Marcus Ching (Page 2)

Singapore’s Democratic Party ( SDP ) stated on Friday ( Apr 25 ) that the current influx of foreigners is “unsustainable” and that Prime Minister Lawrence Wong must provide a detailed plan for “what he sees as the optimal population size for Singapore.”

He says,” We will carefully manage the inflow, not just motherhood statements, like we must welcome foreigners. No, this is not a straw man debate, according to SDP leader Chee Immediately Juan.

He claimed that the SDP did not want to” close our doors” or” to seek zero immigration.”

We are arguing that this nation is harmed by the sheer size of immigrants we are allowing in. And it is untenable, added Dr. Chee.

On Friday, SDP candidates and party leaders sat down for a speech at Beacon Primary School in Bukit Panjang Single Member Constituency ( SMC). It was SDP’s subsequent election march of the evening and its only one.

The People’s Action Party ( PAP ) incumbent Mr. Liang Eng Hwa is being replaced by SDP chairman Paul Tambyah in the constituency.

Many of those who spoke on Friday even defended Dr. Chee moving to Sembawang West SMC, which Health Minister Ong Ye Kung had earlier questioned.

This General Election, SDP will field 11 prospects in four divisions: Bukit Panjang SMC, Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, Sembawang GRC, and Sembawang West SMC.

IMMIGRATION

In its statement, the SDP has stated its opposition to multiculturalism. With a “talent record plan,” it wants to put Singaporeans first in the labor to make sure that only unusual professionals with skills and certifications that have been subject to rigorous testing can work in Singapore.

Dr. Chee emphasized on Friday night that the SDP is no “anti-foreigner.”

We as Singaporeans don’t demonize or dehumanize our customers. Because we are Singaporeans, we are better than that. We will address each and every member of Singapore with dignity, respect, and compassion.

We are fighting against a stranger, not a stranger. We are questioned by the PAP’s absurd, careless immigration policy. ”

He claimed that emigration in Singapore was an “existential issue.”

Our issues with mental heath, cost of living, overcrowding, environmental degradation, and overall quality of life will all get worse if we continue to allow the PAP to infuse more immigrants. ”

SDP Members of Parliament ( MPs ) would work with the government to assimilate and foster harmony with newcomers and foreigners in Singapore, according to Dr. Chee.

However, that does not allow the PAP to continue bringing in more foreign nationals. We must be more prudent and sincere with our immigration legislation. ”

Continue Reading

The Progress Singapore Party ( PSP) has called the increase in the Goods and Services Tax ( GST ) “uncompassionate,” and that statement, according to party leader Leong Mun Wai, “uncompassionate.”

He made an assertion to reporters on Friday ( Apr 25 ) that opposition parties were unfair in presenting Singapore’s 2023 and 2024 GST increases.

Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam stated on Thursday that the GST is intended to “take from the best” and disperse across the population, a fact that the criticism may likewise properly indicate. Mr. Shanmugam said,” I think it’s important you make that clear more than suggest items that are only partially accurate.” &nbsp,

Mr. Leong responded that the government approved the parliament increases while Singaporeans were also dealing with COVID-19 and rising global prices.

He called that a “very insensitive” way of setting plans.

” The government keeps saying, Mr. Leong, or the criticism is no telling the whole truth,” the statement continues. But isn’t that the complete facts, then?” He inquired.

You must respond to me first. Are you attentive by bulldozing the GST increase in 2022? Have you taken into account what Singaporeans require?”

Reporters even inquired about Desmond Lee’s remarks regarding PSP’s plan to exempt GST on necessary items like rice, water, and formula milk.

Mr. Lee claimed on Friday that higher-income groups in society may benefit more from eliminating the GST on essential goods than lower-income organizations, and that those with higher incomes may purchase the goods in bulk.

He claimed that the government has stated “many days” before that the majority of individuals are not expecting the same result.

Mr. Leong claimed that it might be challenging to implement in different nations where the business is bigger. Singapore, he noted, is smaller and has a more effective method.

We think that in Singapore we can adopt a Taxpayer system that allows us to waive the most necessary items.

WARM Greeting

During a walkabout on Friday, some persons came to Mr. Leong’s door and hand him hugs and well-wishes. Along with&nbsp, own West Coast-Jurong West GRC member Sani Ismail, and other participants, he was handing out gathering brochures near Lakeside MRT.

One person actually patiently waited for Mr. Leong to finish speaking with the press so he could get his own.

Continue Reading

The Infocomm Media Development Authority ( IMDA ) has directed Meta to censor the access to several instances of foreigners posting online election ads ( OEA ) on Facebook. &nbsp,

The Ministry of Home Affairs ( MHA ) and Elections Department Singapore ( ELD ) stated in a statement on Friday ( Apr 25 ) that they had identified a “number of foreigners” attempting to influence this General Election, which will see Singaporeans going to the polls on May 3. &nbsp,

” Religion and politics must not be combined.” Singapore is a liberal nation, the joint statement continued.

As we have seen in other nations with culture- or religion-based politics, “incorporating religion will undermine social cohesion and tranquility.”

Foreigners taking part in or publishing OEAs is a crime under the Parliamentary Elections Act ( PEA ), they added. &nbsp,

Any website content that can “reasonably” be interpreted as intended to advance or undercut a democratic party’s or candidate’s chances of winning the election is referred to as OEA in accordance with the PEA.

Europeans are prohibited from influencing Singapore’s elections in any way, according to the speech. &nbsp,

Singapore must be the ones to decide Singapore’s elections.

The government claimed in its assertion that the OEA it had directed Meta to stop had been posted by:

• Iskandar Abdul Samad, the national treasurer of Parti Islam Se-Malaysia ( PAS ),
• Zulfikar Mohamad Shariff, a Facebook user, was referred to as” Zai Nal.”
• Mohamed Sukri Omar, children leader of PAS Selangor, reposted Mr. Zulfikar’s article.

People in Singapore can no longer access the posts, which criticized choices made by the ruling authorities and expressed support for some candidates running in GE2025. &nbsp,

MHA and ELD also referred to two reports that appeared in the PAS email, one of which named a number of Malay criticism candidates running for GE2025 and outlined their educational and professional background. The other criticized Singapore’s cover policies, citing immigration as a cause.

According to the government, Mr. Zulfikar is an American national who renounced his citizenship in Singapore in 2020. &nbsp,

According to the statement, Mr. Zulfikar had been detained in 2016 under the Internal Security Act for his online “promotion of terrorism” and the glory of the terrorist organization Islamic State of Iraq and Syria ( ISIS), adding that his behavior” contributed to the radicalization of at least two other Singapore.” &nbsp,

Mr. Zulfikar had urged Muslims to “reject the legal, liberal, democratic state in favor of an Islamic state governed by Syariah rules” and use force as necessary to accomplish this goal, according to the statement. &nbsp,

Mr. Zulfikar alleged that some Malay-Muslim MPs had failed to reflect the community’s interests in the problem and that the local Muslim neighborhood did not require another Malay MP who did not represent their sights. &nbsp,

” These articles are intended for Singaporeans. They interfere with our nation’s private affairs, which are reserved for the citizens of that country. They have resulted in more social media postings of a similar nature, the government continued, and they also urge Singaporeans to cast ballots along racial and religious lines. &nbsp,

Numerous posts on Facebook, Reddit, Instagram, and Strands that mixed politics and religion have recently made the rounds electronically.

For instance, Noor Deros, an Islamist spiritual teacher, posted a list of requirements for democratic parties in Singapore in a Facebook post. He claimed that only the Workers ‘ Party ( WP ) responded to him. &nbsp, &nbsp,

He later stated in a later article that if the WP “does not listen to the common demands of the Muslim community to accept the normalization of LGBTQ and target other big concerns, then I urge that we vote for the candidate, not the party.”

He claimed in another post that Masagos Zulkifli, the minister in charge of Arab affairs, had failed to defend the rights and interests of the Malay-Muslim population.

Additionally, a netizen named “queenkard” started a Reddit thread where they posted a Twitter post that urged Tampines residents to “fight for a strong Islamic society” and was written by another person.

The government will continue to “engage widely,” MHA and ELD added, though common plan may occasionally require “matters of spiritual problem.”

According to MHA and ELD, all organizations serve all Singaporeans likewise.

We urge all political parties, their individuals, religious organizations, leaders, and public figures to do their part to preserve the priceless cooperation that exists today in Singapore.

Continue Reading

According to Red Dot United ( RDU) secretary-general Ravi Philemon, it will be a difficult task for any of the four new People’s Action Party ( PAP ) contestants to fill the shoes of anchor minister K Shanmugam on Friday ( Apr 25 ). &nbsp,

The 66-year-old, who is leading his RDU staff in the GRC, noted that Mr. Shanmugam, 66, is” never really young.” &nbsp,

He claimed that he is unsure whether Mr. Shanmugam, the minister of laws and home affairs, will leave by the time the next general election, which is anticipated to take place in 2030.

Would any of Mr. Shanmugam’s slate of four in Nee Soon be able to move into his shoes if he “has to withdraw when GE2030 comes”? Philemon inquired,” Mr.

Four beginners make up the PAP stone: Ms. Lee Hui Ying, 36, a communications director, Dr. Syed Harun Alhabsyi, 40, a physician and past Nominated Member of Parliament, Mr. Jackson Lam, 40, a producer of a cleanup and pest control company, and Ms. Goh Hanyan, 39, a former chairman at the Ministry of Digital Development and Information.

Mr. Philemon acknowledged that while some of the PAP beginners have ground-based experience and have walked the earth, they are also “fresh encounters.” &nbsp,

It’s a strong call for the people to make because” the people do not know who they are, they have not shown who they are,” he said. &nbsp,

Mr. Philemon, who was addressing writers before a haywire at the five-member GRC, pointed out that he is ten years his junior.

” I may assure people that I will be with them for at least the next ten to fifteen years, that they can develop a partnership with me, and that Nee Quickly will serve as a beacon of hope for Singapore,” he said.

He noted that there have been ministers who have” come and go” since Mr. Shanmugam’s emergence from politics in 1988.

Dr. David Foo, 60, a business scientist, Mr. Pang Heng Chuan, 56, Ms. Sharon Lin, 40, a top IT expert, and Dr. Syed Alwi Ahmad, 56, a teacher and philosophical physicist, were among the speakers during the second time of campaigning. &nbsp,

The RDU party greeted the internet by handing out flyers and shaking hands with the customers at restaurants and bars along Upper Thomson Road. &nbsp,

A” TIRED OLD ARGUMENT” IS REDISTRIBUTED FOR GST.

The goods and services tax ( GST ) system is intended to take “from the top” and redistribute across the population, according to Mr. Philemon’s response on Thursday.

RDU stated previously that it would also call for the GST to be reduced to 7 %, as this would encourage more money to be put into the hands of the population.

Mr. Philemon continued, noting that when the rich pay GST, they do but “from the soft change that they have,” but that when the poor give,” they give from what they hardly have or what they don’t have.”

He noted that while “you spend Taxpayer everyday,” the government distributes GST vouchers to offset the effects of the tax several times per year.

” I believe this is a rehashed debate,” said Mr. Philemon. The debate has been ongoing since the 1990s, when the GST was first introduced. It’s not revolutionary.

OTHER Functions ‘ Connection

When asked what he thought about Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC being a walkover this election, Mr. Philemon said he did not want to comment on the Workers ‘ Party’s ( WP ) surprise decision to not run there.

The different political parties could have done what the Workers ‘ Party could have done, he said, as much as the Workers ‘ Party could choose where they want to challenge or not want to battle.

He was referring to the RDU’s decision to not challenge Jalan Kayu SMC, which would allow WP member Andre Low to square off against PAP’s Ng Chee Meng.

He said,” We have a friendship, we reached out, and they spoke to us.” Therefore, regardless of whether the opposition or the ruling party, I believe it is crucial to form connection with the other political parties.

“IT’S TIME TO CHANGE”

In Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, RDU individuals were also serving the breakfast group at nearby espresso shops along Toh Guan Road. &nbsp,

Citizens were greeted by Mr. Osman Sulaiman, Mr. Marcus Neo, Ms. Liyana Dhamirah, and Mr. Ben Puah as they chanted that their votes counted.

People on the ground have been very nice and receptive to the team, according to Mr. Osman&nbsp. Sulaiman, who spoke to journalists.

” We have to persuade the citizens that something needs to change, and we must do it without thinking.” The old problems are still relevant today, he continued, 20 years after that.

The director of the waste management company noted that issues raised in parliament are subject to more attention if RDU is elected in a parliament where the PAP also holds the majority of the chairs.

They may cover all when there isn’t enough opposition in congress, like perhaps only the Workers ‘ Party. But when there are more opposition parties in parliament,” we may look at more of their plans, ask some questions, and then get information from them,” he continued.

” The problem has always been that the PAP keeps holding back information, making it impossible for us to speak openly about problems that subject.” I suppose the state will have to release some figures that we can look into with more pressure.

On Saturday, RDU will hold its first ever real march at Bukit View Secondary School.

Continue Reading

However, Mr. Wong stated that he wanted to make a “personal appeal” as both the excellent minister and the PAP secretary-general.

The battle will not be between the criticism and the PAP after the dust settles from the plan. Singapore will face off against the rest of the world, which is a tumultuous world with a lot of external threats and challenges,” he said.

In these uncertain times, Mr. Wong said the outcome of the election will determine how effective the next government is at serving Singaporeans and how willing to “forge a fresh path forward up.”

” I’ve had the honor of serving you as your primary secretary for the past month. I have a responsibility to do my best to help you, your people, and our country, he said.

Mr. Wong said that his “foremost duty” will be to work with his team to join Singaporeans, safeguard their lives, and secure the country’s future if the PAP once again wins the Singaporeans ‘ mandate.

He continued,” I won’t gamble with your life, your job, or your well-being.”

The magnitude of this responsibility is known to every part of my staff. This is our responsibility and promises to you. This is our social novel will and commitment.

WHO CONSTITUTES THE GOVERNMENT AS” EXISTENTIAL QUESTION”?

The “world is shifting beneath our foot,” according to Mr. Wong, as tensions between big powers rise and foreign trade and cooperation become outdated.

” In brief, the external forces that have for generations supported our survival, security, and success are now disintegrating,” he said.

Mr. Wong compared this to 1960, when Singapore split from Malaysia, and again in 1968, when American forces withdrew, allowing it to live on its own.

” Who forms your authorities today is a question of existence. It’s not just about elections. It’s about whether we can find a way to live in a changed world, he said.

Mr. Wong outlined the PAP’s goal from the beginning: to safeguard Singapore’s autonomy, improve Singapore ‘ life, and ensure a better future for everyone.

” We have made a non-wavering commitment to support you, help you, and support you.” You will always be at the center of what we do, he declared.

According to Mr. Wong, the government has done more to assist Singaporeans in coping with rising cost pressures, worries that have grown as a result of the Middle East and Ukraine’s conflict, and that have grown worse as a result.

This is why, according to him, the Budget this year included a complete aid package that would include methods like CDC tickets, SG60 tickets, cash payouts, and utilities rebates that would be implemented in the upcoming months.

The authorities had also established an Economic Endurance Taskforce, led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, to address the current economic and trade uncertainty.

” We are carefully monitoring the situation,” the statement read. We will do more to help businesses, employees, and families if things get worse, according to Mr. Wong.

A “FRESH TEAM” TO IMPLEMENT SINGAPORE

He said that the PAP government may often look ahead to make plans for and get Singaporeans ready for the future, even as it assists Singaporeans in coping with their immediate financial concerns.

This includes continuing to supply” health traps” when setbacks occur, he said, while reducing “excessive pressure and stress” for children and youths and reducing “excessive pressure and stress.”

Mr. Wong also pledged to improve the quality of life in Singapore by providing” strong help” for small and large communities as well as “affordable and available” public housing. &nbsp,

The government will continue to make sure that everyone can access high-quality care, with a emphasis on proactive care to keep elderly active and healthy, he said.

” We want a Singapore where opportunities abound and no one is left behind,” said Mr. Wong.

These reflect the dreams you have expressed to us, in addition to many of our engagements with Forward Singapore. We are working diligently to make these shared dreams come true.

Mr. Wong argued that the PAP needs to re-energize its group and employ competent individuals with dignity and the desire to function, some of whom will help create a “new generation of leaders.”

Our staff may combine knowledge with fresh viewpoints and concepts. He continued,” Singapore needs a new team to take it ahead.”

Continue Reading

A Constitution of the Republic of Singapore ( Amendment ) Bill was introduced on March 21, 2023, which established a legislative framework to better combat new psychoactive substances, according to the Hansard.

This was introduced in addition to the Misuse of Drugs ( Amendment ) Bill, which proposed harsher penalties for offenders who possessed a large amount of specific Class A controlled drugs, such as cocaine or cannabis.

A Hansard poll revealed that 67 MPs voted in favor of the revisions, with no objections or nays. At the Mar 21 vote, seven WP MPs were manifest, including Mr. Dennis Tan, Mr. Gerald Giam, Mr. He Ting Ru, Mr. Jamus Lim, Ms. Sylvia Lim, Mr. Leon Perera, Mr. Pritam Singh, and Mr. Dennis Tan.

At least 63 of the 93 elected Members in the 14th congress needed to support the article, which is required for constitutional amendments.

Mr. Singh even mentioned the group’s ability to run city authorities” as well as the PAP does,” which benefits both Singaporeans and the group.

He cited the Ministry of National Development’s report that showed how the town councils of Aljunied-Hougang and Sengkang received the highest possible standing in town council management reports from last year.

He claimed that the WP has led Hougang SMC and Aljunied GRC for 34 years, brought experience from those regions to Sengkang GRC, and added five more years of experience. &nbsp,

The WP will use our city government experience to effectively assist our current and new constituencies, according to the WP.

Continue Reading

Mr. Philemon questioned whether paying” top dollar” for public apartments was fair, and how many would eventually be “worth zero” when their 99-year leases expire.

Every Housing and Development Board ( HDB) estate must be eligible for redevelopment, according to the party’s proposal. Additionally, it wants to expand rent-to-own programs and expand the availability of common rental accommodation, particularly for young songs and low-income families.

” Housing is not just about purchasing,” It’s about being different. No Singaporean may be concerned about aging under a ceiling that is deteriorating, according to the RDU chief during the broadcast. &nbsp,

The group suggests reorganizing MediFund, expanding MediShield Life, and capsing out-of-pocket expenses on the healthcare front. &nbsp,

” Healthcare shouldn’t be a pity. According to Mr. Philemon, it should be a promise. &nbsp,

He added that the party may give citizens more consideration when it came to enclosure, employment, and opportunities, and that it would prefer contributions over connections.

” You shouldn’t be treated like second-class people just because you weren’t born into pleasure, if you’ve worked tight, served the state, and paid your taxes,” he continued. &nbsp,

A “fairer Singapore” may be built without faith, Mr. Philemon said toward the end of the spread.

More raw data and information, whether for cover, heath, or employment, may be made available to the public, according to the party, so that Singaporeans you get involved in solving the problems they share together.

We must revisit regulations that restrict critical thinking and open conversation in a knowledge-based business. The secretary-general remarked,” We can’t be afraid of difficult inquiries.”

In the end, Mr. Philemon argued that RDU supports a Singapore where” no one is left behind” and where respect is not only “reserved for the wealthy.”

Continue Reading

The alliance would also fight to abolish the Goods and Services Tax ( GST ) on all but essential items like food, groceries, utilities, education, healthcare, and medical services. Additionally, it demanded that 65 and older people use completely public transportation. &nbsp,

Mr. Lim, who addressed public housing, stated that PAR would fight to prevent permanent people from purchasing selling Housing and Development Board ( HDB) cottages, which he claimed had caused an “astronomical spike” in selling prices in his conversation.

He claimed that the rise in resale prices “pulls the Build-to-Order ( BTO ) prices along” also. &nbsp,

There is no way to say that the BTOs are cheap when many people only have access to them through substantial government subsidies.

He continued, adding that Line would work to gradually lower property prices for BTOs so they can once again be inexpensive for Singaporeans. &nbsp,

Mr. Lim ended his speech by asking the audience the four questions that the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan, had posed to Americans during the 1980 political strategy.

Are you doing better than you did five years ago? Is it now simpler for you to purchase products from stores than it was five years ago? Do you have more national pride than it did five years ago? Do you still be as proud of your state as you were five years ago?

The Line main said,” We think a lot of you will respond to these questions in the bad.”

He urged voters to “take up” what they have on the election day, May 3; he also urged people to “reject the PAP,” referring to the state as having “taken too much from you and given too little in profit.”

In a three-cornered battle between Alex Yeo of the PAP and Williamson Lee of the Singapore People’s Party, Mr. Lim will square off against Potong Pasir SMC. &nbsp,

Continue Reading