Opinion

In the recent reversal involving POFMA and the East Asia Forum, Singapore's legal approach has raised questions. The differential treatment between local and foreign entities, combined with apparent selective enforcement, raises concerns about the nation's commitment to the rule of law versus the rule by law.

Opinion: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar's visit to China underscores Malaysia's important economic relationship with China while highlighting Malaysia's openness to other global partners. Anwar emphasized that Malaysia's Belt and Road Initiative engagement won't deter strengthening ties with other nations. Yet, Malaysia's foreign policy needs refining.

The Public Transport Council's 7% fare hike for bus and train services has ignited concerns among Singaporeans, especially considering its potential strain on lower-income households. While Singapore's adult monthly pass might seem reasonable on a global scale, it's essential to weigh it against disposable income. With no minimum wage in Singapore, the increased fares could mean certain families spend up to 17.2% of their take-home pay on transportation.

Has the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) highlighted a significant oversight in tabling a motion to suspend Transport Minister S. Iswaran's MP allowance, especially in light of his abstention from duties and the ongoing investigations by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB)? During the parliamentary debate on Tuesday, Ms Poa raised a compelling point: Is it justifiable for taxpayers’ funds to support an MP's salary when he voluntarily refrains from his duties? With the motion's rejection, a pressing question remains: How can an MP continue to draw a salary, with no legislative provision allowing for its recovery, should he be later found guilty?

Opinion: The recent ASEAN Summit addressed a broad range of topics, from electric vehicles to digital transformation, climate action, and human rights. However, the summit's outcomes often appear convoluted and repetitive, leaving observers overwhelmed. Despite numerous declarations, ASEAN's main challenge is implementing its ambitious visions. The bloc requires structural reform and improved transparency to be better understood by its citizens.

Letter: Singapore's ongoing efforts to boost its fertility rate, despite various incentives, face hurdles due to modern life stresses and personal concerns. Procreation, deeply personal and influenced by multifaceted challenges, demands understanding and respect for individual choices.

Opinion: Foong Swee Fong challenges the notion that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), like the USSFTA, simply "free up" trade. Arguing that FTAs are more about protecting foreign investor profits, Foong underscores the potential societal costs and benefits of such agreements. He advocates for a holistic view, ensuring trade agreements serve the majority and not just the elite, while emphasizing the importance of public and labor union input in negotiations.

Teo Kueh Liang, responding to the Straits Times Editorial, emphasized the significant absence of China and Russia at the G-20 summit. He highlighted their critical roles in addressing global issues such as climate change and debt distress. Their non-participation, seen as a protest against U.S. actions, affects the summit's potential for achieving meaningful resolutions.

While Minister K Shanmugam denies external influence in the S$1.8 billion money laundering arrests, the public remains skeptical. The intertwined timelines, significant Chinese connections, and coincidental events provide ample grounds for suspicion over China's potential involvement, despite official reassurances

Teo Soh Lung volunteered at a nursing home during the recent presidential election, where she observed challenges faced by elderly residents in voting. They suggested that voting for nursing home residents should not be compulsory and proposed giving voting rights to prisoners instead.