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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

Reduce the duration of national service and reservist

Reduce the duration of national service and reservist

Introduction National Service, or army conscription in Singapore, was first introduced in 1967 due to pressing issues such as national security after Singapore's "forced" independence in 1965. In 1971, the British completely pulled out of Singapore. It has been 41 years since the introduction of NS. Since then the world and Asia has changed significantly in terms of security and economic arrangements. But has Singapore's conscription policy kept up with these changes to reflect and cope with the new geopolitical landscape? First let us review the service that all able-bodied 18-year-old male Singaporeans have to undergo. Basic Military Training, or BMT, is the "boot camp" for all new recruits. This lasts for three months whereupon the soldier then gets posted out to other units for further specialised training. The conscripts then serve the remainder of their two-year stint polishing up their combat skills. Following the two years of full-time service, NSmen are required (for up to 40 days a year) to serve in a part-tme capacity until they are 50 years old for commissioned officers and 40 for others. Reduce the two-year full-time service In an age where warfare has turned to "smart" technology, is it still logical and necessary for Singapore to insist that its National Servicemen undergo 24 months months of active, full-time service? Such a policy is rare among countries that maintain a conscription policy. Below is a list of countries with periods of full-time conscript service: 1.Austria (6 months) 2.Bolivia (12 months) 3.Brazil (9-12 months) 4.Denmark (4-12 months) 5.Estonia (8-11 months) 6.Finland (6-12 months) 7.Germany (9 months) 8.Greece (12 months) 9.Guatemala (12-24 months) 10.Moldavia (12 months) 11.Mongolia (12 months) 12.Paraguay (12-24 months) 13.Poland (9-12 months) 14.Serbia (6 months) 15.Switzerland (18-21 weeks) 16.Taiwan (12 months) 17.Tunisia (12 months) 18.Turkey (12 months) 19.Ukraine (12 months_ 20.Uzbekistan (12 months) From the above data, it can be seen that for all intents and purposes a conscript army training programme need not be as long as the one we have in Singapore. The more advance countries like Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, and Switzerland all have full-time services limited to one year and less. Even Taiwan, which has an identifiable enemy in the form of China, limits its active service to 12 months. Only countries like South Korea and Israel have conscription periods that are longer than Singapore's. These countries are, however, in a state of war. Given the situation in Singapore there is no reason why we cannot employ more efficient training methods and reduce full-time NS from the present two-years to twelve months or less. Reservist training The current period of reserve training for NS men of up to 40 years old is also a burden on the servicemen and, by extension, the economy. Not only does the serviceman have to contend with the influx of foreigners, they are disadvantaged in terms of employment, remuneration and promotion when employers compare local men who have to be away for weeks in anyone year with foreign workers who have no such obligation. The span of a serviceman's reservist training should not go beyond 30 years of age. Men tend to settle down and start families around this age and job stability and carreer prospects are essential during this period. Unfair competition from foreign nationals would handicap local males and add to their already stressful lifestyles. In addition, the human body goes into a physical decline after the age of 30. To keep our military personnel in top condition, it makes little sense in keeping men over the age of 30 in the frontline if military conflict does indeed breakout. Increase volunteer, professional army To compensate for the decrease in the number of active and reservist NSmen, the Singapore Armed Forces should expand volunteer army recruitment to complement the reduction in the number of conscripts. In fact, the number of countries that have scrapped conscription are on the rise: Argentina (1994), Belgium (1994), Czech Republic (2004), France (1996), Hungary (2004), Italy (2004), Netherlands (1996), New Zealand (1972), Portugal (2004), and Spain (2001). While Singapore may not be ready to follow suit, it would be prudent for us to reduce NSmen in favour of a professional military outfit At the moment, NSmen are exploited for their services to glorify the PAP during National Day parades. The energy and time of these men can be put to more productive use than as entertainment for the PAP regime. Conscientious objectors What about people who do not believe that it is right for them to do military service due to moral, religious or ethical grounds? At the moment such conscientious objectors are charged and imprisoned for the length of their service. In some of the countries that have compulsory military service, there is also a provision for conscientious objectors to serve in non-combat roles. There is an argument that this would open the flood gates for men to opt for non-combat positions. Such a loophole can be plugged by increasing the length of active service by, say, six months. The experiences of other countries like Germany and Sweden have not been negative in this aspect where males try to avoid combat service by claiming to be conscientious objectors. Tranparency and openness Obligation in Singapore seems to be a one-way street. While the Government holds the people accountable for their NS liabilities, the Ministry of Defence remains non-transparent and non-accountable in their dealings with the public. The recent deaths of National Servicemen have opened a can of worms on training safety. In addition, the number of training fatalities and injuries are not made known to the public as a matter-of-course. The Government which compels the people to give their lives for the country are obliged to be absolutely transparent with information pertaining to safety issues. Compensation for deaths and injuries must also be reviewed and revised upwards. The Government must also not exploit NSmen as cheap labour during major events such as the WB-IMF meeting or, possibly, the upcoming Youth Olympics. In must be remembered that the Enlistment Act was enacted for a specific purpose and any detraction from that purpose must be shunned. Conclusion When citizens are forced to serve in the military with the possibility of being killed if called to war, it is imperative that the government is a democratic one where citizens can hold the government accountable for its decisions and actions. Otherwise we may end up in a situation where wars are waged for the ruling elite rather than for the security and sovereignty of the nation. Source:  http://forum.yoursdp.org/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3  Read More →

Appalled by the cavalier attitude of Singaporeans at National Day dinner

Appalled by the cavalier attitude of Singaporeans at National Day dinner

From our Correspondent In a letter to ST Forum published on 17 August 2009, David Lam wrote about his disgust at the behavior of some Singaporeans during a National Dinner celebration at Kovan Hub. (Read letter here) He noticed that when the National Anthem was played over loudspeakers, some people are still "walking and doing their own thing with no regard for the standing Members of Parliament and diners. The National Day Dinners are a part of Singapore's yearly celebration of its National Day. They are held in every constituency, usually one or two weeks before or after the actual day itself. The dinner cost between $20 to $25 per head. Grassroots leaders and RC volunteers are tasked with selling the tickets to the residents. They are often given one stack of tickets to sell, failing which they may have to fork out their own money to pay for it. The diners are mostly middle-aged and elderly. Young working adults are hardly seen. The increasing apathy of the citizenry had led to a segregation between the majority of the population and the ruling party. Other than the grassroots "volunteers" who commonly join the RCs for their own vested interests, most Singaporeans do not care much about National Day. Many had driven across the causeway during the long weekend holidays. Few bothered to tune in to the National Day parade. National flags hung from the households of public estates are a rare sight. Despite repeated attempts to instill a sense of patriotism and belonging to the people, most Singaporeans remain nonchalant and apathetic about their nation. Singapore has one of the highest migration rate amongst developed countries in the world. Almost two-thirds of young Singaporeans interviewed by the Straits Times had expressed their desire to emigrate. One key reason for this indifference is the continued over-dominance of the ruling party which does not tolerate any form of dissent or criticism from the people. Though the ruling party claimed to have won elections after elections with overwhelming majorities, this is due more likely to the opposition's weakness and its gerry-mandering tactics than to its popularity.  Read More →

When will our foreign ministry start showing some ‘spine’ against recalcitrant Burma?

When will our foreign ministry start showing some ‘spine’ against recalcitrant Burma?

From our Correspondent With the exception of the government-controlled media, few in Singapore and the world are applauding the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' ambivalent, if not sycopantic press release on the verdict of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's trial. The statement began decently enough: "We are disappointed to learn that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was found guilty and sentenced to three years hard labour. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi did not plan to violate the terms of her house arrest, and the intrusion into her house was by a person who appears to be of unsound mind." [Source: MFA 11 August 2009] The above paragraph alone should suffice, but MFA found it necessary to appease the military junta probably out of fear that it may be offended by its "disappointment" with the verdict: "We are however happy that the Myanmar Government has exercised its sovereign prerogative to grant amnesty for half her sentence and that she will be placed under house arrest rather than imprisoned." It doesn't take an expert in international relations to know that the "amnesty" is a mere charade put up by Than Shwe and his minions to deflect mounting western pressure on it to release Aung San Suu Kyi and to demonstrate that it does "respond" to views of the global community. MFA's statement is making a mockery out of Singapore which has always pride itself as a nation governed strictly by the rule of law. The verdict should have brought upon a torrent of harsh criticism from MFA to say the least instead of letting the junta off with another slap on its wrist. Why can't MFA show more spine to the obnoxious military junta? We all know Singapore has invested billions of dollars in Burma, but precisely because it is economically dependent on us that we will have more leverage over the generals. Years after years of engagement and rapprochement have brought us no closer to breaking Burma's political impasse other than continuing to fatten the wallets of the generals and their cronies. The Philipines and Indonesia have issued a condemnation of the verdict. Thailand is quietly working behind the scene within ASEAN to call for a pardon for Suu Kyi. Singapore should not continue to shield the junta and impede international efforts to secure her release. While it is understandable that being a small state, we are in no position to take the lead in international affairs and offend countries bigger than ours, Singapore should not incur the wrath of Burmese opposition groups with its continued support of the military junta. Though it may appear impossible now, the military dictatorship may be overthrown one day, giving way to a civilian government. After all, Than Shwee is already 75 years old and with no clear succession plan in sight, the regime may simply implode on its  own when he passes on. It may be more prudent to stay neutral in the conflict and establish informal contacts with the Burmese opposition to keep a conduit of communication open even as a form of preparation for an improbably eventuality. As Singapore discovered lately much to its chagrin and embarrassment, its near blind support for the Thaksin administration in Thailand did not go down to well to the Thais and now with the Democrats in charge, we have to "sing" to a different tune again. Recent insensitive and uncalled for comments by Singapore's Senior Minister and Foreign Minister about Burma have sparked outrage amongst the Burmese opposition and exile groups. Will the Singapore government do another about-turn and "kowtow" to Aung San Suu Kyi if she were to become the Prime Minister of Burma one day? In short, MFA's press release is a disappointment and disgrace to all Singaporeans. Being one of the world's highest paid foreign minister, George Yeo should be able to do much better than this.  Read More →

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