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.

President Halimah says Govt will help SGs enjoy golden years by enhancing retirement adequacy but reality shows otherwise

In her speech at the opening of the second session of the 14th Parliament, President Halimah Yacob emphasized the importance of strengthening Singapore’s social fabric to ensure that every citizen has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. One of the government’s priorities is to strengthen the social safety nets to enable Singaporeans to cope with uncertainties at every stage of life. However, many elderly Singaporeans still work after retirement as the CPF retirement saving scheme does not provide enough money for them to survive. Recently, a netizen shared a photo on Facebook showing an 86-year-old HDB block cleaner still working, sparking criticism fro

Singapore president’s opening speech reflects what 4G leadership intends to do for their remaining term

Singapore’s President Halimah Yacob called for constructive dialogue and trust in government, addressing climate change and ensuring a more inclusive and open meritocracy. Analysts suggest Mdm Halimah’s speech aims to address the social divide and advocate for more initiatives to facilitate a broader and meritocratic society. However, since Mdm Halimah’s role is custodial and cannot advance her own policy agenda,, her speech should be deemed as a reflection of what the 4G leadership intends to do for their remaining term.

Singapore president highlights challenges and priorities in post-COVID world in opening speech for parliament

Singapore’s President Halimah Yacob highlighted the government’s priorities in the opening speech for the 14th parliament, including expanding opportunities for all, improving social safety nets, building a green city, and strengthening collective responsibility. She also praised the 4G leadership team for their handling of the COVID-19 crisis and urged them to work closely with citizens to write the next chapter of Singapore’s story.

Over 1 million European lawyers stand in solidarity with M Ravi, petition Singapore President to revoke suspension

The President of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), Panagiotis Perakis, has written a letter to the President of Singapore, Mdm Halimah Yacob, expressing concerns over the recent suspension of human rights lawyer Mr M. Ravi and petitioning her to do everything in her power to address the unjust suspension against him. The CCBE represents the bars and law societies of 46 countries and over 1 million European lawyers. They place great emphasis on respect for human rights and the rule of law, and are particularly concerned with the situation of human rights defenders around the world. CCBE urges President Halimah to drop the charges against Mr Ravi, citing the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers. Commenting on the letter by CCBE, Mr Ravi said that he is glad to have received the support and solidarity of over 1 million lawyers across Europe on his unjust suspension. “I urge lawyers in Singapore to stand up for their rights as the confidence in the Bar is being eroded with the profession being cowed into fear.”

President Halimah: India and SG have forged even closer ties underpinned by strong people-to-people bonds

Indian media Economic Times gave a rosy coverage yesterday (15 Aug) to…

Greater resources and support needed for schools and parents of students with mental health issues: Halimah Yacob

Greater resources and support are needed for schools and parents of students…

Why has the President not ordered a COI for the Government’s handling of COVID-19?

Our President is meant to sit above politics and act as a…

PM Lee urges people to get vaccinated in CNY message; notes that 250,000 have received first vaccine dose

250,000 people have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with…

President Halimah Yacob urges Singaporeans to get vaccinated in CNY message

President Halimah Yacob has urged all Singaporeans to get vaccinated against COVID-19…