Latest news with #DennisTan
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Man to be charged after he allegedly damaged PAP campaign materials on GE2025 Polling Day
SINGAPORE – A 57-year-old man will be charged in court on July 4 for a litany of offences that he committed on Polling Day. In a statement on July 3, the police said the man had allegedly damaged campaign materials belonging to a political party in Hougang Avenue 5 on May 3. He allegedly broke flag poles and tore down campaign posters, which The Straits Times understands belonged to the PAP. The area where the incident took place falls under Hougang SMC, where criminal lawyer Marshall Lim represented the ruling party against the WP's Dennis Tan, who is also a lawyer. Mr Tan, who was the incumbent MP of Hougang SMC, secured a second consecutive term in Parliament after securing 62.17 per cent of the vote during the general election. Mr Lim had been late to arrive at Bedok Stadium on the night of May 3, where PAP supporters had gathered to await the election results. He said he had been held back by some acts of vandalism at the PAP's branch in Hougang. The man who allegedly committed them had torn up the party's flags and posters attached to a perambulating vehicle, and Mr Lim said he stayed back to make sure that his volunteers were well taken care of. No injuries were reported. In their statement, the police said the man was also alleged to be verbally abusive towards party volunteers who were present at the scene, and had allegedly pushed two of them. They added that the man appeared to be intoxicated during the incident, and was subsequently arrested. He faces multiple charges, which consist of committing mischief, intentional harassment, using criminal force and causing annoyance while drunk. If found guilty of committing mischief, a person can be jailed for up to two years, fined, or both. Those found to have committed intentional harassment can be jailed for up to six months, fined up to $5,000, or both. Using criminal force carries a jail term of up to three months, a fine of up to $1,500, or both. If convicted of causing annoyance while drunk, first-time offenders can be jailed for up to six months, fined up to $1,000, or both. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
CNA
03-07-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Man to be charged after tearing down PAP campaign posters in Hougang, harassing party volunteers on Polling Day
SINGAPORE: A 57-year-old man will be charged in court on Friday (Jul 4) with a variety of offences after he allegedly damaged General Election campaign materials in Hougang and made threatening remarks towards party volunteers. The police said in a news release on Thursday that the man allegedly damaged campaign materials at Hougang Avenue 5 on May 3. This included breaking flag poles and tearing down campaign posters. CNA understands that the campaign material belonged to the People's Action Party. 'He also purportedly used threatening, abusive and insulting remarks towards party volunteers who were at scene and allegedly pushed two of the party volunteers,' said the police, without specifying the political party. The man was reportedly intoxicated during the incident and subsequently arrested by police officers. The man will be charged with mischief, intentional harassment, using criminal force and causing annoyance while drunk. Singaporeans went to the polls on May 3. Hougang SMC, Singapore's longest opposition-held ward, was contested by the Workers' Party (WP) incumbent Dennis Tan and PAP's Marshall Lim. Mr Lim told CNA on May 3 that he was late to the PAP gathering at Bedok Stadium that night as he was attending to an incident at his branch office, in which the police were called in. 'Some acts of vandalism, physical force was used against some of my activists and volunteers, but the matter now is under investigation, and we let the authorities do their work,' he told party supporters then.
AsiaOne
18-06-2025
- General
- AsiaOne
'I want to leave behind something to contribute to the younger generation': Project Citizens initiative commemorates founding generation
He was only seven years old when racial riots broke out in Singapore in 1964, but the memories of those dark, scary times remain vivid in his mind more than 60 years on. "I felt insecure all the time," Dennis Tan, 68, told AsiaOne, as he recalled his formative years and the fear that gripped his neighbourhood during the turbulent period. Tan, a retiree, is a participant in the Senior Engagement Programme organised by the Founders' Memorial to mark Singapore's 60th year of independence. The programme, which is part of the Project Citizens – The First Million initiative, collects stories from Singapore's founding generation of citizens which bring to life the values they exemplified during the nation-building years. Tan, who's married with no children, was keen to contribute his stories as a legacy for the younger generation. "I want to leave behind something to contribute to the younger generation, and it's good to hear it first-hand," he told AsiaOne. He said he was too young to understand the gravity of the riots but recalled "rumours" of mistrust between the Chinese and Malays which led to an islandwide curfew being imposed. "Rumours [spread] like wildfire," he said, adding that "everybody seemed to be talking about it (the unrest)." One memory stood out for Tan — he saw his mother carrying iron pipes to their kampung's communal bathroom as a precautionary measure, in case violence broke out. "I will fight to my death to defend my family," he remembered her telling a neighbour, a moment which further deepened his respect for his mother. Known for being "gentle and soft on the outside", he was shocked to see the "tough side of her" emerge to protect her loved ones. He labelled the experience of living through the riots as "very unpleasant", saying that the harmony Singapore currently enjoys is the "fabric of society" and "cannot be taken for granted". 'Priceless insights into Singapore's early years' Tan's story is among over 200 accounts from Singapore's earliest citizens collected for the Senior Engagement Programme. Some of these stories will be included in the 26 Project Citizens – The First Million pop-ups organised by the Founders' Memorial, to be held at community hubs and libraries. The pop-ups feature stories of Singapore's founding generation, dioramas depicting scenes of early life in Singapore, and interactive zones where visitors can leave messages for the founding generation. One pop-up is currently being held at Woodlands Regional Library, which will be open till Aug 5. In attendance at an official event held at the library on Wednesday (June 18) afternoon was Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, David Neo. He delivered the opening remarks as Guest-of-Honour, thanking participants and volunteers for honouring the contributions of Singapore's founding generation. Neo also said that there is much to learn from the founding generation's "resilience, hard work and determination" as Singapore forges ahead in its 60th year of independence. "Their stories offer us priceless insights into Singapore's early years — when questions of citizenship, economic survival and multicultural harmony hung in the balance," he said. At the same time, he expressed hope that the stories presented will serve as conversation starters about what citizenship means to Singaporeans and spark deeper reflection on how Singaporeans can build a better future for generations to come. He concluded with a quote by S Rajaratnam, one of Singapore's founding leaders: "Being a Singaporean is not a matter of ancestry, but a choice of conviction." Paying tribute to the founding generation Project Citizens — The First Million was first launched in April as part of SG60 and pays tribute to independent Singapore's founding generation. The year-long project focuses on the one million people who registered as Singapore's first citizens shortly after it gained independence in 1965, drawing on their experiences during Singapore's early years. Project Citizens comprises three initiatives: the Senior Engagement Programme, Project Citizens pop-ups, and Not Mere Spectators: The Makings of Multicultural Singapore. "More than 200 members of Singapore's founding generation have stepped forward with their stories through the Senior Engagement Programme so far," said Wai Chung Tai, Senior Assistant Director, Partnerships & Programmes, Founders' Memorial. In partnership with organisations such as Agency for Integrated Care, People's Association and National Library Board, the programme has engaged seniors like Tan to collect personal memories like unrest in Singapore, learning a second language in school, and picking up new skills at work. Not Mere Spectators: The Makings of Multicultural Singapore will be an art and interactive media exhibition at the National Gallery starting in October. As a culmination to Project Citizens' efforts, it explores multiculturalism and how it has impacted Singapore's history, while also inspiring visitors to reflect on how they can actively shape Singapore's future. The stories collected through Project Citizens will shape the content at Founders' Memorial. This includes a display where selected stories will be featured when it opens in end 2028 at Bay East Garden. "We hope their stories will inspire present and future generations to continue their footsteps and commit and contribute to Singapore's story. Through continued public engagement from day one, we are building a Memorial that reflects our shared experiences and aspirations, forging a shared identity as we bring Singapore forward," said Lee Tzu Yang, co-chair of the Founders' Memorial Committee. [[nid:719060]]
Straits Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Forum: Ensure reliable mobile connectivity in buildings and basements
I n today's digital age, reliable mobile connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. While Singapore boasts excellent telecommunications infrastructure, many buildings and underground spaces such as basements, carparks and even some above-ground condominium units still suffer from weak or non-existent mobile signals. This not only inconveniences subscribers but also poses safety risks in emergencies. Currently, mobile operators are required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority to provide coverage of at least 85 per cent within buildings, including first-level basement carparks. With more new buildings having environmental decks and more basement levels for parking cars, this requirement seems grossly inadequate. Last-mile deliveries have become more important to daily life. With the Tripartite Workgroup for Last-Mile Deliveries aiming to enhance the safety of platform workers and minimise the inconvenience that delivery pickups and drop-offs may cause others, more buildings are situa ting their drop-off and pickup points in basements, and there is greater need for adequate telco signal provision. Telecoms providers and building owners must collaborate to improve in-building coverage, ensuring seamless connectivity for all users. Enhanced signal penetration in basements and high-rise buildings will not only improve service quality but also support Singapore's Smart Nation vision, where constant connectivity is vital for work, safety and daily life. I urge the authorities and service providers to prioritise this issue, ensuring that all subscribers – whether in a mixed development shopping mall, residential basement or high-floor residential tower – receive the reliable service they deserve. Dennis Tan President MCST Association of Singapore More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: WP supporters left with mixed emotions over results
WP supporters at Serangoon stadium on May 3. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG SINGAPORE - The colourful party streamers were still draped on the trees outside the coffee shop at Block 322 Hougang Avenue 5 and there were smiles aplenty, but WP supporters said they had mixed feelings. Mr Ng, a 60-year-old who declined to reveal his full name, said that a WP victory in Hougang, the party's stronghold of more than three decades, was expected. But the party's showing in other constituencies was not. WP contested and lost in Punggol, East Coast and Tampines GRCs, as well as in Jalan Kayu and Tampines Changkat SMCs. 'I wouldn't say that we are disappointed — but we had hope,' said the driver in Mandarin. He had hoped for the WP to gain more seats in Parliament in the 2025 General Election, saying that cost of living concerns are top of mind. His group of six friends - all senior citizens and long-time residents of Hougang - had gathered on May 4 near the coffee shop to greet elected MP Dennis Tan. The 54-year-old was re-elected for his second consecutive term in the single-seat constituency. Mr Ng, with his friends chiming in, said that WP MPs have been a consistent presence on the ground over the years. 'Unfortunately, for the PAP candidate in Hougang, they only have a chance to win if they are moved to other constituencies,' said a resident in her 60s, who declined to reveal her name. At the polls on May 3, Mr Tan beat PAP newcomer Marshall Lim, 38, with 62.17 per cent of the vote share. Mr Wang, a Tampines GRC voter and WP supporter, was at the coffeeshop as well. WP supporters watching the results of the general election at the coffeeshop at Block 322 Hougang Avenue 5 on May 3. ST PHOTO: HESTER TAN Residents have often gathered there across the different elections to wait for results on polling day. Mr Wang, who declined to reveal his full name, was armed with a copy of Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao . He said : 'I thought Tampines GRC had a 50-50 chance.' The PAP team retained the seat with 52.02 per cent of the vote in the constituency. Hougang residents, who have collectively voted for WP MPs in the constituency since 1991, poked their heads out of their windows to applaud Mr Tan. They shouted cheers of 'Workers' Party', when he arrived in Hougang Avenue 5 for a victory parade at about 12.20pm. Elected Hougang MP Dennis Tan (right) waving to residents during a victory parade on May 4. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Residents greeting Mr Tan during his victory parade in Hougang Avenue 5 on May 4. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Mr Eric Goh, who there was with his two children, said: 'MP Dennis Tan has been such a constant presence that even my 5-year-old daughter recognises him.' The taxi driver said Mr Tan had previously attended an event at his daughter's infant care centre . The WP team in Sengkang GRC also held a victory parade . The opposition party won 56.31 per cent of the vote share against the PAP in the 2025 General Election, up from 52.12 per cent in 2020. The team - elected MPs Ms He Ting Ru, 41; Mr Jamus Lim, 49; Mr Louis Chua, 37; and Mr Abdul Muhaimin, 36 - waved to supporters from a truck. The WP team in Sengkang GRC - (from left) Ms He Ting Ru, Mr Jamus Lim, Mr Abdul Muhaimin and Mr Louis Chua - holding a victory parade on May 4. ST PHOTO: ANGELICA ANG Mr Chua spoke with The Straits Times during a brief stop at Rivervale Community Club (CC). He said: 'We're out here this morning to thank our residents for their support. 'We are very grateful for the support that they have given to us and their trust.' Sengkang resident Andrew Yap, 60, made a s pecial trip to catch a glimpse of the 'Sengkang Four,' as they are known on social media. The businessman, who usually spends Sundays resting at home, said he took a walk that morning in hopes of meeting them. 'They came in only five years ago but really made a difference . 'When the lift in my block was spoiled, they fixed it quickly. When any facilities are spoiled, they fix it quickly,' Mr Yap said. Other WP supporters in Sengkang told ST that the MPs have gained residents' support over the past five years through estate improvements, including the introduction of more bus services and sheltered linkways. Ms Shirley Leong and her friend Pamela Tan, both 30, have lived in Sengkang since they were children, but arrived too late to meet the WP at Rivervale CC. Ms Tan, who works as a freelancer in the construction industry, said the improved infrastructure has made it easier to take public transport to her places of work. Both attended four WP rallies during the campaign period and said GE2025 had felt more personal than the 2020 election. Ms Tan said : 'I felt the kampung spirit, with people from different backgrounds getting together even outside the rallies.' At around 10.30am, a handful of WP supporters waited at Kopitiam Square near the Compass One mall, but missed WP's victory parade. Among them was a 40-year-old mother of two, who declined to give her name. She said she and her family had moved over from Punggol a few years ago because Sengkang was held by the WP. 'I'm touched by what they contribute, not just to Sengkang, but by speaking up in Parliament about issues like housing.' She added: 'My husband asked me what we would do if they lost the election. 'I said: 'We can move again.'' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
