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Supporting Chee Soon Juan's caféSupporting Chee Soon Juan's café I refer to The Independent Singapore’s news, “Singaporeans urged to support Chee Soon Juan's café despite their political preferences” (July 16). The underlying objective of doing any business is to ensure it is viable and profitable. Otherwise, there is no point of undertaking risk for it. It is natural for...

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...

Steering with stability in transition timesSteering with stability in transition times I refer to The Straits Times’ Editorial, “Steering with stability in transition times” (May 16). Let us analyze and interpret this specific subject from a broad perspective, how Singapore should respond and adapt to the evolution of the entire international situation and formulate its foreign policy that is extremely...

We will lead in our own wayWe will lead in our own way I read with interest The Today’s report, “'We will lead in our own way': : Lawrence Wong takes office as 4th prime minister of Singapore” (May 15). We can get some inspiration or enlightenment from the story of the 108 heroes in Water Margin: they originally had their own abilities, aspirations and ambitions. They...

Chinese villagers living on cliffsChinese villagers living on cliffs In the Liangshan Mountains of Sichuan Province in China, there is a small isolated village on a cliff 1,400 meters above sea level. This is the village of Atuler, known as the Cliff Village with 72 families who has been living there for almost 200 years. All travel is by a ladder that leads to the sky at almost right...

Ukraine will cease to exist thanks to the westUkraine will cease to exist thanks to the west Scott Ritter is a former Marine intelligence officer who served in the former Soviet Union, implementing arms control agreements, and on the staff of General Norman Schwartzkopf during the Gulf War, where he played a critical role in the hunt for Iraqi SCUD missiles. From 1991 until 1998, Mr. Ritter served as a Chief Inspector...

Bride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride priceBride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride price Contrary to popular beliefs, many couples in China are unable to afford to get married. With the exception of rural villages, those in the cities mostly asked for hundreds of thousands in bride price (聘礼/彩礼). According to our techie who has been in China for over a decade, the bride price may include monies intended...

Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for Asian workers looking to moveHigher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for Asian... I refer to the Independent Singapore’s Featured News SG Economy, “Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for Asian workers looking to move” (Feb 22). In this era of rapid technological advancement, all countries are faced with the dilemma of being hungry for talent. Therefore, top talents in respective...

Where Romance Meets FinanceWhere Romance Meets Finance Sugarbook was launched by Darren Chan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is a luxury dating website designed to resolve financial issues through emotional support. It provides a platform to grow your relationships through mutual benefits that are not restricted to mentorship, companionship, wealth and emotional support. It...

Marriage, children and practical concernsMarriage, children and practical concerns A couple bows before their parents and offers them tea, as is traditional in Chinese weddings. I refer to The Straits Times’ Editorial “Marriage, children and practical concerns” (Feb 5). Since the history of human civilisation, the formation of individual family and the issue of procreation have become two...

Not in my backyardNot in my backyard I refer to the TODAY’s Commentary, “'Not in my backyard' — when some groups can protest more loudly, the most vulnerable ones suffer” (Jan 25, 2024). A few good points from the article are worth to be probed further and discussed. In December 2023, the announcement of plans by The National Environment Agency...

Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary presenceOpposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary presence I refer to The Independent Singapore’s SG Politics column, “Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary presence” (Nov 29, 2023). As we know, Singapore political scene has been firmly dominated by the PAP since 1959. Thus, the opposition parties in Singapore have to face and withstand many challenges ahead...

Educating the next generationEducating the next generation I read with interest the Straits Times’ Editorial, “Educating the next generation” (Jan 5, 2024). Any form of spontaneous learning should provide you with a happy, positive, and memorable experience. However, only a small number of children are in exception. Therefore, based on this, parents should realize the...

GST increase in 2024GST increase in 2024 On 1 Jan 2024 GST rises 1% from 8% to 9%; this is a 12.5% increase in GST. I am not convinced that this is necessary. It will contribute to inflation, and cause economic hardship. The handouts to mitigate this are temporary and the increase is permanent. In 2015, when the possibility of GST rising was an election issue...

Race relations in SingaporeRace relations in Singapore I refer to the Today’s “Commentary: In 1954, David Marshall spoke about race relations in Singapore. Have we made real progress since then?” (Dec 15). For any country to be prosperous and powerful, it must first achieve political and social stability, and its people must live in harmony and be united. Only in this...

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Editorial
Rare typhoon-like storm hits Singapore

Rare typhoon-like storm hits Singapore

Strong winds that people called a mini typhoon hit Singapore on Tuesday evening, September 17, toppling...
Super typhoon Bebinca hit the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu...

Super typhoon Bebinca hit the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu...

After hitting Shanghai on Monday (17th Sept), Typhoon Bebinca hit the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu province....
Why storms and typhoons are wrecking havoc in Asia...

Why storms and typhoons are wrecking havoc in Asia...

Typhoon Bebinca has made landfall in China on Monday (16th Sept). Shanghai has been slammed by the city's...
Super typhoon Bebinca wreaks havoc In Shanghai

Super typhoon Bebinca wreaks havoc In Shanghai

The mega city of Shanghai was brought to a standstill on Monday (16th Sept) as residents at home had...
Severe flooding wrecks havoc in Europe

Severe flooding wrecks havoc in Europe

Severe flooding continues to wreak havoc across central and eastern Europe, following days of torrential...
Iran poised to launch mega-retaliation against Israel

Iran poised to launch mega-retaliation against Israel

Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, a high-ranking IRGC commander, has announced that Iran will soon...
Super typhoon Yagi batters Hainan island in China

Super typhoon Yagi batters Hainan island in China

Heavy rains and strong winds swept through Hainan province Friday as a powerful typhoon, dubbed Yagi,...
Putin visits Mongolia despite ICC arrest warrant

Putin visits Mongolia despite ICC arrest warrant

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Mongolia for a visit, despite the risk of arrest under...
Axis of Resistance vows to escalate attacks on Israel...

Axis of Resistance vows to escalate attacks on Israel...

The Axis of Resistance groups in Iraq have escalated their threats against Israel and the US. They have...
Russia pounds Ukraine for the second consecutive day

Russia pounds Ukraine for the second consecutive day

In one of the biggest air attacks launched by Russia, hundreds of missiles and drones were launched targeting...
Russia pounds Ukraine in retaliation for invasion of...

Russia pounds Ukraine in retaliation for invasion of...

Russia unleashed a massive missile and drone assault on NATO-backed Ukraine amid rising tensions over...
Houthis ready to strike Israel

Houthis ready to strike Israel

Houthi-installed defence minister in Yemen has warned that his forces are ready to strike Israel. Major...
Israel imposes restriction on media to hide damages...

Israel imposes restriction on media to hide damages...

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is set to present proof or videos of attacks near Tel Aviv. Israeli...
Hezbollah hints at 'full response' after major rocket...

Hezbollah hints at 'full response' after major rocket...

The Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones towards Israel on...
How strong is Singapore's fighter jets?

How strong is Singapore's fighter jets?

Singapore's fighter jets are supposedly the most advanced force in the entire Southeast Asian region. What...
Major escalation fears as Hezbollah pounds Israel with...

Major escalation fears as Hezbollah pounds Israel with...

Hezbollah and Israel both have announced large-scale military operations against each other. Israel is...
WHO Declares Global Health Emergency

WHO Declares Global Health Emergency

Covid Done, New Virus Emerges: 100s Killed, WHO Declares Global Health Emergency. The World Health...
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to step down

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to step down

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was seen as a safe pair of hands when his party installed him three...
Opinions
A random thought on the comedy of error

A random thought on the comedy of error

The comedy of error that is circling around in Singapore although mind-boggling but amuses Singaporeans...
The Great America, No More

The Great America, No More

America was propagated as the Great Nation in the last century when I was born, even though the world...
A glimpse of the obscurantism of Singapore society

A glimpse of the obscurantism of Singapore society

This is not an attempt at self-exaltation but to give a glimpse of the obscurantism of the Singapore...
Excess Deaths in Singapore

Excess Deaths in Singapore

I applaud ST journalist's effort in pursuing this issue of Excess Deaths in Singapore (which is one of...
Throwing out the baby with the bath water

Throwing out the baby with the bath water

Mr Shanmugam says Singapore has laws and policies to prevent riots like those seen in the UK recently...
Let dead dogs lie

Let dead dogs lie

Alas, Pritam should have let dead dogs lie. I am surprised that he is making a bid to have his case...
Total Policy Reset

Total Policy Reset

Lawrence Wong talked about "reset" but up till now, I am still not quite sure what is installed in his...
The divination of a self-exaltation myth

The divination of a self-exaltation myth

The euphoria that accompanied the appointment of Lawrence Wong as prime minister is understandable.because...
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's (LW) National Day Rally

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's (LW) National Day Rally

I have more praises than criticisms for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's (LW) National Day Rally. He...
Build Our Core

Build Our Core

On this very day of celebrating our 59th National Day, we as a people, a country and the Singaporean...
More Singaporeans eligible to vote in next General...

More Singaporeans eligible to vote in next General...

More Singaporeans eligible to vote in next General Election (GE)- CNA online 22 July 2024. There are...
Excess Deaths Comparison Chart

Excess Deaths Comparison Chart

This is the Excess Deaths Comparison Chart that MOH has neither disputed nor commented on. It...
Focusing on frail, senior patients

Focusing on frail, senior patients

Tan Tock Seng (TTS) focuses on frail, senior patients as it celebrates 180th anniversary- ST online,...
Who is replacing us?

Who is replacing us?

My fellow Singaporeans,we face an existential threat,that is exacerbated by PAP policies. The number...
Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump

Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump

We first thought the attempted assassination of Trump was a "Lone Wolf" incident. However, there are...
Allianz offers to buy a stake in Income Insurance

Allianz offers to buy a stake in Income Insurance

Allianz offers to buy a stake in Income Insurance- 18 July 24, Straits Times. Allianz has done its...
I am not a 'woke'

I am not a 'woke'

I am known to be a Democratic Socialist. Democracy comes before Socialism. Traditionally, people regard...
Assassination attempt on Donald Trump

Assassination attempt on Donald Trump

I strongly condemn the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the United States Republican presidential...
Letters
Supporting Chee Soon Juan's café

Supporting Chee Soon Juan's café

I refer to The Independent Singapore’s news, “Singaporeans urged to support Chee Soon Juan's café...
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”...
Steering with stability in transition times

Steering with stability in transition times

I refer to The Straits Times’ Editorial, “Steering with stability in transition times” (May 16). Let...
We will lead in our own way

We will lead in our own way

I read with interest The Today’s report, “'We will lead in our own way': : Lawrence Wong takes office...
Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for...

Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for...

I refer to the Independent Singapore’s Featured News SG Economy, “Higher salaries lead Singapore...
Marriage, children and practical concerns

Marriage, children and practical concerns

A couple bows before their parents and offers them tea, as is traditional in Chinese weddings. I...
Not in my backyard

Not in my backyard

I refer to the TODAY’s Commentary, “'Not in my backyard' — when some groups can protest more loudly,...
Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary...

Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary...

I refer to The Independent Singapore’s SG Politics column, “Opposition parties seek to strengthen...
Snippets
Singapore Tightens Casino Regulations to Combat Money...

Singapore Tightens Casino Regulations to Combat Money...

In a move to strengthen its position as a well-regulated financial hub, Singapore is set to implement...
The All-Time Top Singaporean Poker Players

The All-Time Top Singaporean Poker Players

Poker is one of the world's most popular games with games being played recreationally and professionally....
How to Increase Image Size without Compromising Quality

How to Increase Image Size without Compromising Quality

In our digital world, crisp, top-notch images make your content pop, whether on a website, social media,...
Chinese villagers living on cliffs

Chinese villagers living on cliffs

In the Liangshan Mountains of Sichuan Province in China, there is a small isolated village on a cliff...
Ukraine will cease to exist thanks to the west

Ukraine will cease to exist thanks to the west

Scott Ritter is a former Marine intelligence officer who served in the former Soviet Union, implementing...
Bride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride price

Bride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride price

Contrary to popular beliefs, many couples in China are unable to afford to get married. With the exception...
The fall of Alibaba's Jack Ma

The fall of Alibaba's Jack Ma

The story of how Jack Ma betrayed everyone that helped and gave him what he has today. The video also...
中國唯一的一妻多夫制的地方

中國唯一的一妻多夫制的地方

A land enshrouded in spirituality, Tibet is home to distinct cultural traditions and astounding natural...
Sticky & Recent Articles

Policy on property market unhelpful to the majority of Singaporean except 1st timer

Policy on property market unhelpful to the majority of Singaporean except 1st timer

The latest policy for stabilising the public housing and private property prices seem unhelpful to the majority of Singaporean except the 1st timer. If the Goverment focus is to help first timer to get their first HDB flat and get married to settle down, Government just need to build more HDB and complete early for them. But to soften the prices of resale HDB, private property or new private project, the point and rationale must correct. If the Government really want to have enough public housing supply in the resale market to stabilise the price, the best way is to go back to the 90s policy : 1.) Private property owner who own HDB flat or intend to buy must occupy the HDB flat and lease out their private flat. The current abuse for the last few years was because government allowed private owner to buy HDB and keep until it can be legally sublet, making it illogical that private owner can reap high rental yield on public housing and staying in their luxury home, as our Minister Mr Mah said public housing are meant for the ordinary Singaporean and owner occupation. I don't think Government is blinded to this fact that those who already bought would not sell and enjoy the best of both world that they just continue to rent their HDB flat and stay in their private house causing a lack of supply in public housing. Restricting private property owner to buy HDB flat would not increase the supply in the resale market and stabilise the price as PR are competing with ordinary Singaporean for public housing. The policy and rationale should be genuine private property owner who intend to buy must stay in their HDB flat and rent out their investment private property, making it logical as elderly Singaporean who wants to stay in HDB can get some income from renting their private apartment rather than being force to sell it off. For those who do not want to occupy HDB flat that they currently owned, they would have to sell it in the resale market say within 1 to 2 years period, making it fair to the existing owner to decide their intention instead of allowing them in abusing public housing for high return. 2.) Resale HDB flat is similar to new one of MOP is 5 years. I am amused by the 5 year period before it can resell again, this make it worse in supply of public housing and preventing HDB owner from upgrading to private property. Government should not worry about HDB upgraders will cause the price of private property to surge as this are mostly mass market, the real increase in private property prices is the rich speculator and not this group of HDB upgrader. I believe the new rules of 70% loan for 2nd property and stamp duty for resell within 3 years is fair, I suggest it be reduce to 60% or lower for 2nd property loan is enough to control and prevent property bubble without implementing policy that affecting the innocent group. If my above feedback is appreciated, the MOP can remain as it is of 3 years of resale flat and 5 years for new flat, making it justifiable and beneficial for the whole as a society. I wish this feedback can be seriously read by someone with higher authority to comprehend the rationale and convey to our respected Mr Mah.   Teo Bee Yong  Read More →

MM Lee will probably disagree to an Election this year due to so many uncertainties

MM Lee will probably disagree to an Election this year due to so many uncertainties

After watching the National Day Rally 2010 for the 3rd time, I am very positive of how insecure PM Lee is feeling right now. This is probably what you get for having an educated people empowered with worldly knowledge no thanks to the Internet. PM Lee is really clueless. Yes, he is aware of the rising unhappiness, but he has no idea how unhappy the people are. He presented some pretty lop-sided arguments especially in support of immigration policies and productivity. We heard how he gave us Singaporeans a lecture on how important and vital to be supportive of his policies. The people do understand the rationale behind the policies, but the PM do not understand the rationale behind the unhappiness. When you are in politics, people's interests comes first, or you lose support. PM Lee did not mention a little bit about the rationale behind the unhappiness. Take for example, we Singaporeans are unhappy against the unbridled influx of foreigners, and NOT against having foreigners here. Raising the population by 66% in a 20 year time span(3 million in 1990 to 5 million in 2010) without ensuring our public amenities, HDB flats, universities, railway track, MRT, buses, increase in space/volume by 66% is the crux of the problem. Overcrowding is the key, not the presence of foreigners. one most important key area PM Lee has left out - the compromising of salary and under-employment. why is there no mention of salary growth(less inflation) and the structural under-employment affecting the livelihood of many Singapore families? Or take another example, are we Singaporeans, as PM Lee mentioned, really worried that the presence of Foreigners will harm our racial and religious harmony? PM Lee conveniently picked up a secondary school text. Other key areas PM Lee failed to address - Retirement, Ageing Population, Traffic Congestion, Town Council Sinking Funds, Qualification and Quantification of Public Assistance, Criminalization of Homos, HDB Pricings and Availability, Cost of Living, Accountability and Transparency on Temasek Holdings and GIC, Overloaded and Unaffordable Healthcare, Unhealthy Rich-Poor Income gap, Insufficient Subsidized University Places for Singaporeans. All these years, the PAP has always appeal to voters through Economical Progress and Nationalism - one to appeal to the younger and more educated population who care nuts about Nationalism, and the other to appeal to the older loyalists who care nuts about Economical Progress so long they have a job. MM Lee and the PAP old guards formulated this comprehensive tactic and which keeps the PAP alive to be one of the longest ruling party in the world (highly controversial especially when we are never a full democracy). If you have followed up on the National Rally speech every year, the PAP never fail to start off their speeches and announcements with the latest development of our Economy. After that, they will emphasize on the development of our people in education and infrastructures, and most importantly, our Future. This year is different. PAP's latest Foreigners policy in 2000 has successfully destroyed both the economical and nationalistic aspects of the voters. Many Singaporeans do not see how the 18% GDP growth translates into lower cost of living, higher salary and cheaper housing. Affordability is the issue. Our people are postponing marriage and children plans because of Affordability, and not because of PM Lee's out-of-touch delusion that Singaporeans are just not horny. Our Singaporean Identity has also been diluted and even threatened with the number of new citizens and permanent residents who do not speak English, serve NS or conform to Singapore social norms. The Future certainly doesn't look like it is going to be anything Singaporean, but more Chinese and Indian. MM Lee will most probably disagree to allow calling of an Election to come in this year of so much uncertainties. The PAP's reputation has already suffered several beatings with the help of Heavens (floodings) and their self-stabbings (YOG and YPAP). The increasing strength in credible Opposition Parties like the recent RP-SPP's Alliance effort has also spread fear in the PAP. And why the Election will not come this year? This year's Rally Speech sounds more like a problem-sharing session than one which offers concrete solutions to our problems. No new and motivating initiatives that win the crowd, no carrots for the voters, no nonsense warnings like "if you dont have the PAP, Singapore might not be where we are today" issued, no running down of Opposition Parties, no mentioning of a Leadership Renewal (probably a new term for MM Lee Kuan Yew when SM Goh becomes the MM, what do you guys think of MF, "My Fuhrer"?) The PAP doesn't look like a solution to Singaporeans problems at all, or rather, we should be thankful the PAP not to add on new problems in this direction we are heading.   Alex Tan  Read More →

What we can learn from Dr Chee Soon Juan

What we can learn from Dr Chee Soon Juan

Dr Chee Soon Juan From my buddies in SDP, I am sad to inform the readers that the Chairman of the party,Gandhi Ambalam, has just being imprisoned. He is serving a one-week jail sentence for taking part in the Tak Boleh Tahan protest outside Parliament House in Mar 08. Once again, the authoritarian government of Singapore has attempted to clamp down on their critics and free speech advocates. This is not the first time that the Singapore Police Force has done it. The last time this happened was when Seelan Palay served a twelve-day sentence for taking part in the same protest. I am also sure it will not be the last time, when we see such "gross misdemeanour" committed by the government. However, I am happy by the fact that all is not lost. The proponents of free speech are educated enough not only to voice their opinion but also to beat the PAP government at their own game. Dr Chee Soon Juan, leader of the Singapore Democratic Party, has been persecuted numerous times by this government for advocating freedom of speech and human rights. In the process, he has learnt to play the game. My buddies revealed that Dr Chee Soon Juan and his sister have managed to find a way to outsmart this authoritarian governement. Earlier in August, the siblings were imprisoned in Changi Prison, serving their one-week jail sentences for taking part in the same Tak Boleh Tahan protest. Instead, they managed to reduce their seven-day jail sentence to just three days by paying a one-day fine. I am heartened by this small victory against the PAP government and hope that all free speech advocates can learn from Dr Chee to beat the system. I do not know if Gandhi and Seelan have paid their fines similarly and can only hope that they do so to win their freedom quickly. This country needs your voices outside the four walls of Changi Prison to fight for our rights. Congratulations and well done to the SDP once again for your victory against the PAP government.     Sg@Pandan  Read More →

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