A widened definition of success, a meritocracy where everyone is best possible version of themselves: Lawrence Wong
Success means different things to different people, in different places. Yet somehow, as a society, we tend to converge the definition of success around material possessions such as the size of the paycheck, or the property we own, says DPM Lawrence Wong in Parliament (17 April 2023). DPM Wong suggests that we should shift our […]
Singapore is actually a socialist system in many ways in taking care of its people: K Shanmugam
While the economy of Singapore is capitalist, Singapore is actually socialistic in its policies, Minister for Law and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam said in an interview with the South China Morning Post. “Because from the time you’re born, you get money for being born, and long before you go to school. And then […]
The sound of different languages is like the old Singapore, we mustn’t lose confidence and descend into xenophobia, says Ho Ching
In a post responding to the incident in which Amy Tashiana shamed a FairPrice staff for being unable to speak English, Mdm Ho Ching said ‘the strength of a Singaporean is our open mindedness to accept all creeds, colours and cultures as equals’. We accept we are not a perfect people, and we recognise that […]
Are expired COVID-19 vaccines a waste of taxpayers’ money?
Around S$140 million worth of COVID-19 vaccines have expired. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung described this as ‘insurance premium’, the price that Singapore is prepared to pay to stave of catastrophic consequences. The PAP Government realised early on during the pandemic, that vaccines were our safe exit from the pandemic. They decided to act early […]
Respect and tolerance are the cornerstones of society, not English language proficiency
On February 27th, the Secretary-General of the Workers’ Party, Pritam Singh, proposed in Parliament that English language proficiency be used as a selection criterion for new immigrants. Language, religion, and race are sensitive issues that can touch the nerves of many people, resulting in newspaper comments and public discussions. This proposal has no practical effect […]
Expired vaccines are an insurance premium we paid to stave off catastrophic consequences: Ong Ye Kung
The Government knew early on during the COVID-19 pandemic that vaccines would provide us with a safe exit from the pandemic. Hence the mass vaccination strategy. However, without sufficient doses of vaccines, our mass vaccination strategy would have been a non-starter, as Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said in Parliament. COVID-19 was a new virus. […]
Lawrence Wong cautions PSP and WP against pricing Singapore out of competition
One year ago during the budget debate in 2022, the WP suggested that corporate tax be raised in lieu of the GST hike. In particular, WP MP Louis Chua suggested that raising the corporate tax rate to the proposed global minimum effective tax rate of 15 per cent, under Pillar Two of BEPS 2.0, could […]
Pritam Singh warns of ‘Two Singapores’, then proceeds to create ‘Two Singapores’ with the English language divide
Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh warned in Parliament of the possibility of Two Singapores emerging. Ironically, he made divisive suggestions leading to the Two Singapores he warned of. The WP leader suggested that applicants for PR and citizenship be made to take an English proficiency test. Second Minister for Home Affairs Josephine Teo responded with […]
Less discrimination of ex-offenders in the workplace but more can be done
Through the findings from three dialogues with ex-offenders and inmates, discrimination at the workplace has lessen but more can be done to cultivate a more inclusive work environment. The dialogue sessions were organised as part of the #EveryWorkersMatters Conversations. National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), together with co-hosts Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG) and Singapore Prison Service […]
Is PSP Leong Mun Wai’s ‘buy now, pay later for land’ affordable housing scheme really cheap?
The PSP proposed an affordable housing scheme in which the buyer of a new BTO pays a ‘user price’ with land cost that is deferred. As long as the owner chooses to live in the flat, he does not have to pay for land cost. The upshot under PSP Leong Mun Wai’s housing proposal is […]