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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

Shanmugam: Foreigners generate jobs for Singaporeans

Shanmugam: Foreigners generate jobs for Singaporeans

During a speech made last night at the 40th anniversary of the Harvard Club, Law Minister Mr K Shanmugam said that the presence of foreigners here, far from taking jobs away from locals, helps to generate more jobs for Singaporeans. Due to the ruling party's liberal immigration policies, the number of foreigners in Singapore has increased by more than 100,000 a year in recent years. According to Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng, there are more than 90,000 PRs and 20,000 new citizens in 2008 alone. Two out of every three PR applicants are successful. Foreigners now make up 36 per cent of the population, up from 14 per cent in 1990. Despite rising discomfort and resentment on the ground at the rising number of foreigners which leads to direct competition for limited jobs, school places and opportunities, the ruling party is adamant that foreigners are essential for Singapore's growth. Mr Shanmugam made an open plea to Singaporeans to understand that the need for foreign talent comes against the backdrop of a global 'war for talent' by citing a YaleGlobal Online article published in The Straits Times yesterday on how India and China are wooing their talented nationals back from the United States. 'To succeed, we need to get investments into Singapore, encourage local entrepreneurship, become a sophisticated service centre and ensure safety, security and stability. Achieving this, in turn, requires a government that thinks long term, a talented population and collective effort between the people and the Government to implement these policies," he said. While Singaporeans understand the need for a small country like Singapore without any natural resources of its own to rely heavily on foreign talent, what they don't understand is some foreigners who are competing with them for mid-level or lower income jobs are considered as "talents" as well. The Straits Times reported last week of a Singapore PR and Chinese national Liu Gui Ling who was jailed for nine weeks for throwing two lighted match sticks at her lover's fish farm. She works as a cleaner. Another PR, Song Jing was fined $1,000 for stalking a Singapore man who once patronized her for "special services". Her occupation is a masseue. How these non-English speaking foreigners who are not really considered as "talents" can become Singapore PRs is anybody's guess. Mr Shanmugam reassured Singaporeans that the government will ensure the system is not abused', and that Singaporeans continue to benefit from the country's progress, a point reiterated frequently by senior cabinet ministers as the next general election approaches. Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew urged Singaporeans to bear with the "tide" of foreigners lately which has since become a "flood". At this rate the ruling party is mass importing foreigners from elsewhere to become new citizens, native Singaporeans will soon find themselves in the minority. Not that they care much anyway since new citizens are usually pro-government and thereby will ensure their continued political hegemony for many years to come. Interview source: Straits Times, 11 December 2009  Read More →

Straits Times published news of Dr Chee’s acquittal a week later

Straits Times published news of Dr Chee’s acquittal a week later

The Straits Times has finally decided to published the news of Dr Chee Soon Juan's acquittal from charges of speaking in public without a permit amusingly under its "breaking news" section a week later after it was first released on the SDP website. Dr Chee was charged with eight separate counts for speaking in the public and to the voters without a permit during the 2006 general elections. He was already fined for the first charge which he refused to pay and chose to serve a 5-week sentence in jail. The other charges ended with convictions too. It is strange that the Straits Times journalist Jeremy Au Yong wrote that the Attorney-General's Chambers "confirmed" that the charges were withdrawn only now when he had one entire week to do so. The article chose to focus on Dr Chee's convictions and him going to jail as a result of his refusal to pay his fines instead of the fact that it dragged on for three years because of the AGC's decision to hold separate trials for each single charge when the court could have easily heard all of them in one trial.  Read More →

My Dad is Right: Women are Cats

My Dad is Right: Women are Cats

By Low Wei Xiang When I first heard that journalist Joanne Soh made a bold proclamation to the whole nation with her article titled “My mum is right: Men are pigs” in The New Paper on 4 Dec 09, my first reaction was to blush. That’s right – I positively turned a shade of beetroot.  After all, it is not every day you receive a generous compliment from someone of the fairer sex.  Pigs – we have been called pigs!  Creatures of high intelligence, curiosity, insight, affection, geniality and loyalty!  Thinking about it is enough to bring out the Asian modesty in me – I am afraid I cannot measure up.  Nevertheless, it is time to bring out the champagne and pop the party streamers! It is only thereafter I heard again that Joanne Soh meant “pigs” in the derogatory sense – in specific reference to Tiger Woods and his infidelities with other women.  My excitement then subsided and paved way into deep confusion.  This is especially so after several others also jumped in and defended Joanne Soh, saying that men, like pigs, are biologically engineered to breed, not to stick to one lifelong partner. I am confused because pigs are generally solitary – and rarely have sex – except during mating seasons.  They are known to be monogamous too, sticking to one partner their whole lives. How would these traits be supposedly relevant to Tiger Woods, and men in general, in her arguments? Why did she not consider other animals then?  How about “all men are whales” – a blowhole would’ve been pretty cool.  Or “all men are Poogles” (a hybrid dog from a Beagle and Poodle) since it highlights how men would stray from who they are supposed to have sex with?  Or if she really wanted to drive at our lack of commitment, why did she not compare us with hamsters?  I remember I was younger, I had one male and one female hamster, which was a pretty sweet pairing until the duo went on – much to the amazement of the young child I was – to mate all day and night, producing litter after litter.  We once peaked at over 30 hamsters in a 3-storeyed cage, so you can imagine the din at night when the males start pouncing on every female they can get.  The way they go at it fervently, it would have been, in Ricky Martin’s words, “shaking your bon bons”. It is therefore regrettable that I did not manage to read Joanne Soh’s article in its entirety because I would love to have the haze around me cleared up.  What I did read though was Melvin Singh’s follow-up article on 6 Dec 09 defending his colleague.  However I do not understand his points very well, so I shall refrain from commenting and being further labeled as a “stupid pig”, especially since he is a man, and men should stand by men in times like these. This reminds me of an occasion sometime ago.  Just like Joanne Soh, my father “once offered sage advice” too of the opposite gender.  He told me, “women are cats”, and that - in remarkable resemblance to what Joanne's mother told her - “we must always be aware of (their) activities, regardless of how devoted and loving they are.”1 At this point, I am suddenly struck that by labeling us as “pigs”, Joanne Soh might be in-swine-nuating that we are the source of the swine flu that is currently plaguing the world!  Swine flu is caused by men!  Oh, the shock – I cannot even begin to tell you how rudely mortified I am right now.  I would like to immediately clear any misconceptions should the AVA begin a culling of men.  The swine flu virus, or H1N1, is a combination of genes from pigs, birds and humans, and cannot be spread just by being around us – I mean – pigs. I would thus like to put forward that perhaps – just perhaps – these women with swine flu have been munching on too many feathery friends, because like my father said, “women are cats”. Because I have decided that I am unable to handle an angry tsunami of mails directed at me, I will draw upon Joanne Soh's lesson and learn to quantify my statement. "SOME women are cats." There, I feel safer.  A quantifer is one of the most important lessons for a writer, because it is like a get-out-of-jail-free card - it allows us to make generalized statements, but at the same time will not offend an entire population because the self-delusional ones find comfort in the fact that they belong to the antithesis. I kid, I kid.  I do solemnly believe that it is important to quantify one's statements. And for what reasons would a pig of a man call a woman, well, a cat? Let us talk about dogs first (this is starting to feel like a zoo, what with dogs, cats, birds, pigs and a Tiger loose in the Woods).  Many of us prefer dogs for companions as they are loyal and trustworthy.  Cats, on the other hand, have been portrayed to be cunning and sly – they only appear when they need you. In fact, British researchers have found out that cats have a special cry embedded into their purr with frequencies similar to a human infant’s, and this triggers urgency in the owners to attend to their needs.  The research also found out that "cats will use whatever is most effective", and this "solicitation purring" is utilized when they want food or their owner's attention.2 Does this not remind SOME of you of the lady in your office who knows how to get what she wants?  She who squeezes into tight tops and skirts that show more skin than material, with a high-frequency whine that makes every man drop whatever is on their hands and rush to be at her beck and call? Do not even get me started on SOME women getting involved in cat fights, whether literal (think women soccer players, claws bared and pulling each other’s hair) or figuratively. But really, let us focus on the issue with Tiger Woods. When we talk about Tiger Woods getting involved with other women, let us not forget to turn the tables – do these “outside” women not know that Tiger Woods is married with kids?  What are their motives for committing the "transgression"?  If Tiger Woods was just an ordinary Joe, would the temptation be as high? It is not surprising that when an “outside” woman gets involved with a celebrity, it is often with the prize at the end in mind.  The superstar prestige.  The bragging rights.  The instant fame when the media gets wind of it.  The publicity for herself and her career.  The money paid by the celebrity himself to shut up.  The money paid by gossip magazines to spill all.  All the better if a baby should pop out – the last I heard, more money can be squeezed out too. David Beckham’s scandalous affair sometime back definitely titillated.  As The Sunday Times reported on 6 Dec in a sports edition, “without wife Victoria near him after his move to Real Madrid in 2003, (he) reportedly found comfort in his personal assistant Rebecca Loos”.  She was reportedly paid US$600,000 for letting British tabloid News of the World in with “full, steamy details of the affair”, catapulting her to instant fame. Loos never fails in reminding the world of her existence, from harping on the event that happened years ago, to giving updates on the baby she was expecting with her real boyfriend.  As if she has not milked enough from her money cow, she is recently reported to be in talks with publishing houses about releasing her tell-all book for, well, the only event that people know her for. A friend told the Daily Star, “She wants to get the best deal possible with a publishing house before agreeing to release the book.  We’re talking millions - after all, he is the biggest sportsman in the world and people will want to read about his behaviour while they worked together.”3 Another example raised by The Sunday Times report is that of tennis legend Boris Becker’s quickie affair with Russian model Angela Ermakova.  Despite the “briefest of (sexual) affairs, lasting barely a few minutes”, Becker soon received a fax from Ermakova saying: “The result of our meeting is now in the eight month.” The end result?  She receives a home in the United States and London each and a monthly maintenance of about 20,000 pounds. Now anyone would wonder – why did Ermakova not head straight to inform Becker upon learning about her pregnancy, choosing to wait until her penultimate month of conception?  We can only speculate that she did not want to be coerced into abortion – because look at all the “baby bonus” that she got!  That is more than what any government can offer! If we look at the above two examples (the list is non-exhaustive), can we not say that some women indeed are cats?  They are smart, deceptive and cunning, making full use of the arsenal of what they have to achieve what they want from the men – sex, money and fame. While it is easy to launch into a tireless tirade blaming Tiger Woods, the blame should be apportioned fairly.  When both parties know that a male celebrity is married, who should be getting the lion’s share of the blame?  The man who succumbs to the chip in his genetic configuration for sex, or the woman who goes into it knowingly for sex, fame, and money?  The man who has everything to lose, or the woman who has everything to gain? Joanne Soh might feel that all men are pigs, but has failed in quantifying and substantiating her comments with valid reasons.  But since we are on this topic, let it also be known then that women are cats too – or at least, SOME of them are.  Perhaps the men, in these cases, are the real “stupid pigs”, grunting and going along with it, right into the traps laid out invitingly by these women.  Meow.   References: 1 This is purely fiction – my father has never used “women” and “cats” in the same breath.  It is more of a parody to Joanne Soh’s article. 2 Source: ABC 3 Source: Times of India   About the Author: Low Wei Xiang, a self-dubbed writer with journalistic aspirations, has found himself graduated from Hwachong Institution, released from the army, and is currently thrown back onto the streets.  He is also a self-confessed owl and sleeping is his secret passion, although it clashes with his other interests.  Aged 20, he writes short stories on top of serious stuff, and will be entering NTU’s Wee Kim Wee School of Communications and Information in 2010.  Read More →

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