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You are here in the archive: SingaporeSurf > 2009 > May
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
The agreement was renewed and signed by the defence ministers of Singapore and Australia on Sunday.
by Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia
by Valerie Chia, Straits Times
Former head coach Guodong aims to focus on job and the birth of his first child.
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club
by Seah Chiang Nee, The Star
No contract, no marriage, no legal complications. The woman just moves in as part-time mistress and home minder.
by Ng Wan Ching, New Paper
Amid all the buzz about sexual education programmes in schools and what is appropriate to be taught, a study has found 'worrying' gaps in the knowledge of even post-secondary students.
by Au Waipang, Yawning Bread
A future in which most developed countries legally recognise gay marriages is now within sight. How Singapore can remain attractive to talent when we are so out of sync with our major trading partners does not seem to have exercised the brains of the ostriches in the sand that are our government. Nor how we can persuade emigré Singaporeans to return if they have married their same-sex partners under the law in Western countries – it's already happening, in case you don't know.
by Leong Sze Hian, The Online Citizen
by Han Fook Kwang, Straits Times
I stand by the professionalism of our reporters. The personal attacks against the integrity of our journalists sadden me because they show the vindictiveness of our critics and the length to which they are prepared to go to attack our professionalism. In fact, there appears to be an organised campaign to discredit the media, with mass e-mail being sent, including to Reach, the government feedback portal.
The Straits Times has no hidden agenda to push this line or that, or to favour one group against another. On this story, as with others, we were driven by our desire to provide as much information to our readers as possible, in as timely a manner. That remains our primary objective.
by Straits Times
by Ng Tze Yong, New Paper
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club
Singaporeans are calling Dr Vivian to step in not to “micromanage the awards”, but to resolve the matter by asking Lee Bee Wah to either substantiate her allegations about Liu Guodong or retract her statements and apologize without any reservation.
by Wong Wee Nam, Sgpolitics.net
Rather than tweaking the electoral process to appease voters as opposed to giving them a choice, what Singapore needs is a system that can help us produce plenty of good political leaders and not worry about the dearth of it all the time.
by Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia
The opposition National Solidarity Party (NSP) has welcomed the proposed amendments to the electoral system, calling them "long overdue".
But the NSP described them as "half-hearted" attempts.
by Costas Paris and Se Young Lee, Wall Street Journal
Singapore state investment company Temasek Holdings Pte. Ltd. is considering an offer for its entire stake in Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd. for about 2.35 billion Singapore dollars (US$1.62 billion), two people familiar with the situation said.
by Julia Ng, Channel NewsAsia
by 新浪体育
针对新加坡乒乓总会和刘国栋之间的争议，前新加坡国家乒乓球队主教练刘国栋告诉中国媒体，他要的是“一个男人的尊严”。
by Seelan Palay's Blog
by Straits Times
The parties embroiled in the Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) dispute over the nomination process for the Coach of the Year Award should settle the matter 'in a dignified and fair manner', minister for community development, youth and sports urged on Friday
by Clarissa Oon, Straits Times
Baey Yam Keng says this will allow Singaporeans to be plugged in fully to the debates.
by Goh Chin Lian, Straits Times
Mr Charles Chong (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC) and Mr Inderjit Singh (Ang Mo Kio GRC) argued that having Myanmar as a member would dent the credibility of Asean in the eyes of the world. Replying, senior minister of state for foreign affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed defended Asean's preference to engage Myanmar rather than isolate it.
by Only "Objective" And "Factual" Political Films Please, We're Singaporeans
by Sue-Ann Chia, Straits Times
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan wants to change the structure of social services to be more ground up, so that the people in charge 'are truly the voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) on the ground'.
by Andre Yeo, New Paper
by Khairulanwar Zaini, The Online Citizen
Not just WP but all opposition parties should see that the latest move by the PAP is a reverse tactical ploy which will help the PAP retain the upper hand in the next elections.
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club
NEA’s CEO Andrew Tan should be sacked or asked to resign and the entire temporary market committee be charged in court for neligience. Dr Yaacob must apologize to Singaporeans for the mistake. This is the minimum we expect from a first world government.
by Melissa Sim, Straits Times
From June 1, all operators of temporary markets or food centres will be licensed and held liable for hygiene lapses at the places, a move prompted by the Indian rojak poisoning cases last month.
by Rajiv Chaudhry, The Online Citizen
by Fang Zhi Yuan, The Wayang Party Club
Singaporeans must know and understand the crucial differences between an elected opposition MP and a NCMP and the implications behind them.
by Diary Of A Singaproean Mind
Our forefathers fought for Singapore to be freed from the shackles of colonialism and for us to be able to run this country for our own interests instead of those of our colonial masters. Two generations later we find ourselves struggling again to restore democracy and bring about a government that works for our interests instead of its own.
by Groundnotes
by Singapore Democrats
Parliament, if the PAP needs to be reminded, is not a feedback session to canvas for a “wider range” of views. It is an institution where laws are made and where the Executive is called to account for its actions and policies.
There is no need to conduct this wayang exercise with the NCMP and NMP systems. Do the right thing by ensuring that the electoral process is transparent, free and fair.
by Yaw Shin Leong
by Andrew Loh, The Online Citizen
Parliament being filled with a majority of un-elected members is a joke. Pure and simple, no matter what rhetoric the prime minister uses in trying to convince one and all to accept these changes.
by May Wong, Channel NewsAsia
Singapore supports initiatives against the indiscriminate use of anti-personnel mines, especially when they are used against innocent civilians. Deputy prime minister and defence minister Teo Chee Hean told Parliament that Singapore maintains the right to use anti-personnel mines for self-defence.
by Straits Times
Singapore on Thursday confirmed three more cases of Influenza A (H1N1). The patients are being treated at the Communicable Disease Centre at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
Dr Balakrishnan stressed that Singapore's political system is one that is slanted in favour of ensuring that only political parties which can form strong governments will be serious contenders in the general elections.
by Goh Chin Lian, Straits Times
Senior minister of state for foreign affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed defended Asean's preference to engage Myanmar rather than isolate it.
by Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia
Singapore will be amending its laws to better align with international tax standards.
by Netty Ismail, Bloomberg
by Straits Times
MP FOR Tampines GRC on Thursday apologised in Parliament for citing an e-mail from a writer whom he said he did not know, and for not verifying the substance of the contents.
by Channel NewsAsia
Finance minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam has said it is not realistic to expect Temasek Holdings to outperform in every cycle or to avoid losses on every individual investment, or its overall portfolio when the markets go through sharp corrections.
by Kevin Lim and Nopporn Wong-Anan, Reuters
Singapore sovereign wealth fund Temasek will remain a long-term investor despite its early exit from Bank of America and the fund made S$56 billion ($38.5 billion) in the six years since March 2003, finance minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said on Thursday.
by Elena Chong, Straits Times
A Christian couple have been found guilty in Singapore's first sedition trial for distributing seditious and undesirable publications as well as possession.
by Philip Lim, AFP
While more affluent expatriate families live in upmarket areas, workers like Baskaran are often housed in far-flung, cramped dormitories, and congregate in their thousands at favourite locations to relax on their days off.
by Die Neue Welle
Of course, you can only use such tactics if you are in a position of power – reliance of power is always a good sign that some people are using authority too much and not their own brains, or their senses in judging the real situation on the ground.
by David Armstrong, Bangkok Post
Singapore has thousands of foreign prostitutes but are they sellers or victims? The Singapore government is making sure it does not have to answer that question.
by Jeremy Au Yong, Straits Times
Intolerance, not the economic crisis, poses the biggest threat to Singapore, Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee (Tanjong Pagar GRC) warned in Parliament on Wednesday.
by Subba's Serendipitous Moments
One look at the Government CIO mandate here shows it is inwardly focused, tactically driven and continues to continues to operate from a traditional mindset.
by My Singapore News
As for the possibility of more opposition MPs or NCMPs, that may not be a good thing given that opposition MPs are mostly very simplistic in their views, of no substance and only opposed for opposition's sake.
This is a very simplistic view in assessing the achievements of opposition parties in Singapore.
by Fang Zhi Yuan, The Wayang Party Club
by Fang Zhi YUan, The Wayang Party Club
While it is critical to have an elected opposition in Parliament to add diversity to the views being espoused and to ensure the ruling party is held accountable to the people, an opposition which does not dare to push the boundaries and provide a stiff challenge to the incumbent will be more of a hindrance than an asset to the progress of democracy in Singapore.
by Bernard Aw's Blog
by 点到伟止
新加坡人无论做什么事情都会排队，唯独在等地铁的时候不排队。
by 《想法日报》想法改变世界
说到T3航站楼就要说说新加坡的“第三搭客大厦”，其实两者一回事，但是新家坡就叫“搭客大厦”，北京就叫“航站楼”，不用说得多复杂，看名字我们就应该很容易看出，一个是从“客人角度”思考问题、做事情，一个依然是高高在上从“航空公司”考虑问题、做事情。这就是差距，往小里说是北京机场与新加坡机场的差距，往大里说就是中国与新加坡的差距。
by Ng Bock Kim, Today
I understand the environmental issues involved in the building of the Marina Barrage and I am not against the relocation exercise. What irks me is that I now face an uncertain future because of the move, but the authorities are not helping to defray the cost of this move.
by Pearl Forss, Today
Singapore will set up an Economic Strategies Committee to study the long-term economic transformation of the country.
by Cheryl Ong, Straits Times
Inadequate checks led to an eight-year-old girl's fall through a gap in a metal railing at the lift landing outside her fourth-floor Telok Blangah flat, the committee that investigated the mishap concluded.
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
All these token changes announced in Parliament do little to alter the status quo. They merely provide a safe outlet for the opposition to air their views without disrupting the PAP’s power base.
by Choo Zheng Xi, The Online Citizen
Right thinking members of the public should see this exercise as the farce that it really is. If anything has changed, it has changed for the worse.
by The Online Citizen
by Au Yaipang, Yawning Bread
Lee's hand is forced. He has to allow more opposing voices into Parliament before the street becomes more attractive than elections and the stuffy chamber.
by Candida Ng, Reuters
Salmon tartare, chicken roulade and creme brulee are by no means standard prison fare, but these were dishes whipped up by some inmates in Singapore as part of a project aimed at easing them back into society.
by 韋雅媚, 星洲日報
新加坡出現首宗A（H1N1）型流感病例，柔佛州移民局及衛生局將持續嚴密把關，嚴查每天數以萬計往返本地及新加坡兩地的人流。
by Reuters
The Singapore government will help nurture local companies compete in international markets, but will not force its sovereign wealth fund Temasek to finance them as suggested by some legislators, prime minister Lee Hsien Loong told parliament on Wednesday. "Government wants to help companies grow, is trying many ways and is willing to do more," Lee said. "But we don't believe that this can be done by the government by simply pouring money, or creating a 'Temasek II,' he said.
by Straits Times
by Yaw Shin Leong
It is apparent that the objective of the PAP is to ensure that whilst a wider range of views in Parliament can be assured, but the change is designed in the hope that PAP's parliamentary dominance remains as it is.
by Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia
The Singapore government has announced proposed changes to the country's electoral system to encourage a wider range of views in Parliament, including opposition and non-government views.
Prime minister Lee Hsien Loong said each Parliament will have at least nine opposition members and nine Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs), so that there will be at least 18 Members of Parliament (MPs) who are not from the ruling party.
by Channel NewsAsia
An Islamic militant described as Singapore's most wanted man has been detained under Malaysian security laws for a two-year term, state media reported Wednesday.
by Derrick Ho, Straits Times
A Member of Parliament has requested home affairs minister Wong Kan Seng to explain how terrorist kingpin Mas Selamat Kastari escaped to Malaysia and if he was helped by sympathisers.
by Straits Times
Opposition MP Chiam See Tong on Wednesday called for the current Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system to be abolished. If this cannot be done away with, then it should be modified from the present five to six members to two, comprising an ethnic and a Chinese members, he said.
by Candida Ng and Kevin Lim, Reuters
Singapore's two upcoming casinos may draw some business from neighbouring Malaysia's Genting Highlands but the city-state's focus on high-rollers will likely have a greater impact on Macau and Australia.
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club
by Derrick Ho, Straits Times
The government should allow Singaporeans to work in the companies its sovereign wealth funds like Temasek and Government Investment Corporation have a substantial stake in, a Member of Parliament advocated on Wednesday.
MP for Tampines GRC, Sin Boon Ann said Singapore should 'make better use of these investments to work harder for us' and not merely remain as a 'passive investor' as in most cases.
by Straits Times
If Singapore falls prey to religious and racial bigotry, the economic crisis would become a growing cancer in society, instead of just a passing thunderstorm, minister of state for defence Koo Tsai Kee warned on Wednesday.
by Khairulanwar Zaini, The Online Citizen
by Today In Singapore
The fact that corruption is inherently contradictory and irreconcilable with democracy, unfortunately, does not mean corruption cannot be found in democratic systems. That is why it is all the more important to put in place control mechanisms and establish systemic checks and balances to prevent people from abusing their power. Naturally, those entrenched in power will be fighting, through means fair or foul, to preserve the status quo.
by Recruit Ong
Prefacing speeches by stating one's faith is perfectly ok to me. But to base their political decisions on faith or values grounded in faith is another thing.
by Yeo Ghim Lay, Straits Times
The first five stations of the new Circle Line were opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean on Wednesday morning. Trains will start rolling from Thursday morning at Bartley, Serangoon, Lorong Chuan, Bishan and Marymount stations.
by Taikiew
Many Singaporeans are already downgrading their needs, with those lower income family suffering more. A well paid Singaporean elite may downgrade from a 4-ply purple ultra soft & durable toilet paper to a 3-ply white one, but the lower income family would downgrade from a 2-ply house brand sure-to-get-abrasion toilet paper to a 1-ply nobrand sure-to-tear-while-wiping-your-butt toilet paper. These Singaporeans cannot downgrade their needs anymore. They would all end up with smelly ass.
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club
by Clarissa Oon, Straits Times
Appointing unelected 'nominated ministers', entrenching the Nominated MP scheme and scaling down group representation constituencies (GRCs) were among the suggestions made in Parliament on Tuesday on how the political system should evolve.
by Only "Objective" And "Factual" Political Films Please, We're Singaporeans
by 陈迎竹, 联合早报
一项调查显示，本地有56%专业人士希望从私人企业转做公务员；另有三成受访者表示，若在私人企业走投无路就会考虑当公务员；只有14％无论如何不打政府工。
by Channel NewsAsia
Singapore has confirmed its first case of Influenza A (H1N1). The patient is currently being treated at the Communicable Disease Centre at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and is in stable condition.
by Sahit Nagpal, DPA
South-East Asia's main political grouping has failed in its efforts to make Myanmar more democratic and should consider expelling it, as well as imposing limited sanctions, a Singaporean politician said Tuesday.
by Jeanette Wang, Straits Times
The Singapore Table Tennis Association's (STTA) executive committee have reached an agreement on how to handle the ongoing dispute with former national coach Liu Guodong, sources told The Straits Times on Tuesday.
And while they declined to reveal what those steps may be, they are reportedly prepared to go to court - should the China national decide to take legal action against the association.
by Andrew Loh, The Online Citizen
The government needs to divest itself from the media. While such a move may not result in substantial or meaningful change immediately, it is, however, a necessary step towards a more active and participatory society.
by Mitchell Bingemann and Teresa Ooi, The Australian
Foreign-born executives lined up to say that Australia, like many nations, was coming to terms with the integration of different nationalities but they had never experienced racism in corporate life.
by Lisa Li Shi-En, Straits Times
Given that Singapore will always have a diversity of views which cannot ever be fully censored, I suspect we will not stop arguing. Our best course of action is to learn to argue well.
by The Wayang Party Club
Looking at all the recent fiascos, from investment losses to oversights at ministry/stat board levels to outrageious statements by senior public servants and elected MPs, it appears that we have all the hardware but substandard soft/human-ware.
by John Burton, Financial Times
The challenges that face Mr Goodyear were underscored this week when several members of Singapore’s parliament from the ruling party took the unusual step of criticising Temasek in a floor debate over the investment agency’s recent decision to sell its 3 per cent stake in Bank of America at an estimated loss of between $2.3bn and $4.6bn.
“Having a bunch of white guys at the top carries the risk of a political backlash among Singapore’s business leaders,” said one local economist. “Goodyear has never operated before in Singapore, which puts him at a disadvantage.”
by Au Yaipang, Yawning Bread
This looks to me like part of a general pattern where the government ignores the substantive issues but goes after the act of protest. It appears to be hoping that severe penalties for protesting will stop people from complaining without their having to do anything about the underlying grievances.
by Lisa Baertlein, Reuters
Kopitiam Group is scheduled to open the first of the restaurants in late 2009, and build more than 35 Wendy's outlets throughout the country over the next 10 years.
by Michael West, The Sydney Morning Herald
by Yeo Choon Seng, Straits Times
Constructing a third link on the eastern part of Johor Baru makes planning sense. But as matters stand now, the second link is still underdeveloped - more than 10 years after it was built - and a third link may take an unacceptably longer time to realise.
Nothing technical prevents us from doing both things at the same time: expand the Causeway, and build a third link.
by Straits Times
Temasek Holdings can make a greater difference to Singapore by helping homegrown enterprises expand regionally and globally, said two MPs in Parliament on Tuesday.
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
Besides delivering good sexuality education in schools, we should also promote a greater sense of compassion and regard for our fellow human beings, including the ability to tolerate differences amongst our fellow men and treat them as our equals whilst holding on to our private values.
by Gerald Giam, The Online Citizen
We need more inspirational leaders, not corporate managers. The cabinet should not be an extension of the Civil Service or the corporate boardroom.
by Groundnotes
In the end, while the MPs debated back and forth over the last two days, the best argument for a strong opposition came, ironically, from the shoddy reasoning of the PAP MPs.
by Ephraim Loy, A Writer's Blog: My Life, My Thoughts
If GRCs are going to grow smaller, and if each continue to be helmed by an anchor minister, what is missing in this picture? No prizes for guessing! More ministers!
by Yaw Shin Leong
The PAP’s rebuttal is itself simplistic and narrow in its perspective. This could well be a defensive knee jerk response and a reflection of the unease within its ranks.
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
by The Online Citizen
A worker driven to attempt suicide is most likely an individual who is desperate rather than criminal-minded. While risky acts that endanger public safety must be deterred, it seems misguided to punish Mr. Zhao without giving due recognition to the underlying factors that drive one to such acts.
by Channel NewsAsia
MPs have urged the Ministry of Education to revamp parts of the curriculum in schools.
by Straits Times
The apparent lack of civility and gracious behaviour during the recent Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) saga is a clear indication that Singapore is still lagging behind in graciousness, said MP Lim Biow Chuan (Maine Parade GRC) on Tuesday. He urged schools to teach basic character values to students all the way till university level.
by Derrick Ho, Straits Times
After being tried and tested for 19 years, it is time to make the Nominated Members of Parliament (NMP) scheme a permanent feature of Parliament, Nominated MP Loo Choon Yong said on Tuesday.
by Derrick Ho, Straits Times
by Derrick Ho, Straits Times
Singapore should adopt a 'pick and choose' strategy when trying to attract multinational companies (MNCs) here, a backbencher advocated in Parliament on Tuesday.
Instead of a 'all are welcome' approach, Singapore should offer maximum concessions particularly to international firms that are prepared to invest here for the long-haul, said Mr Liang Eng Hwa, MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, in his speech during the debate on the President's address
by The Wayang Party Club
From the blunders made by STTA so far in the handling of the Liu Guodong saga, it is clear that Lee Bee Wah and her committee are not performing up to the standard expected of them.
by The Online Citizen
The questions now being raised in the raging debate in the US are applicable to Singapore as well, such as how to prevent misuse or who should be accountable for abuses. Most of all – are such tactics or legislation actually effective or even necessary?
Such questions are pertinent given that the use of the ISA has been stepped up in recent years, and particularly since the vast majority of detainees (both past and present) being Singaporeans rather than foreigners. It seems that, at present, a state which is supposed to be the guardian of a citizen’s liberty can all too easily turn into his gaoler.
by Luke Hunt, Voice Of America
Chinese and Australian engineers are gearing up to build the final stretch of track in the Trans-Asian Railway, which will link Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand with Vietnam and China through Cambodia.
by My Very Own Glob
"I was saddened and angered to learn that this is how Mediacorp treats working actors today."
by Aaron Low, Straits Times
A new advisory committee on films said they will work with filmmakers so that party political films they make are objectively assessed.
by Chia Ti Lik
To me, someone who has had the audacity to stand for public office, it was a simple matter of principle, of truthfulness and accountability, of being having the guts to break the law and face the consequences. Furthermore, the $400 is money from my own pocket which i will gladly pay as the price.
by 联合早报
如果政治制度可用维持各种软件良好运行的电脑操作系统来作为比喻，反对党议员刘程强认为我国这个政治操作系统存有内在缺陷，缺少让执政党以外的政党发展的元素，因而达不到我国当初采纳英国议会民主制度时所要达到的监督和制衡两大作用。
by John Burton, Financial Times
Malaysia appears to have won support from Singapore for its plan to build a huge economic zone near the city-state that could foster closer economic co-operation between the two countries after years of bitter rivalry.
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club
Without constant external pressure from the citizenry exerted on the PAP to reform the broken system they have perpetuated over the years, any “changes” implemented by the PAP will be cosmetic at best.
Singaporeans must not be hoodwinked by the PAP anymore to believe that they will heed our calls to liberalize the political system and space to allow more room for dissenting views to be heard.
by Singapore Recalcitrant
What seems to be mind-boggling is the non-chalant attitude of the government in this saga.
by Loh And Behold
by Michael Phillips, Pro Commerce
What we call art-culture is the by-product of diversity and meritocracy. Singapore is nearly all Chinese, not diverse like most entrepots. Without the specialization that goes with industry, and the necessary meritocracy neither get much weight in Singapore.
by Sue-Ann Chia, Straits Times
The government's export-oriented economic growth model, which has come under attack recently, received support from an unexpected source on Monday - opposition leader Low Thia Khiang.
The Workers' Party chief and Hougang MP defended the long-held growth model, saying in Mandarin: 'I believe it is correct to attract foreign investments to encourage competition in a free market, to open up our market and to go global and...integrate with the global economy.'
by Liew Hanqing, New Paper
Mr Johan Skarendal, 29, a member of the Swedish International Liberal Centre (SILC), has rubbished online allegations that Mr Siew Kum Hong had asked for and is receiving foreign funding from his organisation.
by Goh Chin Lian, Straits Times
The conduct and investment practices of Temasek Holdings and Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) came under scrutiny on Monday - and they were found wanting.
The need to be more transparent in their investments for greater public scrutiny and for a review of the way they manage Singapore's reserves were issues raised by three MPs.
by Karamjit Kaur, Straits Times
Singapore Airlines, already embroiled in a five-month dispute with travel agents in India over sales commissions, now faces a similar problem Down Under.
by Elena Chong, Straits Times
A lawyer and a housewife were fined on Monday for taking part in an assembly and procession without a permit with more than a dozen people last year.
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club
As the president of STTA, she represents the organization and her words and actions so far has reflected very badly on the sporting fraternity as well as the image of Singaporeans in the international community.
by Zakir Hussain, Straits Times
Nominated MP Siew Kum Hong on Monday called for a hybrid Parliament in which 'a limited number of seats' could be 'allocated by way of proportional representation', while the majority would still be filled the way they are now.
This would allow for more diverse views in Parliament, he said, adding that it would also be 'more consistent with democratic principles than a scheme like the Nominated MP scheme'.
by Straits Times
Changes to the Central Provident Fund Act were tabled in Parliament on Monday to provide for the proposed establishment of the CPF Life scheme and the Housing and Development Board's new Lease Buyback Scheme.
by Hasnita Majid, Channel NewsAsia
While Singapore seeks to experiment with its political system, MPs said it must do so cautiously.
by Nopporn Wong-Anan, Reuters
Singapore's consumer price index saw its biggest ever monthly fall in April, but analysts said there was no significant deflation risk.
by Straits Times
More Singaporeans are eating in instead of dining out, as part of belt-tightening in this economic downturn. But they are not taking this to extremes and cutting out the little luxuries in life.
by Sujin Thomas, Straits Times
A fellow student filmed a bloodied Nanyang Technological University (NTU) David Hartanto Widjaja jumping off the roof of a link-bridge with his mobile phone, a coroner's court heard on Monday.
by Harish Pillay
by Leong Sze Hian, The Online Citizen
How can Temasek say that employee and shareholder (Singaporeans) interests be aligned, when Singaporeans are still being kept in the dark when even our finance minister said in response to the BoA loss, that they do not question the day-to-day investments of Temasek?
by Zul Othman, Channel NewsAsia
by Wendy Lee, Today
Opening 200 new centres will not help if hours are not extended beyond 7pm.
by Dawn Tay, My Paper
In Azerbaijan, south of Russia, Ms Qatiba Jafarova has bought two cows to expand her home-grown dairy business - aided by cash loans from Singaporeans she has never met.
by Elizabeth Looi, Straits Times
A proposed bridge linking Singapore to eastern Johor has divided opinion in the Malaysian state, with Desaru tourism industry players all for it, and Johor Baru residents decidedly less enthusiastic.
by Subba's Serendipitous Moments
The difference between Singapore and Israel was neatly summed up by Guy Kawasaki in one of his recent visits to Singapore. He called Singapore an one-opinion town. His precise words were: Israel has 5 million people, six million entrepreneurs, and fifteen million opinions. Singapore has 5 million people, six entrepreneurs and one opinion.
by Zern Liew, Eicolab
Is this inability to sit quietly, to appreciate a reflective deep moment, or to give oneself completely to a production a sad symptom of a hyper-stimulated society? Are people simply bored as soon as the flashing lights and noise on the screen stop, even for a second?
by Zakir Hussain, Straits Times
Both leaders, Goh Chok Tong said, understood that this was a 'last chance' for them to get bilateral ties on a better footing.
by Marcus Brooke, The Hearld
A recent survey showed that the 10 best-paid Parliamentarians in the world were in Singapore: on average, Singapore parliamentarians are paid seven times as much as their British counterparts.
by Ho Lian-Yi, New Paper
Overpaid, overclaimed and over there. British MPs suffered a public backlash when their ridiculous expense claims recently came to light. Could this happen in Singapore?
by Liaw Wy-Cin, Straits Times
The education ministry is making its material on sexuality education more accessible by publishing it online.
by Zakir Hussain, Straits Times
Changes to Singapore's political system are in the works and on Sunday, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong spelt out three principles that will guide these amendments.
One, they must be fair to all political parties; two, they should result in a strong, effective government after an election; and three, they must ensure diverse views are represented in Parliament.
by Singapore Democrats
All these protests activists were not possible a few years ago because Mr Lee Kuan Yew insisted that pandemonium would break out if Singaporeans were allowed to come together for such events.
Such scare-mongering is the hallmark of anti-democrats. The appeal to fear is a potent weapon in getting the masses to fear itself and its own voice.
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
In terms of caring for the disabled and helping them cope with the cost of living by providing them public transport subsides, our government is light years behind other nations like Taiwan.
by The Online Citizen
by rights2write
I do not see the logic for us to build a third link with Singapore. It will benefit them. It will benefit their air travel, goods and services industry. Instead of strengthening our own services, we are giving them the advantage to them. We are pound foolish and penny wise.
by Mind No Evil
by The Star
A third bridge to Singapore should only considered if the government is completely satisfied if its citizens are all above the poverty level and if all the infrastructures and needs of its people have been met. Looking at the numerous complaints and grouses around, they are not.
by The Star
The third proposed link between Malaysia and Singapore in east Johor has received good feedback from the tourism industry in Desaru.
by 联合早报
马来西亚首相纳吉提出在柔佛东部建造衔接新加坡的大桥之后，官方新闻社马新社访问当地居民，居民纷纷对这个计划表示欢迎。
by 潘星华, 联合早报
双语政策使新加坡拥有世界最庞大的华文为第二语文教学实验场，新加坡华文教研中心的成立，就是抓牢了这个独有的条件和优势，在大力提高国内华文教师的语文能力、文化底蕴和教学法之后，再以新加坡华文二语教学的品牌，走向区域，走向世界。
by Jonathan Koh, The Online Citizen
by Nathaniel Koh, The Online Citizen
by Mergawati Zulfakar, The Star
by Ahmad A. Talib, New Straits Times
Is this then the win-win formula that the two leaders were talking about? Each getting his way and yet not denying the other his say or desire. I'm not too sure if the idea of a third bridge had ever been broached before, but it has certainly raised eyebrows and set off renewed discussions on bridges, generally.
by Bernama
The prime minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who visited the National University of Singapore (NUS) High School of Mathematics and Science on Friday, was impressed by the students' knowledge and ability in science and mathematics.
by Lucas Hollweg, The Times
Food in the vibrant, bustling city of Singapore is more than mere sustenance — it’s a way of life. Welcome to foodie paradise.
by Terrence Voon, Straits Times
The Sunday Times understands that one - who holds an honorary post - has stopped attending the association's meetings and is said to be no longer in agreement with the direction the STTA is heading.
by Raja Petra Kamarudin, Malaysia Today
Does Dr Mahathir know what Najib is doing? Surely Dr Mahathir can’t agree to Najib giving in to Singapore’s demands like what is currently happening. Are we going to see Dr Mahathir going berserk like back in 2006 with all these concessions Najib is granting Singapore?
by Seah Chiang Nee, The Star
As recession spreads hardship, more MPs are on the receiving end of public wrath.
by The Wayang Party Club
by Koh Lay Chin, New Straits Times
by Amelia Tan, Theresa Tan and Yeo Sam Jo, Straits Times
Psychologists, counsellors and other experts on Friday welcomed tighter checks by the Education Ministry on sexuality education programmes in schools, but said more attention should be paid to two weak links in the system: parents and teachers.
by Seah Seng Choon, Consumers Association Of Singapore, Straits Times
If SingTel had not informed the consumer that the promotion was expiring and charged the consumer after the period, we are of the view that the consumer should be given his full refund.
by Daniel Gross, Slate
What explains the rapid decline of sovereign-wealth funds?
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club
As a layman who is completely clueless about economics and finance, I felt terribly humiliated by Myra Thomas who didn’t even bother to put up a convincing argument.
by The Wayang Party Club
Do not take Singaporeans as idiots. There is a limit to our patience.
by Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia
by Andrew Loh, The Online Citizen
"When they can't beat you, they call you a criminal."
by Nopporn Wong-Anan, Reuters
Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong said options to improve the relationship included better rail links, broadening a congested causeway between the two, or possibly building a new bridge to link eastern Singapore to Malaysian border state Johor.
by AFP
Peter Low, a lawyer for the Far Eastern Economic Review (FEER), argued there was nothing in the article, published in 2006, that defamed the Lees.
by AFP
Singapore and Malaysia agreed to step up bilateral cooperation while trying to resolve territorial and other issues dating back to their bitter separation in 1965, their prime ministers said.
by Ravi Philemon, The Online Citizen
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
Malaysia is keeping Singapore's authorities abreast of what it has learnt from the capture of the Republic's most wanted terrorist, Mas Selamat Kastari, said Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak on Friday.
by Ong Dai Lin, Today
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
Malaysia and Singapore have formed a joint committee to look into the proposal of building a bridge to link eastern Johor and Singapore.
This was announced at the joint news conference by Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak and Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana.
by 李静仪, 联合早报
连接乌节地铁站和董厦（Tangs Plaza）的地下行人连道将进行大规模扩建，以后可能设有零售店铺，走类似城联广场（Citylink Mall）的路线。
by Lee CHong Meng, The Wayang Party Club
by Fang Zhi Yuan, The Wayang Party Club
MOE’s sex education programme retains the same framework as Aware’s CSE: contraception will be taught in additional to promoting abstinence. Homosexuals will not be discriminated against and are assured of their own private space. The substance remains the same, only the form differs.
by AFP
Malaysia's new premier Najib Razak began his first official visit to Singapore Thursday, with plans to rise above the long-running quarrels that have undermined relations between the neighbours.
by Foo Hee Jug, Singapore General Hospital, Eugene Soh, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Today
Our food courts are public amenities and are easily accessible to wheelchair patrons who may be outpatients, visitors and staff. This is part of our efforts to be disabled-friendly.
by Neo Chai Chin, Today
Chairman of the government parliamentary committee for transport Lim Wee Kiak said such a system was fairer, as it would not penalise drivers who mistakenly pass under multiple gantries.
by Kennethism
The sad state of affairs really boils down to this: that our education ministry insists on teaching values, not facts, in sexuality education class.
by Theresa Tan & Amelia Tan, Straits Times
Education minister Ng Eng Hen had strong words on Thursday for the parties in the recent Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) leadership tussle.
He said that as both sides went at each other, 'schools were dragged into this melee, and could have become the proxy arena for competing ideologies'. 'Issues became muddled, emotions ran high. This is an unhealthy, unproductive way to try to resolve issues that are inherently divisive.'
by Myrna Thomas, Temasek Holdings, Straits Times
Our investment thesis had changed from Merrill's specific businesses to the more diversified BoA linkage to the broader US economy. The risk-return environment had also changed substantially.
We decided to divest our BoA stake after considering all relevant factors.
by Chee Kheng Chye, Housing & Development Board, Straits Times
We would like to clarify that HDB has not received any proposal from Potong Pasir Town Council for upgrading works to enable lifts to stop at every floor.
by Pearly Tan, New Paper
Could lives have been saved if the report on workers' safety when carried in lorries had been completed on time? MP Halimah Yacob thinks so.
by Christopher Tan, Straits Times
Bus operator SBS Transit is looking into offering concession fares to commuters with physical disabilities. It is considering doing this on its buses first, and the same for trains later.
by Sgpolitics.net
by Andrew Loh, The Online Citizen
In a simple but solemn gathering at Speakers’ Corner on Thursday, about 100 people observed the 22nd anniversary of the arrest and detention of 22 social activists by the Internal Security Department in May, 1987.
by Tan Yew Guan, Channel NewsAsia
While it understands the ministry's decision as it has been under considerable pressure from some parents on the matter, AWARE said it still believes that its comprehensive sexuality education programme is a much needed resource for youth.
by 宫云捷, 法制晚报
虽然未能从新加坡乒总那里得到满意答复，刘国栋还是打算将重心调整到工作上来。诉讼的事，他想放一放。
by MindaCergas
So a likely win win solution is to offer singapore, malaysian land further north of nusajaya for the to do thier practice…
by Wang Writes
by Azam's Life, C'est La Vie
by AFP
by Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia
Consumer confidence in Singapore has hit a new low in the past six months falling 12 index points to 80. That's according to the latest Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence survey conducted between 19 March and 2 April this year.
by Theresa Tan, Straits Times
Schools will no longer have the autonomy to hire external groups to teach sexuality education to their students. Instead, the education ministry (MOE) will now vet these providers, subject them to a "more stringent" criteria and schools can only use agencies approved by the MOE.
by Serene Luo, Straits Times
Before it closed two years ago, the popular Orchard library's chief promised users who bemoaned its loss that it would be back. The library will now be re-opened by 2013 in a new spot in Specialists' Shopping Centre along Orchard Road, near the Somerset MRT station.
by Clarissa Oon, Straits Times
Singapore will reconvene a committee this year to review its censorship of media and the arts. The move is aimed at giving citizens more choices without compromising social fundamentals.
by Christopher Tan, Straits Times
Transport minister Raymond Lim, in his addendum to the president's address, on Thursday said the government remains committed to maintaining Singapore's position as a leading maritime port and enhancing its appeal as an air hub.
by Anis Ibrahim & Syed Umar Ariff, New Straits Times
Prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will re-start talks today with his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsein Loong on a suitable bridge to replace the 85 year-old Causeway. Najib, who arrived in Singapore this afternoon for a two-day official visit, said “whether it is a crooked bridge, a straight bridge, an underground (tunnel) or overhead (bridge), we will talk about it.
by Cycling In Singapore
by Rajiv Chaudhry, The Online Citizen
by The Online Citizen
by AFP
Singapore's state-linked investment firm Temasek Holdings has paid 600 million US dollars to raise its stake in China Construction Bank (CCB), a report said Thursday. The move will take Temasek's investment in the Chinese bank to 6.5 percent, or 14.3 billion shares, from 6.0 percent, the Straits Times said, quoting unnamed sources.
by Lloyd's List
The Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) stated that while the port’s anchorages were busy, they were not overcrowded, but took aim at owners anchoring vessels outside port limits.
Singapore’s eastern and western outside port limit anchorages are thin strips between the edge of the port waters and the traffic separation scheme, which are popular with owners as they do not have to pay port dues.
by Koh Lay Chin, New Straits Times
There is an air of optimism in diplomatic circles over the brief, but important, two-day visit. Malaysian high commissioner to Singapore Datuk Md Hussin Nayan said more opportunities for co-operation could be explored.
by Yaw Shin Leong, The Online Citizen
No amount of apology or compensation can ever erase the sufferings of the victims. Yet, if the government had indeed been wrong, it should not shy away from admitting its honest mistakes; it should be open about it and directly seek forgiveness from the victims.
by Nelson Benjamin and Meera Vijayan, The Star
Kota Iskandar, the sprawling new state administrative capital in Nusajaya, faces a major security risk as it is located near a Singapore firing range.
The range, inside the Sarimbun Camp, is operated by the Singapore Armed Forces and involves the use of live ammunition from tanks and aircraft including helicopter gunships.
by Alan Ho, Today
What kind of message is Ms Lee Bee Wah sending to Singaporeans and people elsewhere who are following the saga?
by Shamim Adam, Bloomberg
Singapore’s economy shrank less than initially estimated last quarter, signaling the nation may be past the worst of its deepest recession since 1965.
Singapore’s gross domestic product declined an annualized 14.6 percent last quarter from the previous three months, after shrinking 16.4 percent between October and December, the trade ministry said in a statement today. The first-quarter contraction was better than an April 14 estimate of a 19.7 percent drop.
by Mergawati Zulkafar, The Star
Abdullah managed to keep bilateral relations with Singapore in the last five years cool. Though no progress was made on the outstanding issues, things were a lot calmer. Perhaps it is a good time for Najib to start afresh with Singapore and get things moving, finally.
by 王健, 联合早报
新加坡要成为东方的瑞士，就必须像美国那样，敞开心扉，以宽容、大度、允许犯错误的心态容忍、接纳和珍惜外来一流人才。
一个刘国栋走了，希望更多的刘国栋能够留下，关键是我们能否创造留住他们的土壤和温床？
by 蓝活佛
by 張鐵志, 中國時報
這三個東南亞國家，經濟發展程度各自不同：極為富裕的新加坡、新興工業國家的馬來西亞，和較低度發展的緬甸，都還是被不同程度的威權陰影籠罩著。東南亞的民主道路確實走的艱辛，但人們仍然沒有放棄。
by mrbrown
by Neel Chowdhury, Time
Lee's complaint of overwork sounds dissonant during a global recession, but it is precisely because of the plunge in global trade that Lee, who works for a ship-supply company, is clocking up so much overtime.
by Otterman Speaks...
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club
Something must be really wrong in a country when the supposedly head of state gave a speech in Parliament completely oblivious to its financial health.
by Hasnita A Majid, Channel NewsAsia
by Diary Of A Singaproean Mind
There is no reason for the PAP govt to keep the ISA as it is except to be able to use it again to preserve its own power.
by Ravi Philemon, The Online Citizen
Whatever the real reason, the arrests and detention without trial of the ‘Marxist Conspirators’ repressed an entire generation of young Singaporeans from involvement in any activity that could be termed “political”.
by The Online Citizen
by Asia Sentinel
Quite how badly Temasek has done is hard to figure out because the data presented is scanty and unconsolidated. For example, in 2007-08 the value of its portfolio increased by 13 percent to S$185 billion but it is unsure how much of that was simply a capital injection from the government. There are also black holes like its subsidiary Astrea, which borrowed US$810 million in earlier in the decade to invest in a portfolio of private equity and buyout funds. Another fall for Wall Street fashion which will likely be reflected in pensions for Singaporeans.
If nothing else, the record of Temasek gives the lie to notion spread by Singapore's ruling clique that they are the best guardians of the people's savings. Paternalism morphed into an arrogance whose full cost to Singaporeans is for now hidden by the opaque nature of the government's accounts, and the very partial revelations provided by Temasek. Singaporeans, gather your purse-strings and, together, pull.
by P.R. Sanjai, Wall Street Journal
The managing committee of the Travel Agents Association of India (Taai) on Tuesday rejected a productivity-linked bonus offer by Singapore Airlines, continuing a stand-off between the airline and travel agents that is approaching its fifth month.
by 邓莉蓉, 联合早报
新加坡在最新出炉的世界竞争力排名中，被长期经济竞争对手香港以微差赶超，从排名第二滑落至第三。
by 星洲日報
by The Standard
This blend of past and present has its greatest impact on seeing how the two buildings connect.
by 王震, 体坛网
刘国栋对于乒总的做法表示了强烈的不满，甚至表示要与新加坡乒总会长李美花当面对质。对于刘国栋的这种遭遇，不少新加坡奥委会的部分成员也纷纷表示了同情。
by Michael Loh Toon Seng, Today
Why are patients in wheelchairs allowed to leave their wards to mingle with the public in hospital food courts?
WTF? Broke one leg, and you must be isolated?
by Isabel Vadivu Govind, Today
Concerns about transporting workers in the backs of lorries have been raised. I understand that the Land Transport Authorities said in March last year that it was setting up a work group with the Ministry of Manpower to review this. More than a year and about 200 injuries and six deaths later, things do not seem to have changed.
by Satiman Jamin, New Straits Times
The legendary Gunung Ledang, which is a favourite attraction among Singapore students every school holidays, is likely to receive no student from the republic for the two-week break next month.
by Elizabeth Wilmot, Straits Times
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has asserted that there are no lay-ups in local port waters, in response to The New York Times (NYT) claiming that there are 735 ships idling just outside our port.
by Teo Soh Lung, The Online Citizen
by Andrew Loh, The Online Citizen
22 years later, with back copies of the Straits Times from the archives, we take a look at how the main broadsheet in Singapore covered the events of 27 May to 30 May, 1987 - the first four days.
by Low Lin Fhoong, Today
While Liu could not confirm if he intends to take legal action against the STTA, he added that he will return to Singapore to meet with Lee face-to-face to seek an explanation and apology.
by Leow Si Wan, Straits Times
by Saeed Azhar and Kevin Lim, Reuters
Singapore state investor Temasek's brief love affair with Wall Street banks has ended in tears, but the country's biggest sovereign wealth fund GIC is still sticking with its bets. "GIC is a long-term investor and will continue with its investments in Citigroup and UBS," a GIC spokeswoman said on Tuesday. GIC is one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds.
by The Wayang Party Club
The sneaky behavior of STTA is putting Singaporeans to shame. As a national sports association funded entirely by taxpayers’ monies, it should be more mindful of its words and actions. However it appears that STTA is fast becoming the personal fiefdom of a certain PAP MP instead of Singapore’s table tennis association.
by Channel NewsAsia
Singapore is looking into developing three new institutes of excellence in the tertiary education sector – the Singapore Institute of Applied Technology, a new university in partnership with the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a new medical school.
by Everyday's Life In A Snapshot - For Lesser Mortals Only
George Yeo advocates the continued engagement of Burma. Ever since Burma joined ASEAN in 1997, what good has engaging Burma accomplished?
by The Wayang Party Club
by Jeremy Au Yong, Straits Times
Singapore is to set up an institute that will offer a more direct route to degrees for polytechnic graduates. It will team up with foreign universities that offer degree courses, president S R Nathan said when he announced the plan yesterday.
by Bernadette Low, SMRT Corporation, Straits Times
Our train services are planned based on travel demand, carrying capacity of trains, time required for passengers to alight and board at each station, and other considerations such as the need to maintain a safe distance between trains running in the same direction on a track.
by Teo Xuanwei, Today
Students have sworn by them to ace their exams for the past four decades, but copyright problems mean that the wildly popular Ten-Year Series (TYS) have, so far, not been available this year — leaving some parents flustered.
by Darren Boon, The Online Citizen
Light sticks may have replaced the flame of candlelight, but it did not dim nor diminish the poignance and sombre mood of The Singapore AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2009.
by Andrew Loh, The Online Citizen
There has been no independent inquiry or investigation into the arrests till this day.
by Innersanctum
There is no better way to show that we are living well than Pink Dot.
by AFP
Singapore's main exports fell 19.2 percent year on year in April, government data released Monday showed, as the city-state struggles to find a way out of its worst recession in decades.
by Candida Ng, Reuters
East is East and West is West? Not at Singapore's annual arts festival, where cross-cultural collaboration is taking centre stage.
by 938 Live
Nominated MP Siew Kum Hong has made a police report against netizens posting defamatory comments about him. He revealed this in his blog. He has also requested forums which hosted such remarks to take them down.
by 联合晚报
马国首相纳吉于星期四对新加坡的官方访问，预料將达成一项把新加坡的地铁服务延伸到柔佛依斯干达经济特区的历史性成就，进而简化两国的关卡管制。
政府官员相信，纳吉这项被形容为“破冰之旅”的官访，將爭取到新加坡支持马来西亚兴建一条衔接两国的大桥，以取代现有长堤的计划。
by Roderick Clyne, Tribune
Singapore’s government is only just waking up to the idea that this lack of engagement might be a problem. Politicians are now saying in public that, with so few people wanting to have anything to do with politics, they are concerned about where the next generation of leaders will come from. There is even no obvious candidate for prime minister in waiting.
In such a vacuum, without mass participation in public life, the power of small groups of fanatics could well increase. Following the Aware furore, it is clear that one potential source of such fanaticism is the membership of born-again Christian cliques. It looks like Singaporeans are going to need to learn to take an interest in politics for a change.
by Gilbert Goh, Transitioning - Unemployment Support Services, The Online Citizen
As the global economy turns uncertain and every economic recovery cycle gets shorter, our government may be wise to look at how the retrenched and unemployed workers can be effectively assisted during down time.
by 吴秀金, 联合早报
以英文草拟的联合声明与协议不符，我国国家乒乓球队前总教练刘国栋指责新加坡乒乓总会态度虚假。
by 陈能端, 联合早报
政府愿意支持尚未见到生意好转的企业更灵活地实行无薪假期制，但企业管理层应该带头更早、更大幅度地减薪，以维持与员工之间的信任。总理公署部长兼职总秘书长林瑞生昨天为“波纳维斯达OK”计划主持推介仪式时，针对管理人手过剩指导原则进行修订一事发表看法。
by Young Upstarts
UnConference 2009 presented a perfect opportunity for MDA IDM R&D Programme Office to stand up and be a thought leader in the local startup community. It didn’t. All the more’s the pity.
by Danny Kemp, Daily Telegraph
Burma's Southeast Asian neighbours have stayed largely silent over the trial of opposition icon Aung San Suu Kyi, in a fresh display of the bloc's impotence as a diplomatic force, observers say.
by Jeremy Au Yong, Straits Times
The ability to inspect every step of voting and vote-counting was the reason Singapore still did everything manually, and was not switching to electronic voting systems, Teo Chee Hean said.
by Gerald Giam, The Online Citizen
Mr Tan Tee Seng was 28 years old when he was detained, along with 21 others.
by Channel NewsAsia
The Global Summit of Women held in Santiago, Chile voted Singapore third in terms of policies on empowering women in society. Singapore was lauded for helping women achieve work-life balance based on impact, innovation and policy sustainability.
by 华碧, 广州日报
本人顿生感触：“老虎”变“绵羊”不难，学学新加坡司机即可。
by Salt Wet Fish
This is what we have been talking about in coming out. Visibility. Only when you know that you have the same right to exists and be, will others see you as who you are, instead of unknown strange monsters in their mind.
by Sharanjit Leyl, BBC News
The city-state still has a ban on homosexual sex that has been in force since its colonial days under the British even though many countries in the region, and the UK itself, have repealed the law.
Mr Ivan Heng, Singaporean actor and producer, acknowledges that it is a "strange anomaly" that gay Singaporeans are being allowed by the government to live their lives but still be "criminal under the law".
by Tan Mae Lynn, New Paper
Where's the professionalism in STTA as an employer and as a national sports association?
by Singapore Democrats
It is spurious to charge citizens for not having a permit to conduct a protest when no such permit will be granted. This is basic common sense.
More than common sense, however, the law is very clear on such a matter. A policy to ban all outdoor political events is ultra vires (in excess of) the Constitution and should be void.
by The Kway Teow Man
Let's appeal to common sense here: any company and/or institution that chalks up a multi-billion-dollar loss over one deal within the short span of one year jolly well explain what happened.
by Low Lin Fhoong, Today
Both parties met for a second discussion on Saturday night, but this time, Liu emerged from it flustered and angry.
by The Online Citizen
by Choo Zheng Xi, The Online Citizen
If the government were to deny Mr Siew a second term, it would be Parliament and the country’s loss. There are few people in Parliament who need their position less than the position needs them. Mr Siew is such a person.
by The Wayang Party Club
by William J. Dobson, Washington Post
Singapore's strict law-and-order government, which famously enforced a ban on chewing gum, may seem an unlikely candidate for believing terrorists could be reformed. But Singapore -- often referred to as "the little red dot" in Southeast Asia's Islamic sea -- is in a precarious position, and its government felt compelled to take action that would not only disrupt the terrorist group's operations, but also counter its ideological appeal. "We are what we are out of necessity," says Singapore's Foreign Minister George Yeo. "[Islamic extremism] is a long-term problem, and it's not going to go away in our lifetime. The only way you can combat it is to have an immune system."
by AFP
At least 500 Singaporeans wearing pink clothing gathered Saturday to show their support for gay rights on the eve of the International Day Against Homophobia.
by 钟洁玲, 南方报
在海南岛、广州著名的海南餐厅,我不知有海南鸡饭,只识文昌鸡。到新加坡,才知道海南鸡饭俨然成了这里的国菜。
by Reuters
Singapore rewarded 10 young dating couples on Saturday for being the most popular "Beautifully Imperfect" pairs online, the latest bid by the city-state to get its citizens married at a younger age.
But the government-sponsored campaign made a last-minute change to the prizes, awarding a S$400 ($270) cash voucher for each winning unmarried couple instead of a stay at a beach resort suite -- a gesture to avoid accusations it was promoting pre-marital sex.
by Pearl Forss, Channel NewsAsia
by Mavis TOh, Straits Times
The government takes an overall and long-term view when it comes to investments such as those made by state-owned investment vehicle Temasek Holdings, said Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Saturday night.
'We track, engage and evaluate the performance. But we don't just look at six months or one year,' he said. And over the last five years, Temasek has not underperformed but has instead 'come out significantly ahead' of other major investors.
If the performance of Temasek in the next 5 years is horrible, will we then be able to claim back all the bonuses paid out these past few years?
by Ravi Philemon, The Online Citizen
You need no courage to cut the losses when the funds invested were not yours in the first place.
by Tham Yuen-C, Straits Times
Today's smartphones can make you feel dumb if you are not that tech-savvy. Your next bill from the telco can spring a surprise.
by Straits Times
Members of Parliament, like doctors, must not only try to cure - but must always care, prime minister Lee Hsien Loong exhorted them on Saturday night.
by The Online Citizen
by Singapore Democrats
by Groundnotes
Isn’t the Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) scheme an institutionalized process of procedural lobbying? Furthermore, Thio Su Mien and her lot have shown that lobbying has worked. Wong may be strong in his anti-lobbying rhetoric but the reality shows that not only does it take place but, more encouragingly, it also produces results!
by Edwin's Blog
As a MP, civil servant, public figure, government official, she should at least think twice before making any comments or remarks.
by Peijing Teh, Inquivision
I do question Temasek's investment strategy and tactics, and wonder if there might be some mechanism to allow for greater checks and balances.
by okinedbeniko
by Jakarta Globe
by Nur Dianah Suhaimi, Straits Times
The greens at Hong Lim Park were awashed in pink on Saturday when about a thousand people turned up to participate in Singapore's first ever outdoor gay protest.
by Ramthan Hussain, Reuters
As regulators in the world's top oil trading hubs move to tighten rules and boost transparency in opaque markets, Singapore may gain importance and liquidity as it stands by its pledge to let industry regulate itself.
by Seah Chiang Nee, The Star
As the two countries get older, their populations are gradually leaving behind the bitterness of their separation in 1965. Connected by regionalism and the Internet, their younger, better-educated generations now share more common values than those that divide them.
by Leong Siok Hui, The Star
A fun tide pool walk in Singapore reveals a dynamic and rich marine ecosystem, and would you believe it’s in a landfill!
by Chris Kaufman, Reuters
After all, as the axiom goes, no risk, no gain.
by Bernama
by Yaw Shin Leong
by Gerald Giam
The Minister of Finance must answer to Parliament and to the people for this staggering loss of Singapore’s reserves. The government needs to be reminded that the reserves belong not to them, but to the people of Singapore, and more importantly, our children and future generations.
by Jeremy Koh, The Wayang Party Club
Why should STTA be taking the rap for Lee Bee Wah? She is not a child anymore and she was the one who uttered those offensive words to the press in the first place.
by Gabriel Sim, Singapore Enquirer
by Singapore Life And Times
Singaporeans should be shameful for the way it treats its 'foreign talent' in sports.
by Cheam Tze Hui, SingTel, Straits Times
We have contacted Mr Ang to explain the opt-out system for SingNet's promotional services and apologised for the inconvenience caused. We have resolved the matter with him.
But no where in this reply was there even an ounce of explanation.
by Khoo Lih-Han, Straits Times
I do not wish to hear comments from other countries that Singapore discards its coaches once its target is attained. This is wrong and does not reflect the overall sentiments of Singaporeans.
by Lester Lam, Straits Times
The comments are emotionally charged and will inflame the public. They consist of words that seek to polarise society and mobilise the masses to support them. This reminded me of the racial riots in the 1960s, when the masses were mobilised based on emotional rumours. Why does the Reach portal allow such inflammatory postings to remain? I dread to think of the consequences should people be led to believe the charges by these so-called 'pro-Singapore, pro-family' posters.
by Dana Lam, Aware, Straits Times
We would like to point out that homosexuality has never been 'a major issue' for the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware). Our stand, throughout the 24 years of our existence, has been identical to that of the government.
We agree that the heterosexual family is the norm for our society. But homosexuals are also part of our society and they should be able to live freely and happily, free of any discrimination. It must be made clear: Aware has never promoted homosexuality.
by Grace Chua, Straits Times
Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) is scrapping its plan to exhibit whale sharks at its upcoming Marine Life Park. It is not clear whether earlier plans to have 700,000 marine creatures, including tiger sharks, piranhas and dolphins, are still in place.
by Christopher Tan, Straits Times
Despite clear signs that the taxi industry is overcrowded - operators posting thinner profits, outright losses, and hundreds of taxis laid up idle - there is a new applicant for a taxi-operating licence.
by Pearl Forss, Channel NewsAsia
All said it's important to agree to disagree.
by Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia
Former Singapore table tennis coach Liu Guodong met officials from the association on Friday to lay out his terms, in the continuing saga, questioning his professionalism and integrity.
by Gerald Giam
by The Online Citizen
by Chee Siok Chin, Singapore Democrats
by Gwen Robinson, Financial Times
Singapore’s acquisitive Temasek is up to its old tricks again, buying high and selling low, as it emerged on Friday that the state-backed investment agency sold its 3 per cent stake in Bank of America in the first quarter of this year, suffering an estimated $3bn loss in the process.
by The Wayang Party
by Straits Times
Health ministry's director of medical services K Satku dismissed theories that people should catch influenza A (H1N1) now while it is a relatively mild disease to build immunity if it returns in a more virulent form.
by Sounds From The Dungeon
by Kenneth Jeyaretnam, The Online Citizen
These new moves by the US only serve to reinforce the points I have made previously. Namely, that Singapore needs to develop alternative sources of growth. It may no longer be able to rely to the same extent on foreign investment by MNCs if one of the primary motivators, a low corporate tax rate, is negated.
by Shamim Adam, Bloomberg
Singapore’s retail sales fell for a sixth month in March, extending the longest period of declines since 2002, as the nation’s worst recession and the loss of thousands of jobs depressed spending.
by Associated Press
The Singapore government said it "is dismayed" by the charges against Suu Kyi, one of the few criticisms to come from Myanmar's neighbors in Southeast Asia, who abide by a much-criticized policy of not interfering in each others affairs.
by Bernice Han, AFP
Singapore is pouring billions of dollars into a new financial district in a bid to create an Asian version of Wall Street with a dash of Las Vegas thrown in — despite its worst ever recession.
by Mr Wang Says So
Most of the time, when someone is using that term, he's actually pushing his own secret agenda.
by Chen Shiyin, Bloomberg
A Form 13F filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission indicates that Temasek no longer held shares in Bank of America or Merrill Lynch as of March 31. Bank of America rose 2.7 percent to $11.31 in New York trading yesterday. The shares have tumbled 69 percent in the past year, outpacing the 36 percent decline in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.
by Netty Ismail, Bloomberg
Temasek Holdings Pte, Singapore’s state-owned investment firm, may sell more bonds with different maturities as it seeks to increase its investments in Asia and other emerging markets, chief executive officer Ho Ching said.
by James Chan, Master Of The Obvious
As confusing as some of these schemes and roles of these entities may be, one thing is clear - there are too many cooks that are spoiling the broth! It takes more than a PhD degree to wade through the swaths of government incentives and schemes, each with its unique objectives that were probably designed to fulfil the nation’s overall KPIs (for growing our R&D). Along the way, KPIs get innocently or intentionally misinterpreted, new schemes get designed and created by a whole host of civil sector officers of varying seniority, passion and zest who come and go. as often as Cassanova and his women. The end result is a Singapore that has spent S$7.3 billion on R&D in 2006, and another S$9.14 billion in 2007, owns the bragging rights to a gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD) of 2.61% (vs USA’s GERD of 2.68%), but yet has absolutely nothing to show for its past 10 years of work, except for a confusing potpourri of government incentives and schemes.
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club
However, it does not appear that the perpetuators have learnt a lesson from their failure to steeplejack Aware.
by Ministry Of Home Affairs, Singapore Government
The government was not going to be pressured into changing its position on homosexuality before the takeover of AWARE. Nor does the government intend to change its position now that the old guard has recaptured AWARE.
by Zakir Hussain, Straits Times
Religious leaders have welcomed comments by deputy prime minister Wong Kan Seng on the role of religious groups in the public sphere, and on the issue of homosexuality.
by Cheam Tze Hui, SingTel, Straits Times
Apple's one-year 'limited warranty' does not cover repair for phones damaged by liquid. We also inform our customers about this by giving them a copy of the advisory available at support.apple.com/kb/HT3302 when they pick up their iPhone from our stores.
by Patrick Fairley Scully, Straits Times
If the Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) is accountable to no one, it should reject the grants ($2.7 million in 2007 and $3.4 million last year) it receives annually from the Singapore Sports Council, other government agencies and government-linked companies.
by Neo Chai Chin, Today
She says she is flattered to be considered “more dangerous than Siew Kum Hong”, after submitting her application for the post of a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP).
And theatre practitioner Beatrice Chia-Richmond has “absolutely no issue with netizens voicing their opinions, approvals or disapprovals”, even after reading the scorching comments on the Government’s Reach website last night.
by Loh Chee Kong, Today
After being accused on the Internet of pushing the gay agenda, Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Siew Kum Hong now finds himself defending his professional conduct following his active role in the recent Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) saga.
by Today
Singapore does not expect Cambodia’s fresh ban on the export of sand to have a major impact on existing projects in the Republic.
But it is undeniable that all of our construction businesses — en-bloc, IRs — is having far reaching environmental impact.
by Zul Othman, Today
Mr Wong Kan Seng said the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts had analysed the objectivity of the coverage of the Aware episode and “found it wanting in some respects”. Mica has given its feedback to the relevant editors.
The solution to a more balanced coverage is to have more publishers, more reporters. All reporters and all publishers are going to be biased in one way or other, and there is no way one can demand 'balance' out of a single source.
by Liew Hanqing, New Paper
In his own words, nominated member of parliament (NMP) Siew Kum Hong describes himself as an 'advocate of active citizenry'.
Ironically, the corporate lawyer now finds himself at the receiving end of online attacks by 'active citizens' who are vociferously opposing his re-nomination as an NMP.
by Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia
Singapore's chef-de-mission for the 2008 Olympic is the latest to join the table tennis coach saga.
by Straits Times
While acknowledging that tussles are inevitable, deputy prime minister Wong Kan Seng also warned that the government would intervene if activism threatens Singapore's social fabric.
by Straits Times
As Singapore opens up more space for the people to express alternative views, more tussles over differing viewpoints will become common. But the government will not condone unbridled activism.
by Karamjit Kaur, Straits Times
by Straits Times
The government's position on homosexuality is clear and it will not be pressured into changing it, said deputy prime minister Wong Kan Seng on Thursday.
by The Wayang Party Club
by 938 Live
by Kai Portmann, DPA
'The Singapore government has demonstrated concern about abuse of migrant domestic workers and responded with reform,' a report by Human Rights Watch said.
However, 'Singapore excludes domestic workers from the Employment Act, which protects labour rights,' it added.
by Everyday's Life In A Snapshot - For Lesser Mortals Only
Not only were the ISD inept, the rest of the HOME team and the SAF were equally inept in letting him run around this huge island for 4 days before letting him swim across.
by Sam's Thoughts
Might I suggest MOE adopt a more polycentric approach to sexuality education and let parents and their children choose which sexuality education programme they would like to attend?
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club
by Alicia Wong, Today
The line between religion and civil society has been clearly drawn, if the saga of the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) is anything to go by. Should the same be done between advocacy groups and political parties?
by Leong Wee Keat, Today
NMP hopefuls Loretta Chen and Beatrice Chia-Richmond – along with incumbent Siew Kum Hong, who is seeking a second term – have been accused of being "homosexuality activists" by some netizens.
by Loh Chee Kong, Today
Is the process by which the candidates are selected - namely the calling of nominations from six “functional groups” - outdated?
by Goh Kian Huat, Straits Times
As exams remain an important tool to assess students' academic performance, MOE should ensure that past exam questions are available early so students can practise.
Are second-hand earlier ten-year series selling like hotcakes on eBay, I wonder.
by Singapore Democrats
Letting our guard down? You mean like how we neglected to lock the window which the prisoner conveniently crawled through? You mean like how we strategically placed rolls of toilet paper inside the toilet with no toilet bowl so that escapee could use for a soft landing after he jumped from the window? You mean like how the security cameras were not working all at the same time?
How dare he?
by Gerald Giam
I think there are a whole lot of interventions that can be undertaken.
I'm pro-choice; not that I believe abortions are good things, but that banning abortions or making it extremely difficult is an even horrible thing. But, I do believe what Gerald Giam proposed — better support for single mothers, poor families and adoption process — are really the healthy, positive ways in reducing abortions.
by Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia
An online petition has surfaced, calling for the removal of Lee Bee Wah as president of the Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA). This comes amid public debate over the association's latest decision not to nominate former table tennis coach Liu Guodong for the Coach of the Year award.
by Groundnotes
Pragmatism is a wonderful device. It allows you to do anything you want, however you want, and then blame it on reality. It’s an excuse for abandoning higher morals and ethics without looking like a dick.
by Au Yaipang, Yawning Bread
It will be interesting to watch whether our legislature will flunk the two tests they now face: whether to reappoint Siew Kum Hong, and whether to appoint neither, one or both the new gay applicants.
by Lawrence Koh Kiah Muan, Today
In February 2001, my older son died in a naval accident whilst serving National Service. In that year, my younger son was due for enlistment. A friend, a very active grassroots member, suggested that I approach my MP, for help in exploring the possibility of getting an exemption for my younger son.
When I entered the room, his first remark was “Yes, what can I do for you?”. There was no attempt at offering a word of sympathy or condolence. I then related my situation and said that both my wife and I were very traumatised. His next remark “What traumatic, after two months, you won’t be traumatic?”.
The PAP has created so-called leaders that can count money and create formula to justify the money, but cannot talk, cannot relate, and cannot lead.
by May Wong, Channel NewsAsia
Singapore ranks among the top three places in the world in terms of being an attractive financial centre for "mobile wealthy" individuals, including doctors, lawyers and entrepreneurs.
by The Wayang Party Club
by Keith Bradsher, New York Times
To go out in a small boat along Singapore’s coast now is to feel like a mouse tiptoeing through an endless herd of slumbering elephants.
One of the largest fleets of ships ever gathered idles here just outside one of the world’s busiest ports, marooned by the receding tide of global trade. There may be tentative signs of economic recovery in spots around the globe, but few here.
by 马圣敏, 长江水利网
在这里，人与自然是那么得和谐，经常可以在闹市中看到很多野生动物，壁虎，蜥蜴，猴子还有色彩斑斓的鸟。在这里，人与动物每天唱着快乐和谐的旋律。
by 腾讯
我们非常骄傲的说 ，新加坡是世界上唯一一个没有贫民区的国家。政府在适当的时候也进行干预，帮助居民在各个经济时期、各个 经济周期都能保证公民的住房所有权。
by Amy Kazmin, Financial Times
Chafing under military rule, Burma may appear cut off from the global economic turmoil. Yet millions of Burmese families are dependent on remittances from relatives working overseas.
by Mohd Haikal Isa, Bernama
A source refuted reports that the capture of Mas Selamat in Johor was the result of a joint operation between the Malaysian police and the neighbouring country's police.
"Although we did exchange intelligence, the operation to trace and capture Mas Selamat was carried out fully by the Malaysian police."
by Today
Some 52 per cent of the local respondents fear that too many sick days could go against them, while 50 per cent did not want to be perceived by superiors and peers as not working, the highest rates among those surveyed.
by Diary Of A Singaporean Mind
Our leaders have pegged their own salaries to those in the highest income bracket. Think about it - it is in their interest to keep this system going.....as you struggle harder every year.
Any metrics that attempt to measure performance so as to set reward levels — whether it is number of flyers distributed, or number of programming bugs solved, or the GDP — will be abused and misused. I propose Lee Hsien Loong to remove the pegging to minister and perm sect's salaries to the GDP. In replacement, the prime minister should go to Parliament every year to propose and justify for the salaries of his direct subordinates. The prime minister should be responsible and accountable to the salaries directly, and delegate this to some formula that doesn't work.
by Wild Shores Of Singapore
As soon as I stepped foot on the shore, I realised every inch beneath the low water mark was covered with life.
by Todd Beltz, Straits Times
I feel that both Apple Singapore and SingTel should alert customers who buy iPhones to how the warranty can be rendered useless by something as simple as moisture.
by Diana Othman, Straits Times
Shortcomings were found in Singapore's responses to the heightened pandemic alert carried out over the last two weeks, said Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Tuesday.
In particular, he said 'there is scope to improve' in the primary health care response, and the authorities will do a post-mortem on the response exercise.
by Zhang Tingjun, Channel NewsAsia
by The Online Citizen
by Anxiety Index
Self-reliance is a predictable reaction to uncertainty. What is more intriguing is the idea that this may be the start of a shift back to individualistic values.
by Liang Dingzi, Today
Tiger may have a technical case against Swissport, but the High Court ruling seemed to have ignored the realities of the aviation business and may cost Changi Airport some friends.
by The Wayang Party Club
Few Singaporeans are aware of the political imbroglio that Myanmar is in now and even less will bother to protest against their government’s dealings with the military junta.
by Jewel Philemon, The Online Citizen
by David Kwok, Straits Times
by 938 Live
As more than 1,200 jobs were made available to Singaporeans by the labour movement’s social enterprises yesterday, its chief said it did not believe the recession would end soon - despite some experts saying the economy may have gone through its worst patch.
by Roland Ang Kok Siang, Today
Singapore banned smoking in all public transport vehicles a long time ago. But, I am perturbed that taxi drivers are still allowed to smoke in their vehicles when not carrying a fare.
by Ben Bland, Telegraph
The repressive Burmese junta may have to put plans for an extensive new airport in their secretive capital Naypyidaw on hold after one of Australia's largest engineering companies pulled out of the project in rather hasty fashion because I exposed their involvement in the questionable development.
Rather bizarrely, the company in question, Downer EDI, claimed that it was unaware that its wholly-owned Singapore-based consultancy arm CPG had been contracted to design the airport until I informed them of the fact last week.
by Kym Ng, Today
I do agree that parents have the right to be concerned about the content of these sex education programmes. But teenagers have the right to be educated, to make informed and sound decisions about their sexuality and their individual bodies.
To anything less, just because of an adult brouhaha, would be irresponsible. It essentially would deny children the right to education, and to safety.
by Helene Guldberg, Spiked
In advising parents to ignore hectoring experts, Judith Rich Harris’s book still packs a punch 10 years on. But its use of evolutionary theory and social psychology to explain how people are ‘shaped’ leaves much to be desired.
by Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia
by Au Waipang, Yawning Bread
It is a sad reflection of the corruption that has crept into out country's institutions that we instinctively ask such questions. We all know that lines have been blurred between state, government and ruling party. In fact, it is part of JBJ's legacy that we have been shown this.
by Singapore Democrats
There needs to be a full independent inquiry into the entire episode surrounding the Mas Selamat saga, an inquiry that must not take the form of the Commission of Inquiry that was appointed last year, one that no one took seriously. And Mr Wong Kan Seng must be at the centre of the probe to answer questions that are bursting to be asked.
by Rajiv Chaudhry, The Online Citizen
The equation does not hold when a country is small, has limited resources and land size, and has achieved near developed country status. To continue to seek unlimited growth under these circumstances when a tipping point has been reached will result in a slow but sure decline.
by The Wayang Party Club
A virtual monopoly in the market has caused the state media to become complacent and slack, leading to fast deteriorating journalistic standards.
by Siew Kum Hong
by Esther Ng, Today
It's official - Singapore’s H1N1 health alert has stepped down from Orange to Yellow. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), the new strain “seems milder than originally feared”.
by Margaret Tan, Teo Thiam Seng, Straits Times
Singapore is a multicultural and multireligious society and MOE must recognise that not all religious groups and non-believers necessarily think of homosexuality as immoral or criminal. At the end of the day, what we want for our child is that he grows up non-discriminative and non-prejudicial, and is able to make critical decisions, and love and be loved in return.
by New Paper
Should it be called a 'meet-the-problem' session instead?
If so, it will help clarify how the sessions can evolve to better serve the target audience. To put it another way, it will help clarify what should lead the way - the head or the heart?
How about reducing the need for 'meet-the-problem' session instead? Minimum salary, single agency to actively seek out and provide those with welfare, and a more transparent and flexible civil service will go a long way.
by Felix Daas, Jakarta Post
It is a wonder how much money the hundreds of Indonesian youngsters who go to Singapore just to see music concerts spend.
by The Wayang Party Club
by Nusantara.com
I'm not sure I've ever seen anything quite as disturbing as these "Fashionista Horseshoe" things placed around Raffles Place.
by The Wayang Party Club
by The Wayang Party Club
According to a Sunday Times report, Josie, has been “redesignated” to a new role.
by Getting At The Truth
Singapore is not just a haven for money launderers and tax cheats; it is an extradition-free country for crooks from nearby countries.
by Atulya Sarin, San Francisco Chronicle
by The Wayang Party Club
The state media has also erroneously perpetuate the myth that the Malaysian authorities are going to extradict Mas Selamat to Singapore soon.
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
Lost in all this mutual congratulatory ebullience is the fact the Mas Selamat Kastari has never been charged in a court of law for his alleged terrorist activities.
by Au Waipang, Yawning Bread
It should also be a city that is alive around the clock; it mustn't sleep. And that's where Singapore failed.
by Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia
by The Star
Singaporean prime minister Lee Hsien Loong has expressed his gratitude to Malaysia for arresting terrorist Mas Selamat Kastari, prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.
by Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia
In a statement to the media on Saturday, the Prime Minister also said information about the capture of Mas Selamat on 1 April was not made public earlier, because of a prior agreement with the Malaysian authorities.
Singapore should not have made this agreement with Malaysia.
by Gerald Giam
by Seah Chiang Nee, The Star
After all the acrimony, something worthwhile has emerged, summed by the observation that Singaporeans now have a better understanding that while diversity is acceptable, a divided Singapore is not.
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club
Let’s wait and see if Wong and his team will have the moral fortitude and courage to accept their fair share of responsibility in this biggest screw-up in our nation’s history. Till now, we have yet to hear an apology from any of the top honchos except a near senile octagenarian shifing the blame to us for being “complacent”.
If you want us to pay you top salaries like in the corporate sector, then you must be prepared for your head to roll when you screw up.
by Diary Of A Singaproean Mind
Many Singaporeans are genuinely happy with his capture - but to spin this whole episode into a success story that Singaporeans should be proud of is really hard to swallow.
by Groundnotes
If there is one thing worse than terrorists, its terrorist experts.
by Gerald Giam, The Online Citizen
Personally, I think this would be a most appropriate time for the Minister to apologise for all the worry, inconvenience and trouble caused to both Singaporeans and his counterparts in Malaysia and Indonesia for ISD’s slip up. It is not the time for praising the ISD for doing their job.
by Mr Wang Says So
The fact that a topic is controversial is a bad reason to avoid discussing it. It might even be said that the more controversial a topic, the greater the need to openly discuss it. We should bring the topic out into the light; analyse the facts; study the theories; and share our views. We should work towards gaining more clarity and understanding, instead of doing the ostrich thing and sticking our heads into the sand.
by Gandhi Ambalam, Singapore Democrats
If there are lessons we can learn from the Aware episode it is that passion and anger in politics is not taboo. In fact in an authoritarian system such as the one we have here we need to stand up boldly – and loudly – in order that we may not be bullied and cowed into submission.
by The Online Citizen
MOE’s flip-flopping has set back efforts to improve sex-education in Singapore. Undoubtedly the ministry wanted to avoid confronting a vocal group of rejectionists, but it could have tried harder to make a case for the CSE with the wider public rather than allow that group’s simplistic and histrionic arguments to carry the day without reply. The likely outcome of this sad episode is that it will leave more youths vulnerable to the fallout from making uninformed choices about sex.
by Michelle Tay, Straits Times
Salaries in Singapore will tend to rise by less than the inflation rate this year - so real wages will actually shrink.
by John Lui, Straits Times
If there is one lesson that the Aware saga has proven yet again, it is that parents have an inflated sense of their own worth in society.
Your rights to keep your child ignorant about sex ends where my tax dollars start to fund public medical programmes for STDs, juvenile delinquency schemes and prisons for people screwed up by being born to poor teenage mothers.
by Straits Times
The Singapore government did not inform the public earlier of the capture of wanted terrorist Mas Selamat Kastari because of the need for secrecy, said deputy prime minister Wong Kan Seng on Friday.
This is not right; it may be true that revealing the arrest may jeopardise further actions, but that's the police's problem. If we allow them to keep secret this time, they can keep secret every time they haul other people into prisons in the dark.
by Theresa Tan, Straits Times
Senior minister of state for education S Iswaran said parents are 'quite right' to be concerned by some parts of the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) sexuality education programme.
by The Wayang Party Club
CNA seems only to eager to whitewash Singapore’s humiliation and to replace it with sycophantic adoration from a misinformed Singaporean.
by Zaki Amrullah, Channel NewsAsia
Although many expressed relief at the capture, some urged the government to be more transparent this time round.
by Costas Paris and P.R. Venkat, Wall Street Journal
Singapore is ready to intervene in the currency market to brake the local dollar's rise, a person familiar with the situation said Thursday, while the central bank reaffirmed there is no change in its policy for the currency.
by Channel NewsAsia
The Ministry of Education (MOE) said it will not be making changes to its core sexuality education programme, but warned that external providers offering programmes to supplement the core component should comply with the ministy's guidelines.
by Asia Sentinel
Right-wing Christians rout a women's group's leadership, only to be re-ousted.
by Wall Street Journal
Singapore will resist pressure to open its books in the global transparency push.
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
by Andrew Loh, The Online Citizen
Labour chief should stand up for S'porean workers more.
by The Economist
A bloodless coup instigated by a septuagenarian “feminist mentor”; a death threat sent to the new president’s husband by a self-proclaimed “jihadist sleeper”; a 3,000-person showdown. The tiny world of Singapore’s usually timid NGOs has never seen anything like it.
by Sam's Thoughts
I too value family like Madam Lim, but I believe a family is more about function than form; a family is not defined only by its make-up, but by the support, care and love.
by Channel NewsAsia
Mas Selamat Kastari, Singapore's Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) leader who escaped from Whitley Road Detention Centre on February 27 last year, has been arrested.
by Nopporn Wong-Anan, Reuters
A power struggle in Singapore's top women's advocacy group has awakened the conservative city-state's civil society and created rare public debate about the taboo issues of sex and religion.
by Miral Fahmy, Reuters
The Asian nation is pitching itself as the newest destination for international and regional fashion designers to showcase their collections.
by Au Waipang, Yawning Bread
Can we stop for a moment, think intelligently and ask: What purpose does this serve?
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
by Teh Joo Lin & Jermyn Chow, Straits Times
Several gas cylinders exploded after they fell off a lorry as it was delivering them to the Integrated Resorts (IR) construction site in Marina Bay, setting off a series of explosion and a huge fire.
by Claire Huang, 938 Live
The Old Guard and the recently ousted exco of the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) are unlikely to reconcile, according to newly elected president Dana Lam.
"It doesn't seem to me that that is something we can pursue because in spite of everything, what seems to be the case - if you listen to their press conference after the event - is that they really cannot see our point of view," she said.
by 浙江在线
浙江女孩李琰,出身普通工薪家庭,目前留学新加坡。她就读新加坡最好的公立名校——新加坡管理大学(简称SMU)。小妮子更了不起的是,从大一开始,每年都获得约20万元人民币的奖学金。
by Defragment.Me
I am not afraid to be judged if judgment day comes because I hold nothing but truth and love. On the contrary, am not so sure about the ones who incite fear and hatred. I therefore hope that one day love can open their eyes to God's unconditional and non-judgmental love.
by 卢律融, 南洋商报
把一个国家的缺点，置于放大镜下过度地扩大和集中报道，不只违背了报道精神，而且也造成了变相的两国战争。这种媒体战，发生在两个兄弟之邦之间，造成一种既尴尬又诡异的气氛。明明就是了解对方国家的状况，但是翻开报纸之际，看到的却全是负面新闻，就好象在外面不停地听到有关家人的负面谣言，回到家看到家人时，那种戛然而起既熟悉又陌生的感觉一样。
by 搜索引擎优化SEO每天一贴
by Singapore Peak Oil
So the question to ask, why does Singapore continue to pursue those very policies of economic and population expansion which will only lead to self-destruction due to the over-exploitation of the earth's resources?
by M Lukshumayeh, Today
I noticed these same administrators bathe in this glorious sporting moment yet they deny all members of the truly deserving team their rightful accolade.
by Tan Kin Lian, The Online Citizen
There are inadequate measures to protect the living standards of the workers – i.e. no minimum wage and the freedom for employers to set the employment terms. The trade unions in Singapore are perceived to be cooperative and pro-employer and are not looking after the interests of the workers.
by Yang Hui Wen, Straits Times
Singapore needs people with a sense of the aesthetics and not just people who get straight As in school, said minister mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
by The Star
I guess it's time that we throw our ego-centric that we are a bigger country, and start learning from them. Period.
by Shamim Adam, Bloomberg
The Monetary Authority of Singapore said it plans to refine its Islamic finance regulations to boost the industry, betting demand will grow as investors seek alternative assets.
by Pamela Oei, Straits Times
Ms Lau's team's actions set the tone for the EGM, the crowd did not. This 'unbecoming behaviour', which Ms Tan described as 'disquieting and disgusting', was not 'bitchiness' as she claimed. This was passion.
by Tara Tan, Straits Times
Two plays which are A-level literature texts have been given an advisory of 'some coarse language' by the Media Development Authority.
The Tote Board should go ahead and do the right thing by making an exception.
by Ivan Chew, Rambling Librarian
From the speeches by the head civil service and the permanent secretary, and hearing first-hand the thinking behind the other agencies' new media efforts, I walked away convinced that the Singapore Civil Service is serious about using New Media for e-engagement.
by Mathia Lee
Frankly, the instructor’s manual was confidential for a reason – you had to go through the training, and understand the values.
Security through obscurity?
by Zaki Amrullah, Channel NewsAsia
Labour chief Lim Swee Say called on companies to look at ways to manage costs and retain their existing manpower.
He said: "At the company level, you're going to lose a lot of experience, a lot of skill, and most importantly, you're going to lose a lot of time because it takes time to hire new workers and to retrain new workers."
by Channel NewsAsia
Singapore said Wednesday it will lower its alert level for the A(H1NI) flu next Monday if the current situation remains, as the new strain of influenza A(H1N1) virus appears milder than originally feared.
Authorities, however, will maintain temperature checks at the airport, sea ports and land border while passengers arriving from Mexico would still be placed under quarantine, the health ministry said in a statement.
by Straits Times
The Ministry of Education (MOE) has suspended the sexuality education programme run by the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) in some schools, saying it does not conform to the MOE's guidelines. In particular, MOE found some suggested responses in the guide 'too explicit and inappropriate, and convey messages which could promote homosexuality or suggest approval of pre-marital sex.
by Ministry Of Education, Singapore Government
In recent weeks, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has received feedback on the Sexuality Education Programme conducted by AWARE, as well as other lesson material not involving AWARE. MOE has done a thorough investigation. This statement presents the Ministry’s findings and future steps.
by Nopporn Wong-Anan, Forbes
Singapore's monetary policy easing last month was a 'measured' response to a sharp drop in demand and the ensuing deep recession that hit the trade dependent economy, the central bank said on Wednesday.
by 刘敏, tjmwxq的博客
新加坡是一个花园城市，街道干净，树木和各种植物郁郁葱葱。然而给我留下最深印象的，还是在新加坡饮水让我感到很舒服，很享受。
by Vanessa Houlder and Michael Steen, Financial Times
The proposed US crackdown on corporate tax avoidance has provoked an angry response from low-tax countries used heavily by the multinationals that are the target of the Obama administration's reforms.
The US administration, in publishing the plan on Monday, highlighted the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, the Netherlands and Ireland. The US proposals are also likely to be felt in Luxembourg, Switzerland and Singapore where profits reported by US subsidiaries often appear disproportionately high, given the size of those countries.
by Glass Castle
One of the many reasons why I considered the Thio-inspired interlopers to be ideologically alien from the founding mission of AWARE is that they never gave any real indication of understanding the idea of structural discrimination.
by 938 Live
The trains are scheduled to be progressively delivered to Singapore from 2011 till 2012.
by 938 Live
A multi-agency taskforce chaired by the Energy Market Authority and Land Transport Authority has been set up to spearhead the test-bedding of electric vehicles (EVs) in Singapore from 2010.
by Scholar At Large
Ultimately, by adding to the diversity of moral opinions expressed, it would also strengthen the arguments for a secular State and society - one which is equidistant to all faith-based (or non-faith-based) worldviews. This benefits the religious and the areligious alike, and is something which the latter should have a particular interest in maintaining.
by Benson Ang, New Paper
The new exco of the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) has not decided whether to invite deposed president Ms Josie Lau, 48, back as an adviser.
But, if Ms Lau is not invited back, it would be against Aware's constitution.
by Joseph Wong, Today
The fact remains that homosexuality exists, whether or not you prevent your children from learning about it through sanctioned talks and discussions.
In fact, you should be thankful that your children are learning about it from experienced professionals and not from misinformed sources.
by 李静仪, 联合早报
公路电子收费（ERP）闸门已成为本地独特的“标志”之一，好一些网民喜欢以ERP作为“创作”灵感。
by Diary Of A Singaporean Mind
I wonder what we gain out of making needy people in our society seek aid this way : cutting it into small little pieces and making poor people go all over the place to make multiple requests from many different agencies.
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club
All tax-paying citizens of Singapore who contribute yearly to the government’s coffers are entitled to upgrading of their flats. HDB is not owned by the PAP and neither do the upgrading funds come from the PAP’s treasury.
In other countries, the citizens will have taken to the streets to protest against the injustice which may even culminate in a class action suit against the government for abusing its position of authority and misapproportion of state resources.
by Ruchika Tulshyan, Straits Times
We aim to make Singapore an international financial hub, yet are lacking in very simple procedures that even the smallest companies overseas adhere to - sourcing for and looking after talent.
by Tay Ai Cheng, National Library Board, Straits Times
The cafes within our public libraries provide a cosy environment for library visitors who want to read while enjoying a drink and a quick bite. This is also convenient for those who require easy and quick access to refreshments without having to leave the library.
This is an example of how the National Library Board, in its desire to attract new customers, totally ignored the core and loyal customers.
by Siew Kum Hong
I saw the result as an affirmation of the values that we hold dear (openness, transparency, inclusiveness, diversity and secularism) and a rejection of those that, well, we should not (dishonesty, non-transparency, exclusiveness, intolerance, divisiveness and oppression/bullying).
by Blowin' In The Wind
by PN Balji, The Online Citizen
We saw what I would call strategic intervention by government leaders, from DPM Teo Chee Hean downwards, drawing some kind of out-of-bound markers. Don’t push your views too hard, don’t forget we are a secular society and go for a “rainbow coalition” approach to settle issues.
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
Rather than reducing train frequencies in response to manpower requirements, SMRT should instead hire more staff. After all, isn’t this supposed to be a recession with retrenchment at multi-year highs? Aren’t there supposed to be people out there looking for jobs?
by The Online Citizen
The government’s views on the unemployment situation might be too sanguine.
by Antara
A group of protesters calling themselves a team for the care of the David Hartanto Widjaja case, will stage a rally in front of the Singapore Embassy here on Tuesday.
by Simon Tay, Today
The Aware saga shows that citizens now relate to each other directly and not only to the government. Singapore is no longer a vertical society, but one with horizontal links.
by Loh Chee Kong, Today
The Aware saga dispelled the notion that some topics are taboo in Singapore — that differences are best discussed behind closed doors, in hushed tones, or worse, swept under the carpet.
The women of Aware have shown that Singaporeans are capable of not only passionately fighting for their views, but also knowing when to back down. This was, perhaps, because the Government, to its credit, stayed largely out of the picture.
by Diana Othman, Straits Times
A debtor with debts of less than $100,000 may be referred by the High Court to be considered for the Debt Repayment Scheme to avoid bankruptcy. It is a non court-based approach that gives the debtor an opportunity to pay off his debts over a period of time, and helps him from losing his job as a result of bankruptcy, said a statement from the law ministry on Tuesday.
by Straits Times
A study of 90 countries by Nomura International rates Singapore as the most vulnerable to economic damage to a pandemic.
by 王润 刘慧芬, 联合早报
新掌权的AWARE会长蓝玉娇昨天受访时说，章程早该修改，包括只允许入会已至少一年的会员才能被选入执委。但章程还没来得及生效，就发生了执委会“夺权”风波。
by 王润 刘慧芬, 联合早报
蓝玉娇说，整个过程对她来说很重要，她说：“我不是一个最有自信的人，但我认为我应该把自己放在一边，做些什么。这个过程也是自我反省的过程，我有责任教育我自己，也从中受益匪浅，希望我所得的收获可以传给更多女性。”
by As My Life Is
by Kimberly Spkykerman, Straits Times
The Mexican Embassy has raised concerns about Singapore's decision to impose a temporary visa requirement on all Mexican nationals in view of the flu outbreak.
by Singapore Democrats
What happened on Saturday is what democracy is about. It is also what is tragically lacking in Singapore.
by The Online Citizen
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club
by Cheong Hui Hui, Today
The new exco were not able to give answers.
The new exco had one full month at the least, including on national televison, to give answers. They haven't.
by Esther Ng, Today
The Reach portal has received about 50 postings about Aware’s Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) programme, most of them critical.
by Lee Swee Mei, Straits Times
If Pastor Hong is truly regretful, a simple phrase of 'I am sorry I made those remarks' would have been much more humble than 'I stand corrected', as remarks that cause religious disharmony can have far-reaching and dire consequences.
We have created leaders that are even too coward to apologise.
by Crystal Chan, New Paper
The person who recently uploaded a YouTube video of himself tampering with sushi before returning it to the conveyor belt is believed to have apologised.
by Feed Me To The Fish
by Gerald Giam
That would surely be a formula for an even more rapid spread of the flu, should anyone of the 8 persons per square metre of train space happen to sneeze or cough.
Didn't we just provide cash to companies so that their hiring cost is not that great? Go hire more people lah, SMRT.
by Groundnotes
At the end of the day, when Josie and Kittycats look back, they would do well to realise that they’ve been arrogant, misguided and utterly intolerant. But unfortunately, as with all folks who believe they are doing God’s work on earth, they’ll think that the sinners of Singapore are hardened of heart and just aren’t ready to embrace the word of God. Amen.
Agree to disagree, and the courage to protect those who disagree, is a hallmark of a democratic leadership.
by Channel NewsAsia
SMRT said train frequency will be reduced by 30 per cent once Singapore's pandemic alert level hits red. This is because its service staff are divided into two teams to prevent the potential spread of the H1N1 virus.
by Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia
It is the start of the first week in office for the new executive committee at the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE), but the members are already busy trying to settle several outstanding issues.
by Au Waipang, Yawning Bread
If the government genuinely wants Singaporeans to feel passionate about Singapore, they had better reexamine what they mean by democracy. They need to stop trying to breed sheep, lighten up and learn to value more rambunctious citizens.
by Jewel Philemon, The Online Citizen
Ten SIG who were concerned about issues ranging from intellectual disability to urban poverty, from youths at risk to environmentalism, and from animal welfare to dating violence, gathered at Hong Lim park on an extremely hot Sunday afternoon.
by Khairulanwar Zaini, The Online Citizen
“A voice for the arts and artists” – and two names emerged as potential Nominated Members of Parliament (NMP) to represent the Arts community. Audrey Wong, the artistic co-director of Substation, and Loretta Chen, the artistic director of Zebra Crossing.
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
by AsiaIsGreen.com
by Tricia
So yes, call me and my like-minded friends a hooligan if you must. Better hooliganism couched in those terms than narrow-minded, uninformed and cowardly.
by Alvinology II
by Singapore Atheists
The AWARE saga really goes to show how religion can cause a person to see things very narrowly.
by 星洲日報
僅有一水之隔的新加坡和新山在面對“A型流感”威脅時，所採取的檢疫措施大有不同。
by Xinhua
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club
by 清扬, 腾讯娱乐
新加坡剧集微凉的乡愁，浓艳的南洋情调，如一位离乡的赤子，别有一番风情。
by 杨荣文, 联合早报
经过90年，五四对新加坡的影响，在占了我国人口四分之三的华族的文化复兴中依然可见。它在殖民地时期为华人社会注入的生命力和活力，令英国人感到害怕，也对新加坡的自治和独立，作出巨大贡献。这样的精神至今依然存在于新加坡的华人商团和宗乡会馆、南大、特选学校、华文报和本地众多的文化团体之中。五四是新加坡丰富遗产的一部分。
by Wong Kim Hoh, Straits Times
Expect Singapore's leading feminist group to be more vigilant and less trusting from here on.
by Sue-Ann Chia, Straits Times
A survey has found that eight in 10 locals prefer to rely on themselves than on the Government in these bad times.
The other way of reading this is, surely, everyone expects the government not to help in any useful way.
by Yeo Ghim Lay, Straits Times
Private bus companies, which had previously lamented that they were not allowed to publicise their services at bus stops, have applauded the news.
The two public transport companies should never forget that they are what they are today because we as a society granted them a monopoly.
by Au Yaipang, Yawning Bread
by Cherian George, The Online Citizen
The Aware battle was not between the profane and the sacred, but between those who understand Singaporean secularism and those who apparently do not. The concerted steps they took to subvert a secular organisation and rid its leadership of its traditional diversity showed that the insurgents did not want merely to be part of a conversation; they wanted to be the only voice.
When intolerant – and considerably more violent – voices have surfaced in other religious communities, the moderate mainstream had to rise up to reclaim the microphone, to assure themselves and their fellow citizens that their faith was entirely compatible with peaceful co-existence in a multicultural and democratic society. Similarly, one of the most positive outcomes of the Aware saga is the strong assertion by Singaporeans of faith and their religious leaders: we are here, our faith makes us and our society stronger, but we will not impose our values on others.
by Soh Lai Yee, The Wayang Party Club
Particularly reassuring was a resounding demonstration that an established non-governmental organisation faced with its most dramatic power usurp saga had the reach, the depth, and more than enough leaders with a keen sense of governance to manage conflicts and differences of values.
by Mr Wang Says So
Truly, I felt sorry for Thio. Sorry that she is such a misguided human being. After all that scheming, plotting behaviour of hers in recent months, she still actually seems to think that she deserves respect. And just for being old.
Thio, next time, try being transparent and honest. It's an easier way to get respect.
by Channel NewsAsia
The newly-elected AWARE president Dana Lam says her team's biggest challenge now is to harness the support of new members.
by AFP
by Ignorance Is Curable
What started as a sense of unease when crossing streets as a pedestrian and driving as a motorist has now become a fact - drivers in Singapore are treating amber and red signal lights as optional indicators to stop.
by Terence Lee and Choo Zheng Xi, The Online Citizen
“Sit down and shut up!”
by Choo Zheng Xi and Khirulanwar, The Online Citizen
It is unclear at this point of time how Aware will defray the costs for the expenditure, or whether Ms Lau’s team will bear any of the costs.
by Singapore Sojourn
Secularism is one of the mainstays of this country and long may it remain so.
by Aaron Low, Straits Times
Key religious leaders in Singapore have thrown their backing behind the Anglican Archbishop's stand that churches - and religious bodies in general - should stay out of the affairs of secular organisations.
by Crystal Chan, New Paper
Long weekend stay ruined as flustered family, who spent hundreds on food, given an hour to clear Aloha chalet after it becomes quarantine centre.
by Benson Ang, New Paper
by The Online Citizen
The verdict was out long before the voting came – Ms Josie Lau and team were unpopular with many on the floor, as there was plenty of jeering during the AWARE’s Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM). Most of it was directed at them.
In the end, the executive committee resigned after a vote of no confidence dealt a blow to their credibility within the organisation. The Old Guard also wasted no time in nominating a new executive committee — Dana Lam became the new president, and Chew I Jin the new vice-president.
by Au Waipang, Yawning Bread
We first rape the concept of democracy by passing all sorts of laws that choke off free speech and assembly. Then when the laws themselves don't specifically cover certain situations that the government dislikes, we interpret the laws any way we please. Frankly, it is disgraceful.
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
With the soft rays of the fresh morning sun falling upon the first pages of a new chapter in Singapore civil society, let us resolve never to wallow in the twilight of complacency again, and let us leave our comfort zones that we have become so used to and start to act on what we truly believe in.
by Loh Chee Kong, Today
Future candidates seeking office on the executive committee (Exco) of AWARE may have to be a volunteer with the women's group for at least year before they are eligible to do so.
The newly-elected president of AWARE, Ms Dana Lam, said this is one of several more stringent criteria in the constitutional amendments her Exco will be looking into.
by My Note Book On The Web
This is a whole new communication world out there and it threatens completely the old media and the old world.
by Straits Times
The new executive committee of the beleagured Association of Women and Research (Aware) has decided to step down.
by Channel NewsAsia
The new executive committee (Exco) of the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) has been given a vote of no confidence, so they are being asked to resign now.
by Straits Times
The new executive committee of the Association of Women and Research (Aware), which took office on March 28, has spent about $90,000 so far, an exco member disclosed on Saturday at its extraordinary general meeting.
by Straits Times
The new executive committee of the Association of Women and Research (Aware) should consider stepping down if members cast a vote of no confidence against them, said Aware legal counsel at its extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on Saturday.
Mr Gregory Vijayendran said although a no confidence vote does not mean the exco has to step them, they should consider giving up.
by The Online Citizen
by The Wayang Party Club
by Seah Chiang Nee, The Star
The Jackie Chan saga comes at a time when Singapore is striving to find a balance between stable growth and loosening up on controls to satisfy the people.
by Jakarta Globe
On Friday, National Police spokesman Abubakar Nataprawira said investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department had been working hard to determine how student David Hartanto Wijaya had died.
by The Star
Tour groups in Singapore have cancelled plans for travel in June, which is a popular holiday period during the island republic’s school break.
by Singapore Government
by Bernadette Low, SMRT Corporation, Straits Times
We have reminded our staff to encourage passengers travelling with infants to exit the station properly to avoid any dangerous situations.
SMRT did not even come near to answer the question posed.
by New Paper
Do not say the words 'old guard' and 'new guard'. Do not go for the Aware Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), vote or take sides. Do not be involved in the Aware saga at all.
This was what some school principals told their teachers two days ago.
by Fang Zhi Yuan, The Wayang Party Club
The new exco may win the battle on the day, but the war was lost a long time ago. They have managed to turn a vibrant, well regarded and inclusive NGO into an empty shell and a pale shadow of its once glorious past.
by Alicia Wong, Today
Senior pastor of the Church Of Our Saviour Derek Hong has issued a public apology for using the pulpit to give backing to the Association of Women for Action and Research's (AWARE) executive committee in their dispute with the group's previous leadership.
by Alicia Wong, Channel NewsAsia
While both camps prepare for what some might term "a showdown" at the Association of Women for Action and Research's (AWARE) extraordinary general meeting, they are advising supporters to stay calm and respect others.
by Ben Bland, Telegraph
Nitschke said that the decision was "immensely disappointing" and that he was talking to lawyers about the possibility of an appeal.
by AAP
Police in Singapore have refused permission for a meeting on voluntary euthanasia law reform planned by Exit International, a group founded by Australian euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke.
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party
by 刘丽仪, 联合早报
新达城会议中心管理层接受AWARE执委租用设施在明天举行特别会员大会的申请，但拒绝了旧执委要在同个时间另租场地的要求。
by The Wayang Party Club
The new exco doesn’t inspire confidence from the way it manages AWARE’s finances. As a non-profit organization, we would expect them to pay closer attention to fiscal matters instead of splurging unnecessarily.
by Mr Wang Says So
by Avery Chong, Gerald Giam, Nathaniel Koh, Watson Chong and Yaw Shin Leong, The Online Citizen
by Today
The Ministry of Education (MOE) said Thursday that some parents have expressed concern over the content found in an “AWARE Comprehensive Sexual Education: Basic Instructor Guide” that has been posted online.
by Steve Creedy, The Australian
Jetstar hopes to gain $20 million a year in synergies as it aggressively grows Singapore as a strategic hub and merges Jetstar Asia's operations with its own.
by Julie Tan, Asian Civilisations Museum, Straits Times
Dear ACM: instead of saying 'aplogise... for any unpleasantness caused," why not try saying 'apologise for the unpleasantness caused."
by Zakir Hussain & Wong Kim Hoh, Straits Times
The National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) has said it does not condone churches getting involved in recent matters related to the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware).
It also does not condone pulpits being used for the purpose, it said in a statement on Thursday night.
by Singapore Democrats
The Singapore Democrats repeat our call for a democratic and free labour union where workers are empowered and be free of economic enslavement. In doing so we will cultivate an economy that can compete on the world stage and not be at the constant mercy of an export-oriented economic model.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.