Josephine Teo issues POFMA directions issued on online posts made over three weeks ago

Correction Directions were issued by Mrs Josephine Teo, the Minister for Communications and Information and Second Minister for Home Affairs for online posts that were three weeks to one month old, pertaining to a Singaporean executed for drug smuggling.

Whistleblower calls out alleged unfair hiring practices in Singapore banking industry

An anonymous banking insider reported allegations of favoritism within Citibank’s Singapore branch, claiming senior roles were filled by foreign staff over viable local candidates. Drawing inspiration from vocal critics of foreign job displacement, she’s aiming to spotlight what she perceives as biased hiring practices, despite her fears over job security.

MAS’ commemorative coin for Lee Kuan Yew’s centennial: A stark contrast to Singapore Mint’s suspended attempt in 2020

To mark the 100th birthday of the late Lee Kuan Yew, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) issues a special $10 coin. This act reignites debates around the appropriateness of such tributes, considering Lee’s expressed aversion to hero worship, and a similar suspended initiative by the Singapore Mint in 2020.

Were the trees at ministers’ rented estates cleared with permission and by whom?

Recent social media posts by Reform Party Secretary-General Kenneth Jeyaretnam have ignited a public debate about the residences of Ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan. Questions are being raised about the fairness of the auction process for these colonial bungalows and the potential environmental impact of cutting down trees in these estates. The upcoming Parliament sitting in July is expected to address these concerns and provide answers from the Singapore Land Authority and the Ministers themselves.

Lost in Translation: The misreporting of Lee Hsien Yang’s passport situation by Mothership based on translated report

In a striking example of lost in translation and reliance on third-party sources, Lianhe Zaobao and Mothership inaccurately reported that Lee Hsien Yang’s passport was ‘seized’ by authorities, rather than being held for immigration issues.

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s May Day Rally Speech: An Election Campaign Prelude?

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong’s May Day Rally speech highlighted Singapore’s economic challenges amid global uncertainties, stressing the need for economic transformation, lifelong learning, and the importance of the PAP-NTUC partnership. Amid growing election speculation, his speech resembled an election campaign address, focusing on key issues such as housing affordability and the well-being of Singaporean workers.

Ministry of Home Affairs conducting survey on Singapore residents’ attitude towards death penalty

Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is conducting a survey to understand the public sentiment on the death penalty from April to June 2023. The survey follows the recent execution of Tangaraju Suppiah, which drew international attention. Renowned tycoon Richard Branson criticized the execution, but MHA defended Singapore’s approach, highlighting its effectiveness. MHA has claimed that engagement with thousands of Singaporeans shows strong support for the death penalty. However, the need for further public input on capital punishment remains puzzling given the existing strong support.

Singapore new citizen refers to Tianjin visit as “going back to home country”, acknowledges “stronger sense of belonging to China”

A former PRC national who obtained Singaporean citizenship recently expressed his love for his home country and his desire to retire in China. Despite holding a Singapore passport, he claimed a stronger sense of belonging to China. While some netizens called out his use of the term “home country,” others praised his patriotism to China. A Singaporean netizen criticized his comments as disrespectful to Singapore, urging authorities to investigate.

Public sentiment survey indicates impending general election in Singapore

In a recent development, a member of the public has come forward to shed light on a public survey conducted by Rysense, a survey company reportedly commissioned by the Ministry of Communication and Information (MCI). The questions posed during the survey covered a range of topics, including the public’s perception of the government’s management of Singapore, the direction in which the country is headed under the present leadership, and familiarity with the President’s address on 10 April. Respondents were also asked to provide their views on the three priorities outlined in the President’s speech, the importance of parliamentary debates, recent educational initiatives, government social transfers, and more. The individual expressed dissatisfaction with the survey, as there was no option to provide personal opinions. The timing and topics of the survey might suggest an ulterior motive, such as assessing public sentiment on whether it is advantageous to hold a general election for the ruling party.

Conflict of interest in Tangaraju’s case raises questions about Singapore’s legal system

Singapore executed Tangaraju Suppiah, 46, on Wednesday despite international appeals to halt the execution and review its use of capital punishment. Concerns were raised about the fairness of Tangaraju’s trial after human rights lawyer Mr M Ravi revealed a potential conflict of interest. In a Facebook post on Thursday evening, Mr Ravi expressed horror at discovering that Justice Steven Chong, who presided over Tangaraju’s appeal on Tuesday, was also the Attorney General (AG) when Tangaraju was charged on 19th May 2014. Justice Chong assumed the position of AG between 25 June 2012 to 24 June 2014. This apparent conflict of interest or appearance of biasness raises serious concerns about the fairness of the trial, as well as questions about the correct legal procedure. Mr Ravi stated in his Facebook post, “This is a travesty of justice. This is precisely the reason why a lawyer needs to be present at all stages. It is tragic that not only Tangaraju had no counsel but also did not even have a hearing where Steven J had dismissed the case summarily on Tuesday. We need answers.” The lack of legal counsel, interpreter, and circumstantial evidence against Tangaraju added to the troubling aspects of the case. Despite pleas for clemency, the execution proceeded, marking the 12th since last year.