TR EMERITUS

Dear fellow Singaporeans, Happy National Day! In my 2023 New Year Message, I said that the political agenda will accelerate this year. It has indeed proven to be a fast-paced year politically judging from the breathtaking pace that events have unfolded this year, from the conclusion of the Keppel Offshore & Marine investigation, SPH Ltd’s false circulation numbers scandal and the Ridout Road investigation to the arrest of Minister lswaran and the resignation of Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin. Events this year should have awakened Singaporeans to the need to relook at our political system. Do we want to rely solely on the “good leaders” of one dominant ruling party or do we want to strengthen our political institutions to have stronger checks and balances in case the “good leaders” fail one day? As Parliament is the apex of our political system, this is the first political institution that we need to strengthen. I think it is long overdue for Singapore to have a strong check and balance mechanism in Parliament. To do this, we need to have an effective Opposition that controls at least one-third of the seats in Parliament, so that we can prevent the ruling party from amending the Constitution at will. Dear fellow Singaporeans, you have the power to decide as important elections are coming your way. If you dare to make the right decision at the right time, we can be confident that the best is yet to be for Singapore, and Singapore will continue to be a success story for our grandchildren and many more future generations. Singaporeans can do better. For Country For People.   Leong Mun Wai, Secretary General of Progress Singapore Party      Read More →

Dear Fellow Singaporeans, As we unite to commemorate our 58th National Day, we extend warm wishes to all. Today, we celebrate not only the progress of our nation but also the guiding values that shape our journey. Recently, a debate in Parliament centered around the necessity of an impartial and independent Speaker of Parliament. Advocating for an independent Speaker, particularly in a House dominated by People’s Action Party (PAP) MPs, is a cause we’ve championed consistently. We express gratitude to NCMPs Leong Mun Wai and Hazel Poa for echoing this motion. A Minister staunchly opposed the original motion, citing potential unlawfulness and limitations beyond what the Constitution prescribes. Predictably, in a Parliament dominated by the PAP, the motion was replaced with an amendment. Allow me to state plainly: having an independent Speaker of Parliament, detached from the PAP, is neither unlawful nor constraining. Of course, the Minister may reject the notion, just as Big Business might resist a ban on transporting human beings in lorries, deeming it restrictive and unfavourable. In another recent parliamentary discourse, the subject revolved around transporting foreign workers in undignified conditions within goods lorries. Fifty-three community groups in Singapore collectively demanded an immediate government ban on this practice. Red Dot United (RDU) has championed enhanced transport safety measures for migrant workers for over two years. We maintained that treating guest workers fairly and empathetically would symbolize to the world our esteem for human dignity. While Parliament conceded the unsuitability of lorries for worker transport, the Government failed to implement any new measures for their safety. The Government justified this stance, claiming “knock-on effects” on society including project delays and higher costs. In doing so, it sided with big businesses arguing that imposing a ban would hinder many companies from operating. At this significant juncture of National Day, it’s apt to ponder the leadership shaping our nation’s course. Leadership transcends solely economic achievements; it’s also about upholding core values that define us. Recent discussions on the moral landscape of our political sphere prompt reflection on the importance of ethical leadership. A nation’s progress isn’t solely dictated by economic indicators; it’s profoundly influenced by the ethical standards upheld by those in authoritative roles. RDU’s commitment lies in charting a path based on robust ethical values resonating with Singapore’s spirit. We staunchly believe in leading by example, manifesting our dedication to transparency, accountability, and respect in every endeavour. Moral and ethical leadership is the foundation of Singapore’s economic well-being. Upholding transparency, accountability, and integrity nurtures trust and credibility, fostering inclusive growth, inspiring innovation, cultivating a responsible business ecosystem and respect for all human lives. Ethical leadership, as championed by doughnut economics, encourages sustainable practices, curbs inequality, and fosters long-term prosperity for our economy and people alike. How can citizens place their trust in a political leadership teetering on the edge of moral decline, seemingly driven to preserve its power hegemony? In this moment of contemplation, let’s remember that the power to drive change rests within us. Collectively, we possess the capability to reshape norms and elevate leadership standards. Our goal isn’t to enforce rules even the rule-maker finds challenging, but to inspire transformation through our actions, reminding all that ethical leadership is more than a concept—it’s a living principle shaping our nation’s character. This National Day, let’s celebrate the potential we possess to carve a future filled with promise. United, let’s navigate toward a brighter tomorrow by embracing a resolute moral compass that steers us through challenges. As we celebrate Singapore’s progress, let’s envision leaders embodying the very values that have moulded our identity. Happy National Day, Singapore! Let’s continue our journey with unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, ensuring a future we can all proudly embrace. Warmest regards,   Ravi Philemon Secretary-General Red Dot United      Read More →

Regardless of political belief and/or divide, I want to wish all my fellow citizens a very Happy National Day. Together, we have definitely come far as a nation and as one united people. Singapore has not merely survived but prosper and is highly recognised and respected internationally. In 1965 when Singapore was kicked out of Malaysia, we were like an abandoned small child in a tough and dangerous neighborhood and nobody gave us any chance of survival, much less to prosper and if we did not make it and had to crawl back to rejoin Malaysia, it would be on their terms and it would take no genius to know and understand that their terms were unlikely to be any kids gloves in kindergarten terms. Our baby step by step survival journey were not given. It is not an exaggeration to describe it as short of a miracle story. I wish for my country to continue to be strong, to prosper, to be wealthy, to be safe, bubbling with hopes and opportunities for the young ones and fulfillments and satisfactions for the not so young ones and continues to be relevant, contributing and being useful to the international community. Singaporeans are not a heartless or an ingratitude people. We are forever grateful to our founder pap government leaders and more who were totally dedicated, committed, competent, selfless, sacrificial and single-minded in securing our survival and our well-being etc but it also saddens me much when I see many educated suckers who are mistaken and confused about the relationship between government and country. Let me explain. Our loyalty and patriotism are forever dedicated to our country, ie, The Republic of Singapore. Our loyalty, worship and patriotism shouldn't be directed at any political party. After all these years of education, IT exposure and being an independent country, Singaporeans ought to be more politically astute, mature and smarter to recognise that parties come and go and people can change over time. Governance standards and competence rise and fall too. It is the same throughout human history. Past success is no guarantee of future success. (Please read the above 2 paragraphs again). In conclusion, Happy 58th National Day once more. Think.   Simon Lim      Read More →