Setting the record straight on Nagaenthran’s case: the hard evidence and what the court documents say
They say the death penalty is the ultimate sanction, and in death all debts to society are repaid in full. It is thus not our intent to revisit the deeds of a deceased person. But it’s important to put forth some facts to illuminate certain issues obscured by most of the news stories, which appeared […]
A Singaporean reflects on the lessons learned from the pandemic
Singapore’s preparation has already started quite awhile ago, and it will continue to be improved until we face the next crisis. Singapore was among the first to have approved vaccines delivered to us. Working like clockwork, our leaders and front-liners, including doctors, nurses and grassroots volunteers were able to help Singapore achieve one of the […]
Singapore ranks 1st in financial stewardship and overall 3rd in government effectiveness in global ranking
Singapore ranks third in the world in a global ranking that tracks the effectiveness of government. It is also the only Asian country to make it to the top 10 according to the Chandler Good Government Index. In first place is Finland and Switzerland in second place. Singapore is TOP in financial stewardship, market attractiveness, […]
Lessons from Sri Lanka on bad politics, mismanagement and populism
Good politics, honesty and integrity, and good governance are topics the PAP Government repeatedly remind Singaporeans of, sometimes like a broken record. But the experience of Sir Lanks tells us just how important these are. Sri Lanka is in its worst crisis since its independence in 1948. A severe shortage of foreign currency has left […]
We did not get every call right but the key was to keep on learning and improving: PM Lee on COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic had severely tested the Government in multiple ways, PM Lee said. The Government did not get every call right but the key was to keep on learning and improving, Mr Lee said. There are 4 key lessons from this covid experience. 1. Be prepared to make tough calls The Government have had […]
Does GST hurt the poor the most? Arguments from PSP and WP.
Despite Finance Minister Lawrence Wong taking great pains and going to great lengths to explain how the government has designed the GST in such a way that it is actually progressive and not regressive, and does not hurt the poorer segment of society, the opposition WP and PSP continue to mislead on the impact of […]
Lessons from WP on how to keep the golden goose lean and thin
The Workers Party (WP) which opposes the GST hike, proposes to raise revenue to fund increased spending in the following ways: Use land sale proceeds to fund budget spending; Increase NIRC ( Net Investment Returns Contribution) from 50% to 60%. Point 1 Currently, proceeds from land sales are already being used – indirectly – for budget […]
WP Sylvia Lim satisfied with Shanmugam’s reply, says no need for forensic examination of her phone
The anticipated drama did not happen after all and Singapore is spared being dragged through the mud of another political game. Workers’ Party MP Sylvia Lim met the Police on 23 February 2022 at the Police’s request regarding a notification that appears similar to what Apple had sent to various Apple phone users, the Police […]
In a contested landscape, the competence and honesty of the Opposition is not an inconsequential matter
“Tell the truth always, and do the right thing by Singapore, even when it is hard or awkward – in fact especially when it is hard or awkward. If something goes wrong, or something wrong has been done, own up and take responsibility – do not hide, dodge, or spin further lies, to obfuscate and […]
PM Lee’s speech at COP debate: quality of a country’s democracy hinges on people’s values
In Parliament today, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivered a 40-min long speech during the debate on the Committee of Privileges’ report on the Raeesah Khan saga. He talks about integrity as the linchpin of democracy, that the quality of a country’s democracy hinges on its people’s values: what they judge to be right or […]