Respect and tolerance are the cornerstones of society, not English language proficiency
On February 27th, the Secretary-General of the Workers’ Party, Pritam Singh, proposed in Parliament that English language proficiency be used as a selection criterion for new immigrants. Language, religion, and race are sensitive issues that can touch the nerves of many people, resulting in newspaper comments and public discussions. This proposal has no practical effect […]
Expired vaccines are an insurance premium we paid to stave off catastrophic consequences: Ong Ye Kung
The Government knew early on during the COVID-19 pandemic that vaccines would provide us with a safe exit from the pandemic. Hence the mass vaccination strategy. However, without sufficient doses of vaccines, our mass vaccination strategy would have been a non-starter, as Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said in Parliament. COVID-19 was a new virus. […]
Lawrence Wong cautions PSP and WP against pricing Singapore out of competition
One year ago during the budget debate in 2022, the WP suggested that corporate tax be raised in lieu of the GST hike. In particular, WP MP Louis Chua suggested that raising the corporate tax rate to the proposed global minimum effective tax rate of 15 per cent, under Pillar Two of BEPS 2.0, could […]
Pritam Singh warns of ‘Two Singapores’, then proceeds to create ‘Two Singapores’ with the English language divide
Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh warned in Parliament of the possibility of Two Singapores emerging. Ironically, he made divisive suggestions leading to the Two Singapores he warned of. The WP leader suggested that applicants for PR and citizenship be made to take an English proficiency test. Second Minister for Home Affairs Josephine Teo responded with […]
Less discrimination of ex-offenders in the workplace but more can be done
Through the findings from three dialogues with ex-offenders and inmates, discrimination at the workplace has lessen but more can be done to cultivate a more inclusive work environment. The dialogue sessions were organised as part of the #EveryWorkersMatters Conversations. National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), together with co-hosts Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG) and Singapore Prison Service […]
Is PSP Leong Mun Wai’s ‘buy now, pay later for land’ affordable housing scheme really cheap?
The PSP proposed an affordable housing scheme in which the buyer of a new BTO pays a ‘user price’ with land cost that is deferred. As long as the owner chooses to live in the flat, he does not have to pay for land cost. The upshot under PSP Leong Mun Wai’s housing proposal is […]
Why is WP’s proposal to use land sale proceeds a raid on the reserves while using the NIRC is not?
In an exchange on Facebook with Richard Weng, WP Leon Perera asked why the WP’s proposal on using land sale proceeds is considered a raid on the reserves while the Government’s use of NIRC for budget spending is not. The answer to this question is simple and straightforward. The principle of prudence demands that before […]
Fresh Start Housing Scheme: a home to call their own
After 8 years living in a rental flat, Madam Zaidah Ismail, 57, finally has a place to call her own – a flat with a flexi lease agreement. Life after her divorce was tough. Mdm Zaidah had to contend with breast cancer while putting in long hours as a security guard. She jumped at the […]
New recommendations for Workplace Fairness Legislation released in Tripartite Committee Interim Report
The new Workplace Fairness Legislation will marry the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices to strengthen the overall framework for workplace fairness.
Enjoying Career Progression and Good Wages as Tradesmen in Singapore is No Longer a Distant Dream
TL;DR Made Possible by NTUC’s new Career Progression Model We get it, not everyone wants to lead that corporate life, me included. Given the chance, some of us might just want a job with more flexibility and one which work you don’t have to bring home, such as the job of tradesmen (i.e., plumbers, electricians, […]