Op-Ed Contributor

120 posts

Parliament and its role in Singapore’s dictatorship

Opinion: Despite elections every five years, Singapore’s government power is fused and dominated by the executive arm, resulting in little internal check and balance. This blurs the role of the Parliament, raising questions about its effectiveness in upholding democracy and representing the will of the people.

Discerning public will not be satisfied with a slap on the wrist for Tan Chuan-Jin

Letter: The recent controversy over Speaker Tan Chuan Jin’s unparliamentary outburst has provoked significant backlash, with former Director of Singapore’s Internal Security Department believing that a mere censure won’t suffice to assuage public dissatisfaction

Students seeking more financial aid from NTU say foreign students are not the enemy

Opinion: A member of NTU Financial Aid Friends disputes the argument that aid to foreign students prevents locals from affording education. She argue that the issues lie in structural inadequacies like insufficient financial aid and inflexible grant conditions. The group is striving to expose these issues, and ensure all students, regardless of nationality, can access affordable education.

PAP in a crisis of a generation — Has the “Men in White” gone black?

Opinion: Amidst various scandals plaguing the People’s Action Party (PAP), Joseph Nathan questions the integrity of Singapore’s politics and suggests that the only honorable action for PM Lee is to step down, thereby preserving Lee Kuan Yew’s legacy.

Singaporeans should not be forced into exile

Teo Soh Lung: It’s disheartening when Singaporeans are compelled to leave their birth country and can’t return for their parents’ funerals, reflecting poorly on a government that makes exiles of its citizens.

The untold power of public image amidst Ridout Road controversy

Opinion: Rudy Irawan Kadjairi contends that despite a ‘done-by-the-book’ approach, the perception of privilege remains. He argues that perceptions, often unswayed by evidence, significantly influence how incidents are understood, suggesting that a code of conduct was breached in the recent Ridout saga.

Indonesia and Malaysia’s resistance against EU Deforestation Regulation: Clash of sustainability and economic interests

Despite concerns of deforestation and human rights abuses, Indonesia and Malaysia resist EU sustainability regulations, seeking to defend their palm oil industries amidst global environmental reforms. Simone Galimberti suggests that the best way forward is to engage the EU not on the defensive but with an ambitious agenda, a plan of measures that could project the palm oil industry towards credibility and respect that still do not fully deserve.

The black & white about crazy rich politicians & the Rideout Fiasco – If only late Ong Teng Cheong is still our president

Opinion: Former Deputy PM Ong consistently put Singapore before party agendas. Known as ‘The People’s President’, his contribution to the MRT system boosted urban development and property prices. His presence today might have impacted the Ridout and Keppel scandals differently.

Parliamentary pageantry: A satirical forecast of an upcoming session

Satire: In an upcoming parliamentary session, Martyn See predicts a theatre of contrived emotions and calculated responses, where MPs deflect responsibility and promise tighter procedures, all while softball questions are lobbed and pressing issues sidelined. As the dust settles, life returns to its undisturbed state, far removed from public outcry and accountability.