Latest news with #Cooling-offDay
Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Red Dot United to pay $900 removal fee for election posters found within 50m of polling stations
The Elections Department will consider waiving the fee if the posters prove to have been tampered with, as Red Dot United had earlier claimed. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Red Dot United to pay $900 removal fee for election posters found within 50m of polling stations SINGAPORE - Opposition party Red Dot United (RDU) will have to pay $900 to the Elections Department (ELD) for 18 election posters removed on Cooling-off Day. But ELD will consider waiving this fee if the posters prove to have been tampered with, as RDU had earlier claimed. On May 9, Ms Liyana Dhamirah, one of RDU's candidates for Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, posted a video about how some of her party's posters in the constituency had been moved without their knowledge. She said the posters had been deliberately taken down and re-tied in places that would breach guidelines, so the party would be fined. Traditional election advertising material, like election posters, are not allowed within 50m of polling stations to avoid unduly influencing voters. RDU told The Straits Times on May 9 that Ms Liyana's post was 'a personal reflection of her own frustration', but added that tampering seemed likely from its preliminary checks. In her post, Ms Liyana said she spent most of Cooling-off Day taking down posters. 'When we put them up, we used black zip ties. But when I went to take them down? White zip ties held them in place. That's not a coincidence,' she added. In response to ST's queries, ELD said on May 26 that it has advised RDU to make a police report if it suspects sabotage or mischief. It is prepared to consider waiving the $50 removal fee for each poster, if police investigations find the claims to be true. RDU said it will consult its central executive committee before deciding if it will pursue the matter. ELD also said it had continued to get complaints about RDU's posters in prohibited areas between 9pm on Cooling-off Day and the early hours of Polling Day. Between Nomination Day and 9pm on Cooling-off Day, parties have three hours to remove any posters that break the rules. On Polling Day, they have one hour to do so. If such breaches are not rectified within the given time, Aetos Security Management (Aetos) will remove the materials. ELD added that the Returning Officer waived the removal fee for posters removed on Polling Day, due to heavy rain that morning. The weather would have hampered parties' ability to rectify all breaches within an hour, and posed safety concerns for those doing so, ELD said. But the fee was not waived for the 18 posters Aetos removed on Cooling-off Day, it added. ST understands that RDU's deadline for paying the $900 removal fee is May 27. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Online Citizen
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Online Citizen
Ng Chee Meng apologises after online criticism and controversy, declines Cabinet appointment
SINGAPORE: Ng Chee Meng, newly elected People's Action Party (PAP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Jalan Kayu, has issued an apology in response to public scrutiny surrounding his conduct at a 2017 Ministry of Education (MOE) dialogue session and a recently surfaced photograph showing him with convicted money launderer Su Haijin. The apology was issued on 6 May 2025—three days after the General Election—despite the matter surfacing before Cooling-off Day. Ng confirmed he had requested not to be appointed to any role in the government. 'The PM has agreed to consider this,' he stated in a public statement. Ng defeated Workers' Party (WP) candidate Andre Low in the Jalan Kayu single-seat constituency with 51.47 per cent of the vote. Ng said he did not recall the exact words he used at the 2017 MOE dialogue but expressed regret if his comments were perceived as disrespectful. 'I could have handled the situation better. I sincerely apologise,' he stated. 'I have received and accepted the feedback, and will continue to do better.' Ng added that he values the work of teachers and recognises their contributions to students' lives. The incident in question was brought to renewed attention by Ivan David Ng, a former trainee teacher, who posted his account on Instagram on 1 May 2025. He described the minister's reaction during a dialogue session involving approximately 300 teacher trainees as aggressive and patronising. According to Ivan, the minister responded sharply to a question regarding Special Assistance Plan (SAP) schools and allegedly directed him to 'stand up' when being addressed. He also claimed the minister challenged attendees on their reading habits in a tone seen as dismissive. Several individuals identifying themselves as members of the same cohort at the National Institute of Education (NIE) corroborated Ivan's account on social media platforms. Some described the incident as a defining memory of their training year, with others citing similar encounters with Ng in separate settings. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ivan David Ng (@ivandavidng) The emergence of a photograph showing Ng with Su Haijin further contributed to scrutiny. The image, which appeared online days before the election and was later highlighted by former Reform Party chairman Charles Yeo, shows Ng attending a private dinner where Su was also present. Ng stated that the dinner occurred some time ago and that he had no further interactions with Su after investigations began. 'As the secretary-general of NTUC, it is part of my work to engage with different companies and private-sector leaders,' he said. 'These engagements help me better understand the concerns and challenges in different industries.' Ng added that it is common for people to request photographs at such events. 'This dinner was one such engagement,' he said. 'After learning about the investigations and charges against Su, I had no further interaction with him.' Su, a Chinese-origin Cypriot national, was arrested on 15 August 2023 in a large-scale anti-money laundering operation. He was sentenced in April 2024 to 14 months' jail for money laundering and resisting arrest. He was deported to Cambodia in May 2024 after serving his sentence. Investigators seized over S$170 million in assets linked to Su, including luxury vehicles and cash, as part of a broader operation that saw S$3 billion (US$2.2 billion) in assets seized or frozen. Photographs of other ministers at events attended by Su also surfaced. On 6 May 2025, press secretaries for Health Minister Ong Ye Kung and Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat clarified that both ministers were at social gatherings where Su was present but had no personal or professional contact with him. Their joint statement noted that ministers attend a wide range of events where attendees may include individuals later found to be involved in criminal activity. Ng's photo was reportedly taken at a private dinner at TungLok Signatures at Orchard Rendezvous Hotel. The setting matched that of a 2023 Lianhe Zaobao report on Su's arrest. Ng's political career began in 2015 when he was elected as part of the PAP team in Pasir Ris–Punggol GRC. He held various Cabinet roles including Education Minister (Schools) and Second Minister for Transport. In 2020, he led the PAP team contesting Sengkang GRC but lost to the WP. He has served as secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) since 2018. In his latest statement, Ng said: 'Over the next five years, I will focus on my duties as the MP in Jalan Kayu and my role as secretary-general of NTUC. The needs of my residents and all Singaporean workers are my priorities.' Ng's decision to issue an apology only after the election stands in contrast to his opponent Andre Low, who addressed his own controversy during the campaign. Public criticism of Ng's suitability for a Cabinet role has also been fuelled by concerns over the failed Income-Allianz deal. In July 2024, NTUC Enterprise proposed to sell a 51 per cent stake in Income Insurance to Allianz for US$1.6 billion. A Capital Extraction Plan outlining S$1.85 billion in returns to shareholders was submitted to MAS but not disclosed publicly at the time. Former NTUC leaders, including Tan Suee Chieh, raised concerns about the deal's alignment with NTUC's social mission. On 5 August 2024, Ng publicly endorsed the deal, stating the central committee had been briefed and that the offer was 'good for Income' and 'its policyholders'. As of 6 May, a petition opposing Ng's appointment to the Cabinet has garnered over 15,000 signatures. The petition raises concerns over his narrow electoral margin, unresolved questions about the NTUC's Income-Allianz deal, and past behavioural allegations. It also cites Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's 4 May press conference remark that the labour chief 'would potentially have a role in the Cabinet'. The petition urges PM Wong to withhold any appointment until these matters are addressed. It reads: 'While we can't do anything about Ng being an MP, we should make our voices heard to prevent him from being in Cabinet. Time is of the essence.'
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GE2025: ‘Our commitment continues,' says Desmond Lee on PAP's plans for West Coast-Jurong West GRC
Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE – Initiatives to help residents cope with various concerns, including jobs and the cost of living, have been rolled out by the PAP team in West Coast-Jurong West GRC over the last five years, and the team intends to continue with this work if elected, said National Development Minister Desmond Lee on May 1. On the last day of hustings, Mr Lee, who leads the PAP team contesting the group representation constituency, pledged his team's commitment to continue serving residents in the area. In a two-minute video posted on his social media platforms, Mr Lee said: 'Over the past five years, we've walked the ground. We've heard your concerns. We've taken action, and we have concrete plans for the future.' 'Our campaign, our work over the past five years, and our plans for the future have always been about you, your voice, your aspirations, and the Singapore you deserve,' he added. 'The campaign may be ending, but our commitment continues.' Singapore goes to the polls on May 3. May 2 is Cooling-off Day, when campaigning is not allowed. Noting that the cost of living is an issue that weighs heavily on residents' minds, Mr Lee said the PAP has rolled out initiatives to help with groceries and daily essentials, supported seniors and low-income households, and expanded programmes such as ComLink+, a government scheme that provides financial assistance. These initiatives were made possible by the PAP team, who drew on a network of community partners, said Mr Lee, who is also the Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration. To tackle residents' concerns about job uncertainty, job fairs were brought to the heartland through the Jobs @ West Coast programme, Mr Lee said. Upskilling and career support programmes were also rolled out to help those who are unemployed find jobs. On the housing front, Mr Lee said the Government is committed to keeping housing affordable and accessible for Singaporeans. The Housing Board has ramped up the supply of new flats and will launch more than 130,000 units from 2021 to 2027. The Prime, Plus and Standard flat classification, which took effect in October 2024, keeps flats in choice locations within reach of more Singaporeans, he said. 'We're exploring more public housing options for singles and higher-income couples,' said Mr Lee. 'We will plan for the rejuvenation of HDB towns, including through Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme – or Vers – and other schemes.' Details of Vers, which was first mooted by then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the 2018 National Day Rally, have not yet been announced. Mr Desmond Lee said: 'The work does not stop here. And we are ready to do more.' His remarks wrap up the PAP's campaign in West Coast-Jurong West GRC, where candidates had, over the past nine days, highlighted their plans for the area. During the nine-day campaign, the PAP laid out plans for the GRC, which include refreshing ageing infrastructure, bridging generational gaps and helping families cope with the rising cost of living. Besides Mr Lee, the PAP slate includes Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Finance and Education Shawn Huang, three-term MP Ang Wei Neng, orthopaedic surgeon Hamid Razak and lawyer Cassandra Lee. They will be facing off against a PSP team that includes the party's top three leaders – chairman Tan Cheng Bock, secretary-general Leong Mun Wai and first vice-chairperson Hazel Poa. The other two candidates are Mr Sumarleki Amjah, head of packaged food and business development at a food and beverage firm, and in-house legal counsel Sani Ismail. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Straits Times
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025 Polling Day live: Singapore votes in general election 2025
What goes into setting up one of Singapore's polling stations While candidates and their aides took a day off from campaigning on Cooling-off Day yesterday, around 34,000 election officials were busy setting up polling stations all around Singapore. We took a look at what goes into transforming the canteen of a primary school into a polling station. READ MORE HERE
Straits Times
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: Inside the set-up of one of Singapore's 1,240 polling stations
SINGAPORE – While candidates and their aides took a day off from campaigning on Cooling-off Day on May 2, election official Nicole Teo, 29, was hard at work setting up one of 1,240 polling stations in Singapore from as early as 9am. As Singapore gears up for Polling Day on May 3, Ms Teo and 21 fellow election officials have been busy transforming the canteen of Bendemeer Primary School into a polling station. About 1,500 to 1,600 voters are expected to vote at the station for the candidates of their choice in Jalan Besar GRC between 8am and 8pm on May 3, says Ms Teo. A senior presiding officer at the polling station, Ms Teo was also an election official in GE2020 and the presidential election in 2023. She and her team were seen putting up brightly coloured signage and instructions around the polling booth as well as attending team briefings on May 2. Ms Nicole Teo putting up a poster at the Bendemeer Primary School polling station on the eve of Polling Day on May 2. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Preparations began two years ago when she had to attend tutorials and training sessions, where she had to pass several quizzes. One of the most challenging parts of her job is to know every role inside out. She told The Straits Times at a media interview at Bendemeer Primary School: 'As a senior presiding officer, we need to have a very clear overview of all the different roles within the polling station.' An election official pasting stickers on the ground during the setting up of the polling station at Bendemeer Primary School on the eve of Polling Day on May 2. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Ms Teo is one of around 34,000 public service officers who have been deployed as election officials for GE2025, supporting nomination, polling and counting activities, said an Elections Department (ELD) spokesperson. Around 2.6 million Singaporeans are expected to cast their vote on May 3 at schools, void decks, community centres and Housing Board pavilions islandwide. At the polling station, voters can expect bright yellow signage indicating the five stations that voters will have to move through, as well as arrows that indicate the flow of movement. Seniors, persons in wheelchairs and pregnant women can join a priority queue to cast their vote. Twenty-two election officials were on site to set up a polling station at Bendemeer Primary School on May 2. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY For smooth sailing on Polling Day, Ms Teo advises voters to dress comfortably and check for crowds at their polling station on the ELD website or on Singpass. She added: 'It will be important to not turn up so early because the peak hours will probably be in the morning.' Ms Teo also recommends that voters use the self-inking 'X' stamps as an 'efficient' way to indicate their vote. However, they may also choose to bring their own pen or approach an election official to borrow a pen. Ms Teo also recommends voters to use the self-inking 'X' stamps as an 'efficient' way to indicate their vote. However, they may also choose to bring their own pen or approach an election official to borrow a pen. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY The election officials are well prepared for various weather conditions with water canisters, disposable raincoats and insect repellant spray on site for their use. Ms Teo's work at Bendemeer Primary School on May 3 begins at 6am and she expects to knock off after 9pm. Like every other Singaporean on May 3, she will have to find time to vote between 8am and 8pm. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
