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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...

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

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

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

Four parties lost their election deposits in GE2025

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

Level 16 super typhoon devastates multiple cities in...

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

Level 15 winds destroy buildings rooftops and cause...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Myanmar 7.7 earthquake collapses buildings in Thailand,...

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

Beijing shocked by earthquake and mega sandstorm

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

Mega hail causes mass destruction in Fujian and Guangdong

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

Extreme weather struck multiple regions in China

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

Happy Chinese New Year 2025

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

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

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

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

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

4.1 magnitude earthquake shakes Shanxi's Linfeng city

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

7.8 magnitude earthquake devastates Tibet

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

Outbreak of mystery virus in China

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

Unknown Virus Rampages in China; Hospitals Utterly...

A blogger in China has shared a video, claiming that this isn’t China’s Spring Festival travel rush;...
Opinions
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

Flash in the pan no more: MM Lee now heaps praise on Obama

Flash in the pan no more: MM Lee now heaps praise on Obama

From our Correspondent Singapore's octagenarian leader Minster Mentor Lee Kuan Yew had made another stunning reversal when he heaped praise on United States President Barack Obama "He is a very eloquent man who can be very persuasive....And what impressed me most was his ability to appoint people with opposing, different minds," he said of the US President during a National Talk show with U.S. journalist Charlie Rose. Lee had earlier described Obama as a "flash in the pan" and a "lightweight" compared to his Republican rival John McCain during the United States presidential elections last year. He also insinuated that Obama does not have the experience to lead the United States and he would trust McCain more where foreign policy is concerned especially in the handling of the two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lee was forced to eat his own words when the Americans voted overwhelmingly for Barack Obama who has won plaudits for his leadership so far both at home and abroad. As usual, Lee found fit to dispense his pearls of "wisdom" to the Americans by urging the U.S. to avoid "getting entangled in the internal strife of Afghanistan". 'Trying to make a country out of Afghanistan is a distraction.....There was no country in the last 30 to 40 years. They've just been fighting each other since the last king was chased out. How on earth are you going to put these little bits together? It's not possible." Lee argued that the longer-term strategic challenges for the US are not hot spots like Iraq and Afghanistan, but the resurgence of Asian powers like China and India. During a speech made after he won the presidency, Barack Obama promised that the United States would help undemocratic regimes worldwide to "unclench their fists" in obvious reference to Myanmar, Iran and North Korea. Mr Obama should not be deceived by Lee when they meet tomorrow. Despite its status as a first world nation, Singapore is not any less repressive that the "axis of evil". Under Lee's one-party system of government, there is no opposition to check on the ruling party, the civil liberties of the people are severely curtailed and political dissidents risked being harassed and arrested by the police.  Read More →

新加坡模式的共同价值观

新加坡模式的共同价值观

作者:新加坡文献馆 李光耀用以改变人民行动党与新加坡政府和新加坡人民之间的多重关系的政治手段来自三大源头:修改包括宪法在内的法律与司法制度,社区重建下的人民大迁移,以及社会工程范畴内的思想宣传与灌输。 在人民行动党 (People's Action Party) 一党专政之下,执政党在国会可以任意随时修宪,所以现任总检察长温长明撰写的有关宪法教科书直言新加坡‘没有’宪法。这一司法制度变迁巩固了人民行动党和社会的鲜明强弱关系。社区重建下原有社会的旧秩序全数消灭,彻底摧毁原有社区凝聚力,由人民行动党控制的建屋发展局以及居民委员会等等民间组织,进而重塑政府与人民以及人民与人民之间的新社会关系。 李光耀的社会工程是要改变人民思维以认同政府政策。李光耀提出的多项政治思维如生存主义,务实主义,精英主义等, 其目的无非是让李光耀采取的所有制度变革都被视为是自然以及合情合理的手段。社会工程中也包括人民行动党是国家运动,宗教与儒家思想教育,以及后期的共同 价值观等。这些都是李光耀力图把人民行动党的政治思维制度化的政治工作,所以只能从政治利益的角度解读。任何脱离了政治内涵的解读只沦为政策解说。例如白皮书就纯粹是官方解说:这是什么而不是为什么,更不会明言其真正的政治目的。 共同价值观並不是李光耀心血来潮时的偶发事故,实质上,共同价值观是一个精心设计的政治思维,其最终极的目的是规范社会行为,並让这些规范看成是合情合理的理所当然的正确行为。共同价值观做为一项社会工程 起源于1987年的国家议程,次年更名为行动议程。1989年政府白皮书提出5个重要慨念:国家至上社会为先;家庭为根社会为本;族群关怀尊重个人;协商 共识避免冲突;种族和谐宗教宽容。 从政治内涵分析,共同价值观是一个多层次与多元的社会管理机制,其功能是使到新社会政策成为合 情合理与必需的措施。共同价值观塑造新社会秩序;规划个人与家庭和家庭与社群的交互关系;也约束族群与宗教的交互关系。共同价值观也隐藏着把公共服务私营 化的议程:缩减政府提供公共服务的社会责任以减少政府的财务负担,从而把这些社会责任转嫁到社群与家庭身上。 1,国家至上社会为 先。由于党政合一,所以国家至上社会为先的结果是把执政党的至高无上政治地位制度化。换言之,所有社会组织都要屈服于人民行动党之下。从此之后,执政党对社会的任何干预都可以看成是合情合理的行政措施。在亚洲价值观下社会优先于个人,所以个人必须履行社会义务,承担道德责任,遵守社会秩序。显然的,其政策 结果是一个按李光耀思想定义的温顺守法守礼社会。 2,家庭为根社会为本。人民行动党把厌恶福利计划的心态制度化。结果是家庭而不是国家必须照顾个人福利:失业,老人,医疗,教育成为家庭责任。当家庭承担更大社会责任后政府可以相对缩减社会责任。公共服务私营化不仅减少政府财政负担,也减少失策的政治成本。 3, 族群关怀尊重个人。把英殖民主子在多元社会的分而治之策略制度化。政府以一族群的利益受损来拒绝另一族群的社会要求,其结果是政府取得政策主导权;决定什 么可以做什么不可以做。在个别族群有自已的的特殊问题所以必须各别处理的前提下,族群本身有责任先行处理族人问题,为此族群进一步分担政府原有的社会义 务。此外,在政治上可以把社会的大问题缩减为族群的小问题,让大事化小小事化无。政策结果是社会持续分化;这也就化解了族群团结反对执政党的政治威胁。 4, 协商共识避免冲突。把社会纠纷调解机制制度化。定义违背政府即定机制就是破坏协商精神的反社会行为,为此,任何不符合政府意愿的言论行为都是意图破坏协商 机制的反社会行为。在这一思维下任何与人民行动党相冲突的言行都被看成是危害社会安宁,不利经济发展。所以政府严厉对付反对党的异议言论是合乎情理的正确行政手段。 5,种族和谐宗教宽容。把多元种族主义制度化。在和谐共处的大原则下,政府定义种族和宗教的社会议程,规范相关的行为准则。从而让人民行动党在这一议程上享有绝对的主导权。各别种族团体和宗教组织因而失去自主权,听由政策摆布。 由此可见,共同价值观是规范社会行为的一套精细政治思维,其目的是确保人民行动党在新加坡的绝对政治权力。简言之,共同价值观的政策结果是在党政合一的政治架构下,人民行动党是新加坡的最崇高政治权力。  Read More →

MM Lee lectures Americans on the “Chinese mindset”

MM Lee lectures Americans on the “Chinese mindset”

From our Correspondent Singapore's "wise" old man and self-acclaimed "expert" on China, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has dished out his customary "understanding" of China to the Americans again, this time on the Charlie Rose show. On the National Talk show, MM Lee implored the United States to gain an understanding of the "Chinese mindset". "Look, they don't want to be an honorary member of the West, unlike Russia. They're quite happy to be Chinese and to remain as such...So when you tell them you ought to do this, you ought to do that, they say yes, thank you. But at the back of their minds, (they ask) 'We've lasted 5,000 years, have you?'' said Lee. Since relinquishing his position as prime minister in 1990, Lee had tried to portray himself as an international statesman and bridge between the West and China. He recounted (brimming with pride) former paramount leader Deng Xiaoping's visit to Singapore in 1978 which left an indelible impression on him and insinuated that it helped spurred him to liberalize the Chinese economy. Lee's frequent boasts about China "learning" from Singapore has brought sharp rebuttals and criticisms from others in the Chinese-speaking world. One famous Hong Kong commentator remarked that the Chinese leaders are only exercising due courtesy to Lee and the only thing China ever wants to learn from Singapore is its unique one-party system of government. Though Lee was an ethnic Chinese, he was English-educated and was unable to speak Mandarin fluently till he became Singapore's prime minister. Before the PAP won power, he had to rely heavily on his Chinese-educated colleague Lim Chin Siong to win over the Chinese masses. Lee was staunchly anti-communist and anti-China in the 1960s. Fearful of the lingering influence and strength of the Chinese elites, he abolished vernacular education and introduced English as the medium of education for all schools in Singapore. Singapore's only Chinese university, Nan Tah, was merged with the University of Singapore to form the National University of Singapore in 1980. With the rise of China in 1980s, Lee made a stunning U-turn and embraced his former foes - the Chinese communists. Despite his frequent claims that he has "in-depth" knowledge and understanding of China, his first major foray in China ended in disaster. The Suzhou-Singapore industrial park was a brain-child of Lee to replicate a Singapore-style technological park in the city of Suzhou. However, it failed to take off due to lack of support from the local officials which clearly exposed Lee's shallow understanding of the Chinese culture and mindset. Singapore eventually left the management of the park to the Chinese in 1999 with losses amounting to an estimated USD $90 million dollars. Till today, the losses are still unaccounted for. Ironically the park became profitable a year after the Singapore consortium left. Lee's continued infatuation with China is reflected in many of Singapore's policies including its liberal immigration policy which has come under fire in recent weeks. Concerned about the impact of the declining birth rate on Singapore's racial balance, Singapore embarked on an ambitious program in the early 2000s to increase the population via immigration with a substantial proportion of the new migrants coming from China. The case of Zhang Yuanyuan highlights the relative ease of which mainland Chinese can obtain PR and citizenship in Singapore. Ms Zhang came to Singapore on a student's pass in 2003 armed with only a diploma from an unknown Chinese high school. She became a PR within 2 months of application. Ms Zhang found work as a Chinese language teacher in Singapore which is hardly considered a qualified professional. The insidious "sinicization" of Singapore has caused widespread resentment and unhappiness on the ground even amongst the local Chinese who are culturally and linguistically different from their counterparts in China. With China becoming an economic powerhouse, Singapore will only grow more and more reliant on China instead of the other way round. At current rate the mainland Chinese are swarming over Singapore, it is only a matter of time before Singapore is relegated to become a second or even third tier city of China.  Read More →

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