REACH (Telegram) 114 - What are your thoughts on the issues to be discussed in Parliament today? Which issue interests you the most?
(SK)
14 Jan 2026 (10am - 7pm)
REACH (Telegram)
REACH Singapore, [14/1/2026 10:00 am]
Dear Contributors,
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Megan π
REACH Singapore, [14/1/2026 10:15 am]
π’ Topic π’
Parliament will sit today (14 Jan) at 12.30pm. Parliamentary questions will cover housing and transport issues, and support for the workforce. The Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill will continue to be discussed, and there will be a Motion on the conduct of Pritam Singh and consideration of his suitability to continue as the Leader of the Opposition.
π¬ What are your thoughts on the issues to be discussed in Parliament today? Which issue interests you the most?
π Housing and Maintenance
Several questions were filed on housing matters. MPs raised concerns about everyday liveability in Housing & Development Board (HDB) estates, including satisfaction levels with cleanliness and noise levels.
Several questions focused on safety and infrastructure, including fire escape routes in corner units, the parking and charging of personal mobility devices (PMD) and personal mobility aids (PMA) after recent fire incidents.
Questions were also filed on support for seniors living alone, the Home Improvement Programme voting framework, and vacancies in HDB rental flats, and how housing policies can balance liveability, safety and inclusivity as estates age.
π Support for Workforce
Questions were filed on support for the workforce.
MPs asked questions about regulating owners of large rental car fleets, and how they work with tripartite partners to safeguard drivers’ livelihoods, and results achieved from the Support for Job Redesign programme.
The Job Redesign Centre of Excellence by Workforce Singapore (WSG) and Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP) was launched in November 2025, and it serves as a one-stop touchpoint providing industry-relevant expertise and resources for enterprises to transform their business and workforce through job redesign.
π Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill
The Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill will continue to be discussed on the roles and functions of SportSG to better support Singaporeans’ diverse sporting aspirations.
The Bill reflects how sports in Singapore have evolved over the last decade and the need to continue to evolve to serve not just medal ambitions but also Singapore’s people, its social compact, and its national identity. The Bill also advances formal recognition of areas such as disability sports and e-sports to reflect how the scene has evolved locally and globally.
π Notice of Motion on Mr Pritam Singh
The Motion on the conduct of Pritam Singh and consideration of his suitability to continue as the Leader of the Opposition will be discussed.
π Other Issues
Other parliamentary questions include regulating pet businesses, how Singapore builds on its established working relationship with the Saudi authorities in managing Hajj arrangements, Singapore’s food security and pollution concerns, support for caregivers, support for the homeless, food options at hawker centres and food safety.
π https://www.parliament.gov.sg/docs/default-source/order-paper/order-paper---14jan2026.pdf
π https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/fire-safety-measures-government-stiffer-actions-pmds-amds-goh-pei-ming-5322321
π https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/hip-voting-process-to-be-studied-after-2-tiong-bahru-blocks-fail-to-meet-threshold-chee-hong-tat
π https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/companies-barred-from-selling-private-hire-cars-to-individuals-for-3-years-after-registration
π https://www.straitstimes.com/business/new-one-stop-resource-portal-to-guide-s-pore-employers-on-redesigning-jobs-amid-disruption-competition
π https://www.mccy.gov.sg/about-us/news-and-resources/second-reading-of-the-singapore-sports-council-ssc-amendment-bill/
π https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/parliament-to-debate-pritams-suitability-as-leader-of-the-opposition-after-conviction-for-lying
----
REACH Singapore, [14/1/2026 11:00 am]
[ Poll : Which issue(s) are you most interested in for today's Parliament sitting? Share your reasons in the chat! (You may choose more than one option.)
]
- Housing and Maintenance
- Support for Workforce
- Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill
- Motion on Pritam Singh
- Others (Please share your views in the chat below)
REACH Singapore, [14/1/2026 11:01 am]
Dear Contributors,
Please take a moment to participate in our polls and share your opinion. The poll questions are pinned for easy reference! You can choose more than one option and your vote is anonymous.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts on today’s topic!
π¬ What are your thoughts on the issues to be discussed in Parliament today? Which issue interests you the most?
Thank you.
Megan
365, [14/1/2026 11:15 am]
I'm pro-gov for majority of the time, but this motion on Pritam is too much already. It should've been settled and moved on after his court case was settled.
365, [14/1/2026 11:18 am]
Maybe they can discuss on more stringent consequences for any of the mps if they were to be found guilty of such cases in future, but not harping on this case itself
Andy, [14/1/2026 11:18 am]
Yeah we're all tired of it
Daniel, [14/1/2026 11:33 am]
Feels like at this point this should be something that WP handles internally. (Given that is has been handled in court and all).
Jun Ming, [14/1/2026 11:36 am]
Pap like opponent got mistake then straight away want to use the mistake to kill
Jun Ming, [14/1/2026 11:36 am]
Like war in parliament
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [14/1/2026 11:41 am]
PMDs n mobility devices should be treat like cars n bikes.
Should have proper parking space down the blk
N charging ports.
Those selling PMDs n mobility devices should have proper licenses same as cars n motorbikes.
Same like cars n bikes need to go regular checkups, buy insurance should apply to PMDs n mobility devices
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [14/1/2026 11:41 am]
All should have licence plate
365, [14/1/2026 11:44 am]
Anything mobility device that has more than just your limbs powering it should have proper license and registration
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [14/1/2026 11:46 am]
HDB mp's should do mthly walks around estate. To inspect themselves to see condition.
RY, [14/1/2026 11:47 am]
Already proven Pritman has mis-conduct as MP or even as lawyer, he no longer damn suitable to rep as head of any political party, or even as MP in parliament
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [14/1/2026 11:47 am]
HDBs should be made more sound proof.
My area very quite hardly sound pollution. Except road drillings
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [14/1/2026 11:49 am]
Gov both parties should work together. Make sg better. Fight among ourselves no gd
RY, [14/1/2026 12:16 pm]
I hope more financial support can be to caregivers, since this grp unlikely to work full time for a living, due to family commitment
Most time, family member do not give any financial compensation to another family member, whom take up the caregiver role, since they think he/she also family and should take up the responsibility
So far, Ntuc started the UCare for Caregiver last year with $200 fund
Ntuc also started the UCare for special needs school-going child last year after Budget announcement
But what abt Special Needs Adult that family still has to continue to look after upon their adulthood ?
Most time this grp of Special Needs Adult, they dont have the earning capacity when they grow up later, but family still have to take care of them upon their adulthood till they demised
Caregivers role not only limited to elderly at home, but also to those family with special needs/handicapped children/siblings
AIC (govt) only comes in when this grp (elderly/handicapped) have mobility issues (unable to function 3 of the 6)
It is not only when this grp has mobility problem then family has to look after, even when they are mobile, family still have to look after them
Seems govt not giving much support to caregivers (unable to work), bec have to take care of special needs adults/siblings and elderly at home
REACH Singapore, [14/1/2026 12:30 pm]
Dear contributors,
Parliament sitting is now live.
Catch the livestream of today's Parliament sitting here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/yig-Ca7BDoQ?si=4W5KRVcUv1wYOx7w
Adam, [14/1/2026 1:19 pm]
I just saw a pmd man aggressively reversed at a lift lobby. He wanted to get to the lift at the other door. A woman had to dodge out of her way. The pmd can accelerate quite fast and is pretty big
Adam, [14/1/2026 1:20 pm]
I think regulation should not only be on speed but also on size. Pmd shouldnt be big cargo scooter but merely an electric wheelchair
Adam, [14/1/2026 1:21 pm]
In term of regulation, the gov should impose limit on the engine so people dont use it as a personal cargo truck
Adam, [14/1/2026 1:22 pm]
Limit the size too so it doesnt take more than an ordinary wheelchair
Adam, [14/1/2026 1:24 pm]
In a normal and electric wheelchair the feet and head are pretty exposed from collisions, especially from front. This makes user very cautious
Adam, [14/1/2026 1:24 pm]
Pmds these days are literal scooters. Bang the wall from front and the wheel take the hit, feet protected and body safe
Adam, [14/1/2026 1:26 pm]
They are so rugged its like the manufacturer assumes the user will ram into things
Adam, [14/1/2026 1:26 pm]
Idk if these people think they have the right of way, or assume people will dodge them
Nicholas, [14/1/2026 1:27 pm]
So many fires in recent times in HDBs and Condos linked to PMDs, there should be some stringent standards required of the battery pack and maintenance so that it won't suddenly explode or catch fire.
Adam, [14/1/2026 1:30 pm]
Funny thing is, the pmd kinda treats its existence as a hazard like a truck. It has rear light and make a loud beep when it was reversing.
I think pmd should be allowed but these days the manufacturers are pushing to the limit on what the gov will let slip. Need to regulate with a strong arm. Why is gov so weak? What will pap of old do to these users and seller who act in bad faith
G, [14/1/2026 1:40 pm]
This unhealthy fixation with Pritam is too much. But then again, this is in line what LHL said many moons ago:
"But supposing you had a Parliament with 10, 15, 20 opposition members out of 80.
“Then, instead of spending my time thinking of what is the right policy for Singapore, I’m going to spend all my time – I have to spend all my time – thinking what is the right way to fix them, what is the right way to buy own my supporters over, how can I solve this week’s problem and forget about next year’s challenges?”"
So fixing Pritam instead of addressing cost of living issues, even putting in place policies like that 10¢ per drink packaging that will cause drink prices to balloon up to 60¢ more (according to https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/beverage-container-return-scheme-fees-drink-prices-importers-5854696)
REACH Singapore, [14/1/2026 2:01 pm]
π’ Topic π’
REACH Singapore, [14/1/2026 2:19 pm]
Dear Contributors,
To keep up to date on Parliamentary proceedings, you may also refer to the live blog by the Straits Times! π
https://www.straitstimes.com/live-singapore-parliament-jan-2026
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 2:20 pm]
1. In corporate, if any management or staff lies, or conspire with others to lie, it is a disciplinary case and will be fired.
2. In schools, if student is dishonest, plagiarism, lie in an exam such as copying or research or study, it will be a disciplinary case, and the student will fail his subject and a black mark to his/her conduct record.
3. In court under oath, if lie in court, is a penal code offence.
In Singapore, lying under oath (perjury) is a serious offense under Section 193 of the Penal Code (https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&rct=j&url=https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/PC1871?ProvIds%3Dpr193-&ved=2ahUKEwjMnuCpiP6RAxVXS2cHHfmlD3QQy_kOegQIARAB&opi=89978449&cd&psig=AOvVaw14is5gzz2C9FOqRfBDwSiZ&ust=1768034613030000) and carries a penalty of imprisonment for up to 7 years, and/or a fine, as it undermines the administration of justice. The specific sentence depends on the facts of the case, but it's treated as a grave offense, distinct from giving false information to public servants.
4. What is more the lie, and the conspiracy in the leadership team to lie under oath in a Parliament, the highest office, whereby lawmakers are elected to be the representatives of the voters?
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 2:22 pm]
Trump absolutely has no restrain in whatever he wants to do.
Because he was given the absolute power by his voters and Supreme Court to act with impunity (to do something wrong, harmful, or illegal without fear of punishment or negative consequences.
It implies that Trump believes he is, or is allowed to be, above the law or normal rules of accountability. ):-
1. His voters vote him in to be the President despite a long tail of legal charges against him and even successful convicted guilty of felony. Voters willingness to forgive his crimes have embolden him to be above the law and to act with impunity.
2. Supreme Court has presided that whatever illegality he do or law he breaks as President can be forgiven and pardon. This gives him the absolute power to set his own morality and act with impunity without regards to the law.
Hence the concept of pardon or forgiving sin with no legal or political consequences is a critical flaw concept and should not allow to take root in our political scene.
In fact it is very dangerous - as Trump impunity can virtually start a World War exploiting his powerful military whereby the check and balance within the US political system is unable to rein him in or ineffective as Trump practically run all the counter measures down.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 2:24 pm]
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/trump-morality-only-restraint-global-power-new-york-times-5847326
Trump says 'my own morality' is only restraint on global power.
The Republican president also said he does need to abide by international law, but added "it depends what your definition of international law is".
Trump is saying he got absolute impunity above all international law.
Yeah, there is one thing. My own morality. My own mind. It's the only thing that can stop me," Trump told the newspaper when asked if there were any limits on his global powers.
Jun Ming, [14/1/2026 2:25 pm]
So you mean lying in this society is not okay but covering up the wrong doing of a junior is ok
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 2:26 pm]
Once a termite seeps in, the whole foundation crumpled.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 2:26 pm]
For example?
Jun Ming, [14/1/2026 2:27 pm]
LHL covering up for tan chuan Jin for 2 yr
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 2:28 pm]
I know you are going to say this.
Let us look at the facts.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 2:28 pm]
SM Lee didn't make public Tan Chuan Jin and another MP affairs is because:-
1. He reprimanded both of them in private and demand they stop their affairs and give them opportunity to stop their wrong doing.
2. He want to give both of them space to repair their hurts to their family members by not making the affairs public so that their families can heal with less pain.
3. Private affairs are not crimes and does not affect their work.
4. SM Lee after giving them chances to make amend and right their wrongful deed discover they quietly resume the affair - then decided to make public the affairs and told them to step down.
5. SM Lee did not lie or attempt to hide wrongdoings. In fact, he provides opportunities for them to stop wrong and put things right.
6. But the moment SM Lee discover both didn't attempt to stop, he immediately make the affairs public. Even though private affairs are not crimes, he decided to asked both to step down.
Jun Ming, [14/1/2026 2:32 pm]
But at the period of time he did not halt and demote his position when he notices it, instead still putting him in a important position
Jun Ming, [14/1/2026 2:32 pm]
While pitam is worse asking raja to lie
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 2:33 pm]
When he did not halt, SM Lee make it public and ask them to step down.
Jun Ming, [14/1/2026 2:33 pm]
But seriously the iswaran case or tjc case they deal it very fast
Jun Ming, [14/1/2026 2:34 pm]
But pitam case is just too long
Jun Ming, [14/1/2026 2:34 pm]
I think one election period is gone liao
Andy, [14/1/2026 3:02 pm]
Actually I think it's long because that's the legal/political process. I could be wrong. And I do think it's a fair question to ask, after all this, is Pritam still worthy to be LO. Personally I think still can la, I don't see anyone else as capable as Pritam for now in opp.
Although to us is like some long TVB series with all the reporting and recordings. Not really interested anymore
Jun Ming, [14/1/2026 3:03 pm]
Ya not my taiji type of things
Andy, [14/1/2026 3:03 pm]
Ya lor.. π€£
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 3:04 pm]
@Babe:Pritam Singh cross 4 red flags:-
1. He covertly encourages his MP to lie in Parliament to protect his party reputation.
His integrity as Opposition Leader is profoundly questionable.
Is this the political leader that Singapore want?
2. In election, he play the most dangerous cards - political identity specifically races and religions that will stoke various communities emotion and could possibly turn into violence just to win votes.
3. He make use of foreign media to air his grievances.
4. He promote the view that as long as he win election and get the support of the opposition voters - he can run with impunity without political and legal consequences - emulating what a Superpower leader is doing.
I think Singapore shall not tolerate such politics.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 3:04 pm]
Pritam Singh and Faisal Manap both cross the lines during election on playing with :-
1. Collaboration with foreign country radical Muslims to impose bumi special privileges at the expense of racial and religious equality and meritocracy - that will cause disharmony and tensions among our multi racial and ethnic communities in Singapore.
(The special privileges will make the bumi self-entitled, handicap, lazy and rely on others to finance them - a crutch mentality. Singapore should not breed such community into our society.)
2. Playing along the identity and racial lines triggering national security concerns.
3. Both lies and propagate lies in Parliament on Raesh Khan case.
WP if want to be a serious party should request both to step down from CEC and Pritam Singh should also step down as opposition leader in Parliament as this role has access to security briefings, OSA information and deal with emergency and crisis issues.
Hence WP must be wise to remove Pritam Singh and Faisal Manap that promote such mentality into Singapore. Dangerous for Singapore.
@Babe:Pritam Singh should step down as Opposition Leader and should not have access to National Security information.
Andy, [14/1/2026 3:05 pm]
Who is Babe...
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 3:05 pm]
Babe = Danny
Andy, [14/1/2026 3:06 pm]
πππ
Jun Ming, [14/1/2026 3:06 pm]
Ya I don't care if he is still a lo lol or just be a ordinary mp. I think nobody cares
Jun Ming, [14/1/2026 3:07 pm]
Things will go as usual
Jun Ming, [14/1/2026 3:08 pm]
As from what I remember lo only appointed for last 2 or 3 election period
Andy, [14/1/2026 3:09 pm]
Yeah I think the other topics, Housing, Workforce, Sports are much more relevant as they affect people directly
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 3:10 pm]
Low Thia Khiang and Chian See Tong are both honourable oppositions with statures.
In fact both can be the Opposition Leaders that work for the good of Singapore.
RY, [14/1/2026 3:10 pm]
I concur
Andy, [14/1/2026 3:11 pm]
I certainly don't think LTK was viewed that way when he was still in parliament
Andy, [14/1/2026 3:11 pm]
People get glorified only when they leave
RY, [14/1/2026 3:11 pm]
I concur too
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 3:11 pm]
He was.
LKY and lhl speak well on both of them.
Andy, [14/1/2026 3:12 pm]
He was outspoken, yes. Honourable.. hmm
Andy, [14/1/2026 3:12 pm]
People did speak well of Pritam too
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 3:14 pm]
LHL approach Low Thia Khiang to be leader opposition.
But he refused because at that time, the opposition number is still weak only Aljunied grc and Hougang.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 3:14 pm]
A long journey see the true colors of a person.
Andy, [14/1/2026 3:17 pm]
The journey may still have long left to go.
REACH Singapore, [14/1/2026 3:32 pm]
Leader of The House Ms Indranee Rajah raises a motion on whether Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh should continue as Leader of the Opposition.
Catch the livestream of today's Parliament sitting here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/yig-Ca7BDoQ?si=4W5KRVcUv1wYOx7w
You may also refer to the live blog by The Straits Times.
https://www.straitstimes.com/live-singapore-parliament-jan-2026
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 4:00 pm]
1. I have been reading the fires from PMD in HDB flats - usually very damaging, the whole flat interior got burned down and include fatalities and injuries.
2. Also see in the news that 70% are from non-certified safety PMDs.
3. Not sure out of the 30%, does certified safety PMDs also trigger fire within the HDB flats?
4. If yes, then charging PMDs inside a flat is very dangerous - because it endanger the occupants as well as the neighbours.
5. Baring the facts in 3 and 4, if certified PMDs also is a safety risk, then I support 1 participant suggestion to make charging PMDs along the car park vicinity like EV charging of cars.
6. However, if certified PMDs is not a safety risk - as facts bare itself out - then Point 5 can be temporary be put to rest - unless the same safety risk surface.
Jun Ming, [14/1/2026 4:05 pm]
I do not own a pmd so idk how's it charges. But ya if it pose too much of a fire hazard, we need to look into the safety design of the vehicle
Jun Ming, [14/1/2026 4:06 pm]
Cause charging along the carpark also cause a hazard to cars
Jun Ming, [14/1/2026 4:07 pm]
If electric cars have no problem charging overnight I don't see why pmd could not achieve that safety standards
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 4:07 pm]
If pmd charging is like the new smartphone that come with charging protection software, that is when fully charge, will automatically cut off charging, then it is safe.
Because lithium batteries inherently when overcharge become unstable and will burn uncontrollably.
Daniel, [14/1/2026 4:07 pm]
Also not very practical for PWD who really need it to get around. Can't really ask them to walk down to the carpark.
Jun Ming, [14/1/2026 4:08 pm]
So the law must states safety specs clearly
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 4:09 pm]
But even if certified safe pmds after long duration, the safety mechanism fails, it could trigger a fire because it no longer able to cut off the charging when fully charged.
Hence long journey see the true colors of the pmds.
Only authority has access to such information.
Jun Ming, [14/1/2026 4:09 pm]
And maybe let the manufacturing to do warranty check or inspection service once every few years like car
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 4:10 pm]
My worry is people can steal the pmd unless can locked.
But for safety reasons, some inconvenience should be ok.
Eg. Bicycles also are parked downstairs.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 4:10 pm]
Hmm...
Good point.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [14/1/2026 4:11 pm]
PMA yes is a problem - because they are elderly or disabled.
Yes good point.
PMA maybe can exempt.
