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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

Anwar Ibrahim urged SDP’s young guns to continue struggle against PAP at Malaysian by-election rally

Anwar Ibrahim urged SDP’s young guns to continue struggle against PAP at Malaysian by-election rally

From our Correspondent The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP)'s Young Democrats were invited to observe the recently concluded by-election in Permatang Pasir, Penang by the Youth Wing of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) which was founded by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in 1999 after his controversial sacking from the government by then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Anwar invited the SDP trio of Jarrod Luo, Mohammad Khalis and Mohammad Shamin to join him on stage at a PKR rally where he urged them to "keep up the struggle". PKR deputy youth chief, Mohd Faris Musa, also praised the Singapore Democrats for daring to take on the PAP. Mr Shamsul Iskandar, Youth Chief of PKR told the SDP members: ""PKR will always be supporting SDP in its journey. We always identify ourselves with groups that dare to challenge oppressive regimes. We hope to have more of such exchanges between the SDP and PKR in the future." SDP had established close links with PKR as early as 2001 when the fledging new party was still struggling to establish a foothold in Malaysia's tough political landscape. One of the earliest PKR leaders to make contact with SDP is its Information Chief Tian Chua. Tian Chua was a human rights activist before he joined PKR. He took part in many protests against the ruling coalition of Malaysia and was arrested a few times by the police, including being detained once under Malaysia's draconian Internal Security Act. Though he lost in 3 previous elections, Tian Chua finally won the Batu seat in the 2008 election in which PKR emerged as the strongest opposition party with 31 seats in the Malaysia Dewan Rakyat. Tian Chua urged Singapore to "work towards true and real democracy". When Dr Mahathir Mohamad sacked Anwar Ibrahim in 1999 on dubious charges of sodomy and corruption, then Singapore's Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew jumped to his defence: "I would have felt disappointed if Goh (his successor) were to behave like Anwar too.", he said. Anwar was charged in court and jailed for 6 years before he was released by the congenial Tun Abdullah Badawi in 2004. PKR won only one seat in Anwar's stronghold of Permatang Pauh in the 2004 elections and was written off as a viable political party by many observers including fellow opposition leaders. However, Anwar staged a dramatic comeback by bringing the three disparate opposition parties, PKR, PAS and DAP under one umbrella to contest in the 2008 elections, triggering a political tsunami which saw the opposition won an unprecedented 82 seats in Parliament and wrestling 4 states from the ruling coalition including the two richest states of Penang and Selangor. The Malaysian opposition's incredible performance had sent shivers down the spines of the ruling PAP in Singapore. Two months ago, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew went on a 10-day tour of Malaysia in which he met many opposition leaders to learn more about the political situation and developments in Malaysia. He did not meet Anwar though. While many young Singaporeans are hoping that the political tsunami in Malaysia will be replicated here, it is highly unlikely to happen in the near future as Singapore's weak and divided opposition lacked an unifying figure in the stature of Anwar Ibrahim and Singaporeans have far lower political awareness and maturity compared to the Malaysians.  Read More →

AFP video: Struggles of 76-year old Singapore street scavenger

AFP video: Struggles of 76-year old Singapore street scavenger

Zheng Jie Wo struggles to load another empty box onto her trolley. At 76, she is besieged by joint pain brought on by a life of hard work. She can barely push the trolley that she uses to collect Singapore's discarded cardboard, cans and paper. "I still have to work even if it is painful. It hurts here in my joints and here to. I have got chronic arthritis." Zheng has been living on the streets for about seven years. There is no free healthcare in Singapore and her late husband's hospital bills left her destitute. She survives by selling scrap, but even those meager earnings are under threat. The economic crisis has hit the recycling industry hard. "Three months ago, the price of recycables was higher. I could earn at least $10 every day, maybe more. The prices are dropping, dropping, dropping. Then now a lot lower, recycables are selling for a few dollars now." Singapore is one of Asia's wealthiest nation, but also the first to slip into recession because of the global financial turmoil. The Singapore Buddhist Lodge provide free meals three times a day. They see numbers increase by forty per cent over the last few months as people save money any way they can. (Said Singapore Buddhist Lodge President Mr Lee Bock Guan): "The government in Singapore isn't welfare-oriented. They won't give you money if you are in trouble. You have to rely on your own diligence. The only jobs people can find are labor-intensive jobs like sweeping the floor. They don't care what the salary is as long they can work and earn some kind of money." Back in the alley, Zheng Jie Wo faces a new worry. Thieves looking to make a quick buck had been stealing her scrap which leaves Zheng with no option but to sleep by her trolley to protect the precious little she has left. Source: AFP  Read More →

Rise of a New Era in Japan

Rise of a New Era in Japan

By Alison Tudor from Wall Street Journal Japanese voters overwhelmingly rejected the party that has largely ruled their nation for most of the past half a century, choosing instead an untested rival to grapple with an enfeebled economy and an aging society. The historic change in government could usher in a new era for Japanese politics that replaces the staid consensus that guided Japan in its postwar boom years with a more fractious, competitive environment. The upstart Democratic Party of Japan and the establishment Liberal Democratic Party share similar positions on a number of issues. But the more-liberal DPJ is pushing an ambitious and expensive domestic spending agenda with an eye toward reigniting Japan's economy. The U.S. and others may find Tokyo to be a more complex partner than it had been, as they deal with shifting leaders and priorities for the first time in decades. But Japan also might prove a more willing ally on the world stage as its new leaders pledge to take a greater role on issues such as United Nations peacekeeping missions and climate change. The DPJ's victory was sweeping. It claimed 308 seats, a vast majority of the 480 seats in the parliament's lower house, compared with 115 seats previously. It already holds the upper house. The longtime ruling Liberal Democratic Party was reduced to 119 seats from 300 seats. New Party Komei, the LDP's coalition partner, fell to 21 seats from 31, with party president Akihiro Ota losing his seat. "Japanese people feel profound anger toward the current politics," Yukio Hatoyama, head of the victorious DPJ and Japan's likely next prime minister, said at a news conference. "We will refrain from arrogance and ensure our victory becomes a victory for the people." The Japanese voted in record numbers on a hot and rainy Sunday. Kyodo News projected the final turnout at 70% of the 104 million eligible voters, topping the 68% in the previous election. In Tokyo trading Monday, shares were up more than 1% on the news early, before entering the midday break slightly lower. The outcome had been forecast by pollsters, but Sunday will nonetheless go down as a watershed in modern Japanese history. It was the first time since the LDP's creation in 1955 that Japanese voters gave a majority to another party. The LDP has run the nation since 1955 for all but 11 months, in the early 1990s, when it was tossed from power by a motley crew of defectors and opposition figures. But for that interregnum, the nation has had one of the most stagnant democracies in the world for half a century. The LDP led Japan into prolonged decline following the collapse in 1990 of its property and stock markets, but the opposition failed to field leaders strong enough to capture the public's confidence. As the LDP lost favor, its effectiveness ebbed, from domestic policy to foreign affairs. This stasis is widely cited as a key factor behind Japan's inability to shake its long economic slumber. "You've had a political situation that has frozen Japan's ability to act," said Thomas Schieffer, who served from 2005 until earlier this year as U.S. ambassador to Japan. Among the LDP's casualties Sunday were prominent faces. In Nagasaki, Eriko Fukuda, a 28-year-old DPJ rookie, beat Fumio Kyuma, a 68-year-old LDP veteran and ex-defense minister. In Tokyo, finance minister Kaoru Yosano was defeated by Banri Kaieda, an economic analyst. "This shows the LDP's politics of the past several years failed to meet people's expectations," said Mr. Yosano as he conceded defeat. "For that, I feel a sense of deep guilt." Young DPJ workers were exultant Sunday night. The relative youth of DPJ supporters is one factor that sets the party apart from the LDP, which gets more older voters. In a shabby concrete building in Tokyo where Mr. Kaieda set up headquarters, sweating workers posed for the cameras and handed out paper fans to ward off the heat. When the results came in, Mr. Kaieda walked into the room, tears in his eyes. His staff stood up and gave the victory cry: "Banzai!" Haruhiko Yamaguchi, a 28-year-old law graduate who helped Mr. Kaieda campaign, said: "We need change. I wanted to help create a proper two-party system in Japan." Yet Sunday's election held a twist: Mr. Hatoyama is the grandson of a founder of the LDP, a man who became the first prime minister from that party. Prime Minister Taro Aso announced Monday he was stepping down as LDP leader. "The results were extremely tough for us," said Mr. Aso. "We must accept the voters' voices sincerely and make a fresh start." It remains to be seen whether the newcomers can solve Japan's structural problems and reassure a people uncertain about the future. Fujio Mitarai, chairman and CEO of Canon Inc., called on the DPJ to work with the LDP in such areas such as overhauling the tax and social-security systems and empowering regional governments. "For now, the highest priority in conducting policy is to make sure the nation exits completely from the economic crisis," said Mr. Mitarai, head of the Japan Business Federation, or Nippon Keidanren, a business lobby. The changing of the guard comes at a crucial juncture. Amid a deep slump triggered by the financial crisis last fall, Japan's status as a global economic power is waning: China is poised to supplant Japan as the world's second-largest economy within a year or two, behind the U.S. "We need to see changes," said Kunio Takahashi, 65, who backed the DPJ. "Although we still don't know how it will turn out, it's better that a different party will try to change our government." The DPJ offers a social-spending plan that includes a child allowance of $3,300 a year, meant as a solution to Japan's declining population and rising average age of its citizens. It seeks a wider social safety net, and restrictions on the ability of companies to hire temporary workers. It also proposes to re-evaluate Japan's strong ties with the U.S. -- including a review of U.S. military facilities in Okinawa -- and to explore greater regional alliances. Still, the DPJ faces skepticism from voters ambivalent about change. The party has offered few specifics on how it plans to pay for its initiatives. "What the party is saying sounds impossible," said Kozue Murakami, 34, a stay-at-home mother who took her infant son to the polls. Pointing to her son, she said if the DPJ fails to finance its policies, "We citizens have to take the burden, and these children are the ones who will have to take up the slack." Despite its mandate, the DPJ may go slowly in policy shifts. "It is crucial to wait and see right now," says Kent Calder, a John Hopkins University professor who has been an adviser to Democratic U.S. ambassadors to Japan. "I'd say at least until the upper-house elections [in July], it is not going to be definitively clear how the new political landscape will be configured." The DPJ will be watched closely as it selects a cabinet. The party is an eclectic mix, including former ruling-party heavyweights and labor activists, who may find it difficult to agree on key issues. Mr. Hatoyama said recently he would give key positions, such as finance and foreign minister, to senior lawmakers. Analysts say candidates include Katsuya Okada, party secretary-general and a former trade and industry bureaucrat, and Hirohisa Fujii, who served as finance minister in a coalition government when the LDP briefly lost power in 1993. Also vying are Naoto Kan, a former student activist who confronted bureaucrats in medical scandals, and Akira Nagatsuma, known as "Mr. Pension" for his role in uncovering a scandal in which the government lost pension records of 50 million citizens. By mid- to late September, the new parliament will vote in a prime minister, who would then travel to the U.S. to attend a UN General Assembly meeting Sept. 22, and a Group of 20 leaders summit in Pittsburgh Sept. 24 and 25. After that, the DPJ will be under pressure to perform. "I don't have a lot of confidence in the DPJ, because they haven't ever had to produce results," said Teruyuki Wada, a 60-year-old salaryman, who only would say he voted against the LDP. "But I will take my time, watch how they do and decide again in four years." Source: Wall Street Journal EDITORS' NOTE: Temasek Review is a paid subscriber of the Wall Street Journal  Read More →

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