CNA Explains: What is ‘lawfare’, and how is Singapore cracking down on abuse of its legal system?

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How can exposure be balanced against use?

The Singapore government said it would strike a balance between the right for people to file legitimate says in jury and the need to prevent misuse of operation when passing the relevant article Bill.

Those who act with reasonable attention and in good faith would not be penalised, it added. &nbsp,

According to Mr. Pillai, even if a situation were discovered to be without merit, contempt of court would not be immediately equated with the changes.

Such cases would still be handled by being struck out and by imposing value orders, which may require parties to pay for court use.

Another “abusive factors” may be present: For instance, if a claim was made for an illegal purpose, or if it was filed several times or continuously without any basis. &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp,

In crafting the revisions, authorities looked at prior examples, including a situation which led to the judge setting out categories of misuse of operation. The authorities finally narrowed the scope of the new law to include just flagrant violations of the law as contempt. &nbsp,

The amendments do not reduce the level for contempt of court, keeping cases within recently established standards.

Mr. Lau, the attorney, stated that it would be possible and helpful to develop basic guidelines for preventing the abuse of court procedures, but that each case had to be evaluated on its own merits as well. &nbsp, &nbsp,

In light of more such incidents and earlier laws that made justice more visible to the ordinary gentleman, Mr. Tan claimed the Bill was appropriate. &nbsp,

These include the Protection from Harassment Court, the Court Dispute Resolution Tribunal, where a person can file a dispute state against a neighbor, and the Protection from Harassment Court, where a person can apply to stop harassing behavior.

The latter may also impose expenses on the group making the false claims.

” On one hand, they are trying to compromise the rights of individuals, there are a group of people who cannot obtain professionals. Additionally, it is their legal right to decide whether or not to protect themselves. You need to enable this class of people”, said Mr Josephus Tan.

” But on the other hand, you also need to prevent another group of people… from abusing ( the system )”.

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Budget 2025 will ease business costs but challenges remain, say firms and trade associations

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SINGAPORE: Like many in the food and beverage sector, Foreword Coffee has been feeling the heat from escalating company costs, especially for labor.

Co-founder Lim Wei Jie is relieved that some pleasure is coming with the expansion of the Enabling Employment Credit. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated in his Budget 2025 speech on Tuesday ( 18 February ) that the program would be extended until the end of 2028 ).

The scheme provides wage support of up to 20 per cent for workers with disabilities earning below S$ 4, 000 ( US$ 2, 980 ) a month, capped at S$ 400 for each employee.

The pay balances, disbursed on a half-yearly base, have been good for the social organization, which now has 21 workers with disabilities or special needs.

According to Mr. Lim, who founded Foreword Coffee in 2017 to combat social stigma and empower marginalized groups,” Extending the system may continue to support businesses that hire comprehensively and hopefully, encourage more to do so.”

Improvements to the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme, which co-funds available wage rises for lower-wage employees as they upskill and increase job performance, provide additional comfort.

The state will boost its co-funding levels to 40 per cent this year, up from 30 per share. Next time, this will be 20 per share, away from 15 per cent.

With the limited amount of training classes for workers with disabilities, Mr. Lim predicted that Foreword Coffee will be able to pay its employees more, despite the fact that it may not be easy to increase productivity.

” It’s not as easy as bringing in new systems, but whether our employees are able to react to them”, he said. There are very few courses we can send them to right now, but it ends up with a lot of domestic coaching on our own.

On Tuesday, businesses made announcements that included measures to help businesses with rising costs as well as long-term initiatives that aim to promote productivity growth and industrial transformations.

CNA spoke to a number of businesses and business organizations, who generally welcomed these methods, but they also raised fears about how the consequences might be limited in some circumstances.

CORPORATE INCOME TAX Return

A 50 % corporate income tax return may be provided to businesses for another year, according to the announcement. Even if they are not successful, available businesses will also be awarded a S$ 2, 000 cash grant, as long as they are active and employ at least one regional worker by 2024. &nbsp,

A company may receive a maximum of S$ 40, 000 if the full benefit is combined with the tax discount and the grant.

While the measures will help, the impact will vary across businesses, said Mr Ang Yuit, president of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises ( ASME).

The tax return and funds offer will usually benefit successful businesses, he said. For those that are costly, the importance of the money grant, if they are available, will depend on the number of employees.

” If they are a one-man display, the cash award will be a huge help in terms of price defrayment. But if I have more team, a S$ 2, 000 offer isn’t going to support me much in the overall scheme of things”, he said.

” Unfortunately, the last group of companies is the one that needs the most financial aid”.

Mr Ang noted there could have been” a bit more granularity” in how the taxes return and funds offer are administered.

” I can get more money aid but with a cap on the top end if I am not making money and I have three staff members and more.” I believe this will help the businesses that are attempting to keep afloat and are most impacted by rising fees,” he said.

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SOTA students get food poisoning after consuming ready-to-eat meals in Total Defence exercise

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SINGAPORE: After consuming ready-to-eat meals distributed as part of a national preparedness exercise, students from the School of the Arts ( SOTA ) reported symptoms of food poisoning.

As part of Exercise SG Ready, which simulates crises like power outages and food outages as part of the broader Total Defence exercise, meals were distributed on Tuesday ( Feb 18 ). &nbsp,

CNA understands that about 20 kids were affected.

SOTA vice-president Pauline Ann Tan acknowledged accounts of kids feeling sick after eating the ready-to-eat foods and said investigations were being conducted in an email to learners on Wednesday that CNA saw.

” As a precautionary measure, we would like to collect the unconsumed RTE ( ready-to-eat ) meals so that we can follow up on this matter”, she said in the email.

Learners were told to cut the boxes off at the college’s public office on Wednesday. The following morning, those who had brought dishes house were asked to return them.

Those who felt unwell were advised to seek medical attention and inform their course coaches.

An internet with a comparable concept was later sent to individuals ‘ kids.

DIARRHOEA, NAUSEA, VOMITING

The ready-to-eat dishes were developed by food cook SATS for public use in regional emergencies. Exams developed these foods to be stored without refrigeration, consumed at room temperature, and with a shelf life of up to eight weeks, using its expertise in producing military conflict supplies.

There are five different types of meals: meat italian pasta, recipe meat with biryani corn, fish porridge with sweet potatoes and pumpkin, and sweet spicy tomato fish with basmati rice and vegetable marinara pasta.

CNA is aware of the symptoms that some students who ate the meat bolognese pasta had: nausea, diarrhea, and nausea.

CNA has contacted the appropriate authorities for opinion.

As part of the Singapore Food Agency’s ( SFA ) initiative, over 100, 000 students and teachers from more than 90 schools are receiving these ready-to-eat meals as part of the Food Resilience Preparedness Programme.

With over 8, 000 elderly taking part in the 111 participating centers, SFA is also working with the Agency for Integrated Care to deliver the foods to elders at Active Ageing Centers across the beach.

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SingPost to lay off 45 employees in restructuring exercise

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SINGAPORE: Singapore Post will lay off 45 employees as it carries out a “restructuring” exercise, the company said in a statement on Wednesday ( Feb 19 ).

A SingPost spokeswoman said in response to inquiries from CNA that the 45 positions are mostly in commercial support units, with a tiny number coming from the international business unit.

” This choice has not been taken casually. The business has exhausted its options to consider replacement positions within SingPost in regards to the damaged roles, the spokesperson continued.

The organization is “right-size and delegate business functions to its business units” as part of the restructuring process.

” The initiative aims to improve the business models ‘ operating capability by removing duplicate works,” the organization states.

According to SingPost, “prolonged economic challenges facing the company, including intensive competition,” led to the restructuring.

The spokesperson said,” We would like to point out that this program is not related to any previous situations or reporting information.”

Additionally, the spokesperson stated that all affected staff will have access to employment and counseling services.

” Our main concern is maintaining our operations ‘ power and conservation. We are dedicated to treating our people as we would a family approach.

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Small nuclear reactors a viable option for Singapore, but managing waste is key: Energy experts

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SINGAPORE: Advancements in nuclear technology, specifically modular reactors, have made nuclear power a more appropriate opportunity for land-scarce Singapore compared to a decade ago.

However, spectators told CNA that in order to harness this potent source of clean energy, concerns about how to manage nuclear waste and win public support must first be answered.

In his Budget 2025 speech on Tuesday ( Feb. 18 ), Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated that Singapore would research potential nuclear deployment and develop its capabilities in this area.

Given the technologies at the time, a government pre-feasibility research in 2012 determined that nuclear power was impractical for use in Singapore.

A century later, nuclear power appeared in an expert document on Singapore’s energy transition to 2050&nbsp, as&nbsp, a clear alternative that could meet the fuel mix once “technologically intelligent and economically feasible”.

And last year, Singapore signed a” 123 Agreement” on civil nuclear cooperation with the United States after announcing plans to build a pool of about 100 nuclear energy experts in the medium to long run.

Energy experts told CNA that small modular reactors ( SMRs ) are a key innovation that has made this change in stance possible.

Compact and scalable, SMRs are a fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear reactor, and can be prefabricated for easier transport and installation. Their output is about one-third the generating capacity of conventional reactors, or 300 megawatts per unit.

They are also safer, said Mr Somnath Kansabanik, principal at Rystad Energy.

” Gen III and IV reactors, which are newer generations of nuclear technology, feature’ passive safety systems ‘ designed to significantly reduce accident risks”, he said.

SMRs are already in use in China and Russia. The United States, Europe and Britain are also pursuing SMR projects, and corporations like Meta, Google and Amazon have recently announced large investments in nuclear technologies, including SMRs.

In a more personal way, Mr. Kansabanik noted that Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand have joined the US’s program called” Foundation for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology ( FIRS T ) and have begun nuclear feasibility studies.

Advanced SMR technologies are at a “tipping point for becoming commercially viable,” according to Mr. Nick Ash, Southeast Asia energy business leader at Arup.

Nuclear power could enhance Singapore’s energy security and support its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, he noted.

Singapore still relies on natural gas, a fossil fuel, for about 95 per cent of its electricity supply, making it vulnerable to price volatility and supply chain disruptions.

According to Professor Lee Poh Seng, executive director of the Energy Studies Institute, if advanced nuclear technology is made practical, it could account for 10 % of the country’s electricity supply by 2050.

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Firefighters battle hours-long Kranji warehouse blaze; one person taken to hospital

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Around 4 p.m., SCDF reported that the fire was contained, but that the building’s architecture was determined to be fragile.

Autonomous technologies, including four unmanned fire devices and an unmanned aerial vehicle, are used for the firefighting operation to reduce risks to responders.

According to the statement,” Firefighting businesses are still running in the grounds to extinguish the last pockets of deep-seated fires.” &nbsp,

Prior to the fire, SCDF had previously advised the general public to avoid the area, noting that alerts for SGSecure mobile app customers, M1, Star Hub, and Singtel wireless subscribers would have been made for those who lived close by.

Vehicles, FIRE Machines

Both sides of the road leading to the inventory were cordoned off with police audio when CNA arrived at the scene at 2.45pm.

There were at least two vehicles and more than seven SCDF fire vehicles. &nbsp, Another blaze website arrived at the scene at 3.35pm.

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Kinokuniya outlet at Takashimaya ‘right-sizing’; space will include a cafe

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However, Toshin Development stated that the store is “undergoing a area reconfiguration to enhance its book collection while incorporating a lives element.”

This is piece of Books Kinokuniya’s” continued commitment to providing an enriching financial experience”.

Toshin Development noted that” this change includes the addition of a new shop on the same level, giving customers a rejuvenated and interactive environment that complements the store’s offerings.”

The business added that Books Kinokuniya continues to be a “key outlet tenant at Takashimaya Shopping Centre” despite the company’s claim that it “was not able to communicate specific, specific, details regarding the lease.”

Toshin Development stated,” We are excited about this development and think it may improve the overall shopping experience for our customers.”

Ebooks &nbsp, Kinokuniya opened its flagship store at Takashimaya on Aug 8, 1999. The latest business occupies 38, 000 square feet.

It also has another store at Bugis Junction. &nbsp,

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Police aiming for 2 election rally sites for each GRC, 1 for each SMC

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In the upcoming General Election, the police intend to designate two physical rally locations for each group representation constituency ( GRC ) and one for each single member constituency ( SMC).

According to Minister of State for Home Affairs Sun Xueling in parliament on Tuesday ( Feb 18 ), one location will also be designated for lunchtime rallies.

She was responding to a problem from Pritam Singh, the leader of the opposition, regarding the number of real rally locations that may exist.

The EBRC’s ( EBRC ) report to parliament could be made public, but the Workers ‘ Party secretary-general also inquired.

The EBRC, which is currently reviewing district lines, will be convened on January 22 according to the Elections Department.

At the conclusion of election morning, according to Ms. Sun, the list of rally locations will be made public.

She described the arrangements as” common with the way that the political general elections were conducted with actual rallies in 2011 and 2015.”

She continued, noting that the police were looking at a variety of protest locations, including stadiums, schools, and empty fields.

In the General Election, which Singapore may hold by November 23 this year, natural rallies were anticipated to return.

CNA earlier reported that 22 of the 46 protest sites in the 2015 General Election no longer exist, with 12 websites lost to cover tasks.

According to pandemic health precautions, the 2020 General Election did not hold any real gatherings. Walkabouts and home visits were the only natural campaigning options for small groups.

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Live: Singapore Budget 2025 to be delivered by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong

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SINGAPORE: Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong will present Singapore’s 2025 Budget on Tuesday ( Feb 18 ).

After leading the past three repayments as the primary joystick of the nation’s finances, this will be his first funds as prime minister.

” It will be a Budget for all Singaporeans. Additionally, it will be a budget that includes everyone, helping us advance our# ForwardSG goals for a more powerful and united nation. This move eastward along for a better tomorrow”! In a Twitter post on Monday, Mr. Wong stated.

See the budget speech live on CNA starting at 3:30 pm, and pursue our blog for the most recent developments.

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Former national swimmer Mark Chay named as next SNOC secretary general

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Having represented Singapore at the Olympic Games, Asian Games, SEA Games and Commonwealth Games, Mr Chay understands the objectives and difficulties of players, SNOC said.

He is also experienced in sports governance, having served as the&nbsp, chair of the SNOC Athletes ‘ Commission and Singapore Aquatics ( SAQ ) president, while he was a&nbsp, Nominated Member of Parliament from 2021 to 2023.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong and Ms Fu both hailed Mr Chay’s session.

” I think he is an excellent option for this part, having dedicated his life to game – first as an athlete, therefore as a sports head”, said Mr Tong&nbsp, in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

” Mark has fierce expertise in sports at the highest rates. He is a former Olympic for Singapore who represented Singapore at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics in Athens, and he is aware of firsthand the sacrifices and struggles that sports face in order to achieve their goals.

Ms. Fu expressed confidence that Mr. Chay will “promote the Olympic motion in Singapore and help our athletes achieve wearing quality”

Mr. Chay, who will be stepping down from his current position as SNOC’s vice-president, stated that his main objectives when he takes on the position would be to” support Team Singapore,” foster a flaunting group rooted in friendship and admiration, and inspire the next generation to dream big. &nbsp,

” I even believe in the importance of developing a strong network of local activities administrators, equipping them to take on global roles and further enhance Singapore’s appearance on the international sports phase”, the 43-year-old added.

I look forward to furthering these attempts and honoring the cohesive and uplifting power of activity in collaboration with the wearing community.

After seeing players from all over the globe competing at their best, Mr. Chay told CNA in July of last year that he was inspired to take on many functions in training, administration, and management in the sports habitat.

When I switched from swimming for myself to playing sports as a vision, he said back then.

Being an swimmer means giving chances to others as opposed to simply having the opportunity to yourself.

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