Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on April 23, 2025
GE2025: Five questions to be answered on Nomination Day
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Straits Times
Pritam Singh had hoped WP would ‘tip one or two more constituencies' at GE
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE – The Workers' Party was hoping to win one or two new constituencies at the May general election, and had come close, though it was not enough to succeed, said party chief Pritam Singh on Aug 4. 'It was a difficult election for us. As a small political party, obviously, elections are going to be difficult, but we did our best,' he said, speaking on The Big Show on Kiss92 FM. The WP fielded 26 candidates, including 14 new faces , at the general election. In the end, the party won 10 seats to entrench its incumbent positions in Aljunied GRC, Sengkang GRC and Hougang SMC, but failed to make inroads in the new constituencies it contested including Punggol GRC, Tampines GRC and Tampines Changkat SMC. Asked by DJs Glenn Ong and Angelique Teo about the electoral showing, Mr Singh said that he had hoped the party would 'tip one or two more constituencies'. '(We) came close, not close enough. But that just tells you there's still work to do. So we go at it again,' he added, speaking in what he said was his first radio interview. The WP had drawn flak from other opposition parties for not contesting Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC , where the party had covered the ground, leading to an unexpected walkover win for the PAP on Nomination Day. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Ong Beng Seng to be sentenced on Aug 15, prosecution does not object to fine due to his poor health Singapore Recap: Ong Beng Seng pleads guilty to abetting obstruction of justice in case linked to Iswaran Singapore All recruits at BMTC will be trained to fly drones and counter them: Chan Chun Sing Singapore Eu Yan Sang warns of counterfeits of its health supplements being sold online Singapore Electric car-sharing firm BlueSG to wind down current operations on Aug 8 Singapore Woman, 26, hit by car after dashing across street near Orchard Road Singapore Car passenger dies after accident involving bus in Yishun Mr Singh, who is Leader of the Opposition, said on the radio show that the party had decided to change its strategy after studying the boundary changes by the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee. WP had contested in Marine Parade GRC in the 2015 and 2020 general elections, getting 35.93 per cent and 42.26 per cent of the vote share respectively. In the most recent election, the constituency had absorbed MacPherson SMC and an adjacent polling district from Mountbatten SMC , and also ceded the Chai Chee and Joo Chiat areas to East Coast GRC. Asked about how boundary changes impacted his party's strategy, Mr Singh said: 'Before the elections, you have the boundary review committee which always sort of resets the playing board, and of course when the playing board is reset, you've got to reset your strategy.' He added that the party was looking at the electoral map not just for one election, but for the future as well, and decided it had to 'pivot'. 'Ultimately, you've got only that many cards in your hands, only that many candidates who are prepared to fly the flag, and we decided that the strategy for the party was important. 'But we still hang around a lot in the Marine Parade area. Generally we are more familiar with the eastern part of Singapore.' Mr Singh also spoke about his party's candidates at the recent general election, saying that he thought they did incredibly well, though he did not name names. He said that he was encouraged by the number of people who were prepared to step up to volunteer with the party and to contest the election under its banner. 'The value proposition we're providing you is a very difficult journey. It speaks of these candidates who have chosen to enter the ring... It speaks a lot for themselves and their character,' he said. He added that an important trait for opposition candidates is someone who is prepared to work hard, 'because you don't really have much wind behind you to push you forward, you've got to create that wind through your own energy and own effort'. Mr Singh also touched on topics ranging from his favourite sport to his favourite band, and what his childhood was like. He likes football, though he does not play frequently any more and often regrets it after a kick-around because of the muscle aches; he likes Irish rock band U2, and had a carefree childhood where his parents allowed him to do what he wanted. He also took pre-recorded questions from eight young Singaporeans ranging from four to 11 years of age. One of them asked him if politics in Singapore is fair, and if all parties play by the same rules. To this, Mr Singh said: 'I think we should always endeavour to develop and nourish a system where the rules are the same for everyone. 'I'd like to think that that's the road we're on, and we should remain on that road.'
Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Straits Times
‘Japanese First': PM Ishiba must address anti-foreigner sentiment ahead of Upper House poll
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox – The last thing a country's leader is expected to do is to publicly slag off the proud traditions of their nation. But Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has caused a stir by seeming to have done just that on July 2, when he described the Japanese language and customs as 'very tedious'. The remark was made in the context of helping foreigners better assimilate into society and recognising the need to ease immigration policies to plug Japan's growing labour shortfall, given its falling birthrates and an ageing population . 'We want foreigners to properly learn the 'very tedious' Japanese language and customs – even at the expense of the Japanese government – and only allow in those who follow Japan's laws,' he said, stressing that there is a place for foreigners who respect Japan's traditions. He was speaking at a debate of the leaders of contesting political parties, held on the eve of Nomination Day for the July 20 Upper House election. Perhaps it was a backhanded attempt to seem relatable, but it has led to the piling of even more heat on a beleaguered leader who is already facing pressure from all sides. Veteran lawmaker Ichiro Ozawa of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) criticised Mr Ishiba, saying: 'I cannot sense any reverence for the Japanese language, traditions, or culture. These remarks will offend many citizens and are completely unbecoming of a prime minister.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 193ha of land off Changi to be reclaimed for aviation park; area reduced to save seagrass meadow Business More Singapore residents met CPF Required Retirement Sum when they turned 55 in 2024 Singapore PAP questions Pritam's interview with Malaysian podcast, WP says PAP opposing for the sake of opposing Singapore 1 in 4 appeals to waive HDB wait-out period for private home owners approved since Sept 2022 Sport A true fans' player – Liverpool fans in Singapore pay tribute to the late Diogo Jota Singapore Healthcare facility planned for site of Ang Mo Kio Public Library after it moves to AMK Hub Singapore $500 in Child LifeSG credits, Edusave, Post-Sec Education Account top-ups to be disbursed in July Business 60 S'pore firms to get AI boost from Tata Consultancy as it launches new innovation centre here But worse, Mr Ishiba's gaffe plays directly into the hands of the young upstart party Sanseito, which has made 'Japanese First' its campaign slogan and struck a chord with the Japanese public in directly taking a leaf from the playbook of United States President Donald Trump's Make America Great Again movement. Its 47-year-old leader Sohei Kamiya, who has a juris doctor degree in law, is known for a history of anti-vaccine propaganda but is now fast gaining attention for his anti-foreigner rhetoric. His party wants to curb foreigner numbers – both immigrants and tourists – and levy heavy taxes on foreign purchases of Japanese land and real estate to prevent Japan from 'becoming an economic colony'. It has also accused foreigners of fostering crime in Japan. The party's nationalistic stance has won it backers including former Air Self-Defence Force chief of staff Toshio Tamogami. 'The Trump administration is defending the national interests of Americans, and this wave is spreading to Europe and other places,' Mr Kamiya said at the debate on July 2. 'The Prime Minister does not believe this applies to Japan. People say this as 'far-right' but we do not think so. And since the global trend is changing, Japan should keep up with the times,' he added. The problem with such rhetoric, even as Mr Kamiya insists the party is 'not xenophobic but just anti-globalism', is that it easily plays to the gallery in Japan, a generally inward-looking nation where just 17.5 per cent of its citizens have passports. The unfortunate reality is that many Japanese are taught from a young age that their country is 'homogenous' and an 'island nation'. And Mr Kamiya's statements feed into an us-versus-them mentality, at a time when many are suffering from rising costs of living. Juxtapose that against the ills associated with overtourism and foreigners swooping in to snap up land and real estate assets that have driven up prices . This is as only 60 per cent of Japanese possess their own homes. Sanseito has enjoyed a meteoric rise since its establishment in 2020, leveraging the power of social media and controversy. On YouTube, it has the distinction of being the most-followed political party in Japan, with 353,000 subscribers, where it spews allegations of foreigners getting 'preferential treatment'. Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya is now fast gaining attention for his anti-foreigner rhetoric. PHOTO: REUTERS According to media surveys, Sanseito now ranks as the third- or fourth-most popular political party in Japan, behind the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), CDP and, sometimes, the Democratic Party for the People. Mr Kamiya has cited the examples of Singapore and Dubai in saying how his party will prioritise foreign talent as well as transient workers in areas where there is a manpower shortage. 'We want to rebuild Japan so that we can make this country great again,' he said. Sanseito may still be a small party – it has five lawmakers across the lower and upper houses of Japan's bicameral legislature – but more established parties like the LDP are sitting up and taking note. Rather than ignoring its statements as inconsequential hot air, the LDP wrote into its campaign manifesto a pledge for 'zero illegal foreigners'. Under Mr Ishiba, the LDP has vowed to clamp down on foreigners who fail to pay medical bills, taxes and social insurance premiums. The party's more hawkish camp wants to abolish duty-free shopping for tourists altogether, among other things. Under Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, the Liberal Democratic Party has vowed to clamp down on foreigners who fail to pay medical bills, taxes and social insurance premiums. PHOTO: REUTERS While the battle for votes on July 20 is largely centred on the cost of living, with the LDP promising cash handouts and opposition parties pledging temporary cuts to the sales tax , immigration remains an emotive flashpoint that has drawn supporters and protesters alike to rallies. Much is at stake, and the ruling coalition of LDP and Komeito is trying to defend its majority in the 248-seat chamber. A total of 522 candidates are vying for the 125 seats up for grabs. Lawmakers serve a fixed six-year term in the chamber which, unlike the Lower House, cannot be dissolved. A poll is held every three years, for half the chamber's members whose tenures are expiring. There is an additional seat up for election in this cycle to fill a vacancy. The ruling coalition has 75 uncontested seats, and Mr Ishiba has said his goal is for the bloc to secure a majority by winning at least 50 seats. If it fails to do so, Japan will face the spectre of a political stalemate – or worse, upheaval – given that Mr Ishiba leads a minority government after the coalition lost its majority in the Lower House in an October 2024 snap election . Mr Ishiba has shown remarkable staying power despite his limp Cabinet support ratings, but he has struggled to tame inflation at home. Mr Trump's recent broadsides of Japan as 'very spoiled' in tariff negotiations cannot come at a worse time for him. Sanseito is fielding 55 candidates and aims to secure a total of six seats in the Upper House. While this election will not unseat the incumbent government, the risk is that the seeds of anti-globalisation are being planted, to be sown in future elections. That is something Mr Ishiba can combat by better conveying how Japan should be a vanguard for globalisation and an accepting place for all, and demonstrate to its voters how that would be a far better option than isolationism. Japan had gone down that route during the feudal era, which stunted its technological, economic and social progress.
Online Citizen
03-06-2025
- Online Citizen
PAP's Goh Pei Ming tops spending so far as 35 candidates declare S$884,978 from 3 May General Election
SINGAPORE: A total of 35 candidates who contested the General Election on 3 May have declared their election expenses, with combined spending reaching S$884,978. These figures were made publicly available on the Elections Department's (ELD) website on 28 May. Under Singapore's election laws, candidates must declare their expenses and the nature of spending. This process aims to ensure transparency and accountability in campaign financing. Candidates have until 16 June to file their election returns. PAP's Marine Parade–Braddell Heights team spent S$388,756 in sole walkover victory Among those who have submitted so far, People's Action Party (PAP) candidate Goh Pei Ming topped the list with S$104,085 in declared spending. More than half of his expenditure went towards non-online election advertising, including printed materials and physical displays. Goh, a former chief of staff in the Singapore Armed Forces, was part of the PAP team in Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC. His team was the only one to win in a walkover on Nomination Day. Their collective campaign expenditure stood at S$388,756 — the highest recorded among the teams that have declared their finances so far. In total, the 35 candidates represented a range of parties, including the PAP, Progress Singapore Party (PSP), National Solidarity Party (NSP), People's Alliance for Reform (PAR), Red Dot United (RDU), and Singapore People's Party (SPP). One candidate each from the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), People's Power Party (PPP), and Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) also submitted their expenses. Additionally, independent candidates Darryl Lo and Jeremy Tan have declared their financial statements. No candidates from the Workers' Party (WP) have submitted returns to date. This leaves 176 candidates either yet to file or whose submissions are pending announcement in the Government Gazette. According to the data released, the average expenditure per candidate came to S$25,285. However, spending varied significantly. While some candidates incurred no expenses, others spent over S$100,000. The PAP led the average spending per candidate at S$77,751. This was followed by the PSP with an average of S$32,303 and the NSP at S$24,378. At the lower end, RDU averaged S$1,297 per candidate, while PAR had the lowest average at S$898. Seven candidates report zero spending Seven candidates declared zero expenditure. These included Sharad Kumar, David Foo and Pang Heng Chuan from RDU; Alec Tok from SDP; Harminder Pal Singh from SDA; and Lim Rui Xian and Muhammad Norhakim from SPP. PPP's Samuel Lee reported S$100 in 'other expenses'. He announced via TikTok on 27 May that he had resigned from the party, effective 23 May, to pursue other opportunities. Among independent candidates, Jeremy Tan, who contested Mountbatten, spent S$16,075. His largest cost was for his solo rally at the Home of Athletics on 1 May. Darryl Lo, contesting Radin Mas, spent S$12,213, with most of it going towards printed materials and other non-digital promotional tools. The only other full team to have submitted expenses was NSP's Sembawang GRC team, which reported a total of S$121,888 in spending. In addition to spending, candidates are required to declare any donations received. Among the 35, only RDU's Ben Puah, who contested Jurong East–Bukit Batok GRC, declared donations. He received S$280 from anonymous donors, via six PayNow transactions ranging from S$10 to S$100. Puah spent S$109 in total on his campaign. RDU's Kala Manickam submitted disputed claims Another RDU candidate, Kala Manickam, submitted disputed claims amounting to S$1,365. These included S$404 in food expenses for campaigners, S$66 for transport, and S$895 for printing extra campaign fliers. According to the ELD, such claims are filed when election agents dispute or fail to settle expense claims within the 28-day window. Kala, who contested in Jurong Central SMC during 3 May poll, told The Straits Times that her claims were not reimbursed by the party. She explained that she was advised to submit them as disputed. 'The party told me to raise petty cash to claim back my money, but when I submitted it after the election, they said the spending was not endorsed by the party,' she said. She added that the party also cited her lack of fundraising as a reason for the rejection of her reimbursement request. Kala said she would personally absorb the cost, stating her campaign was driven by a desire to serve Singapore. The ELD allows members of the public to view candidates' declared expenses by logging into its digital service with their Singpass credentials. Further updates are expected as the 16 June deadline approaches.
