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Harvey Norman Ossia Founder George Goh announces his intention to run for the Singapore presidency

George Goh, founder of Harvey Norman Ossia, has officially announced his candidacy for the Singapore presidency, confirming earlier rumors. His media team stated that he will run as an independent candidate, emphasizing his lack of political party affiliations or baggage. Coming from a background of poverty, Goh started his entrepreneurial journey at 22 and built a business empire spanning 14 countries. He is known for his philanthropic efforts through the Border Mission Charitable Foundation and also serves as the Singapore Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco.

Elections Department announces applications for Certificate of Eligibility to begin on 13 June

Singapore’s Election Department declared the application for Certificate of Eligibility and community declarations for the open Presidential Election 2023 to begin on 13 June. This comes after President Halimah Yacob’s announcement not to seek re-election, with People’s Action Party’s Tharman Shanmugaratnam announcing his intention to contest in the upcoming Presidential Election. The tightened eligibility criteria from a 2016 amendment leaves only a handful of Singaporeans eligible.

BMW Car Club Singapore apologises as all drivers face summonses for traffic obstruction on Second Penang Bridge

The BMW Car Club Singapore faces criticism for obstructing the Second Penang Bridge with a convoy on last Friday (9 June), resulting in a one-hour traffic jam. A video shared on social media clearly showed the luxury cars occupying not only the two lanes but also the emergency lane. The incident caught the attention of the police, who confirmed their awareness and issued summonses to the drivers involved. The club assured the public of implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Food delivery rider’s cam captured MOS Burger staff losing temper over elderly co-worker’s mistake

A video captured by a food delivery rider’s head camera has gone viral, showing a MOS Burger employee losing his temper after an elderly colleague gave the wrong food to a customer. The footage revealed the employee was slamming doors and making loud noises. Netizens expressed their outrage over the incident, criticizing the manager’s behavior and highlighting the challenges faced by elderly workers in Singapore. MOS Burger has acknowledged the incident, expressed apologies and launched an internal investigation to address the matter.

Tharman expresses desire for contest in upcoming presidential election

Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, preparing to run in the upcoming presidential election, stresses his desire for a contest at an event on Sunday and assures his independence from the People’s Action Party (PAP) if elected. Speaking to local media, Mr Tharman downplayed concerns that his popularity may deter other potential candidates. “We have to see who comes up. But I certainly much prefer a contest,” he said, adding that he embraces competition as an opportunity to prove himself. “Having a contest is important for me. I much rather win or lose with the contest.” His candidacy sparks criticism, particularly from Reform Party’s Secretary General, Kenneth Jeyaretnam, who highlights potential conflicts of interest arising from Tharman’s extensive governmental roles.

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.

Soh Rui Yong excluded from Asian Games due to social media comments regarding past controversies and SNOC’s President, Tan Chuan Jin

Soh Rui Yong, a successful Singaporean long-distance runner, is excluded from the upcoming Asian Games by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC). Despite qualifying for the event, his public feud with SNOC, and social media comments deemed inappropriate, led to this decision. SNOC’s stance is fuelled by Soh’s ongoing criticism, including remarks about the SNOC’s president, Mr Tan Chuan Jin.