Latest news with #opposition
SBS Australia
14 hours ago
- Business
- SBS Australia
Labor scrambles to anticipate Trump's next tariffs play
Labor scrambles to anticipate Trump's next tariffs play Published 29 July 2025, 6:46 am The Australian Government is scrambling to make sense of the latest remarks from the US President which suggest the nation could face higher tariffs than anticipated. As the deadline for the decision looms, the opposition remains convinced the lack of face-to-face negotiations has led to a worse outcome for Australia.
Bloomberg
a day ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Honduras Presidential Rival Vows to Embrace US, Rebuff China
Honduran opposition presidential candidate Nasry Asfura vowed to forge closer ties with the US, restore relations with Taiwan and capitalize on the skills of returning migrants to revitalize the economy. The markedly pro-US platform of the conservative presidential hopeful would undo the leftist policies of incumbent president Xiomara Castro, reinforcing a right-wing lurch across Latin America. Rather than condemn the Trump administration's deportations of migrants as Castro has done, Asfura is promoting a full-throated embrace in the name of economic opportunity.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
SM Lee: Electing more opposition MPs to check Govt is 'wrong direction'; Head monk of Shaolin Temple in China faces criminal probe: Singapore live news
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged on 26 July that the opposition is now a permanent feature of Singapore politics. He said the growing number of opposition Members of Parliament (MP) reflects a growing public desire for alternative voices in Parliament, a sentiment he described as "quite natural" and "quite understandable." He cautioned that this shift could lower the quality of governance and jeopardise Singapore's future. SM Lee said, "You can elect more opposition MPs to check the Government... but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction." Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the famed Shaolin Temple in China, is under investigation for alleged embezzlement, improper relationships with multiple women, and fathering illegitimate children. The temple confirmed the investigation on Sunday (27 July), which involves multiple agencies looking into the serious accusations. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Head monk of Shaolin Temple in China faces criminal probe Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the famed Shaolin Temple in China, is under investigation for alleged embezzlement, improper relationships with multiple women, and fathering illegitimate children. The temple confirmed the investigation on Sunday (27 July), which involves multiple agencies looking into the serious accusations. Located in Henan province, the 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple is a major cultural and religious site, attracting thousands of disciples from around the world each year. Shi, who became abbot in 1999, is known for commercialising the temple and has been nicknamed the "CEO monk" for his efforts in building its global brand. Amid the ongoing investigation, China's Buddhist Association announced on Monday that Shi has been stripped of his ordination certificate – an important document that signifies formal acceptance into the monastic community. In a statement, the association said, "Shi Yongxin's actions are extremely bad, seriously damaging the reputation of the Buddhist community and the image of monks." For more on Shi Yongxin's criminal probe, read here. SIA flights from Singapore to Cambodia, Thailand not affected by border dispute Singapore Airlines (SIA) flights between Singapore and both Cambodia and Thailand continue to operate as scheduled, despite a deadly border conflict between the latter two Southeast Asian nations. A spokesperson for the SIA Group said that passenger and crew safety remains the airline's top priority. 'We will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust our flights where necessary,' the spokesperson said. The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia escalated into deadly violence on 24 July, with military forces clashing at several points along the border, and leaving at least 12 people killed. This flare-up is rooted in historical disagreements dating back more than a century and centres around the Emerald Triangle, a region where Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos converge. In response to the crisis, the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia are set to meet for mediation talks in Malaysia on 28 July at 3pm local time, at the Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya. For more on SIA flights to Cambodia and Thailand, read here. Infant in India bites cobra to death A one-year-old boy in the northern Indian state of Bihar reportedly bit a cobra to death after the snake coiled itself around his hands. According to local news reports, the incident occurred while the child, identified only by his first name Govinda, was playing outside his home in the town of Bettiah, near the Indo-Nepal border. "When we saw the snake in the child's hand, everyone rushed towards him, but in the meantime, he already bit the snake, killing it on the spot," the boy's grandmother told reporters. After biting the snake, the child fainted and was immediately taken to a primary health care centre for initial treatment. He was later transferred to the Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH) in the town for further observation and care. For more on the snake biting incident, read here. PUB: Sewage shaft failure linked to sinkhole A concrete structure at a PUB worksite along Tanjong Katong Road South failed at about 5.50pm on 26 July, according to a statement by the national water agency. The structure was part of a shaft under construction at the site. Around the same time, a sinkhole appeared on the road next to the worksite, causing a black car to fall in. The driver managed to escape from the vehicle on her own and was rescued by construction workers. PUB said the ongoing project involved building a 16-metre-deep shaft to link three existing sewer lines. The failure was linked to a caisson ring, but the exact cause of the structural collapse has not yet been determined. Investigations are currently underway. As a safety measure, PUB announced a time-out across similar sewer construction works in Singapore. This pause will allow the agency to review safety practices and ensure that proper protocols are in place to prevent similar incidents. For more on the sinkhole incident, read here. Arsenal edge Newcastle 3-2 as Dowman shines off the bench Arsenal secured their second win in a row during their pre-season tour of Asia with a 3-2 victory over Newcastle at the National Stadium in Singapore. Coming off a narrow 1-0 win against AC Milan, Arsenal once again showed determination, especially as they had to come from behind, and later, defend their lead. Newcastle took an early lead just six minutes into the match when their new £55 million signing, Anthony Elanga, scored with a shot that deflected twice before bouncing in off the post. It was Newcastle's first meaningful attack and gave them the early advantage. Arsenal responded well, with Mikel Merino levelling the score after receiving a smart pass from teammate Kai Havertz, and placing the ball accurately into the corner of the net. Just moments later, they gained the lead when Newcastle's young defender Alex Murphy accidentally turned a low cross from Havertz into his own goal. By halftime, Arsenal had taken control of the match, showing improved teamwork and fluid attacking movements. For more on the Arsenal-Newcastle match in Singapore, read here. More teen births in 2024, gradual increase from 2022 More teenagers in Singapore are becoming mothers, marking a reversal of a steady decline in teen births in the past 20 years, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024 released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. In 2024, 244 babies were born to teens aged 19 or younger, up 7 per cent from 228 in 2023. There were 218 teen births in 2022. The Health Ministry also noted that in the past five years, the average age of pregnant teens was 18. Ms Melisa Wong, executive director at Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support, cited multiple factors behind the rise. She said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, many teens felt isolated or struggled with other negative emotions, and some may have engaged in unprotected sex to seek connection or to cope with whatever they were going through. Ms Wong added that while teens are exploring relationships at younger age, some may not use contraceptives for various reasons. She also pointed out that part of the increase in teen births may also be due to a decline in abortions. For more on Singapore's teen pregnancy stats, read here. SM Lee: Electing more opposition MPs to check Govt is 'wrong direction' Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged on 26 July that the opposition is now a permanent feature of Singapore politics. He said the growing number of opposition Members of Parliament (MP) reflects a growing public desire for alternative voices in Parliament, a sentiment he described as "quite natural" and "quite understandable." Despite the rise in opposition presence, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) must continue to perform well and earn voter support to ensure the country's continued success, he said at a National Day dinner in Serangoon. Following the 2025 General Election, the 15th Parliament will have 12 opposition MPs, including two Non-Constituency MPs – the same number as in the 2020 General Election. SM Lee stated, "The opposition is here to stay in Singapore politics. But in order for Singapore to keep on doing well, the Government has to continue to hold its own, and to win votes and to win seats in elections." If the ruling party weakens, it could become more difficult to form teams, govern well, and garner support for policies, he warned. He cautioned that this shift could lower the quality of governance and jeopardise Singapore's future. SM Lee said, "You can elect more opposition MPs to check the Government... but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction." SM Lee called for striking the right balance between having stronger alternative voices in government, and supporting and electing an effective government that can make tough, long-term decisions in the nation's interest. He stressed that the country needs a capable government to maintain high standards and navigate challenges, especially given global uncertainties. SM Lee concluded by saying he was heartened that Singaporeans recognised the importance of strong leadership and had given the PAP a firm mandate in the May election, where it received 65.57 per cent of the popular vote – up from 61.24 per cent in 2020. For more on SM Lee's National Day dinner remarks, read here. Head monk of Shaolin Temple in China faces criminal probe Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the famed Shaolin Temple in China, is under investigation for alleged embezzlement, improper relationships with multiple women, and fathering illegitimate children. The temple confirmed the investigation on Sunday (27 July), which involves multiple agencies looking into the serious accusations. Located in Henan province, the 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple is a major cultural and religious site, attracting thousands of disciples from around the world each year. Shi, who became abbot in 1999, is known for commercialising the temple and has been nicknamed the "CEO monk" for his efforts in building its global brand. Amid the ongoing investigation, China's Buddhist Association announced on Monday that Shi has been stripped of his ordination certificate – an important document that signifies formal acceptance into the monastic community. In a statement, the association said, "Shi Yongxin's actions are extremely bad, seriously damaging the reputation of the Buddhist community and the image of monks." For more on Shi Yongxin's criminal probe, read here. Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the famed Shaolin Temple in China, is under investigation for alleged embezzlement, improper relationships with multiple women, and fathering illegitimate children. The temple confirmed the investigation on Sunday (27 July), which involves multiple agencies looking into the serious accusations. Located in Henan province, the 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple is a major cultural and religious site, attracting thousands of disciples from around the world each year. Shi, who became abbot in 1999, is known for commercialising the temple and has been nicknamed the "CEO monk" for his efforts in building its global brand. Amid the ongoing investigation, China's Buddhist Association announced on Monday that Shi has been stripped of his ordination certificate – an important document that signifies formal acceptance into the monastic community. In a statement, the association said, "Shi Yongxin's actions are extremely bad, seriously damaging the reputation of the Buddhist community and the image of monks." For more on Shi Yongxin's criminal probe, read here. SIA flights from Singapore to Cambodia, Thailand not affected by border dispute Singapore Airlines (SIA) flights between Singapore and both Cambodia and Thailand continue to operate as scheduled, despite a deadly border conflict between the latter two Southeast Asian nations. A spokesperson for the SIA Group said that passenger and crew safety remains the airline's top priority. 'We will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust our flights where necessary,' the spokesperson said. The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia escalated into deadly violence on 24 July, with military forces clashing at several points along the border, and leaving at least 12 people killed. This flare-up is rooted in historical disagreements dating back more than a century and centres around the Emerald Triangle, a region where Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos converge. In response to the crisis, the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia are set to meet for mediation talks in Malaysia on 28 July at 3pm local time, at the Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya. For more on SIA flights to Cambodia and Thailand, read here. Singapore Airlines (SIA) flights between Singapore and both Cambodia and Thailand continue to operate as scheduled, despite a deadly border conflict between the latter two Southeast Asian nations. A spokesperson for the SIA Group said that passenger and crew safety remains the airline's top priority. 'We will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust our flights where necessary,' the spokesperson said. The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia escalated into deadly violence on 24 July, with military forces clashing at several points along the border, and leaving at least 12 people killed. This flare-up is rooted in historical disagreements dating back more than a century and centres around the Emerald Triangle, a region where Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos converge. In response to the crisis, the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia are set to meet for mediation talks in Malaysia on 28 July at 3pm local time, at the Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya. For more on SIA flights to Cambodia and Thailand, read here. Infant in India bites cobra to death A one-year-old boy in the northern Indian state of Bihar reportedly bit a cobra to death after the snake coiled itself around his hands. According to local news reports, the incident occurred while the child, identified only by his first name Govinda, was playing outside his home in the town of Bettiah, near the Indo-Nepal border. "When we saw the snake in the child's hand, everyone rushed towards him, but in the meantime, he already bit the snake, killing it on the spot," the boy's grandmother told reporters. After biting the snake, the child fainted and was immediately taken to a primary health care centre for initial treatment. He was later transferred to the Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH) in the town for further observation and care. For more on the snake biting incident, read here. A one-year-old boy in the northern Indian state of Bihar reportedly bit a cobra to death after the snake coiled itself around his hands. According to local news reports, the incident occurred while the child, identified only by his first name Govinda, was playing outside his home in the town of Bettiah, near the Indo-Nepal border. "When we saw the snake in the child's hand, everyone rushed towards him, but in the meantime, he already bit the snake, killing it on the spot," the boy's grandmother told reporters. After biting the snake, the child fainted and was immediately taken to a primary health care centre for initial treatment. He was later transferred to the Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH) in the town for further observation and care. For more on the snake biting incident, read here. PUB: Sewage shaft failure linked to sinkhole A concrete structure at a PUB worksite along Tanjong Katong Road South failed at about 5.50pm on 26 July, according to a statement by the national water agency. The structure was part of a shaft under construction at the site. Around the same time, a sinkhole appeared on the road next to the worksite, causing a black car to fall in. The driver managed to escape from the vehicle on her own and was rescued by construction workers. PUB said the ongoing project involved building a 16-metre-deep shaft to link three existing sewer lines. The failure was linked to a caisson ring, but the exact cause of the structural collapse has not yet been determined. Investigations are currently underway. As a safety measure, PUB announced a time-out across similar sewer construction works in Singapore. This pause will allow the agency to review safety practices and ensure that proper protocols are in place to prevent similar incidents. For more on the sinkhole incident, read here. A concrete structure at a PUB worksite along Tanjong Katong Road South failed at about 5.50pm on 26 July, according to a statement by the national water agency. The structure was part of a shaft under construction at the site. Around the same time, a sinkhole appeared on the road next to the worksite, causing a black car to fall in. The driver managed to escape from the vehicle on her own and was rescued by construction workers. PUB said the ongoing project involved building a 16-metre-deep shaft to link three existing sewer lines. The failure was linked to a caisson ring, but the exact cause of the structural collapse has not yet been determined. Investigations are currently underway. As a safety measure, PUB announced a time-out across similar sewer construction works in Singapore. This pause will allow the agency to review safety practices and ensure that proper protocols are in place to prevent similar incidents. For more on the sinkhole incident, read here. Arsenal edge Newcastle 3-2 as Dowman shines off the bench Arsenal secured their second win in a row during their pre-season tour of Asia with a 3-2 victory over Newcastle at the National Stadium in Singapore. Coming off a narrow 1-0 win against AC Milan, Arsenal once again showed determination, especially as they had to come from behind, and later, defend their lead. Newcastle took an early lead just six minutes into the match when their new £55 million signing, Anthony Elanga, scored with a shot that deflected twice before bouncing in off the post. It was Newcastle's first meaningful attack and gave them the early advantage. Arsenal responded well, with Mikel Merino levelling the score after receiving a smart pass from teammate Kai Havertz, and placing the ball accurately into the corner of the net. Just moments later, they gained the lead when Newcastle's young defender Alex Murphy accidentally turned a low cross from Havertz into his own goal. By halftime, Arsenal had taken control of the match, showing improved teamwork and fluid attacking movements. For more on the Arsenal-Newcastle match in Singapore, read here. Arsenal secured their second win in a row during their pre-season tour of Asia with a 3-2 victory over Newcastle at the National Stadium in Singapore. Coming off a narrow 1-0 win against AC Milan, Arsenal once again showed determination, especially as they had to come from behind, and later, defend their lead. Newcastle took an early lead just six minutes into the match when their new £55 million signing, Anthony Elanga, scored with a shot that deflected twice before bouncing in off the post. It was Newcastle's first meaningful attack and gave them the early advantage. Arsenal responded well, with Mikel Merino levelling the score after receiving a smart pass from teammate Kai Havertz, and placing the ball accurately into the corner of the net. Just moments later, they gained the lead when Newcastle's young defender Alex Murphy accidentally turned a low cross from Havertz into his own goal. By halftime, Arsenal had taken control of the match, showing improved teamwork and fluid attacking movements. For more on the Arsenal-Newcastle match in Singapore, read here. More teen births in 2024, gradual increase from 2022 More teenagers in Singapore are becoming mothers, marking a reversal of a steady decline in teen births in the past 20 years, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024 released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. In 2024, 244 babies were born to teens aged 19 or younger, up 7 per cent from 228 in 2023. There were 218 teen births in 2022. The Health Ministry also noted that in the past five years, the average age of pregnant teens was 18. Ms Melisa Wong, executive director at Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support, cited multiple factors behind the rise. She said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, many teens felt isolated or struggled with other negative emotions, and some may have engaged in unprotected sex to seek connection or to cope with whatever they were going through. Ms Wong added that while teens are exploring relationships at younger age, some may not use contraceptives for various reasons. She also pointed out that part of the increase in teen births may also be due to a decline in abortions. For more on Singapore's teen pregnancy stats, read here. More teenagers in Singapore are becoming mothers, marking a reversal of a steady decline in teen births in the past 20 years, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024 released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. In 2024, 244 babies were born to teens aged 19 or younger, up 7 per cent from 228 in 2023. There were 218 teen births in 2022. The Health Ministry also noted that in the past five years, the average age of pregnant teens was 18. Ms Melisa Wong, executive director at Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support, cited multiple factors behind the rise. She said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, many teens felt isolated or struggled with other negative emotions, and some may have engaged in unprotected sex to seek connection or to cope with whatever they were going through. Ms Wong added that while teens are exploring relationships at younger age, some may not use contraceptives for various reasons. She also pointed out that part of the increase in teen births may also be due to a decline in abortions. For more on Singapore's teen pregnancy stats, read here. SM Lee: Electing more opposition MPs to check Govt is 'wrong direction' Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged on 26 July that the opposition is now a permanent feature of Singapore politics. He said the growing number of opposition Members of Parliament (MP) reflects a growing public desire for alternative voices in Parliament, a sentiment he described as "quite natural" and "quite understandable." Despite the rise in opposition presence, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) must continue to perform well and earn voter support to ensure the country's continued success, he said at a National Day dinner in Serangoon. Following the 2025 General Election, the 15th Parliament will have 12 opposition MPs, including two Non-Constituency MPs – the same number as in the 2020 General Election. SM Lee stated, "The opposition is here to stay in Singapore politics. But in order for Singapore to keep on doing well, the Government has to continue to hold its own, and to win votes and to win seats in elections." If the ruling party weakens, it could become more difficult to form teams, govern well, and garner support for policies, he warned. He cautioned that this shift could lower the quality of governance and jeopardise Singapore's future. SM Lee said, "You can elect more opposition MPs to check the Government... but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction." SM Lee called for striking the right balance between having stronger alternative voices in government, and supporting and electing an effective government that can make tough, long-term decisions in the nation's interest. He stressed that the country needs a capable government to maintain high standards and navigate challenges, especially given global uncertainties. SM Lee concluded by saying he was heartened that Singaporeans recognised the importance of strong leadership and had given the PAP a firm mandate in the May election, where it received 65.57 per cent of the popular vote – up from 61.24 per cent in 2020. For more on SM Lee's National Day dinner remarks, read here. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged on 26 July that the opposition is now a permanent feature of Singapore politics. He said the growing number of opposition Members of Parliament (MP) reflects a growing public desire for alternative voices in Parliament, a sentiment he described as "quite natural" and "quite understandable." Despite the rise in opposition presence, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) must continue to perform well and earn voter support to ensure the country's continued success, he said at a National Day dinner in Serangoon. Following the 2025 General Election, the 15th Parliament will have 12 opposition MPs, including two Non-Constituency MPs – the same number as in the 2020 General Election. SM Lee stated, "The opposition is here to stay in Singapore politics. But in order for Singapore to keep on doing well, the Government has to continue to hold its own, and to win votes and to win seats in elections." If the ruling party weakens, it could become more difficult to form teams, govern well, and garner support for policies, he warned. He cautioned that this shift could lower the quality of governance and jeopardise Singapore's future. SM Lee said, "You can elect more opposition MPs to check the Government... but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction." SM Lee called for striking the right balance between having stronger alternative voices in government, and supporting and electing an effective government that can make tough, long-term decisions in the nation's interest. He stressed that the country needs a capable government to maintain high standards and navigate challenges, especially given global uncertainties. SM Lee concluded by saying he was heartened that Singaporeans recognised the importance of strong leadership and had given the PAP a firm mandate in the May election, where it received 65.57 per cent of the popular vote – up from 61.24 per cent in 2020. For more on SM Lee's National Day dinner remarks, read here.
Bloomberg
2 days ago
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Venezuela's Maduro Set to Sweep Vote, Cementing One-Party Rule
President Nicolás Maduro's ruling socialist party is poised to sweep Sunday's local elections, with preliminary results showing government-aligned candidates winning control of key municipalities across Venezuela. With 82.5% of votes counted, officials said the United Socialist Party had secured victories in 26 out of 34 mayoral races in mayor cities across the country. While final results for 335 mayoral races are still pending, the tally so far points to a significant setback for opposition forces.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
SM Lee: Electing more opposition MPs to check Govt is 'wrong direction'; More teen births in 2024, gradual increase from 2022: Singapore live news
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged on 26 July that the opposition is now a permanent feature of Singapore politics. He said the growing number of opposition Members of Parliament (MP) reflects a growing public desire for alternative voices in Parliament, a sentiment he described as "quite natural" and "quite understandable." He cautioned that this shift could lower the quality of governance and jeopardise Singapore's future. SM Lee said, "You can elect more opposition MPs to check the Government... but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction." More teenagers in Singapore are becoming mothers, marking a reversal of a steady decline in teen births in the past 20 years, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024 released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. In 2024, 244 babies were born to teens aged 19 or younger, up 7 per cent from 228 in 2023. There were 218 teen births in 2022. The Health Ministry also noted that in the past five years, the average age of pregnant teens was 18. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. More teen births in 2024, gradual increase from 2022 More teenagers in Singapore are becoming mothers, marking a reversal of a steady decline in teen births in the past 20 years, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024 released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. In 2024, 244 babies were born to teens aged 19 or younger, up 7 per cent from 228 in 2023. There were 218 teen births in 2022. The Health Ministry also noted that in the past five years, the average age of pregnant teens was 18. Ms Melisa Wong, executive director at Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support, cited multiple factors behind the rise. She said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, many teens felt isolated or struggled with other negative emotions, and some may have engaged in unprotected sex to seek connection or to cope with whatever they were going through. Ms Wong added that while teens are exploring relationships at younger age, some may not use contraceptives for various reasons. She also pointed out that part of the increase in teen births may also be due to a decline in abortions. For more on Singapore's teen pregnancy stats, read here. SM Lee: Electing more opposition MPs to check Govt is 'wrong direction' Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged on 26 July that the opposition is now a permanent feature of Singapore politics. He said the growing number of opposition Members of Parliament (MP) reflects a growing public desire for alternative voices in Parliament, a sentiment he described as "quite natural" and "quite understandable." Despite the rise in opposition presence, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) must continue to perform well and earn voter support to ensure the country's continued success, he said at a National Day dinner in Serangoon. Following the 2025 General Election, the 15th Parliament will have 12 opposition MPs, including two Non-Constituency MPs – the same number as in the 2020 General Election. SM Lee stated, "The opposition is here to stay in Singapore politics. But in order for Singapore to keep on doing well, the Government has to continue to hold its own, and to win votes and to win seats in elections." If the ruling party weakens, it could become more difficult to form teams, govern well, and garner support for policies, he warned. He cautioned that this shift could lower the quality of governance and jeopardise Singapore's future. SM Lee said, "You can elect more opposition MPs to check the Government... but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction." SM Lee urged called for striking the right balance between having stronger alternative voices in government, and supporting and electing an effective government that can make tough, long-term decisions in the nation's interest. He stressed that the country needs a capable government to maintain high standards and navigate challenges, especially given global uncertainties. SM Lee concluded by saying he was heartened that Singaporeans recognised the importance of strong leadership and had given the PAP a firm mandate in the May election, where it received 65.57 per cent of the popular vote – up from 61.24 per cent in 2020. For more on SM Lee's National Day dinner remarks, read here. More teen births in 2024, gradual increase from 2022 More teenagers in Singapore are becoming mothers, marking a reversal of a steady decline in teen births in the past 20 years, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024 released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. In 2024, 244 babies were born to teens aged 19 or younger, up 7 per cent from 228 in 2023. There were 218 teen births in 2022. The Health Ministry also noted that in the past five years, the average age of pregnant teens was 18. Ms Melisa Wong, executive director at Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support, cited multiple factors behind the rise. She said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, many teens felt isolated or struggled with other negative emotions, and some may have engaged in unprotected sex to seek connection or to cope with whatever they were going through. Ms Wong added that while teens are exploring relationships at younger age, some may not use contraceptives for various reasons. She also pointed out that part of the increase in teen births may also be due to a decline in abortions. For more on Singapore's teen pregnancy stats, read here. More teenagers in Singapore are becoming mothers, marking a reversal of a steady decline in teen births in the past 20 years, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024 released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. In 2024, 244 babies were born to teens aged 19 or younger, up 7 per cent from 228 in 2023. There were 218 teen births in 2022. The Health Ministry also noted that in the past five years, the average age of pregnant teens was 18. Ms Melisa Wong, executive director at Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support, cited multiple factors behind the rise. She said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, many teens felt isolated or struggled with other negative emotions, and some may have engaged in unprotected sex to seek connection or to cope with whatever they were going through. Ms Wong added that while teens are exploring relationships at younger age, some may not use contraceptives for various reasons. She also pointed out that part of the increase in teen births may also be due to a decline in abortions. For more on Singapore's teen pregnancy stats, read here. SM Lee: Electing more opposition MPs to check Govt is 'wrong direction' Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged on 26 July that the opposition is now a permanent feature of Singapore politics. He said the growing number of opposition Members of Parliament (MP) reflects a growing public desire for alternative voices in Parliament, a sentiment he described as "quite natural" and "quite understandable." Despite the rise in opposition presence, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) must continue to perform well and earn voter support to ensure the country's continued success, he said at a National Day dinner in Serangoon. Following the 2025 General Election, the 15th Parliament will have 12 opposition MPs, including two Non-Constituency MPs – the same number as in the 2020 General Election. SM Lee stated, "The opposition is here to stay in Singapore politics. But in order for Singapore to keep on doing well, the Government has to continue to hold its own, and to win votes and to win seats in elections." If the ruling party weakens, it could become more difficult to form teams, govern well, and garner support for policies, he warned. He cautioned that this shift could lower the quality of governance and jeopardise Singapore's future. SM Lee said, "You can elect more opposition MPs to check the Government... but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction." SM Lee urged called for striking the right balance between having stronger alternative voices in government, and supporting and electing an effective government that can make tough, long-term decisions in the nation's interest. He stressed that the country needs a capable government to maintain high standards and navigate challenges, especially given global uncertainties. SM Lee concluded by saying he was heartened that Singaporeans recognised the importance of strong leadership and had given the PAP a firm mandate in the May election, where it received 65.57 per cent of the popular vote – up from 61.24 per cent in 2020. For more on SM Lee's National Day dinner remarks, read here. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged on 26 July that the opposition is now a permanent feature of Singapore politics. He said the growing number of opposition Members of Parliament (MP) reflects a growing public desire for alternative voices in Parliament, a sentiment he described as "quite natural" and "quite understandable." Despite the rise in opposition presence, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) must continue to perform well and earn voter support to ensure the country's continued success, he said at a National Day dinner in Serangoon. Following the 2025 General Election, the 15th Parliament will have 12 opposition MPs, including two Non-Constituency MPs – the same number as in the 2020 General Election. SM Lee stated, "The opposition is here to stay in Singapore politics. But in order for Singapore to keep on doing well, the Government has to continue to hold its own, and to win votes and to win seats in elections." If the ruling party weakens, it could become more difficult to form teams, govern well, and garner support for policies, he warned. He cautioned that this shift could lower the quality of governance and jeopardise Singapore's future. SM Lee said, "You can elect more opposition MPs to check the Government... but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction." SM Lee urged called for striking the right balance between having stronger alternative voices in government, and supporting and electing an effective government that can make tough, long-term decisions in the nation's interest. He stressed that the country needs a capable government to maintain high standards and navigate challenges, especially given global uncertainties. SM Lee concluded by saying he was heartened that Singaporeans recognised the importance of strong leadership and had given the PAP a firm mandate in the May election, where it received 65.57 per cent of the popular vote – up from 61.24 per cent in 2020. For more on SM Lee's National Day dinner remarks, read here.
