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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

Lower income group hit hardest by inflation

Lower income group hit hardest by inflation

From our Correspondent According to latest figures released by the Singapore Department of Statistics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for general households for the first half year rose by 0.8 per cent compared with a year ago. (read full report here) Tne CPI is one of the most useful indicators of inflation. It measures the change in the prices of a fixed basket of goods and services commonly purchased by the majority of households. During the first half of 2009, the inflation rate for the lowest 20% income group was 1.6% while that for the middle 60% and highest 20% income groups was 0.7% and 0.9% respectively. Food prices and accommodation costs were the two main items responsible for the increases in the CPI for all income groups during the first six months. The higher inflation rate experienced by the lowest income group reflected the relatively higher weights of food and accommodation in its CPI basket compared to the other two income groups. Despite the sluggish economy and stagnation in wages, inflation continues to grow, albeit at a lower rate compared to last year. The lowest 20% income group is hit hardest by inflation as their wages have stagnated or declined in the face of a relentless influx of cheap foreign labor. Singapore's population has increased by 4.3% to 4.84 million residents. Citizens contributed only 0.8% to the increase. Though many Singaporeans have expressed their reservations and concerns about the rising number of foreigners, the government is adamant that foreigners are "vital" to the economy. The presence of large numbers of semi-skilled foreign workers may have helped to depress the median wages of the ordinary Singaporean, leading to rising cost of living at the same time. The government has spared no efforts in making foreigners feel welcome in Singapore and to "integrate" new citizens into the community. Singaporeans have been urged to reach out to these newcomers. The few additional benefits that citizens enjoyed over PRs had led to calls from the citizenry to coerce PRs to take up citizenship after residing for a number of years. Though Singaporeans acknowledged the importance and contributions of foreign workers, many want to set a cap on the number of foreigners being granted PRs and citizenships.  Read More →

H1N1 pandemic: Singapore has 2nd highest death rate in Asia

H1N1 pandemic: Singapore has 2nd highest death rate in Asia

From our Correspondent According to an international website, Singapore has the dubious honor of having the second highest death rate from Swine flu in Asia at 2.27 deaths per million. The highest is Malaysia at 2.48 deaths per million. (source: http://www.flucount.org/) Singapore's surprisingly high death rates put it far ahead with more populous and less developed countries like Thailand (1.75), Philippines (0.11) and Vietnam (0.02). There were no comments from the Ministry of Health on the latest statistics. The government has been preparing Singaporeans for the pandemic mentally. Due to our small size and open economy, it is inevitable that the pandemic will hit our shores, it claims. Hong Kong, which was hit hard by SARS in 2003 has a death rate of only 0.57 deaths per million this time. The latest and 12th H1N1 death occurred on 20 August when a 41 year old Chinese foreigner passed away from pneumonia contributed by influenza A (H1N1). There are currently 53 H1N1 patients hospitalized in the ICUs of government hospitals. Polyclinics reported a spike in the number of flu cases in the months of June and July. A latest media release from MOH reveal that the H1N1 pandemic may be "ebbing". Singapore's healthcare system is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world by the World Health Organization (WHO). Its health minister is also one of the highest paid.  Read More →

Why social cohesion is at the forefront of the Prime Minister’s National Day Rally

Why social cohesion is at the forefront of the Prime Minister’s National Day Rally

By Bhaskaran Kunju, Political Correspondent “THIS is an unusually serious and heavy subject for a National Day Rally. Normally, you talk about babies, hongbaos, bonuses.“ That was a line Prime Minister Lee made part way through his National Day Rally speech, on August 16. It was unusual for a National Day Rally message to contain an in depth discussion on the need for social cohesion and at such great lengths. Especially since other topics, namely the economy has been at the forefront of recent times. It certainly took many people by surprise, not least because of the depth he delved into. PM Lee did touch on this during his National Day Message a week before and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew followed it up in his annual National Day dinner speech at his Tanjong Pagar constituency. There are some possibilities as to why this topic has been brought up and I will outline some.   Selling Singapore as a multi-racial nation As part of the speech PM Lee included an anecdote reported in an Indian newspaper, of an unnamed Indian man who had fled his home state of Gujarat after the communal riots of 2002. As a Muslim he had resented the Hindus who had slaughtered his family and compatriots, but after moving to Singapore and witnessing the racial and religious harmony present, he no longer felt the hatred and was open to members of other religions visiting his home.   What this story carries is an underlying message that Singapore is a good place to emigrate to, one that has racial and religious harmony unlike any other state in the world. With India’s labour force increasing by the millions and a limited job market in hand, Singapore is being offered as a viable alternative. We have to take into account the possibility that in the progressive stages of the recession, the hardest hit would be the highest stratum of the economy, which coincidently comprises a large portion of foreigners or ‘new arrivals’. An article in The Times in January cited a Credit Suisse estimate that as much as 200,000 foreigners could leave the country, shrinking the nation’s population by 3%. This sudden departure would of course have adverse spillover effects in the long term socially and economically. With the economy on the thresholds of recovery there is a need to maintain and lure financial outlay. The GDP as noted by the PM contracted by 6.5% in the first half of the year, which is far less worse than expected. New jobs are also expected to be created. Our strength as an economical hub lies in our placid socio-political climate that is ideal for the uninterrupted burgeoning of enterprises. The reiteration of Singapore’s prevailing social cohesion could be seen to function as a reminder to corporations that the government has not wavered from it as well.   There is a genuine domestic concern over proselytisation The Prime Minister cited the recent AWARE saga and the case of the Christian couple who were jailed for distributing religious pamphlets to muslims, as examples of increasing incidents of proselytisation. While these incidents, especially the former, did ignite major debates during the course of the event, the issue of proselytisation has not been a dominating subject in the public domain. Hence, the assumption here is that there is a possibility that such cases have been swept under the rug from mainstream media coverage. It has been noted on other websites, that Dr Thio Li-Ann’s first question in Parliament in 2007 was “how many restraining orders have been made against religious leaders or other persons under the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act since its enactment.” The reply given by the Home Minister Mr Wong Kang Seng was “No Restraining Order has been issued since the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act was enacted in 1990. We came close to invoking the Act on several occasions to stop local religious leaders from mixing religion with politics and putting down other faiths. These religious leaders stopped their activities after they were warned by ISD.” Dr Thio is incidentally the daughter of Dr Thio Su-Mien; the self-proclaimed feminist mentor who led the Christian group ignited the AWARE saga. While the government sat out the heated debates and civil activities, PM Lee noted that the matter was discussed privately by the government. It is hence possible to concede that the government is genuinely concerned of a perceived religious threat politically and on social harmony. Mr Wong Kang Seng’s admission of warnings being issued is proof that perhaps the issue of religious activism is a lot greater than what’s been covered in the mainstream media over the years. Apart from the examples PM Lee cited no other similar event has been in the news. Though both the jail terms of the Christian couple and the AWARE saga received unfiltered, significant coverage and attention. That in itself was unusual to begin with, given the government’s strict rules on coverage of sensitive issues. Incidentally, the case involving the Christian couple occurred in 2007 and the arrests were made January last year, while news coverage only began after the sentencing.   The upcoming elections With talks of a successor to PM Lee being the hottest topic prior to the National Day Message delivered on the eve of National Day, many would have assumed that political succession or at the very least the coming elections would have had some significance in either of the National Day speeches. But all of this has since taken the back seat. The possibility still remains that we may be no more than 6 months away from the next elections. The topic of religious and social cohesion hence plays on to the quadrennial preaching that coincides with the election years. One, that reminds us to vote without prejudice and stresses the need for multi-racial representation. In addition to that, with the increase in ‘new arrivals’ over the past few years, the next elections would have a significant number of first time voters of foreign origins. This is a group, that may have unfamiliarity with the political and social climate of Singapore. In his National Day message on August 8, PM Lee included the term, ‘new arrivals’, which is either a synonym to the more commonly used ‘new citizens’ or an amalgamation of ‘new citizens’ and non-citizens. Whichever it is, it was significant as it was the first instance that a National Day Message had included this category of Singapore’s population. Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew also followed this up in his own address at the National Day Dinner at his Tanjong Pagar constituency on August 13, where the highlight of his speech was his reiteration on the need for foreigners, PRs and new citizens and the importance of accepting them into society. Furthermore the Prime Minister cited the outcomes of the recent Iran elections as an example of how religion has wrongly mixed with politics and as a situation we should avoid. The social cohesion topic hence appears to be as much as a reminder to the ‘new arrivals’ as it does to the locals on the coming elections.   Terrorism In his National Day Message a week earlier PM Lee, asserted the need to be vigilant and strong against the threat of terrorism. The hotel bombings in Jakarta, Indonesia, in June would have been a worrying event for the government. Society in the eyes of the government is vulnerable. Proselytisation is of course not just a Christian phenomenon and terrorism in the covert guise of Islamic extremism is still evident in the region with the recent bombings. Our government has always maintained that we can never be 100% safe and that we are as always vulnerable to terrorism and in no means impenetrable. With the ISD arrests of JI members in 2002 and the escape of Mas Selamat, which headlined most of last year, the worry that somehow our society could be poisoned by religious ill doctrination that will ultimately sow the seeds of terrorism, is deeply ingrained in the minds of our leaders. Even more so since the hotel bombings were proof that religiously motivated terrorism has in no means abated over the years. The fact that significant members of the JI group responsible for the bombings were of Malaysian origin would also not have been overlooked. Another event that could have caused worry would have been the recently concluded civil war in Sri Lanka. With ethnic Tamils involved in the conflict, sentiments ran high among the Tamil community across the world. Many, in other parts of the world staged protests and sit-ins to show their support for the LTTE. While there have been no reported domestic incidents of demonstrations among the local Tamil community, there could have been a genuine concern for the government for any spillover effect. There are of course strict laws that would have put off any planned demonstrations though the local Tamil community was largely indifferent to the civil conflict. However any incidence of protests would have been disastrous and difficult to manage, as it would involve openly putting down not just a demonstration but also one that involves a significant segment of Singapore’s population. It is not know if there really were any planned demonstrations that might have influenced the Prime Minster’s speech. If there were any it would have been subverted away from public nevertheless to prevent an internal racial conflict. But with Malaysian authorities reporting possibilities of LTTE influence among the Tamil community in Malaysia, it is a plausible scenario and the perceived threat of racial unrest from a foreign source is one of genuine concern. This would have given rise to a need to promote racial harmony and emphasise the need to exclude external factors that may influence and affect the solidarity of our population. With the advents of the new media, it is easy for the propagation of foreign influenced manifestos to reach Singaporeans.   Conclusion With any political speech, the message is carefully calculated and delivered. Thus, it might be foolish to choose a linear argument over the Prime Minister’s decision to discuss social cohesion at the National Day Rally. Cynics might point out, that it could be a smokescreen to distract Singaporeans from the more prominent issues that face Singaporeans. While any thought permutation is possible, it is unfounded to believe that a single National Day Rally speech would have the power to erase the minds of Singaporeans from pressing concerns. There is a possibility that with the economy in relatively bleak conditions, an unemployment rate that is at 3.3%, up from 2.2% at the same period of time last year, retrenchments ongoing despite the contractions and Minister of Manpower Mr Gan Kim Yong asserting that “the outlook will continue to remain uncertain for at least the rest of the year”, there could be little else for the Prime Minister to expound upon other than to turn to the preaching of morality lessons. As he mentioned, normally the talk is on babies, hongbaos and bonuses. Unfortunately there are very little positives to talk about for the latter two and the topic of birth rates would have been repetitive. Furthermore the first of the two Integrated Resorts is expected to open in early 2010, and it was reported in April that a significant portion of the job vacancies has been guaranteed for foreigners, specifically from Philippines. Naturally there was public out roar and a growing concern that jobs are being outsourced instead of being reserved for Singaporeans. Apart from that there should be a large influx of foreign visitors as well. The population numbers and social stability is almost certainly set to be tested with the opening of our first casino. The foreign-local divide is hence one that is still yet unresolved and only a continuing abridgement process, initiated by the government could result in any possible social cohesion between the two groups.  This provides an additional perspective as to why social cohesion is suddenly being brought to the forefront. However, the real reason could be a combination of all the possibilities raised above. This would explain the significance of the topic in the Rally, as any one of the reasons is far too irrelevant to be the crux of an entire speech that would almost certainly have been expected to make headlines for some time.  Read More →

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