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Lim Jialiang: Government’s failure to provide “accountability-adverse stance” towards COVID-19 makes it hard for public to accept multiple lockdowns imposed

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Beer distributor and former chocolatier, Lim Jialiang, took to Facebook on Thursday (22 July) to express that the people of Singapore are finding it hard to accept the imposition of multiple lockdowns here due to the Government’s failure to provide accountability-adverse stance towards COVID-19.

“The problem with the Singapore government and the Multi-task Force, is not, as Bloomberg and foreign press charge, their risk-adverse stance towards COVID-19. It’s their accountability-adverse stance towards it that makes it difficult for people to buy in to the succeeding waves of lockdowns that we now face,” the regular social commentator said.

Just two days ago (20 July), the Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) announced that it will rollback the country’s control measures to Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) due to the growing number of COVID-19 community cases.

Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) kick starts from Thursday (22 July) through 18 August 2021 and will supersede those that were introduced on 19 July 2021.

In an attempt to explain how the Government is moving back and forth in its COVID-19 measures, Mr Lim started off by spelling out how contagious and virulent is the Delta variant.

He stated that the variant was first detected in India and became prominent in the country as it began spreading furiously and swiftly, adding that most of the cases reported in neighbouring countries are the result of this notorious variant.

“It is pretty clear at this stage that the Delta variant’s transmissibility, virulence, are something that will be a game-changer and will make zero-COVID pursuits a pipe dream, even in a country like Singapore,” he said.

He added, “Some of its features include increased transmissibility. When the original virus will probably infect about 2 to 2.5 people, the delta variant is easily a 3 to 6, a bit like an IP Man 我要打十个 kind of version.”

Additionally, he also pointed out that people also tend to have a high viral load when infected with this particular variant, resulting in them becoming ill quicker and transmitting the virus at a much faster pace to others, especially those who have not been vaccinated.

However, the good news is that most vaccines, particularly mRNA ones, are still able to fight off the Delta variant, said the beer distributor.

But, the vaccines only work if an individuals have received both doses, adding that inactivated virus vaccines like Sinovac and Sinopharm are not looking promising in real life tests.

“Thailand is giving mRNA booster shots to its healthcare workers and looking to mix vaccines, Indonesia is looking at doing the same and recently secured about 50mil BioNTech doses. Malaysia is completely scrapping the rollout of Sinovac after they finish their current 16 million doses, and is looking to purchase more mRNA vaccines,” he elaborated.

Sadly, these vaccines are the ones that most countries have, Mr Lim said.

“But the main point here is that vaccine rollouts in an epidemic is not really to eradicate the virus completely, but rather to reduce adverse outcomes like serious illness and death”, he said.

“It means that Singapore, whilst in a much better condition that most other places, will need to apply vigilance at any point of entry.”

Blindsided by Jurong Fish Port and KTV clusters

While Singapore was doing relatively well in its fight against COVID-19, but it got “blindsided” in its handling of the fish port, said the former chocolatier.

The Jurong Fishery Port has been declared as the largest active cluster in the country now, with 454 cases recorded as of Wednesday (21 July).

According to him, the current surge of COVID-19 positive cases in Indonesia was due to the Delta variant, and the country doesn’t have the luxury to do sequencing for all its cases. However, for the scant little that has been sequenced in Indonesia, almost 90 percent of it are from Delta variant.

As such, Mr Lim noted that fishermen who were at the port may be asymptomatic or suffering from mild symptoms, and they could have infected Singapore fishery port workers when the goods are being transferred.

“So knowing what we know, in an labour-intensive, loose mask regulation environment, with boats manned by fishermen that are probably young and either suffering from asymptomatic or mild illnesses, that means that the interactions there meant that some of the fishery port workers were definitely infected as a result of this input,” he said.

He added that Singapore showed some level of vigilance in importing goods from Malaysia as most lorry drivers as well as labourers entering the country’s borders were required to be either vaccinated or have to do an entry ART test.

However, Mr Lim opined that this is a “cock-up” as there need to be more clarity on why the Jurong Fishery Port has become a cluster in Singapore.

“I hope that someone asks about the procedures in our fishery ports and what kind of measures will be taken to prevent another outbreak like this in the future,” he said.

Mr Lim went on to stress that the KTV cluster is the consequence of the fishery ports, and not the cause of it.

“I am heartened to seeing Ong Ye Kung come out to say as much. It’s really good content, but I think people should start to wind down the accusations that horny men caused this.

“Whilst pithy and funny, it will not allow us to make the right policy interventions. Accountability needs to be made on the loose control of our fishery ports. It being “difficult” to manage is not a sufficient response policy-wise,” he said.

As of Wednesday, there are 215 cases linked to the KTV cluster, making it the second largest active cluster in the country after Jurong Fishery Port.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has also clarified that Singapore’s return to Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) was due to the growing cluster at Jurong Fishery Port, and not the KTV cluster.

He explained that given the gravity of the Jurong Fishery Port cluster, the Government felt that it is not the “time to risk it all now” as “we are at risk of an uncontrollable rise in cases”.

“Like everyone, I am upset with the irresponsible behaviour of people in the KTV cluster, but it is not the reason for the reversion to Phase 2 (HA),” he said.

He continued, “Unfortunately, while our fishmongers and stall assistants were going about earning an honest living, they got infected at the Port.”

“As they went to work at various markets around the island, many more cases in the community were seeded.”

“The selling of a lockdown is a political project, more than a public health one”

Mr Lim noted that returning back to Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) is a good call by Mr Ong and MTF as not doing so will burden the country’s healthcare system.

But Singapore’s inability to look at the issue squarely and admit there is an oversight is resulting in a problem where everyone looks to “scapegoating” or sharing out the blame on vulnerable communities.

“There are multiple layers of failure – on regulation, on border control. Is it necessarily their fault? No lah, of course not. But leadership is not about accepting mistakes are made, admitting them, and then creating a space for moving forward and fixing the problems we see,” he said.

Pointing to this, Mr Lim said this is where one can see “the failure of the political imaginations of the 4G leadership” as the “selling of a lockdown is a political project, more than a public health one”.

“Once we reach the 80% vaccination threshold, that this lockdown is buying time for, the 4G will have to start thinking about what an endemic COVID-19 will entail, so that Singaporeans can start to accept what it truly means to live with the Delta Variant. I hope they can sell that political project better than what we see now,” he concluded.

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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.

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2 days ago

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12 October 2024

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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.

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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.

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1 week ago

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6 October 2024

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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.

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