Daily Archives: December 13, 2016

A woman's classist remarks on LinkedIn sparked backlash as she expressed the need to limit contact with "HDB people" (residents of public housing). Nadine, a law undergraduate, responded passionately, highlighting that homeownership is a unique culture for "HDB people" and dismissing the notion that they lack humanity. She emphasized the importance of respect for all individuals, regardless of societal standing. Another user criticized the woman's elitist views and highlighted the contributions of Singapore's laborers. The woman eventually took her LinkedIn profile offline due to the negative attention.

Singapore's Minister for Home Affairs, K Shanmugam, has ordered the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) office to issue a Correction Direction to the Asia Sentinel. The online publication is now obligated to display a correction notice alongside a controversial article, which the Ministry of Home Affairs alleges contains multiple factual inaccuracies, related to Singapore's management of KTV lounges amid the COVID-19 crisis.

A Singapore court has ordered Credit Suisse to pay former Georgian prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili US$926 million for failing to protect his assets, adding to the bank's troubles. The court ruled in Ivanishvili's favor, holding Credit Suisse responsible for fraudulent mismanagement that resulted in the billionaire's investment losses. Credit Suisse intends to appeal the decision, calling it legally problematic. The bank's relationship manager, Patrice Lescaudron, was previously convicted of fraud and forgery in Switzerland.

A five-hour police operation, involving over 30 officers, was launched in response to a report of a man, allegedly only in underwear, being spotted in a drain along Hume Avenue, Hillview area. A suitcase, chairs, a mattress, and other items were retrieved from the drain. Unauthorized entry into drains is strictly prohibited due to safety concerns and can incur a $3,000 fine.

Senior Counsel Harpreet Singh Nehal addressed the Ridout Road controversy, emphasizing that the credibility of the government's review depends on full disclosure of all facts and perceived independence of the review. He suggested appointing respected current or retired Supreme Court judges to lead the review, ensuring impartiality and credibility. Mr Singh underlined the importance of transparency, fairness, and the avoidance of perceived special treatment in transactions involving ministers or their family members.

Despite fielding the fifth largest contingent of 677 athletes and setting a target of winning 40 gold medals at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, Malaysians were left disheartened as the country recorded its worst-ever performance in the SEA Games, raising concerns about the future of Malaysian sports. Hannah Yeoh, the Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister in Anwar's Cabinet, has highlighted the adverse effects of political instability on Malaysia's athletes and their performance, including in the recently concluded SEA Games.

Augustine Low critically evaluates the decision to appoint Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean for an "independent review" of Ministers Shanmugam and Balakrishnan, over controversies concerning their residential occupation. Low questions the review's objectivity, considering the long-term professional relationship between the ministers. He implies an expected conclusion of "ownself exonerate ownself," challenging the ministers' reticence in addressing public queries directly.