REACH (Telegram) 73 - What are your thoughts on the measures taken to protect our electoral process from foreign interference? How can Singaporeans work together to maintain religious and racial harmony during this election period?
(SK)
28 Apr 2025 (10am - 7pm)
REACH (Telegram)
REACH Singapore, [28/4/2025 10:17 am]
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REACH Singapore, [28/4/2025 10:22 am]
📢 Topic 📢
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has issued directions to Meta to block Singapore users' access to several Facebook posts by several foreigners, for attempting to interfere in the ongoing general election. Stressing the importance of not mixing religion and politics, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Elections Department Singapore (ELD) said in a statement on Friday (Apr 25) that it had identified a "number of foreigners" attempting to influence this General Election (GE), which will see Singaporeans heading to the polls on May 3.
💬 What are your thoughts on the measures taken to protect our electoral process from foreign interference? How can Singaporeans work together to maintain religious and racial harmony during this election period?
📌 Foreign Interference and Government Response
These posts, which can no longer be viewed by users in Singapore, were made by two Malaysian politicians and a former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee who is now an Australian citizen. Among other things, they criticised the Singapore government's handling of sensitive religious issues, and urged Singaporeans to vote along religious lines.
At a press conference held on Saturday, PM Wong said that foreigners urging Singaporeans to vote along religious lines have "crossed the line". He held the press conference in the middle of GE2025 campaigning, in his position as Prime Minister, as the issue concerns "a matter of national interest". Mr Wong said the foreign actors' online activities specifically urged Singaporeans to vote for certain candidates in GE2025 based on race or religion. These posts, he added, were widely shared within the Singaporean community.
"These posts have been targeted at Singaporeans. They interfere with our domestic politics, which are reserved for our citizens," MHA and ELD said in their joint statement. "They also urge Singaporeans to vote on racial and religious lines, and have led to more social media postings of a similar nature."
"Singaporeans may have different views about issues, but we cannot allow external actors to exploit whatever differences we may have to weaken us or to advance their own interests," PM Wong said. "Singapore's politics must be for Singaporeans alone to decide."
📌 Concerns About Identity Politics
Beyond foreign interference, PM Wong also raised concerns about other social media posts attempting to bring race and religion into politics. He specifically mentioned posts by a local activist calling for Muslims to vote for candidates willing to advance a religious agenda.
"These messages may be by Singaporeans, but we should also reject them. Were it a Christian, a Hindu or Buddhist group making the same demand, our response would be the same," he stressed.
Mixing politics with religion is unacceptable in Singapore for three reasons, he explained: "It fractures the common space shared by all Singaporeans, all communities are worse off when elections become contests of faith and external powers will exploit fault lines to advance their own agenda."
📌 Maintaining Social Harmony
PM Wong emphasised that while Singapore can engage different communities or discuss race and religion, such engagements must be different from identity politics.
Religious and community leaders have spoken out on the matter, with the Singapore Kadayanallur Muslim League expressing concern about attempts to exploit racial and religious differences in the upcoming election. Opposition party leaders have also joined in condemning foreign interference in the General Election.
🔗 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/spore-blocks-fb-posts-by-2-malaysian-politicians-ex-isa-detainee-that-attempt-to-influence-election
🔗 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/foreign-interference-mha-eld-ge2025-meta-imda-5089426
🔗 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/watch/ai-at250426-pkg-singapore-prime-minister-lawrence-wong-has-called-all-political-parties-reject-endorsements-foreign-entities-5091476
----
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 10:33 am]
Ask foreigners to fuck off
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 10:34 am]
But for religious matters it is very tricky. As we have religious law. So it is understandable that some religious communities might talk to various parties to express concerns
365, [28/4/2025 10:35 am]
Advancing religion motives through politics will be dangerous, especially for a multi-religion country like Singapore. If there's a conflict between religion A and religion B, then who are we supposed to support? The best is to remain religion-neutral, while accommodating the freedom to practice where practicable.
We want to maintain social cohesion within Singapore, that should be our priority. How Singapore should proceed in the future, should be decided solely by Singaporeans, for Singaporeans, without foreign influence, for both the incumbent and opposition.
While IMDA may have blocked some Facebook post, reality is that it really depends on individuals not to be influenced. There will be other channels, other social media, other chat groups, even the deep or dark web. It's a never-ending battle. Not saying that it should not be done, but it really comes down to educating citizens on the negative consequences of voting along religious lines.
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 10:36 am]
So I think for now the gov approach is to sweep it under the carpet for racial and religious issues. But I bet an alternative to openly discussed in a controlled setting. It will be better
Adam, [28/4/2025 10:37 am]
But singapore always had race religion intertwined with politics from the start. You can see pap do it all the time. It is inevitable that oppo will touch on it. Pretty unfortunate some rando from malaysia came in.
Adam, [28/4/2025 10:40 am]
Pretty hypocritical for pap to become the bastion of race free politics when we have race in our ic, race in eip, and even a race in presidential election that forced a walkover
Ammar Basalamah, [28/4/2025 10:42 am]
Well said!
365, [28/4/2025 10:43 am]
I agree that they have made questionable moves on this as well, but let's not let one mistake carry on to the future. Just because they have wronged in this aspect before doesn't mean we as citizens will want to continue with the same decision. Two wrongs don't make a right here.
Adam, [28/4/2025 10:47 am]
Tbh i think malaysia is the smallest threat in "foreign" interference. They got proximity for sure but i dont really see much presence compared to mainlanders and south asians, who imo are culturally more foreign.
Adam, [28/4/2025 10:48 am]
Singapore has to navigate this carefully. It cannot be us vs them and we cannot imply them as antagonist. We dont want to make deals like trump.
365, [28/4/2025 10:52 am]
Agree. Singapore has always been a melting pot of different people. Most of our forefathers are immigrants. We welcome immigrants, but what has to be done better is for immigrants to assimilate into our culture instead of the other way round.
Our economy will not survive without immigrants and international relations. This is an undisputed fact. And when our economy cannot survive, our day to day lives will surely be much tougher.
Adam, [28/4/2025 10:58 am]
The way our gov is phrasing, i think its fearmongering. Are they desperate for votes?
365, [28/4/2025 11:01 am]
Personally I wouldn't bother if it's fearmongering or a election tactic, what I care about is the underlying consequences.
I think it can lead to a slippery slope. If it is shown to work for voters, then politics will be even more intertwined with religion, and you risk eventually pitting Singaporeans of different religion against each other.
Adam, [28/4/2025 11:03 am]
It is a valid issue but its overblown. There are more bread and butter issues that needs the spotlight. But it makes wp look bad so thats a plus for pap i guess
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 11:04 am]
Imagine if a party manifesto is adding a holiday for thaipusum, will this be allowed
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 11:06 am]
As this will be politics associated with religion
G, [28/4/2025 11:21 am]
This is actually more concerning:
So many members of the last cabinet already have close links with the unelected foreign body W.E.F.
Some are even WEF members
Even our president has very close links to W.E.F.
How much has WEF already interfered with SG internal politics and policies?
Even Klaus Schwab himself boasted about penetrating the cabinet
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SjxJ1wPnkk4&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD
Will the PAP come clean?
Hanny, [28/4/2025 11:34 am]
Race and religion have been a sensitive topic in all parts of the world. Politicians and organizations have been using them to advance their interest. Singapore, being relatively successful compared to many countries, is always a target. We need to educate the population on the danger posed by people who try to use race and religion to influence singaporeans. Exposing stories from other countries would be one way to let people know how people are manipulated.
RY, [28/4/2025 11:34 am]
Many foreigners/journalists/economists/tourists n etc, are amazed how SG multi-racials/religions have maintained harmony in the system
That bring the uniqueness of SG cultures/variety of food/religions, and also the success of SG and our govt system
Recently, some foreign economists in Europe/Africa are studying "SG Model"
I rem watching one of interview in youtube years b4, these points were questioned by the foreign host, and answered by our then ex-Minister of Finance and now our SG President (cannot rem the show name)
Fm young, we are brought up in a multi-racials/religions environment. Hence singaporeans are pretty open to multi-lism and other foreigners in our country
We are also educated fm young that everybody should respect each other religions/cultures/races and etc
We have seen fm news in many countries, how racism may lead to society unstability eg protests/riots, and it is a gd mirror that we shd learn fm other countries
I totally concur whether our skin color is white/yellow/black/etc, we are still humans, and shd not be discriminated, and that is what most of our religions taught us too
Hanny, [28/4/2025 11:36 am]
Most of the time, race and religion are used for personal gain. Nothing to do with the race and religion itself.
Adam, [28/4/2025 11:42 am]
We are all singaporeans and should not be discriminated, however we cannot ignore the topic.
When you think of a singaporean person, what do you picture? Of course you picture the average 'default'.
But what about the malays? The Indians? Does our politicians have close friends with them in school? Or NS? Wait are they even in the same class? Maybe our men in white went to an SAP school, live in a landed out of bounds of EIP, went to a vocation with high clearance.
Are they fit to lead a multicultural country? We cannot ignore race based politics as it ingrained to our system. Are we just gonna silence voices and remain as status quo?
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [28/4/2025 12:13 pm]
👍👍👍
RY, [28/4/2025 12:15 pm]
It is common that in most countries elections, that they are always issues that "foreign hands" trying to manipulate/intervene and etc
Brexit in UK definitely is a gd example, and it was on the news how these "foreign hands" trying to brainwash the UK voters with fake news in social media, and hence lead to Brexit ultimately
We know these "foreign hands" are using social media as one of their easy tools to intervene, trying to brainwash the voters, that may lead to the results that they wish to see/have
Measures certainly has to taken by the local govt to stop such intervening by "foreign hands", which maybe disastrous to the election outcome
SG govt is quick to draft and pass the POFMA bill (The Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act in 2019)
We have to be careful all these 'foreign hands" meddling into other countries local elections
It is good that SG govt highlighted the news to every voters/contesting parties attention
And as a multi-racial/religion country, religion and races are extremely sensitive issues that may easily lead to polarise the country
And election is a easy "venue" to polarise the country, by bringing up sensitive issues eg religions/races
Glad to see our SG 8 contesting political parties voicing up the concerns of "foreign hands" meddling in our GE
Hope our SG GE will run smoothly 🙏 as any election outcome shd be determined by the local people voting, and not by these "foreign hands" trying to intervene the election outcome
Joomua Tng, [28/4/2025 12:15 pm]
race, language and especially religion is still the emotional tugs that make people doing things against humanity's conscience and choose tribalism instead.
it is part of human nature and the constant influence of the globalisation.
.......
we must acknowledge the fact there is a portion extreme believers among Singaporean choosing the side of political religion instead of taking up the courage to go against whatever indoctrination their religion has done to them.
........
it is stupidity to assume that Singapore and Singaporean has reach a state that race, language and especially religion does not matter. It is dangerously delusional to assume that.
I watch the chinese documentary video by zaobaosg
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu6nV--3hIATRAHKyeCGMEhQqAaXEOUDC&si=Py7DUEaN0tq6j1FR
I was surprised one of the PAP ministry think that religion is not an important issue among Singaporean today. I think that minister does not understand the gravity of religion's influence on its believers....
Joomua Tng, [28/4/2025 12:22 pm]
the oppositions is playing a dangerous game that will endanger Singapore and Singaporean.
why the freak, WP agreed to meet up with a religious group at such an critical moment of Singapore.
They may not know noor is among the midst.
the religious group and its leaders and organization is not aware of Noor's present also.?
It doesn't make sense at all.
The religious leaders and organization not aware of Noor's extreme stance on the issue?
and the religious leaders and organization does not realize it is not appropriate to meet up with any political parties when the General Election is near?
it is a red signal that something is wrong somewhere.
.......
Joomua Tng, [28/4/2025 12:28 pm]
let this sink to everyone here. and All Singaporeans
Our secularism politics that made Singapore successful as we know it is under CONSTANT assault by extremism, and zealous religious believers
We cannot let our guards down on this part of total defense awareness.
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 12:35 pm]
I think there should be a guideline for election on religion and race.
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 12:37 pm]
they are still Singaporean and they want to get their views heard
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 12:40 pm]
For instance if I give this example. It's Singaporean interest. Yet it is also religious
Joomua Tng, [28/4/2025 12:41 pm]
not if they choose religious belief first then Singapore.
......
look at the situation happening in U.K and europe and america.
.......
many people doe not put and effort to understand religions.
go read the religious books
Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and other religions and their history ...all over the world.
you will realize religions is too dangerous to mix with politics.
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 12:43 pm]
That's why there's a need to set guidelines as often these interests gets overlap
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 12:44 pm]
Cause there is the Muslim law etc. Muslim unhappy with certain law and seek alternative how do candidates deal with it
Joomua Tng, [28/4/2025 12:44 pm]
as a reminder..manap's article on religion compasses everything, including politics, is still on the website of WP.
...what message is WP is sending to the world and Singaporean?
Joomua Tng, [28/4/2025 12:48 pm]
and why WP bring up the topic of palestine during the GE rally.
what is the intention, motive and objectives of that? it doesn't concern Singapore's politics at all.
Pritam singh as leader of WP not aware of it or fail to realise it?
does it make sense.
as Singaporean, we must be sensitive on such issue and questions any political parties when they are playing a dangerous game.
Politics is not game It concern all Singaporeans lives..
it must be secular
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 12:52 pm]
Therefore a guideline is needed.
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 12:54 pm]
In terms of party view on sensitive topic
Joomua Tng, [28/4/2025 12:54 pm]
base line..politics must be secular.
...
guidelines can be bypassed by playing with the loop hole..
how and where do you draw the line on guidelines?
Joomua Tng, [28/4/2025 12:56 pm]
it is a counter measure vs counter counter measure vs counter counter counter measure ..etc
REACH Singapore, [28/4/2025 2:01 pm]
📢 Topic 📢
RY, [28/4/2025 2:14 pm]
The 1st generation WP members are much better eg Mr Low Thia Khiang,
However after Mr Pritam Singh take over, rem the cases of misuse of AHTC town council funds ? In order for WP to participate in the coming GE, the govt drop the cases against them
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ahtc-lawsuit-workers-party-pritam-singh-sylvia-lim-low-thia-khiang-4502031
Rem the case WP member Ms Raeesah Khan created story and lie in parliament ? As a lawyer and WP leader, Mr Pritam taught his member to lie ....
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/wp-leaders-kept-prior-knowledge-of-former-mps-lie-from-party-members-judge
I totally agree gd to have different voices in parliament. However, we must also look at the creditability of the party
I am not surprising to read about this "religion episode" during this GE
I am also quite sure that "foreign hands" are into SG GE and maybe working with certain opp party (who knows) ....
Hence, singaporeans pls vote wisely
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 2:16 pm]
I feel like all the parties members have been degraded
Joomua Tng, [28/4/2025 2:17 pm]
if Low Thia Khiang that good...he should have advise or stop pritam singh before anything else.
...
so after stepping down ...such important issue no longer his concern?
....
if he step up to point out against.WP.
then it says alot about Mr Low. unfortunately...not.
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 2:19 pm]
Not the top leaders from gen 1. Idk is it because we are better off or what. But generally quality of all people are not as good as what I heard
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 2:20 pm]
I mean I don't lived in first gen so I cannot compare
RY, [28/4/2025 2:21 pm]
Read the news in details by the judge - Mr Low was kept in the dark
RY, [28/4/2025 2:25 pm]
I agree also
However, as this 2025 GE has 8 parties (including PAP) contesting, some parties are quite new to me, so cannot comment much, except WP, as they are the "senior" for opp party
Joomua Tng, [28/4/2025 2:28 pm]
i mean the GE election news that wp meet with religious group.and at the rally when wp mentioned palestine.
If Mr Low immediately step up to berate WP on it..then it says alot about Mr Low.
i not referring to the court case.
RY, [28/4/2025 2:35 pm]
As I said earlier, it is not surprising that "foreign hands/donation" maybe into some parties ...... I unsure
People change over time, it maybe either better or worst - so I cant say much for Mr Low now
I rem our demised- Mr LKY ever said Mr Low is a gd oppoment during LKY administration
Hong Yen Lee, [28/4/2025 2:35 pm]
Yes, other parties have their issues too — even our main party, the PAP, has faced bad news, including corruption cases (despite their leaders being highly paid, which, as LKY once said, was meant to deter corruption). There was also a scandal involving an inappropriate affair that was kept from the public for a long time.
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 2:36 pm]
There are 3 dangerous lines cannot be crossed during an election - that will fracture and rile up the people.
These happens in our 1960s unstable politics that result in bloodshed and violence :-
i. Foreign Intervention (Indonesian Confrontation) - now is PAS intervening in championing religion into politics)
ii. Mixing race & religion with politics (championing a superior race) - PAS intervening in championing voting a certain race).
Pressing Thaipusam to be a public holiday in the manifesto.
(Recall LKY said that various racial & religious groups press for more holidays - and a consensus is make with the various communities to make all the current official holidays but not others.)
Imagine if Chinese push for Dragon Festival holiday, Eurasian push for Halloween holiday, etc etc --- where is the end?
iii. Bringing in other Country geopolitical confrontation - into our domestic politics.
Why make the Palestine cause into our election? (When we have humanitarian groups of various race contributing and making donation to the vulnerable?)
Imagine, another party bring up - championing the Israel cause
Another party champion the China cause, US cause, South China Sea conflict?
One party championing one race against another race, one religion against another religion.
I was quite rile when I see these 3 events unfolding and remember reading LKY memoirs - that has caused bloodshed in Singapore during the 1960 and result in racial and religious conflict.
And now we see a repeat of this in the 2025 election - all coming from one Party.
I was thinking why WP need to champion racial & religious cause in an election --- that will trigger emotion to runaway in an election contest - especially when people get riled up.
Shouldn't the Party Leader handle all these issues very well - and maintain a harmonious Society in Singapore - so that it will safeguard our peace, security and safety - so that we can tackle our Economic difficulties ahead of us - to ensure we can secure our jobs, incomes, business and control the cost of living.
This issue certainly keep me awake a few nights - because if WP is coming up as a strong opposition --- unable to keep its candidates from fracturing Singapore social fabric --- is an important criteria to elect them as our Member of Parliament that makes me very uncomfortable.
But time and again, I see this very fundamental principles - that safeguard Singapore safety, security, and peace - being breach time and again - even in Parliament.
Joomua Tng, [28/4/2025 2:37 pm]
yes. yet not afraid to place the issue on the for all to see and take appropriate action on it
Steven Ong, [28/4/2025 2:37 pm]
No foreigners should interfere with our own matters, just like we don't allow our neighbours to mettle with our family affairs. As simple as this.. worst is to introduce race and religion. Fundamentally wrong. A no-no..
RY, [28/4/2025 2:38 pm]
Agreed, no party is perfect
Even PAP also has own bad news too, as U mentioned above
RY, [28/4/2025 2:41 pm]
I am quite surprising why Marine-Braddel is a walk-over case, when this GE2025, we have the most 7 opp parties contesting
Joomua Tng, [28/4/2025 2:42 pm]
i remember years ago...the head of MUIS wrote a letter to PM Lee Hsien Loong when the israel PM visited Singapore.
Then PM Lee wrote back to MUIS.
......
what does it shows? it shows Even MUIS cannot shake off the emotional link and ideological link of religion into politics.
......
I was disappointed yet not surprised by MUIS's letter to PM Lee then
.....
the letter was posted on Facebook and MUIS website. not sure if it is still there.
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 2:43 pm]
WP Manap - want politics, governance to mix with religion citing Islam operate this way.
https://mothership.sg/2019/10/news-parliament-shanmugam-faisal-manap-religion-politics-separation/
"Shanmugam repeatedly questions WP's Faisal Manap over separation of religion from politics.
Eventually, WP chief Pritam Singh stepped in to make a statement."
"But I think ultimately for a Member of Parliament of any political party in Singapore, I think it’s important that you remember that you have to represent the interests of every community, not just yours."
At least this time, WP leader using his conscience "own self check own self" - his member suggestions is not implementable in a secular society in Singapore.
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 2:45 pm]
This mixing of religion into politics is brought up in Parliament before.
Imagine if Christian, Hindu and Buddhist group push their religions to be in politics, what will be the outcome?
Religious fight, conflict and bloodshed?
RY, [28/4/2025 2:47 pm]
I am also wondering why Tampines GRC, we have 4 parties contesting ?
Shouldnt the opp parties be united n fight against PAP ?
Why Tampines GRC is a "hot" area for GE2025?
Why Marine-Braddel SMC is a walk-over case ? No single opp party interested to voice for people staying there ?
Can anybody enlighten me ?
RY, [28/4/2025 2:49 pm]
https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2025/04/singapore-general-election-ge2025-candidates/index.html
RY, [28/4/2025 2:51 pm]
In my opinion, if we have so many opp parties (7) in this GE2025, it make more sense that they shd form "alliance" to fight against ruling party
Joomua Tng, [28/4/2025 2:51 pm]
negative people or those oppose for the sake of opposing...keep biting on this to criticize PAP or government.
ownself check ownself is realistic and a virtue when done right.
it is called self discipline.
it is called self conscience.
it is called honesty..
it is called integrity.
it is called controlling the emotional urge of mixing religion with politic.
etc
if WP cannot have the virtue of ownself checking ownself by mixing religion with politics or bring in Palestine issue with Singapore's politics, how can they be trusted to be "the check and balance" for the government...wp cannot even do the basic check and balance on itself
.........
RY, [28/4/2025 2:52 pm]
Agree - gd point
RY, [28/4/2025 2:57 pm]
I concur
The party shd be representing SG as a whole and not specific race/religion,
That implies why PAP has Ministers of different races
I dont know our MP religions, so I cant comment here
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [28/4/2025 2:58 pm]
Should not listen to outsiders. Look at Ukraine n Russia. Both happily living their lives. Until outside interference. Now citizens r suffering.
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 3:01 pm]
Imagine if WP cannot even handle a few of their candidates within the party in broaching sensitive issues like race, religion and foreign intervention skilfully - how can Singaporeans entrust our lives to WP if they are to become a governing party?
Will WP policies trigger racial and religious conflicts if the government cannot control them?
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 3:02 pm]
At least the Government handle racial, religions and our diverse social mix very well and harmoniously - with trust build among our diverse community and races.
We enjoy our peace and harmonious coexistence with the various races and communities for 60 years.
If WP is to run, in just one 2025 election campaign, it will have unravel all the peace and harmony we have for so many years.
WP is definitely does not have the skills, intricacies, and political depth to handle Singapore diverse races, religions, culture and communities.
Electing such dangerous candidates into Parliament will in no time trigger anger and conflict into Parliament and rile the population.
And this will detract our Government from securing our future, jobs, business, investment, breaking of global supply chain by the tariff war.
Voters be wise to elect the right candidates into Parliament and not look into short term frustration on cost of living - and bring untold trouble into Singapore.
I scrutinized all the opposition policies in how to control cost of living - most are not workable.
By further tweaking the Government policies can help us to curb cost of living, housing cost in the very near future.
Also securing our jobs, business, trade, investment as tariff war hit - should be our top most priority.
Better elect DPM Gan Kim Yong team in.
Don't play play.
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [28/4/2025 3:03 pm]
Must use the brain, all going well. Ya got ups n down. Soo much better than any other countries. SG gov doing so much. Ya competition is gd. Keeps them on their feet. But do not vote because of race religion. Vote who can speak sensible. Some candidates omg, can't even speak proper English n talk nonsense.
RY, [28/4/2025 3:03 pm]
Sad to have such Ukraine President whom population elected him ....
Similar as USA (clown) President Trump, who brings so many problems to the world now
Hence it shows that voting is super important, and we must vote wisely, bec it is our country's future in the party's hands
Hong Yen Lee, [28/4/2025 3:03 pm]
If the ruling party cannot manage its members properly, it suggests something is seriously wrong within the system.
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [28/4/2025 3:03 pm]
👍
RY, [28/4/2025 3:05 pm]
No party is perfect with no mistakes
Admit and learn fm mistakes made always
RY, [28/4/2025 3:10 pm]
No single govt is the best or perfect
Did our govt admit their mistakes, did they take remedy actions, and learn not to repeat the same again
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [28/4/2025 3:11 pm]
Whoever wins, hopefully won't be lazy. Once win take it easy. They really need to do something to create jobs. Nice to have technology. If everything done with machines what will happen? Do many jobless. Salaries so low. Minister salaries so high, they don't realise what normal citizens go through. 1yr try living with citizens salary take public transport. Face issues with floods.
RY, [28/4/2025 3:12 pm]
Any analysis ?
Hong Yen Lee, [28/4/2025 3:13 pm]
The trains keep breaking down, yet the transport fees keep increasing.
Kai Bin, [28/4/2025 3:17 pm]
Hi, Marine Parade-Braddell Heights is a GRC , not SMC
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [28/4/2025 3:17 pm]
Food , bills. How u want new gen have babies. Whole day work, pay bills. Not enough money to enjoy. Want to have kid, how they feed n take care of them. Gov bonuses not enough to support. Parents need to spend more time with kids, understand them. Know what is going in their lives. Our X metal issues hardly there. Now everything is mental issue. Too much stress. Bullies in school, serious action need to be taken against them.
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [28/4/2025 3:17 pm]
👍👍😂😂
RY, [28/4/2025 3:18 pm]
Fm other countries, maybe our opp parties may also learn to form alliance to form a stronger party
RY, [28/4/2025 3:18 pm]
Whether opp or ruling parties in the govt, we citizens just wish to have a stable life - safe and clean environment/affordable and gd healthcare and housing/manageable cost of living/stable employment
RY, [28/4/2025 3:20 pm]
Tks for pointing my error 🙏
Yep, it is GRC not SMC
RY, [28/4/2025 3:25 pm]
SG is a democratic country, lah
Everybody is entitled to their own opinion and their voting right
We shouldnt impose which party one may vote, let individuals decide themselves, ya
RY, [28/4/2025 3:27 pm]
However, I must agree that Minister Gan is a gd minister in my opinion
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 3:28 pm]
DPM Gan Kim Yong is looking after Trade and Industry as well as MAS - both pillars to win the :-
1. Tariff war
2. Capital (Financial) war
That is now festering.
1. US reciprocal tariff 10% plus other tariffs on other countries have already trigger many countries companies to move into US - triggering unemployment in the respective countries.
I will attach the URL later.
Singapore won't be unscathed.
Hence DPM Gan Kim Yong negotiation with US will be extremely critical to secure investment and maintain jobs here.
2. US Bond capital flight will adversely affect our financial hub in Singapore.
Hence DPM Gan Kim Yong role in MAS in securing our reserves in US Treasury Bonds will be vital.
Better ensure DPM Gan Kim Yong is elected.
Don't play dangerous tactical voting - we could have shoot ourselves dead.
Because the geopolitical landscape is a tidal wave that will drown us - if we play in this election.
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 3:28 pm]
‘We can’t afford not to’: China firms race to open US factories amid trade war .
https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3307943/chinese-firms-race-open-us-factories-avoid-sky-high-tariffs
Chinese firms race to open US factories to avoid sky-high tariffs.
Chinese exporters in a slew of industries are setting up US facilities to escape crippling tariffs – but doing so is often far from easy.
RY, [28/4/2025 3:34 pm]
Yes, Minister Gan is leading this special team for the tariff war, and his role is important
According to news, he already started in negotiation with USA with rdgs to semiconductor/pharmaceutical pdts, since these 2 are SG leading industries
Hope to hear any gd news fm our Trade Minister Gan
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 3:34 pm]
It certainly keep me awake for many nights.
RY, [28/4/2025 3:36 pm]
Have to trust our Govt fighting gd deals for SG
So enjoy yr sleep, lol
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 3:36 pm]
Just to let you know our Treasury Bonds in US to facilitate our trade with US and other countries that use US currency is US$260 billion.
We need to ensure our this reserve is guaranteed by the US government and not ended up as junk bonds.
We better vote DPM Gan Kim Yong in.
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 3:37 pm]
I didn't sleep well for many nights after seeing so many worrying sign emerging from these 2025 election campaign.
RY, [28/4/2025 3:39 pm]
Yep, I know SG govt also holding quite a substantial of US Treasury but Japan/China/some europe countries are the highest
However, U maybe aware that SG govt also gradually investing/increasing in gold sametime
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 3:40 pm]
I just hope that our voters are rational enough to look after ourselves, our children future and not be incense by the current cost of living issue and then condemn ourselves come election.
The cost of living pressure can be managed and improved further by further tweaking the policies.
Most oppositions ideas don't work and will cause more unintended consequences.
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 3:41 pm]
We have to hold US currency because we need to trade in US currency.
Cannot all convert into gold and other instruments.
That's why ensuring US honour our Treasury Bonds is very important.
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 3:42 pm]
US $260 billion to finance our trade in US currency is about right.
RY, [28/4/2025 3:43 pm]
Dont worry too much, as our govt still have gd support fm local singaporeans
Everybody is watching USA Trump drama daily, and they shd know the importance of voting the right party
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 3:48 pm]
I hope you are right.
Just hope everything turn up well come 3 May.
PAP may not be perfect. But they are trying their best and keep improving and they listen to feedback.
No Government are so perfect without any problems.
Else we will be living in paradise, a utopia world.
At least PAP is upfront about the inadequacies and willing to listen to feedback and improve.
Let us give PAP a chance to improve and do better for ourselves, for our children and for our future generations.
The oppositions ideas that I have scrutinized are all troubling and some are even dangerous.
I hope voters are wise enough not to fall into populist traps that promise many things but have unintended serious consequences.
RY, [28/4/2025 3:50 pm]
GIC/Temasek/MAS are our finance pillars
We have a strong MAS dept to manage/oversee and gd far-sights in investments
Although some investments may have failed eg FTX case
Overall, SG sovereign funds still making profits and rank the top 10 in the world
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 3:52 pm]
Yes.
I feel safe when manage by PAP.
But I will feel very uncomfortable if they are managed by oppositions.
I afraid it will be gone in no time.
If there are topics to discuss oppositions ideas - I will highlight one by one how they will burn our wealth and raid it down in no time.
Including WP's ideas that shift PAP policies a bit right or a bit left.
RY, [28/4/2025 3:53 pm]
Yep, no govt is perfect as I always said
But it is a fact/truth that PAP brings SG fm 3rd world to 1st world country in just few decades - no doubt/qns in this
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 3:53 pm]
Hope our voters see this and vote wisely.
RY, [28/4/2025 3:56 pm]
I also dont have not much confidence in WP after their lying court cases as mentioned above
The other opp parties, they are quite new and too early to make any conclusion now
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 3:57 pm]
Hope for the best...
RY, [28/4/2025 3:59 pm]
Be positive and have confidence in our govt and fellow singaporeans
REACH Singapore, [28/4/2025 4:01 pm]
📢 Topic 📢
REACH Singapore, [28/4/2025 4:01 pm]
🔗 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ge2025-foreign-interference-opposition-psp-sdp-nsp-5090901
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 4:33 pm]
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI-0-R0PtXY/?igsh=MW90Ymp6aXU2dzI3bQ==
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 4:34 pm]
This is the reply from wp regarding on meeting the religious teacher
Adam, [28/4/2025 4:36 pm]
Damage has been done.
As you can see in the discourse here, i doubt most people are reading beyond the headlines
Adam, [28/4/2025 4:37 pm]
Really, why is this taking such a big space in the news. Is the media slinging mud into oppo?
Adam, [28/4/2025 4:38 pm]
What i want to see is the Hows on what pap plans to improve singapore. I think wp and other oppo gave some clear cut stuff in their manifesto, whether good or bad that allows voters to get an idea of what they will do. Will commit to
Hong Yen Lee, [28/4/2025 4:39 pm]
PAP was actually once an opposition party in Singapore.
Adam, [28/4/2025 4:39 pm]
What i want to see is what pap promises. Something measureble, observable
Adam, [28/4/2025 4:39 pm]
So far the promises seems vague. Pap looks weaker than ever this year.
Adam, [28/4/2025 4:43 pm]
Really who in the right mind would put a significant weight of their vote due to this issue?
Adam, [28/4/2025 4:44 pm]
If you are on the middle ground and womehow changed your vote because of this, well we can just lose all hope as foreign interference is too easy to do, and race based politics is the low hanging fruit
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 4:44 pm]
Manap stand on religion and politics in Parliament.
Religion must be a way of life in politics - he say.
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSrwseEgK/
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 4:50 pm]
I do agree that religion is a way of life for some. And there's a Muslim law so long whatever he proposed still falls under the Muslim law I think it's ok. But being lifestyle you must let people to have the freedom to choose if it did not interfere with work and harmony.
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 4:52 pm]
As MP you are a lawmaker. So you may need to propose a change of religious law that is in place I think it's within the job scope?
Hong Yen Lee, [28/4/2025 4:55 pm]
Somehow it is intertwined
365, [28/4/2025 4:55 pm]
Religious law implementation must not deny, restrict, deprive non-practitioners of their freedom and autonomy provisioned under common law, and must not interfere with the country making decisions projected to benefit its citizens. That is the baseline.
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 4:56 pm]
Means what?
More Buddhist so make politics in Parliament follow Buddhism.
Christians want more policies more Christianity.
Hindus want policies more Hinduism?
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 4:57 pm]
Yes this what I agree as long it changes law within the community and let people have the freedom to choose I think it's ok
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 4:57 pm]
So all hell break loose.
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 4:57 pm]
Eg hospital cannot wear tudung for nurse
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 4:58 pm]
This policy have changed
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 4:58 pm]
This is something I meant
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 4:58 pm]
In a secular Nation keep religions within the community.
Keep policies secular.
Then we will have more peace and harmony.
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 4:58 pm]
You allow the freedom to choose the lifestyle you want
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 4:59 pm]
Buddhist will say wear robe and shave hair to work....
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 4:59 pm]
Then where is the end?
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 4:59 pm]
As long it doesn't affect work
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 4:59 pm]
It's ok to shave hair in Singapore what
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 5:00 pm]
And wear robe and beads?
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [28/4/2025 5:00 pm]
👍
Adam, [28/4/2025 5:01 pm]
Do you even realised how much of you 'secular' culture is shaped by religion
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 5:01 pm]
Wearing robe is not okay but beads ok what
Adam, [28/4/2025 5:01 pm]
Why are weekends sat and sun?
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 5:01 pm]
I wear beads everyday
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 5:01 pm]
Nothing wrong
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 5:01 pm]
All these has nothing to do with making Singapore prosperous and progressing.
Just jostling for all these religious spaces - which is not productive.
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 5:02 pm]
But making it compulsory as policies are a different thing.
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 5:02 pm]
If my job requires me to take down take down lah. Which I say it shouldn't restrict the freedom of people
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 5:03 pm]
If the policy allows more freedom for people practice the religion I don't see why it cannot be debate
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 5:04 pm]
I have just illustrated undesirable candidates that jostle for all these in Parliament is wasting precious Government time when other more pressing issues need to be address.
Adam, [28/4/2025 5:04 pm]
If the issues are so small, why is parliament taking so long to address it?
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [28/4/2025 5:04 pm]
I agree. But they should learn to listen to criticism. Not bullying others in parliament. Quick to defend. If only pap n opposition join hands to improve SG. N not fight
Hong Yen Lee, [28/4/2025 5:05 pm]
agreed
Adam, [28/4/2025 5:05 pm]
If its small, why are you caring so much, why is reach having this discussion?
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 5:05 pm]
Ya lor keep coming on and on. Even Lawrence wong say case close liao lhl still keep yapping
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 5:06 pm]
Because races and religions are very sensitive issues and should not inflame it.
WP is doing this in the election campaign that rile many people.
Hong Yen Lee, [28/4/2025 5:06 pm]
Everyone has their own priorities, and while something may not seem urgent to you, it could be a pressing issue for someone else.
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [28/4/2025 5:07 pm]
Old pap. Now they look tired n lost. Need opposition to keep kicking them in the butt to stay awake
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 5:07 pm]
This is why an open listening ear is important. You mean people come find you and you shut them out ah
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 5:07 pm]
And history show, 1960s Singapore has a racial and religious riot that kill and injured many people.
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [28/4/2025 5:07 pm]
True that
Hong Yen Lee, [28/4/2025 5:09 pm]
"rile many people" only to you or its your perception?
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 5:09 pm]
But the thing that you need to give disclaimer on the front which wp didn't
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 5:10 pm]
Oh just look at the comments in social media.
Adam, [28/4/2025 5:10 pm]
If you dont have much confidence in them, can you tell me about the pap backbenchers and the ones on the sidelines? Not the ones being the carry
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [28/4/2025 5:10 pm]
Hire more in social media security force. To find n block. Should always be on top, not only during election time. Recently those few who got influenced by terror groups
Hong Yen Lee, [28/4/2025 5:11 pm]
Sometimes people only see what they want to see, choosing to focus on what aligns with their beliefs or desires.
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 5:11 pm]
And look at the negative comments put up by participants here.
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 5:13 pm]
I think parties when talking to people right you need to state a disclaimer that you agree on which point or not agreeing with which point or further internal discussion needed
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 5:13 pm]
To the listener
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 5:13 pm]
I think this is the key issue that cause the saga
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 5:14 pm]
Other than that I think everyone say fuckoff foreigners
Adam, [28/4/2025 5:14 pm]
Amazing how pap won 83/93 seats with only 61% of the vote in 2020
Adam, [28/4/2025 5:14 pm]
If 61% of voters agree with them, how win so much?
Hong Yen Lee, [28/4/2025 5:15 pm]
These aren't negative comments; they're simply expressions from the heart.
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 5:15 pm]
By seats lor on average more than 50% win can liao
Adam, [28/4/2025 5:16 pm]
Yeah i think something needs to be reformed but thats a dream
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 5:16 pm]
But I think this is off topic
Hong Yen Lee, [28/4/2025 5:17 pm]
A dream is a hope, and it will come true someday. just need the right ppl, right timing.
ChewyRuza, [28/4/2025 5:22 pm]
I prefer a parliament that’s not an echo chamber
ChewyRuza, [28/4/2025 5:23 pm]
But yes, it’s good that foreign interference be quashed. It’s not useful because the elections should be mainly decided by our own people
Adam, [28/4/2025 5:23 pm]
Well its less of an echo chamber and more like a formality, where the real decisions are already made without discussion
ChewyRuza, [28/4/2025 5:23 pm]
Shhhh don’t say it out loud
ChewyRuza, [28/4/2025 5:26 pm]
Would like to understand what is determined to be foreign interference. Is it foreigners posting things? Or is it mainly by foreigners who are using religions negatively during this time?
Adam, [28/4/2025 5:28 pm]
Isnt the preacher a singaporean based in malaysia?
Adam, [28/4/2025 5:28 pm]
It would be similar to a MY pr talking MY politics
Adam, [28/4/2025 5:30 pm]
Given our large non citizen population, i wonder how far we can remove foreign voices. Mind you some foreigners are being exploited too and it wasnt too long ago that we started measures like putting railing on lorries
Hong Yen Lee, [28/4/2025 5:40 pm]
Ya a singaporean
REACH Singapore, [28/4/2025 6:01 pm]
📢 Topic 📢
REACH Singapore, [28/4/2025 6:01 pm]
🔗 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ge2025-foreign-interference-opposition-psp-sdp-nsp-5090901
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 6:04 pm]
I feel like Every election what they propose is about the same thing
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 6:05 pm]
Gst, housing nothing new
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 6:06 pm]
Foreigners and fertility rate... Every year about the same topic😅
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 6:07 pm]
While no one talk about how to reduce crime, vice activities, scam etc
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 6:10 pm]
No one argue about these topics. Just no one... I am deeply disappointed
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 6:16 pm]
Even when a 16 yr old teen spends 1 k on extra service no one bother. No one gives proposal on the policy level what they will do to prevent such things.
RY, [28/4/2025 6:17 pm]
U shd have hear all these during parliament debates/NDP rally
Eg low birth rates and how to encourage couple to "produce" more
Eg what measures are taken by the govt to reduce scams
SG crime is kept one of the lowest in the world, as we have quite efficient police force. Hence, opp parties didnt bring up during election campaign
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 6:18 pm]
I am not satisfied with the current level. Like what Lawrence wong said he is not satisfied with us having the lowest tariff
Adam, [28/4/2025 6:19 pm]
The real crime is white collar. You dont see much in the streets. But how about injustices that is brought by foreign billionaires
RY, [28/4/2025 6:19 pm]
How individual spends, I dont think the govt/other people may intervene
Only the 16yr teens parents may intervene bec he/she is their children
Adam, [28/4/2025 6:20 pm]
Or crime commited overseas, scamming our locals
Adam, [28/4/2025 6:20 pm]
Can the gov work with foreign counterparties to crack down?
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 6:23 pm]
If I am a party I will put in my manifesto
1.) put massage industry under moh with a Singapore licensing exam
2.) increase the fine of scam upper limit to a quantum sum of scammed money
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 6:24 pm]
On top of the usual manifesto
RY, [28/4/2025 6:25 pm]
Sg govt is actually working with other countries police eg msia n etc, as there is criminal intelligence sharing system internationally
However, SG police dont have the rights to arrest if the criminals are overseas, but they may seek help fm International Police if nec
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 6:25 pm]
Cause it is illegal for massage establishment to provide extra services regardless
RY, [28/4/2025 6:31 pm]
The police and respective authority already taken measures for massage parlours since 2018
https://www.mha.gov.sg/mediaroom/press-releases/new-massage-establishments-act-and-related-changes-to-regulatory-requirements-to-come-into-force-on-1-march-2018/
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 6:34 pm]
But the thing is close one stall open 10 store... Most places I go provide such service... Police force is not enough
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 6:36 pm]
One more thing propose an app to report such establishment so plain clothes police can investigate and shut down the store
365, [28/4/2025 6:37 pm]
Sometime, we have to think how much of it should be go ernmsnt responsibility and how much should be personal accountability. This is an example of personal accountability should be the more prominent one. How many 16 years old have this issue?
365, [28/4/2025 6:37 pm]
No need app, can just contact police on non emergency number or go to police station to make a report
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 6:38 pm]
Once there is more than certain numbers of reporting on the place the store auto suspend it's business so can lighten police work
RY, [28/4/2025 6:38 pm]
Alternatively, may consider to form a new or join opp parties, to voice out yr concerns
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 6:38 pm]
No money
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 6:39 pm]
Only can use this channel to feedback since emailing to MP they did not reply
Jun Ming, [28/4/2025 6:40 pm]
Before parliament dissolve. Hais
RY, [28/4/2025 6:40 pm]
May post msg to MP in their social media
REACH Singapore, [28/4/2025 6:45 pm]
Dear Contributors,
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
RY, [28/4/2025 6:53 pm]
Comparing to many countries parties, SG ruling party is already doing quite a gd job in terms of lowest crimes/cleanliness/least corruption/most efficient/gd healthcare and etc
If travelling often, we shd know how gd or bad is SG when comparing to other countries .... Be appreciative sometimes
We cannot expect 100% perfection for any govt, as there maybe mistakes as long as humans are concern, and there is always "room for improvement" in any system/govt and we as humans
Just rem there is no 100% perfection in any govt/system/humans and etc
Learn to bear with the "impection" in our living world/society also
Admit any mistake/take any remedy/learn not to repeat same mistakes again
We are bless that we dont have "clown Trump" in our Govt, ya
RY, [28/4/2025 6:55 pm]
GdNite Megan Team and Reach participants
Gentle reminder ~ vote wisely singaporeans on 3May 👌
LCL (Danny 心), [28/4/2025 6:58 pm]
"M’sian YouTuber Surprised S’pore HDB Flats Have No Security Checkpoints; Wonders If M’sia “Can Ever Achieve This Level Of Peace & Safety”.
The 36-year-old revealed that many Malaysians need to go through five security checkpoints before reaching home."
https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/local/msian-youtuber-surprised-hdb-flats-no-security-checkpoint-842951#:~:text=M%E2%80%99sian%20YouTuber%20Surprised,before%20reaching%20home.
G, [28/4/2025 7:00 pm]
These tend to increase with increased immigration
REACH Singapore, [28/4/2025 7:00 pm]
Dear Contributors
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
====
