Augustine Low

214 posts

Warning of the dangers of inequality, Minister Shanmugam said the richest in bungalow and the poorest in HDB flat are not more than 15 mins away

Opinion piece: Minister K Shanmugam warned in 2018 about the dangers of inequality in Singapore and its potential to fracture society. He highlighted the proximity of extreme wealth and poverty, emphasizing that the richest and poorest are just 15 minutes apart. It is puzzling, then, that Minister Shanmugam chose to occupy a massive government-owned colonial bungalow, drawing attention to the stark disparity he had spoken against. Has he considered the message this sends to Singaporeans struggling to make ends meet?

There’s no need to wait for results of the Ridout estates independent review

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.

When the tide of decay is not stemmed, the rot sets in

Augustine Low opines, in a string of controversies, from the colonial bungalow scandal to the Keppel bribery affair, we’re repeatedly told “the system works; let’s move on.” But can minor scratches explain the emerging decay? Silence breeds distrust, and waiting for answers fuels speculation. Will Prime Minister Lee’s words on upholding integrity apply equally to everyone, ensuring no one is above the law? Systemic failures need to be addressed; otherwise, the rot risks becoming permanent.

Punching a hole in the PAP’s image as prudent and frugal

The recent controversy over ministers occupying colonial bungalows on Ridout Road has shattered the carefully cultivated image of the People’s Action Party (PAP) as a party of prudence and frugality. The narrative of PAP politicians cherishing simplicity and eschewing extravagance has been undermined by the sight of ministers living in ostentatious homes with sprawling grounds. It confirms what many have suspected all along – our ministers are the elite of the country, enjoying power, prestige, and wealth. They may claim to be servants of the people, but their actions puncture their own self-proclaimed image.

Colonial bungalow controversy: A window to the disparity between past and present leaders

In an opinion piece by Augustine Low, questions are raised about the occupation of colonial bungalows to ministers in Singapore. Low contrasts the modesty and selflessness of leaders like Dr Goh Keng Swee, who shunned opulence, with the current ministers who reside in ostentatious bungalows. He highlights the disconnect between these leaders and the struggles of ordinary people, questioning their ability to understand the challenges faced by the average citizen. The piece argues that when leaders become detached from the people, they lose touch with their needs and aspirations.

Deflecting and diverting instead of fixing system and policies

In this opinion piece, Augustine Low criticizes ministers for deflecting responsibility and avoiding solutions to pressing issues like high cost of living and housing affordability. Low calls out the ministers’ statements on rising incomes as insufficient explanations for these problems and urges the government to focus on addressing the concerns of the living instead of prioritizing “people not yet born.”

PAP and WP: Who is checking who?

Augustine Low argues that the Workers’ Party (WP) in Singapore, known for its role in checking the People’s Action Party (PAP), now finds itself under scrutiny. Following the 2020 general election, the PAP has shifted the focus onto the WP’s proposals and ideas, painting them as inconsistent, opportunistic, and lacking concrete alternatives. Low suggests that the WP must risk more and be more confrontational, potentially losing battles but ultimately winning the war for the support of Singaporeans.

Can’t afford to match the competition but can afford the world’s most expensive cabinet

DPM Lawrence Wong recently admitted Singapore cannot outbid the “big boys” for investments, emphasizing the need for ingenuity and innovation. However, with the world’s most expensive cabinet, one would expect Singapore to outperform the competition. Instead, Singaporeans see misplaced priorities such as raising GST amid high inflation and reviewing sky-high political salaries. Low argues that It’s time for these highly-paid leaders to focus on the right challenges.

They promise us the moon and the stars but what we see going up and up are GST, COE, BTO, S&CC and plenty more

In an opinion piece by Augustine Low, the author critiques Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s recent May Day speech, comparing it to an election rally speech. Low points out the numerous pledges and promises made but also highlights a list of concerns left unaddressed, such as cost increases in various aspects of life in Singapore. The author asserts that more people are growing fearful and struggling to cope with these cost increases, and they can’t rely on promises of sunshine and rainbows alone.

Minister pulled off two head scratchers and one deflection

Opinion piece by Augustine Low on Minister Edwin Tong’s response to the proposal of an English test for citizenship in Singapore and his comments on high rental at Geylang Serai Ramadan bazaar. His statement that a significant proportion of Singaporeans throughout history have not been able to speak English well and his example of his 96-year-old grandmother not being able to pass the test are considered irrelevant and deflections from the issue. Additionally, his response to the issue of high rental rates for trade fairs and bazaars has been criticized as a deflection rather than addressing the problem.