Fathership

“我们看不到前方的路”中国南部遭暴雨和洪水淹没

中国南方部分地区连降暴雨,造成四人死亡、十人失踪。

|1 min read
“我们看不到前方的路”中国南部遭暴雨和洪水淹没

北京——上周末,中国南方部分地区连降暴雨,造成四人死亡、十人失踪。中国政府保持高度警惕,以防天气进一步恶化。 广东省是中国人口密集的制造强省,是此次降雨的重灾区。 珠江干流北江沿岸的城市,如韶关、英德和清远,相继报告了山体滑坡、洪水和人员疏散的情况。 据中国新华社4月22日报道,拥有1.27亿人口的广东,约有11万受灾居民已进行转移。灾害造成四人死亡,十人失踪。 自4月19日以来,广东约有116万户家庭停电。截至4月21日晚,80 %的家庭已恢复供电。 航班和火车多次延误或取消,全省部分学校被勒令停课。洪水导致36所房屋倒塌,另有48所房屋严重受损。 在社交媒体上,一段视频广为流传,视频中一名救援人员站在另一名救援人员的肩膀上,试图营救楼上的居民;同时也有视频拍摄到救援人员将老年居民从楼梯上背下来的画面。 据有关部门估计,山洪造成的直接经济损失达1.406亿元人民币(约合2700万新元)。 广东夏季易发洪涝灾害,但洪涝季节一般从5月开始。该省大部分地区属于地势低洼的珠江三角洲区域,特别容易受到风暴和海平面上升的影响。 20多岁的广州居民毕丽(Bi Li)女士从事牙科工作,她告诉《海峡时报》(The Straits Times),4月20日上午,由于天气原因导致路况不佳,她在韶关参加专业考试时差点迟到。“暴雨、闪电和雷鸣交织在一起,非常吓人。我和司机在去考场的路上甚至看不清前方的路。”4月19日晚前往韶关参加考试的毕女士说。 <img class="“alignnone"> 之后,她的司机不得不绕道避开被洪水淹没的道路,将她送到韶关市火车站。 新华社22日援引国家气象中心的信息报道,中国南方的降雨预计将在未来三天内减弱,但广东和福建两省的部分地区仍将持续降雨。 除了广东省和福建省,该地区的其他省份如广西、江西和贵州在过去一周也遭遇了强降雨。 报道称,多个地区的降雨量创下历史新高,广东未来几天的降雨量可能达到100毫米至160毫米。 报道补充说:“与往年同期相比,预计4月下旬我国南部和西南部大部分地区的降水量将增加50 %至80 %。”4月22日上午,当局表示全国暴雨威胁仍然较高,发布了黄色预警信号,这是中国四级预警信号中第三高的级别。 在广东,直升机、橡皮艇和救援人员已部署到受灾地区,确保居民能够安全撤离或有足够的食物和其他必需品。 居住在广州的42岁新加坡人林先生(Jason Lim)说,自4月19日以来,断断续续的暴雨已造成该市部分郊区发生洪灾。 林先生在一家食品公司担任副总经理,他说周末去邻近的佛山出差时,那里的积水已经淹到了他的脚踝,但道路仍然可以通行。 <img class="“alignnone"> 他说,此次降雨影响了广东省的物流,原本预计于4月22日到达的快递将无法送达。 他说:“由于天气恶劣,快递都延误了,但我预计它们将在未来两天内送达。”新华社称,中国铁路广州局集团提供的铁路服务此前受暴雨影响,现已于4月22日全面恢复。4月19日至21日期间,共有305趟列车因恶劣天气停止运行或不得不折返。

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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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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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Jalan Kayu单选区 - 两块“木头”间的艰难抉择

黄志明与卡拉·马尼卡姆的对决揭示信任与分裂的较量

|1 min read
Jalan Kayu单选区 - 两块“木头”间的艰难抉择

2025年5月3日,Jalan Kayu单选区(Jalan Kayu SMC)的29,565名选民将站在十字路口,选择两条崎岖路径之一:人民行动党(PAP)职总秘书长黄志明,背负2024年职总英康收购案的污点,宛如一辆伤痕累累的战车;抑或红点团结党(RDU)的激进教育家卡拉·马尼卡姆,其2021年前进党诉讼风波暴露的个人主义倾向,恰似一艘独木舟在政治风浪中摇摆 [译注:2025年4月22日,红点团结党宣布退出Jalan Kayu单选区,支持工人党参选,以避免多角竞争。本文基于此前候选人假设撰写]。

候选人背景

黄志明(56岁)

黄志明曾于2009至2013年担任新加坡空军总长,2013至2015年升任三军总长,展现军事生涯的严谨与权威。2015年,他代表人民行动党当选巴西立-榜鹅集选区国会议员,但在2020年竞逐盛港集选区时,以47.88%的得票率铩羽而归。自2018年起,他担任职总秘书长,力推劳动力发展和工人权益政策,试图为职场注入活力。然而,2024年职总英康收购案令其公信力蒙尘,被舆论抨击“要么纵容利益输送,要么严重失职”,如同一座信任堡垒被风暴侵蚀。

卡拉·马尼卡姆(57岁)

卡拉·马尼卡姆是单亲母亲、特殊教育专家兼中小企业主,拥有终身教育硕士学位,散发草根魅力。她是新加坡武装部队首批女军官之一,服役七年,官至中尉,彰显坚韧。2020年,她代表前进党竞选义顺集选区,获38.76%选票;同年12月被开除,2021年提起“不当终止党籍”诉讼,后和解。此事暴露其“独行侠”作风。如今,她加入红点团结党,聚焦职业培训和生活成本压力,试图以小党之力撬动选民心弦。

黄志明的职总英康风波

2024年7月,职总与德国保险巨头英杰华(Allianz)提出22亿新元的收购案,宣称将增强职总英康的竞争力。8月,黄志明与职总主席达纳拉克希米发表联合声明,信誓旦旦保证英杰华将维护英康的社会使命。然而,细节如暗礁般浮现,险些葬送交易。英杰华计划提取18.5亿新元资本,近半投资可迅速回笼,恐耗尽维持低保费的储备金,宛如从社会保障的根基抽梁换柱。2024年10月14日,文化、社区及青年部长唐振辉代表政府果断叫停交易,认定其背离英康2022年公司化目标,即强化财务实力以惠及保单持有人。

黄志明坚称职总中央委员会对资本提取计划毫不知情,试图撇清责任,但前英康首席执行官陈瑞财痛斥该计划“违背诚信”,直指交易暗藏私利。新加坡管理大学副教授陈庆文直言,这种无知“令人瞠目结舌” [译注:意指难以置信的疏忽],如同指挥官在战场上迷失方向。2025年1月,黄志明将就业不稳定性归咎于人工智能,回避外籍劳工政策争议,被批“高高在上”,如同一座与民意脱节的孤塔。2020年盛港集选区失利已暴露其政治软肋,选民不禁质疑:他究竟是工人代言人,还是行动党机器的忠实齿轮?

卡拉的前进党诉讼争议

2021年7月,卡拉向高等法院起诉前进党,后移交国家法院,掀起政治风波。她要求宣告2020年12月开除决定“违法无效”,并追讨1万新元竞选开支,指控前进党违宪,未给予她申辩机会。前进党提交七份宣誓书,包括党魁陈清木的证词,指控她破坏团队凝聚力、抗命不遵。同区候选人郑德源透露,她跳过团队会议、擅自组织走访,形同独奏而非合唱。17人联署反对其复职,干部以55:11的投票支持开除决定。

陈清木回忆,2020年11月会议上,卡拉“挑衅好斗”,高喊“证据呢?证据呢?”,如同一头不甘受缚的猛兽。她通过脸书和法庭公开控诉,展现原则性,却也暴露分裂倾向,宛如在政治舞台上独舞。转投红点团结党被批“机会主义”,如同一名独行侠在寻找新战场。诉讼虽和解,但卡拉的个人主义标签挥之不去,恐难适应新加坡强调协作的政治生态。

选情分析

黄志明依托行动党强大的基层网络,Jalan Kayu单选区与宏茂桥集选区的历史渊源为其加分。然而,英康风波重创公信力,盛港失利阴影犹存,选民质疑其是否真为工人发声。卡拉的草根形象贴近民心,反对党协调机制或助其整合选票,但诉讼风波暴露团队协作缺陷,红点团结党知名度有限,难以撼动主流。工人党未派候选人,人民力量党若参选可能分散反对派选票,但红点团结党与其他小党的协调或可缓解分裂风险。这场选举无关谁是耀眼的明星,而是两块“卡由”(马来语“木头”谐音,喻指不完美的候选人)中,谁能更稳固地承载选民的期望。

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PSP Tan Cheng Bock now admits that we have to worry about US tariffs

Dr Tan called PM Wong's statement on the US tariffs as a fear-mongering but later admitted that it's a very serious problem.

|2 min read
PSP Tan Cheng Bock now admits that we have to worry about US tariffs

During the PSP's manifesto launch early this month (Apr 6), Dr Tan Cheng Bock, the party's chairman, criticized the government's response to the US tariffs as "overblown".

He suggested that the government's strong warnings, such as Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's (PM Wong) statement on about the "likelihood of a full-blown global trade war," might be an attempt to "instil fear" in voters to make them choose the incumbent as a "safe bet" ahead of the General Election.

In a YouTube video, PM Wong urged Singaporeans to brace themselves because the risks are real and the stakes high.

Dr Tan called for economists to study the real impact of the tariffs. "Don't just make statements of this kind and scare everybody," he said.

To worry or not to worry?

On Saturday (Apr 19), Dr Tan reiterated his party’s stance on the trade war, calling it “a very difficult problem, but a very serious problem” that “we are not taking lightly”.

He said: "Trump is so unpredictable. I cannot give you the answer also. But i don't think that we are just lying low and say oh, nothing to worry. of course, we worry differently. We are looking for answers. This is a very difficult, serious problem. And we are not taking it lightly."

PSP's position on the US tariffs reflects a critical view of the government's initial response as potentially exaggerated for political gain but later recognized the trade war's significant economic implications that should not be taken lightly.

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GE2025 - Here are the key points from SDP's manifesto

The manifesto focuses on reducing economic inequality, enhancing social welfare, reforming education, and strengthening democratic governance.

|7 min read
GE2025 - Here are the key points from SDP's manifesto

The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) released its manifesto for Singapore's 2025 General Election under the slogan “Thrive, Not Just Survive,” presenting a comprehensive set of policy proposals to address key national issues.

1. Cost of Living

The SDP highlights Singapore’s rising cost of living, driven by high housing prices, healthcare costs, and regressive taxation like the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The party critiques policies that burden the middle and lower classes while wealth concentrates among the elite.

  • Tax Reforms:
    • Abolish GST on essential items (e.g., food, medicine, school supplies) to reduce costs of necessities. No specific list of items or fiscal impact estimate is provided.
    • Increase income tax on the top 1% of earners to fund social programs. No tax rate or revenue target is specified.
    • Reinstate estate duty to address wealth inequality. No thresholds, rates, or expected revenue are detailed.
  • Ministerial Salary Reduction:
    • Cut ministerial salaries significantly, redirecting savings to aid lower-income households. No specific reduction amount or savings estimate is provided (current ministerial salaries: ~S$1.1M–S$3.2M annually, 2022 data).
  • Minimum Wage:
    • Introduce a minimum wage to ensure a living wage. No specific wage amount (e.g., S$2,000/month) or implementation timeline is stated.
  • Economic Transparency:
    • Enhance transparency in managing national reserves to ensure equitable use. No mechanisms (e.g., audits, parliamentary oversight) or reserve figures are specified.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
TaxationAbolish GST on essentials, tax top 1%, reinstate estate dutyReduce regressive tax burden, fund social programs
SalariesCut ministerial salariesRedirect funds to aid the poor
WagesIntroduce minimum wageEnsure dignified living standards
ReservesIncrease transparencyPromote equitable use of public funds

2. Housing

The SDP criticizes the high cost of Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats, driven by land costs and the 99-year lease decay issue. The party proposes restructuring the housing system to prioritize affordability and sustainability.

  • Non-Open Market (NOM) Scheme:
    • Cap HDB flat prices at S$270,000, excluding land costs, with flats sold back to HDB upon resale to maintain affordability. No details on flat types (e.g., 3-room, 4-room) or locations covered are provided (2024 BTO prices: ~S$300,000–S$600,000).
  • Voluntary En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme (VERS):
    • Introduce a sustainable VERS to address lease decay, enabling collective redevelopment. No specifics on funding, scale, or eligible estates are mentioned.
  • Increase Housing Supply:
    • Build more affordable flats to meet demand, reducing waiting times and prices. No specific figure for annual flat supply (e.g., 20,000 flats/year, as in 2024 HDB data) or demand metrics (e.g., marriage rates) is provided.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
NOM SchemeCap HDB flats at S$270,000, exclude land costsMake housing affordable, curb speculation
VERSSustainable en-bloc redevelopmentAddress lease decay, maintain affordability
SupplyBuild more flatsReduce waiting times, stabilize prices

3. Jobs and Wages

The SDP aims to prioritize Singaporeans in employment, reduce reliance on foreign labor, and address wage stagnation, particularly for Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians (PMETs), in a workforce where foreign workers comprise ~39% (2024 data).

  • Minimum Wage:
    • Implement a minimum wage to ensure a living wage. No specific amount or benchmark (e.g., S$2,000/month) is provided.
  • Talent Track Scheme:
    • Introduce a points-based system for foreign PMETs, prioritizing Singaporeans for hiring and retrenchment protection. No criteria (e.g., skills, experience) or quotas are specified.
  • Foreign Labor Reduction:
    • Gradually reduce reliance on foreign workers to create opportunities for Singaporeans. No target percentage (e.g., from 39% to 30%) or timeline is stated.
  • CPF Minimum Sum Reform:
    • Eliminate the CPF Minimum Sum Scheme (Full Retirement Sum: ~S$213,000, 2024) to provide retirement flexibility. No alternative savings mechanism is proposed.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
WagesMinimum wageEnsure fair compensation
EmploymentTalent Track Scheme, prioritize SingaporeansProtect local job opportunities
Foreign LaborReduce relianceIncrease jobs for Singaporeans
CPFScrap Minimum Sum SchemeEnhance retirement flexibility

4. Social Safety Net

The SDP seeks to strengthen social support, focusing on healthcare, marginalized communities, and gender equality, replacing complex schemes with accessible programs.

  • National Health Investment Fund (NHIF):
    • Replace the 3M system (Medisave, Medishield, Medifund) with NHIF, where citizens contribute a fixed monthly amount, and the government funds the rest via taxes. No contribution amount (e.g., S$50/month) or total cost estimate is provided.
    • Make maternal and pediatric care mostly free. No scope (e.g., age limit for pediatric care) or budget is specified.
  • Malay Community Upliftment:
    • Implement a 10-point plan to address economic inequality, education access, and discrimination. No specific actions (e.g., scholarship funding, employment quotas) or metrics are detailed.
  • Gender Equality:
    • Promote women’s rights via the SDP Women’s Wing, focusing on healthcare, work-life balance, and anti-discrimination. No specific programs (e.g., subsidies, leave policies) or funding is outlined.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
HealthcareNHIF, free maternal/pediatric careReduce medical costs, support families
Malay Community10-point upliftment planAddress inequality, promote inclusion
Gender EqualityWomen’s Wing initiativesEnhance women’s rights, work-life balance

5. Education

The SDP critiques Singapore’s exam-driven education system for fostering stress and inequality, proposing reforms to prioritize holistic development.

  • Abolish PSLE:
    • Eliminate the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) to reduce student stress. No replacement assessment (e.g., portfolios) or transition plan is detailed.
  • Smaller Class Sizes:
    • Reduce class sizes to improve learning. No target size (e.g., from 33.6 to 25 for primary, 2023 data) or funding estimate is provided.
  • Holistic Curriculum:
    • Emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and socio-emotional skills. No specific curriculum changes or teacher training plans are outlined.
  • Equal Opportunities:
    • Address socio-economic disparities in education. No interventions (e.g., subsidies) or disparity metrics (e.g., low-income student percentage) are specified.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
PSLEAbolish PSLEReduce exam stress, promote holistic growth
Class SizesSmaller classesEnhance personalized learning
CurriculumFocus on critical thinking, creativityPrepare students for diverse futures
EquityAddress disparitiesEnsure equal educational opportunities

6. Governance

The SDP addresses concerns over the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) dominance and restrictions on freedom of expression, seeking to enhance transparency and civil liberties.

  • Ministerial Salaries:
    • Reduce ministerial salaries to align with public service ethos. No specific reduction amount is provided.
  • Freedom of Speech:
    • Reform laws like the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) to protect constitutional rights. No specific mechanisms (e.g., judicial oversight) are detailed.
  • Constitutional Reforms:
    • Strengthen civil liberties through constitutional amendments. No specific articles or amendments are specified.
  • Government-Linked Companies (GLCs):
    • Divest inefficient GLCs to foster competition. No list of targeted GLCs or economic impact estimates is provided.
  • Regional Democratic Partnerships:
    • Foster partnerships with democratic neighbors (e.g., Malaysia, Indonesia). No specific agreements or initiatives are outlined.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
SalariesReduce ministerial salariesPromote public service ethos
Free SpeechReform POFMA, protect rightsEnhance democratic expression
ConstitutionStrengthen civil libertiesFoster open society
GLCsDivest inefficient GLCsPromote market competition
Regional TiesDemocratic partnershipsStrengthen regional democratic values

7. Environment

The SDP emphasizes environmental sustainability, addressing climate change and resource management in a densely populated nation.

  • Climate Commitments:
    • Strengthen adherence to the Paris Agreement through emissions targets and renewable energy. No specific targets (e.g., 50% emissions cut by 2030) are provided.
  • Electric Vehicles (EVs):
    • Provide incentives for EV adoption to reduce emissions. No details on subsidies (e.g., amount per vehicle) or infrastructure (e.g., charging stations) are included.
  • Population Control:
    • Oppose population growth to 10 million, rejecting long-term planning scenarios (e.g., 2013 White Paper). No alternative population cap (e.g., 6M) is proposed.
  • Haze Pollution:
    • Enforce the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. No specific actions (e.g., fines, regional agreements) are detailed.
  • Waste Reduction:
    • Reduce single-use packaging. No targets (e.g., 50% reduction by 2030) or mechanisms (e.g., bans) are specified.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
ClimateStrengthen Paris Agreement commitmentsReduce carbon footprint
EVsIncentivize EV adoptionLower transportation emissions
PopulationOppose 10 million targetEnsure sustainable growth
HazeEnforce Transboundary Haze ActAddress regional pollution
WasteReduce single-use packagingMinimize environmental impact

Conclusion

Launched ahead of the May 3, 2025, General Election, the SDP’s manifesto reflects its social liberal democratic vision, emphasizing affordability, equity, and sustainability.

Key proposals, such as the S$270,000 HDB price cap and opposition to a 10 million population, include specific figures, but most policies (e.g., building more flats, minimum wage, class size reductions) lack quantitative details, such as numerical targets or cost estimates.

Implementation challenges include fiscal costs (e.g., NHIF, GST exemptions), political resistance to bold reforms (e.g., PSLE abolition, GLC divestment), and the SDP’s limited electoral success (no seats since 1997).