19 trees with 1-metre girth and 24 trees cut down at Ministers’ rented bungalows at 26 and 31 Ridout Road

Significant tree felling occurred at Ministers’ rented bungalows, with 19 and 24 large trees removed at 26 and 31 Ridout Road respectively,

PM Lee defends Ministers amidst bungalow rental allegations, professes integrity of Singapore’s political system

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong asserts his confidence in Ministers K. Shanmugam and V. Balakrishnan, following a corruption probe revealing no misconduct. He emphasized the clean wage policy and personal choice in living arrangements for Singapore’s ministers. When queried by Pritam Singh, Leader of the Opposition, if there could be a better way to handle similar situations in the future, PM Lee noted that the issue of ministers instructing civil servants wasn’t public knowledge until it was disclosed in the report. “My view is he (Mr Shanmugam) could have done it a different way. He could have done it this way. He has given the House the reasons why he did it this way.I think those are cogent reasons, which I accept.” said PM Lee.

Snakes, sacrifice and snatching victory from Ridout controversy

In a recent Parliamentary session, the People’s Action Party (PAP) deflected allegations of conflict of interest regarding ministers’ rental of Ridout estates. Augustine Low opines on how PAP, through strategic responses, turned controversy into victory, demonstrating their adherence to stringent standards of integrity and propriety and closing the case.

Charles Yeo’s allegations on career progression of Minister Shanmugam’s son geoblocked in Singapore

Singaporean asylum seeker Charles Yeo’s allegations regarding the career progression of Minister Shanmugam’s son have unexpectedly been geoblocked in Singapore, sparking further controversy in the ongoing Ridout saga.

Why did the Ministers get their wives to sign the tenancy agreements for Ridout Road properties?

Opinion: Despite clearing Ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan of corruption, questions remain: Why were their wives, who seemingly do not meet the necessary financial criteria, permitted to rent state properties at Ridout Road? According to the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) bidding form, an individual bidder should have an average monthly income at least three times the bid rent. In this instance, Mrs Shanmugam and Mrs Balakrishnan would need to earn $79,500 and $57,000 per month, respectively, to qualify as bidders under these criteria. However, while it appears that both wives fall short of these income requirements, their husbands would meet the criteria. This discrepancy prompts the question: Why did the wives sign the tenancy agreements, and why didn’t the SLA ask the Ministers to be the ones officially listed as the bidders?

Public questions arise over the Ridout Road saga involving two Singaporean ministers

In response to TOC’s request, an array of public questions concerning the rental of two state properties on Ridout Road by Ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan has been compiled. These inquiries delve into topics like rental costs, renovations, environmental impact, and ethical considerations.

Peoples Voice chief Lim Tean voices concerns over historic tree felling at 26 and 31 Ridout Road

Peoples Voice Chief, Lim Tean, criticizes ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan for extensive historic tree felling at their residences, questioning government’s ‘go green’ messaging. “If a person does not like trees or cannot tolerate the thought that there might be snakes or mosquitoes in the vicinity of his house, he has no business living in a B&W (Black & White Bungalow),” wrote Mr Lim.

Public policy veteran highlights potential conflict of interest in Ridout Road rental controversy

Amid the escalating discussion surrounding the rental of two colonial bungalows on Ridout Road, public policy expert Gan Swee Leong has brought attention to a potential conflict of interest, given the unique reporting relationship between the Singapore Land Authority, the government’s landlord, and the Ministry of Law.

Ridout minister predicted that Singapore “will never be the same” without Lee Kuan Yew

Opinion: Post-Lee Kuan Yew’s era, Singapore has witnessed dramatic changes, including numerous scandals and controversies, and an apparent drift from the zero tolerance against corruption policy, marking a departure from the country’s prior decisive leadership.

Senior Counsel Harpreet Singh Nehal’s commentary on alleged violations of Ministerial Code of Conduct

In a critical commentary published by Singaporean independent outlet, JOM, Senior Counsel Harpreet Singh voiced concern over potential violations of Singapore’s Ministerial Code of Conduct, with regard to property leases by two ministers. Mr Singh underlined that perceived independence, robustness, and comprehensive evaluation of the Code are pivotal for the review process’s credibility and validity. His keen insights pose critical questions about potential conflict of interest situations, emphasizing that such situations must not be disregarded in reviews, despite the absence of explicit conflicts.