Latest news with #CheeSoonJuan
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
GE2025 failed voters may apply to restore names to Registers of Electors from 30 May; Bakes n Bites owners clarify stall still open after Chee Soon Juan video: Singapore live news
Did you vote in the Singapore General Election 2025 (GE2025)? If you didn't cast your vote though you were eligible, your name would have been removed from the Registers of Electors, according to the Parliamentary Elections Act. In a statement on Thursday (29 May), the Elections Department (ELD) said that such Singaporeans can apply to restore their names to the Registers from Friday (30 May). In other news related to a Singapore political figure, an elderly couple who run 15-year-old hawker bakery Bakes n Bites have said that sales have plunged at their stall after Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) Secretary-General Dr Chee Soon Juan published a video on his Facebook page that stated that the bakery had closed. Dr Chee had posted a video on 25 May discussing Singapore's food and beverage industry crisis and in it, he mentioned several eateries that have closed, including Bakes n Bites. However, the stall is still open for business. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Did you vote in the Singapore General Election 2025 (GE2025)? If you didn't cast your vote though you were eligible, your name would have been removed from the Registers of Electors, according to the Parliamentary Elections Act. In a statement on Thursday (29 May), the Elections Department (ELD) said that such Singaporeans can apply to restore their names to the Registers from Friday (30 May). ELD said, "We encourage non-voters to apply to restore their names to the Registers so that they can vote at the next election. Under the law, ELD will not be able to restore their names from the date the Writ for an election is issued until after Nomination Day if the election is not contested, or until after Polling Day if a poll is to be taken." Read more on how to check if you're on the Registers and how to apply to restore it. An elderly couple who run 15-year-old hawker bakery Bakes n Bites have said that sales have plunged at their stall after Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) Secretary-General Dr Chee Soon Juan published a video on his Facebook page that stated that the bakery had closed. Dr Chee had posted a video on 25 May discussing Singapore's food and beverage industry crisis and in it, he mentioned several eateries that have closed, including Bakes n Bites. However, the stall is still open for business. According to a report in Channel News Asia, stall owner and baker Christopher Lau, 72, wrote to Dr Chee seeking an urgent correction and for any mention of Bakes n Bites to be removed from the video. A representative from SDP replied on behalf of Dr Chee, with an apology and confirmation that the video has since been amended. "Dr Chee has removed his original video and uploaded an amended version that doesn't reference Bakes n Bites in it," the email read. The new video was uploaded on 27 May. In the caption, Dr Chee also said, "In an earlier version of this video, I had posted that Bakes & Bites had closed. This was an error. Bakes & Bites are still very much in operation. My apologies to the owners of the outlet for the error." In Tiong Bahru, the 14 Tiong Bahru HDB blocks that had ignited much debate after residents found out the buildings were to be painted in purple, will now be painted in a new brown colour scheme. This comes after a poll among residents, held from 26 to 28 May, showed that 40 per cent of Boon Tiong Road residents picked the "taupe" colour scheme. Read more about the Tiong Bahru HDB flats painting saga. An Indonesian man has been charged in a Singapore court for allegedly using over 250,000 KrisFlyer miles from other people's accounts to go on a shopping spree. Rizaldy Primanta Putra, 28, faces four charges under the Computer Misuse Act, Channel News Asia (CNA) reported. Citing from court documents, CNA reported that Rizaldy was accused of using 4,672 KrisFlyer miles on to buy $31.15 worth of items at Bugis Junction through a KrisPay wallet linked to an account that was not his. Less than two weeks later, he allegedly spent another 245,491 KrisFlyer miles — from a different stolen account — to buy goods worth $1,636.61 at Changi Airport. His bail was set at $15,000. Read more on the case of the KrisFlyer miles here. It's a busy period for Singapore's ministers as they host foreign dignitaries here for a state visit and the Shangri-La Dialogue. French President Emmanuel Macron is in town on May 29 and 30. On Friday, he delivers the keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, making him the first European leader to do so. France and Singapore will exchange agreements to co-operate in areas including defence and security, law, artificial intelligence and transport during his visit. On the first night of his visit, Macron and his wife was hosted by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his spouse to a Lau Pa Sat outing. The two couples walked through the food centre, where they were greeted by swarms of diners. They tried local food such as chee cheong fun and char kway teow. Meanwhile, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth met with Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing on Friday (30 May) on the sidelines of the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue. This is the first time the duo has met, with Chan hosting Hegseth to breakfast. Chan is Singapore's new Defence Minister, after relinquishing his education portfolio in the latest round of Cabinet changes. Hegseth is a former Fox News host and a veteran of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. He took office in January under US President Donald Trump's current administration. In a Facebook post after their meeting, Mr Chan said he showed Mr Hegseth the view of the Republic from the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark. Both men are been alumni of Fort Benning, a US Army post in Columbus, Georgia. So far this year, the number of million-dollar transactions for four-room HDB flats has surpassed that for five-room flats. This year, 244 four-room flats have fetched at least $1 million, compared to 205 five-room flats. This is the first time that such transactions for four-room flats have outnumbered those for their five-room counterparts. Why is there such a phenomenon? For one, it's the usual factor when it comes to property: location. Among the 18 HDB towns with million-dollar transactions, six have had more million-dollar four-room flats than five-room flats so far this year. The six towns are Bukit Merah, Central Area, Geylang, Kallang/Whampoa, Queenstown and Toa Payoh. Notably, all six towns are in the central region. Find out more in this deep dive into the HDB towns with such a phenomenon and examine the possible reasons behind it. In a new trial, non-life-threatening 995 calls will be referred to a medical triage helpline, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Friday (30 May). The nationwide trial will start on 1 June. In a statement, the ministries said that the helpline, known as NurseFirst, will provide medical advice on a caller's medical condition and guide callers to appropriate medical care options. Operated by Woodlands Health, NurseFirst began as a medical triage helpline pilot on 4 February 2022 for the management of non-life-threatening cases in the Northern district. It aimed to reduce emergency department attendances by guiding callers to appropriate alternative care sites. The pilot was supported with funding from MOH. As an expansion of the pilot, the NurseFirst helpline will widen its coverage to serve callers islandwide for six months, the ministries said. Trained nurses, with medical oversight from emergency medicine physicians, will assess callers based on their symptoms, and advise those with non-life-threatening conditions on the various appropriate alternative care options nearest to them. They added that the calls for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have been increasing rapidly over the years. In 2024, SCDF responded to 245,279 EMS calls – that's an average of 672 calls per day, a 57% increase from 2014. "With Singapore's ageing population and rising healthcare needs, EMS calls are expected to continue increasing," they said. A 51-year-old man has been arrested over a fire that broke out at Whampoa Heights on Thursday (29 May). The man, along with four others aged between 12 and 74, were taken conscious to hospital for smoke inhalation, according to SCDF and the police. The Straits Times reported that in photos of the incident, flames can be seen on the second and third floors of Block 20 Jalan Tenteram, with thick black plumes of smoke billowing into the air.
Online Citizen
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Online Citizen
Over 5,100 sign online petition calling for electoral reforms in Singapore
SINGAPORE: An online petition launched by Chee Soon Juan, Secretary-General of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), has gained more than 5,110 endorsements from members of the public as of 3 pm on 27 May 2025. The petition, which calls for wide-ranging electoral reforms, was unveiled during a press conference on 18 May. Chee described the initiative as non-partisan and aimed at addressing long-standing concerns about fairness and transparency in Singapore's political system. 'These are foundational principles of good governance and democratic integrity,' he said. Hosted on the petition outlines six major proposals for reform. Petition lists six proposals to enhance electoral transparency, media freedom, and boundary fairness Chief among them is the removal of the Elections Department from the Prime Minister's Office, intended to ensure impartial oversight of electoral processes. Another key proposal is the abolition of the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system, which the SDP argues facilitates gerrymandering and disadvantages opposition candidates. The petition also calls for a minimum campaign period of three weeks to give voters ample time to evaluate party platforms and candidates' policies. Additionally, it proposes a mandatory six-month buffer between the release of new electoral boundaries and the dissolution of Parliament. The petition further advocates for the revision of the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act to support independent media, and the creation of an impartial Electoral Boundaries Review Committee. As of 23 May, the petition had already garnered over 4,800 signatures, reflecting growing public interest in the issue following the recent General Election. Concerns about election conduct During the 18 May press conference, Chee sharply criticised the conduct of the 2025 General Election. He characterised the election as a 'smash-and-grab' operation carried out with 'unseemly haste' by the ruling People's Action Party (PAP). He stated that the compressed campaign timeline left voters with inadequate time to absorb the issues at hand. This concern was especially pronounced among younger and first-time voters, who reportedly felt overwhelmed and disoriented. 'The electorate hardly had time to grasp the weighty national concerns that affect our society,' he said. Chee emphasised that these problems point to systemic flaws within the electoral framework and that the petition was not a reactionary move but a principled push for deeper reform. He also spoke on the disruptive impact of sudden boundary changes ahead of the election. The dissolution of Bukit Batok SMC—a constituency where he had campaigned for nearly a decade—forced him to contest in the newly formed Sembawang West SMC. In the closely fought contest, Chee received 46.82% of the vote, narrowly losing to PAP's Poh Li San. The result made it the third-closest race of the election. Chee argued that such abrupt constituency changes hinder both candidates and residents, eroding community bonds and voter engagement. He reiterated that an independent and transparent approach to boundary delineation is crucial to preserving public trust in the electoral system.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
YAHOO POLL: Do you support SDP's petition calling for electoral reform?
The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) isn't letting its general election (GE2025) loss keep it quiet. Instead, it's kicking off a new campaign – Renew, Rebuild, Reignite – with a bold petition to reform how elections work in Singapore. From calling for longer campaign periods to abolishing the GRC system, SDP says voters need more time, transparency, and say in how democracy operates. One big ask? Moving the Elections Department (ELD) out from under the Prime Minister's Office. Critics say the system is too opaque. Supporters say it works just fine. Who's right? Other polls YAHOO POLL: Do you support harsher punishments for animal abusers? YAHOO POLL: COVID-19 cases on the rise – are you staying vigilant? YAHOO POLL: Would you approach otters if you saw them in Singapore? The petition – launched with fanfare and fried noodles at a thank-you dinner – has already sparked chatter. But SDP isn't stopping there. They're doubling down on youth engagement, with plans to bring political dialogue to campuses, publish a book for young voters, and roll out a social enterprise to build grassroots support and business savvy. Dr Chee Soon Juan says it's about starting conversations now, not just waking up every five years before polling day. If you've ever grumbled about rushed campaigns or confusing constituencies, here's your chance to be part of the reform – or at least the feedback. Of course, this isn't a one-party issue. A transparent, robust electoral process is something every voter – regardless of political leanings – should care about. After all, if you're going to queue and cast your vote, shouldn't it feel like it counts? Have your say and take the poll. Related SDP launches petition to reform election system as part of new campaign SDP presses PM Wong for answers on ministers' Su Haijin photo controvers Singapore voters seek stability as Trump roils global trade GE2025: PAP adopts our ideas as policy but won't give us any credit, says SDP's Chee Soon Juan Singapore's opposition claim 'gerrymandering' ahead of election
Independent Singapore
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
SDP launches petition to reform Singapore's electoral system including abolishing GRC system
SINGAPORE: On Sunday (May 18), at an appreciation dinner for the members of the Singapore Democratic Party, SDP chief Chee Soon Juan announced the beginning of its 'Renew, Rebuild, Reignite' campaign, which includes seeking the reform of Singapore's electoral system. In the May 3 polls, SDP lost in all the constituencies where it fielded candidates, including Dr Chee at Sembawang West SMC and party chair Paul Tambyah at Bukit Panjang SMC. The results were a disappointment to both men. While Dr Chee's vote share was the highest in the four times he has run for Parliament, he still fell short of winning a seat. Dr Tambyah, meanwhile, lost 7.65 percentage points from when he first ran against the incumbent from the ruling People's Action Party, Liang Eng Hwa, in 2020. Nevertheless, the losses have not stopped the party from moving forward with its new campaign. On Sunday, SDP launched a petition on titled 'Reform Singapore's Electoral System' in order to reflect 'the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and democratic integrity.' It emphasised, however, that the six demands outlined in the petition are non-partisan but rather are 'foundational principles of good governance and democratic integrity.' 'Singapore is ready to take the next step forward in its political maturity by ensuring our elections are genuinely free and fair,' the petition adds. 6 Demands The petition's six demands are as follows. First, the SDP is calling for the Elections Department to be removed from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Next, the party is calling for an 'end to gerrymandering' through the reform of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC). Importantly, another call is for the abolition of the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) System, which The Workers' Party, Singapore's biggest opposition party and the only one that will be represented in the incoming Parliament, has also called for. SDP is also calling for a campaign period of a minimum of three weeks, whereas it normally lasts less than 10 days; as well as a minimum six-month time period between the announcement of boundary changes to electoral districts and the dissolution of Parliament. Finally, the party is calling for a review of the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act (NPPA), which the SDP says would allow independent media. 'A free press is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy. A comprehensive review of the NPPA to permit the establishment of independent news companies is essential for fair coverage of elections, political education, and democratic participation,' the petition reads. Dr Tambyah was quoted as saying in a CNA report that the petition is just a beginning, one that could develop into legal challenges. He added the hope that SDP would be able to sustain its momentum. So far, almost 3,000 people have signed the petition. /TISG Read also: SDP calls for 'full and transparent investigation' into Su Haijin dinners with ministers
AsiaOne
19-05-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
SDP launches petition to reform election system as part of new campaign, Singapore News
SINGAPORE - Putting aside the results of GE2025, the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has resumed its groundwork by launching a petition calling for changes to the election system. It was launched by party chief Chee Soon Juan on May 18, during SDP's thank you dinner for its volunteers. About 180 volunteers attended the dinner, which was held at The Legacy at One North. The petition calls for six changes to the current election system in Singapore. This includes ensuring a minimum three-week campaign period, and setting a six-month gap between boundary changes and the dissolution of Parliament. It is one of the SDP's three initiatives launched as part of its new campaign "Renew, Rebuild, Reignite", in the lead-up to the 2030 General Election. SDP lost in all four constituencies it was contesting in the 2025 General Election. Speaking to the media at a press conference before the dinner, Dr Chee said that the recent election did not give the electorate sufficient time to grasp national concerns which affect society. "This has been the feedback we've been getting over and over especially (from) the younger voters, who are just coming together to learn about the (election) process." Other proposed changes in the petition include removing the election department from being under the Prime Minister's Office, abolishing the GRC system, and reviewing the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act. Dr Chee did not give details on how many signatures the party hopes to get for the petition, or what it plans to do after this. Mr Muhammad Aqmal Harris, a member of the SDP's youth wing Young Democrats, said: "This is not just a 'sign it and forget it' campaign. "This document is the beginning. A conversation starter, a rallying point, and it will evolve with your input." Mr Ariffin Sha, who was part of the SDP's slate contesting Marsiling Yew-Tee GRC, said: "The whole idea is to start this important conversation about electoral reform. "And I think one thing that has been quite interesting that we have seen is many young people, even those who are too young to vote, expressing an interest, and that's very heartening." Besides the petition, SDP will ramp up youth engagement, said Dr Chee, who added that he hopes to publish a book targeted at younger voters. The party also hopes to engage university students through dialogue in universities, and through their social media channels. He said: "We want to engage our younger voters, get them knowledgeable about what politics in Singapore (is about), and about current affairs. This is what is going to be important." The SDP also intends to launch the Orange & Teal social enterprise and cooperative (OTSEC), said Dr Chee, who added that members can join the cooperative for a $100 fee. "The OTSEC is meant to be a ground-up (initiative) where we are looking for Singaporeans to own a part of this business, and to encourage young entrepreneurs." Said Dr Chee: "I look to all of you to actively participate. Let's not go back into our comfort zone (and) keep quiet and lie low for the next four to five years and then awaken again just before the elections, only to find results like what we're seeing today. Let's go out and make the change that we want to see."
