The Online Citizen Asia

As Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam prepares for his presidential bid, questions arise about his potential effectiveness and independence as a check on the PAP-led government. Lessons from the tenure of the late 'People's President', Ong Teng Cheong, indicate a presidency filled with challenges. Singaporeans must contemplate whether Tharman can separate his political past from PAP or if his tenure will mirror previous presidencies. This dilemma, paired with Tharman's roles in reserve management, adds a layer of complexity to the upcoming election.

Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam's resignation from the party and government positions to run for the presidential election may seem like a break from the People's Action Party (PAP). But it's not that simple, says Augustine Low. Mr Tharman has been a dedicated PAP member for decades, and his ties to the party cannot be severed so easily. The PAP has a vested interest in ensuring that the elected president is always affiliated with the party. Mr Tharman's resignation and candidacy are likely to be part of a scripted game orchestrated by the PAP, similar to the case of Mdm Halimah Yacob.

Over the past four decades, Singapore has evolved from a burgeoning Asian nation into a dynamic global hub, with a dramatic influx of non-residents reshaping its social and economic landscapes. Despite the resulting diversified demographic profile, Singaporeans are grappling with increased job competition and shifting family dynamics due to escalating living costs. Anecdotal evidence and stark contrasts in cost of living, like the affordability of an HDB flat and income growth rates, indicate an underlying inequality. Today, many citizens are dealing with "moderately unaffordable" housing costs and job growth favoring foreign workers.

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's assertion that today's HDB flats remain as affordable as those in the past seems challenged by historical data and price-to-income ratio analysis. With incomes increasing only about 3.3 times against a 5.8-fold rise in BTO prices, are public housing truly in tandem with incomes as claimed?

NTU student group 'Financial Aid Friends' demand transparency and adequacy in financial aid disbursement, citing late disbursements and lesser aid compared to other universities. Amid rising tuition fees and increasing financial struggles among students, concerns are raised about government support and benefits offered to foreign students. This initiative seeks a broader conversation about accessible and inclusive education in Singapore amidst criticisms about disproportionate foreign student composition in the university.

Outrage ensues as around 100 Malaysians protest at the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur against former Singaporean comedian Jocelyn Chia's distasteful remarks about Malaysia and the MH370 tragedy during a show in the U.S. Chia's comments have sparked widespread condemnation, leading to calls for her ban from Malaysia and an investigation by the U.S. government.

Following Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam's announced resignation, Red Dot United (RDU) issued a call to Prime Minister Lee for a by-election in Jurong GRC. Despite the Apex Court's ruling, RDU urged the PM to uphold democratic values and call a by-election.

Japan passed a controversial immigration law allowing the deportation of failed asylum seekers after three rejections. Critics argue that the new law violates human rights and puts lives at risk. Japan's low acceptance rate for refugees and scrutiny of immigration detention conditions have been subjects of criticism in recent years. Activists and opposition parties staged protests against the revised law, but the ruling coalition voted it down. The government claims the changes will improve access to medical care and accommodation options for pending asylum seekers. Amnesty International has called for the revision to be scrapped, labeling Japan's detention policies as harsh and repressive.

Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam's resignation from the party and government positions to run for the presidential election may seem like a break from the People's Action Party (PAP). But it's not that simple, says Augustine Low. Mr Tharman has been a dedicated PAP member for decades, and his ties to the party cannot be severed so easily. The PAP has a vested interest in ensuring that the elected president is always affiliated with the party. Mr Tharman's resignation and candidacy are likely to be part of a scripted game orchestrated by the PAP, similar to the case of Mdm Halimah Yacob.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, recently admitted to intervening in the country's political affairs ahead of the 2024 Election. He defended his actions, arguing they were lawful and aimed at ensuring a smooth electoral process for the sake of national interests. However, constitutional law experts argue that Jokowi's interference could be construed as a misuse of state resources, violating electoral laws and potentially amounting to grounds for impeachment.

Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng, famously known as "Uncle Roger," faces a ban on Chinese social media platforms following satirical comments about China's government. Ng humorously addressed potential surveillance and mockingly praised President Xi in a video. Following jokes about surveillance and the One-China policy, several of his accounts were suspended.

Malaysia's Home Ministry has withdrawn its appeal against a High Court ruling that overturned the ban on using the word "Allah" in Christian publications. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail cited 'contradictions' between an administrative order and a 1986 Cabinet decision. Despite this, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that restrictions remain for non-Muslims in other states, a claim contested by Sarawak state assemblyman Baru Bian

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim received a visit from Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, the first Malaysian actress to win the Best Actress trophy at the 95th Academy Awards (Oscars). On Thursday (20 Apr) morning, the meeting was shared on Anwar’s official Instagram story. In the post, Anwar also expressed his gratitude to the Hollywood actress, born in Ipoh, Perak, for bringing the trophy she won through the film Everything Everywhere All At Once back to Malaysia.

Singaporean busker, Jonathan Goh, has criticised the National Arts Council (NAC) for the difficulties he faced in renewing his busking permit. Previously, experienced buskers were granted a two-year permit, but the NAC changed it to a one-year validity for everyone after lifting busking restrictions last year. Despite being a seasoned performer, Mr Goh is required to undergo a physical audition for five minutes in front of a panel of judges to assess his street performance skills, which he believes is outdated. The NAC defended the physical auditions to provide "fair and open opportunities for everyone".

Mediacorp's TV drama "Silent Walls" has received criticism from some members of the LGBTQ community for perpetuating harmful gay stereotypes. The criticism was primarily driven by an article from online LGBTQ+ publication Dear Straight People, which called out the relationship between two characters, citing their "problematic" large age gap as well as reinforcing the harmful stereotype that gay men are predators and groomers. The storyline was also criticized for implying that gay men are all diseased and promiscuous, suggesting that gay couples will always meet a tragic fate.