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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

李光耀访马建立全新联系

李光耀访马建立全新联系

作者:林友顺 《新加坡内阁资政李光耀阔别八年后再访问大马,他率领新加坡年轻领袖,会见大马执政联盟的重要领袖,并走访在野联盟执政 (Pakatan Rakyat) 的州属,以亲身了解大马的变化,为狮城未来如何与大马打交道作好准备。》 新加坡内阁资政李光耀相隔八年后日前重访邻国马来西亚,他在八天紧密的行程中走访半个马来半岛,深入在野党腹地,几乎见完所有大马朝野政党精英,为新加坡取得宝贵的第一手政情,让新加坡得以应对大马未来十年的政情变化。 这是李光耀自二零零一年访马后再次踏足大马,与之前的访问不同的是,之前他皆以官式访问,而此次访问却是私人性质,而随行的官员也是新加坡第二线领袖,然而由于他此次的行程安排包括踏足在野党执政的州属,会见泷多在野党领袖,这使整个访问备受关注。 这也是新加坡领袖访马第一次拜访在野党领袖。在这之前,新加坡领袖访马从未考虑把在野党领袖列入会见名单,可是此次却主动要求,以致一名在野党领袖带具有讽 刺的口吻说:「新加坡是很现实的国家。之前在野党势力不强,新加坡完全不看在眼里,现在看到在野党壮大了,甚至可能在下届大选执政,赶忙要求拜访。」在去 年大选中,执政党国阵蒙受大马独立五十多年来最严重的挫折,全国十三个州属中有五个落入在野党手中,在野党也成功赢得国会逾三分一的议席。 李光耀被视为一名深谋远虑的领袖,他此次的大马行程也经过充分的计算。李光耀访马行程最大的特色是会见了所有大马的朝野精英,这些人都是目前及未来可能决定 大马政策的领袖。在他长长的见客名单中,在执政党方面,除了拜会首相纳吉、副首相慕尤丁,也会见执政党巫统三名副主席希山慕丁、阿末查希及沙菲宜、巫统青 年团团长凯里及极有潜能成为未来巫青团长的前任首相马哈迪的儿子慕克里斯。此外,他也接见执政联盟华裔成员党马华公会总会长翁诗杰与其领导班底、民政党主 席许子根。最令人感到意外的是,李光耀主动要求会见首相夫人罗斯玛,并获得首相纳吉的同意。 罗斯玛是在李光耀会见纳吉后隔天在私邸接待李 光耀,并款以大马著名的食物沙爹及马来糕点。李光耀对新加坡媒体解释此次的会面是因他与纳吉夫妇的关系「非常融洽」,「也很互动」;他说,以他对纳吉夫妇 的认识和从报纸上的报道,他知道虽然罗斯玛没有政治职务,但他们两人其实是个「团队」,纳吉在做决定前,可能会考虑罗斯玛的意见。 政治分析家指出,李光耀主动求见罗斯玛虽然不符合外交礼仪,不过却反映出他深切希望了解罗斯玛的思维与决策能力,「李光耀既然知道罗斯玛有能力左右大马的政策,他就有必要先了解新加坡未来碰到的对手能力有多强」。 【深入了解在野党州属】 李光耀从一下飞机到结束行程,除了最后一站彭亨州还是由执政联盟国阵控制,他从吉隆坡北上的行程,皆是在野党行动党、公正党及回教党组成的民联的势力范围 内。他把一半的时间放在吉隆坡会见执政党领袖与媒体,另一半时间则深入在野党腹地,实地了解由在野党控制的州属的情况,以致一些评论形容李光耀此次的行程 不是访问,而是「田野调查」。 从行程的安排,李光耀此次大马行显然不是为解决当前马新问题而来,而是为未来做好准备。一名不愿公开名字的 在野党领袖表示相信,虽然新加坡政府通过其情报体系及大马官方的报告直言下届大选在野党不可能推翻国阵,不过,新加坡从在野党所收集到的资料显示在野党有 能力在下届大选推翻国阵,这使李光耀必须到大马走一趟,亲自了解情况,让新加坡为未来可能出现的变化做好准备。 李光耀的行程包括到槟城拜 访行动党的首席部长林冠英及到吉兰丹拜会回教党州务大臣聂阿兹,此外,他也会见回教党主席哈迪阿旺,反映他对回教党的重视,及欲了解行动党在人口以华人为 主的槟城能走多远。不过,他却未主动要求会见掌管雪兰莪的公正党州务大臣卡立,后者率领一支州政府代表团前往李光耀入住的酒店进行礼貌拜会。 据知情人士对亚洲周刊说,李光耀在与朝野领袖会面时表露他对回教党的壮大非常忧虑,因此他此行把重心放在巫统如何改变,赢回马来人的支持及回教党执政后所可 能推行的政策。李光耀在与回教党精神领袖兼吉兰丹州务大臣聂阿兹会谈时直接询问回教党一旦取得大马的中央政权,它对新加坡将采取什么样的立场。回教党人似 乎也希望利用见面的机会能消除李光耀及外界对该党的戒心与不信任,聂阿兹指他在一九九零年上任后,第一次出国访问就是去中国,至今总共访问中国四次。而回 教党主席哈迪阿旺在吉隆坡会见李光耀时也强调该党在吉兰丹公平对待各族群,州内华人与印度人皆有建庙宇的自由及可以拥有土地。回教党人给李光耀的感觉是 「非常自信,相信随着越来越多人接受更高的教育,该党的支持率将会越来越高」;他也对回教党人是否会在执政中央后如在吉兰丹般公平对待各个族群持保留态 度。 【关注回教党施政情况】 李光耀在会见聂阿兹后也接见回教党改革派领袖胡桑,随后乘车参观吉兰丹州首府哥打峇鲁,实地了解该州在回教党治理十九年所取得的发展。在访问槟城时,李光耀也直指槟城的发展并不如霹雳及森美兰,这句评语引发现任行动党首席部长林冠英与 前任国阵首席部长许子根争论。政治分析师认为,李光耀对槟城的评论显然是要激励这个以华人为主、也是大马唯一由华人领导的州属精进强大起来,成为大马模范 州。 【未会见马哈迪安华】 李光耀访马期间会见了前任首相阿都拉,不过,他却未与前任首相马哈迪会面,在任期间与李光耀针锋相对的马哈迪极力贬低李光耀访马的重要性,同时声称就算是李光耀主动邀约,也不会与他见面,并在博客上揶揄李光耀访马期间如「中央王朝小皇帝」,「教导」大马领袖治国。 李光耀此行也没有会见在野党实权领袖安华,这可能是不愿激怒首相纳吉。安华与纳吉是政敌,容不下对方。安华领导的公正党显然对李光耀刻意忽略该党感到不快, 该党党报在李光耀访马期间也转载一篇马哈迪前任政治秘书郑文杰的文章,提醒民泷不要忘记每当大马遇到危机时,新加坡往往落井下石,一九九七年亚洲金融风暴 就是一个例子。 新加坡于一九六五年脱离大马独立,而大马被新加坡视为是东南亚较有能力与新加坡竞争的国家,而由于历史的渊源、人口的族群 结构及地理位置,大马的政情变化对新加坡将产生重大的影响。政治分析师认为,李光耀此次会见朝野精英,包括第二线领袖后,足够让新加坡在未来十年应对大马 的政情变化及拥有充分的准备与大马任何政权交往与交手,确保新加坡立于不败之地。现年八十六岁的李光耀虽然行动缓慢,不过思绪敏捷,他在此次访马期间也抽 空前往吉隆坡以南五十公里的芙蓉,重温当年他当律师时多次出现在芙蓉法庭的情景,使此次的访问多了感性的一面。 摘自『亚洲周刊』  Read More →

维斯瓦在国会发言文稿(完)

维斯瓦在国会发言文稿(完)

作者:冀居·谢 61、另外一个需要检视的政策应该就是外劳政策。我们当然明了经济和商业的理由,但是新加坡工友的薪水也因此受到负面的影响。我知道职总正在尝试解决这个问题,但是根据我亲身了解,低技能工友的薪酬已经开始下降,虽然 (NTUC) 国家在繁荣进步,但是他们却没有快乐起来的理由。 62、 第二个大胆建议,我觉得是跟信约无法协调的无根感和对国家的奉献精神。我把这个视为埋在你我之间的定时炸弹。我觉得,特别是年轻一代,对于这个国家毫无归 属感是是很明显的事实。因素当然有很多,不过主要是对这个国家的历史和目前的政局没有足够的认识,对于现状的冷漠和更容易的就移民海外有关。但是,我不认 为我们的青年天生冷漠,相反地,我发现只要认真跟他们谈,他们都能提出很好的建议,并且带着一股热忱。令我不解的是,我们在学校灌输国民教育,或者我们几 十年前的公民教育,怎么会来到这样的一个地步?这显然不是说年轻人没有经历建国初期那种筚路蓝缕那么简单。 63、我怀疑这个跟我们缺乏口耳 相传的传统有关,这是一件急迫的事,我们应该乘现在还有老一辈能够和愿意分享的时候就这么做。另外一个因素我认为是那些被“指派”去教导国民教育的老师, 只是半心半意地在做。或许我们的教员太忙于杂务而没有剩余的精力去灌输国民教育。此外我觉得这样的课题不能够正襟危坐,通过讲堂上的幻灯演示来达成的。应 该要有更大的推动力和理由。我觉得我们当下要系统地来分析如何来增进我们年轻一辈的归属感和对国家的奉献精神,特别是卸下包袱、重新审思我们的国民教育到 底出了什么问题?特别是今后的国民教育如何和内政部主导的社区计划以及OnePeople.com 主办的类似活动挂钩。要增进我们年轻一辈对于这个国家历史和时局的认识,我觉得有必要加强学校的历史和地理科。这些科目向来都被忽视,认为比不上实用的科 学课业。在历史课方面,我大胆要求着重在本地历史和近代史方面。犹记得我在学校学习历史的时候,一大串马六甲王朝苏丹的名字我都能倒背如流,那时新加坡的 历史教得不多。 64、在教导这些课程之外,我们还应该设法让年轻人多一些好奇、愿望和憧憬,那么他们才会主动去探讨这方面的意义。最近我遇 见一位年轻女士,她虽然在本地大学得到一个荣誉学位,但是她却不知道新加坡总统和总理职务的差别,现实有时就是这样让人泄气。这里头有个很大的问题,不管 是什么情况,只能说我们还做得不够好,如果我们不及时纠正,和提出有创意的方法,信约的团结精神永远只能是一个空谈。 65、我的第三,且是 最后一个建议是,让我们目前的政治管理合乎民主政治的一般原则。从六十年代后期开始,有许多严厉的法令让政治活动冷却,更不用说参与。利用内安法来囚禁政 治活跃分子和媒体管制,无论现实或者观感、无论正确与否,不过是制造白色恐怖和阻吓政治参与。这些年来,在我眼中,这一切都造成了政治冷感和众人止步的后 果。由此再衍生出无根感和缺乏爱国精神。我们一些资深的政治领袖都忧虑找不到最好和最聪明的人出来从政,甚至不惜用高薪来诱惑他们挺身而出。这决不是什么 好兆头,它影响继承的问题、阻碍了社会政治的健康发展,最后导致树倒猢狲散的下场。 66、基于以上的理由,我们应该有意识并积极地进行一系 列去政治化的过程,让人民,尤其是年轻人,不止热心参与社会工作并且跨入政治领域。一个好的起点应该是我们的大学,因为它是传统政治发起和实践的一个地 方。政治参与应该受到鼓励,校园内的群众聚会应该允许恢复。我知道一些国会里的同侪,特别是李资政,对于六七十年代所发生的事情仍心有余悸。不过我们今天 面对的实在是不同的新加坡人了:更多是政治冷漠、胆小怕事,我们受了高教育、更富裕,所以后顾之忧也多些。不管目前的情势怎么样,压抑只会把年轻人的过剩 精力引入地下,转而活跃于网络世界,对社会不一定是正面的影响。如果我们上去阅读他们的博客和论坛,我们只会觉察到不安、怨怼甚至是愤怒。我深信只要主流 媒体不再那么受管制,和对政治课题本着开放的胸怀,那么就会有一个健康的发泄管道。这样比较好,因为主流媒体有着较高的透明度和责任心。但是这些都有待于 政策的真正松绑,今天白色恐怖的疑云仍未完全散去,这些都有赖于政府发出清楚和正确的信号。 【结论】 67、议长先生,最后我 要说的是,我们已经来到一个转捩点,是行动的一个契机,把一些妨碍我们前进的偏差纠正过来。更不必说增强一个国家的生存能力。这个政府已经多次证明有能力 为了我们全民的更高利益而改变,比如在1987年放弃“两个就好”的生育政策、赌场综合度假村和F1方程式赛车等等。现在我们需要同样的勇气和毅力用在其 他方面,特别是让我们团结一致,我颇花了 一段时间阐明的那些领域。 68、是的,近年来我们确实见证政府在一些领域是越来越开放和投入关 注。但是却经常伴随着一些混乱的信息让人民看得眼花缭乱,所以有时并不能促成正面的发展。循序渐进当然会较稳健和少破坏,但是对于我所提的那些点似乎少了 一些力度。时间不待人,当下我们可能需要迅速行动和大幅度的改变来取得成果。 69、当然,这么做存在风险。改变没有不带风险的,所以只要我们认为是对的,就不能成为我们不行动的借口。我呼吁这个国会,不做任何事不该是选择之一。 70、 我们应该对人民的判断充满信心,相信人民不会滥用赋予他们的福利和选择。相信我们将会善用言论自由的空间,和感激政府的宽宏大量。当然,永远有人会反其道 而行之,但不该为了这些而惩罚整个社会。政府应该相信人民,毕竟这些新加坡人都支持政府走过这50年的风风雨雨。所以政府应该以更大的热忱,正面地实现它 的承诺。这是政府报答人民信任的时候了。 71、我呼吁政府和国会,让我们再一次相信人民。让我们展现对国家信约的无比信心,相信它如一盏明灯照亮我们的路途。我们有理由相信,这个在44年前由建国元老用热情、信念和远见而下笔的信约将会再次带领我们迎向胜利。 72、议长先生,我再次感谢您允许我提出这个动议。(全文完) 摘自大马论坛  Read More →

民主党能改变日本政治吗?

民主党能改变日本政治吗?

作者:方志恒 香港城巿大学社会科学部讲师 日本大选民主党取得压倒胜利,彻底击败有「万年执政党」之称的自民党。民主党在480席的众议院中取得绝大多数的308席,党魁鸠山由纪夫 (Yukio Hatoyama) 将成为下任首相,强势实现「政权更替」的目标。 民主制度的有效运作,建基于「政党竞争」。因为只有透过不同政党之间的竞争,民主制度才能够发挥回应民意、赏善罚恶、自我修正的重要作用:人民利用手上的选票奖励或惩罚执政党,从而确保政府的长远施政,符合民众的意愿及利益。 但长期以来,日本「有民主、无竞争」的政治体制,却成为现代民主国家中的一个异数。二次大战后的日本政治,被称为「五五年体制」:1955年,两大保守政 党自由党及民主党,正式合并成自民党,由此开启了右翼「自民党」与左翼「社会党」长期对立的政治格局。在「五五年体制」之下,自民党一直执政超过半个世 纪,社会党则沦为「万年在野党」,其间自民党只曾在1993年时,短暂失去政权10个月(当时8个小党组成联合政府取代自民党,成功推举细川护熙为首 相)。1996年,各在野党派整合成民主党,却始终无力撼动自民党的执政地位。 多年来,自民党虽然饱受施政失误、贪污丑闻的困扰,却依然能够老神在在、保住政权,直至今次大选才在民怨四起、人心思变的情被轰下台。到底自民党过去如何垄断执政地位?民主党上台后,又能否真正改变「有民主、无竞争」的日本政治? 专门研究日本政治的学者Ethan Scheiner,在他的著作《Democracy without Competition in Japan: Opposition Failure in a One-Party Dominant State》中指出,以侍从主义(clientelism)为基础的利益交换体制,是自民党在战后长期雄霸政坛的锦囊法宝:手握中央财政大权的自民党,透 过批出基建工程项目,向地方团体利益输送,藉此在全国乡镇建立支持网络。由于自民党在农村基层拥有强大优势,在「西瓜靠大边」的形势下,其他党派自然难以 扩充地方网络,结果令日本全国大部分的乡郊选区,都成为自民党的稳定票仓。由于乡郊选区占日本全国选区三分之一,而自民党又一直稳赢当中绝大部分议席,结 果表现不济的自民党虽然过去一段时间逐步流失城巿居民支持,却仍然能够凭覑「乡镇铁票」保住政权。日本民主体制长期欠缺真正的「政党竞争」,其根本原因即 在于此。 但这个「超稳定结构」,近年来却开始逐步瓦解,最终为今次大选民主党上台执政铺平道路。自民党与地方团体的利益交换体制,过去之所以能够顺利运作,实在得 力于经济的稳步增长及政府的充裕财源。但近年日本经济久沉不起、政府负债不断上升,自民党已难再维持这个「选举必胜方程式」。而前首相小泉纯一郎执政期间 大幅削减公共开支,加上日本社会急剧老化、农村人口日渐萎缩,更加进一步侵蚀了自民党以往固若金汤的「乡镇铁票」。自民党的传统铁票一去不返,加上社会弥 漫起「厌旧思变」的情绪,遂造就民主党在今次大选取得空前胜利。 无论如何,民主党今次大胜上台,改变了战后自民党「一党独大」的政治格局,为日本政治迈向两大政党「轮流执政」跨出重要一步。假如民主党能够把握今次的历 史机遇,逐步打稳执政基础、同时建立更清晰的政纲,「两党竞争体制」就可望日渐巩固,令日本能够真正告别以往「有民主、无竞争」的政治困局。 延伸阅读 书名:Democracy without Competition in Japan: Opposition Failure in a One-Party Dominant State    (作者:Ethan Scheiner)  Read More →

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