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Opinion

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Disadvantages of Singapore as an egg freezing destination for mainland China patients

Singapore’s upcoming social egg-freezing policy could attract medical tourists from China, where it is likely to remain banned, opined Dr Alexis Heng Boon Chin, an Associate Professor of Biomedical Science at Peking University, China. He notes that rising costs of living and childcare in many large Chinese cities mean women are increasingly delaying motherhood for career pursuits. Many could benefit from overseas egg freezing but restrictions, such as a maximum age of 35 and a requirement to be married, may hinder Singapore from tapping into this market. Dr Chin also notes that Singapore doesn’t permit preimplantation genetic testing – Aneuploidy (PGT-A), which could lead to a loss of Chinese medical tourists to other countries.

How did an Associate Professor of Law’s Article on PSP in the Straits Times get it so wrong?

The opinion piece by Kok Ming Cheang criticizes an article written by Eugene Tan, an Associate Professor of Law, which was published in The Straits Times. The author argues that Tan’s analysis of the Progress Singapore Party and its new Secretary-General, Leong Mun Wai, is flawed and biased. The author suggests that his descriptions of Leong and the party are unfair and inaccurate. The article is seen as a personal attack rather than an objective discourse on Singapore’s political landscape.

Don’t expect the PAP to change their playbook

In his recent opinion piece, Augustine Low criticizes the People’s Action Party (PAP) for sticking to their old playbook and failing to bring about change and reinvention. Despite all the talk of change, the PAP cannot bring itself to ditch the playbook that it has relied on for decades. Low argues that the PAP preys on insecurity, vulnerability, and division, and promulgates the idea that it is indispensable to a glorious one-party system. Low highlights Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s speech in which he outlined various “storms” that Singapore faces, calling it out of sorts messaging. PM Lee called on Singaporeans to stay united as one people, which really meant to unite as one behind the PAP. The Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stuck to the playbook as well, warning that the PAP might not win the next election and taking a potshot at the opposition. Low argues that those who still hope for change from the PAP are hoping in vain. The onus is on the people to change, and as long as they keep giving the PAP their parliamentary supermajority, the PAP sees no need to change. Low believes that it is time for the people to take responsibility and change the status quo.

Patience is no longer key to a successful political transition in Sudan

Amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan, there is a need for civilian rule and subsequent democracy, according to a recent opinion piece by Byamukama. Since the 2021 coup, the country has been run by the army, and neither coup leader General Abdel Fattah Burhan nor Rapid Support Forces leader General Mohammed Hamdan Dangalo appear to have any intention of relinquishing power. The concern is that the fighting might escalate and destabilize the entire region, spilling over into neighboring countries, such as Chad and Egypt, which are also under juntaism and limited democracy.

Is high cost of living breaking down Singapore’s financial health?

The high cost of living in Singapore has been a long-standing issue, with many Singaporeans struggling to cope with the rising prices of food, energy, transport, medical expenses, and education costs. This has led to a growing sense of frustration among the population, who feel that the government is not doing enough to address their concerns.

False priorities and false courage will lead us nowhere

The opinion piece by Augustine Low questions the government’s priorities and their ability to bring about meaningful change in Singapore. Low highlights the case of Parti Liyani, Liew Mun Leong, and Karl Liew as a reflection of the deep-seated stratification in Singaporean society. While the government has been talking about combating stratification, improving social safety nets, and shaping a new social compact for years, Low argues that little has been done to address these issues.

Dark side of Singapore’s obsession with economic growth at the expense of its citizens

The opinion piece talks about Singapore’s heavy reliance on foreign workers comes at a cost of high cost of living, and stagnating wages for many Singaporeans, despite the government’s emphasis on economic growth. Six out of eight occupational categories in Singapore have hardly seen any real increase in pay over the last 21 years. More innovative and sustainable approaches should be taken towards economic development that prioritize education, training, entrepreneurship, and social welfare.

PM Anwar could propel human rights at the center of a global conversation

The upcoming attendance of Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar at the 75th anniversary commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR75) could have important symbolic implications for promoting human rights in Southeast Asia and beyond. While human rights are not currently established as a pillar of the strategic framework guiding the work of the Anwar government, they are considered key cross-cutting elements at its foundations. The Prime Minister, who has long been involved in promoting an enlightened version of Islam that embraces human rights and human dignity, now has the opportunity to launch a new global agenda entitled “Human Rights for Responsive Good Governance and Sustainable Development”. This initiative could encourage other middle and developing nations to commit to upholding their human rights commitments and ensure that human rights are central to any new vision for the ASEAN bloc.

Jolovan Wham shares thoughts on Karl Liew case: Incarceration is not the answer to achieve justice

Singaporean activist Jolovan Wham discusses his views on the Singapore prison system and the lack of accountability in the high-profile Parti Liyani case. “But what Parti Liyani said in her statement to the media was significant: till this day, the family who accused her of stealing the items never apologised to her. Apart from the David vs Goliath drama that got widespread media coverage, the wrongs committed by the family were not addressed. Real accountability takes place when the family acknowledges the trauma their actions caused the victims, and take steps to compensate and help her in her recovery from the suffering and distress they have inflicted on her.”

Lim Tean: Absurd for the Prosecution to have only asked for a S$5000 fine for Karl Liew

Mr Lim Tean, in his opinion piece, highlights the severity of Karl Liew’s perjury in the Parti Liyani trial. He notes that if it were not for her lawyer’s courage and Justice Chan Seng Onn’s good sense, Parti Liyani could have served a lengthy prison sentence. He also highlights the financial losses and mental anguish that Parti Liyani and her family have suffered due to her trials and tribulations. He criticizes the lenient prosecution of Karl Liew, who was fined $5,000 for his perjury, and questions why his charge was reduced from the more serious Section 193 charge to the less serious Section 182 charge. Mr Lim argues that the 14-day prison sentence handed down by District Judge Eugene Teo is still not commensurate with the seriousness of the offence, citing the examples of Jeffrey Archer and Jonathan Aitken, who were both sentenced to imprisonment for perjury.