include("cmp.php");
Featured Articles

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

Ma’s image takes a battering from Typhoon Morakot

Ma’s image takes a battering from Typhoon Morakot

By Ho Ai Li from Straits Times HE IS Mr Clean when it comes to fighting corruption in Taiwanese politics. But the President's battle with a typhoon named Morakot has left his erstwhile pristine reputation somewhat sullied. To many of the victims and survivors of the typhoon in southern Taiwan, Mr Ma Ying-jeou will never be the people's President. Standing stiffly, his eyebrows furrowed, Mr Ma listened as a weeping villager complained about how difficult it was to meet the Taiwanese leader. 'Am I not here now?' he answered, sounding a trifle irritated. Shown on TV news networks throughout the day, the exchange with the villager as well as other ill-judged remarks did little to help Mr Ma project himself as a leader who feels his people's pain. As damaging as the question marks over his empathy for the victims, there are growing doubts over Mr Ma's ability to take charge in a crisis. That the storm has been labelled a freak of nature by weather experts means little to those Taiwanese who lost a family member or their home in the disaster. The argument that the current government should not be held responsible for the oversights of previous administrations also has little relevance. The Taiwanese media drew unflattering comparisons between President Ma and China's Premier Wen Jiabao, who travelled tirelessly to several places to console people during the Sichuan earthquake last year. It is clear that after the typhoon struck, Mr Ma and his team did not take urgent action in the first 72 hours - a critical period that offered the best chance of rescuing victims. As commander-in-chief of Taiwan's military, the President should have sent troops quickly to the stricken areas but he did not. Instead, the army dragged its feet initially, with soldiers reportedly calling the media to complain about having to wait for orders even though time was of the essence. It was not until Aug 14 - almost a week after Morakot hit - that Mr Ma convened a national security meeting to coordinate the responses of all government agencies. At least 461 people are now confirmed dead, with another 192 missing and feared dead in Taiwan's worst typhoon disaster in 50 years. Typhoon Morakot has sent Mr Ma's approval ratings tumbling to a new low of 16 per cent. The Harvard-educated Mr Ma had been groomed by his Kuomintang cadre father for politics. His career has proceeded so smoothly that critics say his life experiences have made him unable to handle problems or to empathise with people. There were signs when Mr Ma was mayor of Taipei that he may not have what it takes to manage a crisis. During the Sars crisis in 2003, he was criticised for not doing enough to contain the outbreak in Taipei. When he ran for president in March last year, his clean image and steadfast nature won over Taiwanese voters fed up with his erratic and scandal-tainted predecessor Chen Shui-bian. Scrupulous about following rules, like adhering to the limits of his power as spelt out under the Constitution, Mr Ma has allowed Premier Liu Chao-shiuan to handle the economy and domestic affairs, while he takes charge of foreign and military affairs and also cross-strait policy. 'Seen positively, this means that Mr Ma is unlikely to amass too much power. But seen negatively, it also means that he is too much of a stickler for rules to be able to react to crises in a flexible and decisive way,' said Professor Liao Da-chi, a political scientist from Taiwan's National Sun Yat-sen University. Aside from his handling of the typhoon, the crisis also did not reflect well on Mr Ma's choice of Cabinet members. The storm has blown the cover off a Cabinet touted to have 'old hands' who have been through crises. Many Cabinet members have shown a lack of savvy, making insensitive remarks at a delicate time. The crisis has also exposed poor communication between the central and local governments. Overall, the government could not show it had a well-oiled crisis management system. For example, if the Central Weather Bureau had reported alarming levels of rainfall, why did this not prompt the authorities to evacuate residents from vulnerable areas? But despite the torrent of criticism, there is hope yet that Mr Ma may weather the current political storm. While his government's poor showing may affect the Kuomintang's performance in local elections in December, the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) may not stand to benefit. Many of the disaster-hit areas are held by the DPP in any case. Voters in these counties are likely to vote for the DPP, backlash or no backlash. Furthermore, the DPP leaders in the affected areas are themselves also under fire. There are signs that Mr Ma's profuse apologies have assuaged some of the anger. A poll by TVBS news station of about 1,200 people showed that six in 10 did not think he should resign, although an earlier CNN online poll - not limited to Taiwan residents - had 82 per cent saying he should. As for how badly the current political storm will damage his chances of a second presidential term in 2012, a lot depends on whether he delivers on his promise to rebuild the stricken areas and whether he can rejuvenate his Cabinet. It also depends on whether there are credible contenders for the presidency. At this moment, few names come to mind. Source: Straits Times  Read More →

You voted for PAP and…

You voted for PAP and…

By Hardwarezone forumer Ixnay You voted for PAP, and you get to pay 7% GST instead of 5%. You voted for PAP, and they peg power to the price of oil even when 80% of Singapore's power comes from natural gas. You voted for PAP and your CPF money gets lock up for another 3 years more than the original. You voted for PAP, and your ministers demanded a 85% pay raises. You voted for PAP, and your job went to a foreigner. You voted for PAP, and your neighbors become foreigners. You voted for PAP, and your elderly gets to enjoy the dignity of employment by cleaning toilets, scavenging trash bins for aluminum cans and selling tissue papers. You voted for PAP, and your minsters tell you it is your fault that Mas Selemat escaped. You voted for PAP, and your government would rather lose millions at sinking foreign banks rather than to save you from starvation. You voted for PAP, and not only do your ministers literally spit on you, but their scions tell you to "get out of their elite uncaring faces". You voted for PAP, and you are amply rewarded with ERPs at your doorstep. You voted for PAP, and Lee Hsien Loong pledged to fix the oppositions. You voted for PAP, and you got a Division 3 Prime Minister who needs 2 mentors to hold his hand. You voted for PAP, and you got a large serving of Mee Siam Mai Hum, at your own expense. You voted for PAP, and your salary stayed stagnant for more than a decade while the cost of living shoot sky high. You voted for PAP, and you see the foreign kids get a place in school while you child get zilch. You voted for PAP, and you find that your public transport is no longer "public". You voted for PAP, and your ministers want to house 1,500 foreign workers right smacked in the middle of a peaceful neighborhood without any concerns for you. You voted for PAP, and the government readily reward your men with more hookers than they can ever poked in Geylang. You voted for PAP, and your government happily demands $5000 ang pao from you when your maid runaway or get pregnant even though you had nothing to do with it. You voted for PAP, and your government glorify themselves with Olympic sized banners of their ghastly faces to scare away ghosts during the Chinese 7th month, courtesy of your S&C contribution to your town councils which is suppose to go toward making life in your neighborhood better. You voted for PAP, and they protect the interests of the petrol companies by making you pump 3/4 tank before you cross the causeway. You voted for PAP, and they see nothing wrong with fining you for driving a foreign registered car into Singapore. You voted for PAP, and you discover that world-class super talented multi-million dollar minister with all the state resources and manpowers cannot even catch a limping man in this tiny island state after more than half a year. You voted for PAP, and you realise that your MP's job is not to speak out for you in parliament, but to tell you to tighten the belt, bite the bullet, eat lesser and work longer. You voted for PAP, and your kids have to stay with you till 40 years old, as they cannot afford the cheapest "public" housing. You voted for PAP, and your government tells you that their interpretation of subsidies is the profit that they forgo making, instead of actually paying part of the cost. You voted for PAP, and everyone in Singapore suddenly got elevated to Swiss standard of living, except you, and everyone around you. You voted for PAP, and your neighbors can sell your home for you (en-block), whether you like it or not. You voted for PAP, and your organs automatically belongs to the government (HOTA). You voted for PAP, and you have to pay administration fee to use your own money when you are sick (Medisave). You voted for PAP, and your sons get to spend 2 or more years as free labour in National Service and 13 more years as reservists, so that the foreigners can have a safe country to work in. You voted for PAP, and you found out that each of your son is worth $30k, because that is what you are going to get if your son die while serving the foreigners. You voted for PAP, and you get a grand party every year on 9th August celebrating more salaries for PAP.Not everyone is invited though, you will still have to ballot for it. You voted for PAP, and they tell you that there is a corner called Hong Lim Park where you can go to talk all you want, other than that, shut up unless you have something nice to say. You voted for PAP, and you get a world-bottom "nation-building" press serving you the latest propagandas, regardless of truth. You voted for PAP, and in order to buy a car, you have to first pay for a piece of paper that cost more than the car itself. You voted for PAP, and you must vote for PAP! You cannot even think about not voting for PAP. Because a certain inaccurate old man said that he will call in the army if you don't. So vote for PAP. Read the list above again, and vote for PAP. Go ahead, vote for PAP. More good years eh? Vote for PAP. For Swiss standard of living. Vote for PAP. Mee Siam Mai Hum ok? Source: Hardwarezone Forum  Read More →

Hu in first visit to Xinjiang since deadly rioting

Hu in first visit to Xinjiang since deadly rioting

By Ivan Zhai from SCMP President Hu Jintao has visited Xinjiang for the first time since the deadly riots in Urumqi early last month and claimed victory against the "three forces" of separatism, terrorism and extremism. Almost 200 people died and more than 2,000 were injured in the ugly ethnic clashes between Han Chinese and Uygurs in the regional capital. In a speech at a general meeting yesterday morning attended by senior cadres, military and police, Mr Hu said the key to future stability was ensuring the development of the region's economy and improving living standards. He urged efforts by all to ensure stability, which he said was the "most urgent task" facing the region. The visit dominated the main nightly Network News programme on China Central Television, with around 20 minutes of the 30-minute broadcast dedicated to it. Violence broke out on July 5 after police stopped an initially peaceful protest by Uygur young people, prompting crowds to smash windows, burn cars and attack Han. Two days later, Han groups carried out revenge attacks on Uygurs. The ethnic violence shook the country's leadership, prompting Mr Hu to cut short his trip to the Group of Eight summit in Italy to return home to deal with the domestic crisis. Beijing has repeatedly accused exiled Uygur activist Rebiya Kadeer of fomenting the violence. In the aftermath, a frequent complaint among Uygurs was income inequality among minorities and Han. Mr Hu said improving people's livelihoods should be the starting point of Xinjiang's economic development. The president emphasised that no matter what difficulties or interruptions they faced, officials should make development their top priority. "The separatists don't have the people's hearts and will surely fail," Mr Hu said. "The victory of this struggle fully showed the power of the party and the people. The splittist forces are doomed to fail and their sabotage activities will not shake the overall situation of the stable development of the reform in Xinjiang." He also gave Xinjiang's cadres a pat on the back, saying the party and the people would remember the efforts and accomplishments of officials from all ethnic groups. He said Xinjiang's stability was a national issue. He said national unity, a basic state policy since the Communist Party took power almost 60 years ago, had proven effective and needed to continue. Since arriving on Saturday, Mr Hu has visited a number of cities, counties and villages across the region. He was shown on CCTV talking to cotton and fruit farmers, workers from textile mills and energy companies, and military and armed police officers. The majority of the people Mr Hu was pictured talking to were Uygurs, which prompted complaints from some Han netizens. Visits by senior officials are usually reported after they have taken place. Meanwhile, a Xinjiang official yesterday denied a state media report that the trials of some of the 200 people arrested over the riots would start this week. "The suspects will definitely not be in court this week," said Hou Hanmin , director of the Xinjiang Government Information Office. The English-language mouthpiece, China Daily, also reported that the number of people arrested had jumped from the previously announced 82 to around 200. "The number is wrong," Mr Hou said. "As the investigation is still ongoing, there should be more than 83, but definitely not as many as 200." The riots continue to have an impact on the region, with mobile phone and internet services still out of action. A number of websites were blocked nationwide after the riot. The social networking site Facebook and micro-blogging service Twitter remain blocked. Tourism, a pillar industry of Xinjiang, was hit hard by the violence. Official figures showed more than 200,000 tourists had cancelled trips in the 20 days following the violence. Source: SCMP   EDITORS' NOTE: Temasek Review is a paid subscriber to the South China Morning Post  Read More →

Sponsored Content
Official Quick Links
Members LoginContact UsSupport Us
Sponsored Advertisement
Search On TR Emeritus
Sponsored Advertisement
Advertisement

Announcement

UA-67043412-1