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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

PBM Jack Neo’s press conference on 11 March 2010

PBM Jack Neo’s press conference on 11 March 2010

Written by Our Correspondent PBM Jack Neo will be calling a press conference tomorrow at 10am to "explain" himself to the public. He was embroiled in a series of juicy sex scandals which have gripped the attention of the entire nation. The saga started last Saturday when one of his mistresses Wendy Chong alerted the media on a meeting she was having with PBM Jack Neo and his wife. She had earlier gone to his place at Pasir Ris to confront him after failing to reach him on handphone. Wendy came to know Jack during the filming of "Money No Enough 2" 2 years ago. She claimed that Jack started wooing her and they had sex in his car a month after they met. Following the stunning relevation, another former actress of Jack's entertainment group Foyce Le Xuan also stepped forward and accused him of "sexual harrassment". After Foyce related her experience, more and more flings were leaked to the press including a 16 year old French girl whom Jack invited for dinner at hotels repeatedly. Though many Singaporeans have condemned Jack for straying, he found some support from Foreign Minister George Yeo who called on the nation to rally around him almost immediately after the scandal erupted. What will Jack be saying at the press conference tomorrow? Will he apologize to the victims and the public? Read our coverage of the press conference here Watch our exclusive video recording of the press conference before anybody else in Singapore here For more news, scoops, photos and videos of the Jack Neo scandal, stay tuned to The Temasek Review, the fastest news site in Singapore. We bring you the latest news at your fingertips before any news agency or blogs in Singapore.  Read More →

黄国霖反驳马宝山有关政府组屋的“神话”

黄国霖反驳马宝山有关政府组屋的“神话”

作者:黄国霖(音译)2010年3月10日 译者:冀居·谢 亲爱的马先生, 我针对海峡时报2010年3月6日报道,有关你在国会的讲话。 没有足够的组屋来应付需求 你 说新建组屋不敷需求是个“神话”,因为去年有1万3500个单位建成加上今年的1万2000个单位,加起来总共有超过2万3000个单位在金文泰或裕廊东 供大家选择。然而,即使在金文泰和裕廊东有2万3000个单位也不代表这就是组屋的总需求量。根据海峡时报2010年2月11日蔡美芬的专栏,她说市场上 大约有9万5600个单位的潜在需求,买家包括组屋提升者或购买第二间产业者。这个9万5600个单位的需求量,当然大大高于你所能提供的1万3500或 1万2000个单位。所以,它不是个“神话”而是真实的供应不能满足需求。 你说大量超额订购组屋单位是个假象,因为很多申请者临到接受邀请购买单位时都打退堂鼓。没错!那些拒绝购买的人是不要那些组屋,但不足以证明他们不需要组屋。他们还是要买组屋,所以他们一直构成需求量的一部分。所以大量超额订购真正反映对新组屋存在大量需求。 你说只有6%的第一次购屋者的投诉是真实的,但是你在2009年10月8日所举的一个例子毫无说服力。你的例子说C先生拒绝一间面向回教堂的组屋,对你来说可能无理,但是对大多数新加坡人来讲,要求一个安静的环境是合理的要求。 组屋价格确实负担不起 你 说公积金住屋补贴是3万或者4万,对于低收入家庭还有额外的4万元。然而,这些补贴根本追不上过去三年来全岛新组屋一次起10万的涨势。你说政府在住屋补 贴金方面花了3亿3000万,帮助超过2万个家庭。但是如果一个新单位平均涨价4万元来讲,乘以去年售出的1万3500个单位,已经替政府赚进5亿 4000万元。用这来应付政府的补贴根本绰绰有余。迅速攀升的楼价已经使国库饱胀多过于它所花出去的补助。 你说我们的房价和家庭收益比是 5.8,比伦敦的7.1和香港的19.8来得低。然而,伦敦的计算是排除15%住在廉价住屋的伦敦人,而香港的计算则是针对昂贵的香港本岛而已,不把九龙 和新界的大部分居民计算在内。因此你的对比是含瑕疵和不公平的,拿我们跟这些城市的高级住宅比较。然而,你选择用伦敦和香港做比较,也刚好证明新加坡已经 变得有多昂贵了。 你说我们的每月房贷和家庭收入比是22%,比负担基准的30至35%来得低。但是这个国际负担基准其实是负担不来的一个基 准,它说的是完全负担不来;就好像以一天一美元收入来定义赤贫一样,如果现在用每天二美元收入来强辩我们已经扫除贫穷,是同样的骗局。所以这个22%的比 率,虽然比基准的30%低,也不表示负担得来。并且,把我们的负担比率的计算局限在去年所售新组屋的这1万3500间,是不是有意把3万7205间公开市 场交易的旧组屋,这个更大的组成给错漏了呢? 你说S夫妇的个案不代表一般四房组屋的申请者。根据2009年9月12日建屋局在海峡时报上复 函,他们的家庭收入是每月3千800元,所购的组屋值26万5000元,所以每月房贷是955元。如果我们假设那个家庭单位有四个成员,每个人的生活费设 在最低的500元,那么家庭的基本开支(包括房贷)已经是2千955元,剩下的805元可以做各种用途和家长的养老基金,然而这微不足道的805元真的能 神通广大够退休和其他用途吗? 永久居民推高屋价 你说永久居民没有推高屋价,因为他们在购屋时没有付很高的溢价,然而这不是永久居民推高屋价的真正原因。只要他们开始购买屋子,不管是组屋还是私宅,永久居民就一定会消化一定的供应量,余下较少的房子给新加坡人,当供不应求,价格自然要走高。 私宅拥有者推高价格 你 也说不是私宅拥有者推高组屋价格,因为他们在转售交易中溢价超过7万元的58宗里只占11宗。这就好像看到冰山一角却说冰山不大一样。除了11宗类似以上 的交易外,私宅拥有者在这个市场中还有许许多多的交易。所以综合起来,他们也消耗了一定的供应量,压缩其他人的选择。供应减少带来激烈竞争,必然把价格哄 抬上来。 谢谢。 黄国霖 来源:淡马锡评论  Read More →

Irene Kng: PBM Jack Neo is like my “baby” whom I “sayang” everyday

Irene Kng: PBM Jack Neo is like my “baby” whom I “sayang” everyday

Written by Our Correspondent In an interview with Lianhe Wanbao, the wife of PBM Jack Neo Irene Kng  who had been maintaining a dignified silence all along in the face of a series of stunning revelation of the sexual exploits of her husband, said she still loves Jack. When asked by the reporter on how she is feeling now, she replied: "We are very good, really very good. Of course I must watch over my hubby. He is like my 'baby' now. I will 'sayang' him everyday," she giggled. She added that she is not angry with Jack and that this is a learning experience for him. Throughout the interview, Irene did not show any signs of bitterness or anger towards Jack's mistresses. She claimed that she is bothered by what they told the media and is still working from morning till night as per normal. Irene also revealed that she spoke to Foreign Minister George Yeo over the phone who had earlier urged Singaporeans to rally around Jack and his family. She thanked Singaporeans for their kind support and she believed that the saga will be over soon. One of PBM Jack Neo's mistresses Wendy Chong had tried to confront Irene last Saturday at their home in Pasir Ris and was shocked by her calm demeanour. Irene had already known about Jack's many flings and affairs and chose to "open one eye and close one eye" at them. Jack is indeed fortunate to have such a loving and understanding wife which makes one wonder why he strayed in the first place.  Read More →

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