include("cmp.php");
Featured Articles

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...

Due to the nature of the news and contents appearing on TR Emeritus, we are rating the website for 'above 18' only.
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

Quiet change of narratives on Covid-19 vaccines

Quiet change of narratives on Covid-19 vaccines

These are the QUIET CHANGE of narratives from US and UK government with regards to the Holy Vaccine (V)! There are great amount of studies, researches and data analysis which have run contrary to their past FALSE CLAIMS about the Holy V, so much so that they could no longer maintain their positions. They claim the Holy V is safe and the S proteen will not stay in the body for long but this has been proven wrong and false! Studies have shown these S proteen could stay in the body for weeks and months! They claim the Holy V is safe for pregnant women and those on breastfeeding but huge amount of data and studies have proven otherwise. Raw data on still birth, premature miscarriages, perinatal mortality, neonatal mortality are showing very worrying signals. This is why UK is withdrawing their scientifically baseless claim that the Holy V is safe for pregnant women and breastfeeding women. Click to enlarge At the very least, US and UK gov have the moral courage to back track and correct themselves. Denmark gov has even stop the Holy V for those below 18 years old! The collapse of past false narratives is imminent. The persistent Excess Deaths, rise in ambulance calls and rise in Cancer plus other health issues among population are just too glaring to ignore. We can do nothing when most gov and vaccinated people are living in self denial. We can only pray.   Goh Meng Seng      Read More →

The Tiger and the Trojan Horse by Dennis Bloodworth

The Tiger and the Trojan Horse by Dennis Bloodworth

John Drysdale was more scholarly in his presentation in his magnum opus Singapore:Struggle for Success whereas Dennis Bloodworth was more down- to- earth in portraying the clandestine conspiracy of the communist underground and United Front and the internecine srtruggle between the PAP leadership headed by Lee Kuan Yew and the Communist United Front (CUF) led by Lim Chin Siong for supremacy in achieving political power. It is really amazing how Bloodworth could have access to so secretive and revealing of the communist underground and CUF blueprint for the capture of the PAP moderate leadership and the political power of establishing a communist government. Bloodworth was able to narrate it in such an animated and intimated form as if vicariously and tinged with a tad of humour and cynicism here and there which gives the reader a sense of mystique in imbibing it. Lee Hsien Loong was still sucking his mother's milk when all this was happening. He and his mercenary cohorts will simply melt into oblivion if face with such a gargantuan communist avalanche. Civil servants like us were in the front line fighting the communists and ambitious politicians like Lee Kuan Yew and his and his gallant cavaliers were just no match for Lim Chin Siong who commanded the Chinese mass and would have been likely to be gobbled by Lim and his communist combatants. It was a very courageous saviour Chief Minister Lim Yew Hock who ordered a devastating swoop with Special Branch as his hatchet man on the communist revolutionaries that paved the way for Lee Kuan Yew to redeem his ambition. Dr. Toh Chin Chye and Dr. Goh Keng Swee were quick to acknowledge the great favour that Lim Yew Hock had so nobly given them but Lee Kuan Yew was typical in his reluctance and may be still in a daze. Lee Kuan Yew was therefore able to inherit Lim Chin Siong mass base and went on to make a complete sweep of the general election in 1959 which propelled him to the post of prime minister. For the sacrifices that civil servants like us made through the baptism of fire to make it possible for mercenary politicians like Lee Hsien Loong and his greedy cohorts to wallow in luxuries of their high office we were rewarded with a poverty-level pension. When the cost of living began to spike from time to time our pensions remained stagnant. I approached Lee Hsien Loong to consider a raise in our pensions so that it will ease our burden of living on a starvation subsistence level. You will never believe the kind of charitable response that was hurled at us. "You have served your purpose. What you get is enough. We are waiting for you to die" The minister who said it was Dr. Richard Hu who was then the Finance Minister to the President and Vice-President of the Pensioners' Association who saw him to raise our pensions. But Lee Hsien Loong endorsed it tacitly. You think they are human to make such callous remarks? And they were pocketing millions of people's money to enrich themselves and wallow in luxuries. Lee Hsien Loong gives the impression that he is generous and compassionate in giving subsidies to the people ostensibly to lighten their burden during the Covid 19 and the considerable rise in the cost of living. What he is actually paying the people is the people's money like they are pocketing millions of people's money. Will there be a salvation in the foreseeable future? You have an Opposition leader who is a joker and with his antics you think he will be able to cause an upset to the PAP? The status quo will stay for a considerable time. And the people may need the blessing of God.   Yoong Siew Wah * The author was the Director of Singapore’s Internal Security Department (ISD) from 1971 to 1974. He was Director of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) in the 1960s, and had a distinguished career in the Singapore Special Branch in the 1950s.      Read More →

Silence is a deadly foe

Silence is a deadly foe

19 years living in NYC as an openly gay man has not erased my memory of the shame and fear of hiding my true self in Singapore. I can still remember visiting a gay bar in Chinatown, not at night when it was open, but in the day when I could check it out without being seen. I was hiding in broad daylight. What was I afraid of? I was a teacher, then a vice-principal of a secondary school. What if a student or, worse, a parent had spotted me entering the bar? The scandal would have been humiliating, and there was the possibility of losing my job. It was not just a matter of being caught, however; it was about living an inauthentic life, day in, day out. There I was, teaching students to speak and write, telling parents how to help their children flourish, and I was evasive and stunted. This and other memories came back when I read that the Singapore government intends to abolish 377A, the law that criminalizes sex between men, but also to amend the constitution to ensure that the legal definition of marriage as between one man and one woman cannot be challenged in the courts. The intention is problematic on many different levels, as the journalist Kirsten Han clearly lays them out. Statements from various ministries reinforced the homophobic status quo. The Ministry of Education, my former boss, explained that "Our education policies and curriculum will remain anchored on Singapore's prevailing family values and social norms, which the majority of Singaporeans want to uphold. These include the family as the cornerstone of our social fabric, and marriage between a man and a woman." The statement completely dismisses LGBTQ families as families. Furthermore, although sexuality education in schools "will remain secular" (no mention of being scientific), it will also be "sensitive to the multiracial and multireligious make-up of our society," which of course allows religious prejudices to prevail over what is supposedly secular. The statement makes no mention of the status of LGBTQ teachers, whether they will be honored and supported in their work, or even assured of job and fair treatment. Instead, the Ministry warns against "advocacy and contestation on socially divisive issues," even though "Singapore's family and social norms must continue to be determined by Singaporeans." If there is no peaceful advocacy and contestation in schools, how can Singaporeans determine for themselves what is right or wrong, instead of following authority blindly? What students, and adults, need to learn is to develop evidence-based arguments logically, surface hidden assumptions, and be open to changing one's mind when given good reasons for doing so. The MOE statement is, in fact, anti-education. It maintains the silence and the shame around being different.     Jee Leong Koh          Read More →

Sponsored Content
Official Quick Links
Members LoginContact UsSupport Us
Sponsored Advertisement
Search On TR Emeritus
Sponsored Advertisement
Advertisement
Recent Comments
Advertisement

Announcement

UA-67043412-1