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Showing posts with the label Singapore News

Desmond Lee to Anchor New West Coast-Jurong West GRC

  On April 15, 2025, the People’s Action Party (PAP) announced its candidate team for the newly created West Coast-Jurong West GRC, which will debut in the upcoming General Election. The team will be led by Minister for National Development Desmond Lee, who steps up as anchor following the resignation of former Transport Minister S. Iswaran in January 2024 due to a corruption conviction. Joining Desmond Lee, 48, in this five-member slate are Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Finance and Education Shawn Huang, 42, three-term MP Ang Wei Neng, 58, and two new candidates – orthopaedic surgeon Dr Hamid Razak, 39, and lawyer Cassandra Lee, 33. The introduction took place at a press conference at the PAP’s West Coast branch. Mr Lee highlighted the diversity and grassroots experience of the team, stating that it combines existing MPs and fresh candidates to ensure continuity while bringing in new perspectives and energy. This election marks a significant change for the constituency. Un...

GE2025 Confirmed and Nomination Day Apr 23 with Polling Day May 3

  President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has officially dissolved Singapore’s Parliament on April 15, clearing the path for the country’s 14th General Election. This move comes just months after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong took the helm of the People’s Action Party (PAP) and formed the country’s fourth-generation (4G) leadership team. Nomination Day has been scheduled for April 23, according to an announcement by the Prime Minister’s Office. A Writ of Election is expected to be issued shortly, confirming the date of Polling Day and providing essential details for all aspiring candidates. This document will include information such as the required deposit and the paperwork necessary for nomination. This election marks a historical milestone—it is the first time that the 4G leadership will be contesting a national election with Mr Wong as Prime Minister. He assumed the role of Prime Minister in May 2024 and became Secretary-General of PAP in December, succeeding former Prime Minister Lee ...

PAP Unveils Full Slate for New Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC and Jurong Central SMC

  The People’s Action Party (PAP) has officially introduced its candidate team for the newly created Jurong East-Bukit Batok Group Representation Constituency (GRC) for the upcoming General Election. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, 61, will lead this five-member slate. The line-up includes political newcomer David Hoe, 37, and PAP veteran Lee Hong Chuang, 54. The team is rounded out by Minister of State for Law and Transport Murali Pillai, 57, and Minister of State for Health and Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mahzam, 44. David Hoe is currently the Director of Philanthropy at The Majurity Trust, a local charity organisation. Mr Hoe's personal journey has garnered attention: he was raised by a single mother who lost her sight, and the two once sold tissue paper to make ends meet. Overcoming educational and financial hardships, he eventually became a teacher and is now actively involved in social causes. Lee Hong Chuang, formerly branch chairman ...

Police Investigation Officer Jailed 16 Months After Pocketing Victim’s Cash

  On April 14, 2025, Chan Zhiyao, a former senior investigation officer (IO) in the Singapore Police Force (SPF), was sentenced to 16 months in jail after pleading guilty to charges of criminal breach of trust and an offence under the Official Secrets Act. Chan, 44, abused his authority during a molestation case in 2022. A woman had reported her former boyfriend for allegedly molesting her. During investigations, she told Chan that her ex-boyfriend had previously transferred $4,000 to her and was now pressuring her to return it. Chan falsely claimed that it was “police procedure” for her to transfer the money to him, promising he would then pass the funds on to her ex-boyfriend. However, instead of fulfilling his promise, Chan kept the money for himself and spent nearly all of it within just two days. His misconduct was eventually discovered when the former boyfriend filed a complaint stating that he had not received the money. When confronted, Chan tried to cover up his offence by...

15-Year-Old Among 107 Nabbed in Massive Drug Bust

  A five-day anti-drug operation carried out by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) between 7 and 11 April 2025 has resulted in the arrest of 107 individuals suspected of drug-related offences. This extensive island-wide operation saw enforcement actions in multiple areas, including Ang Mo Kio, Balestier, Bedok, Marsiling, Punggol, and Tampines. Officers seized a significant quantity of drugs during this operation. The drugs included approximately 133 grams of methamphetamine (commonly known as 'Ice'), 78 grams of cannabis, 69 grams of heroin, 0.4 grams of ketamine, 16 tablets of ecstasy, and other drug-related items. The estimated street value of these seized substances is more than $25,400. Among the 107 arrested was a 15-year-old student, making him the youngest suspect detained during the operation. He was arrested during a targeted raid at Marsiling. Choa Chu Kang Drug Trafficking Case In the early hours of 8 April 2025, CNB officers conducted a raid at a residential unit i...

Veteran MP Low Yen Ling Takes on Bukit Gombak SMC

  On April 14, 2025, the People’s Action Party (PAP) officially introduced its candidates for the upcoming General Election in both Chua Chu Kang Group Representation Constituency (GRC) and the newly created Bukit Gombak Single Member Constituency (SMC). The announcement was made during a press conference held at the PAP branch office at Block 10 Teck Whye Avenue. Ms Low Yen Ling, who has served in the Chua Chu Kang GRC for over 14 years, will contest in the new Bukit Gombak SMC. Ms Low currently holds the position of Senior Minister of State for both the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry. She is also the Mayor of the South West District. In her remarks, Ms Low emphasized her long-standing relationship with the residents of Bukit Gombak, a ward she has represented since she first entered politics in the 2011 General Election. She highlighted the close bonds and trust she has built with the community over the years, sharing that she has...

PAP Unveils New Chua Chu Kang GRC Team with Dr Amy Khor Out

  On April 14, 2025, the People's Action Party (PAP) introduced its four-member team contesting Chua Chu Kang Group Representation Constituency (GRC) for the upcoming General Election. The team will be led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and comprises returning MP and lawyer Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, along with two new candidates – former senior civil servant Jeffrey Siow and neuroscientist and community volunteer Dr Choo Pei Ling. At a press conference held at the PAP Chua Chu Kang Branch, Mr Gan also confirmed that current MP Don Wee and Senior Minister of State Dr Amy Khor would not be standing for election this year. Mr Wee has served as the MP for the Brickland division since 2020, while Dr Khor has represented Hong Kah North Single Member Constituency (SMC) since 2011. Dr Khor is also currently serving as Senior Minister of State for Transport and the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment. Bukit Gombak, previously part of Chua Chu Kang GRC, has been carved out...

Flash Flood Hits Punggol with False-Ceiling Concerns at New Punggol Coast Mall

  A heavy downpour on April 13, 2025, caused significant flooding in parts of Punggol, exposing apparent design or structural shortcomings in several recently built facilities. One notable incident occurred at the multi-storey carpark of Block 409B Northshore Drive. Torrents of water were seen pouring through the ceiling, flooding the carpark roadway and catching residents off guard. The flooding prompted safety concerns among residents, with many questioning the building’s drainage and waterproofing systems. By April 14, workers were seen on-site carrying out repair works to address the issue. The speed of the follow-up efforts suggests that the authorities or building management are treating the incident seriously. The flooding at Punggol Coast Mall, a newly opened shopping centre, drew even more attention online due to the dramatic visuals shared by visitors. On Level 1, water was seen flowing from a ceiling light fitting in an open public area. The leakage resulted in ponding o...

Dr Michael Fang to Contest Yio Chu Kang SMC for People’s Alliance for Reform (PAR)

  On April 12, 2025, Dr Michael Fang officially announced his candidacy for Yio Chu Kang Single Member Constituency (SMC) in the upcoming General Election. He will be contesting under the banner of the People’s Alliance for Reform (PAR), a coalition made up of the People’s Voice (PV), the Reform Party, and the Democratic Progressive Party. Dr Fang, who is affiliated with PV, made the announcement before conducting a walkabout at Ang Mo Kio 628 Market, where he distributed bread to residents. Dr Fang, who currently teaches at a private college, expressed deep concern over the rising cost of living in Singapore. He remarked that many residents in the constituency, especially a mix of elderly citizens and younger adults in their 30s and 40s, have been struggling with inflation, job insecurity, and uncertainty about retirement savings. “We see the people suffering around us,” Dr Fang said. “Life has gotten more difficult.” He acknowledged that the government has introduced support meas...

PAP Fields New Team in Aljunied GRC Comeback Bid

  The People’s Action Party announced on April 13 its new five-member slate for the upcoming general election in Aljunied Group Representation Constituency (GRC), a ward it has not held since 2011. Four of the candidates are political debutants, led by the only returning member from the 2020 team, Ms Chan Hui Yuh. The fresh faces introduced are Dr Faisal Abdul Aziz, Dr Adrian Ang, Mr Daniel Liu, and Mr Jagathishwaran Rajo. The four were appointed branch chairpersons earlier this year in February, forming part of the party’s strategy to inject new energy into its Aljunied team. They will be contesting a constituency currently held by the Workers’ Party, which made history by capturing the GRC in 2011 — the first time an opposition party won such a ward under Singapore’s electoral system. Ms Chan, 48, has been a long-time grassroots leader in Serangoon, where she has served since 2014. At the unveiling event held at Block 226 Serangoon Avenue 4, she spoke directly to voters, stating ...

SDP's to Challenge in PM Wong Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC

  On April 13, 2025, the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) unveiled its team of four candidates who will contest in Marsiling-Yew Tee Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in the upcoming General Election. The opposition party will once again face off against the People's Action Party (PAP), which is fielding an unchanged team led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. SDP’s line-up includes its organising secretary Jufri Salim, Wake Up Singapore founder Ariffin Sha, theatre director Alec Tok, and Dr Gigene Wong, a former candidate from the Progress Singapore Party. The announcement was made by SDP secretary-general Dr Chee Soon Juan after a walkabout at Marsiling Lane Market and Food Centre. Jufri Salim, 41, is a music performer and manager at a music publishing company. This will be his first time contesting in a general election. He is also married to Surayah Akbar, who will be standing for the SDP in Sembawang GRC. Jufri emphasized SDP’s aim to enhance the quality of life for Singap...

Lam Pin Min Returns with 3 New Faces to Battle WP in Sengkang

  The People’s Action Party (PAP) has announced a refreshed team for the upcoming General Election in Sengkang Group Representation Constituency (GRC), with former Senior Minister of State Lam Pin Min returning to lead the slate alongside three new faces. The announcement was made on April 13 at a press event in Anchorvale. Dr Lam, 56, will be joined by Theodora Lai, a 39-year-old principal at Tembusu Partners; Associate Professor Elmie Nekmat, 43, from the National University of Singapore; and Bernadette Giam, 38, a director at Creative Eateries. All four currently serve as PAP branch chairpersons within Sengkang GRC. This move comes as PAP aims to reclaim the GRC it lost in the 2020 General Election. That year, a team of political office holders from the ruling party was defeated by a fresh Workers’ Party (WP) slate made up of He Ting Ru, Louis Chua, Jamus Lim, and Raeesah Khan. The WP won 52.12 percent of the votes, marking only its second-ever GRC victory. Dr Lam was part of th...

PSP Returns to Marymount, Kebun Baru and Pioneer SMCs in GE2025

  The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) officially confirmed on April 12, 2025, that it will be contesting in three Single Member Constituencies (SMCs) in the upcoming General Election: Kebun Baru, Marymount, and Pioneer. The announcement was made during simultaneous walkabouts in each of the constituencies, attended by party leaders and potential candidates. Although PSP revealed its intention to stand in these three wards, it has yet to name the final candidates. Secretary-General Leong Mun Wai told reporters that the full slate will only be confirmed closer to Nomination Day. PSP previously contested these three SMCs in the 2020 General Election. The announcement follows the launch of PSP’s manifesto last Sunday, during which the party also declared its intent to contest West Coast–Jurong West and Chua Chu Kang Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs). Compared to its debut in 2020, where PSP fielded 24 candidates, Leong said the party would adopt a more focused approach this rou...

Dr Maliki Steps Aside for Hazlina Abdul Halim to Contest in East Coast GRC

  On April 12, 2025, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, announced that he will not be contesting in East Coast GRC in the upcoming General Election. The announcement was made during a community walkabout in Bedok North, part of East Coast GRC, where he currently serves as Member of Parliament (MP) for the Siglap ward. Dr Maliki clarified to reporters that while he will not be part of the new East Coast team, he has not stated he is retiring from politics. He stated, “I’ve never mentioned that I’m retiring. The message today is that I’m not going to stand as part of the new East Coast GRC team.” He also added that more details about his future plans would be shared in due course. In his place, the People’s Action Party (PAP) will be fielding Mdm Hazlina Abdul Halim as a new candidate in East Coast GRC. Dr Maliki expressed strong support for Mdm Hazlina, urging residents to back her in the coming election. “She will receive my endorsement and support so...

Fight Over Queue-Cutting at JB Checkpoint Goes Viral

On the morning of 10 April 2025, a physical altercation broke out between two men at the bus lane leading into Singapore via the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs Complex in Johor Bahru. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from one of the men cutting the queue, sparking anger and eventually escalating into a fight. The incident took place at around 7:00 AM and was captured on video by bystanders, going viral on various social media platforms later that day. Johor Bahru Selatan District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat, confirmed that the Johor Bahru Selatan District Police Headquarters received a report on the incident at around 3:00 PM the same day. The report was lodged by a 21-year-old local man involved in the fight. According to the police statement released on 10 April 2025, the altercation involved pushing, punching, and loud verbal exchanges between the two men, occurring between two buses in the crowded bus lane area. The situation was eventually calme...

Heavy Vehicle Incident Halts Traffic in Bukit Timah

  A trailer-related accident caused a major disruption along Upper Bukit Timah Road on the evening of April 9, 2025. At around 6.50pm, a 54-year-old trailer driver was involved in an incident at the junction of Upper Bukit Timah Road and Gombak Avenue, where several large concrete slabs fell from the trailer onto the road. The driver is currently assisting the police with ongoing investigations. Footage of the incident surfaced shortly after and was widely circulated online. In one video, a number of heavy concrete slabs are seen scattered across the road, obstructing all three lanes and causing traffic to grind to a halt. Workers dressed in yellow safety vests can be seen placing traffic cones around the affected area to secure the scene. Another video captured shortly after the incident shows workers beginning clean-up efforts while redirecting traffic. In the video, one lane was partially reopened with a worker holding a "Go" sign to assist with vehicle movement. Despite t...

16 Arrested, Over 28 Facing Action in Major Crackdown in Geylang Raid

  Between 17 and 23 March 2025, a large-scale enforcement operation in Geylang resulted in the arrest of 16 individuals and enforcement actions against another 28. The coordinated effort was led by Bedok Police Division, with support from multiple agencies, including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), Health Sciences Authority (HSA), Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Singapore Customs, Land Transport Authority (LTA), and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). These operations were aimed at tackling illegal activities such as unlawful gambling, vice-related offences, drug trafficking, unauthorised sale of health products, and unlicensed hawking. On 17 March 2025, authorities focused on illegal gambling at an industrial building located along Kallang Pudding Road. Officers from Bedok Police Division and ICA raided the site, arresting two men and one woman aged between 26 and 56. Cash amounting to $3,500 and gambling-related paraphernal...

Filipino Maid Steals $26K, Stages Fake Break-In to Cover Her Tracks

  A 31-year-old domestic helper has been sentenced to nine months in jail after she stole over $26,000 worth of jewellery and cash from her employer’s home—and then tried to cover up the crime by staging a fake break-in. Doniego Fleiry Ann Ramos, a Filipino national working in Singapore, pleaded guilty to two charges: theft as a servant and obstructing the course of justice. The theft took place on March 28, 2024. That day, Ramos had been instructed to help clean the home of her employer’s brother. After completing the task, she returned to her employer’s residence sometime after 5pm. Upon arriving, she discovered that no one was home and the door was unlocked. Instead of waiting or alerting her employer, Ramos took the opportunity to steal more than $1,400 in cash along with diamond rings, bracelets, and necklaces that were later valued at over $26,000. She then attempted to cover up her actions by making it appear as if the house had been broken into. To do so, she scattered seve...

Police Officer Convicted in Brutal Abuse of Myanmar Maid

  A Singapore police officer has been convicted for his role in the horrifying abuse and eventual death of 24-year-old Myanmar domestic worker Ms Piang Ngaih Don, a case that has shaken the public with its sheer brutality. Staff Sergeant Kevin Chelvam, who had been suspended from the police force, was found guilty on April 10, 2025, after a trial involving four charges related to the abuse, starvation, and eventual death of Ms Piang, who died on July 26, 2016. Chelvam was convicted of voluntarily causing hurt by lifting the maid by her hair, abetting grievous hurt by starvation, tampering with crucial evidence, and lying to the police during investigations. The court found that Chelvam not only physically assaulted Ms Piang, but also actively covered up the abuse after her death. District Judge Teoh Ai Lin ruled that he was fully aware of the extent of the abuse and starvation Ms Piang suffered in his household. Despite being her registered employer, Chelvam allowed his then-wife, ...