Double-standards by the PAP government

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Without international pressure, will the PAP government voluntarily clamp down on arms transfers made through SG?

Singapore will stop arms transfers without blocking legitimate trade with Myanmar: MFA​

Singapore will continue with efforts to prevent the Myanmar junta from accessing military supplies through the Republic. PHOTO: REUTERS
Varun Karthik

Jun 29, 2024

SINGAPORE – Singapore will continue with efforts to prevent the Myanmar junta from accessing military supplies through the Republic while being mindful about not blocking legitimate trade and transactions with Myanmar as that will hurt civilians there, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on June 28.
“Legitimate trade and financial links between Singapore and Myanmar are necessary to support the livelihoods of the Myanmar people,” MFA said in a statement.
“We have been very careful to avoid inadvertently causing greater hardship for the Myanmar people.”
The statement came in response to media queries following the release of a report by UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews on June 26.
The report, which lauded the city-state for its decisive action in clamping down on both the export of military materials from Singapore and the facilitation of arms transactions by banks here, called for financial institutions to “terminate or freeze all financial relationships with Myanmar’s state-owned banks” while “(undertaking) enhanced due diligence on all business relationships and transactions related to Myanmar”.
MFA said: “Singapore’s policy is to prohibit the transfer of arms to Myanmar and to not authorise the transfer to Myanmar of dual-use items, which have been assessed to have potential military application and where there is a serious risk they may be used to inflict violence against unarmed civilians.”
It added: “At the same time, it is not the intention of the Singapore Government to block legitimate trade with Myanmar. Special Rapporteur Andrews’ findings underscore the effectiveness of Singapore’s policy, especially through the measures imposed by Singapore financial institutions (FIs).”

The ministry said FIs based here “will not facilitate any transactions that involve the sale and transfer of arms to Myanmar”, and that banks here have been applying enhanced due diligence on transactions involving Myanmar entities and individuals.
It noted that the Monetary Authority of Singapore had published a circular in August 2023 providing banks with additional guidance on the measures they should incorporate to better detect and manage sanctions-related risks.
“Singapore FIs also had success in the deployment of data analytics to better identify risks and apply appropriate risk-mitigation measures, in particular around the detection of front and shell companies being used to potentially evade sanctions,” MFA said.
“We await specific and actionable information from the Special Rapporteur’s Office so that we are able to conduct the necessary checks on the leads provided in his latest report, and ensure that our FIs and companies are taking the necessary measures to address the risks posed.”

 

[Peter Ahmad Muniandy Wong]

How these Melbourne girls managed to get away would be forever the Aussie state of Victoria's secret.

 

[Papsmearer]

Wah, what a policy change after Gay Loong and Whore Jinx left. Chartered Industries and ST used to sell weapons to Myanamar all the time, even help them build factory in Myanmar to manufacture it. Now cannot anymore? Willing to let ST lose some profit? Really?

 

[Hypocrite-The]

Isn't Burma close allies with chicons land? They can buy weapons from chicons land..so ST is yesterdays news

 

[Papsmearer]

Isn't Burma close allies with chicons land? They can buy weapons from chicons land..so ST is yesterdays news

Now they buying weapons from them because the PRC sells to them at friendship prices. But before that, it was sinkieland

 

[Hypocrite-The]

Now they buying weapons from them because the PRC sells to them at friendship prices. But before that, it was sinkieland

So basically singkieland and ST helping Burma is yesterday's news

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Laws shouldn’t be flouted while practising religion​

Aug 07, 2024

As the Chinese seventh month starts, so too does the haze return. Not from across the sea but from the nearest oil drum and open wire enclosure with hell notes burning.
While there is a need to respect others’ religions, the practice of these religions should not be at the expense of flouting national laws like those against littering.
The Alliance for Action on Norms for Joss Paper Burning also advises worshippers to not toss or scatter joss paper, and ensure that they clear up their offerings after prayers. Yet many times, the aftermath of a joss paper-burning session can be seen in unburnt and semi-burnt joss papers strewn across grass verges and pavements, clogging drains and canals. Pieces of ash fly into homes. Food offerings are left out overnight, attracting rats and other pests.
What actions can be taken against such irresponsible worshippers?

Adam Reutens-Tan

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

The ESG advocates go after the use of plastic straws but are doing nothing when it comes to use of plastic in supermarkets.

Forum: Cut amount of single-use plastic in supermarkets​

Sep 11, 2024

It has been more than a year since supermarkets in Singapore, mandated by the authorities, started charging consumers for plastic bags.
This caused a major shift in consumer behaviour, as reported in the article “Over 90% of customers bring own bags after mandatory 5-cent charge for plastic bags: NEA survey” (Aug 30).
Is it perhaps time for businesses to go a step further?
In particular, is it time for supermarkets and other retailers to consider reducing the amount of single-use plastic used to package fresh items?
Many fruits and vegetables are packed in plastic punnets, bags or shrink-wrap – the plastics can’t be reused and have to be thrown away.
Wouldn’t it be more environmentally friendly for supermarkets and other retailers to consider selling fruits and vegetables loose?
One could argue that consumers would still be using plastic bags to hold the fruits and vegetables, but those bags can be reused.

Perhaps a deeper study could be done on reducing the amount of plastics that retailers such as supermarkets use.
They should turn to alternatives as part of Singapore’s continuing efforts to be sustainable.

Benny Lai Zhao Wei

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Do what’s essential but don’t over-protect platform workers​

Sep 11, 2024

I agree that platform workers need to have stronger labour protections, especially for work injury compensation due to the nature of their work. (MPs raise concerns on costs of law to protect platform workers, Sept 10)
But to over-protect platform workers with higher Central Provident Fund contributions for housing and retirement adequacy may not be fair to the rest of the self-employed people who are only required to top up their MediSave contribution annually.
We need to revisit the issue of self-employment. Are these platform workers being agents or staff of such platform providers? The role, responsibility, obligation, compensation and remuneration may differ accordingly.
Not all platform workers are from the lower-income spectrum of society. Some people opt for these jobs because of personal freedom.
Others may not want to upskill or reskill and instead choose a “more relaxed” semi-retirement job.
The more pressing issue for platform workers would be their workplace injury insurance and compensation.
As they are on the move constantly, their protection against personal injury is of utmost importance.

As for housing and retirement adequacy, the platform workers need to sort out their priorities themselves.
Society should not view the platform workers as belonging to the “disadvantaged group”. Such workers should not expect the state to bear the cost of “social justice”.
I fear the social implication on the rest of the self-employed sector, who are also facing increasing competition and may demand more assistance from the state to maintain their livelihoods and standard of living.
Giving more benefits is a popular move. But I hope that the relevant authorities would do only the essential part that is more relevant to the nature of the work. Do not over-protect or over-provide, as it may lead to a deterioration of our work values.

Foo Sing Kheng

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

No offence committed by cabbies who gathered at Changi Airport over minibus concerns: Shanmugam​

Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam described the Feb 13 gathering as a “pre-planned dialogue” to discuss concerns.PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS

Kok Yufeng
Mar 04, 2025

SINGAPORE– The police’s assessment of a gathering of unhappy premium taxi drivers at Changi Airport on Feb 13 found that there was “no offence disclosed”, said Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam on March 4.

Meanwhile, a ground manager from private transport operator Woodlands Transport Service whose actions led to some cabbies’ perception of unfair treatment has been removed from his role, said Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat.

Describing the Feb 13 gathering as a “pre-planned dialogue” to discuss concerns over a new minibus service at the airport, Mr Shanmugam said police inquiries found that there was no strike or protest involved.

In a written parliamentary reply to Mr Xie Yao Quan (Jurong GRC), who asked if the police were probing the incident, Mr Shanmugam said no law-and-order issues arose from the meeting and the police will not be investigating further.

In a separate written reply to Mr Xie and Non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai, Mr Chee shed more light on what led to the events of Feb 13. The minister said airport operator Changi Airport Group (CAG) has been engaging Woodlands Transport to manage Changi Airport’s ground transport concierge service since 2008.

This service allows travellers to book a range of transport options, including six- to seven-seater taxis and limousine cabs.

As this is a commercial arrangement between the two firms, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Land Transport Authority are not involved in the operations, Mr Chee said.

On Feb 1, CAG and Woodlands Transport introduced a new eight-seater minibus service, operated by Woodlands Transport, in response to growing demand for larger vehicles.

However, a Woodlands Transport ground manager allowed the new minibuses to park in front of the ground transport concierge counter, which is meant to be the assembly point for the premium taxis and maxi-cabs, Mr Chee said.

This led to perceptions that Woodlands Transport was giving preferential treatment to its own minibus service. CAG did not approve this arrangement, the minister added.

The Straits Times reported that simmering unhappiness had reached a tipping point on Feb 13 after some cabbies recalled having to wait longer to pick up passengers at the airport following the roll-out of the minibus trial. They reported income losses as a result.

On Feb 13, some drivers from taxi operators ComfortDelGro and Prime Taxi agreed to stop picking up passengers from Changi Airport between 9am and midnight.

From 4pm to 7pm, the drivers parked their vehicles in the holding area of the ground transport concierge, where they aired their concerns with CAG and the relevant parties.

Mr Chee said about 50 drivers met at the ground transport concierge area. The National Taxi Association (NTA) alerted CAG to the meeting, and both NTA and CAG representatives were present to engage the drivers.

After hearing their concerns, CAG suspended the new minibus service immediately.

The minibus trial remains suspended, a spokesperson for the airport operator told ST.

Mr Chee said CAG has since strengthened its oversight of Woodlands Transport’s operations at the ground transport concierge.

CAG will also engage the NTA and taxi drivers directly and regularly on any changes to the concierge service, and secure their support before rolling out the changes, he added. Mr Chee said it was thanks to the support of the NTA and driver association leaders who had stepped in to manage the situation that there was no disruption to taxi services at the airport. ST has contacted Woodlands Transport for comment.

The home-grown company manages a fleet of 1,300 vehicles, including buses, coaches and trucks, according to its website.

​

 

[Papsmearer]

No offence committed by cabbies who gathered at Changi Airport over minibus concerns: Shanmugam​

Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam described the Feb 13 gathering as a “pre-planned dialogue” to discuss concerns.PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS

Kok Yufeng
Mar 04, 2025

SINGAPORE– The police’s assessment of a gathering of unhappy premium taxi drivers at Changi Airport on Feb 13 found that there was “no offence disclosed”, said Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam on March 4.

Meanwhile, a ground manager from private transport operator Woodlands Transport Service whose actions led to some cabbies’ perception of unfair treatment has been removed from his role, said Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat.

Describing the Feb 13 gathering as a “pre-planned dialogue” to discuss concerns over a new minibus service at the airport, Mr Shanmugam said police inquiries found that there was no strike or protest involved.

In a written parliamentary reply to Mr Xie Yao Quan (Jurong GRC), who asked if the police were probing the incident, Mr Shanmugam said no law-and-order issues arose from the meeting and the police will not be investigating further.

In a separate written reply to Mr Xie and Non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai, Mr Chee shed more light on what led to the events of Feb 13. The minister said airport operator Changi Airport Group (CAG) has been engaging Woodlands Transport to manage Changi Airport’s ground transport concierge service since 2008.

This service allows travellers to book a range of transport options, including six- to seven-seater taxis and limousine cabs.

As this is a commercial arrangement between the two firms, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Land Transport Authority are not involved in the operations, Mr Chee said.

On Feb 1, CAG and Woodlands Transport introduced a new eight-seater minibus service, operated by Woodlands Transport, in response to growing demand for larger vehicles.

However, a Woodlands Transport ground manager allowed the new minibuses to park in front of the ground transport concierge counter, which is meant to be the assembly point for the premium taxis and maxi-cabs, Mr Chee said.

This led to perceptions that Woodlands Transport was giving preferential treatment to its own minibus service. CAG did not approve this arrangement, the minister added.

The Straits Times reported that simmering unhappiness had reached a tipping point on Feb 13 after some cabbies recalled having to wait longer to pick up passengers at the airport following the roll-out of the minibus trial. They reported income losses as a result.

On Feb 13, some drivers from taxi operators ComfortDelGro and Prime Taxi agreed to stop picking up passengers from Changi Airport between 9am and midnight.

From 4pm to 7pm, the drivers parked their vehicles in the holding area of the ground transport concierge, where they aired their concerns with CAG and the relevant parties.

Mr Chee said about 50 drivers met at the ground transport concierge area. The National Taxi Association (NTA) alerted CAG to the meeting, and both NTA and CAG representatives were present to engage the drivers.

After hearing their concerns, CAG suspended the new minibus service immediately.

The minibus trial remains suspended, a spokesperson for the airport operator told ST.

Mr Chee said CAG has since strengthened its oversight of Woodlands Transport’s operations at the ground transport concierge.

CAG will also engage the NTA and taxi drivers directly and regularly on any changes to the concierge service, and secure their support before rolling out the changes, he added. Mr Chee said it was thanks to the support of the NTA and driver association leaders who had stepped in to manage the situation that there was no disruption to taxi services at the airport. ST has contacted Woodlands Transport for comment.

The home-grown company manages a fleet of 1,300 vehicles, including buses, coaches and trucks, according to its website.

​

But if 2 oppo leaders drive their minivan there and complain at the airport, they will be arrested in double quick time.