GE2025: WP open to meet anyone even though may not agree with their views, says Faisal Manap
The Workers' Party (WP) candidate for Tampines GRC Faisal Manap says he is open to meet anyone, especially those from minority groups, even though he may not agree with their views. Malaysia-based religious teacher Noor Deros claimed last week that he met WP candidates to urge them to prioritise the rights of the Malay-Muslim community in Singapore. Muhammad Bahajjaj with more.
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CNA
8 hours ago
- CNA
Commentary: The Johor-Singapore SEZ will need a lot of energy – nuclear power might be the key
SINGAPORE: The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is set to become a defining project for industrial and economic collaboration between Malaysia and Singapore. What the new economic corridor will need is stable, 24/7 carbon-free energy. Both countries face energy challenges that could undermine the long-term viability of the JS-SEZ. It is an opportunity for a strategic nuclear partnership. Singapore relies heavily on imported natural gas for electricity, exposing it to volatile prices and supply risks. It aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, but electricity demand is expected to grow by 3 per cent to 5 per cent every year. Malaysia intends to increase its renewable energy capacity to 40 per cent by 2035, but intermittency (how consistently supply can be generated) and dispatchability (how supply can be adjusted to meet off-on demand) are challenging at a large scale. Current clean energy solutions can't quite keep up with the energy-intensive sectors like heavy manufacturing and data centres the JS-SEZ counts on attracting. Solar energy cannot provide round-the-clock reliability even with battery energy storage, while hydrogen is expensive and lacks infrastructure and regulations for large industrial applications. Nuclear energy, on the other hand, offers a more realistic solution. It has been proven to provide reliable baseload electricity with zero emissions, such as in France, Spain, South Korea and the United States. NUCLEAR ENERGY MAKES STRATEGIC SENSE Incorporating a nuclear energy partnership into the JS-SEZ framework would offer multiple benefits. Consider the Krsko Nuclear Power Plant, located in Slovenia near the Croatian border. Slovenia and Croatia each own a 50 per cent stake, sharing the electrical output and responsibility for nuclear waste equally. Krsko has delivered stable electricity to both countries for decades. A similar model could work for the JS-SEZ, bringing together Malaysia land availability and regulatory readiness and Singapore's financing capabilities and intention to import clean energy from the region. Malaysia and Singapore already have an electricity interconnector that allows energy to be transferred between the two national grids. It is currently used to import renewable electricity from Laos to Singapore, and from Malaysia to Singapore, with remaining capacity to carry more. There is also opportunity for collective technology transfer and supply chain development. Japan, South Korea and China have strengthened domestic nuclear industries, creating skilled jobs and new export options, through partnerships with established nuclear states. The JS-SEZ could do the same for Malaysia and Singapore. Talent development is already stated as a goal of the JS-SEZ. Nuclear energy requires a highly skilled and well-educated workforce. Both Malaysia and Singapore have the ability and the motivation to form academic and vocational training programmes supporting the nuclear energy sector. A joint nuclear project would also position Singapore and Malaysia as leaders within the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the area of civilian nuclear cooperation, which would shape the region's future and spur international investment. MOVING FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY Such an extraordinary partnership will not be easy to pull off. But there is a clear path to success that builds on the existing relationship between the two countries and past efforts. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in particular, are promising. They are safer, more flexible and require less capital investment than traditional large-scale reactors, as seen in countries that have already deployed or are actively pursuing deployment of SMRs. Singapore and Malaysia have the opportunity to benefit from their expertise and experience. Another critical step is to develop a transparent ownership and governance framework. Financing via public-private partnerships makes sense, in the context of JS-SEZ. And international best practices illustrate how to balance risk with reward while ensuring strict adherence to regulatory compliance. Most importantly, a bilateral task force could assess the feasibility of a shared nuclear facility and address concerns over nuclear safety, security and safeguards. A task force provides a platform to jointly engage all stakeholders, especially strategic international partners. This is critical: Engaging with established nuclear states, as well as independent technical organisations, experts and think tanks are necessary for success. This ecosystem approach would boost Malaysia and Singapore's access to the latest technology and maximise economic, social and environmental benefits. A BOLD STEP FOR THE FUTURE There are steps that both countries can take on their ends too. Singapore, as a global finance centre, could prioritise a policy and sustainable investment framework to allow a cross-border nuclear project, followed by a dedicated investment fund. It could accelerate research and regulatory development to shorten the runway to nuclear readiness. The need for a Singapore nuclear energy programme implementation organisation (NEPIO) will quickly emerge. MyPOWER, under the Malaysia Ministry for Energy Transition and Water Transformation, has been tasked as the country's NEPIO. Singapore could also expand education and training programmes to create a talent pool within the next decade, establishing its scientists, engineers, policymakers, and finance and legal professionals as leaders in the field. Malaysia could focus on its nuclear energy policy and regulatory environment. Establishing a clear roadmap for nuclear energy deployment that includes JS-SEZ is necessary to facilitate confidence. Malaysia could also build on the strength of the Malaysia Nuclear Agency to help establish the state of Johor as a regional hub for nuclear energy services attracting international technology and engineering companies and promoting local supply chains that support the nuclear industry. THE PUBLIC FACTOR As with all discussions around nuclear energy – and reasonably so – much attention is needed to address domestic social and political sensitivities and geopolitical considerations. Both nations should collaborate to address public concerns about nuclear safety and waste management. Again, there are international examples to follow. South Korea and Finland engaged with their citizens to build support for nuclear adoption. A Singapore-Malaysia endeavour would also need to proactively be transparent in communication and initiate public consultations and educational initiatives to help shape public attitudes. Singapore and Malaysia can take bold steps toward nuclear collaboration, ensuring a resilient, low-carbon future for the JS-SEZ and beyond.
Straits Times
18 hours ago
- Straits Times
At G-7 summit, S. Korea's President Lee faces delicate balance in US-China rivalry
South Korea's new President Lee Jae-myung and his wife Kim Hye-kyung (left) at the Seoul National Cemetery on June 6. PHOTO: REUTERS – As South Korea's new President Lee Jae-myung gears up for his international diplomacy debut at the Group of Seven (G-7) summit next week, all eyes are on whether he will be made to pick sides in the Sino-American rivalry. Mr Lee has acknowledged that the South Korea-US alliance remains the foundation of South Korea's diplomacy and security, and has pledged to strengthen the alliance along with the trilateral partnership with Japan. But he has also said South Korea should not be made to choose between the United States and China and 'put all our eggs in one basket'. Mr Lee was elected with a 49.42 per cent mandate in a snap election on June 3 after his predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid saw the former leader deposed by the country's Constitutional Court. Mr Lee's win under the liberal flag, which traditionally prioritises relations with China and engagement with North Korea, has Washington watching his foreign policy directions closely, said Dr Lee Seong-hyon, a senior fellow at the Washington-based George H.W. Bush Foundation for US-China Relations. The previous conservative administration under Yoon had antagonised Beijing by openly taking sides with the US, and also seeding rife speculation of Chinese espionage and interference in South Korean domestic politics. During his election campaign, Mr Lee had taken a more centrist stance by repeatedly emphasising a non-committal 'pragmatic diplomacy' to maximise South Korea's national interests. Amid growing rivalry between the two superpowers, however, Mr Lee's vision, which requires a delicate balancing act between its biggest security ally, the US, and its largest trading partner, China, will likely be put to the test. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had earlier cautioned allies against playing both sides by 'seeking both economic cooperation with China and defence cooperation with the United States', during his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual defence and security forum, on May 31 in Singapore. Mr Hegseth had also urged allies to increase their defence spending as regional deterrence against China. Seoul's share of the defence cost-sharing for US troops stationed in South Korea has been a major bugbear of US President Donald Trump, who has said that 'money machine' South Korea can afford to pay much more. Recent leaked plans about the possibility of the US redeploying its forces stationed in South Korea to other parts of the Pacific to exercise 'strategic flexibility' in its plans to contain China, also called into question the commitment of US security in the region. South Korea's participation as an observing country at the G-7 summit on June 15-17 in Vancouver is, thus, seen as important. Issues related to China, Russia and North Korea are expected to feature high on the meeting agenda. Besides the US, other members of the political and economic forum are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. Seoul is also pushing hard for a face-to-face meeting between Mr Lee and Mr Trump on the sidelines of the meeting to ride on the momentum of the first phone call between the two leaders that took place on June 6. The 20-minute courtesy call had ended with an agreement to meet in person at the earliest possible opportunity for more in-depth talks. The call had taken place later than usual – three days after Mr Lee was elected – causing concern when it had not happened. Past South Korean presidents had traditionally spoken to their biggest ally either on the day of their election or the day after. A cryptic congratulatory message issued by the White House after the election had affirmed the 'ironclad alliance' between the US and South Korea , before going on to express concern over 'Chinese interference and influence in democracies around the world'. That had fuelled speculation that the message was a hint for the new Lee administration to distance itself from Beijing. While Washington does not expect Mr Lee's administration to 'diverge significantly from the established US-South Korea alliance framework', it will, nevertheless, be keenly watching any potential policy reversals, such as weakening ties with Japan while gravitating towards China and resuming inter-Korean engagement, Dr Lee told The Straits Times. Research fellow Lee Dong-gyu, from the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul, said the broaching of the idea of a US troop drawdown could be a diplomatic signal to South Korea to step up and play 'an augmented role' to contain China. 'But if the new government under Mr Lee pursues a revitalisation of South Korea-China relations, then it may result in the erosion of the US' containment efforts,' he said. While it is clear that President Lee's priority is in forging ties with Mr Trump and to iron out tariff negotiations before the July 9 deadline, rising tensions over Chinese-built structures in the South Korea-China Provisional Maritime Zone in the West Sea will also be an immediate test of his diplomacy tight-rope act, said international politics professor Mason Richey from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. He added that Seoul needs to be prepared to respond strategically, and 'to be clear with China that even though they are economic partners, South Korea will not be easily bullied'. After his first phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on June 10, Mr Lee has called China an important partner to South Korea 'in all aspects, including economy and security' and that he looks forward to developing relations between Seoul and Beijing. Mr Lee has also asked China to play a constructive role for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, to which Mr Xi replied that promoting peace and stability on the peninsula was a matter of mutual interest to both South Korea and China. Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology's non-resident fellow, Dr Troy Stangarone, told ST that while the new administration's repairing of relations with China is a priority after the deterioration of ties under the previous Yoon administration, it will need to 'take a realistic view of the relationship'. He believes that Mr Lee would likely have a bit more time before being made to pick sides between the US and China at the G-7 summit, as South Korea is ultimately not a member country but just an observer. However, he warns that 'geostrategic shifts and US-China rivalry may create limits to improving relations with China'. 'The Lee administration should focus its efforts on maintaining good economic ties while also working to bring China back as a constructive partner for dealing with the North Korean nuclear issue,' he said. Wendy Teo is The Straits Times' South Korea correspondent based in Seoul. She covers issues concerning the two Koreas. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Independent Singapore
a day ago
- Independent Singapore
‘No NS, no plans to settle but still gets BTO?' — Singaporean questions HDB rules for new citizens
SINGAPORE: After learning that a Malaysian couple — one of whom recently became a Singapore citizen — is applying for a Build-To-Order (BTO) flat despite having no plans to settle here long-term, a local took to social media to question whether public housing policies are really fair. Posting on the r/askSingapore subreddit on Tuesday (June 10), he explained that both individuals were born in Malaysia. The male partner recently became a Singaporean citizen prior to the recent election, while the female partner remains a permanent resident. According to the post, the couple had openly shared with others that they are not planning to live in Singapore permanently. Instead, they see the BTO flat primarily as an investment opportunity or a contingency plan. This prompted the man to question whether the current public housing system adequately serves citizens who have long-standing ties to the country and who plan to build their future here. What particularly concerned him was the fact that the male partner did not serve National Service (NS), as he became a citizen in adulthood. 'The man didn't serve national service because he became a citizen as an adult. Yet, by simply converting, he now has access to heavily subsidised public housing — and the PR partner gets to ride on that privilege too,' he wrote. The local argued that cases like this highlight several policy gaps. Currently, there is no minimum citizenship duration required before a new Singaporean can apply for a BTO flat with a PR spouse. There is also no requirement for adult male new citizens to contribute in lieu of NS, and no checks on whether applicants intend to stay in Singapore for the long term. He admitted that this felt unfair for many Singaporeans, saying, 'Those who've served NS, paid taxes all their lives, and genuinely plan to raise families here—are still waiting years for a BTO or are priced out of the resale market.' 'I'm not against immigration or new citizens — but access to subsidised public housing should reflect commitment, sacrifice, and intent to settle, not just a passport conversion. There's a growing sense that some are exploiting the system while true-blue citizens are left behind.' Looking for perspective, he asked others in the online community, 'What are your thoughts on new citizens purchasing HDBs?' 'It's not just new citizens…' In the comments, one Singaporean Redditor responded, 'LOL What to do? Despite the disadvantage and odds stacked against true-blue Sinkies, 65% preferred and continued with the status quo.' Another commented, 'You are new? This has been happening for 10 to 20 years.' A third remarked, 'If the screening to allow someone to be a new citizen was done correctly, then none of these problems would happen. The main issue is that citizenship anyhow given out for mainly economic and demographic reasons.' Some Redditors, however, did not take issue with the couple's strategy. One user even commended it, saying, 'This is a good strategy. He can rent out the HDB, and she can buy a landed property in JB. The rental money allows them to retire earlier in JB.' Another pointed out that it's not just Malaysians who do this, but locals as well: 'Honestly, it's not just new citizens. I have neighbours who are Singaporeans but rented out their units to non-Singaporeans while they lived with their parents. I have colleagues who do this even before the 5-year MOP is up, too. Somehow, it's easier to pick on others than to realise and accept that there are a lot of Singaporeans who do things like that too. We just choose to turn a blind eye to it.' In other news, a young Singaporean who only recently started working took to Reddit to ask if it was unreasonable for him to refuse to contribute to his retired parents' car expenses. Posting anonymously on the r/SingaporeRaw forum, the user shared his confusion and frustration after his parents asked him and his sister to evenly split the cost of the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) for the family car. 'The thing is, both my sis and I don't have driving licenses yet, plus I believe that a car is a luxury item in Singapore,' he said. Read more: 'Why should I pay for a car I won't use?' — Singaporean upset after parents ask him to pay for family car's COE Featured image by freepik (for illustration purposes only)
