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Singapore appointed 2 idiots to lead the task force.
- Thread starter LaoTze
- Start date
from theindependent.sg:
Lawrence Wong has my vote
Sense And Nonsense by Tan Bah Bah
Heng Swee Keat, 60, was supposed to be the white knight leader ushering Singaporeans out of Covid-19 and, in the process, cementing his promised premiership, as Lee HsienLoong steps down. In the end, he became a political casualty of the pandemic which is still with us today. And there is a big question mark on who Singapore’s next Prime Minister will be. More important, DPM Heng’s stepping aside is in itself a symptom of a ruling party in crisis, which is an even more serious problem.
With speculation rife about an impending general election and the looming spectre of the Covid-19 virus, Heng produced his Budget in February 2020 which was thought generous enough to allay the fears of worried Singaporeans. After that, hold a fast election and, based on what happened to the Opposition in GE2015 when it was nearly wiped out, the 4G leaders probably believed they would ride triumphantly in to bring the country forward into the brave new world. Three more budgets and with a total of $100 billion thrown in, instead the Workers’ Party captured Sengkang GRC, reinforced its hold in Aljunied GRC and Hougang and did well in East Coast GRC against Heng and his GRC team. If not for West Coast GRC, Bukit Panjang and Marymount, Nicole Seah could have been an NCMP. That was how badly the PAP did in East Coast.
What happened? Miscalculation and misreading of the ground.
The party wanted to seize the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity to bond itself with voters, especially the younger ones, in the same way that LKY and his team had forged a relationship with Singaporeans. C-19 was this generation’s crucible, its battle for merger, its British troop withdrawal. The thinking was not wrong. The results of current efforts to reinvent Singapore to take advantage of the disruptions caused by the pandemic may yet bear fruit for future generations, if handled in such a manner that does not sideline or sacrifice true-blue citizens in the quest to become a super global city state.
Along with dealing with the virus and preparing for the future, the pandemic also gave the 4G leaders what they thought was a chance to stem the growing pro-Opposition tide in 2011. Aslew of policy corrections led to the big swing back to the PAP in 2015. Holding GE2020 in the middle of the pandemic, with all its movement restrictions, would make life difficult for the Opposition which used to rely on open rallies to make their presence felt. Online rallies would presumably give the party with the best resources the best chances.
Covid-19 turned out to be a nightmare instead of an opportunity for the 4G leaders, at least for their GE2020 plans.
A gross miscalculation that the yearning for a larger Opposition had been largely dissipated by the 2015 rectification policies was one factor behind the GE2020 shocks. The desire was merely postponed because of Lee Kuan Yew’s passing, as Singaporeans across all ages and races paid their debt to him. It came back with a vengeance in GE2020. If the PAP had foreseen this, it would not have madethe mistake of moving Heng to East Coast where his inadequacies as a future PM were cruelly exposed, notwithstanding his East Coast team’s ability to stave off the WP team of first-timers in the ward. He should have stayed on in Tampines.
The switch to online politicking did not put the Opposition at a disadvantage at all. The more credible parties have long since progressed beyond the fly-by-night once-in-every-five- years existence. They have become more committed and more sophisticated. Many of their volunteers and talents are more than familiar with online platforms, thus nullifying whatever advantage the PAP has had with its better resources. It’s not the technical which counts it’s the content and heartware.
This became obvious when the GE2020 online war began. All the major Opposition parties could easily connect with younger voters, especially the first-time ones. Suddenly, voters could watch the performances of candidates from the comfort of their homes. Put simply, the un-doctored truth was in front of them.
The millennials could easily identify themselves with such candidates as Jamus Lim, He Ting Ru, Raeesah Khan, Nicole Seah and Wendy Low who all have strong screen presence. And these politicians continue to polish up their public images beyond the election.
It is not enough to let your younger MPs more time in Parliament and more exposure in public forums. The party will have to allow them more leeway to disagree with government policies otherwise it is all wayang to observers.
This more sophisticated new environment will require leaders who can project a confident persona and yet be genuinely empathetic.
Of the three touted front-runners to become Singapore’s next PM, it is clear which two have the all-important more charismatic public image. Of the two, Lawrence Wong, who has not lost in an election, has my vote. Covid-19 has claimed a big victim but it has also thrown up a potential good leader for the times.
Lawrence Wong has my vote
Sense And Nonsense by Tan Bah Bah
Heng Swee Keat, 60, was supposed to be the white knight leader ushering Singaporeans out of Covid-19 and, in the process, cementing his promised premiership, as Lee HsienLoong steps down. In the end, he became a political casualty of the pandemic which is still with us today. And there is a big question mark on who Singapore’s next Prime Minister will be. More important, DPM Heng’s stepping aside is in itself a symptom of a ruling party in crisis, which is an even more serious problem.
With speculation rife about an impending general election and the looming spectre of the Covid-19 virus, Heng produced his Budget in February 2020 which was thought generous enough to allay the fears of worried Singaporeans. After that, hold a fast election and, based on what happened to the Opposition in GE2015 when it was nearly wiped out, the 4G leaders probably believed they would ride triumphantly in to bring the country forward into the brave new world. Three more budgets and with a total of $100 billion thrown in, instead the Workers’ Party captured Sengkang GRC, reinforced its hold in Aljunied GRC and Hougang and did well in East Coast GRC against Heng and his GRC team. If not for West Coast GRC, Bukit Panjang and Marymount, Nicole Seah could have been an NCMP. That was how badly the PAP did in East Coast.
What happened? Miscalculation and misreading of the ground.
The party wanted to seize the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity to bond itself with voters, especially the younger ones, in the same way that LKY and his team had forged a relationship with Singaporeans. C-19 was this generation’s crucible, its battle for merger, its British troop withdrawal. The thinking was not wrong. The results of current efforts to reinvent Singapore to take advantage of the disruptions caused by the pandemic may yet bear fruit for future generations, if handled in such a manner that does not sideline or sacrifice true-blue citizens in the quest to become a super global city state.
Along with dealing with the virus and preparing for the future, the pandemic also gave the 4G leaders what they thought was a chance to stem the growing pro-Opposition tide in 2011. Aslew of policy corrections led to the big swing back to the PAP in 2015. Holding GE2020 in the middle of the pandemic, with all its movement restrictions, would make life difficult for the Opposition which used to rely on open rallies to make their presence felt. Online rallies would presumably give the party with the best resources the best chances.
Covid-19 turned out to be a nightmare instead of an opportunity for the 4G leaders, at least for their GE2020 plans.
A gross miscalculation that the yearning for a larger Opposition had been largely dissipated by the 2015 rectification policies was one factor behind the GE2020 shocks. The desire was merely postponed because of Lee Kuan Yew’s passing, as Singaporeans across all ages and races paid their debt to him. It came back with a vengeance in GE2020. If the PAP had foreseen this, it would not have madethe mistake of moving Heng to East Coast where his inadequacies as a future PM were cruelly exposed, notwithstanding his East Coast team’s ability to stave off the WP team of first-timers in the ward. He should have stayed on in Tampines.
The switch to online politicking did not put the Opposition at a disadvantage at all. The more credible parties have long since progressed beyond the fly-by-night once-in-every-five- years existence. They have become more committed and more sophisticated. Many of their volunteers and talents are more than familiar with online platforms, thus nullifying whatever advantage the PAP has had with its better resources. It’s not the technical which counts it’s the content and heartware.
This became obvious when the GE2020 online war began. All the major Opposition parties could easily connect with younger voters, especially the first-time ones. Suddenly, voters could watch the performances of candidates from the comfort of their homes. Put simply, the un-doctored truth was in front of them.
The millennials could easily identify themselves with such candidates as Jamus Lim, He Ting Ru, Raeesah Khan, Nicole Seah and Wendy Low who all have strong screen presence. And these politicians continue to polish up their public images beyond the election.
It is not enough to let your younger MPs more time in Parliament and more exposure in public forums. The party will have to allow them more leeway to disagree with government policies otherwise it is all wayang to observers.
This more sophisticated new environment will require leaders who can project a confident persona and yet be genuinely empathetic.
Of the three touted front-runners to become Singapore’s next PM, it is clear which two have the all-important more charismatic public image. Of the two, Lawrence Wong, who has not lost in an election, has my vote. Covid-19 has claimed a big victim but it has also thrown up a potential good leader for the times.
from msn.com:
Indranee Rajah or Lawrence Wong: Who’s up next for Finance Minister?
Singapore—With all the talk of who is next in line to lead the country in the wake of Heng Swee Keat’s announcement that he would step aside from PAP 4G leadership, one other important position is also now in play—that of Finance Minister.
At the Apr 8 media conference wherein the Deputy Prime Minister made his announcement, it was also announced that Mr Heng will be stepping down as Finance Minister, a position he has held since October 2015.
He will, however, remain Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, as well as chairman of the National Research Foundation under the Prime Minister’s Office.
A Cabinet reshuffle is expected in around two weeks, with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong saying that there are to be “consequential moves” in other ministries.
So who might succeed Mr Heng in the Ministry of Finance (MOF)?
This portfolio is indeed an important one as the MOF is “responsible for managing Singapore’s fiscal policies and the structure of its economy”.
The MOF also prepares the yearly national Budget.
Mr Wong, who is the country’s Minister for Education, is considered one of the front runners to succeed Mr Heng as the leader of PAP’s 4G team. He co-chaired the multi-ministry task force last year assigned to tackle the Covid-19 and was perceived to have done well.
There is also talk that Mr Wong may follow the trajectory of SM Tharman’s path in his political ascent. The Senior Minister once held the Education portfolio before he became the Minister for Finance.
Like Mr Tharman, Mr Wong read economics abroad (Mr Tharman at London School of Economics and Cambridge, Mr Wong at University of Wisconsin – Madison and University of Michigan – Ann Arbor) and also holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
In informal surveys, Mr Wong has performed well. And talk of him as PM Lee’s successor already began circulating after last year’s General Election.
As for Ms Indranee, her political resume is no less impressive. A lawyer with a degree from the National University of Singapore, she has been a Member of Parliament (PAP – Tanjong Pagar GRC) for over two decades, where she assumed office as Leader of the House last year.
She has also been a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office since 2018, and is Second Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Education.
On the other hand, there is still the possibility that Mr Heng will keep his position in the MOF, considering that the current Cabinet is less than 10 months old.
Another possibility is that a relative newcomer is given the position, which is what happened with former Finance Minister Richard Hu (1985 to 2001). Dr Hu, who held a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Birmingham in Britain, worked in the private sector until 1983, when he became the Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC).
A year after that he contested, and won, at the Kreta Ayer Single Member Constituency under the PAP, and began his 16-year tenure heading MOF shortly thereafter.
Indranee Rajah or Lawrence Wong: Who’s up next for Finance Minister?
Singapore—With all the talk of who is next in line to lead the country in the wake of Heng Swee Keat’s announcement that he would step aside from PAP 4G leadership, one other important position is also now in play—that of Finance Minister.
At the Apr 8 media conference wherein the Deputy Prime Minister made his announcement, it was also announced that Mr Heng will be stepping down as Finance Minister, a position he has held since October 2015.
He will, however, remain Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, as well as chairman of the National Research Foundation under the Prime Minister’s Office.
A Cabinet reshuffle is expected in around two weeks, with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong saying that there are to be “consequential moves” in other ministries.
So who might succeed Mr Heng in the Ministry of Finance (MOF)?
This portfolio is indeed an important one as the MOF is “responsible for managing Singapore’s fiscal policies and the structure of its economy”.
The MOF also prepares the yearly national Budget.
Two contenders quickly come to mind, Mr Lawrence Wong and Ms Indranee Rajah, who are the current Second Ministers of the MOF.
Mr Wong, who is the country’s Minister for Education, is considered one of the front runners to succeed Mr Heng as the leader of PAP’s 4G team. He co-chaired the multi-ministry task force last year assigned to tackle the Covid-19 and was perceived to have done well.
There is also talk that Mr Wong may follow the trajectory of SM Tharman’s path in his political ascent. The Senior Minister once held the Education portfolio before he became the Minister for Finance.
Like Mr Tharman, Mr Wong read economics abroad (Mr Tharman at London School of Economics and Cambridge, Mr Wong at University of Wisconsin – Madison and University of Michigan – Ann Arbor) and also holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
In informal surveys, Mr Wong has performed well. And talk of him as PM Lee’s successor already began circulating after last year’s General Election.
As for Ms Indranee, her political resume is no less impressive. A lawyer with a degree from the National University of Singapore, she has been a Member of Parliament (PAP – Tanjong Pagar GRC) for over two decades, where she assumed office as Leader of the House last year.
She has also been a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office since 2018, and is Second Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Education.
On the other hand, there is still the possibility that Mr Heng will keep his position in the MOF, considering that the current Cabinet is less than 10 months old.
Another possibility is that a relative newcomer is given the position, which is what happened with former Finance Minister Richard Hu (1985 to 2001). Dr Hu, who held a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Birmingham in Britain, worked in the private sector until 1983, when he became the Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC).
A year after that he contested, and won, at the Kreta Ayer Single Member Constituency under the PAP, and began his 16-year tenure heading MOF shortly thereafter.
from yahoo.com:
Singapore's 4G leadership race: Will it be Ong, Wong or Chan?
SINGAPORE — The race to become the successor to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong appears to be down to three men: Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung, 51, Education Minister Lawrence Wong, 48, and Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, 51.
Sources in the People's Action Party (PAP) and academics, while divided on the frontrunners, agreed that the process, which will have repercussions for the next election, needs to be carefully managed. A Cabinet reshuffle scheduled for next week, which will fill the all-important Finance Minister portfolio, is expected to shed more light on who will be Lee's heir apparent.
Singapore's well-oiled leadership succession was abruptly brought to a halt last Thursday (8 April), when Deputy PM Heng Swee Keat stepped aside as leader of the Republic's fourth-generation leadership team and designated successor to Lee. Heng, 59, cited his age and the disruptions caused by the pandemic as the key reasons for his decision at a media conference.
In response, Heng's 4G colleagues said in a statement that his decisions had been an "unexpected turn of events" and said they would need "more time" to select another leader. Lee said at the same conference that the process of choosing his successor would take "more than a few months", and "should not take more than a couple of years", with a clear outcome before the next general election.
Sentiment in the PAP
Heng Swee Keat answers the questions of press members after meeting residents on 1 July, 2020. (PHOTO: Zakaria Zainal/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
On Monday, a Bloomberg report, citing high-ranking PAP members, said the leadership race was expected to come down to Ong and Wong. An ongoing Yahoo News Singapore poll on readers' preferred choice as 4G leader, which has attracted more than 23,000 votes as of Wednesday evening, currently has Ong in the lead with 29 per cent, followed by Wong at 16 per cent. Chan garnered just 9 per cent of the vote.
Similar online polls such as that of social news site Mothership, with some 13,700 votes as of Wednesday evening, has Wong narrowly in the lead at 37 per cent and Ong at 35 per cent, with Chan also in third at 23 per cent.
When asked by Yahoo News Singapore about the three possible frontrunners, as well as National Development Minister Desmond Lee, former Ang Mo Kio Member of Parliament Inderjit Singh would only say, "All the four names you mentioned are possible candidates (to be) 4G PM."
Singh added that the process of choosing Lee's successor has been complicated by the lack of "a clear superstar candidate", leading to the need for "a cohesive and strong team" instead of one strong person.
Noting that Heng's decision took many of the party cadres by surprise, given that succession planning has historically been done with very little surprises, he said, "I believe the cadres will want to see the decision made on who replaces Mr Heng as soon as possible. It is important that the PAP continues to look strong and organised."
He added, "If we take too long, we risk looking like we are in disarray."
Among rank and file party members, Chan and Ong are seen as the leading contenders, according to one well-placed source. The former is regarded as a strict military man who is "aggressively pushing" to be the leader of the 4G team, while the latter impressed with his leadership of his Sembawang GRC team at GE2020, the source said.
"By all accounts, the two men don’t get along. One would not be happy to be subordinate to the other," said the source. "The two of them are neither that brilliant nor objectionable. They are about the same. The 4G are just a very uninspiring lot."
Wong, who has impressed with his work as co-chair of the multi-ministry taskforce on COVID-19, has surprised party members with his rapid ascent and does not trigger "strong opinions", the source added.
Race to the Istana
Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung, who officiated the launch of the Changi Airport Connector on Sunday (11 October), posing with a Tyrannosaurus Rex display. (PHOTO: Dhany Osman / Yahoo News Singapore)
Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan of the Singapore Management University, agreed that the trio are the frontrunners, noting that they are among the most experienced of the 4G leaders in terms of Cabinet experience. Given that Heng's departure is an "own goal", the saga has raised the legitimate question of whether the 4G leaders can consensually pick the right person to lead them, the government, and the country.
Prof Tan added that the way the leadership race is conducted will heavily impact public perceptions of the party, and must not descend into a divisive contest. "Competition is to be expected but it must be healthy, clarifying, and unifying. Anything less than that will not augur well for the party, especially when the 4G is looking vulnerable."
When asked why the selection process is taking so long, Prof Tan pointed out that the strategic environment, exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic, has evolved considerably since 2018, when Heng was chosen. Key considerations include who can be the talisman for the PAP at the next election, and which 4G leader can complement Lee's successor.
"More time is needed simply because the bottomline is that the 4G must get it right this time – there is no alternative. If the successor wins poorly in the next GE, the 4G and the party cannot undo their selection without irreparable damage to them, and Singapore," said Prof Tan.
Separately, Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian of the National University of Singapore was reticent about anointing any frontrunners, pointing out that the process of choosing a party leader remains a mystery since the PAP does not have an open leadership election.
For instance, there is little information on who gets nominated to run for different positions on the PAP’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), even if the vote for CEC members by cadres is public knowledge. Candidates also do not run public campaigns where they lay out positions and seek support.
This creates uncertainty for many Singaporeans, said Prof Chong. "Such conditions are likely to spur unease and speculation until such time more Singaporeans become comfortable with uncertainty and leadership contests."
Singapore's 4G leadership race: Will it be Ong, Wong or Chan?
SINGAPORE — The race to become the successor to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong appears to be down to three men: Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung, 51, Education Minister Lawrence Wong, 48, and Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, 51.
Sources in the People's Action Party (PAP) and academics, while divided on the frontrunners, agreed that the process, which will have repercussions for the next election, needs to be carefully managed. A Cabinet reshuffle scheduled for next week, which will fill the all-important Finance Minister portfolio, is expected to shed more light on who will be Lee's heir apparent.
Singapore's well-oiled leadership succession was abruptly brought to a halt last Thursday (8 April), when Deputy PM Heng Swee Keat stepped aside as leader of the Republic's fourth-generation leadership team and designated successor to Lee. Heng, 59, cited his age and the disruptions caused by the pandemic as the key reasons for his decision at a media conference.
In response, Heng's 4G colleagues said in a statement that his decisions had been an "unexpected turn of events" and said they would need "more time" to select another leader. Lee said at the same conference that the process of choosing his successor would take "more than a few months", and "should not take more than a couple of years", with a clear outcome before the next general election.
Sentiment in the PAP
Heng Swee Keat answers the questions of press members after meeting residents on 1 July, 2020. (PHOTO: Zakaria Zainal/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
On Monday, a Bloomberg report, citing high-ranking PAP members, said the leadership race was expected to come down to Ong and Wong. An ongoing Yahoo News Singapore poll on readers' preferred choice as 4G leader, which has attracted more than 23,000 votes as of Wednesday evening, currently has Ong in the lead with 29 per cent, followed by Wong at 16 per cent. Chan garnered just 9 per cent of the vote.
Similar online polls such as that of social news site Mothership, with some 13,700 votes as of Wednesday evening, has Wong narrowly in the lead at 37 per cent and Ong at 35 per cent, with Chan also in third at 23 per cent.
When asked by Yahoo News Singapore about the three possible frontrunners, as well as National Development Minister Desmond Lee, former Ang Mo Kio Member of Parliament Inderjit Singh would only say, "All the four names you mentioned are possible candidates (to be) 4G PM."
Singh added that the process of choosing Lee's successor has been complicated by the lack of "a clear superstar candidate", leading to the need for "a cohesive and strong team" instead of one strong person.
Noting that Heng's decision took many of the party cadres by surprise, given that succession planning has historically been done with very little surprises, he said, "I believe the cadres will want to see the decision made on who replaces Mr Heng as soon as possible. It is important that the PAP continues to look strong and organised."
He added, "If we take too long, we risk looking like we are in disarray."
Among rank and file party members, Chan and Ong are seen as the leading contenders, according to one well-placed source. The former is regarded as a strict military man who is "aggressively pushing" to be the leader of the 4G team, while the latter impressed with his leadership of his Sembawang GRC team at GE2020, the source said.
"By all accounts, the two men don’t get along. One would not be happy to be subordinate to the other," said the source. "The two of them are neither that brilliant nor objectionable. They are about the same. The 4G are just a very uninspiring lot."
Wong, who has impressed with his work as co-chair of the multi-ministry taskforce on COVID-19, has surprised party members with his rapid ascent and does not trigger "strong opinions", the source added.
Race to the Istana
Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung, who officiated the launch of the Changi Airport Connector on Sunday (11 October), posing with a Tyrannosaurus Rex display. (PHOTO: Dhany Osman / Yahoo News Singapore)
Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan of the Singapore Management University, agreed that the trio are the frontrunners, noting that they are among the most experienced of the 4G leaders in terms of Cabinet experience. Given that Heng's departure is an "own goal", the saga has raised the legitimate question of whether the 4G leaders can consensually pick the right person to lead them, the government, and the country.
Prof Tan added that the way the leadership race is conducted will heavily impact public perceptions of the party, and must not descend into a divisive contest. "Competition is to be expected but it must be healthy, clarifying, and unifying. Anything less than that will not augur well for the party, especially when the 4G is looking vulnerable."
When asked why the selection process is taking so long, Prof Tan pointed out that the strategic environment, exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic, has evolved considerably since 2018, when Heng was chosen. Key considerations include who can be the talisman for the PAP at the next election, and which 4G leader can complement Lee's successor.
"More time is needed simply because the bottomline is that the 4G must get it right this time – there is no alternative. If the successor wins poorly in the next GE, the 4G and the party cannot undo their selection without irreparable damage to them, and Singapore," said Prof Tan.
Separately, Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian of the National University of Singapore was reticent about anointing any frontrunners, pointing out that the process of choosing a party leader remains a mystery since the PAP does not have an open leadership election.
For instance, there is little information on who gets nominated to run for different positions on the PAP’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), even if the vote for CEC members by cadres is public knowledge. Candidates also do not run public campaigns where they lay out positions and seek support.
This creates uncertainty for many Singaporeans, said Prof Chong. "Such conditions are likely to spur unease and speculation until such time more Singaporeans become comfortable with uncertainty and leadership contests."
from straitstimes.com:
Racial prejudice still exists in S'pore but people here do live peacefully together: Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE - Racial prejudice still exists in Singapore but the country has made much progress over the years and is in better shape today with regard to race issues compared with other countries, said Education Minister Lawrence Wong on Saturday (April 17).
"If you look around the world, I think we can say, hand on heart, that we are one of the few places where people of different races and faiths have lived peacefully and closely together for more than half a century," he said.
"It is something very precious that we must cherish and strive to protect."
Mr Wong was speaking at Regardless of Race, an online dialogue that provides Singaporeans with a platform to share experiences, ideas and views on social cohesion and race issues.
The dialogue was organised by OnePeople.sg and interfaith initiative Roses of Peace in partnership with Mothership. It was moderated by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information.
Mr Wong said the Government has made a deliberate effort to ensure racial harmony, through multiracial policies in housing and a bilingual policy where all students learn English but also study their mother tongue to retain their cultural roots.
In the country's schools, children also learn together and grow up together, identifying themselves first as Singaporeans.
Said Mr Wong: "This enables us to build closer relationships with one another, and to forge mutual trust and understanding between our different communities.
"At the same time, we do provide space for different ethnic groups to celebrate their own cultures and traditions."
While the young and the old also have differing views on race relations, "we all subscribe to the ideal of a multiracial Singapore", Mr Wong noted.
He said the older generation tread more sensitively on race issues, having witnessed the conflicts and riots of the past, and knowing how difficult a journey Singapore has taken over the years to get to where we are today.
Younger people tend to have different perspectives, and some believe that racial differences are in the past, he said.
"Their reference points on racial issues are also influenced by events happening in other parts of the world, and so they feel we are ready to have more open conversations about race, to be more relaxed about some of our prevailing rules, and to take bolder steps to be a race-blind society."
Mr Wong said he understands the sentiments of both groups as he falls somewhere in between, adding that his parents had both experienced various episodes of racial riots in their lifetimes.
His father was from China but grew up in Malaysia, and experienced racial tensions there before he came to Singapore.
His mother and her family grew up in Kampong Amber, a Malay kampong, and were among the handful of Chinese families living there.
They enjoyed excellent relations with their Malay neighbours, said Mr Wong, but when the 1964 race riots happened, the situation became very tense. They decided to move out.
“Hearing these stories firsthand when I was growing up, I can appreciate how difficult it must have been for everyone during that period of racial strife.”
He said he himself grew up in a different environment in the 1970s and 80s, in a Housing Board estate in Marine Parade.
He made friends with children of all races, played football and studied together with them, he said, adding that they were "hardly conscious of our racial differences”.
“So, in that sense, I can also appreciate the perspectives of many young people when they express their desire to talk more openly about race, and to take a more progressive approach towards race relations.”
Mr Wong also noted that social media has had a strong impact on racial discourse, particularly among young people, providing a platform for them to share the richness of other cultures and identities and move beyond stereotypes.
But it can also be dangerous, he said. "Incidents can be easily framed and sensationalised, quickly turning inflammatory. It can create echo chambers and deepen divisions, where positions harden and it becomes difficult to listen to the other side."
The Ministry of Education (MOE) has a part to play in mitigating such risks, he said.
He noted that MOE is stepping up cyber-wellness efforts and placing greater focus on multicultural appreciation, where students develop values like respect.
Students also get to discuss contemporary issues including on race and religion during Character and Citizenship Education classes, and teachers are being equipped and trained to facilitate these conversations.
However, opportunities to interact with people from other backgrounds should not be limited to within the school but also through other communities, Mr Wong added.
Still, while government policies and community initiatives can set the tone and framework, racial relations eventually boil down to how Singaporeans interact with each other on a daily basis, he said.
"(This includes) how well we know the cultures of our classmates, neighbours and friends; how we take personal responsibility in calling out racial prejudice; and whether we exercise personal responsibility in our discourse on difficult issues."
"We need to consciously create a culture of understanding, respect and trust in our society, where we are not defined by the colour of our skin, but where we value our neighbours of different cultures, religions and origins.
"Every one of us must play a part in this endeavour."
Racial prejudice still exists in S'pore but people here do live peacefully together: Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE - Racial prejudice still exists in Singapore but the country has made much progress over the years and is in better shape today with regard to race issues compared with other countries, said Education Minister Lawrence Wong on Saturday (April 17).
"If you look around the world, I think we can say, hand on heart, that we are one of the few places where people of different races and faiths have lived peacefully and closely together for more than half a century," he said.
"It is something very precious that we must cherish and strive to protect."
Mr Wong was speaking at Regardless of Race, an online dialogue that provides Singaporeans with a platform to share experiences, ideas and views on social cohesion and race issues.
The dialogue was organised by OnePeople.sg and interfaith initiative Roses of Peace in partnership with Mothership. It was moderated by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information.
Mr Wong said the Government has made a deliberate effort to ensure racial harmony, through multiracial policies in housing and a bilingual policy where all students learn English but also study their mother tongue to retain their cultural roots.
In the country's schools, children also learn together and grow up together, identifying themselves first as Singaporeans.
Said Mr Wong: "This enables us to build closer relationships with one another, and to forge mutual trust and understanding between our different communities.
"At the same time, we do provide space for different ethnic groups to celebrate their own cultures and traditions."
While the young and the old also have differing views on race relations, "we all subscribe to the ideal of a multiracial Singapore", Mr Wong noted.
He said the older generation tread more sensitively on race issues, having witnessed the conflicts and riots of the past, and knowing how difficult a journey Singapore has taken over the years to get to where we are today.
Younger people tend to have different perspectives, and some believe that racial differences are in the past, he said.
"Their reference points on racial issues are also influenced by events happening in other parts of the world, and so they feel we are ready to have more open conversations about race, to be more relaxed about some of our prevailing rules, and to take bolder steps to be a race-blind society."
Mr Wong said he understands the sentiments of both groups as he falls somewhere in between, adding that his parents had both experienced various episodes of racial riots in their lifetimes.
His father was from China but grew up in Malaysia, and experienced racial tensions there before he came to Singapore.
His mother and her family grew up in Kampong Amber, a Malay kampong, and were among the handful of Chinese families living there.
They enjoyed excellent relations with their Malay neighbours, said Mr Wong, but when the 1964 race riots happened, the situation became very tense. They decided to move out.
“Hearing these stories firsthand when I was growing up, I can appreciate how difficult it must have been for everyone during that period of racial strife.”
He said he himself grew up in a different environment in the 1970s and 80s, in a Housing Board estate in Marine Parade.
He made friends with children of all races, played football and studied together with them, he said, adding that they were "hardly conscious of our racial differences”.
“So, in that sense, I can also appreciate the perspectives of many young people when they express their desire to talk more openly about race, and to take a more progressive approach towards race relations.”
Mr Wong also noted that social media has had a strong impact on racial discourse, particularly among young people, providing a platform for them to share the richness of other cultures and identities and move beyond stereotypes.
But it can also be dangerous, he said. "Incidents can be easily framed and sensationalised, quickly turning inflammatory. It can create echo chambers and deepen divisions, where positions harden and it becomes difficult to listen to the other side."
The Ministry of Education (MOE) has a part to play in mitigating such risks, he said.
He noted that MOE is stepping up cyber-wellness efforts and placing greater focus on multicultural appreciation, where students develop values like respect.
Students also get to discuss contemporary issues including on race and religion during Character and Citizenship Education classes, and teachers are being equipped and trained to facilitate these conversations.
However, opportunities to interact with people from other backgrounds should not be limited to within the school but also through other communities, Mr Wong added.
Still, while government policies and community initiatives can set the tone and framework, racial relations eventually boil down to how Singaporeans interact with each other on a daily basis, he said.
"(This includes) how well we know the cultures of our classmates, neighbours and friends; how we take personal responsibility in calling out racial prejudice; and whether we exercise personal responsibility in our discourse on difficult issues."
"We need to consciously create a culture of understanding, respect and trust in our society, where we are not defined by the colour of our skin, but where we value our neighbours of different cultures, religions and origins.
"Every one of us must play a part in this endeavour."
from yahoo.com:
Singapore to ban travel from India from Friday due to COVID-19
SINGAPORE — All travellers who have been to India in the preceding two weeks will be barred from entering Singapore from Friday (23 April) night.
The Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) on Thursday said the ban, which will come into force at 11.59pm on Friday until further notice, will be applied to all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history, including transit history, to India within the last 14 days.
The MTF said it has been "closely monitoring the global COVID-19 situation especially given the rapidly deteriorating situation in India".
India, which is the second-most populous country in the world with over 1.3 billion people, recorded more than 300,000 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday.
Global concerns have been sparked by the emergence of a "double mutant" Indian strain, which appears to be the main driving force behind the surge in new cases in the country. It has been detected in at least 17 countries.
Yahoo News Singapore on Wednesday reported that the first case of the Indian variant in Singapore was detected on 26 February.
The health ministry confirmed that 46 cases of the Indian variant have been detected as of Tuesday, all of which were imported.
The MTF on Thursday said further tightening border measures is necessary as many of the arrivals from India are workers in the Construction, Marine and Process (CMP) sectors.
"Even though these workers would have served the Stay Home Notice (SHN) before they start work, there is still a risk that a leak may happen, and cause another wave of infection in the dormitories. It is also a concern that recovered workers (i.e. those who had been infected earlier) are susceptible to being re-infected," said the MTF.
Additional seven-day SHN at dedicated facilities
Aside from the travel ban, all travellers with recent travel history to India who have yet to complete their 14-day SHN by 11.59pm on Thursday will need to complete their additional seven-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities, instead of their place of residence.
They will undergo COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests on-arrival, on Day 14 of their SHN, and another test before the end of their 21-day SHN period.
The MTF also said that with the emergence of new variants of concern around the world, it will closely monitor for re-infection of recovered COVID-19 cases. It is also reviewing border measures for recovered travellers.
"Imported cases suspected of re-infection will be isolated and undergo repeat COVID-19 PCR tests to monitor the trend of their viral loads, to ensure that such cases are detected promptly," it said.
With immediate effect, all newly arrived migrant workers from higher-risk countries or regions, including those with a positive serology result, will now have to undergo SHN at a dedicated facility before being onboarded at Migrant Workers Onboarding Centre (MWOC) for an additional testing regime.
Meanwhile, newly arrived migrant workers with a serology positive result will also be enrolled onto 14-day RRT after they have completed the SHN and stay at MWOC.
To date, Singapore has recorded 60,880 coronavirus cases, of which over 4,000 are imported.
Singapore to ban travel from India from Friday due to COVID-19
SINGAPORE — All travellers who have been to India in the preceding two weeks will be barred from entering Singapore from Friday (23 April) night.
The Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) on Thursday said the ban, which will come into force at 11.59pm on Friday until further notice, will be applied to all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history, including transit history, to India within the last 14 days.
The MTF said it has been "closely monitoring the global COVID-19 situation especially given the rapidly deteriorating situation in India".
India, which is the second-most populous country in the world with over 1.3 billion people, recorded more than 300,000 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday.
Global concerns have been sparked by the emergence of a "double mutant" Indian strain, which appears to be the main driving force behind the surge in new cases in the country. It has been detected in at least 17 countries.
Yahoo News Singapore on Wednesday reported that the first case of the Indian variant in Singapore was detected on 26 February.
The health ministry confirmed that 46 cases of the Indian variant have been detected as of Tuesday, all of which were imported.
The MTF on Thursday said further tightening border measures is necessary as many of the arrivals from India are workers in the Construction, Marine and Process (CMP) sectors.
"Even though these workers would have served the Stay Home Notice (SHN) before they start work, there is still a risk that a leak may happen, and cause another wave of infection in the dormitories. It is also a concern that recovered workers (i.e. those who had been infected earlier) are susceptible to being re-infected," said the MTF.
Additional seven-day SHN at dedicated facilities
Aside from the travel ban, all travellers with recent travel history to India who have yet to complete their 14-day SHN by 11.59pm on Thursday will need to complete their additional seven-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities, instead of their place of residence.
They will undergo COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests on-arrival, on Day 14 of their SHN, and another test before the end of their 21-day SHN period.
The MTF also said that with the emergence of new variants of concern around the world, it will closely monitor for re-infection of recovered COVID-19 cases. It is also reviewing border measures for recovered travellers.
"Imported cases suspected of re-infection will be isolated and undergo repeat COVID-19 PCR tests to monitor the trend of their viral loads, to ensure that such cases are detected promptly," it said.
With immediate effect, all newly arrived migrant workers from higher-risk countries or regions, including those with a positive serology result, will now have to undergo SHN at a dedicated facility before being onboarded at Migrant Workers Onboarding Centre (MWOC) for an additional testing regime.
Meanwhile, newly arrived migrant workers with a serology positive result will also be enrolled onto 14-day RRT after they have completed the SHN and stay at MWOC.
To date, Singapore has recorded 60,880 coronavirus cases, of which over 4,000 are imported.
from straitstimes.com:
S'pore to see further delays in housing projects from tighter Covid-19 curbs on migrant workers: Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE - The move to ban long-term pass holders and short-term visitors from India from entering Singapore will have a major impact on the construction, marine and process (CMP) sectors here, said Education Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday (April 22).
The construction sector, especially, will face further delays to building and housing projects already hampered by the pandemic.
Hence, the Government is looking at how it can provide additional support for local small and medium-sized enterprises and contractors that will be hurt by the new restrictions, Mr Wong said at a press conference by the multi-ministry task force tackling Covid-19.
The additional support measures are being reviewed and will be announced when ready, he added.
"I seek Singaporeans' patience and understanding. If certain projects were to be delayed further, please understand why this has happened and know that we are doing this because of public health reasons," said Mr Wong, who co-chairs the taskforce.
"We hope that everyone will cooperate."
From 11.59pm on Friday (April 23), long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with a recent travel history to India will be barred from entering Singapore or transiting through the Republic.
This new restriction will also apply to those who have obtained prior approval for entry.
Second Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng said at the press conference that the number of workers coming into Singapore "will definitely be affected". He did not provide specific figures.
"Given the magnitude of the number of projects that we have here locally, we would expect to see delays moving forward," he said.
"We are working across the board, between the Ministry of National Development, Ministry of Health (MOH), as well as the Ministry of Manpower, and with the support of the Ministry of Finance... to see how we can better support the industry."
It was reported earlier this month that 85 per cent of the 89 ongoing build-to-order projects face delays of six to nine months due to the pandemic, with 43,000 households affected.
Other public projects, including the construction of future MRT lines, have also been delayed by up to a year due to the manpower crunch and materials supply disruptions brought on by Covid-19.
Said Dr Tan: "The health of the workers within the dormitories, and also the public health of all of us as a nation is of paramount importance. We do not take such decisions lightly."
He added that the new travel restrictions allow Singapore to make sure its healthcare facilities do not get overwhelmed.
The majority of new arrivals to Singapore from India work in the CMP sectors and most stay in dormitories here. Mr Wong said companies in the CMP sectors are quite reliant on new arrivals of workers from India and will be the ones directly impacted.
"We are mindful of this," he said. "On Tuesday, when we tightened the inflow of workers, we already knew this would have an impact, but more so today with the complete freeze on arrivals."
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing said the CMP sectors have been under great strain since the pandemic began and have been recovering at a much slower pace compared with other sectors.
Despite "great efforts" by firms in the three sectors to reduce their reliance on foreign manpower, the Government recognises the limitations that these firms face, he added.
"I want to assure our companies in the CMP sectors that the Government is looking into measures to provide support and relief in light of the latest developments... In the meantime, our economic agencies remain ready to work closely with all affected companies to help them through this challenging period."
Minister for National Development Desmond Lee said the Government will work closely with trade associations in the built environment sector to support firms through this period, and help them with transformation.
He noted that property buyers will also be concerned about the possibility of further delays in the completion of their new homes, offices and commercial spaces.
He said: "We will work with the Housing and Development Board, private developers and construction companies to see how their projects can be safely brought back on track."
S'pore to see further delays in housing projects from tighter Covid-19 curbs on migrant workers: Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE - The move to ban long-term pass holders and short-term visitors from India from entering Singapore will have a major impact on the construction, marine and process (CMP) sectors here, said Education Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday (April 22).
The construction sector, especially, will face further delays to building and housing projects already hampered by the pandemic.
Hence, the Government is looking at how it can provide additional support for local small and medium-sized enterprises and contractors that will be hurt by the new restrictions, Mr Wong said at a press conference by the multi-ministry task force tackling Covid-19.
The additional support measures are being reviewed and will be announced when ready, he added.
"I seek Singaporeans' patience and understanding. If certain projects were to be delayed further, please understand why this has happened and know that we are doing this because of public health reasons," said Mr Wong, who co-chairs the taskforce.
"We hope that everyone will cooperate."
From 11.59pm on Friday (April 23), long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with a recent travel history to India will be barred from entering Singapore or transiting through the Republic.
This new restriction will also apply to those who have obtained prior approval for entry.
Second Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng said at the press conference that the number of workers coming into Singapore "will definitely be affected". He did not provide specific figures.
"Given the magnitude of the number of projects that we have here locally, we would expect to see delays moving forward," he said.
"We are working across the board, between the Ministry of National Development, Ministry of Health (MOH), as well as the Ministry of Manpower, and with the support of the Ministry of Finance... to see how we can better support the industry."
It was reported earlier this month that 85 per cent of the 89 ongoing build-to-order projects face delays of six to nine months due to the pandemic, with 43,000 households affected.
Other public projects, including the construction of future MRT lines, have also been delayed by up to a year due to the manpower crunch and materials supply disruptions brought on by Covid-19.
Said Dr Tan: "The health of the workers within the dormitories, and also the public health of all of us as a nation is of paramount importance. We do not take such decisions lightly."
He added that the new travel restrictions allow Singapore to make sure its healthcare facilities do not get overwhelmed.
The majority of new arrivals to Singapore from India work in the CMP sectors and most stay in dormitories here. Mr Wong said companies in the CMP sectors are quite reliant on new arrivals of workers from India and will be the ones directly impacted.
"We are mindful of this," he said. "On Tuesday, when we tightened the inflow of workers, we already knew this would have an impact, but more so today with the complete freeze on arrivals."
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing said the CMP sectors have been under great strain since the pandemic began and have been recovering at a much slower pace compared with other sectors.
Despite "great efforts" by firms in the three sectors to reduce their reliance on foreign manpower, the Government recognises the limitations that these firms face, he added.
"I want to assure our companies in the CMP sectors that the Government is looking into measures to provide support and relief in light of the latest developments... In the meantime, our economic agencies remain ready to work closely with all affected companies to help them through this challenging period."
Minister for National Development Desmond Lee said the Government will work closely with trade associations in the built environment sector to support firms through this period, and help them with transformation.
He noted that property buyers will also be concerned about the possibility of further delays in the completion of their new homes, offices and commercial spaces.
He said: "We will work with the Housing and Development Board, private developers and construction companies to see how their projects can be safely brought back on track."
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