SINGAPORE: Earlier this month, Progress Singapore Party’s Stephanie Tan reflected on last year’s General Election, writing in a social media post that her “purpose and goals remain unchanged.”

Ms Tan began her post with: “Carrying on, one year on.”

While the campaign period had been full of activities such as walkabouts, interviews, forum discussions and other public appearances, the former candidate wrote that she had “simply hoped for Singaporeans to see me not just as one face of a political party, but to know me better for who I was as a Singaporean and a mother of two children, as someone with shared experiences with them as we navigate through similar systems.”

As for the year since GE2025, she added that while she has “seen much around me, experienced happy times and also faced many heartbreaking moments,” her aim is still the same. 

Her family and children remain her priority in everything she does, and her “desire to serve Singaporeans with like-minded friends still flows. I will continue to advocate especially for the well-being of our children and for families.”

Her journey

Ms Tan graduated from the National University of Singapore with a law degree and was called to the Bar in 2011. She served as an Assistant Director in the Legal Policy Division of the Ministry of Law, as well as a legal counsel to the Ministry of Defence. In 2016, she stepped away from her career as a lawyer to be a full-time mum.

She joined PSP early in 2023 and assisted the party with parliamentary work and research before being fielded as a candidate at Pioneer SMC against the incumbent from the ruling People’s Action Party, Patrick Tay. Though bested by Mr Tay, she won over 34% of the vote.

Shortly after the GE, PSP’s founding members Tan Cheng Bock and S Nallakaruppan, along with former non-constituency member of parliament (NCMP) Hazel Poa, stepped down from the party’s central executive committee. They were replaced by three of the party’s first-time candidates—Ms Tan, Sani Ismail, and Lawrence Pek.

What Singaporeans are saying

In response to Ms Tan’s post, commenters have been full of encouragement toward her, urging her to keep on going.

“Keep up your hard work. Singaporean wants someone like you to serve us with your heart,” one wrote. 

“Jiayu in whatever you aspire. Never say die. Fight on in whatever circumstances,” another added. 

“Keep up the good work, Stephanie! The constituents will surely appreciate your efforts and sincerity,” a third chimed in.

Another wrote, “Hope to see you as an MP representing PSP to work together with PAP.” /TISG

Read also: More fresh graduates in Singapore left without job offers, says PSP’s Stephanie Tan

This article (Singaporeans encourage PSP’s Stephanie Tan to keep going one year after GE2025) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Senior counsel Harpreet Singh Nehal took a trip down memory lane in a social media post, showing a photo of his kindergarten graduation certificate that his mother had framed more than half a century ago.

Mr Singh, who is with the Workers’ Party, wrote “Pungol Kia” as the heading to his post. The term loosely translates from Hokkien or Teochew to “child of Punggol” or “Punggol kid” and is a term of affection for old-timers who grew up in the old kampungs of Punggol, among others.

“My kindergarten was at the old Ponggol Community Centre near Lim Ah Pin Road. I remember we spoke a lot of Teochew in class, including with our teacher. She also complimented me once (in Teochew) for some words I wrote in Mandarin,” he wrote.

He added, however, that the best part of the day for him at the time was when his father picked him up after class on his bicycle. 

“I always looked forward to that,” wrote Mr Singh, adding, “Wonderful memories.”

The term “Pungol Kia” seems especially relevant, as Mr Singh had been part of the WP slate that contested at Punggol in last year’s General Election. Although the opposition team, which had been made up of political newbies, had lost to the ruling People’s Action Party slate headed by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, the fact that the WP received a respectable 44.83% of the vote is not insignificant.

‘The real Son of Punggol’

Aside from commenters who said they looked forward to one day welcoming Mr Singh as a Punggol MP, several netizens began to call him a “real son of Punggol.”

“Oh, so you are the real son of Punggol,” wrote one. 

“You are the true son of Punggol,” added another.

“This could be the real Punggol son,” a third chimed in.

“Eh, can the ‘son of Punggol’ pls show something for proof too?” a Facebook user asked.

While he was not mentioned by name, the comments appeared to refer to Koh Poh Koon, who first entered politics in 2013 as a PAP candidate in the by-election in Punggol. Dr Koh often referred to himself as “kaki lang” (“one of us” in Teochew) and “son of Punggol” during the campaign period.

He ended up defeated by the WP’s Lee Li Lian, who won with 54.5% of the vote.

Two years later, he joined the PAP team at Ang Mo Kio and was elected into Parliament, and in 2020, moved to the Tampines team. While he continues to represent Tampines Centrak in Parliament, he recently announced he would step down from his duties as Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Manpower. /TISG

Read also: From Near Miss to Momentum: Harpreet Singh Sets His Sights on 2026

This article (After WP’s Harpreet Singh post shows he’s a ‘Punggol kia’, Singaporeans call him the ‘real son of Punggol’) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Singapore Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has found himself in the eye of controversy, after a seemingly innocuous photo he posted on social media triggered accusations of “showing off” and potentially “wasting taxpayers’ money”.

Mr Ong took to Facebook this week and posted a photo of himself on board an aeroplane, pointing to a movie playing on the screen at his seat. He wrote, “On my way to Tokyo for the 31st Nikkei Forum on Future of Asia. Finally get to watch Avatar 3.”

While the photo was likely meant to serve as a snapshot of his travels or perhaps merely a glimpse into his entertainment tastes, attention quickly shifted away from the movie and towards the cabin in which he was seated.

A number of online commenters claimed the photograph suggested Mr Ong was travelling in a first-class cabin, with some sharing images of Singapore Airlines’ first-class seats and highlighting what they said were similarities with the minister’s surroundings. Some even asked whether Mr Ong was “showing off.”

Some netizens posted photos of what first-class cabins on board Singapore Airlines (SIA) planes look like, pointing out the similarities between the photos.

Others online asked if taxpayer monies were used to fund the flight ticket, calling it a waste of money since first-class tickets on SIA flights cost thousands.

According to Simple Flying, standard retail rates for a single long-haul SIA flight “routinely hover in the five-figure range.”

The aviation website reported that one passenger recently paid $13,980 for a standard point-to-point journey without using loyalty points or promotional discounts. On some routes, round-trip fares can climb to around $17,000, while one-way tickets may cost roughly $10,000.

Simple Flying noted that purchasing a ticket in the airline’s ultra-premium cabin “is a massive financial commitment that naturally limits the passenger roster to elite circles.”

While the class of travel booked for the trip or whether the ticket was paid for using public funds remains unclear, the image has fuelled criticism across multiple forums on social media.

Some netizens focused on the apparent contrast between the luxury associated with first-class travel and the financial pressures many Singaporeans are facing.

“Watching Avatar from First Class is very immersive. Both are set in a world most Singaporeans will never visit,” one commenter quipped.

Another wrote sarcastically, “Nice to fly first class. I need to up my tax so all ministers can benefit.”

A separate commenter said, “Waaah. First class? Would have respected you more if you flew economy,” while another added, “It’s no shame to fly business.”

Several users also joked about the photograph itself, with one asking, “Is your finger trying to tell us that you’re flying first class…” while another simply remarked, “1st class hehehe lucky boy.”

Quite a number of the questions online had to do with whether public funds had been used to cover the cost of the journey.

“Who paid for his plane ticket?” one commenter asked. Another wrote, “Wow, your seat very big and nice, sir…how much gov spend on it? Is it people $ that pay for the flight?”

Others were more direct in their criticism. “He is showing off, telling the public that he is flying 1st class on tax-payer fund,” one netizen commented, while another said, “Want to show off you taking first class.”

A separate commenter remarked, “So flying first class wasting taxpayers’ money. Very classy. Point finger some more. Champion.”

Others questioned the political judgment behind posting a photo that appeared to reveal the class of travel.

“He is not smart. If I were him, I will not post anything that identifies the cabin class that I am sitting,” one commenter wrote, “But at the end of the flight, I will walk to the galley and take photo with the crew to thank them for their wonderful service, which I will post on my social media.”

Some said Mr Ong may get a scolding from his bosses, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, for inadvertently advancing the perception that the ruling party elite are “out of touch” with ordinary Singaporeans.

Comparing Mr Ong to his colleagues, one netizen said, “How can he make such a misstep when every minister trying to outdo each other in pretending to be humble.”

Another commenter posed a tongue-in-cheek question about first-class perks, writing: “A question: first class passenger get free-flow champagne, right? If yes, could they just request to free-flow champagne and distribute that to economy class passengers?”

Referring to the victory the ruling party saw at the polls last year, a commenter wrote: “PAP’s reply to any critics – ‘See, we are so humble, we could have flew on private jets!’’ 65% – nodded heads and said yes yes yes we agreed!!!”

This article (‘Waste of money!’: PAP Minister under fire for ‘showing off’ as he flies first class to Tokyo) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: During a recent interview, when Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan was asked why he thinks he got more votes in last year’s election than at any other time he had contested, he chalked it up to people recognising his authenticity.

Last year, Bukit Batok, the constituency where Dr Chee had stood for election into Parliament in 2016 and 2020, was merged with other wards, and Jurong East–Bukit Batok GRC was created. 

Dr Chee, who had announced his intention to contest at Bukit Batok again in February 2025, became a candidate instead at Sembawang West SMC, where he faced off against the People’s Action Party’s Poh Li San.

When the SDP chief was a guest on the Teh Tarik With Walid podcast last month, Dr Walid J Abdullah pointed out that Dr Chee had won nearly 47% of the vote after his constituency “mysteriously disappeared,” and asked why he thought this happened.

Though Dr Chee initially answered that it would be a question better put to the residents, he quickly added, “I like to think of it as that authenticity which you bring to the political scene. And it’s not just this flash-in-the-pan, fly-by-night kind of situation. You remain true to your principles, you remain true to the people, stay loyal to what… you’ve advocated for society, and you walk the talk. You live the life.”

He added that he has “detested” all his life the kind of political talk that is performative rather than being substantive. 

“And I guess, at least I hope, that that has come through not just in the past years but through the decades. I’ve taken my share of the knocks and lumps,” he added, but has continued to stay true and has told people that he’s still standing.

Dr Walid then noted that Dr Chee has a “national reputation” and asked whether he thinks he could “move from the west to the north” and people would still take to him.

“I think that there’s this part of it that I’ve been around long enough that whether people in Bukit Batok or Sembawang West, they’ve come to see me, what I’ve been doing, and what I’ve advocated. And as I said, to remain true to them and what they’re going through and continue through your highs and lows, to continue being there as an advocate for them.”

Dr Chee posted a brief clip of the interview on social media on June 8. The full episode of Dr Chee on Teh Tarik With Walid may be viewed here. /TISG

Read also: A dream deferred: Dr Chee Soon Juan falls short in Sembawang West SMC

This article (SDP chief Chee Soon Juan says he did well at Sembawang West in GE2025 because Singaporeans recognize authenticity) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: On June 3 (Wednesday), former Non-constituency Member of Parliament Yee Jenn Jong launched StepUp: The Workers’ Party of Singapore 2.0, a book about the journey that Singapore’s most significant opposition party took that led to last year’s General Election.

Mr Yee’s new book was co-written with the political historian Loke Hoe Yeong, who also collaborated with him on his book on the NCMP scheme that was published in 2024.

The launch at Book Bar was hosted by Assoc Prof Walid J. Abdullah from Nanyang Technological University and was streamed live on his Teh Tarik with Walid Instagram channel.

“The book looks at the rise of the WP to its current position as Singapore’s leading opposition party, the struggles it has gone through over the past nearly seven decades, and insights into GE2025 where the Party fielded its ‘best-ever slate of candidates,’” Mr Yee wrote in a social media post.

His first book about the WP, Journey in Blue, was published in December 2020.

StepUp: The Workers’ Party of Singapore 2.0

According to the new book’s chapters, it delves into the history of the WP going back to 1957, the year it was founded by David Marshall, and goes into the Jeyaretnam years, the leadership of Low Thia Khiang, and its present situation under current secretary-general Pritam Singh.

Mr Yee also shares a personal account of GE2025, the fourth time he was fielded as a candidate. The WP slate at East Coast GRC, which he helmed, lost to the PAP team headed by Edwin Tong, which won almost 60% of the votes.

After the election, he announced that he would be retiring from politics, but added that he would stay in the WP. 

The book offers a postmortem of the elections, as well as looks at what’s next for the party.

One interesting feature in the book is a section on the party’s volunteers, with chapters titled “Powered by Volunteers,” “From Volunteer to Candidate,” and “Inside the GE War Room.”

In a recent social media post, Mr Yee posted a photo of himself with two-time WP candidate and CEC member Nathaniel Koh. He shared that Mr Koh had met his wife, with whom she shares two sons, while she was volunteering with the party.

In a review of the book, the veteran journalist and editor PN Balji wrote that it is “a good read for those who want to know a bit more of the heartbeat of a political party that has impressed with its staying power in elections and its impressive record of recruiting younger and promising fighters to do battle in elections. 

I am glad the authors have made the book topical with last-minute additions on the government’s effort to pull Pritam Singh through the mud with accusations of lying and taking away his Leader of Opposition post. This book will definitely add to the growing public desire to know more of a party that holds its cards close to its chest.” /TISG

Read also: GE2025: Yee Jenn Jong—From edutech pioneer to Parliament champion, WP’s voice for youth and community

This article (New book by EX-NCMP Yee Jenn Jong explores the Workers’ Party’s past, present, and future) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: In a much-shared May 27 Facebook post, a Singaporean highlighted a long-standing issue of former candidates from the People’s Action Party (PAP) standing as grassroots advisers in opposition-held wards.

Andrew Loh, who often writes socio-political content, shared photos of posters promoting subsidised “Sunrise Specials” breakfasts in Senkang that prominently feature Theodora Lai. Ms Lai, a venture capital firm co-founder, had been part of the PAP slate that lost in GE2025.

He pointed out that the posters, which can be found in public areas, carry the official logo of the People’s Association (PA), a statutory board funded entirely by public funds.

“This raises an immediate, uncomfortable question: Why is a defeated political candidate’s face plastered all over public infrastructure to promote a food discount?” wrote Mr Loh.

He took exception to Ms Lai benefiting from the posters, and cited Minister in charge of the PA Edwin Tong as having said in Parliament last month that Grassroots Advisers receive “no remuneration or other allowance or benefit.”

FB screengrab/ Andrew Loh

Pointing out that there are two such posters at SingPost lifts, a standee and a poster on the electronic notice board at the lift lobby, plus another poster at the Sengkang Community Club.

“Who pays for all this publicity for Ms Lai?” he asked, adding, “For a politician who contested and lost Sengkang GRC under the People’s Action Party (PAP) banner in the last election, face recognition is the ultimate currency.  Having your name, title, and smiling portrait systematically displayed in high-traffic public spaces—like post offices and HDB lifts—is an invaluable political benefit that money simply cannot buy.”

Calling it a “Glaring Double Standard,” Mr Loh also noted that Sengkang’s MPs, who were elected by residents, have been excluded from “these taxpayer-funded platforms,” and non-elected grassroots advisers are given access to community networks and public facilities, as well as “prominent advertising space.” 

“Residents deserve clear boundaries between state-funded community care and perpetual electioneering,” he added. 

The relationship between the PA, grassroots advisers, and opposition-held constituencies has been debated for decades, but especially since the Workers’ Party has won two GRCs, Aljunied and Sengkang, as well as held Hougang SMC for decades.

In 2019, CNA even called it a “perennial issue,” and in 2022, Jamus Lim’s post, wherein he said that Sengkang parents had written to him asking why he and the other Workers’ Party Members of Parliament had not been giving out Edusave awards, received a lot of attention.

Fb screengrab/ Jamus Lim

He explained to them that opposition MPs are not given this responsibility, which falls to grassroots advisers instead. He offered to write letters of encouragement to the awardees and to give them out during mini-ceremonies at Meet-the-People sessions. /TISG

Read related: Jamus Lim Joins Local Church in Celebrating Sengkang Students’ Achievements with Bursary Awards

This article (Glaring Double Standard: Singaporean asks why failed PAP candidate’s face is plastered around Sengkang) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: People’s Action Party (PAP) Minister Jeffrey Siow has come under fire from some Singaporeans after remarks he made in a recent interview encouraging young people to embrace uncertainty and pursue unconventional career paths.

Speaking to CNA, Mr Siow said young Singaporeans should not view uncertainty as something to fear but rather as an opportunity to forge new paths. The Acting Minister for Transport, who also co-chairs the Government’s Economic Strategy Review (ESR) committee on Global Competitiveness, urged youths to move beyond traditional career routes and seize opportunities in emerging industries.

He argued that adapting to a rapidly changing economy requires more than simply acquiring new skills. Instead, he suggested that workers may need to fundamentally reinvent themselves to stay relevant as economic strategies evolve.

While Mr Siow emphasised that the Government remains committed to supporting workers and businesses through challenging global conditions, his comments sparked a wave of criticism online.

Many critics focused on what they saw as a disconnect between the minister’s own career trajectory and the realities faced by ordinary Singaporeans navigating an increasingly uncertain job market.

Mr Siow spent more than two decades in the civil service before entering politics. A recipient of a Public Service Commission scholarship, he attended Cornell University and subsequently built a 24-year career across various government agencies. During that time, he served as Principal Private Secretary to former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and sat on the boards of several statutory bodies.

He was also the most senior civil servant among a group of public officers who resigned from the civil service shortly before the 2025 General Election. He was later fielded as a PAP candidate in Minister Tan See Leng’s team on Nomination Day and entered Parliament after the team secured victory. Within days, he was appointed to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s Cabinet.

Against that backdrop, some Singaporeans questioned whether someone they perceive as having enjoyed a stable and protected career path is well-positioned to advise young workers to embrace uncertainty.

Several commenters described Mr Siow as an example of what is commonly referred to in Singapore political discourse as a “Minister-in-Waiting” or MIW. The term is often used to refer to younger politicians and senior civil servants who are perceived to be groomed for future ministerial appointments and leadership positions.

Facebook user Hillary Yeo was among those who criticised the minister’s remarks, describing him as a “man who spent 24 years on Singapore’s most well-paved road (telling) young Singaporeans not to fear uncertainty and walk a new one.”

Others were even more direct in their criticism.

One commenter called the minister a “joker,” arguing that his comments demonstrated how “out of touch” he appeared to be with the struggles faced by ordinary Singaporeans.

Another netizen challenged Mr Siow to experience the realities of the private-sector job market, writing, “Talk is free. Why doesn’t he resign and apply for a job outside and fight for jobs with foreigners?”

A second commenter echoed that sentiment, saying, “Seriously though, talking the talk is way easier than actually walking the walk. Maybe we should switch roles for a bit and see how it feels on the other side. It’s all about putting our money where our mouth is, right?”

The discussion also took on a political dimension, with some commenters linking Mr Siow’s remarks to broader concerns about the ruling party and Singapore’s political leadership.

One commenter wrote, “He is right about unpaved roads. That’s why it’s time to vote the PAP out. We have to be brave and walk the unpaved road. Only then will we really be able to change Singapore for the better.”

This article (Transport Minister slammed for urging young Singaporeans to not fear uncertainty and walk a new road) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Tampines GRC MP Baey Yam Keng has come under criticism online after sharing a Facebook post about a brief walkabout in his ward, with some netizens arguing that elected representatives should be spending significantly more time on the ground.

Last week, Mr Baey, who has represented Tampines GRC since 2011, posted that he had used half an hour before his Meet-the-People Session to conduct an impromptu inspection of Tampines GreenForest in Tampines Central.

In his Facebook post, he wrote: “I had about thirty minutes to spare before my Meet-the-People Session last evening. Decided to check out Tampines GreenForest in Tampines Central. Unannounced, unaccompanied and a random walk through the blocks, MSCP and various floors.”

During the walk, Mr Baey said he observed outdated notices and marketing pamphlets at lift lobbies, as well as carton boxes and rubbish around recycling bins.

“I asked a few residents I met how they assess the maintenance of their estate. They told me it has improved a lot over the last few weeks, and noticed that the void deck was washed that day,” he wrote.

The MP added that the town council team would continue supervising the new cleaning contractor closely and help workers become more familiar with the estate and areas requiring additional attention.

Alongside the post, Mr Baey shared screenshots tracking his route, speed and walking distance, showing that he had covered more than 3km in about 37 minutes.

Photos: Baey Yam Keng FB

While some residents welcomed the visit and thanked him for taking the time to inspect the estate personally, others were less impressed, questioning whether the walk reflected sufficient engagement with residents and municipal issues.

One Facebook user was particularly critical, writing: “Baey YK is really the king of wayang. Spend 30 minutes on the ground, take a few staged photos, and suddenly it looks like he’s done a lot of work.

“If this is the level of engagement from our MP and TC Chairman, it’s no surprise Tampines’ municipal issues are getting worse by the day. Residents don’t need photo ops; we need consistent, hands-on leadership and accountability.

“30 minutes is frankly unacceptable. As Tampines TC Chairperson, we should be seeing at least 30 hours a week on the ground. That’s a basic expectation, not an unreasonable demand, especially when he’s drawing a $16,000 monthly MP allowance.”

Another netizen commented: “I think all TC chairmen are the same. At least he appeared for 30 minutes. Some of us don’t even know who is the chairman.”

Some online commenters focused on Mr Baey’s remuneration as both an MP and a political officeholder, questioning whether the compensation received by elected representatives is justified when residents continue to raise concerns about estate maintenance and municipal standards.

Aside from serving as an elected MP, Mr Baey has been serving as a Minister of State and as a Mayor.

A mayor in Singapore earns an annual base salary of S$660,000, in addition to an annual Member of Parliament (MP) allowance of S$192,500. This brings their total baseline compensation to over S$850,000 annually, excluding any potential performance or national bonuses.

A Minister of State in Singapore earns an annual salary of S$770,000.

Given this hefty pay package, several commenters argued that public office holders should be expected to maintain a strong ground presence and remain more closely connected to residents’ day-to-day concerns.

Others suggested that sharing the statistics of the walk, including distance covered and time taken, was an instance of the MP showing off or “acting” as if he had done something great that is actually just part of his job.

These critics questioned whether a half-hour inspection should be highlighted as a noteworthy activity, while others argued that regular, less publicised engagement would be more meaningful.

This article (Baey Yam Keng branded ‘king of wayang’ for posting about 30 minute walk on the ground) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: After it was reported that the Workers’ Party (WP) will be holding a special cadres conference on Jun 28 to determine the party’s leadership moving forward, Singaporeans online have been hazarding guesses as to who might take secretary-general Pritam Singh’s place.

The conference, to be chaired by the party’s policy research head Gerald Giam, is being held in the wake of a requisition from 25 cadre members, and if Mr Singh does not step down, there will be a secret vote concerning his position. 

The WP chief was found guilty of two counts of lying to a parliamentary committee on Feb 17, 2025. And while Mr Singh appealed the verdict, the appeal was dismissed by the High Court on Dec 4. 

In the aftermath of the High Court decision, the party announced that it had begun internal processes regarding the judgment.

According to reporting from CNA, there are three parts on the meeting’s agenda, which are for Mr Singh to account to the cadre members on the charges for which he had been convicted, the call for him to step down immediately from his position, and, should he refuse, a vote to decide if he should retain his position or step down.

Later that day, the WP will hold its biennial ordinary cadre members’ conference, wherein elections for the secretary-general, chairperson, and the 12 members of the central executive committee will be held.

Read related: WP crisis deepens: Special cadre conference request filed as leadership pressure grows

What Singaporeans are saying

Based on comments online, many netizens appear to believe that Mr Singh will remain in his position, and some have pointed out that he has been instrumental in taking the WP as far as it has gone. 

Since he became party chief in 2018, the WP’s presence in Parliament has expanded, especially after winning its second GRC, Sengkang, in 2020.

Others, however, have said they believe Mr Singh’s time leading the party is done, citing the loss of trust due to his conviction.

In this light, commenters have been mentioning the names of WP leaders whom they think may replace the current secretary-general. 

“I would personally say He Ting Ru is the frontrunner,” wrote a Reddit user, adding that Sengkang MP Ms He, 42, is experienced enough, but not too old.”

Others expressed a preference for Ms He’s fellow Sengkang MP Jamus Lim, who has been both popular and well-respected since joining politics in 2020.

“Let’s vote in our favourite Jamus. He is the next leader,” wrote a Facebook user.

“It is better to let Jamus Lim be the new Sec-Gen,” another agreed.

“We want a capable, honest, and no-lie party member like Jamus Lim to take over as The Workers’ Party General Secretary to bring the party forward,” added a third.

There were even some who said they wished Mr Singh’s predecessor, Low Thia Khiang, would make a comeback. Mr Low, now 69, had served as part chief from 2001 to 2018 and was the de facto leader of the opposition between 2006 and 2018. /TISG

Read also: Pritam Singh faces secret vote on WP leadership at special cadres conference

This article (He Ting Ru? Jamus Lim? Singaporeans are guessing who’ll be WP chief if Pritam Singh steps down) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Yet another newly minted People’s Action Party (PAP) minister has found himself at the centre of online criticism after comments he made about jobs and employment sparked accusations that he is out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary Singaporean workers.

The latest minister to draw fire is Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo, who recently said that it would be a “disservice” to protect every job as Singapore navigates the impact of artificial intelligence and rapid technological change.

Mr Neo, who also serves as co-chair of the Government’s Economic Strategy Review (ESR) committee on human capital, made the remarks in an interview with CNA while discussing how Singapore should respond to technological disruptions and the changing nature of work.

According to Mr Neo, Singapore cannot afford to slow the adoption of AI simply to preserve existing jobs, as doing so would weaken the country’s competitiveness and risk driving businesses elsewhere.

“We want to protect every worker, but we don’t want to do that through protecting every job,” he said, “If we were to just protect jobs in the short term, we’ll be doing our workers a disservice in the long term. Because if we are not competitive, then (businesses) will move out of Singapore.”

Mr Neo added that countries that fail to adapt could lose industries and investments to more competitive economies. Instead of preserving jobs indefinitely, he argued that Singapore should focus on helping workers reskill and upskill while strengthening support for career transitions.

The acting minister also outlined his view of what constitutes a good job.

“A good job is not just a job that offers a good paycheck,” he said, “A good job should be one that offers good dignity, stability, as well as social mobility.”

The ESR has therefore emphasised expanding the range of quality jobs available across the economy for workers at different stages of their careers, he added.

“Ultimately, that’s going to be what provides good jobs, not just today but tomorrow for all our workers.”

However, the comments were met with a wave of criticism online, with many Singaporeans questioning whether Mr Neo is in a position to understand the anxieties faced by workers worried about layoffs and unemployment.

Much of the criticism centred on Mr Neo’s career history.

Mr Neo enlisted in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) at the age of 19 and spent his entire professional career in the military before entering politics. During his military career, he held several senior appointments and obtained degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University under Government scholarship.

In 2022, he was appointed Chief of Army and promoted to the rank of Major-General.

In March 2025, he resigned from the SAF. Days later, he was spotted at a PAP walkabout in Tampines GRC alongside Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli. He was subsequently introduced as a PAP candidate for the 2025 General Election and entered Parliament as part of Mr Masagos’ team.

As a minister, Mr Neo is now part of a political leadership that receives some of the highest salaries among elected office holders globally.

For many critics, this background makes his comments on job insecurity difficult to accept.

One netizen wrote: “A paper general will never understand the pain of losing a job because he has never had to live through it himself.

“Every morning, unemployed Singaporeans wake up to the same harsh reality: no job, no certainty, and no clear answers. They face the stress of supporting their families, paying their bills, and wondering when their next opportunity will come.

“While some people discuss unemployment as a statistic or policy issue, those affected are living it every single day. Until you have experienced that struggle firsthand, it is difficult to truly appreciate the fear, frustration, and helplessness that many job seekers endure.”

Another commenter sarcastically suggested that ministers should volunteer for token salaries if they believed pay was not the most important aspect of work, saying, “Volunteer at $1 paycheck lah. Since they are already millionaires or multi-millionaires, serve the country with your passion loh… Just do it.”

Others compared Mr Neo’s remarks to previous controversies involving ministers commenting on issues that critics felt they lacked personal experience with.

“First was a Minister who does not live in an HDB advising about small spaces, then another minister not married to advise on fertility and family planning measures, a minister with no medical knowledge as health minister, and now this bozo of a clown to talk about protecting jobs.

“We really have incompetent ministers who are not even on the ground level to take charge of our livelihoods. All of them are living in castles in the air to understand the plight of common folks.”

Several netizens also focused on the contrast between ministerial salaries and Mr Neo’s remarks about good jobs being about more than pay.

One commenter said: “So long as the people feel that the appointment holders are paid too high and not helpful (contributing), whatever they said would not be well taken.

“In this case, the Minister with a very good paycheck advises Singaporeans that good jobs are about more than a good paycheck.

“The government has to win over the Singaporeans first. Come down to our level first. Leadership by example that they are willing to work with lower paychecks.”

Another netizen remarked that Mr Neo appeared to be describing his own career when defining a good job.

“He’s just describing himself having a good job, on top of a good paycheck. His job offer dignity, stability (won’t be sack unless you decide to resign), and social mobility (will be moved to be some CEO of some company in the event they decide to leave or lose an election)…”

Others were more blunt in their criticism.

“What kind of stupid statement is that, especially when our ministers are all overpaid?” one commenter said, while another netizen said, “David Neo’s job protection plan: protect my job, not yours.”

One netizen quipped sarcastically, “He wakes up every morning because his job is protected.”

Another commenter suggested that public office holders should experience the same competitive pressures faced by workers: “Maybe we need to replace our MPs, Ministers and judges with AI. Then they will know what real competition is.”

This article (Singaporeans push back after David Neo says ‘protecting every job’ would be a ‘disservice’) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong’s controversial advice on opting for fans instead of air-conditioning units is recirculating online as Singaporeans brace for the El Niño weather phenomenon to hit the island.

The remarks have been making the rounds online again after the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) warned on May 29 that El Niño conditions are likely to develop between June and July. According to MSS, there is a more than 80% chance that an El Niño event will occur in 2026, with forecasts supported by indicators such as warmer sub-surface ocean temperatures in the eastern tropical Pacific.

If the phenomenon materialises, Singapore can expect warmer conditions from July onwards. MSS has forecast the return of the climate pattern, which is typically associated with reduced rainfall, prolonged dry spells and higher temperatures across the region.

Some international weather scientists have also suggested that South-east Asia could experience a stronger El Niño than in previous years. In March, Thai news outlet The Nation cited US-based weather experts who warned that a severe and prolonged drought-causing El Niño could emerge in 2026.

Despite the warnings, MSS has said it remains too early to determine how severe the event could be for Singapore and the wider region.

El Niño is part of a natural climate cycle known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, which influences weather patterns across the Pacific Ocean through shifts in winds and sea surface temperatures. The phenomenon is the opposite of La Niña, which generally brings cooler temperatures and increased rainfall.

Singapore has been experiencing La Niña conditions since late 2025, but meteorologists now expect those conditions to give way to a warming trend in the coming months.

As news of the possible El Niño spreads, many Singaporeans have taken to social media to express concern over the rising temperatures. Some said they already feel the heat becoming increasingly unbearable, despite the event not having fully developed.

One netizen wrote that she had resorted to taking four showers a day simply to stay comfortable.

The complaint quickly sparked references to remarks made by Mr Gan earlier this year, with several commenters reviving what became one of the most debated pieces of government advice in recent months.

Responding to the post, one commenter wrote: “Minister suggest to use fan instead of aircon.”

Another added on sarcastically: “Hey, that’s valuable advice! Well worth the million-dollar salary for talent in government.”

The controversy involving the DPM erupted in April after he suggested in Parliament that Singaporeans can help save electricity by using fans instead of air-conditioning units and by taking public transport instead of driving.

He was speaking in Parliament about rising fuel and electricity costs amid ongoing disruptions to global energy supplies linked to the conflict in the Middle East. The minister outlined measures the Government has taken to cushion the impact of global uncertainties and added that Singaporeans must also do their part.

Mr Gan, who was dubbed the ruling party’s “taskforce man” during the general election last May, suggested that households could cut electricity usage by opting for fans instead of air-conditioning, taking public transport instead of driving, and using climate vouchers to purchase more energy-efficient appliances.

The backlash was swift. Many Singaporeans questioned online whether Mr Gan and his colleagues would adopt the same measures themselves.

Several netizens called on political leaders to “lead by example,” asking whether Parliament would switch off its air-conditioning or whether ministers would begin commuting by bus or train. Others described the remarks as “tone-deaf” and “out of touch,” with some suggesting they reflected a disconnect between policymakers and ordinary citizens.

Calls for ministers to “lead by example” were repeated frequently, with questions being raised about the ministers’ own habits. Some asked how they travelled to Parliament or whether they used fans at home, while others remarked that such advice was being delivered from within fully air-conditioned environments.

This article (Minister’s advice to use fan instead of aircon resurfaces as Singaporeans brace for El Niño event) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: “So much for family time,” Singaporeans online are quipping as ruling party politician Koh Poh Koon announced his return to his job as a surgeon, mere days after he stepped down for political office, citing the need to spend more time with his family.

On May 22, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that Dr Koh would resign from his roles as Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower due to family reasons.

Dr Koh subsequently posted a video explaining that he had been an absent husband, father and son since he entered politics in 2015, and that his family needs his attention in a way “that is not compatible with the demands of political office”.

Dr Koh, who is also the father of two daughters, will continue to serve as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Tampines GRC.

On Tuesday (2 June), however, Dr Koh said he is returning to his job as a surgeon. Thanking his former health ministry colleagues in a Facebook post, Dr Koh wrote:

“As I leave MOH and go back to healthcare as a surgeon, I hope our paths will cross again as we work to support the healthcare needs of Singaporeans.”

The 54-year-old told the national broadsheet, “I’ll want to return to doing some clinical work at some point, but I have not decided on when, where or how much at this moment.”

He added that he still wants to spend some time with his family for now.

The MP’s latest update has led some Singaporeans online to opine that he should just resign as MP.

One of the most detailed responses came from Facebook user Alex Lim, who argued that if Dr Koh genuinely wished to prioritise his family, he should consider stepping away from politics entirely.

“If Koh Poh Koon wants to spend more time with his family, then perhaps he should follow the example of Louis Ng and Teo Ser Luck by stepping away from politics and relinquishing his MP responsibilities,” he wrote.

Mr Lim claimed that many residents in Tampines Central had already felt Dr Koh was not sufficiently present on the ground during the previous term, even before family considerations were cited as a reason for stepping back from ministerial office.

“If ground engagement and municipal oversight were already seen as lacking, then why should residents have confidence that things will improve now while he balances greater family commitments?” he asked.

He also pointed out that Tampines GRC had effectively functioned with four MPs for extended periods following the departures of Cheng Li Hui and Heng Swee Keat, arguing that the constituency had continued operating without major disruption.

“Today, Tampines also has an additional elected MP through Tampines Changkat SMC. Given these circumstances, it is difficult to see why Koh Poh Koon’s departure would create any significant gap in representation.”

Mr Lim added: “Tampines residents deserve MPs who are fully present, accessible, and committed to serving the ground. Public service is not a ceremonial appointment or a part-time responsibility.

“If family understandably needs to take priority, then the responsible course of action may be to step aside and allow someone with the time, energy, and commitment to take over the role. Especially with Masagos going to be a full-time MP soon.”

Many other commenters echoed similar sentiments, questioning the consistency between Dr Koh’s stated reasons for leaving political office and his decision to return to surgery.

“Didn’t know being a surgeon + MP provides more time to be with family,” one commenter remarked.

Another asked: “Is surgeon salary better than senior minister of state?”

Several others probed the logic of the move, with one commenter questioning, “Family reasons? Now working as MP + Surgeon?” while another asked, “Got no time (to be an) SMS because family, but got time to be surgeon?”

One top comment on social media read, “For family reasons, would mean becoming more available at home… returning to being full-time surgeon & MP doesn’t seem to make any difference.”

Another commenter wrote: “Prata here and there, I thought he left his office holder role to spend time with family? Now, suddenly return as surgeon, which would take a considerable amount of time to function in that role too.”

Others questioned whether surgery was somehow less demanding than ministerial office, asking: “Surgeon not as stressful or time-consuming?”

Some commenters suggested that if family commitments were truly the priority, Dr Koh should step away from public office altogether.

“If cannot serve wholeheartedly, then might as well resign totally,” one netizen wrote.

Another added: “Just need to relinquish all public office (and allowances) and return to be a surgeon to put your family duties first. You cannot be half pregnant!”

A similar sentiment was expressed by another commenter who wrote: “Either in politics or in profession. You cannot have both!”

Some remarks also focused on the parliamentary allowance that Dr Koh continues to receive as an MP. He earns about $16,000 a month or close to $200,000 a year with an MP allowance alone.

“free mp allowance, no need do much, why not,” one commenter wrote.

Others revived a controversy from the beginning of Dr Koh’s political career, joking about his infamous remark about owning two cars.

“Does this job allow him and his wife to afford 2 cars?” one commenter asked.

Another quipped, “And the MP’s salary help with 2 cars instalments,” while one netizen joked, “He still need MP allowance for his third car.”

The comments referenced an infamous exchange during the 2013 Punggol East by-election that earned Dr Koh the enduring nickname of “two-car MP.”

At the time, the PAP fresh face was asked why he owns two cars. He responded, “Well, everybody has a car, we have two — my wife drives one, I drive one. We are both professionals; we need to travel.”

Many Singaporean professionals who also need cars to travel but cannot afford one, let alone two, expressed how out of touch Dr Koh’s views were with the majority of citizens.

At the time that he made the remarks, Dr Koh had just joined the PAP three weeks before he was fielded to contest the 2013 by-election. After losing the by-election to the Workers’ Party, Dr Koh joined Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s Ang Mo Kio GRC team in the 2015 General Election and cruised to a victory at the polls.

This article (‘Just resign as MP,’ Singaporeans online say as Koh Poh Koon returns to surgeon job) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.