Augustine Low

214 posts

They keep trying to justify and justify, and now there’s nothing they won’t justify

Opinion: Amidst COVID-19 and corruption, a relentless cycle of justification persists, as authorities spin narratives to maintain power and evade accountability. The people see through the facade, yearning for genuine action and an end to the decay.

Shanmugam singled out Goh Keng Swee and Hon Sui Sen for living in black-and-white bungalows too

In his piece, Augustine Low challenges Law Minister K Shanmugam’s comparison of modern ministers’ accommodation to those of Singapore’s past, questioning its relevance given the stark changes in ministers’ salaries and perks.

Snakes, sacrifice and snatching victory from Ridout controversy

In a recent Parliamentary session, the People’s Action Party (PAP) deflected allegations of conflict of interest regarding ministers’ rental of Ridout estates. Augustine Low opines on how PAP, through strategic responses, turned controversy into victory, demonstrating their adherence to stringent standards of integrity and propriety and closing the case.

Ridout minister predicted that Singapore “will never be the same” without Lee Kuan Yew

Opinion: Post-Lee Kuan Yew’s era, Singapore has witnessed dramatic changes, including numerous scandals and controversies, and an apparent drift from the zero tolerance against corruption policy, marking a departure from the country’s prior decisive leadership.

It’s another sad, sad day when the Ridout findings turn out just as expected

Opinion: In the wake of the Ridout controversy, a pattern of internal investigations clearing officials of misconduct leaves a lingering sense of déjà vu among citizens, gradually leading to a numbness towards outcomes of self-investigation by the People’s Action Party. “Each time, there’s a foul, bitter aftertaste because we could smell what’s coming from a mile away once they are done with their investigation. Over time, we become numb to ownself check ownself and ownself investigate ownself.”

Ng Chee Meng’s out of this world praise of Tharman sums up the brand of politics in this country

Augustine Low opines National Trades Union Congress Secretary-General, Ng Chee Meng, has been overly effusive in his support of Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s candidacy for the elected presidency. Low criticizes what he perceives as a culture of self-promotion within Singapore’s political elite.

It’s not whether Tharman is popular, it’s whether he is suitable

Opinion: Despite Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s high popularity, questions about his suitability for presidency persist due to his long-standing ties with the People’s Action Party (PAP) and conflicting views on the president’s independence.

We hear of danger, trouble and storms more than any other citizens

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have recently been emphasizing the challenges and dangers Singapore may face in the near future, issuing warnings about a “troubled and dangerous” world. However, Augustine Low criticizes this consistent painting of a gloomy picture, arguing that the Singaporean government, particularly the People’s Action Party (PAP), has been employing fear to suggest that the citizens are better off under their leadership. Low also points out the leaders’ oscillation between pessimistic views and sudden optimistic statements. He notes that this pattern of rhetoric, which has been ongoing for more than two decades, indicates a lack of fresh ideas and messaging from the government.

How do you take the PAP out of the PAP man?

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.

Elected presidency: Is there anything quite like it anywhere else?

Opinion piece: As the presidential election looms, we confront a system that sets the bar high for candidacy, perhaps compromising our democracy. Despite a largely ceremonial role, the President’s authority in key areas renders this election critical. Should we continue to accept ‘walkover’ elections and seemingly hand-picked candidates, we risk degrading our ‘elected presidency’ to a mere ‘nominated presidency,’ a shift that threatens to undermine the fundamental principles of our society.