The west took offence at us taking offence at Amos Yee. But when Amos Yee exercised the same free speech in the US and was banned on social media, there was no international outcry over the censorship.
It’s hard to be Singapore. The West gets to decide on what free speech is acceptable, and what is offensive. If we don't toe the line, we end up being accused of breaching human rights.
Workers' Party's suggestion to make rental housing mainstream will bring us back to a time more than 50 years ago when all HDB flats were rental flats. This was before 1964. Is this what we want?
After 1965, homeownership became an urgent priority for political stability. The Government had foreseen the social problems that could be posed by rising inequality given Singapore’s economic growth strategy and saw in home ownership a way to maintain social stability and promote social mobility.
Many of us can remember the time when our parents were very excited to receive the keys to their new flats. Singaporeans want to own their flats. It's the reason why single, unwed parents welcome being able to buy a flat from HDB. It's also the reason why after many years of advocate, the rules were finally relaxed to allow singles to buy a flat from HDB when they reach age 35.
With higher wages and the industry transformation and digitalisation, a job in security is no longer seen as the last option when no other jobs are available.
Security officers are vital partners of the Home Team. They protect the many places where we live and work. During this pandemic, security officers have stepped up to help support various operations including enforcing safe management measures. Their dedication and professionalism are to be appreciated. Ultimately, transforming the industry and raising the wages of security officers require a whole-of-society effort. We must be prepared to pay more for better services.
Speaking at the 41st IISS-Asia Fullerton Lecture, Mr Chan said that sustained peace and progress are not beyond us if the US and China can arrive at a new modus vivendi that will set boundaries for competition and define areas of cooperation amidst competition, for the sake of the world and for themselves.
"But even if the US and China do not reach such a modus vivendi, the rest of the world should recognise their responsibilities and agency to play a constructive role in shaping our collective future," Mr Chan added.
On the welfare front, after a Bill passed in Parliament on 5 October introduced new offences and tougher penalties for those who harass, assault or hurt officers carrying out their duties, security officers are also set to receive more protection. The Labour Movement has lobbied for these changes through industry consultations and through our Labour Members of Parliament. Good work in looking out for the welfare of our security officers!
Another push to get those eligible but yet to be vaccinated, to vaccinate. If you still refuse to be vaccinated, you will soon have to foot your medical bill if you are unfortunately infected with the coronavirus. The median bill is around $25,000 including ICU care. With subsidies and Medishield Life coverage, the amount will come down to around $2000 - $4000.
The actual amount will vary from patient to patient as it depends on the severity of the disease and the treatment rendered.
Gabriel Goh was 22 when he killed his own mum and grandma in 2 different flats in Commonwealth. His urine sample at that time contained traces of LSD, a hallucinogen.
Drugs ensnares. Drugs destroy. It's as simple as that and the laws against drug abuse, and drug trafficking in particular, have to be strict to deal with it.
Singapore's harsh laws against drug trafficking are well known, not little known If a person is prepared to take the risk for the money despite the harsh consequences, then he must be prepared to face the consequences when he is caught.
“In Singapore before you land, the hostess or the steward will announce that there are very heavy penalties if you are found but more than a stated number of grams of certain prohibited drugs. And if you still come in with a few kilos of them, which will destroy hundreds, thousands of families, one death is too kind. Because you are killing that family every day for years and years and years that a daughter or a son is an addict.” - Lee Kuan Yew
Mainstreaming public rental housing will be a significant departure from our public housing policy and should not be something we embark on without deep consideration, says Sim Ann in response. Not only will it reshape our social norms, it will also weaken our communities because, unlike home ownership where people sink their roots, but rentals are also more transitory.
We should not compare ourselves to countries with a preference for renting without taking into account their cultural context and different social circumstances. Many ended up renting for life, even after retirement. Homeownership gives us stability, security and a sense of belonging. It is also an assured roof over our heads without worrying about paying rent after retirement.
The joint NTUC-SNEF PME taskforce was formed back in October 2020 to engage PMEs, employers and various stakeholders, identify areas of support and look at ways to strengthen PMEs’ employment and employability. They have completed the work and have submitted their final report to the Government for consideration.
Earlier this year, Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam shared that employers in Singapore still harbour a bias against mature workers. He called on employers to “take the high road“, and make use of government schemes to hire and train such workers. A move that will benefit both workers and firms given the tight labour market.
