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1,200 firms meets private sector requirement for Singapore’s next Presidential Election: Chan Chun Sing

In Singapore, approximately 50 public service positions and over 1,200 private sector companies meet the eligibility requirements for individuals to run in the next presidential election. This information was provided by Chan Chun Sing, the Minister-in-charge of the Public Service, in response to a parliamentary question from Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Leong Mun Wai. However, Mr Chan noted that the Elections Department does not keep track of the exact number of Singaporeans who meet the qualifications to run for president

Edwin Tong insists on People’s Association’s political neutrality and denies involvement in partisan activities

Singapore’s People’s Association (PA) does not participate in or allow its resources to be used for partisan political activities, says Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Edwin Tong. Responding to questions by Workers’ Party Members of Parliament, Tong emphasized that PA serves all Singaporeans and the government of the day, and invites the Workers’ Party to recognize PA’s value in serving the community.

Karl Liew’s charge amended to lesser charge in Parti Liyani case: Minister K Shanmugam says it’s normal for AGC to proceed on amended charges

Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam explained that it’s normal for the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to proceed on amended charges in cases involving a guilty plea, addressing concerns over the charges against Karl Liew in the Parti Liyani case. Karl pleaded guilty to an amended charge under section 182 of the Penal Code and had another charge under section 177 taken into consideration for sentencing. Mr Shanmugam emphasized that the case was handled in a standard manner.

COE price hikes not due to foreigners, says Transport Minister

Singapore’s Transport Minister, S Iswaran, has clarified that rising Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices are not driven by foreign demand, as less than 3% of car COEs are secured by foreigners. The long-term trajectory of COE prices is expected to trend upwards due to increasing household incomes and a policy of zero growth in the car population.

LTA introduces one-time adjustment to COE quotas for categories A and B in response to record high premium

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has announced a one-time adjustment to reduce supply volatility of Certificate of Entitlement (COE) quotas for Categories A and B vehicles. Category A will see a 24% increase, while Category B will see a 15% increase for the remaining five bidding exercises this quarter. This move aims to lessen supply volatility, though it will not eliminate it. The long-term upward trend of COE prices due to rising incomes and zero vehicle population growth will persist.

ICA does not collect information on the citizenship’s applicants wealth or net worth, said K Shanmugam

Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) does not track the wealth or net worth of citizenship applicants, according to Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam. His statement comes in response to questions regarding the number of ultra-high net worth individuals granted citizenship since 2000. Citizenship applications are assessed based on factors such as ability to contribute to Singapore, job creation, special skills, family ties, and commitment to sinking roots in the country.

WP MP Leon Perera advocates for gender-neutral maintenance in Family Justice Reform Bill debate

Workers’ Party Member Party Leon Perera calls for gender-neutral maintenance in the Family Justice Reform Bill debate, highlighting the growing number of stay-at-home husbands, women’s progress in the workforce, and examples from other developed countries. He urges the government to reconsider the current maintenance regime to promote equality and protect the financial well-being of all parties in divorce proceedings.

Minister Grace Fu reiterates Singapore’s status as developing country and potential claimant for COP27 Fund

During a parliamentary exchange on 21 April, Workers’ Party MP Leon Perera questioned Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, on whether the country would contribute to the COP27 Biodiversity Fund or remain a claimant. Ms Fu stated that Singapore had not reached an understanding of the fund and clarified that Singapore has not decided and would take into consideration all views. Fu also noted that Singapore does not belong to the group of developed countries.

Special Select Committee receives 30 nominations for Nominated Members of Parliament

The Special Select Committee has received 30 nominations for Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) in Singapore, with an aim to ensure diverse representation in Parliament. The eight-member committee, chaired by Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin, will assess candidates before submitting a list to the President for appointment.

Leader of the Opposition stresses importance of opposition in Parliament and responds to accusations on alternative proposals

During the debate on the Singapore President’s speech, Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh addressed Parliament, outlining the Workers’ Party’s goals and challenges. In his speech, Mr Singh responded to accusations by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, arguing that if the Workers’ Party were merely advocating for populist and unrealistic policies, the Singapore government would not be considering their manifesto ideas on anti-discrimination legislation, minimum wage, and redundancy insurance. He also provided details on some policies that the Singapore government has adopted, which were initially proposed by the WP. Mr Singh emphasized the importance of a balanced political system and the need for an opposition presence. Despite facing information asymmetries, Mr Singh affirms the Workers’ Party’s committment to raising alternative proposals and defending the interests of Singaporeans and Singapore.