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Singapore acknowledges 138 Singapore-based entities involved in Myanmar’s military junta supply chain amid international probe

Singapore has revealed the identification of 91 more entities involved in supplying Myanmar’s military, as investigations continue. Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan assures actions against any violators to prevent arms transfers.

PM Lee defends Ministers amidst bungalow rental allegations, professes integrity of Singapore’s political system

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong asserts his confidence in Ministers K. Shanmugam and V. Balakrishnan, following a corruption probe revealing no misconduct. He emphasized the clean wage policy and personal choice in living arrangements for Singapore’s ministers. When queried by Pritam Singh, Leader of the Opposition, if there could be a better way to handle similar situations in the future, PM Lee noted that the issue of ministers instructing civil servants wasn’t public knowledge until it was disclosed in the report. “My view is he (Mr Shanmugam) could have done it a different way. He could have done it this way. He has given the House the reasons why he did it this way.I think those are cogent reasons, which I accept.” said PM Lee.

DPM Wong rejects suggestion to implement pricing allocation framework for place of worship onto HDB flats

Deputy Prime Minister Wong dismissed the suggestion of adopting a pricing framework for HDB flats similar to that of Places of Worship. He emphasized the unique nature of these two property types, highlighting the challenges in applying a common valuation approach.

Desmond Lee rejects WP’s rent control suggestion, citing potential supply and equity issues

Minister for National Development Desmond Lee dismissed the Workers’ Party’s suggestion for market rent regulation, warning that rent controls could reduce rental supply and create allocation and equity problems. He emphasised the adverse effects on housing market distortions and property prices, while assuring openness to alternative measures.

Singapore Turf Club site to undergo holistic development for housing and recreation, said Indranee Rajah

The current Singapore Turf Club (STC) site will be holistically developed to meet the increasing demand for housing, including public housing as well as leisure and recreation as part of the larger overall plan for the North Region, said Indranee Rajah, Second Minister for Finance and for National Development. Urban Redevelopment Authority will create a distinct identity for the precinct, considering its proximity to nature areas. Land preparation and redevelopment will commence after the government takes over in 2027. Assistance will be provided to affected workers, including job placement, skills training, and counseling. Owners are reminded of their responsibility to care for their horses under the Animals and Birds Act.

Four Singapore ministers to address Parliament on Ridout Road rental saga

Four top Singaporean ministers will deliver joint ministerial statements on the rental of two bungalows on Ridout Road in an upcoming Parliament session, following CPIB and Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean’s reports, which cleared them of any wrongdoing.

Progress Singapore Party NCMPs file parliamentary questions to seek clarification on Ridout Road saga

Both Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMP) from the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) has raised parliamentary questions about state bungalow tenancies by Singapore Cabinet Ministers, urging the release of essential information for a comprehensive debate. Questions address conflicts of interest, rental rates, and costs incurred, among other concerns.

Political instability caused disruption to Malaysia’s athletes, says Malaysian Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh

Despite fielding the fifth largest contingent of 677 athletes and setting a target of winning 40 gold medals at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, Malaysians were left disheartened as the country recorded its worst-ever performance in the SEA Games, raising concerns about the future of Malaysian sports. Hannah Yeoh, the Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister in Anwar’s Cabinet, has highlighted the adverse effects of political instability on Malaysia’s athletes and their performance, including in the recently concluded SEA Games.

Proposals for enhanced resources and support for MPs rejected by Leader of the House, Indranee Rajah

NCMP Leong Mun Wai’s proposals to offer more resources and support to opposition MPs, NCMPs, and Nominated Members of Parliament were rejected by Leader of the House, Indranee Rajah. She argued that current rules provide sufficient opportunity for MPs to hold the government accountable and engage in debate. Mr Leong’s suggestions included establishing a research department within the Parliament Secretariat, increasing allowances for hiring legislative and secretarial assistants, and strengthening the opposition’s role.

European Parliament votes on curbs for ChatGPT and other AI

EU lawmakers are set to vote on Thursday on restrictions for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the European Union. The vote follows efforts to create a law that regulates AI usage while promoting innovation and preventing abuses. The EU aims to become a global leader in AI regulation and has been spurred to action by the emergence of AI applications like ChatGPT and Midjourney. The legislation would define “high-risk” AI activities, ensure human control, and establish supervising authorities in each member state. Prohibitions on certain AI applications, such as emotion recognition and mass surveillance, are also being considered.