Friday #sgroundup: Children raped, forced to eat faeces in Indian school

By Jeanette Tan | What's buzzing? – 

Here are the top trending stories in case you missed them:

Children raped, forced to eat faeces in Indian school - police

A child returns from school on an enclosed cycle rickshaw in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Gurinder …

The owner and manager of a children's boarding school in western India have been arrested after five minors said they were raped, forced to watch pornographic films and act them out with one another, police and charity workers said.

The children were made to eat faeces as a punishment if they did not comply.

The 52-year-old owner of the Chandraprabha Charitable Trust and his 30-year-old female manager were arrested on Monday after a police raid on the school in Karjat city in Maharashtra state.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/children-raped-forced-eat-faeces-indian-school-police-065958360.html

Searcher 'cautiously optimistic' jet will be found

Australian Navy personnel keeps watch on the forecastle of auxiliary oiler HMAS Success, deployed in search of …

An underwater sub that spent weeks scouring the seabed in the area near where signals purportedly from the missing flight MH370 were detected in April found nothing, and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, which is helping head up the search, this week ruled the area out as the plane's final resting place.

The search is now on hold for two months while new, specialized equipment can be brought in to scan a 700 kilometer by 80 kilometer (430 mile by 50 mile) arc of ocean that was largely identified by an analysis of hourly transmissions, or "handshakes," between the plane and a satellite.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/searcher-cautiously-optimistic-jet-found-081820433.html

Four arrested in Pakistani woman bludgeoning case

Pakistani human rights activists hold placards as they chant slogans during a protest in Islamabad on May 29, 2014 …

Pakistani police investigating the murder of a pregnant woman bludgeoned to death outside a court have arrested four men including her uncle and two cousins, a senior officer said Friday.

Farzana Parveen was killed on Tuesday outside the High Court in the eastern city of Lahore by more than two dozen attackers armed with bricks, including numerous relatives, for marrying against her family's wishes.

The brazen, brutal nature of the killing, in broad daylight in the centre of Pakistan's second largest city, has triggered outrage around the world.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/husband-bludgeoned-pakistani-woman-strangled-first-wife-163921973.html

The truth about CPF? A MoneySmart response to why Roy Ngerng is wrong

The Truth About CPF? A MoneySmart Response on Why Roy Ngerng is Wrong

MoneySmart contributors explain why blogger Roy Ngerng's understanding of the Central Provident Fund is flawed -- and could also have resulted in him being sued by Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/truth-cpf-moneysmart-response-why-160000234.html

COMMENT: Villagers don't exist to teach Singaporeans gratitude

In this May 1, 2014 photo, children from a relocated village draw water with a hand-pump near Thilawa Special Economic …

Contributor Kirsten Han disagrees with a member of parliament who proposed the idea for Singapore to mandate overseas community "field trips" to developing neighbouring countries to help young Singaporean students to better appreciate life in Singapore.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/villagers-don-t-exist-teach-singaporeans-gratitude-041853462.html

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/what-is-buzzing/friday--sgroundup--children-raped--forced-to-eat-faeces-in-indian-school-103939326.html

YOUR VIEW: Let*s have constructive commentary in Singapore politics

Yahoo Newsroom – 

This email by a reader was sent to us via reachus@yahoo-inc.com. We welcome your views. Please include your full name, age and occupation if you want your emails to be considered for publishing. Please note that all submissions will be subject to these terms.

When President Tony Tan first spoke about "constructive politics" to achieve goals like safer and cleaner urban living, better care for elderly, more transport possibilities and more opportunities for citizen engagement, I was incredibly impressed and excited to see how the parliament debates thereafter would evolve. I thought perhaps this new start to Parliament meant a fresh start of possibilities, improvements and betterment of our nation and people.

"How will the education of my nieces be like from now on? Will there be better healthcare options and subsidies for my grandfather? Are there new measures for the caring of the lower-income? What are my housing options in 5 years' time?"

I was waiting to see how "constructive politics" would help to make our lives better, with everyone setting aside their differences and focusing on bringing Singapore together and forward. There will be plans for new homes and better transport systems. The elderly will be taken care of and the poor provided with subsidised education so that they can move up in society. There will be hope and a brighter future for all.

Mr. Low Thia Khiang had a different definition of "constructive politics" which focused on abstract "political values" and "political culture". I read about what Mr. Gerald Giam said about the gaps in the MediShield, what Ms. Sylvia Lim said about legal aid and what Mr. Pritam Singh said about crisis strategies needing a review. It all sounded quite right, but I realised that there were no alternative solutions provided.

It seemed as if raising up of issues seemed more important than developing better ways of doing things. While lively discussions and robust debates help in bringing forth various perspectives, arguments and critical commentary should not be brought up for the sake of just providing some kind of balance. It is easy to ask for a review, the ultimate test of a constructive debate is the putting forth of a serious concrete and detailed initiative or proposal.

We need to think about what kind of politics we would like. I think we all we need to take a little more care in understanding what we want of our Singapore. Whether it is the US, British or Bhutanese system of politics, we need to exercise care lest it devolve into a situation where words are bantered, without tangible outcomes. Mr Png Eng Huat's suggestion for a third CPF Life Plan with a draw down at 60 years of age is a good start for a fruitful constructive debate. The "agree to disagree" mode of thinking should be cast aside, so that constructive commentary (with proper studies and plausible alternative solutions backing up propositions) can be put out for the sake of unity and common good of Singapore.  Indranee's Rajah's mention of the ASPIRE initiative to help ITE and poly graduates in their upward progression is just such an example of a concrete proposal.

Nonetheless, regardless of the definition or preference for the type of "constructive politics' that we hope happens within our government, the heart of politics should be about people. Hopefully, personal motivations can be set aside during such discussions, so that the central attention and focus of policy formulation can really be for the governance and betterment of Singapore.

Hilda Tan, 28
Account executive

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/your-view--let-s-have-constructive-commentary-in-singapore-politics-062658829.html

COMMENT: Villagers don’t exist to teach Singaporeans gratitude

By Kirsten Han | SingaporeScene – 

Kirsten Han is a Singaporean blogger, journalist and filmmaker. She is also involved in the We Believe in Second Chances campaign for the abolishment of the death penalty. A social media junkie, she tweets at @kixes. The views expressed are her own.

Singapore is the best country in the world (or at least the region), and anyone who tells you otherwise needs to redo their Social Studies O Levels. But just in case our younglings aren't convinced, perhaps we should also send them overseas to objectify villagers, I mean, learn?

Ang Wei Neng, MP for Jurong GRC, proposed the idea of mandatory community service field trips to rural villages in neighbouring countries in Parliament.

"I hope parents and teachers will see the value of such trips when the students return from the trip more mature and sensible. I am confident that such field trips will help our youths appreciate Singapore's success better, reduce the sense of entitlement and inculcate the value of service to others," Channel NewsAsia quoted him as saying.

"It will be money well spent. It will generate a wind of gratitude. It will help us cherish the pioneering spirit that built the Singapore we see today."

I'm not sure what a "wind of gratitude" feels like, but there's definitely more than a whiff of elitism and condescension in the idea that Ang appears to be worryingly oblivious to.

Ang's idea appears to be this: send Singaporean youths to rural villages in the region, where there will be no air-con and streetlights, and they will return to Singapore keeling over with gratitude for our infrastructure and the PAP for having built it!

The rebuttal to Ang's proposal is simple: people are people, regardless of where they live and the circumstances in which they live. No one exists to be a teaching moment for anyone else. Families in rural villages do not live their lives just so we can ship Singaporean youths over to gawp wide-eyed at their plight and come back feeling a renewed sense of smugness.

Ang's idea is also not original; Singaporean children have already been packed off on such overseas excursions. I remember the assembly presentations in school; the obligatory PowerPoint presentation with photographs of some trip to Cambodia, Vietnam or China. "There are no real toilets there!" one rehearsed participant will say with a mixture of wonder and disgust. Everyone in the hall will then luxuriate in self-satisfaction made possible by the existence of Singapore's modern plumbing system.

Gratuitous overseas trips to rural environs are unlikely to be of any real help. With little understanding of the local historical and political context, unleashing a group of young Singaporean do-gooders might not actually do much good. There are already plenty of critiques of "voluntourism", and how it is actually more about assuaging the consciences of the privileged than about helping those really in need.

There is plenty to be gained from traveling and leaving one's comfort zone. But the condescension implicit in Ang's suggestion is unlikely to teach young Singaporeans about humility, or reduce their sense of entitlement. It is far more likely to objectify rural villagers as pitiable creatures lacking in agency, and therefore indebted to "developed" Singaporeans for aid.

Such a mindset will not teach empathy, which is sorely needed in Singaporean society. It is much more likely to perpetuate the condescension that led Ang to make such a suggestion in the first place, and make us much more insufferable neighbours.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/villagers-don-t-exist-teach-singaporeans-gratitude-041853462.html

Thursday #sgroundup: Singapore PM launches defamation suit against blogger

By Nurul Azliah Aripin | What's buzzing? – 

Here are today's top trending stories in case you missed them.

Singapore PM launches defamation suit against blogger
 Lee Hsien Loong looks at a computer screen at Yahoo headquarters in Sunnyvale, Califorina, on May 7, 2007
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday filed a defamation suit against a blogger who accused him of misusing public funds, setting the stage for the first court case of its kind in Singapore.

Lee's lawyer Davinder Singh told the High Court that a May 15 post by Roy Ngerng Yi Ling, a 33-year-old government health worker, contained statements that alleged "criminal misappropriation" by the premier.
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-pm-launches-defamation-suit-against-blogger-095645352.html

Malaysia Airlines union calls for CEO to resign
 Inmarsat defends MH370 data, says it's accurate
The union representing Malaysia Airlines employees is calling for the resignation of the airline's chief executive, saying new management is needed to revive the beleaguered flag carrier.

The union's secretary Mohamad Jabbarullah Abdul Kadir says Thursday that the airline has been mired in losses for four straight years and is now grappling with the aftermath of the Flight 370 tragedy. The jet disappeared on March 8 with 239 people on board.
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/malaysia-airlines-union-calls-ceo-resign-073729067.html

Ocean area where pings detected 'discounted' as MH370 crash zone
 A Royal New Zealand Airforce (RNZAF) P-3K2-Orion aircraft takes part in the search for missing Malaysia Airlines …
The Indian Ocean was Thursday ruled out as the crash zone of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 after a lengthy underwater search.

The Australian-led Joint Agency Coordination Centre said that the search in the area using a mini sub where the ping-emitting beacons were believed detected in early April was now complete.
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/ocean-area-where-pings-detected-discounted-mh370-crash-054243530.html

Former Man Utd owner Glazer died at 85
 FILE - In this May 25, 2005 file photo, Tampa Bay Buccaneers team owner and president Malcolm Glazer smiles at …
Malcolm Glazer, the self-made billionaire who led the takeover of English football's Manchester United has died at the age of 85.

The reclusive businessman from the US had been in failing health since April 2006 when a pair of strokes left him with impaired speech and limited mobility in his right arm and leg.
https://sg.sports.yahoo.com/news/former-man-utd-owner-glazer-died-85-220529586.html

Apple hopes to lift street cred with $3B Beats buy
 Commuters walk past a Beats brand display in the subway system of New York, May 29, 2014. Apple Inc will buy Beats …
Apple is striking a new chord with a US$3 billion acquisition of Beats Electronics, which is a headphone and music streaming specialist that also brings the swagger of rapper Dr. Dre and recording impresario Jimmy Iovine.

The announcement came nearly three weeks after deal negotiations were leaked to the media. This is by far the most expensive acquisition in Apple's 38-year history, a price that the company is paying to counter a threat posed to its iTunes store.
https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/apple-hopes-lift-street-cred-3b-beats-buy-213402217.html

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/what-is-buzzing/thursday--sgroundup--singapore-pm-launches-defamation-suit-against-blogger-144608035.html

PM Lee asks Low Thia Khiang: Where do you stand?

By Jeanette Tan | Yahoo Newsroom – 

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Workers' Party (WP) chief Low Thia Khiang faced off on Wednesday afternoon in parliament, with the government leader accusing Low's opposition party of being "inarticulate" outside of election periods.

In the continuing parliamentary debates on President Tony Tan Keng Yam's address to the House, a roughly 12-and-a-half minute verbal battle between the secretary-generals of the incumbent People's Action Party (PAP) and lead opposition party WP saw the premier asking Low repeatedly, "Where do you stand? Where are we totally wrong?"

Lee accused Low and his WP MPs of failing to express clearly their position on important issues.

"In a serious parliament the government presents policies, the opposition presents its alternatives," said Lee. "You do have a responsibility to say which direction are we going, and that direction has to be set clearly, not to explain to the PAP but to explain to Singaporeans what you stand for. And what you stand for cannot be what the PAP is doing, and a little bit better. That means you have no stand."

Responding, Low, who is also an MP in Aljunied GRC, acknowledged that his party has not come up with a comprehensive suite of alternative policies yet. "But to say that the WP has no position on major issues, that is not true," he said. "I think we did state our position in parliament, we debated major policy vigorously… so we state our position on important issues, and we (don't) oppose things that we think (the government is) doing right."

Watch the crossfire unfold between them here:

On the point of the WP "flip-flopping" on its stance on the inflow of foreign workers as raised by Senior Minister of State Indranee Rajah on Monday, Lee said when Singapore grew despite WP warning against it, he had not since heard any complaints from the opposition.

"During the (Population White Paper) debate, the position taken by the WP was 'enough is enough. Zero growth.' We have continued to grow. I have not heard the WP demand zero growth today. Do you still demand that, or do you now think that we should allow SMEs to survive in Singapore?" asked PM Lee.

In response, Low explained why his party came to the conclusion of needing to reach "zero foreign workers' growth", adding that none of them asked the government why they did not adopt the WP's idea because "we have said our piece, but we have to respect the government's decision to move on".

"But our message has gotten across. We cannot sustain the kind of growth plan the government is planning," said Low.

To this, PM Lee retorted, "But after telling me 'you can massage this, and some people can do less and others will need more', that's easy to say. Who's going to do the massaging? Of course the government. And that is the mark of a substandard opposition."

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/pm-lee-asks-low-thia-khiang--where-do-you-stand-180324245.html

Wednesday #sgroundup: Singapore activists warn of surging xenophobia

By Jeanette Tan | What's buzzing? – 

Here are today's top trending stories in case you missed them:

Singapore activists warn of surging xenophobia

In this photo taken Feb. 9, 2014, migrant workers populate a senior citizens corner and children's playground …

Guest workers and expatriates are increasingly the target of "xenophobic" attacks on social media, Singapore's leading activists groups warned Wednesday.

The groups expressed their concern of a worrying trend in "blaming foreigners for social ills" such as overcrowding, local unemployment.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-activists-warn-surging-xenophobia-064647576.html

Alibaba to buy SingPost stake for S$312.5 million to boost e-commerce logistics

FILE - In this March 17, 2014 file photo, people walk past a company logo at the headquarters of Alibaba Group …

A unit of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holdings Ltd will buy a minority stake in Singapore Post Ltd for S$312.5 million ($249 million) to help set up an international e-commerce logistics business.

Alibaba will buy a 10.35 percent stake in Singapore Post (SingPost) in the enlarged capital of the firm, the companies said in a joint statement. After the deal is complete, Alibaba will become the second biggest shareholder in SingPost after Singapore Telecommunications Ltd, the stake of which will fall to about 23 percent from nearly 26 percent.

https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/alibaba-buy-singpost-stake-249-million-boost-e-082133782--finance.html

Chinese elderly commit suicide to avoid coffin ban

Villagers carry a coffin on April 22, 2013, containing a man who was killed after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit …

Six elderly people in China are said to have committed suicide to ensure they died before new regulations banning coffin burials come into force, a newspaper reported on Wednesday.

China has a tradition dating back thousands of years of ancestor worship, which usually requires families to bury their relatives and construct a tomb.

But in recent years local governments across the country have demolished tombs as part of a national campaign encouraging cremation, in an attempt to save on limited land resources.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/chinese-elderly-commit-suicide-avoid-coffin-ban-064205238.html

Value of HDB flats held by households drops 0.7 per cent

National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan says his ministry will impose a cap on the number of flats sublet to …

The value of HDB flats held by households dipped by 0.7 percent to $412.8 billion in 2013 due to higher supply and the series of property curbs imposed in recent years, according to media reports.

This marks its first annual decline since 2005, following growths of 14.5 percent in 2010, 11.5 percent in 2011 and 6.8 percent in 2012. The data, compiled from the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) website, suggests the value of households' holdings of HDB flats is possibly reaching an inflexion point.

https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/hdb-flats-value-households-holdings-drops-0-7-041429547--sector.html

Victoria Beckham warned Eva Longoria about Singapore's hot weather

Eva Longoria in Singapore to support the second store opening of Italian Jewelry brand Damiani.

"Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria graced Singapore's shores on Wednesday in support of her longtime friend Italian jeweller Damiani, at the opening of a second store here.

She said she was surprised by how "big" Changi Airport was, and also shared that her experience jogging at the Gardens By The Bay was a "magical" one.

https://sg.entertainment.yahoo.com/blogs/singapore-showbiz/victoria-beckham-warned-eva-longoria-about-singapore-s-hot-weather-093630531.html

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/what-is-buzzing/wednesday--sgroundup--singapore-activists-warn-of-surging-xenophobia-110657873.html

Government finalising plans to raise re-employment age from 65 to 67: Amy Khor

By Jeanette Tan | Yahoo Newsroom – 

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower is working to finalise policy details that would raise to 67 from 65 the age up to which employees should be offered re-employment.
 
During the ongoing debate on the President's address, Minister of State for Manpower Amy Khor said in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon that the tripartite committee on the employability of older workers, which she chairs, is sorting out remaining implementation issues, updating relevant laws and guidelines on re-empmloyment of older workers.
 
Raising the re-employment age "does not mean that we do not want Singaporeans to retire" but rather "that we want to help those who wish to continue working to be able to do so", she said.
 
Khor also urged employers to re-employ those who have reached 65 years old even before the law is changed as "this could help mitigate some of the effects of the current tight labour market".
 
The civil service has so far re-employed almost 800 workers above the age of 65, she noted.
 
Khor also clarified that the statutory retirement age of 62 is not to require Singaporeans to retire at that age but to protect workers below it from being dismissed on the grounds of age. She noted that there is no legal requirement for employers to retire workers at any specific age.
 
Under the Retirement and Re-employment Act, employers are required to offer re-employment contracts of at least one year to eligible employees who reach age 62, renewable up to age 65.
 
According to Khor, after re-employment legislation was introduced in 2012, 99 per cent of private sector local employees who turned 62 in the year ending June 2013 were offered re-employment that 98 per cent accepted.
 
Khor also stressed that it takes a "mindset change" by all quarters of society to support older workers at work.
 
"We need to change the way we think about growing old and move the conversation from a negative one of worrying about the problems of aging to a positive one of tapping on the opportunities from our increased longevity," she said.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/government-finalising-plans-to-raise-re-employment-age-from-65-to-67--amy-khor-141448814.html

Tuesday #sgroundup: Singapore blogger*s latest moves are *very grave aggravation*: PM Lee*s lawyer

By Jeanette Tan | What's buzzing? – 

Here are the top trending stories for today in case you missed them:

Singapore blogger's latest moves are 'very grave aggravation': PM Lee's lawyer

Blogger Roy Ngerng stands outside Singapore's Parliament building with his NMP proposal in hand. (Photo courtesy …

Singapore blogger Roy Ngerng's refusal to remove a contentious YouTube video as well as two emails he sent out in which his contentious blogposts were republished amounted to "very grave aggravation", said lawyers acting for PM Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday.

In his response through his own lawyer M Ravi on Tuesday at 1230pm, Ngerng said his video and other posts "were not intended to impy that there is any truth in the criminal misappropriation allegation." He also proposed to offer S$5,000 in damages to PM Lee.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogger-roy-ngerng-takes-down-post-after-pm-lee-letter-084001258.html

PAP MP Inderjit Singh confronts Singapore's hard truths in wide-ranging Facebook post

PAP's Inderjit Singh noted that too many PRs are enjoying full citizen privileges without citizen's responsibilities. (Facebook photo)

The disconnect between Singapore's wealth and citizens' well-being, the importing of talent, the complacency and elitism in the top ranks of civil servants, and the national identity for Singapore's young people – these were the issues raised by Ang Mo Kio Member of Parliament (MP) Inderjit Singh in a Facebook post Monday night.

Singh noted that after the general election in 2011, the government got a very clear signal from Singaporeans about the issues that affected them most and the government spent considerable time fixing these problems. The problems themselves were "created as a result of a decade long series of policy misjudgment linked to its 'growth at all cost' economic strategy", he wrote, elaborating at length his views on where the government still needs to improve.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/pap-mp-inderjit-singh-confronts-singapore-s-hard-truths-in-wide-ranging-facebook-post-090404111.html

Filipino event scrapped in Singapore after drawing abuse

The area outside Ngee Ann City, where the proposed Philippine Independence Day was hoped to be held. (Yahoo file …

A Philippine independence day celebration in Singapore has been cancelled, organisers said Tuesday, after plans for a public event generated online abuse and threats against Filipinos in the city-state.

"In view of all considerations in the search for equivalent suitable venues, the PIDC 2014 deemed it is best to cancel the event," the Pilipino Independence Day Council (PIDC) said in a statement sent to AFP.

Previously, local police said the PIDC had withdrawn its application to hold its event at the area along the busy Orchard Road shopping belt after it turned down police suggestions of alternative locations, citing crowd capacity limitations.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/filipino-event-scrapped-singapore-drawing-abuse-074140038.html

S. Korea's Park says family 'root cause' of ferry tragedy

A woman shouts names of victims during a rally to demand the government to seek the truth in poor handling of the …

South Korean President Park Geun-Hye on Tuesday denounced fugitive members of the ship-owning family linked to last month's ferry disaster, calling them the "root cause" of the tragedy that claimed around 300 lives.

The government has offered a half-million dollar reward for information leading to the arrest of Yoo Byung-Eun, patriarch of the family behind Chonghaejin Marine Co.

Chonghaejin owned and operated the 6,825-tonne Sewol ferry that capsized and sank on April 16 with hundreds of high school students on board.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/koreas-park-says-family-root-cause-ferry-tragedy-062139863.html

Malaysia, UK firm release satellite data on missing MH370

A journalist looking satellite data on missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 on May 27, 2014

Malaysia's government and British satellite firm Inmarsat on Tuesday released the data used to determine the path of missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, responding to mounting calls from passengers' relatives for greater transparency.

The data from satellite communications with the plane, which runs to 47 pages in a report prepared by Inmarsat, features hourly "handshakes" - or network log-on confirmations - after the aircraft disappeared from civilian radar screens on March 8.

Families of passengers are hoping that opening up the data to analysis by a wider range of experts can help verify the plane's last location, nearly three months after the Boeing 777 with 239 passengers and crew disappeared.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/malaysia-uk-firm-release-satellite-data-missing-mh370-082118760--finance.html

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/what-is-buzzing/tuesday--sgroundup--singapore-blogger-s-latest-moves-are--very-grave-aggravation---pm-lee-s-lawyer-093629292.html

Workers’ Party, PAP in war of words over ‘constructive politics*

By Jeanette Tan | Yahoo Newsroom – 

Workers' Party (WP) chief Low Thia Khiang and Senior Minister of State for Education and Law Indranee Rajah clashed in a heated debate in Parliament on Monday over the meaning of the term "constructive politics".

Speaking in the course of the ongoing debate on President Tony Tan's parliamentary address on 16 May, Low, a member of parliament (MP) for Aljunied GRC, said he feels the President's use of the phrase "constructive politics" could have been merely government rhetoric. The term referred to the idea that "only by getting our politics right and keeping it constructive and responsible would Singapore make progress".

"We must all remember constructive politics does not happen by the order of the government, nor does it happen through a national conversation or public consultation," said Low.

He added that if Singaporeans continue to support a government party that uses "high-handed" tactics against its political opponents, they would be endorsing a bullying political culture.

"If the people support a governing party that uses governmental resources, including civil servants, to serve its partisan goals, we are condoning the abuse of political power as an acceptable culture," he added.

Low noted the use of differentiating measures in policies to "punish" opposition voters breeds a culture of "divisive politics", adding that the idea of the political incumbent having no obligation to "level the playing field", using all legal means to stay in power, is one that builds a "self-serving political culture".

After he spoke, People's Action Party MP Indranee fired back, arguing that constructive politics means not "flip-flopping" in positions taken when convenient  — a reference to WP's allegedly fluid position on foreign workers in the past.

"Even though it (a previous WP proposal to freeze the growth of foreign workers in Singapore) may sound popular, and even though it may sound good, something like that may sound politically opportunistic, not constructive, but it does not help people on the ground, like our Singapore SMEs," she said. "There are real tradeoffs and people's livelihoods and jobs are at stake."

Watch the exchange between Low and Indranee here:

In his speech, Low went on to stress the importance of building institutions of state that the public can trust — namely one that consistently acts in the interest of the nation, the way the Thai King previously acted to defuse past political crises.

"Building such institutions is the obligation of any responsible government, and entails whole-of-government efforts to protect these institutions from being perceived as political tools of the government," he said.

"Therefore, the institution must be seen to behave impartially and to be above politics. Such consistent and predictable behaviour over a long period… will gain public trust to enable them to play a stabilising role in a political crisis," he added.

Raising the WP's then-Aljunied-Hougang town council troubles in response to this point, Indranee took aim at its failure to call for a tender before awarding managing agent contracts to people whom she referred to as "(the WP's) own supporters". "What kind of political culture do you build? How does that engender trust?"

Sharing the video of the exchange on his Facebook page, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wrote in its description his view that constructive politics "is key to realising our dreams".

"The purpose of politics is to make a difference to people's lives, to build a better Singapore. Politics purely for the sake of power, without any notion of what we want Singapore to become, will lead us to disaster," he wrote.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/wp-chief--pap-s-indranee-in-war-of-words-over--constructive-politics-161410400.html

Monday #sgroundup: Filipinos in Singapore drop IDay celebration plans after abuse

By Jeanette Tan | What's buzzing? – 

Here are the top trending stories for today in case you missed them:

Filipinos in Singapore drop IDay celebration plans after abuse

Philippine President Benigno Aquino (L) and Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam inspect the honour guard during …

A Filipino group that had plans to organise an event celebrating its Independence Day in Orchard Road's Ngee Ann City has withdrawn its application to do so, said police on Monday.

This follows local police's advice that there are public order and safety concerns with the venue proposed by PIDC," police said, adding that the organisers had been advised to hold the event at alternative locations, including a free speech park and a convention centre.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/filipinos-singapore-drop-iday-celebration-plans-abuse-073504439.html

Singapore's LGBT community in new Pink Dot video

A total of 43 people – a mix of straight Singaporeans and prominent members from Singapore's LGBTcommunity …

Organisers of the pro-LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual and queer) community event Pink Dot in Singapore released a promotional video featuring some 43 Singaporeans, both straight and from the community.

The heartwarming clip has drummed up hype since being posted on YouTube on Thursday of last week, garnering close to 20,000 views as of Monday, attracting a mix of comments among supporters and non-supporters of the LGBT movement in Singapore.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/what-is-buzzing/singapore-s-lgbt-community-in-new-pink-dot-singapore-video-093006494.html

Thai coup leader: don't protest, it's no use

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha speaks at the start of his first press conference since Thursday's coup Monday, May …

Thailand's junta leader warned Monday against mounting opposition to the takeover, ordering Thais not to cause trouble, not to criticize, not to protest — or else face a return to the "old days" of street violence.

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, the chief of Thailand's military responsible for last week's coup, said he had seized power to restore order after seven months of violent confrontations and political turmoil between the now-ousted government and demonstrators who had called repeatedly for the army to intervene.

"I'm not here to argue with anyone. I want to bring everything out in the open and fix it," Prayuth said in his first news conference since taking power last Thursday.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/thai-coup-leader-dont-protest-no-090326723.html

Singapore blogger in CPF defamation post saga: I have sacrificed myself to raise awareness

Blogger Roy Ngerng stands outside Singapore's Parliament building with his NMP proposal in hand. (Photo courtesy …

The Singapore blogger at the centre of the ongoing defamation case against PM Lee says he has "sacrificed" himself to raise awareness of the government's use of CPF funds and that he has been "politically persecuted" for it.

In an email to media on Monday, Roy Ngerng also said he has agreed to delete another four blogposts and a fresh video he uploaded last Friday, according to letters exchanged between laywers of the two parties.

His response comes after PM Lee's lawyer, Senior Counsel Davinder Singh, said Ngerng's apology posted last Friday "was not and never meant to be genuine" and demanded further posts to be taken down.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogger-roy-ngerng-takes-down-post-after-pm-lee-letter-084001258.html

Singapore food masters fight to keep food heritage alive in new Street Food course

(From left) Chef Sin Leong, Chef Hooi Kok Wai, Makansutra CEO KF Seetoh, Mr Chung of Fatty Ox Hong Kong Kitchen …

Veteran local food cooks are hoping to pass on their knowledge, trade secrets and age-old recipes to a willing and hungry new generation of young hawkers in a new programme called the Street Food Pro 360 course.

Organized by Makansutra and National Trades Union Congress' Employment and Employability Institute, e2i, the street food professional course aims to "preserve, professionalise and create new possibilities" in the comfort street food industry.

Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Makansutra chief executive KF Seetoh said the course will help to "address the continuity of tomorrow's food culture" and provide participants with a "360 view of what they can do in the industry".

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-food-masters-fight-to-keep-food-heritage-alive-in-new-street-food-course-090637594.html

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/what-is-buzzing/monday--sgroundup--filipinos-in-singapore-drop-iday-celebration-plans-after-abuse-100522799.html

Singapore*s LGBT community in new Pink Dot Singapore video

By Nurul Azliah Aripin | What's buzzing? – 

A total of 43 people – a mix of straight Singaporeans and prominent members from Singapore's LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community – have come out in support of next month's Pink Dot event at Hong Lim Park in a newly released promotional video.

The non-profit event, popularly known for its pink-attired attendees, calls for the freedom to love among all. Last year, the event attracted a record breaking number of 21,000 people. This year, it will be held on 28 June.
 
Familiar faces such as television actress and Nominated Member of Parliament Janice Koh as well as theatre actor and "Broadway Beng" Sebastian Tan speak up in the 4-minute clip calling for a more "open-minded and inclusive Singapore". Actor Brandon Fernandez and gay couple, Gary Lim and Kenneth Chee, who filed a legal challenge in 2012 against a Singapore law that criminalises sex between men, are also featured.
 
The heartwarming clip has drummed up hype since being posted on YouTube on Thursday of last week, garnering close to 20,000 views as of Monday, attracting a mix of comments among supporters and non-supporters of the LGBT movement in Singapore.
 

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/what-is-buzzing/singapore-s-lgbt-community-in-new-pink-dot-singapore-video-093006494.html

New Singapore political party, Singaporeans First, formed

By Nurul Azliah Aripin | Yahoo Newsroom – 

[UPDATE on Sunday, 25 May, 11.00am: Adding details of party's name, logo, manifesto and founding members]

Former presidential candidate Tan Jee Say unveiled Singapore's newest political party, Singaporeans First, on Sunday.

The party's manifesto — "Fair Society, Strong Families and Esteemed People" — was announced along with a list of 11 founding members, which include 60-year-old Tan himself as well as members of the medical profession, architects and company directors.

They include Dr Ang Yong Guan, psychiatrist and former grassroots leader, who along with Tan ran under the Singapore Democratic Party banner at the 2011 elections; Michael Chia, retired engineer and volunteer social worker; Fahmi Rais, communications professional and former Young PAP member; Fatimah Akhtar, architect; Dr David Foo Ming Jin, chemist and former Young PAP member; Jamie Lee Swee Yan, IT professional; Winston Lim, architect; Loke Pak Hoe, company director; and Tan Peng Ann, retired army colonel and former PAP grassroots leader.

A financial adviser and fund manager, party leader Tan was formerly the principal private secretary to then Deputy Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. He and Dr Ang had previously ran for 2011 elections together under the SDP banner in the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC.

Tan left the political party before announcing his candidacy for the 2011 presidential election. He garnered 25% of popular votes, losing out to Tan Cheng Bock and eventual President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

After the elections, Tan had leased a three-storey building along Orchard Road to host weekly policy discussions. The venue, known as "Heart Beat", had to be closed down following tenancy issues. The space was reportedly approved for restaurant and office use only.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/new-singapore-political-party-to-be-announced-002557100.html

New Singapore political party to be announced

By Nurul Azliah Aripin | Yahoo Newsroom – 

Ex-presidential candidate Tan Jee Say will be announcing the registration of a new Singapore political party on Sunday.

The 60-year-old will be unveiling the 11 founding members, party logo and manifesto, according to an email to the media. More members might be recruited before the next election.

Tan ran for the general election in 2011 under the Singapore Democratic Party. He was also the principal private secretary to the then Deputy Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.

Tan left the political party before announcing his candidacy for the 2011 presidential election. After which, the investment adviser leased a three-storey building along Orchard Road to host weekly policy discussions.

The venue, known as "Heart Beat", had to be closed down following tenancy issues. The space was reportedly approved for restaurant and office use only.

 

 

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/new-singapore-political-party-to-be-announced-002557100.html

SAF regular found dead at Nee Soon Camp

Yahoo Newsroom – 

A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regular of Military Expert 2 (ME2) rank is believed to have died at Nee Soon Camp on Friday morning.

Yahoo Singapore understands the deceased, whose name has not been revealed, was a senior course instructor from the SAF's Medical Training Institute. He is believed to have hanged himself.

An ambulance, CID (Criminal Investigation Department) vehicle, five police cars, and military police were spotted by an eyewitness at Nee Soon Camp around the time of the incident, said to be 8.15am.

If confirmed, this would be the third suicide by hanging of an SAF regular in the last three years, after a 2nd Sergeant at Changi Naval Base in 2012 and a 1st Warrant Officer at a Lentor training area in 2013.

Yahoo Singapore has reached out to the Ministry of Defence for comment.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/saf-regular-found-dead-at-nee-soon-camp-052535123.html

Club Med in China: Getting better at their own game

By Jeanette Tan | Yahoo Newsroom – 

China seems to be the place to be for most industries now — tourism, and luxury tourism at that, being no exception.

French resort brand Club Med, which has since 1950 pioneered the all-inclusive resort concept — where everything from food to airfare is included in one price — has eased its surf board up on the rising wave of the local tourist dollar.

So far, it's got two resorts open in China, with a third, in Dong'ao, partially opening in June. Its latest resort to open in China is in scenic Guilin, which is on a tentative list for nomination as a UNESCO Heritage site. Olivier Horps, the chief executive of the company's Greater China region, shares that it will have a total of five of its signature all-inclusive resorts open there by 2016, which includes a ski resort at Yabuli.
One of the rooms in the courtyard at Club Med Guilin. Their balconies look out to a view of the lush greenery that …
Club Med is of course not the first to hop onto China's tourist wave — in fact, compared to others, it does look like it's got some catching up to do.

Singapore luxury hotel giant Banyan Tree has already planted 10 resorts in China — according to Forbes three years ago, it planned a hefty 27 by this year — with some at beaches, others in valleys amidst mountains and still others parachuted into bustling cities like Shanghai. The Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Group already has three hotels and its first resort opening in China this year, to add to its existing 31 hotels. The coming three years will see that number rise to a total of 48 hotels and resorts in the mainland alone.

A very niche target market
The inside of an individual room in the spa at Club Med Guilin-- hour-long massage slots include free usage of …
And this is where Horps hints at Club Med's direction in China — not necessarily to cash in on city tourists, but a very specific, highly wealthy, local niche market of locals.

"We're talking about the top two per cent of the richest Chinese people, and within them, which is still a big group, people who are well-travelled, who are educated and want to have a type of European-lifestyle holiday in beautiful nature," he tells Yahoo Singapore in Guilin. "I think you can find that when you go to that niche, you have some of these people in (all) the big cities of the world." Also in Guilin, Horps shares that some 80 per cent of its visitors have been locals since its soft opening last year — a sign that the concept is appearing to take off among Chinese nationals.

At the same time, the Frenchman takes the opportunity to distance Club Med from the aggressive expansion that other hotel and luxury resort chains have taken in China.

"I've visited myself probably more than 100 sites in China by now, so we're still very selective and want to bring the best of Club Med to China," he says. "Some big hotel chains are more (building up) as fast as they can… whereas we go completely the other way by saying we want to be in the most beautiful natural places, and preserve them, and don't build them so much; and we don't care if we're a bit far away from the main cities."

One of four bars at Club Med Guilin, which offers a free flow of alcoholic beverages at all times of the day. (Yahoo …

The company's gamble seem to be paying off fairly well — since opening Club Med Yabuli in 2010, they are more than halfway to their goal of 200,000 clients in the Greater China market by the end of next year. Their pace is also likely to be accelerated by the opening of Club Med Dong'ao — their first Chinese beach resort, which partially opens its super-premium-luxury suites next month, and the main section of accommodation in September.

Just how premium will the Club Med Dong'ao suites be? Free flow of champagne, free in-room snacks and dining as well as personal trainers at the gym — these are but some of the extra-luxurious services provided, and Horps adds that even before its opening, the Dong'ao resort has already received requests for site-wide wedding bookings.

Adding to Yabuli, Guilin and Dong'ao will be a second ski resort and another beach resort, taking the total in China to "at least five". Horps declines to share where exactly the two new locations will be, although he notes that both chosen sites are at the stages of "very advanced discussion".

Fuss-free holiday
Some of the pruned greenery on display outside the kids' Mini Club at Club Med Guilin, which features full-day …
Over the years, Club Med, which pioneered the all-in-one price concept, has gradually and carefully worked to shake off its long-held image of debauchery and all-night partying, and at least at its Guilin resort now sees a significant number of families — young couples with infants-in-arms or toddlers in tow, sometimes with elderly parents too.

For 32-year-old Beijing citizen Li Qian, who was holidaying at Club Med Guilin with her family for the first time, the resort's concept looked like an appealing stress-free option, recommended by a friend of hers who had been to a Club Med elsewhere before.
The adults-only zen pool at Club Med Guilin offers a serene experience for travellers looking for a quiet afternoon. …
"I really enjoy this concept; it's really different from others," she told Yahoo Singapore. "I can bring my two-year-old and my elderly mum here too, without feeling tired or like it's troublesome at all." Despite having visited Guilin before, Li said she found the scenery at Club Med so beautiful that she spent her first day exploring the resort grounds just to take it all in.

Li notes that there are activities for young and old — for her 67-year-old mother, for instance, these include tai chi lessons, archery, yoga and swimming, while for the young one, there is Club Med's Mini Club — but yet she admits this may not take off as quickly with older couples and travellers in China.

"While the elder generation may not get used to this concept too quickly, I think young families like mine and my generation will like it — after working so hard, all we really want to do is relax," she said.

From party destination to family-friendly fun
The trapeze, a Club Med staple, is just one of a myriad activities ranging from tai chi to rockclimbing that travellers …
This being their third-visited Club Med — also having been to the one in Phuket and their home country — the Singapore-based Foucault family continue to spend week-long periods at its resorts for similar reasons of convenience, comfort and autonomy.

"In terms of scenery and setting, this is one of the most beautiful I've seen," remarked Veronique Viardot-Foucault, 42, a doctor. She explained that she and her husband Axel, a banker, always travel with their children Noa and Orlane.
The restaurant at Club Med Guilin features a buffet of multiple cuisines over a spread of at least seven stretches …
For Foucault, he feels quite strongly as a French that over the years, Club Med has had to manage its image and train its Gracious Officers (G.O.s for short) to better-handle guests.

"Twenty years ago it was for bachelors looking for ladies and vice versa… but now they've found the right balance, and as a family it's good for us; we can move around on our own and do our own activities," he said. "It's much more family-driven because they want clients who keep coming; if you want to party now, you'd go to other places where you can party all night long."

Click here to discover more about Club Med Guilin.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/club-med-in-china--getting-better-at-their-own-game-030402253.html

Thursday #sgroundup: Volunteer corps, more cash for IPPT among changes recommended for NS

By Nurul Azliah Aripin | What's buzzing? – 

Here are today's top trending stories in case you missed them.

Volunteer corps, more cash for IPPT among changes recommended for NS
 MP Lim Wee Kiak, Minister of State for Defence Maliki Osman, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and Second Defence Minister …
The establishment of a military volunteer corps, relaxing of IPPT windows and increase in cash incentives for IPPT are among a slew of 30 recommendations unveiled by the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) on Thursday.

The volunteer corps, which the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will model after the police force and civil defence force, will consist of willing women, first-generation PRs and new citizens.
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/volunteer-corps--more-cash-for-ippt-among-changes-recommended-for-ns-074718601.html

Singapore Airlines plane veers off Yangon runway, no injuries
 A Singapore Airlines plane is seen landing at Changi International airport in Singapore, on May 8, 2014
A Singapore Airlines plane skidded off the runway on touching down during heavy rain at Myanmar's Yangon International Airport, but no injuries were reported, the carrier said.

The Airbus A330 plane "encountered heavy rain and veered slightly off the runway on landing" at 10:05 am Yangon time (0335 GMT) Wednesday, before it was steered safely back, the airline said.
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-airlines-plane-veers-off-yangon-runway-no-052926748.html

EBay asks users to change password after breach
 Massive breach at eBay, which urges password change
E-commerce site eBay is asking users to change their passwords after a cyberattack compromised a company database containing customers' names, encrypted passwords, email addresses, physical addresses, phone numbers and dates of birth.

The company said Wednesday that there is no evidence that any financial or credit card information was stolen and no sign that the breach has resulted in unauthorized activity for its 145 million active users.
https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/ebay-asks-users-change-password-134830494.html

31 killed in attack in China's Xinjiang region
 People look on at a street cordoned off by police after a blast in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region May …
Thirty-one people were killed and more than 90 injured in an attack Thursday on a busy street market in the capital of China's volatile northwestern region of Xinjiang, the local government said, the bloodiest in a series of violent incidents blamed on radical separatist Muslims.

The Xinjiang regional government said in a statement that the early morning attack in the city of Urumqi was "a serious violent terrorist incident of a particularly vile nature."
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/31-killed-attack-chinas-xinjiang-region-060428595.html

Vietnam PM says considering legal action against China over disputed waters
 Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung walks past members of an honor guard shortly upon arrival at the Philippine …
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said his government was considering various "defence options" against China, including legal action, following the deployment of a Chinese oil rig to disputed waters in the South China Sea.

Dung's comments, given in a written response to questions from Reuters, are the first time he has suggested Vietnam would take legal measures, a threat that is likely to infuriate Beijing.
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/exclusive-vietnam-pm-says-considering-legal-action-against-234752624--finance.html

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/what-is-buzzing/thursday--sgroundup--volunteer-corps--more-cash-for-ippt-among-changes-recommended-for-ns-104623790.html

Volunteer corps, more cash for IPPT among changes recommended for NS

By Jeanette Tan | Yahoo Newsroom – 

The establishment of a military volunteer corps, relaxing of IPPT windows and increase in cash incentives for IPPT are among a slew of 30 recommendations unveiled by the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) on Thursday.

The volunteer corps, which the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will model after the police force and civil defence force, will consist of willing women, first-generation PRs and new citizens.

Volunteers will be put through either of two tracks: under the Operations track, volunteers are trained and deployed in island defence tasks like the protection of installations like Jurong Island and Changi Airport. The specialist track involves uniformed specialist staff roles that fall within fields like legal, psychology, information, medical and engineering.

For both tracks, volunteers with the SAF volunteer corps will go through a four-week basic volunteer course, where they will learn basic military skills and values. These feed into a commitment of between one and two weeks each year, subject to annual call-ups of up to 40 days for a minimum of three years.

There are currently no age restriction or specific definitions on who should participate in the volunteer corps, and Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said he does not have specific targets for its eventual size. "We're not looking for numbers," he said. "It must be meaningful, and it must be meaningfully deployed."

More cash for IPPT, 12-month IPPT window

Should the committee's recommendations be passed in Parliament, NSmen can also look forward to an additional $100 in cash incentive for their annual Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT), for attaining a "Pass with Incentive" level and up. This will push the monetary rewards up to $500 for Gold, $300 for Silver and $200 for Pass with Incentive.

Additionally, it is recommended that the current nine-plus-three-month IPPT and Remedial Training (RT) window system will be revised to a new 12-month system, where NSmen will have a year to complete the IPPT at least once. Should they fail, instead of having to complete 20 RT sessions within the three months that follow, they will have an additional year to finish them.

Another recommendation from the committee concerns overseas notifications — NSmen will need only file overseas notification for trips that exceed 14 days in length, a move toward greater convenience on many who may make shorter trips on a more regular basis.

Asked when these recommendations, if approved, can take effect, Brigadier-General Perry Lim, the Chief of Army, acknowledged that "there will be transition issues" in shifting from the "9+3" system to the full 12-month one. "We're still in the process of working out details, and it will take us some time," he said.

An implementation committee for the recommendations has already been convened, added Ng, who hopes that all the recommendations, should they be approved in Parliament, can be put in place by next year.

"I want to ask NSmen and the public some forbearance for this, because it is a big system, and when we shift, these are very, very big pieces. Every single line item can mean tens of thousands of people being affected," he said.

Read the full list of recommendations by the Committee here.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/volunteer-corps--more-cash-for-ippt-among-changes-recommended-for-ns-074718601.html

Moth invasion in Singapore

By Michelle Kwara | What's buzzing? – 

Large, dark-coloured moths are the new big thing in Singapore's social media sphere.

Social media users have been posting sightings of the insect - on the ground, outside their windows, at HDB void decks and even on the train. While some appreciated this bit of wildlife in urban Singapore, others were less pleased by the rapid and widespread occurrence of the moths.
 
Local newspaper The Straits Times reported that while the moths are present throughout the year, they are seen in larger numbers in Singapore between May and August. Known as the tropical swallowtail moth, it is the second-largest moth found here with a sizeable wingspan of 16cm.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/what-is-buzzing/moth-invasion-in-singapore-051923140.html

Wednesday #sgroundup: COE premiums end mostly higher in second bidding for May

By Nurul Azliah Aripin | What's buzzing? – 

Here are today's top trending stories in case you missed them.  

COE premiums end mostly higher in second bidding for May
 Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums have increased for most vehicles in Singapore.  (Yahoo Photo)
Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums ended mostly higher in the second bidding for May, according to data from the Land Transport Authority on Wednesday.

The premium for big cars, those above 1,600cc, dipped slightly to $68,103, which is lower than the previous $70,002.

Full details here: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/coe-premiums-end-mostly-higher-in-second-bidding-for-may-091212442.html

Blogger Roy Ngerng submits bid for Nominated Member of Parliament position
Blogger Roy Ngerng stands outside Singapore's Parliament building with his NMP proposal in hand. (Photo courtesy … 
Political blogger Roy Ngerng on Wednesday morning announced a surprise bid for a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) position.

Taking to his Facebook page, the 33-year-old healthcare programme co-ordinator posted a picture of himself holding his proposal outside Parliament House, saying, "Looking forward to representing the voices of Singaporeans in Parliament. If I get selected!"
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogger-roy-ngerng-takes-down-post-after-pm-lee-letter-084001258.html

Google overtakes Apple as world's top brand: survey
 Google overtakes Apple as world's top brand: survey
US search engine Google has overtaken rival technology titan Apple as the world's top brand in terms of value, global market research agency Millward Brown said Wednesday.

Google's brand value shot up 40 percent in a year to S$199.04 billion (US$158.84), Millward Brown said in its 2014 100 Top BrandZ report.
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/google-overtakes-apple-worlds-top-brand-survey-231901914.html

Egypt court sentences ousted leader Mubarak to three years in jail
 Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is seen in the courtroom for his trial at the Police Academy in Cairo, …
An Egyptian court on Wednesday sentenced ousted president Hosni Mubarak to three years in prison on charges of stealing public funds.

The court fined Mubarak and his sons 21.197 million Egyptian pounds (1.76 million pounds) and ordered them to repay about 125 million Egyptian pounds of funds the court said they had stolen.
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/egypt-court-sentences-ousted-leader-mubarak-three-years-085328974.html#6gTrl38

Giant pandas Feng Yi and Fu Wa land in Malaysia
 Feng Yi, one of two giant pandas on loan from China, in its cage at MASkargo near Kuala Lumpur International Airport …
Malaysia welcomed on Wednesday giant pandas Feng Yi and Fu Wa, which arrived via a special MASKargo A330 aircraft about 8am.

The pair is on loan from China for 10 years. Fu Wa and Feng Yi will be quarantined for 30 days before they go on display in Zoo Negara.
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/giant-pandas-feng-yi-fu-wa-land-malaysia-013522665.html

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/what-is-buzzing/wednesday--sgroundup--coe-premiums-end-mostly-higher-in-second-bidding-for-may-095337419.html