Shanmugam slams activist disruptions at PAP MPS; Singapore ranked as one of world's strongest nations: Singapore live news

Yahoo

14-03-2025

Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today. The editorial team will be curating the latest must-know local and international news.
First off, a growing trend of activist disruptions has been taking place at People's Action Party (PAP) Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS) across Singapore. Activists from the Monday of Palestine Solidarity group have targeted multiple sessions, confronting lawmakers and creating disturbances. The most recent incident occurred at Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam's Chong Pang branch, where two activists confronted him about the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA). The activists were not residents of Shanmugam's constituency and accused him of lying after he explained that MPS are primarily for residents seeking assistance.
Meanwhile, Singapore has solidified its reputation as one of the world's leading nations, placing 11th globally in the Country Power Score Index 2024, which ranks countries based on their economic, military, and social strength. With its robust economy, strategic global position, and high quality of life, the island city-state outshines countries like South Korea, India, and Indonesia in key areas like health, happiness, and economic stability. While its military might is modest compared to world powers, Singapore remains a powerhouse in trade, innovation, and education.
Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.
Singaporean man's 3.2kg burger speed-eating challenge ends in surgery
Coffee lovers, here's why your gut loves coffee
Singapore bans Malaysian coffee laced with erectile dysfunction drug
A growing activist movement is making waves across Singapore by disrupting People's Action Party (PAP) Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS), sparking confrontations with lawmakers and raising concerns over the impact on residents seeking assistance.
The latest incident occurred at Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam's Chong Pang branch on Wednesday (12 March), when two women confronted him about the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), causing a commotion that was caught on camera.
The activists, identified as members of the Monday of Palestine Solidarity group, were not residents of Shanmugam's constituency.
According to the minister, this was not an isolated incident, as the group has disrupted MPS across multiple constituencies, including areas led by Cabinet ministers like Desmond Lee and Josephine Teo.
They are accused of creating disturbances to provoke negative portrayals of MPs and their teams, undermining the purpose of these sessions.
'These activists are targeting MPS, a critical venue for residents to seek help with urgent issues such as housing, medical needs, and employment,' said Shanmugam in a Facebook post.
He highlighted that these sessions are meant to provide support for people dealing with personal and family struggles, not serve as platforms for political protest.
In the confrontation, the two sisters aggressively accused Shanmugam of lying when he explained that MPS is primarily for residents.
Despite their disruptive behaviour, which included shouting 'coward' and using offensive gestures, Shanmugam said he remained open to discussions about POFMA after assisting his residents.
However, he made it clear that their confrontational approach was inappropriate for such a setting.
The PAP has expressed concern over the growing trend of such disruptions, especially by non-residents, as it undermines the fair and confidential nature of MPS.
The party emphasised that these sessions should be spaces where residents' concerns are heard without the interference of external protests.
Volunteers who assist at these sessions have also been subjected to taunts and accusations, which the PAP described as unfair and unwarranted.
Shanmugam stressed the need for a respectful dialogue, urging activists to find appropriate avenues for their causes without disrupting critical support sessions for residents in need.
The PAP has promised to continue ensuring that these sessions remain a safe and respectful space for those who rely on them.
Singapore has firmly established itself as a global power in Country Power Score Index 2024, ranking 11th overall.
Known for its strong economic position, high quality of life, and robust innovation, Singapore punches above its weight, despite being a small nation-state.
Singapore's high ranking can be attributed to its outstanding economic performance, which includes being a global financial centre and a thriving tech hub.
The city-state's policies of economic openness, innovation, and a strong business environment are key drivers of its success.
Singapore's healthcare system, world-class infrastructure, and low crime rates contribute to its high standard of living, making it one of the happiest and most stable countries globally.
While it remains an economic hub and a leader in global trade and finance, it faces challenges in military power, which limits its higher ranking among the top global powers.
Despite its economic prowess, Singapore's relatively small military budget and lower geopolitical influence, compared to global superpowers, place it behind countries like the US, China, and Russia, which hold stronger positions due to their military capabilities.
However, Singapore compensates with its status as a global trade and financial leader, and its geopolitical influence in Southeast Asia and globally remains significant.
Despite these challenges, Singapore's emphasis on innovation, education, healthcare, and quality of life continues to bolster its strong position on the global stage.
While Singapore holds a remarkable 11th position, China dominates Asia, securing the 2nd position globally, just behind the United States.
China's immense economic size, technological prowess, and growing military power make it the undisputed leader in Asia. However,
China's lower scores in happiness and health metrics compared to other top nations have held it back from the number one spot.
In Asia, South Korea and India, ranked 6th and 7th respectively, are making waves, showing impressive economic growth and technological advances.
South Korea benefits from its tech industry dominance, particularly in areas like semiconductor manufacturing, while India's youthful population and growing economy contribute to its upward mobility.
However, both countries face challenges in social factors like healthcare and inequality, impacting their overall power score.
The United States remains at the top of the index, bolstered by its economic strength, military dominance, and technological leadership.
The Eurozone, Germany, and Japan round out the top 5.
These countries maintain their position as leaders due to their industrial output, technological advancements, and military capabilities.
A 30-year-old Singaporean man found himself in critical condition after attempting to consume a 3.2 kg (7-pound) burger in a competitive eating contest.
The rapid ingestion led to severe abdominal pain and hospitalisation.
The man managed to finish the massive burger in 30 minutes but soon experienced intense discomfort, including nausea and vomiting.
Medical examinations revealed that his stomach had expanded beyond its normal capacity, compressing vital organs such as the pancreas and intestines.
This overextension resulted in acute pancreatitis and kidney injury.
Doctors at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital observed that his digestive system had halted, with undigested food obstructing the stomach and upper intestine.
Despite initial interventions, his condition worsened, necessitating emergency surgery to remove the accumulated food and relieve pressure on his organs.
After the procedure, the man required a five-day hospital stay to recover.
He was eventually discharged without further complications.
This incident underscores the potential dangers of competitive eating, highlighting risks such as organ compression, intestinal rupture, and oesophageal damage.
Experts advise that speed-eating contests pose serious health risks, emphasising the importance of listening to natural fullness cues to prevent life-threatening complications.
While some may be sad with the ban of a popular Malaysian coffee brand in Singapore, there's reason why one should not give up on their cuppa.
A new study has uncovered a surprising health benefit of coffee – its ability to support gut health.
The research reveals that coffee, both caffeinated and decaffeinated, encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria, specifically L. asaccharolyticus.
This strain plays a key role in maintaining a healthy gut, which is vital for digestion, immunity, and mental well-being.
Experts recommend one to two cups of coffee a day to reap these gut health benefits.
The discovery adds to coffee's already impressive list of health perks, including improved heart health and mental alertness, as well as lower diabetes and cancer risks.
Read on coffee's surprising gut benefit here.
Singapore's food safety watchdog has banned a popular Malaysian-made coffee after discovering it contained tadalafil, a prescription drug commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) warned advised consumers not to purchase or consume the instant coffee, marketed as "Kopi Penumbuk" that was being sold on local e-commerce platforms, with claims of enhancing male sexual performance.
Tadalafil, if misused, can cause serious health complications, including heart attacks, strokes, and prolonged painful erections (priapism).
The drug is especially dangerous for those with heart conditions, as it can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which could be life-threatening when combined with heart medications.
In a statement, the SFA emphasised the importance of purchasing food products from verified sources and warned consumers to remain cautious of unverified items online.
E-commerce platforms have since been instructed to remove all listings of Kopi Penumbuk, and sellers who continue to offer the product could face severe penalties under the Sale of Food Act, which includes fines and possible jail time.
This is not the first time Singapore has flagged Malaysian food products.
Earlier this year, a weight-loss drink was removed for containing a laxative, while two types of candy were pulled for containing banned medicinal ingredients.
In 2022, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) reported two hospitalisations linked to a similar sexual enhancement coffee that also contained tadalafil.
Read on the popular Malaysian coffee brand ban in Singapore here.
A growing activist movement is making waves across Singapore by disrupting People's Action Party (PAP) Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS), sparking confrontations with lawmakers and raising concerns over the impact on residents seeking assistance.
The latest incident occurred at Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam's Chong Pang branch on Wednesday (12 March), when two women confronted him about the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), causing a commotion that was caught on camera.
The activists, identified as members of the Monday of Palestine Solidarity group, were not residents of Shanmugam's constituency.
According to the minister, this was not an isolated incident, as the group has disrupted MPS across multiple constituencies, including areas led by Cabinet ministers like Desmond Lee and Josephine Teo.
They are accused of creating disturbances to provoke negative portrayals of MPs and their teams, undermining the purpose of these sessions.
'These activists are targeting MPS, a critical venue for residents to seek help with urgent issues such as housing, medical needs, and employment,' said Shanmugam in a Facebook post.
He highlighted that these sessions are meant to provide support for people dealing with personal and family struggles, not serve as platforms for political protest.
In the confrontation, the two sisters aggressively accused Shanmugam of lying when he explained that MPS is primarily for residents.
Despite their disruptive behaviour, which included shouting 'coward' and using offensive gestures, Shanmugam said he remained open to discussions about POFMA after assisting his residents.
However, he made it clear that their confrontational approach was inappropriate for such a setting.
The PAP has expressed concern over the growing trend of such disruptions, especially by non-residents, as it undermines the fair and confidential nature of MPS.
The party emphasised that these sessions should be spaces where residents' concerns are heard without the interference of external protests.
Volunteers who assist at these sessions have also been subjected to taunts and accusations, which the PAP described as unfair and unwarranted.
Shanmugam stressed the need for a respectful dialogue, urging activists to find appropriate avenues for their causes without disrupting critical support sessions for residents in need.
The PAP has promised to continue ensuring that these sessions remain a safe and respectful space for those who rely on them.
Singapore has firmly established itself as a global power in Country Power Score Index 2024, ranking 11th overall.
Known for its strong economic position, high quality of life, and robust innovation, Singapore punches above its weight, despite being a small nation-state.
Singapore's high ranking can be attributed to its outstanding economic performance, which includes being a global financial centre and a thriving tech hub.
The city-state's policies of economic openness, innovation, and a strong business environment are key drivers of its success.
Singapore's healthcare system, world-class infrastructure, and low crime rates contribute to its high standard of living, making it one of the happiest and most stable countries globally.
While it remains an economic hub and a leader in global trade and finance, it faces challenges in military power, which limits its higher ranking among the top global powers.
Despite its economic prowess, Singapore's relatively small military budget and lower geopolitical influence, compared to global superpowers, place it behind countries like the US, China, and Russia, which hold stronger positions due to their military capabilities.
However, Singapore compensates with its status as a global trade and financial leader, and its geopolitical influence in Southeast Asia and globally remains significant.
Despite these challenges, Singapore's emphasis on innovation, education, healthcare, and quality of life continues to bolster its strong position on the global stage.
While Singapore holds a remarkable 11th position, China dominates Asia, securing the 2nd position globally, just behind the United States.
China's immense economic size, technological prowess, and growing military power make it the undisputed leader in Asia. However,
China's lower scores in happiness and health metrics compared to other top nations have held it back from the number one spot.
In Asia, South Korea and India, ranked 6th and 7th respectively, are making waves, showing impressive economic growth and technological advances.
South Korea benefits from its tech industry dominance, particularly in areas like semiconductor manufacturing, while India's youthful population and growing economy contribute to its upward mobility.
However, both countries face challenges in social factors like healthcare and inequality, impacting their overall power score.
The United States remains at the top of the index, bolstered by its economic strength, military dominance, and technological leadership.
The Eurozone, Germany, and Japan round out the top 5.
These countries maintain their position as leaders due to their industrial output, technological advancements, and military capabilities.
A 30-year-old Singaporean man found himself in critical condition after attempting to consume a 3.2 kg (7-pound) burger in a competitive eating contest.
The rapid ingestion led to severe abdominal pain and hospitalisation.
The man managed to finish the massive burger in 30 minutes but soon experienced intense discomfort, including nausea and vomiting.
Medical examinations revealed that his stomach had expanded beyond its normal capacity, compressing vital organs such as the pancreas and intestines.
This overextension resulted in acute pancreatitis and kidney injury.
Doctors at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital observed that his digestive system had halted, with undigested food obstructing the stomach and upper intestine.
Despite initial interventions, his condition worsened, necessitating emergency surgery to remove the accumulated food and relieve pressure on his organs.
After the procedure, the man required a five-day hospital stay to recover.
He was eventually discharged without further complications.
This incident underscores the potential dangers of competitive eating, highlighting risks such as organ compression, intestinal rupture, and oesophageal damage.
Experts advise that speed-eating contests pose serious health risks, emphasising the importance of listening to natural fullness cues to prevent life-threatening complications.
While some may be sad with the ban of a popular Malaysian coffee brand in Singapore, there's reason why one should not give up on their cuppa.
A new study has uncovered a surprising health benefit of coffee – its ability to support gut health.
The research reveals that coffee, both caffeinated and decaffeinated, encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria, specifically L. asaccharolyticus.
This strain plays a key role in maintaining a healthy gut, which is vital for digestion, immunity, and mental well-being.
Experts recommend one to two cups of coffee a day to reap these gut health benefits.
The discovery adds to coffee's already impressive list of health perks, including improved heart health and mental alertness, as well as lower diabetes and cancer risks.
Read on coffee's surprising gut benefit here.
Singapore's food safety watchdog has banned a popular Malaysian-made coffee after discovering it contained tadalafil, a prescription drug commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) warned advised consumers not to purchase or consume the instant coffee, marketed as "Kopi Penumbuk" that was being sold on local e-commerce platforms, with claims of enhancing male sexual performance.
Tadalafil, if misused, can cause serious health complications, including heart attacks, strokes, and prolonged painful erections (priapism).
The drug is especially dangerous for those with heart conditions, as it can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which could be life-threatening when combined with heart medications.
In a statement, the SFA emphasised the importance of purchasing food products from verified sources and warned consumers to remain cautious of unverified items online.
E-commerce platforms have since been instructed to remove all listings of Kopi Penumbuk, and sellers who continue to offer the product could face severe penalties under the Sale of Food Act, which includes fines and possible jail time.
This is not the first time Singapore has flagged Malaysian food products.
Earlier this year, a weight-loss drink was removed for containing a laxative, while two types of candy were pulled for containing banned medicinal ingredients.
In 2022, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) reported two hospitalisations linked to a similar sexual enhancement coffee that also contained tadalafil.
Read on the popular Malaysian coffee brand ban in Singapore here.