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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

Singapore’s Presidential election is a farce

Singapore’s Presidential election is a farce

I voted. I didn’t spoil my vote. In Singapore’s history, movements to spoil votes have taken place before, most notably in the 1962 Referendum and the 1968 election boycott. Both failed. The 1962 Referendum was openly rigged by the government, with three unpalatable choices and no option to vote no (sound familiar?), and consequently many people cast spoilt ballots. The PAP claimed that such ballots were an endorsement of the status quo as the voter was telling the government that they had no opinion and would trust the government to decide. In the end, a massive 26.11% of the votes cast were spoilt but the PAP government, without an ounce of shame, declared victory. Singapore’s Presidential election is a farce, and every time I think it cannot get any more ridiculous, it somehow plumbs new depths. I know many, like me, are disgusted with this Presidential election, with the open rigging of this election via qualification and procedural rules, and the insipid choices in front of us. But the PAP establishment are without shame. They will not care that the President has no mandate or that there is a high number of spoilt votes. All they care about is that their chosen candidate rubber-stamps their decisions, agrees to appoint their cronies into critical positions, and is otherwise powerless. In Singapore, politics under the PAP has become such that form trumps substance and technicalities matter more than intentions. There is no honour in PAP politics, no sense of right and wrong, no morality. All that matters is what the rules say, who interprets them, and what they have made legal. As all that matters are the rules, then I am responding accordingly to vote in the only way which will make a technical difference. Please note that this post is not an endorsement of any candidate, but a condemnation of the status quo.   * Facebook post by Pingtjin Thum.      Read More →

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam Vs Mr Tan Kin Lian

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam Vs Mr Tan Kin Lian

I would like to share my personal experiences with the two Presidential Candidates. A. Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam Mr Tharman is a well-liked person by many Singaporeans and the general consensus is that he would make an Excellent Prime Minister instead of being a largely Ceremonial President . He would also be a Great Statesman as he has the depth & breadth of Ministerial Experiences behind him. However, my personal experience with Mr Tharman was less than desired. I've been in the Stockbroking industry for almost 30 years & way back in January 2015, I had written a letter to Mr Tharman, together with an unprecedented support of more than 1,200 signatures from the industry, to urge the then Deputy Prime Minister & Finance Minister to take urgent corrective measures to revive our moribund Stockmarket which has been languishing for too long a time. We've put-in considerable time & effort to draft this 7 page letter identifying the issues affecting the Singapore Stockmarket and our sincere recommendations to resolve them. We were keenly expecting a response from him & maybe even have a short meeting with him so that he can understand the issues better and undertake urgent corrective actions to rebuild the much-needed confidence in our markets. Sadly, there was no response from him & it was akin to throwing our considerable time & effort letter to the wastepaper basket. It broke our hearts! Our moribund stockmarket continued to languish & billions of dollars have been wiped-out from our markets due to pretty low valuations. The listed Small & Medium Enterprises are also having a very tough time raising capital from the markets and some of the better ones have been privatised resulting in the hollowing-out of the Singapore Stockmarket. Strangely, even our very own GIC is investing many hundreds of billions all over the world except our dear Singapore Stockmarket which has been floundering for quite some time. Our markets have been in the doldrums for too long a time & the Government doesn't seem to care on the sorry state of our markets due to severe lack of liquidity & market confidence. Normally Governments in many parts of the world constantly monitor the state of the markets as it is a good barometer & catalyst for the economy but in Singapore's case it may not seem to be so. Take the case of how China is now actively seeking to revive the fortunes of the Chinese Stockmarket as it affects the wealth of millions of Chinese citizens. The Hongkong Government has just announced yesterday that it is looking at injecting liquidity into the Hongkong Stockmarket. Sadly, on Singapore side there's deafening silence! So, based on my personal experience, Mr Tharman's Election Tagline "Respect for All" doesn't ring a resounding bell for me & many of my colleagues in the industry and several hundreds of thousands of Singaporean investors who have been suffering in silence! B. Mr Tan Kin Lian Mr Tan Kin Lian has been the General Manager (now renamed as CEO) of NTUC income for many years. I have been a NTUC Income shareholder for more than 30 years. NTUC Income shares were priced at par of $10. When Mr Tan Kin Lian was GM, besides the annual dividends of about 6%, the Board would propose 15% bonus shares every 5 years to take into account the reducing purchasing power of money as the Co-operative shares could only be redeemed at $10 no matter how long the period you hold. Mr Tan Kin Lian was aware that many of the shareholders are retirees who are dependent on the dividend income to maintain their standard of living & so he & his Board made this conscious Bonus Issue policy. However, after he left, this Bonus Share declaration was discontinued. Mr Tan Kin Lian cared for the Mom & Pop investors then and he continued to speak-up for them during the Global Financial Crisis Days in 2008 & he continues to champion the cause on the ever rising cost of living for the middle class, lower middle class and poor Singaporeans. There are 3 reasons why I feel Mr Tan Kin Lian would be a more suitable President for Singapore. 1. One of the most important criteria for being a President is to be Independent. Mr Tan Kin Lian will probably be much more independent as he does not have any Political Affiliation for a very long time as compared to Mr Tharman who has just left the Establishment only about 2 months ago. Any reasonable person would tell you that it's very difficult to severe ties that were established for over 2 decades! The Government of the day plays the Executive Role whilst the President plays an important Custodial Role. Both these Roles are distinct & seperate and having a truly Independent President is critical. 2. Mr Tan Kin Lian has spoken up for the underdogs many times at Hong Lim Park & many other forums. He's frank & sincere and has a heart for fellow Singaporeans. 3. Mr Tan Kin Lian is also frugal and he has stated publicly that he takes the Public Transport most of the times. This is an important trait for the President as he can relate to the daily lives of fellow Singaporeans & would make a Great Goalkeeper for our Hard-earned Reserves as he'll treat it like his own & at the same time have a heart for the less-privileged. Now, come 1st September 2023, Singaporeans have to decide who will be the 9th President of Singapore. We truly need an Independent President & my dear fellow Singaporeans this is your critical moment to seek your "One Chance For Change" to make your very important contribution at the Ballot Box and the time has come which is NOW! We shall stay United in multi-racial Singapore & the Progress and Wealth we've amassed thus far should benefit all Singaporeans & not only a select few at the Top!   S Nallakaruppan * The author is one of the founding members of the PSP.  Read More →

Dr Tan Cheng Bock promised a seat on the CPA in return for his endorsement?

Dr Tan Cheng Bock promised a seat on the CPA in return for his endorsement?

TRE has received just minutes ago, a scoop from a reliable informant that a certain person/faction of the pro-establishment voters have concocted another smear against Mr Tan Kin Lian. In 2 emails containing detailed information and attachment that was sent to our techie, the informant revealed that the latest smear would involve a doctored audio recording of a supposed conversation between Tan Kin Lian and Dr Tan Cheng Bock, with Tan Kin Lian appearing to promise Dr Tan a seat on the CPA if he is elected, in exchange for his support (endorsement). The informant even revealed that this doctored recording will be widely shared via email, whatsapp and posted on socio-media like Tumblr, Facebook, etc. The MSM will then dutifully carry the story. Our techie has listened to the supposed recording of Tan Kin Lian and Dr Tan, but has chosen to refrain from commenting too much because it "would be a complete waste of time" as "Daft Sinkies will always believe what they want to believe". The beauty of a smear campaign is that the accuser need not prove anything, but just need to create an air of "maybe and may have". With Dr Tan Cheng Bock upping the ante in the latest Presidential Election, some factions must really be feeling the heat. What do you think?        Read More →

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