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Leong Mun Wai says more voices needed in Parliament; One-third opposition seats possible with public support

At a press conference on last Saturday, Progress Singapore Party’s Secretary-General, Leong Mun Wai, discussed potential political alliances and the party’s ambitions for the upcoming general elections. Though discussions with other parties are yet to take place, Leong noted the potential benefits of forming an alliance. Addressing the party’s past electoral performance, he emphasized the need to increase the number of elected PSP members. He also highlighted the importance of garnering sufficient support on the ground, and proposed that the opposition should hold approximately one-third of the parliamentary seats.

Leong Mun Wai responds to ‘confrontational’ label: Pursuing answers is a Parliamentarian’s duty

Addressing the critique of his ‘confrontational’ parliamentary style, Progress Singapore Party Secretary-General, Leong Mun Wai emphasises his commitment to obtaining answers. He believes that asking follow-up questions and persisting for definitive answers are core duties of a parliamentarian. Mr Leong invites Singaporeans to judge whether his approach is confrontational while Dr Tan Cheng Bock, PSP founder, stresses that Mr Leong’s style is merely distinct, focused on eliciting answers rather than instigating confrontations.

PSP founder Dr Tan Cheng Bock expresses readiness to run as a candidate in the upcoming GE

Dr Tan Cheng Bock, the founder and chairman of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), stated his readiness to run in the upcoming General election (GE) during a press conference on Saturday (27 May).

Myanmar rapper arrested for criticism of junta

A rapper in Myanmar, Byu Har, known for criticizing the military junta, has been arrested on charges of spreading propaganda. In a Facebook video, he criticized the junta’s handling of power outages and compared it unfavorably to the previous civilian government. Byu Har’s arrest is part of the junta’s broader crackdown on dissent, which has seen the arrest of thousands of individuals, including artists and celebrities. The power blackouts have further exacerbated the economic hardship caused by the military coup.

Online petition calls for Committee of Inquiry (COI) to investigate Ridout Road saga

The recent Ridout Road saga, involving properties occupied by Cabinet Ministers, has raised concerns among Singaporeans. The ongoing independent review led by a colleague of the ministers has been criticized for lacking independence and credibility. The Workers’ Party has raised parliamentary questions and called for a clearer explanation. An online petition has been initiated, urging the government to establish a Committee of Inquiry (COI) composed of opposition members and/or retired high court judges to ensure a fair and impartial investigation. Netizens highlight the need for government accountability, transparency, and the inclusion of independent members in the COI.

President Halimah Yacob announces decision not to seek re-election

President Halimah Yacob has decided not to run for re-election, expressing her gratitude for serving as Singapore’s eighth President. The upcoming presidential election, which is open to candidates of all races, must be called by 13 September, with incumbent Mdm Halimah’s six-year term expiring on that day. So far, the People’s Action Party (PAP) has not revealed its preferred candidate for the presidential election.

Thirteen in court over 2019 storming of Hong Kong legislature

Thirteen people are on trial in Hong Kong for storming the city’s legislature in 2019, marking a significant challenge to the Beijing-backed government. The incident was part of the pro-democracy protests that engulfed Hong Kong, with millions participating in marches and sit-ins. Seven defendants pleaded guilty to rioting charges, while the remaining six face additional charges carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The trial is expected to last 44 days. Over 10,000 individuals were arrested during the 2019 protests, and a national security law implemented in 2020 further curtailed dissent.

Undefeated Erdogan extends two-decade rule in Turkey runoff

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan secured a historic runoff election victory, extending his rule until 2028. Overcoming economic crisis and a powerful opposition alliance, Erdogan called for national unity while celebrating his win. World leaders congratulated him, but concerns remain over his consolidation of power and the country’s economy.

Kuching High Court dismisses pro-independence activists’ suit challenging validity of Malaysia Agreement 1963

The Kuching High Court in Sarawak, Malaysia, dismissed a suit last Thursday which challenged the validity of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Judicial Commissioner Alexander Siew How Wai ruled that the suit lacked a reasonable cause of action and was misconceived. He emphasized that the Federal Constitution establishes Sabah and Sarawak as part of Malaysia, and any changes would require two-thirds majority parliamentary approval and the consent of Sabah and Sarawak. The judge also ordered the plaintiffs to pay costs amounting to RM10,000. The suit was filed in March 2022 by 11 Sarawakians seeking declarations on the agreement’s legality and the decolonization process.

“Much commendable” if Supreme Court judges to lead the Ridout Road saga’s review, says Senior Counsel Harpreet Singh

Senior Counsel Harpreet Singh Nehal addressed the Ridout Road controversy, emphasizing that the credibility of the government’s review depends on full disclosure of all facts and perceived independence of the review. He suggested appointing respected current or retired Supreme Court judges to lead the review, ensuring impartiality and credibility. Mr Singh underlined the importance of transparency, fairness, and the avoidance of perceived special treatment in transactions involving ministers or their family members.