Connect with us

Current Affairs

RDU urges government to consider alternative solutions to partial clearing of Tengah forest corridor for development

Published

4 years ago

on

Alternative political party Red Dot United has urged the government to consider creative alternative solutions to address the serious effects of clearing certain parts of the Tengah forest corridor to build viaducts.

In an article on the party’s website on Thursday (17 December), RDU stressed the importance of ensuring a better balance between ecological and economical considerations in the Tengah forest corridor development.

Referring to a recent news article detailing the plans to clear part of the forest to make way for viaducts, and replantation plans, RDU noted its concern about the felling of parts of the forest which current serves to provide safe passage for wildlife in Tengah.

The land is being cleared to make way for two viaducts that will connect the upcoming Tengah town with the Kranji Expressway.

“We echo the ecologists’ concern about the resultant loss of mature trees that offer a host of ecosystem services, such as providing food and refuge for animals,” stressed the party.

“While we acknowledge that cost and efficiency might be among the factors in the development plans, including the alignment of the forest corridor, we feel that they should not be the dominant criteria for evaluating the plans.”

The article went on to say that that the apparently cheaper or more efficient development plans may end up being more costly in the long run “when things go wrong”.

“Any development that lacks planning foresight by not placing environmental concerns at its forefront can have serious cost consequences for society – including social, health and environmental costs,” the party added, noting later that the Tengah development plan is ultimately about “convenience”.

To drive home the point, RDU recalled the example of the Bukit Timah Expressway which was constructed in the 80s and eventually resulted in the increased incidence of roadkill between Bukit Timah nature reserve and Central nature reserved annually. Animal casualties include endangered species such as the Sunda pangolin, as well as native species such as the cream coloured giant squirrel and large forest gecko.

In an effort to mitigate the ecological damage, an ecological corridor—the Eco-Link—was built over the highway, costing the state S$12.3 million.

“Such unplanned or incidental costs should be acknowledged and duly addressed,” stressed the party, adding that the safety, survival and well-being of resident wildlife should be taken into account since it is humans who are “encroaching on their homes and not the other way around.”

The party went on, “It is said that the mark of a great nation is not how powerful or wealthy we are, but rather how we treat the weakest members in our midst. Our pledge to uphold justice, equality and inclusivity should not be just enshrined in words but also embodied and demonstrated in action.”

RDU also pointed out another recent news article—this one about conserving a lagoon on St John’s Island for research, education and conservation—raises the question of why one natural habitat is marked for conservation while another is marked for development.

It asked, “Do we seek to conserve a natural habitat only when it doesn’t inconvenience us or when it puts us in a good light?”

“If we are truly sincere about wanting to conserve Nature in order to ensure biodiversity preservation and sustainable development, wouldn’t we make efforts to be more inclusive and holistic in our planning, even if it might not make sense economically at first?           “

Citing a report on a study back in 2004 which estimate that more than 95 percent of Singapore’s original 540 square km of tropical forests have been felled and as much as 73 percent of the islands original flora and fauna have been destroyed, RDU said “Hence, we can no longer claim ignorance of the extensive damage done to our environment…”

The damage includes loss of biodiversity, human-wildlife conflicts, loss of habitat leading to extinction of endangered species, increased temperatures, more flash floods, and an increased risk of various infections.

The party warned, “Any further deforestation at this point in time will only exacerbate the above-mentioned problems, incurring more costs and creating an increasingly unsustainable future for ourselves and our future generations.”

It added that merely replanting trees after removing mature trees is akin to putting a “band-aid over the deep wounds” we have inflicted upon the environment.

As such, the party reiterated its call on the government to consider creative alternative solutions.

The three questions the party went on to ask are if underground roads can be considered to connect the upcoming Tengah town to the Kranji Expressway; whether the forest corridor can be realigned to maintain a safe distance from the expressway and ensure a conducive habitat for resident wildlife; and if the forest corridor could be expended as originally proposed by the Nature Society (Singapore) to minimise disruption to wildlife.

Ravi Philemon, secretary-general of Red Dot United, said: “One of RDU’s most important goals is to encourage discourse, so as to drive change and hold the Government accountable. Our call to the Government to better justify and reconsider its decision on Tengah forest corridor is made in that spirit.”

“We can improve our society and the environment we live in by ensuring sustainable development in its truest sense,” he added.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
1 Comment
Subscribe
Notify of
1 Comment
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Current Affairs

Farewell to Dr Lee Wei Ling: Rain marks solemn tribute, echoing her father’s funeral

Dr Lee Wei Ling’s funeral was conducted on 12 October 2024, in Singapore, with family members leading the procession in the rain. In a heartfelt eulogy, her brother, Lee Hsien Yang, remembered her dedication to medicine and family. Dr Lee had requested a simple ceremony, with her ashes to be scattered at sea.

Published

2 days ago

on

12 October 2024

By

Li Huanwu and Li Shaowu sending off their aunt, Dr Lee Wei Ling in the rain (Photo: Lianhe Zaobao/唐家鴻)

Dr Lee Wei Ling was farewelled on 12 October 2024, in a solemn funeral ceremony attended by close family members and friends.

The weather was marked by light rain, drawing comparisons to the conditions during her father, Lee Kuan Yew’s funeral in 2015.

Her nephews, Li Huanwu and Li Shaowu, led the procession, carrying Dr Lee’s portrait and walking side by side under the rain, symbolically reflecting the loss felt by her family.

In his emotional eulogy through a recorded video, her brother, Lee Hsien Yang, spoke of Dr Lee’s profound contributions to medicine and her unshakable devotion to family.

He described her as a remarkable individual whose life had left an indelible mark on those who knew her, as well as on Singapore’s medical community.

Expressing deep sorrow at her passing, Lee Hsien Yang reflected on their close bond and the immense loss he felt, having been unable to attend her final farewell.

He recalled his private goodbye to her in June 2022, a poignant moment that stayed with him during her last months.

Lee Hsien Yang also reiterated Dr Lee’s wish for a simple funeral, a reflection of her humility.

In accordance with her wishes, her body was cremated, and her ashes will be scattered at sea, symbolising her desire for a modest and unobtrusive departure from the world.

LHY acknowledged the efforts of his sons, Li Huanwu and Li Shaowu, for their role in managing their aunt’s care during his absence, thanking them for their dedication to her comfort in her final days.

During his eulogy for his sister, Lee Hsien Yang also conveyed a message from Dr Lee regarding the family’s long-standing issue surrounding their home at 38 Oxley Road.

Quoting from Dr Lee’s message, LHY said: “My father, Lee Kuan Yew, and my mother, Kwa Geok Choo’s, unwavering and deeply felt wish was for their house at 38 Oxley Road, Singapore 238629, to be demolished upon the last parent’s death.”

Dr Lee had been a vocal advocate for ensuring that this wish was honoured since Lee Kuan Yew’s death in 2015.

Dr Lee and LHY had strongly supported their father’s wishes, while their elder brother, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, took a different stance. This disagreement led to a public and highly publicised rift within the family.

In her final message, Dr Lee reiterated: “Lee Kuan Yew had directed each of his three children to ensure that their parents’ wish for demolition be fulfilled. He had also appealed directly to the people of Singapore. Please honour my father by honouring his wish for his home to be demolished.”

Dr Lee had maintained a private life, focusing on her medical career as a respected neurologist. She was known for her candid views, often unflinching in her advocacy for transparency and integrity.

Her professional accomplishments, combined with her strong commitment to her parents’ legacy, made her a significant figure in both Singapore’s medical community and public discourse.

Diagnosed in 2020 with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative disorder, Dr Lee faced immense physical and emotional challenges in her final years.

The illness progressively affected her movement, speech, and ability to swallow.

Despite her health struggles, Dr Lee remained actively involved in public discussions, particularly on matters concerning her father’s legacy, until her condition worsened to the point where communication became difficult.

By March 2023, her brother LHY revealed that her condition had deteriorated significantly, and he feared he might not be able to see her again due to his own circumstances.

Even in her final months, Dr Lee maintained a close relationship with her immediate family, who cared for her during her illness.

Dr Lee’s funeral and cremation mark the end of a significant era for the Lee family and Singapore.

Her legacy as a dedicated neurologist and a firm advocate for her parents’ values will continue to resonate, even as the debates over the future of the Oxley Road property remain unresolved.

The rain that fell during her funeral, so reminiscent of her father’s final farewell, added a symbolic layer to this momentous chapter in Singapore’s history.

Continue Reading

Current Affairs

TJC issued 3rd POFMA order under Minister K Shanmugam for alleged falsehoods

The Transformative Justice Collective (TJC) was issued its third POFMA correction order on 5 October 2024 under the direction of Minister K Shanmugam for alleged falsehoods about death penalty processes. TJC has rejected the government’s claims, describing POFMA as a tool to suppress dissent.

Published

1 week ago

on

6 October 2024

By

The Transformative Justice Collective (TJC), an advocacy group opposed to the death penalty, was issued its third Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) correction direction on 5 October 2024.

The correction was ordered by Minister for Home Affairs and Law, K Shanmugam, following TJC’s publication of what the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) alleges to be false information regarding Singapore’s death row procedures and the prosecution of drug trafficking cases.

These statements were made on TJC’s website and across its social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).

In addition to TJC, civil activist Kokila Annamalai was also issued a correction direction by the minister over posts she made on Facebook and X between 4 and 5 October 2024.

According to MHA, these posts echoed similar views on the death penalty and the legal procedures for drug-related offences, and contained statements that the ministry claims are false concerning the treatment of death row prisoners and the state’s legal responsibilities in drug trafficking cases.

MHA stated that the posts suggested the government schedules and stays executions arbitrarily, without due regard to legal processes, and that the state does not bear the burden of proving drug trafficking charges.

However, these alleged falsehoods are contested by MHA, which maintains that the government strictly follows legal procedures, scheduling executions only after all legal avenues have been exhausted, and that the state always carries the burden of proof in such cases.

In its official release, MHA emphasised, “The prosecution always bears the legal burden of proving its case beyond a reasonable doubt, and this applies to all criminal offences, including drug trafficking.”

It also pointed to an article on the government fact-checking site Factually to provide further clarification on the issues raised.

As a result of these allegations, both TJC and Annamalai are now required to post correction notices. TJC must display these corrections on its website and social media platforms, while Annamalai is required to carry similar notices on her Facebook and X posts.

TikTok has also been issued a targeted correction direction, requiring the platform to communicate the correction to all Singapore-based users who viewed the related TJC post.

In a statement following the issuance of the correction direction, TJC strongly rejected the government’s claims. The group criticised the POFMA law, calling it a “political weapon used to crush dissent,” and argued that the order was more about the exercise of state power than the pursuit of truth. “We have put up the Correction Directions not because we accept any of what the government asserts, but because of the grossly unjust terms of the POFMA law,” TJC stated.

TJC further argued that the government’s control over Singapore’s media landscape enables it to push pro-death penalty views without opposition. The group also stated that it would not engage in prolonged legal battles over the POFMA correction orders, opting to focus on its abolitionist work instead.

This marks the third time TJC has been subject to a POFMA correction direction in recent months.

The group was previously issued two orders in August 2024 for making similar statements concerning death row prisoners.

In its latest statement, MHA noted that despite being corrected previously, TJC had repeated what the ministry views as falsehoods.

MHA also criticised TJC for presenting the perspective of a convicted drug trafficker without acknowledging the harm caused to victims of drug abuse.

Annamalai, a prominent civil rights activist, is also known for her involvement in various social justice campaigns. She was charged in June 2024 for her participation in a pro-Palestinian procession near the Istana. Her posts, now subject to correction, contained information similar to those presented by TJC regarding death penalty procedures and drug-related cases.

POFMA, which was introduced in 2019, allows the government to issue correction directions when it deems falsehoods are being spread online.

Critics of the law argue that it can be used to suppress dissent, while the government asserts that it is a necessary tool for combating misinformation. The law has been frequently invoked against opposition politicians and activists.

As of October 2024, Minister K Shanmugam has issued 17 POFMA directions, more than any other minister. Shanmugam, who was instrumental in introducing POFMA, is followed by National Development Minister Desmond Lee, who has issued 10 POFMA directions.

Major media outlets, including The Straits Times, Channel News Asia, and Mothership, have covered the POFMA directions. However, as of the time of writing, none have included TJC’s response rejecting the government’s allegations.

Continue Reading

Trending