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Recap: Parliament wraps up debate on the President's Address

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A total of 81 MPs spoke over the five days of the parliamentary sitting.

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Lee Li Ying, Vanessa Paige Chelvan, Ian Cheng, Fatimah Mujibah, Ng Wei Kai

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Published: Sept 22, 2025

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Read more on straitstimes.com","ogDescription":"A total of 81 MPs spoke over the five days of the parliamentary sitting. Read more on straitstimes.com","jsonLd":"{\"@context\":\"https:\\/\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"LiveBlogPosting\",\"@id\":\"https:\\/\\/www.straitstimes.com\\/live-singapore-parliament-sept-2025\",\"headline\":\"Live: S\\u2019pore\\u2019s response to Gaza crisis, train breakdowns on Parliament\\u2019s agenda\",\"description\":\"Parliament resumes today, with three office-holders slated to speak on the situation in the Middle East. Read more at straitstimes.com.\",\"coverageStartTime\":\"2025-09-22T08:00:00+08:00\",\"coverageEndTime\":\"2025-09-26T23:59:00+08:00\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\/\\/www.straitstimes.com\\/assets\\/ST-logo-default-aoeSLh4S.png\",\"width\":\"1228\",\"height\":\"96\"}},\"liveBlogUpdate\":[{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Parliament has ended for the day! After the break, a few more MPs spoke and there was also an adjournment motion on the COE by WP\\u2019s Associate Professor Jamus Lim.\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T21:07:00+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-23T11:43:40+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Here are some highlights: Ageing infrastructure was raised by Ms Tin Pei Ling (Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC), who suggested Singapore look at refreshing it amid new challenges like climate change.Several MPs spoke on job and wage anxieties, and pointed to schemes meant to address these issues. They also made their own suggestions on what can be done to help fresh graduates and low-wage workers.WP MPs spoke on PM Wong\\u2019s call to move from a \\u201cme first\\u201d to a \\u201cwe first\\u201d society, giving their own takes on what must be done to not leave Singaporeans behind.Associate Professor Jamus Lim (Sengkang GRC) wrapped up the sitting with a suggestion that COEs be made cheaper for groups that need them more. Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow responded and said the system may sound attractive but will in practice benefit too few.Thanks for reading and see you tomorrow!\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Yes, there\\u2019s help for job anxieties, but PAP MPs are calling for more in speeches from the first day of the debate\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T20:35:15+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-23T10:07:43+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Jobs \\u2013 particularly youth anxieties about getting them \\u2013 featured strongly in MPs\\u2019 speeches on the first day of Parliament. Several MPs spoke on the issue which has come to the fore in recent months. We know the Government is concerned about the issue: At the August National Day Rally \\u2013 one of the biggest political speeches of the year\\u2013 Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced a new government-funded traineeship scheme for graduates from tertiary institutions here. MPs today pointed to the scheme and gave additional suggestions to allay concerns. Mr Sharael Taha (Pasir Ris-Changi GRC) said Singapore should also expand structured apprenticeships.Labour MP Melvin Yong (Radin Mas) and Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash (East Coast GRC) also raised the issue of salaries of low-wage workers as an area of concern.It is one that they have been watching for a long time, and has renewed urgency, given rising costs of living. The Progressive Wage Model, which was implemented in 2014, remains the PAP\\u2019s tool of choice to tackle the problem of slow wage progression at the bottom \\u2013 both of them raised this as the working solution. Mr Yong suggested that the scheme, which enforces that employees are paid certain wages tagged to certain levels of productivity across nine sectors, should be expanded. Jobs and wages are likely to continue to feature heavily over the next few days of debate, given the economic headwinds Singapore faces and PM Wong\\u2019s declaration at the NDR that: \\u201cUltimately, our economic strategy is about jobs, jobs, and jobs.\\u201d\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Provide COE discounts to those who would 'disproportionately' benefit from car ownership: Jamus Lim\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T20:40:53+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T21:46:55+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\" WP MP Jamus Lim (Sengkang GRC) proposes making cars more affordable for groups that would \\\"disproportionately\\\" benefit from owning cars.He is making an adjournment motion, which allows him to speak for 20 minutes on the topic.The Associate Professor of Economics had put up a Facebook post on the issue in July, in response to Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong\\u2019s answer to a question at the Economic Society of Singapore\\u2019s (ESS) annual dinner.SM Lee had said that complicating the certificate of entitlement (COE) system by having it account for the needs and circumstances of different groups may render it unworkableIn his adjournment motion, Prof Lim says the disabled, parents of two or more children, and certain caregivers of chronically ill or elderly parents have a more \\u201cacute\\u201d need for private transportation, and proposes giving them a discount on the COE.For the disabled, the COE should be waived completely, he says, noting this is already done through the Disabled Persons Scheme, which grants a full waiver of the COE if a disabled person is seeking a vehicle to commute to work. For parents of two or more children, a 10 per cent discount should be applied for each child beyond the first, he says. The catch is that at least two children must be below the age of 14.As for primary caregivers, Prof Lim says a 10 per cent discount should apply to those caring for either two parents above 80 years of age, or those with at least one parent with a chronic illness who is in need of regular medical check-ups. The other condition is that all must live in the same household.These discounts provided to these groups would apply only at the time of purchase, and will not be passed on if they resell their cars, says Prof Lim.He adds that the \\\"relatively smaller segment\\\" of potential buyers who would qualify for the discount \\\"makes it unlikely that they materially move markets\\\".The premium for a Category A COE for smaller and less powerful cars hit a record of $107,889 on Sept 3, while the premium for a Category B COE for larger cars went up by 7.4 per cent to $136,890. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"yuenc\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Needs-based COEs 'subjective, divisive, and benefits too few': Jeffrey Siow\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T20:44:35+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T21:46:34+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\" A needs-based COE system may sound attractive, but in practice will be \\\"subjective, divisive, and benefits too few\\\", says Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow.Responding to Prof Lim's suggestions, Mr Siow says he has received many appeals for COE subsidies for certain families, but that it is \\\"difficult to make the case\\\" for them.\\\"No matter how one draws the line, there will still be people who fall on the wrong side who believe they are more deserving,\\\" he adds.Rather than give one family a substantial COE subsidy of about $30,000 to $40,000, \\\"the same amount of subsidy can be redistributed to benefit many more families\\\", he adds.For example, the money could be given to families in the form of cash or vouchers for transport services, as the Government has done with the Large Families Scheme. This also allows the families to choose how they want to use it, he adds, noting that some may want to use it for private-hire car services, while others may want to buy a car.Mr Siow adds that the market mechanism is transparent and allows the Government to channel COE revenues - about $4 billion to $6 billion a year on average - to the benefit of the wider public such as through subsidising public transport.\\\"This is the fairest approach because some people don't want to drive; some people are unable to drive, and some people don't want to be burdened by a car loan. But everyone can use good public transport to get to where they want to go,\\\" he adds.\\\"This is not a perfect system, but it is the fairest and most effective way to allocate a scarce resource in Singapore\\u2019s context.\\\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"yuenc\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Chess holds lessons for Singapore's survival: Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T20:37:02+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T20:37:02+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"In his speech, Chua Chu Kang GRC MP Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim touches on how teaching his son to play chess has been a way of sharing life lessons.Similarly, he uses the game to illustrate his three points on unity at home, competitiveness through innovation, and conviction in the rule of law.In chess, the goal may be to capture the king but one must never recklessly risk the queen, he says, drawing a parallel with the pursuit of success and advancement, and how that should never endanger the sanctity of family life and Singapore's racial and religious harmony.Hence, there can be more support for families by extending schemes such as the Large Family LifeSG Credits, and strengthening parental support, expanded intergenerational programmes, enhanced after-school care, and more relief for caregivers.The second lesson: If one plays only to avoid losing a single piece, then one will surely play to lose, he says. In the same way, those who hesitate and fear change will be cornered, while a true master anticipates, innovates, and deploys each piece to its best advantage.Such a strategy in a Singaporean context can involve raising the skill level of its people, scaling up enterprises, and sharpening public service, with the Government leading by example.Mr Zhulkarnain's third lesson: At the end of the game, whether one is king or pawn, everyone goes back into the same wooden box - a reminder of humility, equality, and the limits of power.In chess, even the strongest piece must obey the rules, without which, the game collapses into chaos, he says. Likewise, in international relations, rules and law are what protect the small from the strong and the weak from the powerful.For Singapore, this means upholding fairness and the rule of law at home \\u2014 ensuring justice is impartial, combating foreign interference, protecting its people from crime and terrorism.Internationally, it means standing up for the rules-based order, defending open trade against protectionism, and affirming humanitarian principles that shield civilians from suffering.If Singapore charts its course with these three lessons in mind, like a well-played game of chess, the country will not just survive in today's turbulent tournament of nations, but also secure a stronger, fairer, and more united future for generations to come, he says. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Singapore\\u2019s infrastructure is also ageing and could do with refresh, says Tin Pei Ling\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T19:54:03+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T20:03:53+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"It\\u2019s not just Singaporeans who are ageing, but also Singapore\\u2019s infrastructure, says PAP\\u2019s Tin Pei Ling (Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC), giving a different take on ageing in her speech.Singapore\\u2019s ageing hardware and infrastructure underpins daily life, economic activity and national resilience, and periodic upgrades are no longer sufficient, she adds.Into her fourth term as MP for MacPherson ward, which is considered a mature estate, Ms Tin says that with age comes wear and tear, and adds: \\u201cFor those of us who have mature housing estates, we will know that the lifts cannot last till the recommended 28 years.\\u201dAmid Singapore\\u2019s demographic shifts, demand patterns will also evolve, and planning norms, quality standards as well as budgets have to change in tandem, she adds. For instance, an ageing population would mean greater use of lifts and the need for more sheltered walkways and benches.Climate change, which could bring higher temperatures and more intense storms, will also stress infrastructure, such as rail lines, substantive and power distribution networks, she says.She calls for a more intensive refresh and new, future-ready infrastructure to sustain living standards. \\u201cThough refreshing or building new infrastructure is not exactly \\u2018defying the odds\\u2019, it is important because the right built environment can free us from everyday friction, sharpen our focus, spark creativity and unlock our best performance,\\u201d she adds.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"fatimah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Planning for generations, not election cycles\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T19:18:55+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T19:32:20+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, says that although Singapore contributes just 0.1 per cent of global emissions, it will feel the full force of climate change.That is why Singapore has committed about $100 billion over the next century for coastal protection \\u2013 a serious financial commitment. Mr Zaqy says there are \\\"very, very few countries in the world that can say the same\\u201d.The PAP governs \\\"not for the next election cycle, but for the future generations\\\", he adds.Amid rising sea levels, intensifying rainfall and hotter temperatures, Mr Zaqy says Singapore has to protect its people and assets with purpose.The Marina Barrage, for instance, is an example of how necessity turned into opportunity. Built with flood control and water supply in mind, it is now one of Singapore's most iconic landmarks.Mr Zaqy says the Government will continue to build trust with and engage Singaporeans, working with them to overcome the storms ahead together. \\\"Climate resilience is not just engineering. It is also mindset.\\u201dPHOTO: MDDI \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Climate adaptation needs political will\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T19:25:23+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T19:28:29+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Despite the backsliding of global climate action, Singapore must stay the course in the transition to a low carbon future, says Mr Zaqy.The authorities will continue to support businesses with incentives to improve their energy efficiency. As they do so, the Government will continue to calibrate the price signal through the carbon tax, which aims to enhance the business case for low-carbon solutions.As regional countries explore nuclear power, Singapore is also building capabilities in nuclear science and safety \\u2013 through the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute, which the Government aims to grow from 50 to 100 experts by 2030.Describing climate change as \\\"the defining challenge of our generation\\\", Mr Zaqy says every measure to adapt \\u2013 whether in coastal protection, national heat strategies, food and water resilience, or circular economy innovation \\u2013 reflects a philosophy of governance.This philosophy is rooted in fiscal prudence, political will and the conviction that every generation must leave behind a stronger foundation for the next, he says.He adds that in the next five years, the Government will develop Singapore\\u2019s inaugural National Adaptation Plan, which was announced earlier in 2025. It will be the country's road map to address the physical risks and social impact of climate change. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"MOM will do \\u2018whatever it can\\u2019 to connect youth to jobs: Dinesh Vasu Dash\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T19:17:56+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T19:25:11+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Singaporeans today face different challenges \\u2013 and young Singaporeans have expressed both optimism and unease, says Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash.In his first speech in Parliament, Mr Dinesh says he is committed to listening to the youth and understanding their concerns.The first-term MP, who is also Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, says there are anxieties on the availability of jobs and potential displacements due to technology as well as global economic shifts.\\u201cI would say, don't despair. My colleagues and I at the Ministry of Manpower will do whatever we can to help to be a bridge for you and to connect you to jobs, access your career, health, highlight industries that are growing, and to help you acquire the skills needed for roles in these sectors.\\u201dMr Dinesh, who was chief of the Agency for Integrated Care, which coordinates care for the elderly, adds that his second area of focus is seniors.Referencing how his Bedok ward also has a large proportion of elderly, he says: \\u201cIt would be useful to expand these programmes, which includes social gatherings, exercise and therapy sessions, to include private estates as well.\\u201dHis third area of focus will be protecting the vulnerable, he says.\\u201cWith competing demands, reducing family sizes and Singapore\\u2019s economic development, it is not unreasonable for there to be the expectation for the state to do more.\\u201cNot for the Government to be the sole safety net, but to play a stronger role.\\u201d PHOTO: MDDI\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Building heat, food and water resilience\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T19:23:41+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T19:23:41+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"With temperatures rising, the authorities are developing a whole-of-government heat resilience strategy, which will cover urban planning, building design, public health and community awareness, says Mr Zaqy Mohamad.This means creating shaded walkways, green corridors and cooling zones.Disruptions in food supply \\u2013 due to floods, droughts and heatwaves \\u2013 means the Government will work to facilitate food imports from new sources, he says.The Government will support local importers, farms and food production. However, Singaporeans must also support local produce, says Mr Zaqy.They can do so by choosing produce with the SG Fresh Produce branding, supporting farmers and the country's food security in the process.As Singapore's population and economy grows and weather patterns change, the country has to also work harder to conserve water, \\\"because water security is national security\\\", he says. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Relook \\u2018dashboard\\u2019 of how to measure progress: He Ting Ru\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T18:04:50+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T19:19:04+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Sengkang GRC MP He Ting Ru weighs in, and tackles Prime Minister Lawrence Wong\\u2019s call to push Singapore from a \\u201cme first\\u201d to a \\u201cwe first\\u201d society.The \\u201cme first\\u201d ideology emerged from a climate of scarcity in Singapore\\u2019s early years, she says.To combat this, the two-term Workers\\u2019 Party MP says she hopes Singapore can look again at the \\u201cdashboard\\u201d of how to measure progress.Measuring outcomes by yardsticks other than the gross domestic product will help ensure that some things in the public sphere do not change.\\u201cHeritage should be kept alive, including our schools, community spaces, natural spaces, that we and our parents went to. We should stem the erasure of community heritage, currently perceived to be under threat of forces such as rent and high operating costs.\\u201dAnd Singapore\\u2019s non-physical cultures - languages, arts, hobbies - need to be supported, she says, because they are threatened by the \\\"me first\\\" ideology.The first step is to start finding ways to quantify these \\u201csources of wealth\\u201d, says Ms He.PHOTO: MDDI \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Do more to nurture \\u2018we first\\u2019 mindset: Aljunied GRC MP Fadli Fawzi\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T19:03:09+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T19:03:09+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"WP MP Fadli Fawzi (Aljunied GRC) is up next. He kicks off his first ever speech in Parliament by lauding Singaporeans\\u2019 community spirit and willingness to help, especially the way everyone came together to raise more than $2.4 million in aid for Gaza.But Singaporeans are also concerned about their personal achievement - which he said was likely due to \\u201cunintended consequences of meritocracy and the growing sense of precariousness\\u201d.Speaking in Malay, he quotes political science professor Kenneth Paul Tan, saying Singaporeans tend to focus on meritocracy to ensure that talent is appropriately rewarded and social meritocracy encouraged. For these people, social mobility is based on achievement, rather than affiliation; and capability, rather than connection.He then touches on the issue of precariousness, more notably, Singaporeans from lower-income backgrounds who are concerned about the rising costs of living.Mr Fadli says it is \\u201cunreasonable to expect our people to think \\u2018we first\\u2019\\u201d without thinking about the citizens that are already overworked and overburdened.Switching to English, he adds that the elderly in Singapore should be treated with dignity and given help to lessen their loads. For example, offering them free off-peak travel on public transport, as WP had earlier proposed in its manifesto, is one option.\\u201cThese sentiments of collective solidarity, however, cannot simply be forced. But they can be nurtured, by ensuring that all citizens have the resources and opportunities needed to pursue a dignified life\\u2026\\u201cIt is only when each one of us feels that we are truly valued members of society that we can become a \\u2018we first\\u2019 society,\\u201d he says.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"fatimah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Melvin Yong speaks on uplifting lower-wage workers, expanding the PWM\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T18:53:14+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T18:53:14+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Singapore's success must never be measured by economic growth alone, says NTUC assistant secretary-general Melvin Yong. Instead, it must be judged by how the country supports the vulnerable.Policies are lifting those at the lower end of the wage ladder, says Mr Yong.But while progress has been made, the journey is far from complete, he says. Inflation, for example, continues to weigh heavily on lower-income households.Mr Yong says NTUC will work to ensure that wages keep pace and workers are not left behind.To do this, NTUC will expand the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) into more sectors, such as pest management. The sector, while an essential public health service, is plagued by low wages and high attrition, says Mr Yong. This is a sector that past labour MPs have also pushed for inclusion in the PWM.The model sets out sector-specific minimum salary levels tied to a worker\\u2019s skills and productivity improvements and currently covers sectors like cleaning, landscape maintenance and security.He also calls on the Government to further raise the local qualifying salary (LQS), which ensures that firms hiring foreign manpower also uplift local wages.Mr Yong says these moves are essential to close the income gap and secure sustainable wage growth.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"vpchelvan\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Economy expected to grow 2-3% per annum over the next decade on average, says Mr Gan\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T17:47:11+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T18:51:48+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Mr Gan says Singapore\\u2019s economy is expected to grow at about 2 to 3 per cent per annum over the next decade on average. This is comparable to many other small, advanced economies such as New Zealand, Sweden and Switzerland.But we should aim higher and try to reach a faster rate of growth so that Singapore's economy will be stronger before settling down to the 2 to 3 per cent trend in the long term, he adds.\\\"This will allow us to achieve good real wage growth for our people, and strengthen their resilience amidst the uncertainties in the global economy.\\\"It will not be easy with manpower constraints amid an ageing population and falling birthrate, among other things, but technology can provide a productivity uplift and growth can also come from the higher value-added industries, he says.\\u201cIf we do it right, we may be able to add 1 per cent and achieve 3 to 4 per cent growth, and in very good years, maybe more,\\u201d he adds.ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"vpchelvan\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"LTA to launch consultations for the next Land Transport Masterplan\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T18:36:52+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T18:49:14+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"In the next few weeks, LTA will launch consultations for the next Land Transport Masterplan, where it wants to engage more Singaporeans than ever before to have deeper conversations and weigh trade-offs together, says Mr Jeffrey Siow.The last masterplan was released in 2019, with goals set for 2040.Mr Siow says in a compact country like Singapore, the transport needs of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers sometimes collide.\\u201cTrade-offs are unavoidable, and yet they are felt deeply and personally, and that is why it doesn't just matter what we do. It matters how we do it and how we bring people along,\\u201d he says, adding that his approach to policies will be to explain the Government\\u2019s considerations openly and honestly.This is why he welcomes the scrutiny that Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh has promised, says Mr Siow. Earlier, Mr Singh said his team would focus on scrutinising the Government, including the Ministry of Transport and rail reliability.Citing this, Mr Siow says: \\u201cI will welcome questions from all of us here in this chamber, because good questions are not the sole province of the opposition, but the responsibility of all of us.\\u201cThis openness will help me build trust; and with trust, the toughest compromises become possible.\\u201dREAD MORE HERE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Task force will monitor impact of US tariffs, prepared to do more for S'pore workers: DPM Gan\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T17:40:22+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T18:28:12+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"After MPs respond to the President\\u2019s Address, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry, gives the Government\\u2019s perspective on the economy.Mr Gan chairs the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, or SERT, set up five months ago, as well as the Economic Strategy Review that is coming up with a new economic blueprint for the future.He says Singapore has built a strong economy over the past six decades, but now faces critical challenges as countries turn inward, AI disrupts industries, and constraints on manpower, land and carbon become increasingly binding.But amid these challenges, there will be opportunities, he adds, with companies looking to diversify their production bases, and technology opening up new frontiers, among other things.He says SERT, which is rolling out support measures such as the Enterprise Financing Scheme and Graduate Industry Traineeships programme, will keep monitoring the impact of US tariffs, and is prepared to do more for companies and workers if necessary. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"vpchelvan\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"My eyebags have their own eyebags: Jeffrey Siow on entering politics\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T18:15:21+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T18:23:22+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow opens his speech with anecdotes about his life and how it has changed since joining politics. He is the first newcomer to speak, and this may be one of the few chances he will get to speak from the perspective of an MP, and not part of the front bench.We learn that his \\u201ceyebags have their own eyebags\\u201d, according to his daughter.He also says that he has less time to play football with friends on Sundays, and when he does, he is the most polite of players. \\u201cWhen someone tackles me, I am the first to say, \\u2018sorry, sorry\\u2019,\\u201d he says.He gives a sense of how he will be as a minister. Referencing his public service career and his position as a political leader now, he says that his role is to make decisions on behalf of people, which he approaches by being inclusive, allowing for even divisive issues to be opportunities to build bridges.\\u201cI have always believed in the power of a team,\\u201d says the former second permanent secretary for manpower as well as trade and industry. \\u201cIn my public service career, I changed roles every three to five years: often had to learn a new job from scratch; so could never assume I had all the answers. My approach has always been to lean on the strengths of those in my team. So that together, we are more than the sum of our individual parts.\\u201dPHOTO: MDDI \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Sharael Taha kicks off the debate on the President\\u2019s Address\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T17:11:10+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T18:18:20+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"As the first speaker in the debate, Mr Sharael Taha (Pasir-Ris-Changi GRC) sets the scene by pointing to \\u201cprofound transitions\\u201d both globally and at home. These include sharpening rivalry between the United States and China, and rapid technological change.He points out a confluence of supply chain realignment, geopolitical conflicts, tariffs, rapid advances in AI and the fracturing of societies due to distrust that have fuelled anxiety among people.Two anxieties that stand out most among Singaporeans are employment and cost of living, he notes.Singapore faces a paradox, graduates say they cannot find jobs, while businesses say they cannot find workers, he says. The mismatch lies not in the number of jobs available, but in alignment between skills taught and skills and experience demanded.\\u201cWe need more businesses to come forward, to invest in our graduates, to mentor them, to give them the business context and prepare them for future roles. Second, expand structured apprenticeships,\\u201d he says. He also suggests more collaboration between Government, industries and education institutions to align their efforts and set standards.On cost of living, he acknowledges that while there is government support, the rising costs of doing business must not be overlooked. He suggests property tax rebates or co-funding schemes for landlords who maintain affordable rents or support for landlords who help tenants go digital or improve productivity.PHOTO: MDDI \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Goh Yan Han\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Ng Chee Meng on AI disruption, better support for caregivers\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T17:39:16+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T17:54:08+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng touched on two key issues in his speech: ensuring good jobs amid the AI disruption and better support for caregivers.On AI disruption, Mr Ng says many workers see AI as a threat when, for instance, big companies cut jobs for AI-driven automation, and drivers worry about being replaced by autonomous vehicles.The labour movement's AI adoption and training initiative, tentatively called AI Ready SG, will be a one-stop platform to integrate existing resources from Government and tripartite partners, to help businesses and workers get AI-ready.Workers can use the platform to access resources to upskill and navigate career transitions, while employers can tap resources to embark on practical AI transformation.He says AI must mean better business for workers, as well as better jobs, wages and work prospects.On caregiving, Mr Ng says many workers still struggle with the day-to-day reality of balancing a job or tending to the needs of a family member with special needs.He suggests expanded flexible work arrangements and enshrining caregiving leave.Mr Ng also says efforts have to be redoubled to help caregivers who have left their jobs return to work in order to ease their transition, bridge skill gaps, find suitable opportunities and give employers incentives to hire returning caregivers.The ecosystem of care has to be strengthened too, he says. This will ensure that care support for elderly and disabled loved ones is available, affordable and accessible.Mr Ng says Singapore must be prepared to review policies to better support caregivers, including reviewing limits and subsidies to defray costs, provide CPF top-ups for primary caregivers with insufficient retirement adequacy, enhance community care services, including for people with special needs, those with mental health conditions, and dementia.Care coordination should also be strengthened, so families do not have to struggle to navigate schemes across different agencies not knowing what to do, he says.PHOTO: MDDI \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Faishal Ibrahim calls on Malay\\/Muslims to channel \\u2018flashes of indignation and outrage\\u2019 into compassion and wisdom\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T14:27:03+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T17:52:26+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Switching back to English, Prof Faishal calls on the Malay\\/Muslim community to channel their \\u201cflashes of indignation and outrage\\u201d into compassion and wisdom, and also invites Singaporeans to continue to rally together to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.\\u201cLet us continue to be guided by wisdom and compassion, be advocates and exemplars of peace \\u2013 both where the conflict is happening, and here at home with our fellow Singaporean brothers and sisters,\\u201d he says.READ MORE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Checking the Government is a \\u2018feature not a bug\\u2019 of Parliament: Pritam\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T17:11:50+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T17:51:04+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"As Leader of the Opposition, Workers\\u2019 Party chief Pritam Singh gets to speak next.He takes the chance to set out what his team will be doing in this term of Parliament: focus on making laws, checking the Government and scrutinising the state's finances.He says the WP\\u2019s 12 MPs \\u2013 its largest ever contingent in the House \\u2013 have asked topical questions covering housing, education, employment, foreign affairs and transport, to name a few.\\u201cWith so much happening domestically and internationally, the Opposition will primarily focus on the function that Parliament demands of us \\u2013 checking the Government's policies and actions,\\u201d he says.It will not file questions just to \\u201crack up numbers\\u201d.Every question will be one that \\u201cneeds asking\\u201d, especially as WP MPs do not receive the briefings that PAP MPs do, says Mr Singh, bringing up a point that other opposition MPs have also raised in the past.Some Singaporeans think that when the WP asks questions, it is trying to embarrass the Government, but questioning the Government in Parliament is a feature, not a bug of the system and it will be an important priority for the WP this term of Parliament, he adds.He asks for inputs from Singaporeans, and adds: \\u201cWe believe that the prospect of the opposition raising issues in Parliament has a strong nudging effect in getting the issues recognised and addressed by the Government.\\u201dPHOTO: MDDI \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Singapore must strengthen fundamentals to stay competitive: Gan Kim Yong\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T17:43:22+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T17:43:22+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Still on the ESR's approach, Mr Gan says Singapore will strengthen its fundamentals to stay competitive, such as its capacity to deploy and diffuse new technologies, its skilled workforce, and its careful, long-term planning.With each new wave of technology, from computerisation, to the Internet, and now AI, Singapore has shown that it is not just the technological breakthroughs themselves but the ability and speed at which these technologies can be deployed and diffused that sustains the economy's competitiveness. \\\"We must therefore be a nation of both innovators and fast adopters,\\\" says Mr Gan.The quality of Singapore's human capital has also been a key competitive advantage, and as the Republic transforms its economy, \\\"we must also ensure that our upskilling and reskilling efforts keep pace\\\", he adds.The years of investments in infrastructure such as the port and airport have been critical to Singapore\\u2019s excellent connectivity today, which underpins its role as a global hub. Similarly, Singapore must plan for the energy transition, such as by building capabilities in emerging low-carbon alternatives like hydrogen and nuclear energy, he says.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"vpchelvan\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Gan Kim Yong goes into the Economic Strategy Review\\u2019s approach\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T17:42:45+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T17:42:45+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The global developments we've seen in the past few months are not a passing storm, and reflect a more fragmented world, with sharper competition for investments, says Mr Gan.The Economic Strategy Review (ESR) is taking a three-pronged approach to refresh Singapore\\u2019s economic blueprint, he says, adding that it will submit its recommendations next year.First is to strengthen Singapore's position in existing growth sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, and establish a foothold in new areas of growth, he says.One such new growth area is precision medicine, which is projected to grow by an average of 11 per cent annually to reach the size of US$300 billion globally by 2035, notes Mr Gan.Second is to make Singapore a home for leading firms. Already, eight out of the top 10 biopharmaceutical companies have established their manufacturing sites or R&D here, and seven out of 10 top life science tools companies have significant co-located R&D and manufacturing activities here.In addition, the ESR will study how to better support local start-ups and entrepreneurs, such as by access to growth capital, space and infrastructure, and partnerships in overseas markets.Mr Gan gives the example of space-tech start-up Aliena, which develops electric propulsion engines that enable small satellites to fly closer to Earth. Supported by EnterpriseSG\\u2019s Global Innovation Alliance, Aliena worked with partners in the UK to develop a technology that uses water electrolysis for electric propulsion systems. This has allowed the company to expand its customer base and operational footprint, and it saw a more than 300 per cent year-on-year increase in revenue last year.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"vpchelvan\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"'We' and 'I' are not binaries: Pritam\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T17:14:37+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T17:21:44+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Mr Singh is now giving his take on the \\u201cwe first\\u201d society that Prime Minister Lawrence Wong called on Singaporeans to create at the National Day Rally, and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam reiterated at the opening of Parliament on Sept 5.The idea of \\\"we\\\" is important to Singaporeans, but it does not mean suppressing or minimising the importance and central role of the individual and his or her place in Singapore, says Mr Singh.He adds: \\u201c\\u2018We' and 'me' are perspectives that exist on a continuum.\\u201cA binary treatment is limiting, while an overemphasis on one is not consistent with our lived experiences. We should aim for excellence as individuals and venture forth with confidence as individuals and be respected by society as individuals, regardless of race, language, religion and backgrounds.\\u201d \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"More hands go up on rail reliability, but question time has ended\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T13:17:39+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T17:07:19+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The first 90 minutes of question time for the 15th Parliament has ended, with \\\"overtime\\\" spilling past 1pm before Speaker Seah Kian Peng officially blew the whistle at 1.15pm. A wave of hands went up, but he had to pick the last three questions.Vaping and rail reliability were the two key topics covered, and we saw new-ish Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow take his first back and forth with MPs to discuss the train delays.Six MPs posed follow-up questions to Mr Siow. Most \\u2013 including Mr Liang Eng Hwa (Bukit Panjang SMC) and Mr Ng Chee Meng (Jalan Kayu SMC) \\u2013 represent constituencies affected by recent disruptions. Separately, this is the first time we\\u2019re seeing Mr Ng as a backbencher, asking questions of the Government in his return to Parliament. He joined politics in 2015 and became an acting minister right away.Ms Tin Pei Ling, the new chair of the government parliamentary committee on transport, says it was \\\"terrible luck\\\" that a spate of disruptions happened in a short span of time. The Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC MP asks how the authorities and transport operators will ensure the reliability of the MRT network as it continues to expand.Mr Siow pledges to \\\"more than double our effort\\\" to improve reliability, though he reiterates it is impossible to have zero disruptions.WP\\u2019s Louis Chua (Sengkang GRC) asks why the fine meted out to SMRT over a six-day disruption on the East-West Line was reduced from $3 million to $2.4 million after the operator made representations on the penalty.The decision had raised some eyebrows among members of the public. Mr Siow cites factors that the authorities take into account when imposing fines, and says the reduction is a fair and reasonable decision.READ MORE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Goh Yan Han\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Acting Transport Minister responds to MPs\\u2019 questions on rail reliability\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T12:47:08+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T17:06:26+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow addresses questions on rail reliability, including one from Mr Sharael Taha (Pasir Ris-Changi GRC) on whether the Ministry of Transport will increase the MKBF target for the MRT network beyond 1 million.MKBF, or mean kilometres between failure, refers to the distance a train travels before it encounters a delay of more than five minutes. Since 2019, all MRT lines in Singapore have exceeded the 1 million MKBF target that was set in 2017.Mr Siow says that beyond 1 million train-km, variations in the MKBF are less meaningful, especially when the number of disruptions per year are small. He notes that the MKBF of the Downtown Line was 8 million train-km in 2023 and 2024, but just one additional delay halved it to 4 million train-km.The MKBF also does not measure the length or severity of a disruption, and hence the impact on the commuter, he adds.The Land Transport Authority has imposed an average of around four penalties per year on operators in the past five years for regulatory breaches, he says, without giving more details.READ MORE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"vpchelvan\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Vivian Balakrishnan starts his statement on Gaza \",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T13:28:13+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T17:04:54+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan begins his statement on the Israel-Palestine conflict.His is the first of three: Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sim Ann and Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim are also slated to speak on the issue.Their statements will cover the 13 questions filed by MPs for today\\u2019s sitting, Dr Balakrishnan says.Eight MPs - including three Malay\\/Muslims - have filed parliamentary questions on the issue for today\\u2019s sitting.They fall into a few broad areas: More humanitarian aid for Gaza, what Singapore has done to convey to the Israeli government its concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and how Singapore is working with the international community to ensure Israel abides by international law in the conflict.There are also a set of questions about whether Singapore is monitoring plans from other countries to officially recognise Palestinian statehood (Britain, Australia and Canada did so last night), and whether Singapore will reconsider its own position.READ MORE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Cutting ties with Israel serves no practical purpose \",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T13:55:14+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T17:04:03+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Singapore has to continue engaging both the Palestinian Authority and Israel, says Dr Balakrishnan.Acceding to calls to cut diplomatic ties with Israel will diminish our ability to communicate with Israel, and serve no practical purpose, he says.\\\"Our links to both sides are useful, not just to get our point across, but also in a very real way, to facilitate our humanitarian assistance for Palestinians, especially in Gaza. And we have worked both with our Arab regional partners on this as well with the Israelis, whose concurrence is essential for these efforts on the ground.\\\"Responding to a question from Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim (East Coast GRC) about Singapore\\u2019s efforts to ensure Israel abides by international law, Dr Balakrishnan says that when these principles are breached, Singapore speaks its mind clearly.\\u201cWe will continue to call out actions by all and any side, including by the Israelis or Hamas, that breach international law. Earlier this month, we had to call out Israel\\u2019s air strikes in Doha as a blatant violation of Qatar\\u2019s sovereignty.\\u201dOn Sept 9, Israel launched an attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar.Singapore has also said the deliberate and unlawful denial of humanitarian aid to civilians, and people reportedly being shot while desperately trying to access food, is a violation of international humanitarian law, says Dr Balakrishnan. READ MORE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Singapore will reconsider its position if situation continues to deteriorate \",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T13:52:05+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T17:03:23+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"A few countries have chosen to recognise a Palestinian state now, even as prospects for a functioning state become more remote, says Dr Balakrishnan.They do so to express grave concern at the current situation, and hope to make it harder for Israel to extinguish a two-state solution altogether, he adds.Singapore has so far maintained its position while doing as much as it can to help the Palestinian Authority to strengthen its capabilities, he says.Singapore will oppose any steps by Israel to extinguish or undermine a two-state solution, and will continue to track developments closely, he says.\\\"If the situation continues to deteriorate, or if Israel takes further steps to extinguish a two-state solution, we will reconsider our position on recognising a Palestinian state.\\\"READ MORE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Singapore will recognise the state of Palestine when it has an effective government: Vivian \",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T13:46:52+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T17:02:49+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Turning to the recognition of Palestine, Dr Balakrishnan says Singapore\\u2019s position is clear: It will do so when Palestine has an effective government that accepts Israel\\u2019s right to exist. It must also categorically renounce terrorism.He dives a bit into the history of the conflict, outlining a few barriers to recognition.First, there is no unified Palestinian government exercising effective control over Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and Gaza, he says.The Palestinian Authority administers the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the West Bank, but it does not control Gaza.Second, Hamas, which controls Gaza, has consistently rejected Israel\\u2019s right to exist. It has also yet to renounce terrorism or agree to disarm, he says.The Palestinian Authority has agreed to reform and disarm Hamas, but it remains to be seen if it can succeed, he adds.\\u201cUltimately, to resolve this longstanding conflict in a comprehensive, just, and durable manner, there must be a negotiated settlement which results in two States \\u2013 one Israeli, one Palestinian \\u2013 with their peoples living alongside each other in peace, security, and dignity.\\u201dThis is the only viable pathway to a lasting peace, and Singapore will continue to support any initiative to resume negotiations towards this ultimate goal, Dr Balakrishnan says. PHOTO: AFPREAD MORE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Palestinian recognition \\u2018not a question of if, but when\\u2019: Faishal Ibrahim\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T14:23:14+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T16:58:24+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim also speaks on the issue. Switching from English to Malay, he acknowledges that the question of whether Singapore should move to recognise Palestine has been on the minds of the Malay\\/Muslim community, and says that recognition is indeed what Singapore hopes for and is working towards.He adds: \\u201cThis is not a question of if, but when.\\u201dHe says while Singapore may not recognise Palestine as a state today, the country will not be \\u201csilent onlookers\\u201d to the tragedy unfolding in Gaza.Singapore will intensify humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians, and continue to extend practical support to the Palestinian Authority\\u2019s capacity-building efforts in preparation for eventual statehood.Together with the humanitarian contributions of Singaporeans of all races, as well as local NGOs such as Humanity Matters, Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation and Mercy Relief, these efforts will create the conditions for Palestine to recover and eventually meet the criteria for recognition, says Professor Faishal, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs.He adds that he is heartened that collective wisdom has prevailed despite the anguish, dismay and even revulsion and disgust towards Israel\\u2019s actions, and that during community engagements, many understand that Singapore\\u2019s foreign policy has to take into consideration international complexities and national interests.PHOTO: AFPREAD MORE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"PUB officers reprimanded over lapses: Grace Fu\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T13:24:17+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T16:57:53+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Earlier, before the discussion on rail reliability, several of the PUB\\u2019s lapses came up for discussion in the House. These were issues flagged by the Auditor-General\\u2019s Office (AGO) in its recent report released two weeks ago.In one case the AGO found falsified documents involving a PUB contract, valued at $7.95 million, to supply biocide for midge control. There was also inadequate monitoring of the levels of biocide stock.The PUB did say it had opened an internal investigation into the matter. Today, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu says the probe has been completed and one officer has been issued a formal reprimand for the falsification. He or she will also have his or her performance grade downgraded.Ms Fu says the documents were altered to include required information which was omitted. She adds that it was to \\u201ccover up the incompleteness of the original documents to be provided to the AGO auditors\\u201d, but that the contents were factual.She also says it was a lack of judgement on the part of the officer, and not a lack of integrity, in response to MP Shawn Loh\\u2019s (Jalan Besar GRC) question on whether the PUB will treat a lack of integrity more seriously than human error.Separately, six officers were found responsible for not carrying out the required biocide stock checks and have faced disciplinary action, says Ms Fu.The AGO also found problems with PUB's maintenance services contracts covering its water quality analysers at three private sector-operated desalination plants. On this Ms Fu says PUB was already working to address the gaps before the audit, and has since used its other contracts to cover the scope of works.She adds: \\\"I'd like to assure the House that PUB has instituted adequate checks to ensure the delivery of clean water that is safe to drink.\\\"READ MORE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"fatimah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Break time! What\\u2019s happened so far\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T16:36:55+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T16:47:40+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Parliament will now take a short 20-minute break after five hours. We also heard from Mr Sharael Taha (Pasir Ris-Changi GRC) and Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh in the debate and will bring you a summary of each soon.If you're just joining us, here's what has happened so far:- Vaping: We listened to a 45-minute discussion on vaping, where two ministers gave an update on enforcement efforts and MPs shared their concerns on vaping\\u2019s prevalence among youth and the loopholes users and suppliers are exploiting.- Rail reliability: Next, we heard from Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow, who shared more about the causes of recent delays. Mr Siow said the authorities have plans to share more data related to rail performance, including train punctuality at the ends of the lines. \\\"We have a good system, and we have nothing to hide.\\\"- Singapore\\u2019s position on Palestinian statehood: Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said Singapore will recognise Palestine when it has an effective government that accepts Israel\\u2019s right to exist \\u2013 \\u201cour position is not if, but when\\u201d. He also announced sanctions on right-wing groups responsible for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Goh Yan Han\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"What next? It's debate time\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T16:24:31+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T16:24:31+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"We\\u2019re all ready for the debate on the President\\u2019s Address to start.Officially, the debate is on a motion of thanks to the President for his speech. In practice, it is an opportunity for MPs to scrutinise and discuss the Government's plans.Following a general election, it is also the first opportunity for newly elected MPs to make an impression in their maiden speeches and give us a sense of what their \\u201cpet topics\\u201d might be.Their speeches will follow the themes of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam\\u2019s address on Sept 5 at the opening of Parliament, setting out the Government\\u2019s priorities, policies and programmes for the new term.He started with geopolitics and the more \\u201cunsettled and chaotic world\\u201d that Singapore faces, and moved on to hard policy issues, re-emphasising national defence and the need for economic transformation.He also addressed Singapore society, calling for the preservation of social mobility and a move to a \\u201cWe First\\u201d society, echoing PM Wong\\u2019s National Day Rally call.Sixty MPs are slated to speak across five days, out of a total of 97 elected MPs, and two Non-Constituency MPs from the Workers\\u2019 Party.There are 32 new MPs \\u2013 27 from PAP and five from WP \\u2013 and we expect to hear from all of them.Today \\u2013 if all goes according to the planned list that Parliament has put out \\u2013 we could be hearing from WP\\u2019s Fadli Fawzi (Aljunied GRC).\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Goh Yan Han\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Sanctions from Singapore will not move the needle on their own: Vivian\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T16:22:45+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T16:22:45+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Dr Balakrishnan and Prof Faishal answer questions from 11 MPs on their ministerial statements over about an hour. Several MPs, including Mr Saktiandi Supaat (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC), Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin (Ang Mo Kio GRC) and Mr Xie Yao Quan (Jurong Central), raise questions about Singapore\\u2019s reasoning for implementing sanctions and why it is not considering further ones.Dr Balakrishnan in response to Mr Saktiandi urges \\u201ca sense of realism\\u201d. \\u201cWill sanctions from a small city state like Singapore move the needle on its own? No, it won't.\\u201d The only power with real leverage in the Middle East is the US, he says. He accepts the point that the Government\\u2019s words and actions should reflect what Singapore stands for. \\u201cWe cannot close our eyes and close our ears and keep silent when things are clearly wrong and unconscionable. I hope I've made the point that we have not been such a party.\\u201dWP\\u2019s Gerald Giam (Aljunied GRC) asks what more the Palestinian Authority needs to do for Singapore to shift its stance on recognition.Dr Balakrishnan says: \\u201cI wish they were in charge in Gaza, but you and I know they are not, or certainly not yet.\\u201d He adds that the Government will continue to prepare them for eventual statehood and for the time when they can be in charge. Dr Balakrishnan adds that he \\u201cseriously doubts\\u201d any of the states who have changed position on Palestinian statehood over the past few days can \\u201cactually begin the process of normalisation\\u201d as long as there are Israeli hostages still held in the tunnels of Gaza. \\u201cI think the best way to understand this is that everyone wants the same endpoint. But there can be arguments about when and how the route you take to reach the ultimate destination.\\u201d \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Goh Yan Han\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Singapore condemns the killing of innocent civilians\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T13:39:57+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T16:21:00+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Dr Balakrishnan is now addressing Israel\\u2019s conduct in the war.Israeli military operations, which recently intensified in Gaza City, have worsened the prolonged, desperate suffering of innocent civilians, he says.He condemns the loss of civilian lives in strong language.\\u201cThis is unconscionable,\\u201d says Dr Balakrishnan.\\u201cThe scale of civilian death is harrowing. More than 60,000 people have reportedly been killed \\u2013 a third of them children. .\\u201dAs for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Dr Balakrishnan calls it \\u201cshocking\\u201d.Excessive actions by the Israel government may even be a breach of international humanitarian law, he says, echoing a statement by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in May. \\u201cThe United Nations\\u2019 Independent International Commission of Inquiry recently concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. The matter is currently before the International Court of Justice, which is the appropriate forum to adjudicate such grave concerns.\\u201d The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and senior government leaders in recent months have hardened on Israeli actions as the country has moved to intensify its assault on Gaza.Singapore will support more medical and humanitarian aid to Gaza, says Dr Balakrishnan.New efforts, including a team of Singaporean medical workers in Cairo to support the Nasser Institute treating Palestinians, will bring the Republic\\u2019s total humanitarian assistance in the conflict to over $24 million.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Singapore being realistic, not held hostage: Vivian responds to Pritam\\u2019s questions on Gaza\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T16:11:09+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T16:11:09+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"To Mr Singh's first question on having an effective government as a precondition to recognition, Dr Balakrishnan notes that there have not been elections in Gaza for almost two decades since Hamas seized Gaza from the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority.\\\"The lack of an objective reality is not all due to one other party, they've got to get their own house in order,\\\" he adds. Requiring an effective Palestinian government that renounces terrorism is also important to Singapore\\u2019s national interest, because of the Republic's \\\"complete aversion to terrorism\\\". But that does not mean that Singapore will allow Israel to \\\"have a veto\\\", since the country's consistent, long-held belief is in a two-state solution.\\\"And if either one or both says no, well we can't go along with them on that, right? And that's why I have also caveated that our position is not if, but when. And we have also highlighted that if the situation continues to deteriorate, or if Israel takes further action to extinguish any prospect of two-state solution, then we have to reconsider our position,\\\" he adds.Singapore is also being realistic, and not anachronistic, in taking this position, Dr Balakrishnan says. He adds that Singapore's stance has shifted since May last year \\u2013 from being prepared in principle to recognise to today\\u2019s wording: Singapore will recognise the Palestinian State when there is an effective government that renounces terrorism and recognises the state of Israel, he adds.Taking a big-picture view, all countries want the same thing, but will have different thresholds and different triggers to decide when they take certain diplomatic moves, he says.To Mr Singh's questions on military ties, Dr Balakrishnan says it is no secret that Israel had played a role in Singapore's early years and has continued to have an invaluable role, for which Singapore is grateful. But that does not mean that \\\"we are locked into giving them a free pass\\\", he adds.He also says it is the Government's longstanding policy not to publicly divulge details of defence cooperation for national security reasons. \\\"But I give you this assurance, we are not being held hostage. Singapore will not allow itself to be held hostage. Beyond that, I'm not going to get into operational details. And as an NS man yourself, I'm sure you understand that,\\\" says the minister.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Goh Yan Han\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"WP chief Pritam Singh reiterates his party\\u2019s call for recognition and asks four questions\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T15:23:12+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T15:26:52+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh is called on first to seek clarification on the ministerial statements, the first we have heard from him today.The Workers\\u2019 Party chief states his party's position \\u2013 for Singapore to formally recognise the state of Palestine even before the conclusion of negotiations on a two-state solution \\u2013 and emphasises that it has not changed. The party had included it in its manifesto ahead of the May general election, though it did not campaign on the issue.He asks if it is still realistic for Singapore to make it a precondition to have an effective Palestinian government before recognising the state of Palestine, especially since Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared Palestinian statehood will not happen.He also asks if Singapore risks being seen as anachronistic, given that many of the country's major trade and defence partners, like France, Australia, Britain and its Asean neighbours, as well as the \\\"overwhelming majority of the international community of nations\\\", have recognised Palestine.\\\"What specific principles are we upholding by not recognising the state of Palestine forthwith? Shouldn't recognising the state of Palestine be in our national interests?\\\" he says, noting that it will send a clear message that Singapore's foreign policy stands does not stand for breaches of international law.Next, he asks if the Government has reviewed whether the close ties with Israel, particularly in the military domain, continue to be in Singapore's national interests.\\\"Has the Government assessed whether Singapore is relatively over-invested in the Israel Singapore relationship, and is it not time to diversify in our national interests?\\\"Lastly, he asks about the current threat assessment to Singapore from radicalised individuals, arising from the perception of Singapore's close ties with Israel. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Goh Yan Han\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"There can be no \\u2018river-to-the-sea\\u2019 for either side\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T13:59:41+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T14:51:32+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Both sides need to acknowledge a hard truth, says Dr Balakrishnan in conclusion.Territorial and political compromise is essential to resolve this conflict - the Israelis and Palestinians both exist, and both have claims to a sovereign state in their ancestral homeland, he adds.There can be no \\\"river-to-the sea\\\" for either side, he says. As a friend to both, Singapore can only hope that there is political will on both sides to enter into direct negotiations for a two-state solution. The \\\"river-to-the-sea\\\" call refers to the area encompassing Israel and occupied Palestinian territories, which lies between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. It is a political slogan that has been used by elements of both sides to campaign for a single state. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Sanctions signal hardening Singapore stance\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T14:29:25+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T14:29:25+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Even before the ongoing war, the Israeli government's active support for expanding settlements in the West Bank has been among the most pernicious factors undermining the two-state solution.Singapore has consistently viewed these settlements as illegal under international law \\u2013 a position reflected in the Republic's voting record on UN resolutions addressing this issue.While attention in the aftermath of Dr Balakrishnan's ministerial statement is likely to focus on what he said about Singapore's position regarding Palestinian statehood, his announcement of plans to impose targeted sanctions on the leaders of radical settler groups is equally noteworthy.The message being sent is crystal clear: Israel may advance initiatives like the E1 settlement that fragments the West Bank, but the international community \\u2013 including nations that maintain friendly ties with Israel like Singapore \\u2013 will never accept attempts to create irreversible facts on the ground. These settlements will never be accepted as sovereign territory of Israel. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Goh Yan Han\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Singapore will impose targeted sanctions on right-wing groups responsible for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank \",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T13:49:23+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T14:11:46+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Extremists on both sides continue to undermine the prospects for a two-state solution, Dr Balakrishnan says.This includes illegal Israeli sales of land in the West Bank.\\u201cWe call on the Israeli government, to cease settlement construction and expansion. We oppose ongoing attempts to create new facts on the ground which undermine the prospects for a two-state solution.\\u201d Singapore will impose targeted sanctions on the leaders of radical right-wing settler groups or organisations that have been responsible for acts of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, Dr Balakrishnan says, adding that details will be announced at a later date. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Need to reiterate message in Mandarin amid different views on conflict: Sim Ann\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T14:08:34+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T14:08:34+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sim Ann speaks on the situation in the Middle East.She is speaking in Mandarin, and says there is a need to do so because the diverse composition of society here means there are different degrees of awareness and interest among Singaporeans in the Israel-Hamas conflict.With some Singaporeans seeing the conflict as distant from Singapore and others having strong views about Singapore's foreign policy stance, there is potential for the issue to trigger disagreements and even intense disputes here, she says.This is something the Government has been conscious of, and various ministers have repeatedly urged people not to let the conflict affect social unity here.Ms Sim reiterates Dr Balakrishnan's ministerial statement in the rest of her speech.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"yuenc\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Maintaining national unity is the Government\\u2019s first priority: Vivian \",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T13:31:07+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T14:07:40+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Dr Balakrishnan says he will lay out Singapore\\u2019s position on the recognition of Palestinian statehood, starting by setting out the Republic\\u2019s national interests.The first priority is maintaining national unity, he says.The longstanding and complicated tragedy of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict elicits strong and diverse reactions among Singaporeans.\\u201cWe cannot allow external events and actors to cause fissures in our society. National policies, especially foreign policy positions, must be based on Singapore\\u2019s national interests, and not on communal or religious perspectives.\\u201dSingapore must never allow outsiders to exploit potential domestic fissures within its society, adds Dr Balakrishnan. PHOTO: MDDI \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Singapore cannot condone terrorism in any form: Vivian \",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T13:34:04+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T14:06:55+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The second priority is protecting Singapore\\u2019s security, and as a small and open nation, Singapore cannot condone terrorism in any form, Dr Balakrishnan says.This is why the Government supported Israel\\u2019s right of self-defence after the Oct 7, 2023, terrorist attacks by Hamas.\\u201cIf anything similar were to ever happen to Singapore, we would no doubt assert this same right to self-defence,\\u201d he says.Singapore also needs to maintain cooperation with international partners to enhance its defence, and Israel helped build the SAF in the early years of independence.\\u201cThis unique security relationship remains invaluable to us. But this does not stop us from conveying our views directly to the Israeli government, clearly and constructively, when we do not agree with their actions. We have done so and will continue to do so,\\u201d he says.The Government\\u2019s third priority is promoting respect for and compliance with international law, Dr Balakrishnan says.\\u201cA world that is based on \\u2018might is right\\u2019 is fundamentally inimical to small states.\\u201dTherefore, Singapore must abide by and uphold international law, he says. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Deputy Speakers of Parliament elected \",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T11:34:53+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T13:59:20+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Mr Xie Yao Quan (Jurong Central SMC) and Mr Christopher de Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC) were elected Deputy Speakers of Parliament, as widely expected.Mr Xie is new to the role, while Mr de Souza has occupied the seat since 2020. Mr Xie is taking over from Ms Jessica Tan (East Coast GRC).The pair will fill in for Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng, when he is away, and help discharge his duties.Read more [ It is about the People ] \\ufeffI am grateful to the Deputy Leader of the House for his nomination for me to be a Deputy...Posted by Christopher de Souza on Thursday, September 11, 2025 \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Speaker and Leader pay tribute to retiring Clerk of Parliament\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T11:46:44+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T13:58:53+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng and Leader of the House Indranee Rajah pay tribute to Clerk of Parliament Ng Sheau Jiuan, who is retiring today after 33 years of service. Ms Ng began her parliamentary career in 1992 and became the sixth Clerk of Parliament in 2005, and the first woman to hold the job, says Mr Seah.Both paid tribute to her work in advancing Parliament through technological change and her knowledge of its processes. \\u201cWhen in doubt about procedure, we and I do not turn to Mr Google. We all turn to Ms Ng,\\u201d Mr Seah says. She will be succeeded by her deputy Siow Peng Han. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kian Peng Seah (@seahkianpeng) \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Singapore recently voted in favour of two-state solution: Vivian \",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T13:29:59+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T13:58:16+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Dr Balakrishnan says Israel\\u2019s conduct of the war in Gaza has sparked renewed efforts by the international community to press for a change in course.Singapore recently voted in favour of a resolution supporting a two-state solution at the United Nations General Assembly.This resolution reflected \\u201cwidespread concern\\u201d that the two-state solution is being eroded by Israel\\u2019s actions.Dr Balakrishnan says around 10 countries might indicate today at the UN that they are ready to recognise the state of Palestine.France is one of them widely expected to do so, and with Saudi Arabia, it will rally support later today for a two-state solution. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"More accurate information for commuters during rail disruptions\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T12:54:31+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T13:43:34+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Commuters should receive more accurate information on alternate travel routes and additional travel time during rail disruptions, says Mr Jeffrey Siow.Rather than generic advisories, the information given should factor in their specific location, he adds. It should be centralised on a single app, so commuters know exactly where to look during a disruption, and directional signs can also be improved.It is unrealistic to expect zero disruptions, Mr Siow says. When a disruption inevitably happens, what's important is to support commuters, and help them continue their journeys safely, he adds.Service recovery is one of the areas that will be looked into by a task force he formed last week to improve rail reliability. The task force will also bring forward the renewal of critical systems and conduct audits on the maintenance and operations of critical systems.Mr Siow notes that the recent disruptions happened across different MRT lines and had different causes. \\u201cBut we want to take a harder look to satisfy ourselves that there is indeed no systemic problem.\\u201dST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"vpchelvan\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"What are the duties and privileges of the Leader of the Opposition?\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T13:28:02+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T13:35:22+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Leader of the House Indranee Rajah speaks about the role of the Leader of the Opposition (currently WP\\u2019s Mr Pritam Singh). She also did this after the role was created in 2020. She covers what is expected of Mr Singh and the opposition, and also the procedural stuff.He will continue to generally be called on first among the other MPs to speak on policies, Bills and motions (at the Speaker\\u2019s discretion), and can speak for up to 40 minutes as opposed to the usual 20.Mr Singh will also continue to have an office in Parliament, staff support and resources, and a parliamentary allowance double of other MPs.Ms Indranee had to repeat much of what was said in 2020, as the role of the LO is not set out in any legislation. So overall \\u2013 no change for the LO. He will lead his largest-ever contingent of WP MPs, with 12 in the House (10 who won in Aljunied GRC, Sengkang GRC and Hougang + two NCMPs).PHOTO: MDDI \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Goh Yan Han\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Updates on anti-vaping efforts\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T12:06:31+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T13:34:01+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"MPs had asked about enforcement efforts on vaping, and how to help young people who are hooked on it. Two ministers give updated numbers on the number of cases detected by the various authorities and reiterate the Government\\u2019s measures announced at a press conference in August.From January to August this year, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) detected almost 10,000 cases of possession or use, says Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung. More than half of the users are under 25 years old.In the same period, HSA detected 70 cases of possession or use of etomidate vapes (more commonly referred to as Kpods).Since vapes and Kpods hit the headlines in July, the Government has stepped up enforcement measures and public education on the topic.Public vigilance has also increased in tandem. Since a new online form to report illegal vaping activities launched on July 21, more than 1,400 reports have been made, adding to over 4,600 hotline reports that HSA received between January and August.At the border, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority intercepted 76 attempts of large-scale smuggling of vapes and related products at the checkpoints between Sept 15, 2024, and Sept 14, 2025, says Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Faishal Ibrahim, who is also Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs. Some 57 attempts were also made through postal channels.READ MOREST PHOTO: JASON QUAH \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"More than 10 MPs jump in to ask more about vaping\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T12:43:24+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T12:48:47+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"That was a lengthy discussion about vaping, stretching from 11.45am to about 12.30pm. Speaker Seah Kian Peng had to step in several times to move things along.After the ministers gave their responses, some 15 MPs asked additional questions.They raised worries from parents on how vaping is being tackled in schools, and questioned how vapes that slip through border controls can be detected by courier companies during the postal process.Mr Ong says that in schools, MOE\\u2019s measures are over and above what the law has required. It\\u2019s put in place its own in-house punishments atop the rehabilitation programmes mandated by the Government. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Goh Yan Han\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"\\u2018We will be transparent,\\u2019 says Jeffrey Siow\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T12:48:11+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T12:48:11+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Mr Jeffrey Siow says he has asked the Land Transport Authority to share more data related to rail performance publicly, to give commuters a fuller picture of how the network is faring.These include indicators such as punctuality of trains reaching each terminus station - the station at the ends of each MRT line.\\\"We will be transparent, because we have a good system, and we have nothing to hide,\\\" he says, assuring MPs that he takes every rail incident seriously.\\u201cWe want to be accountable to commuters\\u2026 when an incident happens, we learn from it, we will do our utmost to prevent similar faults from recurring,\\u201d he adds.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"vpchelvan\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Eric Chua and Sylvia Lim sworn in as sitting starts \",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T11:33:04+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T12:04:23+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The sitting opened with Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Social and Family Development (Queenstown SMC) and WP chair Sylvia Lim (Aljunied GRC) being sworn in as MPs. The pair missed the opening of Parliament on Sept 5.On Instagram the week after, Ms Lim said she had been away on a long-planned trip with her husband, which included a visit to the British Parliament \\u2013 perhaps the honeymoon? They got married in January.This just leaves one MP to take the oath of allegiance: Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How (East Coast GRC). He is in Egypt with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam as part of the Singapore delegation tagged to the state visit that ends today. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sylvia Lim Swee Lian \\u6797\\u745e\\u83b2 (@sylvialim65) PHOTO: MDDI \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"What to watch for today\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T09:40:29+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T10:54:04+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Good morning, it's Day 1 of Parliament this week.A lot has happened since April, when the 14th Parliament dissolved for the election, and MPs have filed more than 200 questions for the Government to answer.Here are some key issues we will be looking out for and blogging here:Questions from MPs:- Rail reliability: A recent spate of train disruptions (at least 15 in the last three months) have led to a task force being formed to look into the issue. MPs are asking for the reasons behind the incidents, with some asking specifically about the lines that run through their constituencies.- Bullying: The recent Sengkang Green Primary bullying case prompted a long public statement from MOE with the timeline and details of the school's response. MPs have submitted questions on whether schools have enough resources to prevent, detect or address bullying cases, as well as what the current expectations of teachers and schools are in such situations.- Vaping: Kpods and vaping hit news headlines hard in July, and there's been a flurry of responses from the authorities since. MPs have asked questions about enforcement, especially against Kpods, and youth vaping.Several ministers are also scheduled to speak at length:- Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sim Ann and Acting Minister-in-charge for Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim will speak on the situation in the Middle East. MPs filed more than 10 questions on Gaza and the wider Israel-Palestine conflict, and what Singapore can do to help. In the wider context, the UK, Australia and Canada said last night (Sept 21, Singapore time) that they are officially recognising Palestine as a state. Today\\u2019s statements also coincide timeline-wise with the United Nations General Assembly that is happening in New York this week, where the matter is expected to see significant debate.- Leader of the House Indranee Rajah will speak about the role of the Leader of the Opposition (currently WP\\u2019s Mr Pritam Singh). She also did this after the role was created in 2020. We expect her to cover what is expected of Mr Singh and the opposition, and also the procedural stuff \\u2013 how long he is allowed to talk and when.The rest of the debate will focus on Singapore's place in a changing world \\u2013 following from the President\\u2019s Address that opened Parliament on Sept 5. A number of newcomer MPs are slated to speak today, including Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow.ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Welcome to our live coverage of Parliament\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-22T09:23:50+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-22T09:52:08+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Hi everyone. Welcome to ST's new live blog dedicated to covering Parliament. We plan to bring you more context and insights beyond what is said and explain why the happenings in Parliament matter. 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