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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

The 8% that remains unvaccinated

The 8% that remains unvaccinated

Yes, my heart felt words to the 8% of Singaporeans who had resisted the bullying, evil coercion and discrimination to stay unvaccinated (UnV). At the very least, I know there are people out there who have critical minds to withstand all nonsense to make good judgement. Yes, I am even more proud of my own daughter, not only for her excellence in studies but more so for her ability to utilize her critical thinking to make great judgement while facing peer pressure & withstanding the material urge of shopping and dining in Macdonald and restaurants! Many people thought that I have influenced or even dictate my daughter not to take the vaccine (V) but that's really far from the Truth. She has made that decision all by herself without me telling her what to do. If there is anything from me that "influence" her to make that decision, it's just me genes of Critical Thinking and Courage to be non conformist. I am really proud of her as a little young woman with a great mind in the making. She knows her priorities well and has the courage and steel in her to withstand all those unwarranted pressure and discrimination.   Goh Meng Seng      Read More →

The Sin of Filicide by Genetic Vaccines

The Sin of Filicide by Genetic Vaccines

Bet most people aren't acquainted with this word 'filicide'. It is the despicable act of parents murdering their own children. If you have done some research and come to your own conclusion of the benefits outweighing the risks of vaccines for children, then it's fair enough. It's your choice and you have at least been responsible about it. But for those carelessly anxious, gladly, willingly, nonchalantly, or obediently bring their children for the jabs, you could be filicidal with the decision if fatal adverse events follow, one month, 2 months, several years later. Incidents of deaths of children and deeply serious adverse events following vaccination have been suppressed. We only get to hear of them from anecdotes via social media. Here's some tragedies I came across fairly recently. Jackson Ball aged 7 from North Carolina, US. His father Billy Ball is a vaxx zealot who wants all parents to get their kids jabbed. He promotes the vax on Twitter. He had his kids vaxx'd on 20 May 2021 and tweeted "My little ones are excited. They really are. Because it means they can get some candy afterwards." 7 year old Jackson had triple jabs. On 4 Jan 2023, Jackson suffered a fatal catastrophic brain event. That indicates a sudden ruptured brain aneurysm, post-injection meningitis, or encephalitis. All known adverse events of the mRNA jab. The father is still pro-vaxx for kids. Dad still has trust in the vaccines. Anastasia Weaver aged 6, from Ohio, US. She had a twin sister, Caitlin. Mom is a nurse and had to jab by mandate. She seems pro-vax. 21 Nov 2021 Mom, dad and twins had their first jab. Anna had some problems and was hospitalised and oxygenated. Mom put it off as related to a digestive issue she was having 2 days before the jab. 4 Jan 2022 mom had her 2nd booster, twins had their 2nd jabs. Mom suffered body aches and headaches as a result, but said “the vaccine is worth it.” 29 Jun 2022 Anna had a seizure. Mom brushed it off, saying all tests “came back normal.” 15 Jul 2022 Anna had constant 'tiny seizures'. 17 Sep 2022 entire family had Covid-19. Entirely family became very sick 2 weeks later. Mom had severe cough, could not sleep. 29 Dec 2022 Anna hospitalised.  No details. 25 Jan 2022 Anna passed away in her sleep. No details. Mom shuts down her Facebook due to lots of criticisms. Yasmin Guevara aged 8, from San Martin, Argentina. Her father Yamil Guevara posted on FB 22 Nov 2022 showing Yasmin on hospital bed. Sounded hopeful. Days passed, her condition worsened and Yamil's FB updates appealed for prayers. Yamil updated FB on 27 Jan 2023 to announce Yasmin had died on 11 Jan 2023. This was the first time he mentioned Yasmin had the jab. Her final days she suffered excruciating pain. He added " ...this was the first patient of Argentina alleged mind called vasculliti q doctors did not know how to treat her with this do not vaccinate with no vaccine for the supposed covid xq they killing us all with this now it was my daughter tomorrow it can be your son I want to do a fight x no to the covid vaccine." (copied ad verbertim per FB translation). When he shared a video of vaccine explainer, FB blocked him. Yasmina's aunt posted on FB 27 Jan that the child died from post-injection vasculitis – inflammation of the blood vessels. It is a very common, and known adverse reaction to the Pfizer mRNA injection. She said "Be careful parents, take care of the little ones, we're being lab rate." Needless to say, FB censored her. Zach Reilly aged 1 year from East Yorkshire, UK. Mom's vaccination status is not known. But dad, Owen Reilly, is a British Navy personnel is almost certainly fully vaccinated as it is mandatory. Mom had severe stomach cramp on 10 Jul 2021 and emergency C-section was performed. Zach was delivered 37 months pre-mature with blue, black and blistered left arm due to several blood clots. An amputation was performed. His ordeal is not over. Zack had a stroke in utero that caused brain damage. Doctors don’t know if Zack will ever walk or talk. End of December he had 20 seizures. The diagnosis - he has a rare epilepsy called infantile spasms. It is in Pfizer's Post-Authorization Adverse Effect Event Report of 20 Apr 2021. The "mRNA spectrum” is a list of disorders unborn babies may be born with when either one or both parents have been vaxxed. Pfizer knows about this all along. 'Conspiracy' doctors have warned about this all along. This brings into question the dangers for unvaxxed having blood transfusion using vaxxed blood! Pixie Lamadora aged 5 from Cabadbaran City, Philippines. What happened to her and what's her current status is not very clear. But it is obvious something is very wrong. 22 Mar 2022 at 2.02am she posted an announcement Pixie had her first jabs together with her 7 year old sister. So they probably had their jabs on Mar 21. Philippines has Pfizer and Sinovac. It is unclear which one she took. 15 hours later, mom posted an update with photo of the little girl who seemed to be under life support system. That's when Rose asked for prayers and the medical expenses she had to bear. Then followed many updates that showed the nightmare she was in. The child went in and out of ICUs, clinical visits, EEG after EEG. She had seizures, once a very serious one. Her behaviour changed, seems abnormal. She'd seen neuro surgeons, the whole lotsa medical expertise. Rose mentioned many medical conditions she observed. She talked of how the child cannot recognise some relatives. It is absolutely obvious the poor child is having neurological impairment which is, again, an adverse event Pfizer is well aware of. Filipinos are closely knit folks. It is heartening to hear from Rose of the support she has from her social circle. Rose posted : "... ug kblo pa lng q ang mka daut sa imoha ang vaccine, d unta ka nag da dalaon .... hangtud krn wla pa sya kamata jud ... " Filipino is difficult to translate due to too much short forms they use to text. I think she said had she known the vaxx was bad, she would not have brought the child for the jab. And she cursed at government corruption over the vaxx for kids programme. I could go on. There are lots of anecdotes. It's a painful blog so I do not wish to go too deep into. Those that suffered should speak out to warn others. Those who are oblivious to the risks assumes the sin of filicide by genetic vaccine which deserves the highest condemnation.   Patrick Low * Article first appeared on Down The Rabbit Hole.      Read More →

It’s not a crime as long as we make money

It’s not a crime as long as we make money

Around five years ago, I had the honour of being taken out to lunch by a very prominent Emirati Businesswoman who proudly described herself as a “super saleswoman for Singapore” She described Singapore as “washing the face of the Oriental,” because we were the only Asian nation that stood in the top five nations of the world’s least corrupt nations. I think this incident because its actually one of things the main things that people from elsewhere like about us. You could say that our reputation for non-corruption is our greatest strength. It’s like the one thing that we have that our neighbours don’t have. The multinationals will rush to enter the large emerging markets of Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam but they will make sure contracts are signed under Singapore law. As my favourite Malaysian Datuk says, “As long as I stay away from politically sensitive topics in Singapore, the courts will treat me fairly.” Unfortunately, it seems that our economic managers can’t grasp this concept and have sought to redefine corruption as something that only the people at the lower rung of the ladder get involved in. This was made clear by the announcement that our extremely vigilant and active “Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau” (CPIB) decided to let off six executives at Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel) with a stern warning (“You’re naught – don’t do it) for their role in a corruption scandal in Brazil. The outcry from the public was harsh and our second minister for national development, Ms. Indranee Rajah had to get up and defend the once stalwart CPIB. Her main point was that there was not enough evidence to prosecute the six: [LINK] Prior to joining politics, Ms. Rajah was a senior lawyer, holding the title SC (Senior Counsel – the Singapore version of King’s Counsel). You could say that this makes Ms. Rajah a very credible person to make such a statement. However, this comes after Keppel had to make a resolution of S$88 million to Brazilian authorities back in 2017 for “corrupt” practices and the Brazilian litigation wasn’t the only one. [LINK] The American justice department also got involved. [LINK] Keppel’s legal strategy has been to blame its agents in Brazil. However, given the sums involved, its hard to believe that somebody or some parties involved had to have authorised the release of the sums to the agents. Then, there’s also the standard point that Singapore’s authorities like to use – “If the Company has nothing to hide, why settle with Brazilian and US authorities?” To be fair to Keppel, it was doing business in Brazil, which ranks as the 96th most corrupt country in the world according to Transparency International. As a Brazilian friend of my family once stated, “If you work in the civil service and haven’t made your fortune after four years, you must stupid.” The fact remains that growth markets are now in places like Brazil and Brazil is a very big, must-be-in market for just about any company with international aspirations. There is also the fact that the squeaky cogs in the machinery of business need to be oiled. Singapore’s karaoke bars do a very brisk trade because wheels of commerce do need to greasing. Singapore’s unofficial minister of promoting the inexcusable, or the Critical Spectator has even gone as far as to promote the six for their role in the whole affair: His argument is simple, the six did what they needed to do and made money for the Company, which in turn is good for Singapore. As he so often does, our unofficial minister of promoting the inexcusable misses the point. Sure, the line between the legitimate and illegal can be thin and at times blurry when it comes to “greasing the wheels of commerce,” but the line exists – even in countries that rank lowly on Transparency International’s rankings. These countries struggle with corruption because the culture is often ingrained and the enforcers are often compromised. As such, the countries that rank higher on the index also have laws meant to ensure that companies domiciled on their soil don’t engage in corrupt practices elsewhere. Nobody accepts that corruption is a good thing. What is accepted is that there are countries which are more corrupt than others and these countries need to be helped combat corruption. In the case of Keppel, that line, as the litigation in the US has shown, has clearly been crossed. Its not like there was an exoneration in the US and Brazil and Singapore only following suite. Things get even more complicated when you consider the fact that Keppel’s largest shareholder in Temasek and its chairman is a former minister. It does without saying that the dirt on Keppel is ultimately going to be slashed at the government’s door. Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first Prime Minister, had a very simple policy. He clamped down on the people at the top. Mr. Lee was very sensitive to any taint of corruption and ensured that even the smallest whisper of it was dealt with swiftly and publicly: [LINK] Unfortunately, this isn’t the case here and the public has been allowed to wonder if the “stern warning” issued to the six men is an effort to protect people rather than a genuine case of proven innocent. Singapore’s greatest strength is that of non-corruption. It’s something we cannot afford to squander by redefining the meaning of corruption when senior people at the top of the food chain are involved in scandals.   Tang Li *Although I’ve been based mainly in Singapore for nearly two decades, I’ve had the privilege of being able meet people who have crossed borders and cultures. I’ve befriended ministers and ambassadors and worked on projects involving a former head of state. Yet, at the same time, I’ve had the privilege of befriending migrant labourers and former convicts. All of them have a story to tell. All of them add to the fabric of life. I hope to express the stories that inspire us to create life as it should be.      Read More →

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