Train reliability does not depend on age alone: Chee Hong Tat
The reliability of a train depends on several factors, and not only on its age alone. Trains that remain reliable can continue to be used, if they have not exceeded their service life, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said in a ministerial statement in Parliament (15 October 2024). The structural integrity of the first generation […]
Lee Kuan Yew’s 2012 renovation plans for 38 Oxley Road had conservation in mind
On 12 September 1965, shortly after independence, the fledgling nation’s prime minister Lee Kuan Yew stood before a crowd of supporters and declared, “We made this country. From nothing! From mudflats! Ten years from now, this will be a metropolis. Never fear!” The momentum of nation-building began. Almost without anyone noticing it, Mr Lee had […]
The battle around 38 Oxley Road and the pain for Lee Hsien Loong
Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s wish for his house at 38 Oxley Road to be demolished was well known. After his wife, Kwa Geok Choo died in 2010, Mr Lee wrote to the Cabinet to put his position on the record. The letter was dated 27 October 2010. The reason given was that the house has […]
Painful to act against a colleague but keeping system clean and corruption free is vital and non-negotiable: Lawrence Wong
Responding to Mr Iswaran’s sentencing, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expresses disappointment and sadness that Mr Iswaran’s political career has ended like this. He says that while it is ‘painful to act against a colleague and friend, it is our duty to do so when necessary’. “Our system of government and politics must always stay clean […]
It will become harder to disregard short-term considerations in decision-making, SM Lee cautions
Speaking at the Annual Public Service Leadership Ceremony 2024 (17 September 2024) SM Lee said that the government has been able to govern Singapore well because of good public service, good political leadership and the right relationship between the two. Good policies and good politics Getting policies right is crucial, because only good policies can […]
The real reason WP Gerald Giam objects to NTUC’s close relationship with the PAP
Gerald Giam hijacked the debate on a Bill to protect platform workers to launch an attack on NTUC and its partnership with the ruling party. He should learn the history of his own party first. Two-thirds of WP’s founding executive committee were trade unionists. And how did the Workers’ Party derive its name? Its founder, David Marshall had […]
Personal responsibility remains a cornerstone even with the Jobseeker Support Scheme: Tan See Leng
Why the Jobseeker Support Scheme (JSS)? “We wanted to create a better alternative to unemployment insurance,” says Manpower Minister Dr Tan See Leng in Parliament. In other countries, unemployment insurance has brought about unintended and indesirable outcomes including being more attractive to stay unemployed. The Singapore Government is also mindful of rising costs for businesses […]
Alkaff Lake: a recreational space in dry weather, a stormwater retention pool in a flood
Climate change is expected to bring more frequent and intense rainfall, increasing the risk of flash floods. Singapore is dealing with stormwater management in a creative way. The Alkaff Lake at the new Bidadari Park is a first-of-its-kind multi-functional drainage infrastructure for stormwater management. First-of-its kind stormwater retention pond integrated with Bidadari Park (PUB photo) […]
Meta a less receptive partner. I urge Meta to do right by your users: Sun Xueling
Speaking in Parliament during the Committee of Supply Debate 2024 on “Advancing the Fight against Scams”, MOS (Home Affairs and MSF) Sun Xueling said that Meta products, in particular Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, were among the top online platforms exploited by scammers. They accounted for close to half of the scam cases in 2023, and […]
If Singaporeans will not or cannot defend Singapore, there is no backstop: Ng Eng Hen
Defence is a long term business, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said in Parliament (28 Feb 2024) during the Committee of Supply debate. You cannot decide that you are going to have your defences up. “Steady long-term defence spending enables platforms and capabilities to mature over the necessary timelines to enhance synergy and reap efficiencies,” […]