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Opinion

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The last thing we want is a referee kayu for a President

Augustine Low questions Presidential candidate Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s football referee analogy with concerns arising about potential bias given his long-standing affiliation with the People’s Action Party. Low argues that Singapore needs an independent President who serves the people, not their former party.

PAP’s Tharman for president is so troubling in so many ways

Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s presidential bid invites careful scrutiny. Despite a seemingly unblemished reputation, his deep-seated affiliation with the People’s Action Party raises critical questions. Can Tharman truly be the guardian of our national reserves and act as a check on the ruling party, or will his presidency simply further entrench the ‘ownself check ownself’ culture – a dubious blend of self-regulation and political complacency?” – Pat Low

Little Emperor Syndrome

Tan Tee Seng shares his viewpoint on the exclusion of Soh Rui Yong from the Asian Games by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC), emphasizing that this matter has been overshadowed by Tharman’s presidential candidacy. He argues that this incident serves as an alarming example of a recurring behavior pattern within Singaporean authoritative institutions. SNOC’s rationale for the exclusion, citing Soh’s public remarks, exposes a concerning absence of accountability and transparency in their decision-making processes. Tan asserts that the prevalence of elitism and the abuse of power undermine democracy and hinder the advancement of society.

Tharman shows sudden interest in Geylang Serai but not during bazaar controversy

Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who recently expressed his intention to run for President, graced a ground-breaking ceremony for a rejuvenation project in Geylang Serai. The project aims to revitalize the area with new public spaces, improved infrastructure, and programs promoting community bonding. During the event, local media reported how Tharman volunteered to sing a P Ramlee song, capturing the attention and applause of the crowd. However, it should be noted that Tharman was missing during the Geylang Serai Bazaar controversy, where vendors faced exorbitant rental costs. Tharman’s sudden interest in the area raises questions about his sincerity and motivation.

Did PAP change constitution to raise disqualification fine quantum to make Tharman look good?

Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam has announced his resignation from the People’s Action Party to run for president. In 1992, he was charged and convicted for violating the Official Secret Act, fined S$1,500. As per the amended Singapore Constitution, those fined more than S$10,000 are disqualified from presidential elections. Could the change of fine limit, recently increased from S$2,000, have been changed to mitigate Tharman’s past fine’s impact, making it seem comparatively low?

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.

Elected presidency in Singapore: A reflection on late Ong Teng Cheong’s legacy and questions on Tharman’s independence

As Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam prepares for his presidential bid, questions arise about his potential effectiveness and independence as a check on the PAP-led government. Lessons from the tenure of the late ‘People’s President’, Ong Teng Cheong, indicate a presidency filled with challenges. Singaporeans must contemplate whether Tharman can separate his political past from PAP or if his tenure will mirror previous presidencies. This dilemma, paired with Tharman’s roles in reserve management, adds a layer of complexity to the upcoming election.

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.

Evolving Singapore: Nostalgia for the simpler 80s amid current-day struggles

Over the past four decades, Singapore has evolved from a burgeoning Asian nation into a dynamic global hub, with a dramatic influx of non-residents reshaping its social and economic landscapes. Despite the resulting diversified demographic profile, Singaporeans are grappling with increased job competition and shifting family dynamics due to escalating living costs. Anecdotal evidence and stark contrasts in cost of living, like the affordability of an HDB flat and income growth rates, indicate an underlying inequality. Today, many citizens are dealing with “moderately unaffordable” housing costs and job growth favoring foreign workers.

A reality check on Lawrence Wong’s claims: Are today’s HDB flats as affordable as those in the 1980s and 1990s?

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s assertion that today’s HDB flats remain as affordable as those in the past seems challenged by historical data and price-to-income ratio analysis. With incomes increasing only about 3.3 times against a 5.8-fold rise in BTO prices, are public housing truly in tandem with incomes as claimed?