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Podcasts didn't decide GE2025Podcasts didn't decide GE2025 I refer to the CNA’s Commentary: Podcasts didn't decide GE2025, but they changed how Singaporeans engage with politics (May 9). The 2025 General Election has several features/characteristics that deserve our attention, discussion and reflection: In today era, technological revolution, innovation and advancement...

GE2025: Stunning victory for PAPGE2025: Stunning victory for PAP I refer to the CNA’s report, “GE2025: Stunning victory for PAP, winning 87 of 97 seats with higher national vote share in PM Wong's first electoral test” (May 4). GE2025 has clearly delivered the following key messages/notes from the vast majority of voters: The Workers’ Party (WP) has done a fantastic good...

This is not a game of cardsThis is not a game of cards I can appreciate parties wanting to hold their cards close to their chest, but the smoke and mirrors games on nominations day, the shuffling of the DPM from a seat he had openly been declared to be defending, and other ministers shuffling constituencies leaves one feeling the PAP thinks it is playing a game of cards. Constituency...

Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans?Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans? I refer to The Online Citizen GE2025 news report, “Lee Hsien Yang: Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans?” - (April 14), and “The Straits Times’ report, “GE2025: Singaporeans will go to the polls on May 3, Nomination Day on April 23” (April 15), and The Online Citizen GE2025 report,...

𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝... Is the PAP of today exceptional, with unmatched competence and delivery? Afterall, that is their justification for the highest salaries in the world. Let’s look at its more recent track record. Large numbers of NRIC numbers were recently unmasked, leaving Singaporeans exposed to identity theft, fraud, abuse and scams....

GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit TimahGE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit Timah I refer to the CNA news, “GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC but may make way for Singapore Democratic Party” (April 10), “More opposition 'star catches' are emerging. Is Singapore's political scene maturing?” (April 10) and “PSP says government response to Trump tariffs 'overblown',...

GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are recruited into politicsGE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are recruited... I refer to CNA’s news, “GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are recruited into politics” (Mar 28). It is not surprised to notice that in recent weeks, two NMPs and top ministry officials have resigned, fuelling speculation they could be fielded as potential candidates for the ruling People's Action...

More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote in GE2025More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote in GE2025 I refer to The CNA’s News, “GE2025: More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote” (Mar 25). As Singapore’s General Election is due to be held within this year, the following factors will more or less influence the election situation this year: A)The general mentality of voters Voters are generally...

How the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with waning US supportHow the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with waning... I refer to the CNA’s commentaries, “How the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with waning US support” (Mar 4), “Lessons from the Trump-Zelenskyy meltdown- for friends and foes” (Mar 1) and “Will Trump tariffs push China to change economic tack?” (Mar 3). Foremost, we need to recognise the reality...

Singapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum WageSingapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum Wage Singapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum Wage: National Service Should Not Come at the Expense of Opportunity Costs Singapore’s National Service (NS) has long been a cornerstone of the nation’s defense, requiring young men to dedicate two years of their lives to military, civil defense, or police service. While...

Trump-Putin deal on Ukraine will be Europe’s moment of reckoningTrump-Putin deal on Ukraine will be Europe’s moment of... I refer to the CNA’s Commentaries, “Trump-Putin deal on Ukraine will be Europe’s moment of reckoning” (Feb 20) and “Ukraine can survive with the ‘least worst’ peace” (Feb 22). Now, In the eyes of European Union, they have lost trust and confidence in the United States, it is solely due to the flip flop...

From Deepseek to Huawei, US tech restrictions on China are backfiringFrom Deepseek to Huawei, US tech restrictions on China are... I refer to the CNA’s Commentary, “From Deepseek to Huawei, US tech restrictions on China are backfiring” (Jan 31). Would it be practical, useful and effective for the United States to continually pursue an aggressive containment strategy to hobble China’s tech push? Undoubtedly, the answer is obviously not. There...

Don't get distracted by Trump's outlandish Cabinet picksDon't get distracted by Trump's outlandish Cabinet picks I refer to the CNA’s Commentary: “Don't get distracted by Trump's outlandish Cabinet picks” (Nov 25), and “'No one will win a trade war’, China says after Trump tariff threat” (Nov 26). As everyone knows, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will return to power on January 20, 2025. Trump has dismissed...

Putin escalates Ukraine warPutin escalates Ukraine war I refer to The CNA’s Commentary: “Putin escalates Ukraine war by a step, not a leap, with missile experiment” (Nov 23). Foremost, Zelenskyi’s intention to join Nato has greatly threatened the security and survival of Russia. Hence, Zelenskyy has offended Putin and Putin has no choice but to launch a war with...

Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries?Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries? I refer to The TR-Emeritus opinion article, “Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries” (June 14) by Mr Yoong Siew Wah. It has always been a controversial topic which concerns about our top political leaders who receive their salaries that are many times higher than those foreign political leaders. Our...

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

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

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

Four parties lost their election deposits in GE2025

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

Level 16 super typhoon devastates multiple cities in...

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

Level 15 winds destroy buildings rooftops and cause...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Myanmar 7.7 earthquake collapses buildings in Thailand,...

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

Beijing shocked by earthquake and mega sandstorm

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

Mega hail causes mass destruction in Fujian and Guangdong

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

Extreme weather struck multiple regions in China

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

Happy Chinese New Year 2025

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

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

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

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

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

4.1 magnitude earthquake shakes Shanxi's Linfeng city

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

7.8 magnitude earthquake devastates Tibet

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

Outbreak of mystery virus in China

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

Unknown Virus Rampages in China; Hospitals Utterly...

A blogger in China has shared a video, claiming that this isn’t China’s Spring Festival travel rush;...
Opinions
The three of threes about DPM Heng Swee Kiat

The three of threes about DPM Heng Swee Kiat

The first part of the threes is about the when, the how and the why? And it is about his retirement...
我们是否该重新思考国防开支的优先顺序?

我们是否该重新思考国防开支的优先顺序?

新加坡政府近日宣布将采购两艘额外的“无畏级”潜艇,引发了一个重要问题:我们的国防力量,到底需要多强? 毫无疑问,一个强大且可信的军队对于保障国家主权与威慑潜在威胁是不可或缺的。新加坡地处战略要冲,国土面积有限,因此需要一支现代化的武装部队。然而,当我们对比邻国——马来西亚拥有两艘潜艇、印尼正逐步扩展至十二艘——新加坡在水下战力上已处于领先地位。这不禁让人质疑,我们是否正引领着一场无声的区域军备竞赛? 问题在于:当威慑的需求被满足后,继续扩军是否已经超出必要? 一艘“无畏级”潜艇的估价超过十亿新元,还不包括长期的运营与维护成本。这两艘新潜艇的资金,若能转用于迫切的民生需求,例如医疗保健、老龄化支援、教育及弱势群体扶助,或许对社会的整体韧性更具意义。 政府一再强调国防开支是经过审慎规划的,但当生活成本日益上升,政府却仍需将消费税(Gst)提高至9%甚至更多,这种矛盾不禁令人困惑。如果某些战略性国防项目能够延后或循序推进,节省下来的资源是否可以用于社会发展呢? “全面防卫”不仅仅是硬件实力,更是要赢得人民的心与信任。让人民感到安心、有保障、受到重视,这种安全感无法靠潜艇来衡量,而是通过每一位国人的生活实感体现出来。 这并非是在呼吁削弱我们的国防,而是呼吁我们重新思考国家的优先事项。当我们继续推进军事现代化的同时,也不要忽视同样重要的任务——巩固社会契约、增强国民凝聚力。   Cwc-Ai  
Cutting down reliance on US military equipment

Cutting down reliance on US military equipment

There is a rampant rumor going around that claims Egypt has ordered 48 J10C with a price tag of USD$25B...
2025大选—明确授权,变化中的政治格局

2025大选—明确授权,变化中的政治格局

2025年大选结果无可争议,政府再次赢得了强有力的授权,稳固了其在新加坡政治格局中的主导地位。尽管选举结果并不令人意外,但胜利的过程却并非没有争议和复杂性。 值得注意的是,选区划分的变化在本次选战中发挥了重要作用。陈清木医生与徐顺全医生等资深反对派人物,因选区重划而受到显著影响——传统支持基础被分割或并入他区,无疑左右了某些关键选区的最终结果。虽然选区调整在新加坡选举历史上并不罕见,但其公平性与透明度仍持续引发讨论。 工人党虽稳守东北区的传统堡垒,但未能在本届大选中攻下新的选区。不过,该党仍获得两个非选区议员(Ncmp)席位,虽属安慰性质,却在象征意义上维持了国会内多元声音的存在。 更值得关注的是,本届大选所处的人口背景正经历剧烈变化。新加坡人口从2000年的约300万增长至2025年的超过500万。考虑到多年来出生率持续偏低,这一增长几乎可以肯定主要归因于移民流入,尤其可能在华人群体中增长显著。这一趋势对国家的社会结构和政治生态产生了深远影响。 展望2030年大选,各政党不仅要面对一如既往的选区调整与突发的全球事件,更需正视一个不断演变的社会结构。随着越来越多新移民成为国民,选民构成日益多元,政党在政策制定与信息传递上必须更具包容性与前瞻性。他们必须同时争取老一代公民与新加坡新公民的认同,回应共同关切,并跨越代际与文化差异的鸿沟。 在新加坡持续向前迈进的过程中,其政治也必须与时俱进——反映日益多元的人口现实,同时坚守国家的核心价值观:团结、韧性与务实。 Cwc-Ai
A jaw-dropping election

A jaw-dropping election

This is a jaw-dropping election. For the opposition. SDP’s Dr Chee and PSP’s Leong were deeply disappointed....
The Nation has rejected multi-party Parliamentary representation

The Nation has rejected multi-party Parliamentary representation

Our party suffered great losses and I personally have suffered the greatest hit. But these personal losses...
A False Analogy That Insults the Intelligence of Singaporeans

A False Analogy That Insults the Intelligence of Singaporeans

Minister Ong Ye Kung’s recent assertion that a “co-driver” bears no responsibility if a car crashes...
There is a cost to losing

There is a cost to losing

There is a cost to losing. At least in PAP’s books. And one of the costs is a policy of priority. That...
Hougang Belongs to the People

Hougang Belongs to the People

Thank You for the Reminder, Mr Marshall Lim. It is with no small measure of amusement that one reads...
Its all about trust

Its all about trust

Dr Ng Eng Hen from PAP has pointed out the most important key point about this General Elections, it...
Misunderstanding What Singaporeans Truly Expect from...

Misunderstanding What Singaporeans Truly Expect from...

The government's repeated assertion that it is "easy for the opposition to ask the government to give...
Punggol GRC

Punggol GRC

Punggol GRC is without question one of the most hotly watched, followed and contested constituency in...
Should Singapore Be Concerned About David Neo’s “Action-Takers,...

Should Singapore Be Concerned About David Neo’s “Action-Takers,...

Singaporeans should pause and reflect on the recent remark by PAP candidate David Neo, who said that...
Why Singaporeans Must Reconsider the Dismissal of SDP’s...

Why Singaporeans Must Reconsider the Dismissal of SDP’s...

The Singapore government’s blunt assertion that the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP)’s proposals...
Expect the exchange of barbs in politics

Expect the exchange of barbs in politics

In a political contest, expect the exchange of barbs. And we do not lack any of it in the rallies held...
Don't Be Swayed by the Noise—Think Critically Before...

Don't Be Swayed by the Noise—Think Critically Before...

In recent weeks, the political buzz in Singapore has reached a new high. Massive crowds at opposition...
We vote whoever is deserving of our vote

We vote whoever is deserving of our vote

I am surprised that Lee Hsien Loong chose to remind us of the 1997 shameful episode when he, his father...
The Case for a Diverse and Balanced Parliament

The Case for a Diverse and Balanced Parliament

The Singapore government has recently stated that "Good government needs good people" and cautioned against...
Letters
Podcasts didn't decide GE2025

Podcasts didn't decide GE2025

I refer to the CNA’s Commentary: Podcasts didn't decide GE2025, but they changed how Singaporeans engage...
GE2025: Stunning victory for PAP

GE2025: Stunning victory for PAP

I refer to the CNA’s report, “GE2025: Stunning victory for PAP, winning 87 of 97 seats with higher...
Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans?

Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans?

I refer to The Online Citizen GE2025 news report, “Lee Hsien Yang: Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs...
GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit...

GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit...

I refer to the CNA news, “GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC but may make...
GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are...

GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are...

I refer to CNA’s news, “GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are recruited into politics”...
More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote...

More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote...

I refer to The CNA’s News, “GE2025: More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote” (Mar...
How the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with...

How the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with...

I refer to the CNA’s commentaries, “How the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with waning...
Singapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum Wage

Singapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum Wage

Singapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum Wage: National Service Should Not Come at the Expense of Opportunity...
Snippets
Singapore’s Sports Industry: A Rising Powerhouse...

Singapore’s Sports Industry: A Rising Powerhouse...

Singapore’s sports industry is on the cusp of greatness, leveraging cutting-edge infrastructure and...
What are the most popular hobbies in Singapore in 2025?

What are the most popular hobbies in Singapore in 2025?

As work-life balance remains a constant talking point in the fast-paced city-state of Singapore, residents...
10 Most Popular Mobile Games in Singapore

10 Most Popular Mobile Games in Singapore

Singaporeans can't get enough of their phones these days, spending tons of time battling opponents, building...
Langkawi to Koh Lipe Ferry: Complete Travel Guide

Langkawi to Koh Lipe Ferry: Complete Travel Guide

Planning a tropical escape from Malaysia to Thailand? The journey from Langkawi to Koh Lipe offers a...
This is not a game of cards

This is not a game of cards

I can appreciate parties wanting to hold their cards close to their chest, but the smoke and mirrors...
𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝...

𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝...

Is the PAP of today exceptional, with unmatched competence and delivery? Afterall, that is their justification...
The sleep science revolution in elite sports

The sleep science revolution in elite sports

Professional sports have entered a new era where recovery science directly impacts performance outcomes....
Sports Betting in Online Casinos as a Way to Improve...

Sports Betting in Online Casinos as a Way to Improve...

In today's world, online sports betting has become not only a popular form of entertainment but also...
Sticky & Recent Articles

‘PRs versus Citizens’ debate rages on in cyberspace

‘PRs versus Citizens’ debate rages on in cyberspace

From our Correspondent The letter written by PR Ms Agarwal who threaten to leave Singapore if her children are not given equal chance in Primary 1 registration has continued to attract criticisms from Singaporeans with many describing her as an "obnoxious" PR and asking her to "bugger off" back to India. Wrote Ghostrider666: "Let's not lose sight of the issue here. In this case, Ms Agrawal, the PR, is the person who has a lot to grumble about if her daughter fails to get into a Good school, .......Ms Agrawal is the one who says that she will 'bugger off' if her daughter can't get into a GOOD school here. So, I say let her 'bugger off'. We don't care. It's her wish." Arthurl felt citizens are entitled to their priviledges and do not have to account to anybody: "Come off it Mrs Agarwal. All citizens of any countries have a right to their privileges and we do not owe you an explanation.....We do NOT owe you an explanation. If you are so adamant of your stand, make a U Turn and head back to where you came from and see what type of privilege you have in your own country. So do not try to assert your rights!" Many Singaporeans are outraged that PRs are enjoying almost the same benefits with them without the accompanying responsibilities. jpkyong wants the government to impose time-limit for PRs: "Corrective action by the Govt is long overdue. There should be a time-limit of 5 years for all PRs to take up citizenship or leave. All countries have this restriction except Singapore. Why are we allowing these free-loading foreign leeches to make suckers out of our people? Don't we have any more self-respect as a nation?" jojo2008 wrote about his own personal experience of PRs "exploiting" the system for their benefit: "I have colleagues and friends who's been working here for years, and exploit the PR system: - Indian national working here for more than 10 years become citizen, (Yes) to enjoy baby bonus and buy HDB while wife is a PR. - Malaysian couple run a successful (well known) business here becomes a citizen in order to buy HDB, meanwhile son (my friend who actually told me this), who's had a singapore education since young, is not a citizen and does not see the need to, today has a business in johore but is actually living in singapore cos he's clients are here. - Indonesian with a singapore education since young declares a income (from his "business") whenever he needs to renew his PR status actually make money buying and selling condos here. - Australian colleague here for more than 10 years secured PR status as a form of security as it buys him time and allows him to hang around singapore should he loses his current job. There are quite a number of foreigners who's doing just for this reason. And frankly, most of them are mid level managers whose jobs can easily be done by singaporeans. Unfortunately, these so call "foreign talents" already have their own network here, and any vacancies available are thus taken by them." Some are peeved by the government's pro-foreigner policy at the expense of the  interests of citizens: Wrote Trofeo: "Many other countries also adopt very open policies that allow foreigners into their country and workforce. But the difference between they way they have gone about it versus the way Singapore has gone about it is this- They are very clear about their priorities. They welcome foreigners but their citizens will always enjoy certain privileges and advantages over foreigners. For eg. before any company can hire a foreigner, they need to prove that they have taken the necessary measures to try and fill the position locally. Only then are they allowed to hire a foreigner. In Singapore, citizens and foreigners compete for jobs on a equal footing. Singaporean males may even be disadvantaged compared to their foreign counterparts because of their annual "downtime" due to their reservist obligations." AbolishNs had a stunning revelation: "I served almost 20 yrs in grassroot org; I recently learnt that a 1st gen PR [ who didn't serve NS ] simply serve 12 mths in a Resident Committee - can register his eldest child during Phase 2B for pri sch of his choice. This is more priority than our ordinary NS Men's child. I verified and confirmed this with People's Assoc." In spite of MM Lee's exhortation to Singaporeans to accept and welcome foreigners with open arms as they are "vital" to our economy, many Singaporeans remained unconvinced. The rapid influx of foreigners into Singapore has changed the demographics of the population dramatically. Some of these newcomers are not able to speak a simple word of English. Repeated calls by the government to foreigners to "adapt" to the local culture has gone unheeded as enclaves began to emerge in the HDB heartlands. The government has even gone of its way to use taxpayers' monies to organize events to make the PRs "feel at home". With such a "caring" government, it is little wonder that most PRs will opt to remain as PRs for now since it doesn't bring them additional benefit to become citizens. PRs are not eligible to vote to take part in elections. Then again, there are many citizens out there who have never even voted once in their lives.   EDITORS' NOTE: Selected comments taken from ST Discussion Board  Read More →

Why should we be grateful to the present PAP?

Why should we be grateful to the present PAP?

By Eugene Yeo, Consultant Editor "Gratitude to the PAP" is a recurring unspoken theme of every National Day. This year, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong spent almost 20 minutes of his National Day Rally showing clips of Singapore in the 1950s and 1960s to illustrate the tremendous progress we have made for the last 50 years (under the leadership of the PAP, of course). I concur with the Prime Minister. Every Singapore citizen owes a debt of gratitude, not to the present PAP, but to the PAP Old guards, such as Toh Chin Chye, Goh Keng Swee, S Rajaratnam, Lim Kim San, E W Barker and Ong Pang Boon who toiled selflessly with a pittance of pay to bring social stability and economic development to Singapore against all odds. I salute these men because during that time, Singapore is facing a very uncertain future. They could have easily left for greener pastures elsewhere instead of gambling their entire lives and fortunes on Singapore. These are men of ideals, principles and vision, who knows and understands the plight of the common men in the street and willing to serve without being paid millions of dollars. When S Rajaratnam passed away a few years ago, I wept, not because of his passing, but because so few young Singaporeans are aware of his contributions. We hardly heard of our pioneers these days in the papers. Toh Chin Chye got a rare mention last year when her daughter passed away. I have heard nothing about Goh Keng Swee. What happened to these leaders whom Singaporeans truly love and respect? Why are they not present at the National Day Parade or Rally? What do they think about the present government's policies? Do they still care for the people of Singapore? Or are we going to hear about them again only when their photos appear in the Straits Times (you know what) page? It will be too little, too late. There is a Chinese saying: "When we drink the water, we should think of its source." Singapore will not be what it is today without these great men and women, the giants of our time. Not only am I thankful to them, I love, respect and admire them sincerely and truthfully from the bottom of my heart. Armchair critics like me have always been dismissed by the establishment as an unwanted nuisance or as "bacteria" according to a SPH journalist. We are accused of being ungrateful, unpatriotic and even disloyal to our nation. I served two and half years of National Service during which I had a training-related accident which almost took my life. Have I contributed to my nation any less than those new citizens waving the Singapore flag sheepishly at the National Day Parade? Anybody who criticizes the government is considered anti-Singapore. Is it easier to be a critic or a yes-man? I have been doing "National Service" for Singapore in every single day of my life, be it eating, working or sleeping, I have been thinking, pondering and analyzing over these questions: What is wrong with my country? What are the problems besieging Singapore now? What does the future hold for us? Can we continue with such a system? Are my fellow citizens getting a fair deal from the government? If every Singapore man has the duty to bear arms to defend our nation, then it doesn't make any sense for us not to be allowed to question decisions made by the government and to criticize them when the need arises. In fact, the real traitors of Singapore are not its critics, but those who worship the PAP blindly like God. Hitler's Germany did not have a single critic. Neither does Stalin's Soviet Union has. The only two places in this world which are completely devoid of critics now are Burma and North Korea. Now back to the original topic of showing gratitude to the PAP. Even if they deserve it, they can at most claim 40% of the credit for transforming Singapore from Third world to First. Who then deserves the rest? Your father, my grandmother, our forefathers and every ordinary citizen of Singapore who have contributed to the nation in one way or another. Shouldn't we be grateful to them too? It is a fallacy that Singapore will not achieve its dizzy heights today without the PAP. Our economic success is remarkable, but it is definitely not a miracle as protrayed by certain quarters and now spinned into a myth in the national folklore. When Singapore achieved self-government in 1959, it was already a thriving regional commercial centre, a trading hub and an entrepot with one of the highest standard of living in Asia. Japan was still rebuilding after World War 2 while South Korea had not recovered completely from the devastation of the Korean War. In a way, Singapore is already one step ahead of its neighbors. We did not start way down below, but very near the top. How can the PAP possibly fail? The Straits of Malacca is the world's busiest waterways. Over 70% of the world's trade passes through it. Singapore is the only deep-water port in the entire Southeast Asia that can handle the bulk of this trade, no thanks to the British which has been building and expanding its port facilities for the last hundred years. Singapore is an oasis of peace saddled in an unstable region wrecked by ethnic strife and religious animosity. While Singapore has its fair share of riots, strikes and violence, the bulk of fighting under the Emergency took place in Peninsula Malaya and by 1955 after the Baling Talks in 1955, the situation was more or less under control. [Some may argue that without the PAP, Singapore will become a communist state. This is impossible for two reasons - the Britain and Malaysia will never allow it to happen and the "communist" leaders accused by the PAP such as Lim Chin Siong are more nationalist than Marxist as evident from archives released by London subsequently. We shall leave this to a future article] Our small size, though it deprives us of natural resources, was a blessing in disguise in another way as it made governance so much easier, enabling the government to remove the hooligans from the streets, construct public housing for every Singaporean, build sheltered walkways connecting every block and of course ensured that the rubbish is cleared on time. Try doing that in Malaysia, Indonesia or Thailand and see if the PAP is able to get anything done so quickly and efficiently. The British did not leave us improverished or in a mess like some of its other colonies in the Middle East. We inherit the British education system, civil service, judiciary and Westminister model of government (though it was not practised by the ruling party) from them. They are the ones who built Singapore from a fishing village into a major trading center of the world, not the PAP. The infrastructure they left behind formed the basis for our economic development. The British naval base was built at a staggering cost of 60 billion pounds and it was the largest dry dock in the world then. After the British departure in 1968, it was transformed into a successful ship-repairing and building venture by Swan Hunter which provided jobs for thousands of Singaporeans. Dr Albert Winsemius, a Dutch economist, produced the economic blueprint for Singapore when he advised the government to focus on labor-intensive and export-oriented industries such as electronics and manufacturing which created employment opportunities for young Singaporeans, enabling our economy to really take off. Yet, very few Singaporeans have heard about this great benefactor of Singapore, to whom we must express our gratitude too. Lastly, let us not forget the "quality" of our people if it is the right word to use. I am extremely proud of Singaporeans. Where else in the world can you find a people so honest, hardworking, disciplined, thrifty and obedient like us? We have one of the highest saving rates in the world. Otherwise, how can Temasek and GIC afford to splurge billions of dollars overseas? The Chinese, Hong Kongers and Taiwanese share the same characteristics as us too, but they are not that easy to "handle". When ex-Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa tried to make some amendments to the Basic Law, 500,000 Hong Kongers turned up in the streets a few days later hurling abuses and vulgarities at him and his family. Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou suffered a similiar fate too when he tried to move closer to China. 100,000 Taiwanese surrounded his government office in Taipei to protest against him "betraying" their interests. In Singapore, they will surely end up in jail if our jails are big enough to accommodate them in the first place. 44 years after achieving independence, we are on our own. We owe a debt of gratitude to the first generation of PAP leaders, but not to the present batch. If the PAP insists that we remembered their contributions forever, then we might as well extend our "gratitude" all the way back to the British with the founding of Singapore in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles. After all, without the British pouring in their nation's resources to develop Singapore, you and I may still be ploughing the fields somewhere in China or India. It is time really to move on. Nostalgia and clinging to past achievements will not bring us anywhere. Rather than wasting time and energy to glorify the past, the PAP should do something more practical and meaningful: give due respect and honor to their founding members when they are still alive. Please lead by example and show us what "gratitude" is all about.   Other articles by Eugene Yeo: >> Singapore's limit: an unthinking and unquestioning citizenry >> Debunking the “constructive opposition” illusion >> How Singapore manage to lose its opposition over the years  Read More →

Tharman refuses to answer questions on Goodyear’s exit

Tharman refuses to answer questions on Goodyear’s exit

From our Correspondent For the first time, Finance Minister Tharman found himself under a barrage of questions from his own PAP colleagues. MPs took turns to grill the Finance Minister on the abrupt departure of Temasek CEO-designate Chip Goodyear and its succession plans for the future. The issue has come under intense public scrutiny. Singaporeans are discomfited by ex-CEO Ho Ching taking over the organization again. Despite 25 minutes of questioning, Mr Tharman refused to bulge. His reason: disclosing the "strategic" differences behind Goodyear's departure will serve no "strategic" purposes. 'It is not sufficient that there be curiosity and interest (for information to be disclosed),' he said, after Mr Low Thia Khiang, opposition MP for Hougang, asked if it was right for Temasek to keep Singaporeans in the dark. Mr Tharman pointed out that Temasek already makes more public disclosures on its investment performance and strategy than comparable organisations. What really mattered was its performance over the long-term, he stressed. When Temasek lost billions of dollars last year, Mr Tharman also defended it on the grounds of "long-term" performance. However, he did not specific a time-frame for it. To Mr Seah Kian Peng's suggestion to impose a time line for a successor to be chosen, Mr Tharman replied that none would be imposed on the process which means that Ho Ching will probably be in charge for a "long time" to come. Founded in 1974 to manage Singapore's reserves, Temasek Holdings has grown to become one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world. Initially a conservative, domestic-based investor, Temasek under the leadership of Ho Ching was transformed into an "Asian investment company". Her ill-timed, if not reckless forays into the financial market has been blamed for much of Temasek's losses. The sale of Bank of America and Barclays shares at their record low price in March this year cost Temasek billions of dollars. Though it was apparent by then that the decision to do so was unwise, nobody dares to take the Temasek board to task including the Finance Minister, who is supposedly in charge of Temasek. With the Finance Ministry "washing their hands" off Temasek, it appears that it is now truly an "independent" commercial entity though it is funded entirely by taxpayers' monies.  Read More →

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