have been seeking a clarification from Hock Rong on the YPAP Facebook Network, but have yet to receive a reply from him. Alex ended his blog post with a veiled threat that he is "thinking of lodging a complaint of suspicion on "Conflict of Interests" up to CPIB and the Attorney General Chambers." Since the saga first erupted last week when the Sunday Times reported on the spate between YPAP and Alex, the former has maintained a strange silence on the matter so far. YPAP Chairman Teo Ser Luck, who was involved in the discussion thread containing Hock Rong's derogatory remarks about Alex, did not condem his party members from their abusive and rude behavior. There were no replies from YPAP to Alex's challenge of a public debate at Hong Lim Park too. Copyright © The Temasek Review, 2009 Related articles: 1. Identity of YPAP member who leaked Alex Tan’s DB record on Facebook 2. Alex Tan to YPAP members: Don’t be cowards on Facebook 3. Alex Tan challenges YPAP to public debate at Speaker’s corner 4. YPAP member slammed by netizens for revealing critic’s detention record 5. YPAP member resorts to smearing critic’s character to silence him 6. PAP MP De Souza: More robust debate from PAP than opposition MPs  Read More →

Security risks posed by foreigners vs local muslims

Security risks posed by foreigners vs local muslims

By Hurr Riyahi Throughout my lifetime in Singapore when I used to live there, I faced a frequent question during interviews whenever I applied for a government job. “Are you Muslim?” In fact during my national service days training period, I was selected to attend an interview for a designation as a secretary for a high ranking security official. On the eve of the interview, a friend of mine who was holding a senior position in my training camp came to me and told me that a mistake has happened and that I will never get the position as Muslims will never be selected for it. He consoled me and told me not to be disappointed. I didn’t care much anyway and took it as an opportunity to book out, something which recruits yearn for. During the interview a young senior security official who is also a scholar asked me the usual questions of my background and skills. He started to like me a lot and started going on a long persuasion conversation to persuade me to choose the position. I was unsure and I frankly shared with him I am indifferent and have no real preference. I also clarified the cons of such desk bound positions but he was singing praises of the job trying harder to persuade me. At one point he remarked that in a eight to five deskbound job during NS life, I do not need to worry about having to be in camp during my Christmas celebrations and instead can spend time with my family. I told him that I do not celebrate Christmas. He turned pale and asked what then I celebrate. When I told him I celebrate Hari Raya he grew even more pale and his very next sentence was “I wish you good luck in whatever posting you get... Dont worry wherever you go during your NS, you will enjoy it”. That was actually my first experience in life as a Muslim in Singapore and it was never the last. I even had friends in other security agencies informing me of job openings but advising me to not appear as a Muslim in my application or during interviews. I never applied to them anyway. However in the other government jobs that I applied for, I was regularly asked if I was a Muslim. When I travel the western world and see fellow Muslim friends or just Muslims holding important office in sensitive departments, it never failed to make me laugh and reflect how silly Singapore security clearance is. They cannot even differentiate a Muslim who is a threat and a Muslim who is not. It is little wonder that even a PAP MP Halimah Yacoob engaged the head of JI to teach her kids unwittingly. I have read about Arabs serving in the U.S. Secret Service guarding the former US President Bush.. Even after the recent massacre at the U.S. military camp, the response taken by the security agencies is to beef up surveillance and monitoring than isolate Muslims downright from sensitive positions. That is also the case in Canada, UK, Australia, France, where there are large Muslim populations and where arrests have been made of militant Muslims planning acts of terrorism. However the situation in Singapore remains bleak as ever as the idiotic security agencies cannot tell a friend from a foe. That ignorance and stupidity is also the reason why in recent years, a lot of PRCs and Malaysian Chinese are recruited to sensitive government departments passing security clearance without much problems. Going by MM Lee’s argument that a Muslim Singapore will hesitate to pull the trigger in a war if he had to face rival armies comprising Muslims, I believe the security agencies in Singapore imagine that PRCs and Malaysian Chinese will only look towards the Chinese in Singapore side. I wonder if the security agencies realise there are Chinese on the other side too. Their sense of patriotism is well displayed. Many Malaysian Chinese in Singapore refuse to take up citizenship as they want to move back when they retire. Those who do take up citizenship do so mainly to improve their employment options. In terms of PRCs we have seen incidents of them flying China flags in Singapore etc etc. As a Singaporean Muslim, if I were to work in a government agency, which foreign government will I want to go and sell secrets if I gain them? If I were a Malaysian Chinese or PRC, I will probably be more tempted to sell secrets to foreign government basically my own native government. If I were to build up international contacts and networks of investors and politicians due to my position in the government, as a Muslim Singapore who do I really have outside this country to want to pass on those contacts and networks. However as a Malaysian Chinese or PRC, I can easily be swayed to help my friends or family or relatives who are doing business by passing key information. If I was a Muslim scientist in Singapore’s research agencies, unless if I were some unscrupulous Pakistani scientist part of a global nuclear smuggling syndicate, I will have no incentive to leak out any IP to anyone. Instead if I were a PRC, there is a good chance of such leaks which has happened in other countries. I can keep going on about other scenarios which are not totally hypothetical but which have happened before. They all prove to show Singapore Muslims have no other homeland than Singapore. The average Singapore Muslim in a government position is less likely to be a threat to the security of Singapore’s economy and politics than an average Malaysian Chinese or PRC. However in the true spirit of Singapore stupidity, nobody will realise this until we get another Mas Selamat type of major security breach in about ten years time when it involves a foreigner Chinese.  Read More →

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