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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

A formidable father-and-son act

A formidable father-and-son act

As an outspoken human rights lawyer and ferocious opposition politician, Karpal Singh, 68, constantly courts danger, controversies and has been arrested frequently in a career spanning nearly four decades. His exploits have earned him the nickname "Lion of Jelutong", after the northern constituency that first elected him to Parliament in 1974. But now he has been joined on the national political stage by one of his sons, Gobind Singh Deo, 38. Gobind practised as a lawyer at his father's law firm after graduating from Lincoln's Inn in 1996 and entered Parliament last year at his first attempt. And in a relatively short time he has already risen to national prominence as a fiery opposition lawmaker. Like the father, Gobind courts controversies, fights all comers in the courts, in Parliament and outside it, and has quickly earned the nickname "Little Lion of Puchong", after the constituency near the capital that sent him to Parliament in March last year. Both father and son are Sikhs and members of the Chinese-majority DAP. While the father is the party chairman, the son is a member of the its decision-making central executive committee. "Speaking up against injustice and defending democracy and human rights is an everyday job for me," Karpal said. "I have been doing it for 30 years and I am still going at it." Gobind may have a hard act to follow. "My father is virtually an institution, I am just starting out," Gobind said. "I have learned a lot watching him deal with the complex legal, political and human rights issues that cross his desk. "I am still under his shadow," Gobind said. "I have a long way to go." But by some counts Gobind has already arrived in a country dominated by majority Malay Muslims where fiery, macho style-politics is accepted as "right and proper" by aggrieved minority Chinese and Indian voters. This week both father and son made national headlines, sparking an outpouring of sympathy after they were punished — the son for crossing Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the father for offending Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak. Gobind was suspended for a year from Parliament on Monday after he called Najib a murderer during a raucous debate on unrelated matters the previous Thursday. The opposition has tried to link Najib to the 2006 murder of Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu, but Najib has sworn on the Quran that he did not know her. Although Gobind is protected by parliamentary immunity, his use of the word "murderer" incensed Najib's supporters who quickly moved a motion to suspend him and carry it through with their parliamentary majority. On Tuesday, Karpal was himself charged with sedition, a serious offence punishable by two years' jail, for disparaging the Sultan by questioning his authority at a press conference on Feb 16. The Sultan had sparked a public outcry after he dismissed the opposition Pakatan Rakyat state government and installed a fresh Umno-led Barisan Nasional administration on Feb 5. Last month Karpal received threatening letters, two live bullets in the mail, and Umno members lodged more than 100 police reports against him for "insulting" the Sultan. Such controversies are bread and butter stuff for Karpal, who first made a name abroad while defending Australian drug trafficker Kevin Barlow, who was executed in Malaysia in 1986. In 1989, Amnesty International declared Karpal a prisoner of conscience after he was detained without trial under security laws. A plaque in Karpal's law office summarises his outlook on life. It reads in part, "I will never cower before any Earthly master.” Karpal's zeal is all the more astounding because a 2005 car accident left him wheelchair bound. His many political opponents wrote him off but after two years recuperation, Karpal bounced back by returning to Parliament last year after winning the Bukit Gelugor constituency in Penang. Another of Karpal's sons, Jagdeep Singh, 39, is a lawmaker in Penang and manages Karpal's law office there but unlike Karpal or Gobind, he rarely courts controversies that make the headlines. Another son Ram, 36, and a daughter Sangeet, 29, are both lawyers and have not yet shown any political ambitions and the youngest Mankarpal, 21, is studying law. But the glue that holds the family together is Karpal's devoted wife, Gurmit Kaur, 58. They were childhood friends before marrying in 1970 — the same year Karpal started his law practice after graduating from the University of Singapore a year earlier. He also joined the DAP the same year and stood for election and lost, but four years later in 1974 he succeeded as lawmaker, starting a fiery career that has made him a household name. "Despite the accident, he is the same determined and committed Karpal that I have always known," Gurmit said. Her fervent hope is to see him walk one day. Unlike before, when Karpal hogged the limelight, now he has Gobind to share the political stage. "[Karpal] is as fiery as ever if not more," opposition lawmaker M. Kulasegaran said. "Together with the son they make a formidable team both in and outside Parliament." Source: The Malaysian Insider EDITORS' NOTE: Ever since the demise of JBJ, there are no fiery opposition figures in Singapore in the mould of Karpal Singh. Dr Chee Soon Juan does come close, but he is not in Parliament. In spite of the "repressiveness" of the Malaysian government, Karpal should count himself lucky he is still financially sound. Had he tried his antics in Singapore, he would long been bankrupted a long time ago.  Read More →

Mourning 25 years of the demise of a free and independent press

Mourning 25 years of the demise of a free and independent press

By Eugene Yeo It is an occasion of double joy for SPH today. A new corporate logo was unveiled in conjunction with its 25th anniversary celebrations. I can't help wondering how much the re-design of the same name cost the shareholders which brought up to mind the $400,000 of taxpayers' monies spent by Mah Bow Tan to rename 'Marina Bay' back to its original moniker in 2005 (read news report here) The event was hosted by ex-DPM Tony Tan in presence of the President S R Nathan and PAP ministers Dr Lee Boon Yang and Mr Lui Tuck Yew. A beaming S R Nathan recalled his experience  during his stint with SPH: 'When I accepted the job of heading Straits Times Press,...... the then Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, told me: 'Nathan, I'm giving you The Straits Times. It has something like 150 years of history. It is like a bowl of china. You break it, I can piece it together again, but it will never be the same. Try not to. I am proud to say that the bowl that was handed to me and passed on to successor leaders of SPH remains unbroken - in fact it has achieved a better glow with successive years. ' (read full article here) Hitler's Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels would be proud of Lee Kuan Yew if he is alive. Nazi propaganda lasted no more than a decade. The PAP myth is going into its 50th anniversary and still going strong. How can the 'bowl' of SPH be broken when it enjoys a 100% monopoly and is owned 100% by the government? Other than North Korea, China and Myanmar, I cannot think of any other country where its print media is completely under the thumb of the government. SPH was formed on Aug 4, 1984 through a merger of three organisations - the Straits Times Press group, the Singapore News and Publications Limited and Times Publishing Berhad which was later de-merged from SPH in 1988. The merger brought together the English, Malay and Chinese newspapers under one roof. SPH later also bought Tamil Murasu Pte Ltd. (read article here) 1984 marked the official demise of a free and independent press in Singapore though the nail was hit into its coffin way back in 1975 with the introduction of the Newspaper and Printing Act to control the ownership of news printing firms. SPH has indeed served its master well by churning out daily doses of state propaganda to justify the PAP's many flawed policies and repressive measures to stifle civil society and the opposition. Unfortunately, its "success" has become a tragedy for many Singaporeans who were brought up believing every single word published by the print media to hold it as the gospel truth while it is nothing more than just plain propaganda to serve the narrow partisan interests of the PAP. 25 years of state-sanctioned indoctrination has created an unthinking, subservient and apathetic citizenry who is contented to leave the running of the country entirely to the government without asking questions. Few people from my generation actually bother to read up on current affairs, let alone spot the glaring inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the media reports and to challenge the nonsense spewed out from the mouths of our highly paid self acclaimed "talented" PAP leaders. This is what 25 years of relentless PAP propaganda dispensed through its propaganda mouthpiece has done to our minds. And that is why the PAP is unable to recruit first rate talents into the government and has to content itself with paying obscence salaries to keep second rate talents within its ranks. In a country where the boundaries between the state and the party are blurred, what works for the party often has disastrous consequences for the state. To the PAP, having the media under its absolute control is a necessity for them to ride roughshod over a politically naive electorate so as to force unpalatable policies down our throat again, again and again. Over the years, our basic human rights have been raped repeatedly without any protests. Foreigners are allowed to stampede all over the locals to steal their rice bowls with impunity; GST was raised to 3, 5 and then 7% to "help the poor". New HDB flats are pegged to the value of resale flats when it is supposedly to be a low cost affordable public housing. CPF withdrawal limits are raised from 55 to 62 and in time to come, perhaps 85. PAP ministers lavished themselves with exorbitant salaries when our income gap between the poor and the rich is one of the highest amongst first world economies. A significant chunk of our reserves accumulated over the years were lost in less than a year and still nobody is held accountable. These are just a few of the many instances where the PAP has taken us for granted without having to pay any political price. In other developed Asian countries like Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea, their media will rise up in arms to serve as the voice of the people to protest against the government. Here in Singapore, the mainstream media is an accomplice to the PAP to preserve its political hegemony. David Marshall is indeed spot on in calling the Straits Times journalists “poor prostitutes and running dogs of the PAP”. Not all the SPH journalists are to blame. Some genuinely have a conscience and committment to their professional ethics, but they have little room to manoeuvre when the senior editors are all henchmen of the PAP. Not surprisingly, a few SPH editors were "promoted" to PAP MPs after years of "dedicated service" to the party, Seng Han Thong and Irene Ng being cases in point. Without a free and independent press to act as an 4th pillar of the state, Singapore's future is very grim. We have little choice but to swim or sink with the PAP. If they sink, we will go down together with them because there is nobody else outside the system who can replace them. SPH is the biggest stumbling block to the emergence of a credible alternative party in Singapore to check on the PAP. In almost every general elections, the SPH spin doctors were called upon to demolish the opposition when they should be focusing on critical issues of national importance. In 2006, we saw how the media conducted a 7 day smear campaign against Workers' Party candidate James Gomez for a trivial mistake. In 2001, it was Dr Chee Soon Juan. In 1997, it was Tang Liang Hong who was demonized as a Chinese chauvinist and in 1991, Jufrie Mahmood was attacked unfairly as a Malay chauvinist. SPH's timely interference had made that extra difference in saving the skin of the the PAP in closely contested constituencies. Jufrie Mahmood won 49.1% of the valid votes in Eunos GRC while JBJ and Tang won 45.3% in Cheng San GRC. What if Singaporeans have voted 5 opposition MPs into Parliament in 1997? Will we continue to be subjugated by the PAP in our very own land of birth? Can we not find out the answers to the amount of reserves we have now? That is why the PAP doesn't want to have "real" opposition in Parliament to make them accountable to the people and this is why SPH needs to be chaired by an ex-PAP minister to this very day. While SPH and the PAP celebrates 25 years of overwhelming success in state-sponsored thought control, let us, as one of the few who have managed to escape relatively unscathed from its omnipresent influence, mourn the demise of a free and independent press.  Read More →

VIDEO: Khaw Boon Wan denied asking Singaporean elderly to retire in JB, claimed his words were “twisted”

VIDEO: Khaw Boon Wan denied asking Singaporean elderly to retire in JB, claimed his words were “twisted”

Prologue: During his ministerial community visit to the Paya Lebar Division of the Aljunied GRC, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan revealed that MOH is further relaxing the use of Medisave, this time to allow Singaporeans to cover non-urgent hospitalisation in approved hospitals overseas. In a subsequent dialogue session with Paya Lebar and Kovan residents, Mr Khaw answered residents' concerns on rising healthcare costs and use of Medisave for nursing homes. He also explained that he did not meant to ask Singaporeans to send their elderly to retire in JB and his words were "twisted". Video taken by The Enquirer TV production team:   Question: You mentioned recently of people going over to Johor if Singaporeans cannot afford a nursing home in Singapore. The fact is if these people were to go to Johor, the children will not be able to visit them as often as they wish and this is causing some concern among the people. Excerpts of Mr Khaw Boon Wan's answer: I think there is a misunderstanding and twisting of my words. The worst interpretation I have heard is "Khaw Boon Wan said send your parents to JB." Do you believe Khaw Boon Wan make such a statement? Most of you know I am a Buddhist. Buddhism, like all religions, teaches filial piety.....How is it possible that Khaw Boon Wan will say 'let's send our parents overseas, abandon them." So obviously people have reasons to twist it for their own personal interest, so don't believe in what you have heard. In Singapore, we have many nursing homes and for the low-income group, we heavily subsidize them so that they remain affordable and they don't have to go anywhere else but I was just pointing out that nursing homes in JB cost so low because their lost of living is very low and the issue crops up because we are talking about hospitals in JB. I receive many requests for Medisave to be used for private hospitals overseas. There are some good hospitals in Johor and Malacca run by Singaporeans and the cost is low because it costs less to employ the staff there. So it is not that we are encouraging Singaporeans to go overseas for treatment, but if we allow Medisave, it opens up many options. I have decided to say 'yes' to that, that Medisave is now allowed to be used in overseas hospitals. The concern of course is standard and you will not know whether you get the proper care, so there will be safeguards to make sure the hospitals are safe. There are some details I am still working out, but on principle, I have allowed Medisave to be used for hospital stays overseas.    Read More →

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