Browsing Tag

K Shanmugam

86 posts

Who resides at 24 Ridout Road? Why was the greenery cleared along with 26 Ridout?

Simultaneous land clearance at 24 and 26 Ridout Road, rented by Minister K Shanmugam, provokes speculation. Could the residents at 24 Ridout Road be connected to the Minister? Repeated requests for clarification about the residents of 24 Ridout Road to the SLA have been met with silence.

Vivian and Shanmugam had differences but became neighbours at Ridout bungalows eventually

In a historical debate from 1990, now-Ministers Balakrishnan and Shanmugam clashed over the government’s questioning of Singaporean loyalty. While Balakrishnan challenged the government’s approach, Shanmugam defended it as an attempt to face hard realities. Despite this contentious past, both men later found common ground in the People’s Action Party and even neighbours now.

Warning of the dangers of inequality, Minister Shanmugam said the richest in bungalow and the poorest in HDB flat are not more than 15 mins away

Opinion piece: Minister K Shanmugam warned in 2018 about the dangers of inequality in Singapore and its potential to fracture society. He highlighted the proximity of extreme wealth and poverty, emphasizing that the richest and poorest are just 15 minutes apart. It is puzzling, then, that Minister Shanmugam chose to occupy a massive government-owned colonial bungalow, drawing attention to the stark disparity he had spoken against. Has he considered the message this sends to Singaporeans struggling to make ends meet?

Humble Ministers’ Abode or Palatial Retreat? A Closer Look at the Ministers’ Black-and-White Houses

The grandeur of the estates occupied by Singapore’s Cabinet Ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan, the Singapore Land Authority’s role in its maintenance and upgrades, and extensive tree clearance starkly contrast with the humble image projected by SLA’s latest TikTok videos and Facebook comments for these black-and-white houses. Far from being a humble abode, 26 Ridout Road, previously occupied by Biscuit Baron, Rajan Pillai and now Minister K Shanmugam was once characterized in a 1995 New Paper report as a veritable palace.

Singaporean expresses disappointment as K Shanmugam fails to provide immediate answers over Ridout Road issue

Following allegations surrounding Singaporean Cabinet Ministers Shanmugam and Balakrishnan’s residential properties rented from Singapore Land Authority, PM Lee announced an independent review. However, netizens and life coach Ishhaq Rajoo Jay criticize the response delay, asking why the truth has to wait until Parliament. The ministers’ failure to provide immediate, straightforward answers has raised further discontent, with public questioning their integrity and the necessity for such an elaborate process for truth-telling.

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.

“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.

There’s no need to wait for results of the Ridout estates independent review

Augustine Low critically evaluates the decision to appoint Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean for an “independent review” of Ministers Shanmugam and Balakrishnan, over controversies concerning their residential occupation. Low questions the review’s objectivity, considering the long-term professional relationship between the ministers. He implies an expected conclusion of “ownself exonerate ownself,” challenging the ministers’ reticence in addressing public queries directly.

How Minister K Shanmugam’s response obfuscates the allegations of Ridout estates

Minister for Home Affairs and Law, K Shanmugam, addressed serious allegations about residential properties by requesting an independent review. However, his response seemingly conflates various issues, potentially misrepresenting the allegations. The true concerns aren’t about illegal tree felling or car porch construction, but about whether proper procedures were followed and appropriate permissions were granted. And most importantly whether there was a potential conflict of interest leasing a property from the SLA, an entity the Minister for Law oversees.

Another “ownself check ownself”? Netizens raise concern on “independent” review of rental of Ridout Road properties

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s announcement of an independent review led by Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean into alleged misconduct related to two properties leased by Cabinet Ministers has sparked debate. Online critics question the impartiality of the review, noting that it’s being conducted by a colleague of the ministers involved. There are calls for a Committee of Inquiry (COI) to be instituted instead, asserting that this would ensure a more transparent investigation into the public-interest case.