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Survey finds 30% of Singapore secondary school students claim they have been bulliedSurvey finds 30% of Singapore secondary school students claim... I refer to the CNA report, “An underreported problem? Survey finds 30% of Singapore secondary school students claim they have been bullied.” (May 30) and “Jail for man who punched taxi driver for overtaking him” (June 05). Most of us don’t like to see the occurrences of bullying in schools, as it reflects where...

Trump blinked again on tariffs, but China isn't in the clearTrump blinked again on tariffs, but China isn't in the clear I refer to the CNA’s Commentary: Trump blinked again on tariffs, but China isn't in the clear. (May 15) One deniable fact: There are no winners on either side (between China and the United States) in the trade and tariff war. Yet, Trump still persists to do it. It is not surprising that Trump has increased China's...

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...

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Editorials
Iran’s 'Terrifying' New Arsenal Brings Israel To...

Iran’s 'Terrifying' New Arsenal Brings Israel To...

Iran’s military might continues to keep the world guessing. No one truly knows the full extent of its...
Iran unleashes

Iran unleashes "Doomsday Weapon" the Khorramshahr

After firing 'Fattah 1' hypersonic missiles toward Israel, Iran has now reportedly unleashed the "Doomsday...
Pakistan to nuke Israel if...

Pakistan to nuke Israel if...

Pakistan has conveyed to Iran that if Israel nukes Tehran, Islamabad will launch a nuclear weapon against...
Iran rejects ceasefire, vows retaliation that would...

Iran rejects ceasefire, vows retaliation that would...

Tensions in the Middle East have reached a boiling point as Iran firmly rejects ceasefire negotiations...
Iran burns Tel Aviv with fresh barrage of missiles

Iran burns Tel Aviv with fresh barrage of missiles

In a dramatic escalation, Iran launched a fresh barrage of over 100 missiles targeting the Israeli city...
Iran targets multiple cities in Israel after pounding...

Iran targets multiple cities in Israel after pounding...

Iran dealt a severe blow on Israel for the second straight night on June 14-15. Israel was hit by a barrage...
Iran targets Israel's Dimona Nuclear Power Plant

Iran targets Israel's Dimona Nuclear Power Plant

In a dramatic and unverified claim, Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen news outlet reports that Iran has launched...
Iran's pulverises Tel Aviv with barrage of Hypersonic...

Iran's pulverises Tel Aviv with barrage of Hypersonic...

Iran launched a powerful third wave of overnight missile strikes on Tel Aviv, targeting military bases...
Israel's air defenses breached by Iran's missile barrage

Israel's air defenses breached by Iran's missile barrage

Operation True Promise III intensifies as Iran launches multiple waves of missile attacks targeting major...
Iran launches major retaliatory missile strikes at...

Iran launches major retaliatory missile strikes at...

Iran has launched a significant ballistic missile attack on Israel, with hundreds of missiles raining...
Iran launches hundreds of drones at Israel

Iran launches hundreds of drones at Israel

Following the unprovoked air strikes by Israel on Iran's nuclear facilities, Iran has retaliated by launching...
Israel launches air strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities

Israel launches air strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities

Explosions have been reported northeast of Iran’s capital Tehran, according to the state-run news agency...
Real Footage of China's 2025 Flood Crisis in Yunnan...

Real Footage of China's 2025 Flood Crisis in Yunnan...

Devastating floods and geological disasters have struck Gongshan County, Nujiang Prefecture in Yunnan...
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...
Opinions
Don’t Rock The Boat

Don’t Rock The Boat

Singaporeans are, by and large, practical people, being mainly immigrant stock. They value security,...
Trump and his ilk are at it again

Trump and his ilk are at it again

Trump and his ilk are at it again. They are not going to back down. Yes, it’s Harvard, his eyesore,...
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  
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...
Letters
Survey finds 30% of Singapore secondary school students...

Survey finds 30% of Singapore secondary school students...

I refer to the CNA report, “An underreported problem? Survey finds 30% of Singapore secondary school...
Trump blinked again on tariffs, but China isn't in...

Trump blinked again on tariffs, but China isn't in...

I refer to the CNA’s Commentary: Trump blinked again on tariffs, but China isn't in the clear. (May...
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...
Snippets
Risk and Bonus Management | Strategies at 1Win Casino

Risk and Bonus Management | Strategies at 1Win Casino

Top Casino Strategies Singaporean Players Use on 1Win Users of the 1win platform are increasingly...
Why More Singaporeans Want to Stay Single and Child-Free

Why More Singaporeans Want to Stay Single and Child-Free

Singapore is full of individuals living life in this fast-paced world. The social shift of many individuals...
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...
Sticky & Recent Articles

The Price of Love

The Price of Love

Whilst we Celebrate the People we Love on Valentine’s Day, we should Also Remember the Most Important Person to Love is the One We See in the Mirror Now that I don’t have restaurant work, I thought I would try and bash out some thoughts on this day that celebrates love and lovers. Ironically, the best inspiration for my Valentine’s Day came over the weekend when I watched “Tinder Swindler” with the Evil Young Woman. As has been publicized, Tinder Swindler is a documentary centred around three women who were conned by Mr. Shimon Hayut, or Mr. Simon Leviev as he called himself when he was running his scam. The story of his scam is simple. He presented himself as a “glamorous” and romantic person. His social media was “exciting,” showing that he lived the type of “fairytale” life that most of us can only dream of. In the initial stages, he was charming and sensitive. Then, when the women in question had “feelings” for him, he would find a story to explain why he couldn’t use his money and needed theirs. Whilst the back story of Mr. Shimon Hayut or Mr. Simon Leviev, has a fascinating story (or the type where most of us are asking – how the heck did he pull it off), the more interesting story actually belongs to his victims. The first thing that one notices about all these women is that they are fairly attractive. When you look at them, your instant question is “Babe – with your looks, you shouldn’t have a problem getting guys.” Then, as they recount their story, you’ll notice that they are inevitably intelligent professionals. They have everything that most heterosexual men would want in a woman. [LINK] Then, there’s the fact that they are women. It’s generally accepted that women are smarter than men for certain things. Reproduction strategies for the sexes are different. For men, its about fertilizing as many eggs as possible. Women are generally programmed to be more selective in their mates since they have to carry the child and raise the child once its out of the womb. A woman is far less likely to do stupid things for a bit d*** than a man is to get a bit of p***. The standard joke is that men tick far less boxes when choosing a companion. So, how did three attractive women, blessed with the best that nature and nurture could provide, end up being conned by him? On one hand you could say that the con-man was good. Mr. Hayut (to use his birth name) is good looking and somehow appeared to have lots of money. By all accounts he’s charming and had a way of making women feel good about themselves. However, there were signs. He talked a lot about his various enemies who might do harm to him. You could argue that this provided him with an element of excitement and danger, which made him more attractive. On the other hand, it should have been a sign that besides the private jets, there was baggage. The Evil Young Woman made the point that all the women were “Ang Moh.” She said that an Asian girl would probably not go for a man who had an insatiable appetite for using her money to live a high life for himself (sure, you might give once but would you take high interest bank loans because he needs money on a weekly basis?) All three women were from “nice” places (two Scandinavians and a Dutch girl). The swindler grew up in a rougher place (Israel). There is an argument that when you grow up in a place where people are generally honest, you’re bound to trust people more because all you’ve ever been exposed to is people who have no reason to screw you. People who grow up in rough places tend to be more guarded because they’ve had to be so. Just take a look at attitudes towards Covid as an example. The people on my social media who are against vaccines, mask mandates and social distancing are inevitably white and from the USA, UK and Australia. These are countries where nasty diseases are confined to movies or labs and even people around them are dying, they argue that they have the freedom to clog hospital beds. By contrast, the Vietnamese that I live with are insistent on sanitizing everything when they get home and they insist on getting whatever vaccinations they can. They grew up in a place where nasty diseases happen to the people they know and doctors are few and far between. In that context ignoring the doctor in favour for a slobby actor isn’t about personal freedom but life or death. However, culture alone only explains a generalization. What made three individual women with everything so trusting? I’m not a psychiatrist but I wouldn’t be afraid to make a guess and argue that there was something about these women that needed to be loved by this man and culture is fault here because plenty of women are conditioned to think that true love involves sacrificing themselves. Both Scandinavian women for example, kept talking about how they were worried that the swindler would be harmed by his proverbial enemies and only realized that he was their enemy once they had been bled dry. Its not a bad thing to encourage things like sacrifice and helping people. However, as my mother once said to me during my first marriage – “Love yourself.” Sounds unromantic to talk about loving yourself but if you think about it carefully, its actually the basis of a healthy relationship. A relationship cannot be about one party taking everything and the other party sacrificing everything. That’s not a relationship – that’s an abuse. We tell our kids too many fairytales about how you need to love people until you will die for them. What we never explain to our kids is that real love should be when one party will not allow the other party to die for them.   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 →

Making a Mountain out of a Molehill

Making a Mountain out of a Molehill

Chairman, Committee of Privileges The Committee of Privileges (COP) has made history! For the first time in Singapore’s parliamentary history, it has recommended that two witnesses be referred to the public prosecutor for further investigations for allegedly speaking untruths during the committee’s hearing. Poor Pritam Singh and Faisal Manap! And poor Sylvia Lim too. Sylvia Lim is apparently spared because she had cooperated with the COP. Really? Is the COP so kind? Or is it just wayang? Make no mistake. PAP leaders are never kind or magnanimous. If they can eat you up, they will. This “Making Mountain out of a Molehill” Raeesah Khan saga is just another scheme (paid for by taxpayers) to demolish the Workers’ Party. PAP leaders are sophisticated schemers. Letting Sylvia off is just an attempt to divide the party. If they succeed, they would gloat. Another possible reason for letting Sylvia off is to prevent the accusation of an overkill. The COP has to pretend that they are fair minded, that they give credit where credit is due. They like to reward “when reward is due”. Conferring the title of “Leader of the Opposition” is one such reward that attempts to blind the beneficiary of the title. Only the gullible would fail to read the motive behind. What harm did Raeesah Khan cause? Nothing really. She exaggerated her role, (probably with the aim of making it more credible) when she claimed that she accompanied a victim to the police station. She forgot that PAP leaders are vultures in parliament, ever ready to pounce on the slightest error. Did she cause anyone to be jailed? No! Did she cause anyone to lose his reputation or job? No. The Reform Party in its press release of 12 February 2022 concluded: “No Opposition politician is safe in Singapore from the first breakthrough MP J B Jeyaretnam with his frequent and scathing attacks on the Government to the modern day compliant politicians. This will continue to be true until at least one-third of the seats in the House are under Opposition control.” (LINK) I agree with the statement with reference to parliament. Despite the popularity of JB Jeyaretnam, the PAP leaders have no qualms in referring him, on various occasions to the committee of privileges over petty matters. For example, as a resident of Anson, I had received newsletters reporting on the committee’s proceedings. I was shocked that even that was wrong in the eyes of PAP leaders. With regard to opposition politicians in general however, they have never been safe since the Barisan Sosialis was born in 1962. They were arrested, tortured and detained without trial. Even elected members of parliament suffered detention under the Internal Security Act. Lee Tee Tong was arrested, humiliated and imprisoned without trial for 18 years. Two other MPs suffered detention too - S T Bani and Loh Miaw Gong. The 4G leaders have to resort to all kinds of tricks because they know that their opponents are more capable than them. As in their record and history, every opponent must be nipped in the bud. They must never be able to gather enough strength to topple the PAP. Losing Aljunied GRC and then Sengkang GRC are lessons they will never forget. Today, the PAP is not in a position to destroy opponents without receiving some flak in return. People are better informed. Many of us can see where Singapore is heading to if we remain silent and do nothing. We realise that we have to take responsibility for ourselves, to build a Singapore that is kinder and not always geared towards making money and ensuring a prosperous Singapore where the benefits belong to the powerful and the rich.   Teo Soh Lung      Read More →

When will it be safe to support the Workers’ Party again?

When will it be safe to support the Workers’ Party again?

For all intents and purposes, the fat lady has sung On 10 February 2022, the Committee of Privileges presented its official report on Ms Raeesah's Khan's lies to the Singapore Parliament. Here are some of the salient points from the report. Ms Khan lied to Parliament over 3 months and did so under guidance from her party leaders, chiefly Mr Pritam Singh (105). Mr Pritam Singh (allegedly) lied to the Committee. He lied about the content of the conversations he had with Raeesah Khan (55.1). He lied about the party's timeline for Raeesah Khan to tell the truth (55.2). He tried to discredit Raeesah Khan by painting her as mentally unstable or unsound (105). His lies were exposed by evidence Ms Sylvia Lim submitted to the committee and notes she took for the Workers' Party disciplinary hearing of Raeesah Khan (142). This was not even close to a his word against her word case (201). Khan had plenty of verifiable, independent and contemporaneous evidence supporting her side of the story. Singh, not so much and in fact none. Accordingly, the Committee will recommend a fine for Khan and in addition, to recommend Singh to the Public Prosecutor to consider criminal proceedings for perjury, i.e. lying to the committee under oath. It appears that his automatic parliamentary immunity for giving evidence to the committee has been waived, rescinded, cancelled because he lied so many times to the committee. Any recommendations for Singh as the "key orchestrator" of Khan's lies (227) will be deferred till the Public Prosecutor is done with Singh. Pritam Singh, the WP IB, and their die-hard supporters may opt to launch Operation Save Pritam 2.0 and fight it out in Parliament, in the courts, and continue to politicise and discredit the work of the Committee of Privileges. But what should rational voters do? What does the WP need to fix? Despite picking off one constituency from the ruling party every other election, it appears that the Workers' Party has expanded too fast in the run-up to 2020 and is in fact overextended. Such overextension has led to existing weaknesses in the party, its MPs, and its leadership to be shown up. Failure of integrity. In its rush to expand, the WP promoted candidates with integrity issues. This led to Raeesah Khan fabricating lies in Parliament in an attempt to discredit and defame the police force. Failure of judgement. The newly appointed "Leader of the Opposition", Pritam Singh, exercised poor judgement in his handling of Raeesah Khan. He failed to get her to tell the truth as early as possible. He and his party co-leaders failed to draw up a plan for her to tell the truth. Unaccountable leaders. Jamus Lim told the Committee of Privileges that if the WP senior leadership had instructed Ms Khan to take her lie "to the grave”, then their suppression of these facts and of their own involvement, would have been material information that had to be disclosed to the Disciplinary Committee hearing (93). Pritam Singh, Sylvia Lim, and Faisal Manap did supress these facts and hid them from the CEC as well as WP cadres until the Committee's proceedings begun. Pritam, Sylvia, and Faisal failed their party. The testimonies from Jamus Lim and Raeesah's aides show how much they trusted Singh and were reluctant to question or push him. WP leadership ran away with a blank cheque from their members. You know, the same blank check that all opposition parties say every election that voters shouldn't hand over to a ruling party... And why should voters owe the Workers' Party a blank cheque? The Workers' Party had previously championed a "First World Parliament", yet its actions today indicate that its senior leadership cannot even be checked by its own members, cadres, or CEC. Today's Workers' Party is not the opposition that Singapore deserves, and will certainly not grow into a ruling party that Singapore needs if voters reward the party for its failures. What action should WP take to regain the trust of voters? Apologise in Parliament. Having presented its report to Parliament, there will be a motion to enact the recommendations by the Committee of Privileges in the coming days. Instead of treating this as a political football match, WP's leadership should acknowlege the wrongdoings of Khan and itself, and apologise. Disciplinary committee for Pritam Singh, Sylvia Lim, and Faisal Manap. We note that the trio were happy to subject Raeesah Khan to a disciplinary committee once the Committee of Privilege was convened. We have some wise words from Mr Chiam See Tong on 3 November 1995 in Parliament: "To me, opposition means that we have to be honourable; we must be honest, and not dishonest; to me, the opposition must be truthful; and not be liars and cheats; above all, in the opposition, we must be good patriotic Singaporeans." Hence, New, honourable leaders elected. Having lied under oath to a parliamentary committee, Messrs Singh, Lim, and Faisal should step down from WP leadership. No more woke candidates. The Woke Ms Khan consistently sought as a candidate and a member of parliament to divide Singapore society, to demonise and alienate Singaporeans from one another. Pritam Singh and the leadership made the mistake of pushing her for populist appeal, and voters shouldn't tolerate another identical failing from the party. Abandon victim/bully narrative. The WP's crisis is entirely self-inflicted, and the more Pritam Singh, the WP IB, and diehard WP supporters deny all responsibility and accountability in the face of evidence and findings, the more unelectable it becomes. Political scientists who have studied the progress of nations for centuries tell us that the strongest nations are democracies with a two-party or multiparty system. It is perhaps an accident of history that WP is seen by many as the preferred opposition party of Singapore. It is however not a mandate of heaven. If and when the PAP falls, Singaporeans will look for a suitable ruling party. If and when the WP fails as an opposition party, Singaporeans will look for a suitable opposition. Singapore will continue to benefit no matter what. Nature, like politics, abhors a vacuum.   * Article first appeared on https://akikonomu.blogspot.com/.      Read More →

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