Browsing Tag

Vivian Balakrishnan

51 posts

“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.

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.

Lee Hsien Yang suggests possible breach of ministerial code over bungalow rentals

Mr Lee Hsien Yang, in his latest Facebook post, indicates a potential violation of the Ministerial Code of Conduct, spotlighting the rental of colonial bungalows by Ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan and calling attention to possible conflicts of interest

Just how much are the Ministers paying for their black-and-white colonial bungalows?

Questions surround the residences of Minister for Home Affairs and Law, K Shanmugam, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan, amidst recent social media posts by Kenneth Jeyaretnam. As debate swirls about whether these ministers are paying below market value for their grand colonial bungalows on Ridout Road, Singaporeans await the upcoming July parliamentary session for answers from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) about the true cost of ministerial living.

Calls for Commission of Inquiry into Singapore Land Authority property rentals to ministers from opposition leaders

Kenneth Jeyaretnam and Lim Tean are calling for a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to probe the rental of state-owned properties to Cabinet Ministers Shanmugam and Balakrishnan, raising concerns about conflicts of interest, transparency, rental valuation, property maintenance, and ecological impact.

Punching a hole in the PAP’s image as prudent and frugal

The recent controversy over ministers occupying colonial bungalows on Ridout Road has shattered the carefully cultivated image of the People’s Action Party (PAP) as a party of prudence and frugality. The narrative of PAP politicians cherishing simplicity and eschewing extravagance has been undermined by the sight of ministers living in ostentatious homes with sprawling grounds. It confirms what many have suspected all along – our ministers are the elite of the country, enjoying power, prestige, and wealth. They may claim to be servants of the people, but their actions puncture their own self-proclaimed image.

Vivian who lives in colonial bungalow once asked if PA recipients want 3 meals in hawker centre, food court or restaurant

Vivian Balakrishnan’s past comments on public assistance resurface as he questions the needs of the poor. In a parliamentary debate, he engaged in a discussion about the living conditions and meal entitlements for public assistance recipients. Now residing in a spacious colonial bungalow, it remains uncertain if his perspective on PA entitlements has evolved since then.

Were the trees at ministers’ rented estates cleared with permission and by whom?

Recent social media posts by Reform Party Secretary-General Kenneth Jeyaretnam have ignited a public debate about the residences of Ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan. Questions are being raised about the fairness of the auction process for these colonial bungalows and the potential environmental impact of cutting down trees in these estates. The upcoming Parliament sitting in July is expected to address these concerns and provide answers from the Singapore Land Authority and the Ministers themselves.

Singapore Land Authority confirms cabinet ministers’ occupation of colonial bungalows amid rental controversy

The Singapore Land Authority has confirmed that Cabinet Ministers K. Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan are tenants of two prime colonial bungalows on Ridout Road. The revelation follows concerns raised by opposition politician Kenneth Jeyaretnam about the affordability of such properties for the ministers and the transparency of the rental process. Further details are expected in the forthcoming Parliament session in July.