Fathership

维文:新加坡之所以情况更好,是因为抗疫措施不像其他国家那样政治化

反对党领袖毕丹星鼓励新加坡人下载并使用TraceTogether。

|1 min read
维文:新加坡之所以情况更好,是因为抗疫措施不像其他国家那样政治化
<h2 class="“headings“">谁在发言,</h2> <p>负责“智慧国家”计划的外交部长维文。</p> <h2 class="“headings“">他为什么发言,</h2> <p>维文在国会听取了国会议员关于新冠肺炎(临时措施)(修订)法案的提问后,发表了最后的总结讲话。该法案规定了政府如何使用TraceTogether或Safe Entry等接触者追踪系统的数据。</p> <p>这场长达48分钟的讲话于2月2日当议会对该法案进行二读期间进行。</p> <h2 class="“headings“">这之前发生了什么, </h2> <p>今年1月,议会透露,用于追踪接触者以抗击新冠流行病的“合力追踪”(TraceTogether)程序中的数据也受到《刑事诉讼法》的约束。</p> <p>这意味着,如果警察认为有必要,他们可以出于与追踪接触者无关的目的访问这些数据。</p> <p>部长们随后澄清说,只有在发生严重犯罪的情况下才能访问这些数据,并提出了一项法案,将其写入法律。</p> <h2 class="“headings“">他说了什么,</h2> <p>在回答反对党领袖、工人党主席毕丹星的提问时,维文列出了他自己的TraceTogether行程时间表。</p> <p>维文之所以在2020年6月说TraceTogether数据只会用于追踪接触者的目,是因为他和他的工程师们都没有想到警察可能会使用这些数据。他曾说的是错误的。</p> <p>维文说,他对这项技术的“热情”使他“蒙蔽了”,他没有阅读《刑事诉讼法》第20节。</p> <h2 class="“headings“">他何时意识到这个错误,</h2> <p>维文说,到2020年10月底,一位公众人士问他是否确定TraceTogether数据不会被用于谋杀案。</p> <p>他让他的工作人员复查了那个应用程序。维文解释说:</p> <p>“在那时我被告知《刑事诉讼法》已经实施,而且事实上警察曾在一个场合要求提供TraceTogether的数据。”</p> <h2 class="“headings“">接下来发生了什么,</h2> <p>维文经历了许多“不眠之夜”,他与内阁同事就是否应该从《刑事诉讼法》的应用程序中获取接触者追踪数据进行了几轮讨论。</p> <p>他说,他自己的“坚决主张”是,即使《刑事诉讼法》已经实施,数据可以被访问,它也应以最大的制约来执行。</p> <p>不管内部审查的结果如何,维文说他都会回到国会澄清真相。</p> <p>维文在回答毕丹星的另一个问题时说,国会议员Christopher de Souza在2020年12月初,也就是他开始这项内部审查的大约一个月后,提交了关于TraceTogether数据使用的议会问题。</p> <p>维文说,他之所以提供这个信息是因为他没有什么可隐瞒的,并表示,如果他在6月添加一个警告——“以现行立法为准”,议员们今天就不会讨论这个问题了。</p> <h2 class="“headings“">解决三大类评论和问题</h2> <p>维文说,他将详细阐述三个类别:</p> <p>1. 如何保持对参与数字接触者追踪的信任。</p> <p>2. TraceTogether和Safe Entry的技术特点和安全保护。</p> <p>3. 对法案中特定条款的澄清。 保持信任</p> <p>维文借鉴了他作为医生的经验,他说,当错误发生时,完全透明是很重要的。</p> <p>他会承认错误,承担全部责任,并尽其所能纠正这个问题。他说:“这和手术中的并发症没有什么不同。”</p> <p>他还警告国会要“谨防错误的二分法”,例如在拯救儿童生命和参与数字接触者追踪之间进行选择。</p> <p>维文说,如果完全公开,他相信新加坡既可以有一个成功的接触者追踪程序,又可以让警方帮助确保新加坡的安全。</p> <p>他举了几个例子,包括“如果一个被绑架儿童的父母找到了令牌,并绝望地要求警察将其解锁。你们中的哪一个会拒绝,”</p> <p>维文说,他认为这项法案在限制使用个人数据与允许警察履行职责之间取得了适当的平衡。</p> <h2 class="“headings“">不要将接触者追踪政治化</h2> <p>他还补充说,在过去的一个月里,有350人要求政府删除其数据,但有39万人加入了“合力追踪”(TraceTogether)程序。</p> <p>他感谢了工人党的Gerald Giam和Louis Ng提出的用户通过下载应用程序来“玩”系统而使其无法运行的问题。</p> <p>然而,维文提醒大家,这个程序旨在保护他们自己和他们爱的人,并补充说:“我只想问你为什么。为什么要剥夺自己和所爱的人那样的保护呢,”</p> <p>他说,新加坡在应对新冠疫情方面情况更好的一个原因是,新加坡已经避免将戴口罩政治化,他感谢毕丹星和工人党没有将此事政治化。</p> <h2 class="“headings“">技术安全保护</h2> <p>在回应宏茂桥集选区国会议员Nadia Samdin时,维文解释说,按照设计,TraceTogether的数据在与当局共享之前会先存储在用户的设备中。</p> <p>因为政府将向受影响的用户发送一个密码,必须先输入密码然后才能上传数据,所以大家要积极地参与。</p> <p>用户仍可根据要求删除其数据,但如果由于活跃的新冠疫情而已经上传了数据,则只要该群体保持活跃,卫生部就会保留这些数据。</p> <p>即使是在个人被指控犯有严重罪行的情况下,只要他们有权这样做,该法案也没有禁止他们要求获得自己的个人接触者追踪数据。作为加强自身辩护所需的证据,他们可以与包括警察或法院在内的任何人共享自己的数据。</p> <h2 class="“headings“">关于如何使用和删除数据的说明</h2> <p>针对蔡厝港集选区国会议员周凯年建议设置一个独立的渠道来调查违规行为或滥用数据的投诉,维文表示,此类案件将由政府数据办公室的授权人员进行调查,并将由高级部长张志贤任命为“明确分离”的角色和职责。</p> <p>维文在回应Giam时说,一般来说,警方将无法获得 25 天之后的数据,因为这些数据会被自动删除。</p> <p>但在某些特殊情况下数据可能存储超过 25 天,比如活跃的新冠疫情追踪,或者如果数据用于对严重犯罪的调查,一旦刑事和法庭诉讼结束,数据将被删除。</p> <p>当新冠流行病宣告结束时,不再需要的个人数据也将被删除。</p> <h2 class="“headings“">此法案不是开先例</h2> <p>维文强调,这项法案是为了在隐私、公共卫生和公共安全之间取得平衡,它发生在一个非常时期,并不意味着要开一个先例。</p> <p>相反,该法案是为了确保公众在与新冠的斗争中获得最大的支持。</p> <p>他提醒国会,这些关于隐私、先进技术和公共安全的辩论需要公开磋商和辩论,不应在一天之内解决。</p> <p>相反,将来会有机会进行辩论。</p> <p>您可以在此链接观看完整的视频。</p> <p>随后,毕丹星敦促公众为了公共卫生的利益下载并使用TraceTogether,维文对他的支持表示感谢。</p> <p>以上图片来自亚洲新闻台(CNA)视频。</p>
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China, Israel's foreign agents may conduct disinformation campaigns for S'pore's GE2025

China aims to dominate ASEAN by leveraging Singapore’s diplomatic influence and cultural ties, while Israel seeks to preserve its strategic alliance with Singapore - one of very few countries still allied with Israel in ASEAN.

|6 min read
China, Israel's foreign agents may conduct disinformation campaigns for S'pore's GE2025

Disclaimer: This analysis is a speculative exploration based on geopolitical trends, historical patterns, and open-source intelligence.


Foreign interference isn’t a conspiracy theory; it’s a global reality, from Russia’s 2016 U.S. election hacks to China’s whispered influence in Australia.

Singapore, a tiny island with outsized influence, is a high-value target. Its role as a global financial hub, with approximately S$5.4 trillion in assets under management makes its electoral outcome a matter of international consequence.

China

China, Singapore’s largest trading partner with S$150 billion in bilateral trade in 2022, has strong incentives to influence GE2025.

As ASEAN’s diplomatic anchor, Singapore influences regional policies critical to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and South China Sea claims.

A government aligned with Beijing would enhance its dominance in Southeast Asia, where Singapore’s neutrality is a linchpin.

Moreover, Singapore’s military training partnerships with Taiwan make it a target for China’s efforts to suppress Taiwanese independence narratives.

Past disinformation campaigns

China has a well-documented history of disinformation:

  • Taiwan: Beijing has used deepfakes and propaganda to discredit Taiwanese leaders and deter voters from supporting independence, targeting Chinese-speaking communities to sow division, as reported by regional security experts.

  • Philippines: China has promoted narratives portraying itself as a constructive regional actor while casting doubt on U.S. reliability, aiming to weaken U.S.-Philippine ties, per the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

  • Singapore (2017): A notable incident involved Huang Jing, a U.S. citizen and academic at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, who was expelled in August 2017 for acting as an agent of influence for a foreign country, widely understood to be China. Huang used his position to share privileged information with foreign intelligence operatives and attempted to influence Singapore’s foreign policy, per MHA.

Potential impact in Singapore

Singapore’s 74% ethnic Chinese population and economic ties with China create vulnerabilities to disinformation.

AI-generated deepfakes on platforms like Meta and Tiktok could depict candidates disparaging Chinese culture, alienating voters.

Cyber operations might target journalists of alternative and mainstream media outlets, while covert funding through Chinese business networks or clan associations could support pro-China candidates.

The October 2024 deepfake video targeting former President Halimah Yacob, falsely showing her criticizing the government, underscores this threat.

The 2020 case of Dickson Yeo, a Singaporean sentenced in the U.S. for spying for Chinese intelligence, further highlights Beijing’s use of local operatives, though Yeo claimed no disloyalty to Singapore.

Why Singapore?

Singapore’s diplomatic leadership in ASEAN and military ties with Taiwan make it a strategic target.

China’s ambition to dominate ASEAN relies on influencing key players like Singapore, whose neutral stance could shift regional dynamics if manipulated.

Disinformation could erode public trust or promote candidates aligned with Beijing’s goals.

Israel

Israel, a key defense partner supplying Singapore with technologies like the Iron Dome, seeks to maintain a government supportive of bilateral ties.

As one of Singapore’s few ASEAN allies alongside Thailand, and with neighbors like Malaysia and Indonesia holding anti-Israel stances, Singapore’s pro-Israel policies are crucial.

A change in government could disrupt defense cooperation or weaken Israel’s Southeast Asian foothold, where Singapore is a diplomatic and technological hub.

Past disinformation campaigns

Israel’s disinformation efforts, particularly since the Gaza war, have aimed to shape global narratives:

  • U.S. Lawmakers (2024): Israel funded a $2 million campaign through Stoic, a Tel Aviv-based firm, using 600 fake social media accounts to target 128 U.S. Congresspeople with pro-Israel messaging. Active as of June 2024, it employed AI tools like ChatGPT and fake news sites to attack UNRWA and influence policy (The New York Times, June 2024).

  • Gaza War propaganda: AI-driven bot farms spread false narratives to dehumanize Palestinians and pressure policymakers, as reported by The Intercept in February 2024 (Gaza: Israel, Netanyahu, propaganda, lies, Palestinians).

  • Meta censorship: Israel secured the removal of 38.8 million pro-Palestinian posts on Meta platforms by April 2025, aligning with efforts to suppress criticism (Dropsite News).

  • Specific falsehoods: Misleading claims, such as audio evidence in the Gaza Baptist Hospital massacre, highlight tactical disinformation (Euronews, February 2024).

Potential impact on Singapore

Israel’s cyber capabilities, exemplified by tools like Pegasus and Graphite used in Singapore pose a threat.

While the 2024 Graphite spyware from Paragon Solutions was reportedly halted, Israel’s history with Pegasus—sold to various governments—suggests that comparable tools remain active.

Disinformation campaigns might target Singapore’s Malay-Muslim community (15% of the population) to counter anti-Israel sentiments, using bots on platforms like Meta.

Covert lobbying through defense or tech partnerships could subtly influence policy.

Why Singapore?

Singapore’s status as a rare ASEAN ally makes it a linchpin for Israel’s regional strategy.

A pro-Israel government ensures sustained defense cooperation and counters regional hostility.

Disinformation could protect these ties by shaping elite perceptions or neutralizing anti-Israel narratives.

Singapore's defense capabilities

Singapore has fortified its electoral process against disinformation:

The FICA law was in the news recently when four members of one of Singapore's richest families were designated as "politically significant persons" for their membership to a China political advisory body. MHA had emphasised that the four individuals had not engaged in any “egregious activity”. As such, their designation can be seen as a pre-emptive move to guard against any potential vulnerabilities to foreign interference.

Also last year, FICA was invoked to block 95 social media accounts linked to self-exiled Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui, the first time that the account restrictions directions under FICA were being deployed.

Foreign disinformation poses a significant threat to GE2025.

China aims to dominate ASEAN by leveraging Singapore’s diplomatic influence and cultural ties, while Israel seeks to preserve its strategic alliance.

Singapore’s FICA, cybersecurity, and public resilience provide a strong defense, but sustained vigilance is critical.

Enhanced cyber audits, monitoring of foreign networks, and public education will ensure Singapore’s vote remains untainted.

As GE2025 approaches, the nation’s commitment to sovereignty will determine its success in countering these threats.

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GE2025 - Here are the key points from PAP manifesto

PAP manifesto focuses on economic growth, education, social support, healthcare, housing, sustainability, arts, and social cohesion, with detailed initiatives in each area.

|8 min read
GE2025 - Here are the key points from PAP manifesto

The People's Action Party (PAP) launched their manifesto last Thursday (Apr 17), titled "Changed World, Fresh Team, New Resolve – Securing a Brighter Future for You."

Manifesto focuses on economic growth, education, social support, healthcare, housing, sustainability, arts, and social cohesion, with detailed initiatives in each area.

Here are the key points:

Economic Growth and Business Competitiveness

The PAP, as the ruling party, launched its manifesto on April 17, 2025, titled "Our Manifesto, Our Promise," at Infinite Studios. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized navigating global changes and defending Singapore's interests. Key proposals include:

  • Enhancing support for Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians (PMETs) to thrive in a dynamic economy.
  • Nurturing Singaporean corporate leaders to drive local and global success, ensuring leadership in key industries.
  • Strengthening fair employment practices through legislation like the Workplace Fairness Act to protect workers' rights.
  • Maintaining Singapore's reputation as a reliable business hub, crucial for attracting foreign investment.
  • Investing in transport and digital infrastructure to enhance connectivity and efficiency, supporting business operations.
  • Adopting cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to boost productivity and innovation.
  • Securing clean energy sources, with exploration of nuclear power, to ensure sustainable economic growth.
  • Easing cost-of-living pressures through tax rebates and the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme, directly benefiting lower-income workers.
  • Enabling businesses to upgrade productivity through technological and operational advancements.
  • Facilitating access to manpower and capital for businesses to scale and innovate.
  • Supporting companies in expanding into new markets, enhancing Singapore's global economic footprint.

Education and Skills Development

Education is framed as a cornerstone for future success, with a focus on inclusivity and lifelong learning:

  • Redefining success to value diverse talents, moving beyond traditional academic metrics to recognize varied abilities.
  • Customizing education to cater to diverse abilities and interests, ensuring no student is left behind.
  • Investing in teachers' professional development to maintain high educational standards and adapt to new teaching methods.
  • Partnering with parents, industry, and communities to deliver holistic education, fostering well-rounded development.
  • Building four new Special Education (SPED) schools by 2030 to support students with special needs.
  • Establishing additional early intervention centers to identify and support developmental needs early.
  • Extending the Development Support-Learning Support Programme to more preschools, enhancing early childhood education.
  • Empowering Singaporeans to reskill and upskill through accessible programs, preparing them for future job markets.
  • Supporting companies in redesigning jobs and investing in worker training, aligning education with industry needs.
  • Introducing the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme to aid job seekers, particularly during economic transitions.

This pillar aims to build a flexible and inclusive education system, though challenges may arise in scaling these initiatives effectively.

Social Support and Inclusion

Social support is a critical focus, aiming to uplift vulnerable groups and ensure inclusivity:

  • Strengthening ComCare and Silver Support schemes to provide financial assistance to low-income and elderly citizens.
  • Enhancing Workfare to support lower-wage workers, ensuring they benefit from economic growth.
  • Extending Progressive Wages to more sectors, aiming to raise wages for lower-income workers systematically.
  • Providing individualized support for lower-income families via ComLink+, tailoring assistance to specific needs.
  • Increasing childcare subsidies for disadvantaged families to ensure regular preschool attendance, promoting early education.
  • Strengthening post-18 transitions for young adults, supporting their entry into the workforce or further education.
  • Boosting employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) through targeted initiatives, promoting inclusivity.
  • Increasing subsidies for adult disability services to improve accessibility and quality of care.
  • Piloting community living models for independent living, empowering PwDs to live autonomously.

These measures aim to create a more inclusive society, though their impact may vary based on funding and community uptake.

Healthcare and Well-Being

Healthcare initiatives are designed to cover the entire lifespan, ensuring comprehensive care:

  • Launching Grow Well SG for children and adolescents, focusing on early health and development.
  • Implementing Healthier SG for adults, promoting preventive care and healthy lifestyles.
  • Introducing Age Well SG for seniors, ensuring dignified aging with adequate support.
  • Innovating healthcare delivery through the Queenstown Health District, serving as a model for integrated care.
  • Adding 13,600 new hospital beds over five years to meet growing healthcare demands.
  • Redeveloping Alexandra Hospital to enhance facilities and services.
  • Opening Eastern General Hospital by 2030, expanding healthcare capacity in the east.
  • Growing the healthcare and nursing workforce to address staffing shortages and improve care quality.
  • Establishing a National Mental Health Office to coordinate efforts and expand access to mental health services.
  • Expanding access to mental health services across communities, addressing a critical public health need.

These initiatives aim to build a robust healthcare system, though challenges may include workforce retention and funding sustainability.

Housing and Urban Development

Housing remains a priority, addressing both supply and quality of living:

  • Building over 50,000 new HDB flats in three years, equivalent to an entire Ang Mo Kio town, to meet housing demand.
  • Increasing Shorter Waiting Time flats to reduce waiting periods for new homes.
  • Exploring public housing options for higher-income couples and singles, expanding access to HDB housing.
  • Ensuring a stable and sustainable property market through decisive measures, balancing supply and demand.
  • Rejuvenating HDB towns through the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS), with examples like Mount Pleasant, Kallang-Whampoa ("white flats"), and Bayshore (waterfront living at East Coast Park).

These efforts aim to ensure affordable and quality housing, though market dynamics may pose implementation challenges.

Sustainability and Green Spaces

Sustainability is a key focus, balancing urban development with environmental care:

  • Creating 25 new parks to enhance green spaces for recreation and biodiversity.
  • Developing 50km of park connectors to improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Establishing 13 therapeutic gardens to support mental and physical well-being.
  • Developing a second marine park at Lazarus South and Kusu Reef, protecting marine ecosystems.
  • Building new MRT lines, including Jurong Regional and Cross-Island Lines, to enhance public transport.
  • Extending existing MRT lines and enhancing bus services to improve accessibility and reduce car dependency.

These initiatives aim to create a sustainable urban environment, though their success may depend on community engagement and funding.

Arts, Culture, and Sports

Arts and culture are highlighted as vital for quality of life and national identity:

  • Expanding the SG Culture Pass to provide broader access to cultural experiences, promoting arts appreciation.
  • Promoting early arts exposure in schools and preschools, fostering creativity from a young age.
  • Offering more arts apprenticeships and scholarships to support emerging artists.
  • Providing additional arts spaces and support for artists, enhancing the cultural ecosystem.
  • Establishing a new Museum of Design to showcase creativity and innovation.
  • Developing Kallang Alive, including a new indoor arena and home for Team Singapore, boosting sports infrastructure.
  • Building new sports facilities in Clementi, Punggol, and Toa Payoh, and upgrading existing ones in Hougang, Pasir Ris, and Queenstown.

These efforts aim to enrich cultural and sporting life, though their impact may vary based on public participation.

Social Cohesion and Civic Engagement

Social cohesion is framed as essential for national unity and resilience:

  • Fostering a strong Singaporean identity rooted in shared values and experiences.
  • Upholding multi-racial and multi-religious values, ensuring harmony and inclusivity.
  • Enhancing integration efforts to build a cohesive society, particularly for new citizens.
  • Maintaining Singapore as an oasis of peace, emphasizing stability in a turbulent world.
  • Nurturing a culture of giving by connecting donors and volunteers with those in need, promoting community support.
  • Increasing avenues for civic participation, empowering citizens to contribute to nation-building.
  • Strengthening partnerships between the government and the people, fostering collaborative governance.

These measures aim to build a united and engaged society, though their effectiveness may depend on community buy-in.

Summary Table

PillarKey InitiativeTarget Beneficiaries
Economic GrowthAdopt AI and clean energyBusinesses, PMETs
EducationBuild 4 new SPED schools by 2030Students with special needs
Social SupportExtend Progressive Wages to more sectorsLower-wage workers
HealthcareAdd 13,600 new hospital beds in 5 yearsGeneral population
HousingBuild 50,000 new HDB flats in 3 yearsHome seekers
SustainabilityCreate 25 new parksResidents, environmentalists
Arts and CultureExpand SG Culture PassArts enthusiasts
Social CohesionEnhance integration effortsNew citizens, diverse groups
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工人党无需担忧反对党全军覆没——阿裕尼与后港选区胜券在握

新加坡反对党堡垒的底气与隐忧

|1 min read
工人党无需担忧反对党全军覆没——阿裕尼与后港选区胜券在握

根据《海峡时报》专访,工人党新人哈普雷特·辛格(Harpreet Singh)近日坦言,不愿被“空降”至“安全选区”。此言如石投湖面,激起涟漪,揭示了工人党对后港和阿裕尼等选区坚如磐石的自信,暗示其内部对这些传统票仓的掌控力。

哈普雷特的表态证实了外界长期的猜测:在人民行动党(PAP)主宰的新加坡政坛,后港选区(自1991年起为工人党根据地)和阿裕尼集选区(2011年夺下)堪称反对党的“铁打营盘”。2020年大选(GE2020)中,工人党在后港赢得61.2%的选票,阿裕尼集选区得票率达59.9%。虽非压倒性胜利,但在人民行动党(上届93席中占83席)的绝对优势下,这份选民忠诚度无疑是一股不容小觑的力量。

然而,工人党秘书长普里坦·辛格(Pritam Singh)却频频警告反对党可能“全军覆没”,正如《亚洲新闻台》今年初报道所述。这番危言耸听的论调,与哈普雷特的乐观表态形成鲜明对比,令人不禁质疑其真实意图。

普里坦的“全军覆没”危言

普里坦在呼吁党内团结时反复提及“全军覆没”的风险,表面上是为激励支持者,防止自满情绪滋生。他将选举塑造成一场生死存亡的较量,意在确保工人党支持者——尤其是在后港与阿裕尼等关键选区——踊跃投票。这种“恐惧动员”在新家坡政坛并不陌生,堪称政治教科书中的经典一招。

然而,这柄双刃剑暗藏风险。哈普雷特对“安全选区”的坦率承认,暗示工人党私下对核心选区的稳固地位信心十足。公开渲染“全军覆没”的危机,难免让敏锐的选民嗅到一丝虚伪的气息。在新加坡这个以务实著称的城邦,选民对政治话术的洞察力不容小觑。若他们察觉工人党夸大风险以操控舆论,这种“公信力货币”本就稀缺的政党恐将陷入信任危机。

更棘手的是,普里坦自身的诚信风波为其言论蒙上阴影。今年早些时候,他因在国会特权委员会(Committee of Privileges)作伪证被判两项罪名成立。案件源于他处理前国会议员拉希莎·汗(Raeesah Khan)2021年在国会谎称陪同性侵受害者报警一事的失当行为。这场风波令普里坦的公信力备受考验,也让他的“全军覆没”论调更显牵强。

“弱势牌”的高风险博弈

普里坦绝非政坛新手。作为律师、国会议员及深耕新加坡政坛多年的老将,他的“全军覆没”论并非出于对后港或阿裕尼选情的真正担忧,而是精心设计的动员策略。在选民冷漠情绪可能滋生的岛国,点燃支持者的危机感是政治动员的入门课。

然而,过犹不及。过度渲染弱势地位,恐有“狼来了”之虞。正如哈普雷特所暗示,若工人党的核心选区稳如泰山,普里坦的末日论调可能适得其反,侵蚀选民信任。在新加坡,选民对政治操作的敏锐嗅觉不容低估。2023年爱德曼调查显示,78%的新加坡人对政府抱有高度信任,这种信任文化使得任何试图操弄民意的行为都可能招致反感。

2025年大选(GE2025)即将来临,工人党应抛弃戏剧化的危机叙事,转而深耕政策与基层。在这个以理性与实干为本的国度,选民更看重政党的实际作为,而非耸人听闻的“全军覆没”呐喊。无论选区是否“安全”,选举的胜负始终取决于扎根选民的真诚努力,而非高调的恐惧营销。

在这个崇尚实质的城邦,空洞的话术终将被务实的行动盖过光芒。

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Chee Soon Juan's choice of Ariffin Sha raises questions on vetting

No system guarantees flawless candidates, but knowingly selecting a convict pre-election reflects a clearer lapse in judgment.

|2 min read
Chee Soon Juan's choice of Ariffin Sha raises questions on vetting

Singapore Democratic Party’s (SDP) Chee Soon Juan has made a questionable choice nominating Ariffin Sha, the 27-year-old founder of Wake Up, Singapore (WUSG), to contest Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC.

The decision is not a minor oversight—it points to a lapse in judgment that may cast doubts on Chee’s fitness for ministerial office.

While the People’s Action Party (PAP) has faced its own scandals involving individuals who were later convicted (Eg. Iswaran), these typically emerge after elections, not before.

Background

In August 2024, Ariffin was fined S$8,000 after pleading guilty to criminal defamation for publishing a fabricated story about KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, falsely claiming a woman suffered a miscarriage due to negligence.

Chee’s response to Ariffin's red flag is has been evasive.

At a press conference on April 13, 2025, he urged voters to focus on SDP’s policies, not Ariffin’s past, and compared the case to former PAP Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin’s resignation over an extramarital affair. The comparison misses the mark: Tan’s personal lapse, while serious, did not involve lawbreaking or public harm.

Chee’s deflection sidesteps the core issue of vetting a candidate with a known conviction.

Leadership requires sound judgement

The PAP is not immune to scrutiny.

Cases like former Transport Minister S. Iswaran’s corruption charges in January 2024 and former Tampines GRC MP Cheng Li Hui’s affair with Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan Jin reveal vetting gaps.

However, these issues emerged after elections. The PAP acted decisively, removing Iswaran from his post and asked both Tan Chuan Jin and Cheng Li Hui to resign.

No system guarantees flawless candidates, but knowingly selecting a convict pre-election reflects a clearer lapse in judgment.

Zero tolerance on misinformation

Ariffin’s case strikes at Singapore’s zero-tolerance stance on misinformation.

In 2024, POFMA was invoked 15 times to correct falsehoods, underscoring the harm of unchecked narratives. Ariffin’s defamation directly contravened this ethos, making his nomination a liability in a constituency where community cohesion is vital.

Residents value reliability in governance. Chee’s oversight suggests a disconnect, potentially eroding confidence in SDP’s ability to address bread-and-butter issues like job security and affordability.

Ariffin’s supporters may cite his work with Wake Up, Singapore, which amplifies marginalized voices, or argue his youth mitigates his error. These arguments carry limited weight.

Public office demands high standards, especially in Singapore, where trust underpins stability.

Ariffin’s conviction reflects a lapse in responsibility, and Chee’s endorsement suggests inadequate scrutiny.

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新加坡无法在中美冲突中保持真正中立

在全球地缘政治的风暴中,新加坡如何驾驭大国博弈?选择中立意味着在经济与安全上避免与任何一方结盟。然而,新加坡对中美两大市场的深层依赖,迫使其采取务实外交。这不是中立性的试炼——而是实力的彰显。通过在供应链、科技与外交领域砥砺锋芒,新加坡并非规避站队,而是化被动为主动,让大国竞相争取其青睐。这不是中立——这是实力。

|1 min read
新加坡无法在中美冲突中保持真正中立

新加坡能否在动荡的地缘政治格局中保持中立?

前贸易及工业部长、现任教育部长陈振声在新传媒播客中指出,问题不在于选择站队——有时这由不得你——而在于让新加坡变得如此不可或缺,以至于各方都想分一杯羹。

陈部长的洞见凸显了新加坡务实的外交策略,但却掩盖了一个冷峻的事实:在中美之间深厚的经济与战略纠葛面前,中立不过是一场海市蜃楼。

中立承诺公正,但新加坡的现实与之背道而驰

由于与美国和中国的经济、战略及地缘政治联系根深蒂固,新加坡在中美贸易战中无法保持真正中立。

2023年,中国占新加坡出口的14%(830亿美元),进口的13%;美国则占出口的13%(760亿美元),进口的10%。

美国的外国直接投资(2340亿美元)是新加坡经济增长的引擎,而中国的“一带一路”倡议则充分利用新加坡港口的枢纽地位,2024年处理了3700万标准箱(TEU)。

新加坡支持美国主导的印太框架,如2022年启动的“印太经济繁荣框架”(IPEF)。这一由14国(不含中国)组成的联盟,旨在促进贸易与供应链韧性。

被排除在IPEF之外的中国,将其视为美国遏制其地区影响力的棋局。中国外交部长王毅痛斥这是经济“脱钩”与“煽动对抗”的企图。

2024年,中国官媒点名批评新加坡在IPEF中的角色,暗示可能招致贸易报复,至今虽未见实质行动,但信号清晰:当最大贸易伙伴感到被背叛,中立不过是镜花水月。

在东盟走钢丝:平衡大国与区域挑战

在安全领域,新加坡依赖美国,尤其是在动荡地区维持威慑力量,这使其战略天平有所倾斜。

真正的中立要求疏远与美国的防务合作,但面对区域威胁——包括中国在南海对东盟的强硬姿态——这一选项几无可能。

尽管新加坡在南海没有主权声索,但其支持基于规则的国际秩序,暗中配合美国针对中国主张的“航行自由”行动。这一立场在《2024年新加坡外交政策报告》中清晰阐述,引发中国不满,重创其中立形象。

作为东盟核心成员,新加坡致力于区域团结。然而,东盟内部裂痕——柬埔寨与老挝亲近中国,菲律宾与越南倾向美国——使中立成为外交雷区。

新加坡的真正策略:不是中立,而是实力

选择中立意味着在经济与安全上避免与任何一方结盟,但新加坡对中美市场的依赖迫使其采取务实外交。

偏向一方可能疏远另一方,而超然物外则可能使新加坡在全球贸易网络中被边缘化。

因此,新加坡追求“战略自主”——两面下注、多元化伙伴关系、保持最大灵活性。这种策略宛如一辆精密战车,游走于大国博弈之间,而不被任何一方完全吞并。

2023年,新加坡6000亿新元的经济在关税逆风中仍增长1.2%,彰显其非凡韧性。

新加坡的真正优势不在于回避站队,而在于让自己成为不可或缺的枢纽,让大国竞相拉拢。

这不是中立——这是实力。