Latest news with #SDP
Yahoo
3 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.
AsiaOne
3 days ago
- Business
- AsiaOne
Hawkers say sales dropped after Chee Soon Juan wrongly shared their business closed, Lifestyle News
For 15 years, former engineer Christopher Lau, 72, and his wife, Christina Tan, 69, have been selling muffins, chicken pies and curry puffs from their humble hawker stall Bakes N Bites at Old Airport Road Food Centre. While sales were "irregular", Christina told AsiaOne that they had several regular customers. However, she said that business was severely affected after the Secretary-General of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) Chee Soon Juan shared a video on his social media discussing Singapore's "F&B crisis" on Sunday (May 25). In the clip, he mentioned several eateries that had allegedly shuttered, including Bakes N Bites. However, the elderly couple only found out about the news on Monday (May 26) after a friend, who is also in the F&B industry, alerted them to it. "Upon hearing the news, I was totally shocked and sought advice from friends. They advised us to immediately post about the false news on Facebook," Christina recounted. That same evening, the couple were advised to message Dr Chee to take down the video and they dropped him an email on Tuesday (May 27) at around 2am. In the email seen by AsiaOne, Christopher pointed out that not only had the video incorrectly stated that Bakes N Bites was permanently closed, it also mentioned that the business was a cafe instead of a hawker stall. The couple later received a response at around 2.45pm on May 27 from SDP's Head of Branding and Communications Min Cheong-Subramaniam, who shared that the original video has since been removed. An amended version of the video, which doesn't reference Bakes N Bites, was also uploaded. "We sincerely apologise for the confusion and distress caused. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any further questions or concerns," Min told the couple in the email. In the amended video's caption, Dr Chee also apologised and said: "In an earlier version of this video, I had posted that Bakes N Bites had closed. This was an error. Bakes N Bites are still very much in operation. My apologies to the owners of the outlet for the error." But the damage had already been done, the couple claim. Christina shared that sales had taken a hit over the past few days. "As we are closed on Monday, we never gave a thought on the impact, although we did receive calls from customers who had placed orders enquiring on the closure," she said. On May 27, they served just two customers in the morning and made less than $10 in sales, which alarmed Christina. "I was in tears but asked Christopher to keep me updated for the afternoon," Christina recounted, adding that business similarly remained slow on May 28 and they didn't have many customers. Altogether, over the past two days, sales had dropped by more than 70 per cent, she told AsiaOne. Prior to opening Bakes N Bites, Christopher was a former manufacturing engineer who pivoted to F&B after being retrenched at 55 years old. Christina would help him at the stall after her day job as an administrative role at a construction company. The couple specialise in chilled muffins, chicken pies, curry puffs and brownies. Address: 51 Old Airport Rd, #01-164 & 165, S390051 Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 11am to 8pm [[nid:716017]] melissateo@
Online Citizen
6 days ago
- Politics
- Online Citizen
Paul Tambyah warns of political decline in Singapore, urges hope and reform post-GE2025
SINGAPORE: Chairman of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), Paul Tambyah, delivered a critique of Singapore's political environment during a party appreciation dinner held on 18 May 2025. He accused the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) of systematically limiting opposition participation and stifling democratic development. 'Singapore seems determined to be mired in mediocrity—at least as far as its political leadership goes,' Tambyah said, reflecting on the results of the General Election held on 3 May 2025. Tambyah likened the political contest to a manipulated football match, stating, 'They keep shifting the goalposts, committing professional fouls, trying to shorten access to the pitch for opposition teams.' He warned that such tactics would not only degrade the quality of politics in Singapore but lead to broader societal decline. Referencing the recent election campaign, Tambyah pointed to key issues such as rising living costs and growing inequality. He argued that fear-based narratives had dominated the electorate's decision-making process. 'Fear of the unknown, fear of an unstable US president, fear that we will not survive without vouchers and $1 deals—this seems to have won the day,' he said. Despite the disappointing election outcome, Tambyah maintained that the SDP remained committed to its principles. 'There are things we could have done better, but we should not blame ourselves or the people of Singapore,' he noted. He drew parallels between Singapore and other authoritarian regimes, suggesting that the tactics used by the PAP are consistent with broader global patterns. Quoting from political science literature, Tambyah stated, 'Authoritarian regimes which hold regular elections tend to last longer than dictatorships who don't.' The observation was originally made by Nic Cheeseman and Brian Klaas in their book How to Rig an Election. Nevertheless, Tambyah offered a message of hope. He envisioned a future in which Singapore could become a 'functioning democracy' like Japan, Taiwan, or South Korea. He urged his audience to consider the long-term view. 'One day, maybe 10, 20 years from now—but hopefully sooner—Singapore will become a functioning democracy.' Tambyah posed rhetorical questions that pointed to curbs on civil liberties: 'Where were you when it was illegal to take a picture of yourself with a smiley face outside a state building? When people couldn't walk to the Istana to deliver a letter?' He continued, 'Where were you when the POFMA law was used to silence criticism… or when ministers dined with billion-dollar money launderers and no one said anything?' He praised the SDP for being the lone political voice standing firm through these challenges. 'One political party spoke up, went to court, and took a stand—because of you,' he told members. He affirmed that the party's persistence in contesting elections, despite the odds, was driven by the belief in a better Singapore. Quoting an earlier interview with the South China Morning Post, Tambyah reiterated the spirit within the party: 'Many say the SDP doesn't have members—we have believers.' He emphasised the conviction of his fellow party members: 'Until that breakthrough comes, we stay true to ourselves, speaking truth to power.' The appreciation dinner also featured key announcements from SDP Secretary-General Chee Soon Juan, who introduced the party's five-year plan titled Renew, Rebuild, Reignite. The strategy includes three core initiatives: A coalition for electoral reform. The launch of the Orange and Teal Social Enterprise Co-operative. A youth outreach programme aimed at engaging younger Singaporeans in civic discourse. Tambyah also expressed heartfelt tribute to the party's volunteers. He credited their unwavering dedication during the GE2025 campaign, saying, 'This dinner is for you.' He acknowledged the many unseen contributions—flyer distribution, rally setup, and navigation of logistical and bureaucratic challenges. Dr Tambyah contested in Bukit Panjang Single Member Constituency (SMC) during the General Election on 3 May 2025, but was defeated by PAP candidate Liang Eng Hwa, who secured 61.41 per cent of the vote. Tambyah garnered 38.59 per cent of the vote. A total of 31,131 valid votes were cast, with 19,116 going to the PAP and 12,015 to the SDP.
Online Citizen
6 days ago
- 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
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
YAHOO POLL: When in the day is best to take a shower?
In hot and humid Singapore, a minimum of one shower a day is probably a given — is it? How many times do you shower a day and when do you shower? Experts have now weighed in on whether it is better to shower in the morning or at night. Several have said that morning showers are better for our bodies and hygiene. Other polls: YAHOO POLL: Do you agree with SDP's push for election system reform? YAHOO POLL: Do you support harsher punishments for animal abusers? YAHOO POLL: COVID-19 cases on the rise – are you staying vigilant? One reason: Our bodies "collect pollutants" throughout even as we sleep as "most people don't wash their bedsheets every day, so if you're showering before bed, you'll still likely be jumping onto sheets that contain various bacteria from previous nights". One expert shared, "As a microbiologist, I am a day-shower advocate. A morning shower suggests your body will be cleaner of night-acquired skin microbes when putting on fresh clothes." What do you think? When is a good time for a shower in Singapore? Tell us what you think. Related So, How Often Do You Really Need to Shower? How Often Should You Shower? Here's What a Dermatologist Has to Say Gen Z-ers spend the longest time in the shower, new poll reveals. Here's what experts say about our washing habits.
