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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...

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...

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
Congratulations to Techie Andrew on his newborn

Congratulations to Techie Andrew on his newborn

The team at TR Emeritus (TRE) would like to congratulate our techie Andrew on his newborn, who was delivered...
China's 1/4 million students rode 50km to another city...

China's 1/4 million students rode 50km to another city...

On 8th Oct, about 1/4 million students in China's HeNan ZhengShou (郑州) rode about 50km to another...
Donald Trump re-elected President of the United States

Donald Trump re-elected President of the United States

Donald Trump has been re-elected president of the United States, defeating opponent Kamala Harris in...
LIVE: US Presidential Election

LIVE: US Presidential Election

The US presidential race between Former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is tightening...
Iran now a full-fledged BRICS member

Iran now a full-fledged BRICS member

Iran’s full membership in BRICS, announced by Putin, signals a potential shift in global power dynamics....
Mass casualties as Hezbollah rains barrage of drones...

Mass casualties as Hezbollah rains barrage of drones...

A drone strike targeted an Israeli army base near Binyamina, about 20 miles south of Haifa. The attack...
Israel lied about massive damages to Nevatim Air Base

Israel lied about massive damages to Nevatim Air Base

According to Iran's National TV, a precision-guided Iranian missile successfully knocked out a cutting-edge,...
US begs Iran to 'go soft' on Israel

US begs Iran to 'go soft' on Israel

Israel-owned Washington has made a big appeal to Iran as the Mideast nation anticipates an attack from...
Russia warns Israel of

Russia warns Israel of "Dangerous Consequences" following...

In a shocking turn of events, an Israeli airstrike near Russia's Hmeimim Air Base in Syria has sparked...
Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng to be charged in relation...

Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng to be charged in relation...

Malaysian property tycoon Ong Beng Seng will be charged in a Singapore court on Friday (Oct 4). The...
Former minister Iswaran gets 12 months’ jail for...

Former minister Iswaran gets 12 months’ jail for...

Former senior cabinet minister S Iswaran has been sentenced to 12 months in prison in a high-profile...
Isreal strikes Russian air base in Syria

Isreal strikes Russian air base in Syria

In an obvious attempt to escallate the war in the middle east and force the warmongering US into the...
Israeli air bases damaged and fighter jets destroyed...

Israeli air bases damaged and fighter jets destroyed...

Israel has closed off several military zones after the Iranian missile attack on October 1. The Israeli...
Israeli soldiers suffered mass casualties in first...

Israeli soldiers suffered mass casualties in first...

Hezbollah fighters are giving invading Israeli soldiers in south Lebanon a tough fight. In the first...
Only 20% of the missiles Iran launched at Israel were...

Only 20% of the missiles Iran launched at Israel were...

Iran launched a substantial number of ballistic missiles (180+) in a recent attack that overwhelmed Israel's...
Israel's air bases badly damaged by Iran's missile...

Israel's air bases badly damaged by Iran's missile...

On Tuesday (Oct 1), Iran launched a barrage of over 150 missiles at Israel, specifically targeting Nevatim...
Iran launches barrage of missiles at Israel

Iran launches barrage of missiles at Israel

Iran has reportedly launched more than 150 ballistic missiles towards southern Israel from Khorramabad...
Why Singapore cannot join BRICS

Why Singapore cannot join BRICS

It’s impossible for Singapore to join BRICS (Russia, China, Brazil, India and South Africa). Here's...
Opinions
Good Governance

Good Governance

People vs System or People & System? Policies can change over time while Constitution should not...
Scammers

Scammers

Just the first half of 2024, there is a record 26,587 reported scam cases. And here comes the staggering...
America humiliated as Biden shunted at APEC Summit

America humiliated as Biden shunted at APEC Summit

A picture tells a thousand words as the saying goes. Look at the group picture of the Leaders...
Trump: Raging against The Machine

Trump: Raging against The Machine

“The wheel is come full circle.”—Shakespeare, King Lear. Donald J. Trump has been re-elected...
The fate of Singapore

The fate of Singapore

The voice of the people has always been loud and clear, until now. In the 1950s and 1960s, the people...
Donald Trump is set for a landslide

Donald Trump is set for a landslide

It's over for Kamala. Trump is set for a landslide. The Republicans are also sweeping the Senate and...
A rising start at CHOGM in Samoa

A rising start at CHOGM in Samoa

We all know about the loquacity of PM Lawence Wong because since taking office he had been ranting with...
Perception is everything

Perception is everything

Lee Hsien Yang (LHY) has declared himself a political refugee from Singapore, the land of his birth....
Political Refugees & Detainees of Singapore

Political Refugees & Detainees of Singapore

Ever since PAP came into power in 1959, party which had fought for "Democracy" has actually turned into...
The Last Wish

The Last Wish

aka THE LAST WISH OF LEE WEI LING, LEE KUAN YEW AND CHINESE EMPERORS OF YORE It's no surprise the...
Is there democracy in Singapore?

Is there democracy in Singapore?

Last week, The Straits Times published an article on a survey done by the NUS Institute of Policy Studies:...
Iswaran's Victory

Iswaran's Victory

I believe alot of people were having popcorns in their hands all ready to watch the Great Show of the...
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...
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
The Allure of Singapore Jewellery: A Blend of Tradition,...

The Allure of Singapore Jewellery: A Blend of Tradition,...

In Singapore, traditional and contemporary life come together so beautifully, and among other things...
The Impact of Global Economic Policies on Singapore’s...

The Impact of Global Economic Policies on Singapore’s...

For dynamics to develop within Singapore's financial markets, global economic policies are incredibly...
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...
Sticky & Recent Articles

全球新闻媒体自由索引排名为何让新加坡政府“伤很大”?

全球新闻媒体自由索引排名为何让新加坡政府“伤很大”?

作者:Manisha Kumari 《淡马锡评论》责任编辑 译者:冀居•谢 新加坡自诩是样样第一的国家,也确实几乎样样都得第一。樟宜机场最近又了个世界第一,总共囊获五个奖,包括2009年9月得的“最佳机场”奖。除此之外,新航 (SIA)就其资产规模也是世界最大的航空公司。 新加坡的港口也是世界最忙碌的,超过鹿特丹和香港。至于说到清洁,新加坡又是世界上最清洁的国家。而新加坡的教育体系连奥巴马和美国教育学者都认同。 新加坡的经济是一个高度发展的资本主义混合体,它有开放的亲商环境,相对的无贪污和透明,稳定物价和一个高居世界之冠的国民生产毛额(GDP)。 这个国家完美得简直像乌托邦,稍微降一格的事物都不能接受。所以当位于巴黎的国际观察组织—“无国界记者”把新加坡在新闻自由排名放在第133名时,这一切的第一都全毁了。它并不如它给世人的表象那么完美。 新加坡在新闻自由方面的排名,似乎配不上这个现代化发达国家的高大形象。 所以是一个很好的理由感觉“伤很大”。 今年新加坡排在肯亚之后,在175个国家中忝陪133名,人家可是经历一场因竞选不公而引发的动乱。还有刚果,可是从牺牲了五百万条性命的武装冲突中走过来的。 新加坡虽然从去年的144名爬上133名,比泰国(130名)和马来西亚(131名)还是落后。周边国家虽然在经济层面上落后,可是新闻自由方面却领先。 这175个受调查的国家,是“无国界记者”组织亲自发出问卷给一些独立的观察机构,新加坡是惟一一个发达国家被踢出100名之外,同乍得、尼日利亚和津巴布韦擦肩并列。 在亚洲,日本排17名,接着香港(48名)、台湾(59名)和南韩(69名)。 按照“无国界记者”组织的说法,新加坡得这么低的排名,是因为没有独立的报纸、电台和电视台。还有有关新闻的刑事责任、媒体的自我审查和国营媒体完全不让反对党使用等等。 执政党一贯地把“无国界记者”组织的排名斥为“西方新闻标准”,认为是要新闻工作者采取与政府“反对和抗争的立场”,根本不符合新加坡的国情。 新加坡的媒体早已被塑造成政府的传声筒。 律政部长尚穆根很有理由为新加坡媒体在全球新闻自由索引上落得如此下场而感伤。他甚至抨击全球新闻自由索引对新加坡的睥睨是“不公平”的。 用他的话说:由“无国界记者”组织所整理的全球新闻自由索引是“相当荒谬和脱离现实的”。 部长似乎因排名而“伤很大”。与其这样大动作反弹,尚穆根先生其实应该反省新加坡媒体为何在国际排名会落得如此凄惨的地步?他应该很轻易地就能够得到结论。 众所周知,新加坡没有自由或独立的报纸。所有的重要出版都掌控在一家媒体公司——新加坡报业控股,而掌舵人正是行动党前内阁成员的陈庆炎博士。而网络新媒体却是受到警方的多方监视,使到一些怕事的博客只好自我审查。 新加坡政治领袖不断地用诽谤诉讼来让外国媒体噤声,最新一轮是华尔街日报和远东经济评论上场。 世界新闻媒体经常都指责新加坡政府是新闻自由的暴君。外国媒体只要不按新加坡的规则办事就会被控上法庭,“外国媒体得以在本地流通应该视为一种特权,而不是理所当然。”“只要外国报纸不遵守本地法律,他们就不能享有这个特权。” 公然批评政治领袖和政策在主流媒体是从未见过的事。 在最新第三版的列格坦全球繁荣指数,里头有104个国家(大约涵盖90%的世界人口),由快乐和生活素质组成的繁荣定义中,新加坡排在第23名。报告说如果不是因为民主制度和个人自由方面的扣分,新加坡其实是可以排得更高的。因为这些对整体繁荣来讲,是很重要的因素。 新闻、通讯和艺术部是政府的监管主力,由它决定本地新闻内容的钳制力度。它也决定是否要放行外国媒体。 大部分本地媒体公司都直接或间接受政府控制,他们通过淡马锡控股成为大股东,而大家都知道淡马锡不用说是亲政府的。 国营新传媒拥有全部7个免费频道的执照,还有14个电台。电台、电视都是国营的禁脔,7个电视频道都归新传媒所有。 新加坡是竞争力的第一世界,而新闻自由和公民自主的第三世界,这首歌已如雷贯耳了。 虽然样样第一,新加坡将会在新闻自由排名上让世人耻笑,更糟的是,可能还会继续抱残守缺下去。  Read More →

MM Lee: Singapore politics will “change”, not because I leave politics

MM Lee: Singapore politics will “change”, not because I leave politics

From our Correspondent Singapore's octagenarian leader MM Lee Kuan Yew is in the news again two days after a photo of him and U.S. President Barack Obama was splashed across the front pages of the Singapore newspapers. Asked during an interview with the PAP propaganda mouthpiece Petir on how Singapore will change when he leaves... 

FACTBOX-Five political risks to watch in Singapore

FACTBOX-Five political risks to watch in Singapore

Thomson Reuters, 3 November 2009 Singapore is widely seen as one of Asia’s least risky investment destinations, a key ingredient in its success as a regional trade and investment hub. Following is a summary of key Singapore risks to watch: SECURITY Militants have long had Singapore in their sights — a Jemaah Islamiyah plot... 

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