When Deputy Prime Minister and prime minister-designate Lee Hsien Loong gave a speech to the Harvard Club on Jan 6, emphasising his continuing commitment to the opening up of Singapore, and specifically to the development of a robust civic society, the local and foreign media immediately contacted me for my reaction. Read more

Whether cause or symptom, the issue of the ministerial pay increases is once again provoking strong reaction from the people and causing them to raise their voices to a new level of concern, as seen in the letters to the press, newspaper commentaries and articles, public forums, TV phone-in comments and question-and-answer sessions with government representatives, not to mention the ubiquitous coffeeshop talk. Read more

The debate on higher ministerial salaries is over, and the White Paper making the case for them passed, but the heat generated is still around. Read more

It is no secret that while the PAP Government has inspired in the people much respect for its efficiency and much gratitude for the good life as a result of this efficiency, there is very little in the way of affectionate regard. Read more