The Straits Times has reported the case of a 20 year old offender who was given 8 strokes of the cane instead of 5 strokes as ordered by the courts. (Link) As far as the authorities are concerned, all that the report would say so far, is: “It is understood the Attorney-General Chambers is aware of the case and is …

By Teh Kok Hua The Constitution usually sets out the basic rights of citizens and defines the role of government and its component branches. The constitution of Singapore however has not established or clearly defined the respective rights of citizens and government. This has allowed the government of the day to interpret its provisions to suit its own convenience, circumventing …

By Leong Sze Hian CPF announced the amendment of the treatment of Special Account savings invested in fixed deposits, and media reports that the CPF Board has reminded three non-bank investment administrators (IAs) that members’ CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS) money used for investments cannot be parked in cash accounts. Since the net interest rate currently, and that earned on these …

At first glance, the answer to the question above is obvious. A teacher’s sexuality belongs to a private realm, and has no bearing on his ability to teach. There have been no known instances, for example, where one’s sexual orientation has impaired one’s ability to prepare lessons or manage a classroom. Yet, imagine a straw poll conducted by a newspaper, …

After a clarification from Alfian Sa’at, who writes for Trevvy, we have decided to only publish an excerpt of this article, as follows. You can view the full article here. “I watch Francis as he tries to describe how he feels about the turning his life has taken the past few months. He was told being 302 was not going …

The Workers’ Party’s Youth Wing held an outreach programme in downtown Singapore on Sunday to celebrate Youth Day with young Singaporeans. The team of about 20 WP members from the Youth Wing strolled down Orchard Road handing out specially-designed pens and cards to the public. The team was led by its Youth Wing President, Perry Tong, vice president Abdul Salim …

By Leong Sze Hian On Jan 22, 2007, the manpower minister, Dr Ng Eng Hen, was quoted by the media thus: ‘To a question if the minimum CPF sum of $90,000 would be enough for retirement, Mr Ng said changes are being made so Singaporeans can have more money when they retire. The minimum sum, for example, is gradually being …

Leong Sze Hian looks at 9 issues regarding the CPF. Half also cannot withdraw anymore  Do you know who gets your CPF when you die? Poor gets less % than the rich? Pay up to 22% to use Medisave? Why cannot choose to make CPF last longer? Nominations are secret? Owe money – no need to pay? Lose HDB flat, …

Singapore has changed. And I am not talking about physical changes such as the new MRT Circle Line or the new shopping malls or even the upcoming Integrated Resorts. One can almost feel the fundamental changes that are taking place – in the hearts and minds of Singaporeans. Although economic progress is of course important for our livelihood, it is …

By Leong Sze Hian I refer to the Ministry of Manpower’s labour market report for Q1 2007. (Link) Minister Lim Boon Heng said on his return from Japan to study its elderly issues that “We should make employment happen. We should not leave people in the situation where they can’t get a job, and yet the (CPF) Minimum Sum draw-down …