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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

Self-Censorship: Singapore’s Shame (2nd edition) – with double the SHAME

Self-Censorship: Singapore’s Shame (2nd edition) – with double the SHAME

By James Gomez, Guest Columnist It has been ten years since I wrote and self-published Self-Censorship:Singapore`s Shame in 1999. Then in 1999, I printed 1000 copies and then soon after in two monthsanother 2000 as demand was quick and brisk. Self-Censorship: Singapore`s Shame has been out of stock for quite a few years now. All copies have since been sold out, mostly through local bookshops, in spite of the initial (pardon the pun), self-censorship.  Connected to the book was the founding of the Think Centre. The aim then was to create political awareness but the Think Centre now is not even a shadow of its old self. It has been unable to hold its own as a multi-partisan political NGO in Singapore and in this regard has succumbed to the offline pressures of non-partisanship. It has gone off tangent to its original purpose and aims and it being occupied by those who should have made way for newcomers years ago. Given the hegemony and longevity of the one-party state, the time has come to move beyond awareness to political advocacy in Singapore. A renewal ofapproach and a re-think of strategy is simultaneously also needed. Thus, in this context we have to ask, has self-censorship disappeared, decreased or evolved into something else in Singapore? From my observation, self-censorship still remains thick and active in Singapore's political landscape. What I have discovered vividly since, is its active presence in local academia, very wide spread in main stream civil society and even among some individuals in opposition parties.  Even with the arrival of the internet, self-censorship has not dissipated much. Unless writing under the cover of anonymity, most public online expressions continue to practice self-censorship. Has there been no improvement since 10 years ago? Well, there has certainly been some improvement to state the obvious. There have been more individuals who are publicly stating and acting on their political claims and the internet has to some extent widened their platform to do so. In this new environment what then is the way forward? For a start are-write. In my most recent trip to Singapore, I picked a spare copy of Self-Censorship: Singapore`s Shame from a friend (don't have any copies with me anymore) and popped down to the Bras Basah Complex to make a digital copyof the text (save time re-typing the whole lot). I am going to spend the next 3 to 6 months working on a modest revision of the text taking in inputs and feedback as I go along.  I will also be thinking about what is next for civil society in thepolitical front in Singapore. It is important if we want to succeed that such an initiative or organization is well managed and run by individuals who are clearly aware that in even politics, professionalism and commitment to deliverables are important qualities to determine success. In the 2nd edition of Self-Censorship: Singapore's Shame, I hope to be plainer speaking and promise you, the reader, double the SHAME!   Dr. James Gomez, published his first book Self-Censorship: Singapore's Shame in 1999. The launch of his book was credited with the founding of the Think Centre in that same year. Dr. Gomez is currently working on the 2nd Edition of Self-Censorship: Singapore`s Shame. You can join his Facebook and take part in the revision of the book at his Author`s Support Group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59118927883. He blogs at www.jamesgomeznews.com/blog  Read More →

‘I had sex with my first cousin’ Gary Ng (garyng174) declared online

‘I had sex with my first cousin’ Gary Ng (garyng174) declared online

Not only did Netizen Gary Ng post some 33 sex videos of himself online, he had also confessed to having sex with his first cousin. The Netizen, already the target of angry Netizens over his sex video scandal, described the incident with his first cousin that occurred during the Chinese New Year holiday season two years ago. According to Chinese evening daily Lianhe Wanbao, Gary said that he was visiting his grandmother then. His first cousin was living with the grandmother at that time. Gary said in an online post that he caught the cousin surfing porn site, and upon questioning, learned that his cousin's boyfriend had 'weak' skills in bed and was unable to sexually satisfy her. Hearing that, Gary showed his cousin sex videos of him bedding various women, then got her to have sex with him after watching the videos together. It seems that when people log on to the Internet, they become less shy about confessing their deepest and darkest secrets. Online posts and comments, it seems, involve such a degree of daring that it makes the lives of any ordinary Joe look extremely boring. While Gary Ng might be someone's screen name, posting confessions or declarations of the less tasteful kind might still result in other Netizens flaming you. Flaming is the act of sending angry comments or replies to a post or comment on the Internet. Catering to a need for anonymous confessions, a number of sites have popped up. These sites offer uses the ability to reveal their deepest and darkest secrets while not requiring them to long in, or even use a screen name. Sites such as Group Hug focus on sympathy. Users can choose to give posts that they sympathise with a virtual 'hug'. Posts on sites like these also tend to be more of the lonely hearts club kind. An example of a typical post on Group Hug would go something like, "I wish something had would happen to me - so that I can get some love and attention." Other sites, however, are places for people to "'ess up on their deepest and darkest sins they can otherwise tell no one else in real life. One such place is Just Fess. Posts on sites like these contain more nasty messages. One writer said, "I think Pittsburgh residents are the stupidest in the land. Even though I was born, raised and will probably die here." Another post simply declared, "Sometimes, I hate my wife." Even on Facebook, applications allowing users to confess anonymously are readily available. The social networking has some 32 applications giving users the option to do so. One such application, Confess Your Friends, allows users to talk about what they think of their friends, and see what others think of them, all hidden behind a curtain of anonymity. While online confessions might look untraceable, sites can still log the IP address of visitors. Should the messages posted warrant the attention of the authorities, they can still be tracked to the poster. People who make threats, or inappropriate comments, such as posting racist sentiments online can face prosecution. Source: Asiaone  Read More →

An open letter to Defence Minister RADM Teo Chee Hean: Please do not let Dr Allan Ooi die in vain!

An open letter to Defence Minister RADM Teo Chee Hean: Please do not let Dr Allan Ooi die in vain!

Dear RADM Teo:   The suicide of Dr Allan Ooi is certainly a very strange and a very sad one, going by the reasons he gave. As usual, netizens went into overdrive, spinning their great conspiracy theories, this time about the nefarious workings of  MINDEF. The latest that I know of---one netizen even wanted the whole SAF to be destroyed for being the cause of Dr Allan's death and "all the damage SAF has done to Singapore." To counter such negativity and senseless rantings, I've done what I could to put up some good words for SAF in cyberspace.   Now, the ball has been thrown into your court, and concerned citizens like me feel that your clarification and explanation on the letter Dr Allan wrote before his suicide would be most helpful; and what measures you, as the Defence Minister, would take to better handle such tragic matters and ensure they do not recur. Accordingly, I wish to put up to you my two-cents worth on the possible measures that MINDEF could take to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.   Primarily, the reason Dr Allan Ooi gave for wanting to end his life was his frustration at being under-utilised, and being unable to secure for himself enough opportunities to perfect his medical skills. Yet he could not break his bondage to such a 'miserable' and 'helpless' existence in SAF, though his parents clarified that they could easily bought him out of his SAF scholarship bond had he just told them. We will never know from this side of heaven why Allan did not, opting instead to take his own life. How very sad!   There was also the reason of his failure to win the heart of a woman he had confessed he truly loved (rumoured to be a Singaporean blogger by the name of Dawn Yang), and his feeling of guilt, thereafter, for playing out his reactive feeling on other women who had fallen for this very handsome and talented young doctor,  as he confessed he didn't have much feelings for them. But I felt such matters were incidental to his reason for wanting to end his life. In any case, I am unable to offer any helpful suggestion for matters of the heart.   But I thought there could be a simple and delightful way out for restless SAF medical scholars like him who felt trapped in their under-utilised state; who felt being used merely as a doctor for treating soldiers with minor complaints and for those 'malingering'; and then being made to make up for work through writing articles for SAF magazines. If he had liked writing, he would have long ago chosen journalism for his career, not medicine.   Dr Allan Ooi felt that he was treated more like a glorified medical orderly or a nurse, or even like a journalist. And because he was under bondage, he felt helpless in the face of what he felt was a very insensitive, overbearing and uncaring organisation which had evidently refused to acknowledge his legitimate desires for perfecting his medical skills into becoming an ideal doctor he evidently aspired to be. So in his de-moralised and de-spiritualised state (some would say in his immaturity), he felt the only way out was to sacrifice his own life for the greater good of others caught in the same situation, Otherwise, rightly or wrongly, he felt such deplorable situation would never be taken seriously and be rectified by those higher up in authority.   Well, if this was his grouse, I think he had died an honourable (though preventable) death, though it was something I would never have recommended or countenanced in anyway. So let those in authorities not let his death be a death in vain. Let them be more caring and more sensitive to the legitimate aspirations of our promising young citizens who are endowed with tremendous talents, intellect, energies and abilities like Dr Allan Ooi. His death is one death too many, sir, and sadly too late to avoid!   So why not work out with MOH Mr Khaw Boon Wan for a doctor exchange program? Maybe, let a bonded SAF scholar doctor be periodically attached to a government civilian hospital for a period of one or two months in exchange for some civilian doctors who can be attached to SAF for 1 to 2 weeks for the equivalent duration that the SAF medical scholar-doctor is attached to government civilian hospital? Or any variation of such arrangement. Then such energetic, ambitious and promising young scholar-doctors would not feel so bereft of the great opportunities to improve themselves and keep abreast of their profession.   In this way, SAF will not be outsourcing their manpower problems to MOH. It will be two good, receptive and very able ministers that I have been engaging over the years extending their help to promising young men. It will then end up to be essentially a matter of logistics, really. MOH-managed civilian hospitals and institutions of health can in turn benefit from the specialised training that SAF scholar-doctors went through. These are the young men who have severed not too long ago their apron-strings to their mummies, and just striking out on their own on a very noble task of defending and dying for our nation; treating and mending those sacrificing their lives to defend our country; or doing great humanitarian projects. For those ORD doctors in the government hospitals, who are attached out to SAF on such doctor-exchange program, let the period of attachment be counted for their required in-camp training. Otherwise, let civilian doctors be allowed to be in their civvies when they are attached to SAF medical units, unless they are doing their ICT. Throw in free military transport for them, if you can. And let SAF scholar-doctors be exempted from military uniforms once they are helping out in civilian hospitals.   Please be sympathetic to their real fears that they would be losing out on the many chances to hone their skills needed to become a great doctor, if they are to be bonded to 'vegetate' in SAF in the pathetic environment that the tragic Dr Allan Ooi had complained to us in his suicide letter; and we are so astonished to read of this in his revelation..   More under-utilised SAF medical scholar-doctors could also be sent out for out-of-country humanitarian projects, not necessary to battle zones. In this way, their medical training is being put to good use helping needy and deprived people in poverty-stricken countries rather than for pushing pens to churn out articles for SAF magazines. This can help them nurture their spirit of altruism and hence clarify for themselves their raison d'être, especially for ambitious, talented and restless young people like Dr Allan Ooi.  Then, people like Dr Allan Ooi would know from first hand contacts that there are so many miserable people in the world who depend on their compassion, skills and abilities to render succour to them. Their altruism will surely fortify them spiritually, so they would be dissuaded from so easily opting for suicide as the way out when they encounter some problems in their otherwise pampered lives.     It would also be good if MINDEF can organise pep-talks---it's okay if they are secular---by inspirational people like Dr Lee Wei Ling for their ranks and files whenever there are opportunities.   In terrible times like this, our battered spirits are crying out for something uplifting, even for a secularistic restoration of our faith in each other as loving and caring Singaporeans. That was why Mr Khaw Boon Wan had told a TNP journalist years ago what he wanted Singaporeans to do: not to forget that there was a good reason why we were not born a rat or a cockroach, but a human being. In his short letter to me on 6 July, 2005, he had also touched my heart with these very moving words: "At the end of the day, life is about helping one another to make for a better world." How true!   So let us all join hands to create hope.     Sincerely,   Oh Tham Eng   cc - MOH Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Prof Lee Wei Ling, PM Lee Hsien Loong, MM Lee Kuan Yew, SM Goh Chok Tong, RADM Lui Tuck Yew, Others  Read More →

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