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Opinion

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NTU students’ struggle with financial aid: One in three in distress amid $238M expenditure on foreign students and 4.1% real tuition fee increase

NTU student group ‘Financial Aid Friends’ demand transparency and adequacy in financial aid disbursement, citing late disbursements and lesser aid compared to other universities. Amid rising tuition fees and increasing financial struggles among students, concerns are raised about government support and benefits offered to foreign students. This initiative seeks a broader conversation about accessible and inclusive education in Singapore amidst criticisms about disproportionate foreign student composition in the university.

Vivian and Shanmugam had differences but became neighbours at Ridout bungalows eventually

In a historical debate from 1990, now-Ministers Balakrishnan and Shanmugam clashed over the government’s questioning of Singaporean loyalty. While Balakrishnan challenged the government’s approach, Shanmugam defended it as an attempt to face hard realities. Despite this contentious past, both men later found common ground in the People’s Action Party and even neighbours now.

Elected presidency: Is there anything quite like it anywhere else?

Opinion piece: As the presidential election looms, we confront a system that sets the bar high for candidacy, perhaps compromising our democracy. Despite a largely ceremonial role, the President’s authority in key areas renders this election critical. Should we continue to accept ‘walkover’ elections and seemingly hand-picked candidates, we risk degrading our ‘elected presidency’ to a mere ‘nominated presidency,’ a shift that threatens to undermine the fundamental principles of our society.

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?

ABSD Exemption Clause in Singapore’s FTAs: A Challenge to Sovereignty

Straits Times’ portrayal of US buyers being ‘subject to the same ABSD rate as Singapore residents’ has been challenged as misleading. Foong Swee Fong argue it obscures a unique clause in certain FTAs that exempts US citizens from the foreign ABSD, potentially inflating property prices and diminishing Singapore’s sovereignty.

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.

How Minister K Shanmugam’s response obfuscates the allegations of Ridout estates

Minister for Home Affairs and Law, K Shanmugam, addressed serious allegations about residential properties by requesting an independent review. However, his response seemingly conflates various issues, potentially misrepresenting the allegations. The true concerns aren’t about illegal tree felling or car porch construction, but about whether proper procedures were followed and appropriate permissions were granted. And most importantly whether there was a potential conflict of interest leasing a property from the SLA, an entity the Minister for Law oversees.

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.

A matter of complicity: Singapore’s role in Myanmar’s arms trade

Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, exposed Singapore’s role in the arms trade with Myanmar’s military. While the Singaporean government denies involvement, Andrews’ report reveals the flow of US$254 million worth of supplies facilitated by Singaporean entities and banks. Though specific companies remain undisclosed, Justice for Myanmar has identified Singapore-based entities previously involved in arming the military.

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.