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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

Pakatan continues to hound Najib over BTN

Pakatan continues to hound Najib over BTN

By Asrul Hadi from The Malaysian Insider Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders say they want Datuk Seri Najib Razak to set the record straight by stating the government’s stand on the controversial National Civics Bureau (BTN). Despite confirmation by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, on Monday that the Cabinet had agreed to revamp BTN courses and disclosure that the Chief Secretary had been instructed to oversee BTN’s overhaul, a number of ministers and Umno leaders have continued to defend the programme which has been described as racist by the opposition and some participants. The prime minister’s silence on the issue has added to the confusion over his administration’s position. BTN chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan also defended the civics course and insisted that it would be “upgraded” instead of “revamped.” “The issue here is very clear. It is either Nazri or Ahmad Maslan who is wrong and now Najib is keeping quiet. He can’t keep quiet. As prime minister he must set an example as to whether he is prepared to stand by his 1 Malaysia context and slogan or it is just empty talk. “His silence on the whole issue speaks very poorly on the seriousness and commitment on the 1 Malaysia concept,” the DAP’s Lim Kit Siang told The Malaysian Insider. Seri Setia assemblyman, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad from PKR, also questioned the government’s sincerity on BTN and 1 Malaysia. “Najib has been taking about 1 Malaysia and all this while we can see that its either a good cop or bad cop routine, or he does not know how to control his deputy because he has been saying the right things but his deputy has been talking the Malay line. “I think that definitely the credibility of the 1 Malaysia project rests on the courage of the government to face up to the people who are just stuck with the old mentality. At the end of the day, we want acknowledgment of the problem and that this cannot be done. “We have no issues with programmes that instil loyalty, promote history and the constitution but it must be done in a frank and open manner [while] respecting the different communities in the country,” Nik Nazmi explained. The programme has come under fire from various groups, with PR leaders branding it a tool to spread racist propaganda. While the government insists BTN courses are meant to instil patriotism in the participants, testimonials by former attendees indicate otherwise — that they are instead used to maintain Malay support for Umno through cultivating racial hatred and concepts like “Ketuanan Melayu” (Malay supremacy). These testimonials have been used as fodder by PR leaders to demand BTN’s closure. The PR-led Selangor government has already imposed a ban on its civil servants and students within its state-run educational institutions from attending BTN courses, while Penang — another PR- governed state — is said to be considering similar action. But the hawks in Umno, through Malay-based dailies like Berita Harian and Utusan Malaysia, have moved to defend BTN and attack its critics as “traitors” who are trying to politicise the issue. Utusan today urged the government not to “bow down” to the opposition on BTN and said that Nazri wanted the programme to be revamped even though the move was decided by the Cabinet. Lim agreed that the government should not “bow down” to the PR but to the truth and national interest. “The question is not to bow down to the opposition but it whether it is the right and wrong. Whether it is against the 1 Malaysia concept, nation building, national unity or it is in line with 1 Malaysia, it does not promote national hatred and it is offering national unity. It is one or the other,” Lim said. Nik Nazmi added that Utusan should not divide the community. “What is needed is honesty and sincerity towards the Malay community, that these lies cannot go on. It does not teach the Malays to face the 21st century and all it does is make you think that you can blame everyone else for your problem,” Nik Nazmi said. - The Malaysian Insider Republished from The Malaysian Insider on 7 December 2009  Read More →

PRs queuing up to join grassroots organizations in Geylang

PRs queuing up to join grassroots organizations in Geylang

Permanent residents are flocking to serve in grassroots organizations that they have to be put on the waiting list at the Geylang Neighborhood committee due to a little-known cap of 15 per cent of the grassroots committee members who can be PRs. According to a report by TODAY, there are 1,360 PRs now serving as grassroots leaders, comprising 4.6 per cent of the 29,400 grassroots leaders in Singapore. This number is almost double the reported number of PR grassroots leaders serving in November 2007 and four times the number in August 2000. Minister of Community, Youth and Sports revealed lately that there 4,500 new citizens who are serving as grassroots organizations in various estates. All the grassroots organizations in Singapore such as the Residents' Committees and Community Clubs are under the control of the People's Association (PA), a quasi-PAP organization headed by none other the Prime Minister himself. A PA spokesperson told TODAY that "the involvement of PRs in community work helps build better understanding between PRs and Singaporeans." For example, in Yew Tee, a group of PRs from China help to promote interest in Chinese language by volunteering to teach the Chinese Classics weekly in the community club. The percentage of grassroots leaders who are Singaporeans versus new citizens and PRs is not known. PRs are probably more keen to join grassroots organizations than locals because of the perks which come along with it. Besides helping them expand their social network in Singapore and to boost their chances of getting a citizenship if they have plans to settle down here, their children will also get priority in enrollment in primary schools. As a result of Singapore's liberal immigration policy, foreigners now make up 36 per cent of the population, up from 14 per cent in 1990. The ruling party has been courting the newcomers with goodies to make them feel welcomed in Singapore. A $10-million dollar Community Integration Fund is launched to help the new citizens integrate into Singapore society. Since immigrants will usually vote for the government which has given them the opportunity to start life afresh in their adopted homelands, the increasing number of new citizens will have an impact in future elections. Over at Geylang Neighbourhood Committee which has already hit its quota for PRs, the PR grassroots leaders play an important role in getting their friends involved in community activities. The committee serves an area between Geylang Lorong 22 to 42, which is just a stone-throw away from Singapore's famous red light district.  Read More →

Has Philip Jeyaretnam really crossed over to the “other side”?

Has Philip Jeyaretnam really crossed over to the “other side”?

OPINION The recent appointment of Mr Philip Jeyaretnam to the Public Service Commission (PSC) has sparked intense debate both offline and online on whether he has been "co-opted" into the establishment. Mr Philip Jeyaretnam is the younger son of late opposition leader Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam or JBJ as he is fondly called by Singaporeans. First elected as a MP in a by-election in 1981 when he broke the PAP's monopoly in parliament by winning the predominantly-Chinese seat of Anson, JBJ had a tumultuous if not torrid political career which saw him being bankrupted twice, disbarred twice and imprisoned once for a minor offence. In an extensive interview with the Straits Times, Philip said that his father would be very happy for him joining the Public Service Commission (PSC). “I have no doubt that my father would be very happy for me….It would not have been terribly different from how happy he was for me when I graduated from Officer Cadet School or when I was made a Senior Counsel – and the following year, when I became president of the Law Society,” he said. Unfortunately, Philip's enthusiasm for his new role in PSC was not shared by some former supporters of his father who felt "let down" and "betrayed" that he has "joined" the establishment. Philip admitted that after the demise of his father last year, there had been calls on him and his brother to join politics to complete their father's unfinished legacy of reforming the archaic political system of Singapore. However, he had made up his mind to keep clear of politics as early as the 1990s and JBJ was understandably disappointed when he learnt of this. His elder brother Kenneth has taken over the party founded by his father - the Reform Party in May this year. Won't JBJ be happier if he has joined force with his brother instead? Of course it is pretty pointless to speculate on JBJ's likely reaction now that he is no longer around. In his numerous writings, JBJ has expressed his deep-seated love and affection for Singapore and its citizens which has spurred him to continue fighting whatever the system has thrown at him in spite of the odds. As a Singaporean who had dedicated his entire life in service of his nation, JBJ would not have disapproved Philip of joining PSC. After all, the PSC is a non-political organization and not the PAP itself which he had long decried and condemned for its "authoritarian" tendencies. The problem arises due to the public perception whether rightly or wrongly that the PSC is somehow affiliated to the ruling party. Indeed, Philip acknowledged that there is some basis in the perception that he is now on the side of the PAP because of the blurring of boundaries between the party and the state in Singapore. “There is some basis in reality for the perceptions of an identification of state with, first of all, the Minister Mentor, who had such a strong role in the first 30 years of Singapore’s independence and, secondly, with the PAP. And that needs to be countered and changed as we go forward,” he said in the interview with Straits Times. As Philip has put it subtlely and succinctly himself, although he has volunteered his services to the government in various capacities, he does not agree with the present political system which sees the PAP dominates and controls all institutions of the state including the civil service. He has rightly pointed out that Singapore needs an establishment which encompasses within the full range of political opinions from the left to the right within the Constitution set-up. This means that instead of marginalizing the opposition as a destabilizing force out to hamper the governance of the nation, its role and importance should be recognized and institutionalized within the establishment itself which will naturally correct the misperception that he has gone over to the "other side". The key words he said are "countered" and "changed as we go forward" which shows that Philip is aware of the inherent deficiencies in the establishment though he does not put the message across as strongly as his father. Based on principles alone, it is quite clear that Philip does not deviate much from his father's political beliefs though he has chosen to work within the establishment as of now. Singapore has developed economically at breath-taking speed since independence in 1965, but the pace of political progress has been pain-stakingly sluggish. We are a "freak" among the developed countries - a first world economy governed by a third world political system. The impasse arises as a result of the confluence and interplay of two key factors: 1. The lingering presence of a strongman who continues to call the shots behind the back despite relinquishing his position as prime minister many years ago. 2. The complete wipe-out of Singapore's opposition when the Barisan Sosialist boycotted the 1968 general elections thereby sealing the PAP's dominance for the next four decades. The present situation is untenable in the long run. A wave of democratization has swept across much of Asia as its people become more affluent and educated, the demand for more political rights and autonomy will continue to grow. Both South Korea and Indonesia have made peaceful transitions from military dictatorships to democracies. The one-party political systems in Taiwan and Japan were overthrown and replaced by multi-party politics. Even our closest neighbor Malaysia now has a two-party system when the opposition denies the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition its traditional two-thirds majority in parliament. How much more longer can Singapore's monolithic and obsolete political system withstand the pressure and test of time? Singapore's pioneer leaders never had the vision of Singapore as a vibrant democracy as encapsulated by this statement made by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew to the legislative council in 1962 when Singapore was still a British crown colony: "If I were in authority in Singapore indefinitely without having to ask those who are governed whether they like what is being done, then I would not have the slightest doubt that I could govern much more effectively in their interests." Lee's world view is completely out of sync with the aspirations of today's generation. As history has taught us, totalitarian forms of government can only prosper for as long as its founders are around after which it will degenerate and disintegrate because of a lack of a power-sharing and transfer mechanism as well as check and balance within the system itself. After he became Malaysia's sixth prime minister in March this year, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak proclaimed immediately that the "government knows best" era is over. Until Singapore leaders realize that, Singaporeans who have stepped forward to serve their nation like Mr Philip Jeyaretnam will have to live with the unfair accusation that they are "co-opted" into the establishment.  Read More →

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