Top stories from The Straits Times on Sunday, Feb 4

Updated

Published

Feb 04, 2018, 08:06 AM

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kickstart your Sunday, Feb 4.

MPs write appeal letters to court only in 'urgent cases'

At Meet-the-People Sessions, some residents involved in court cases may approach their MPs for help. Lawyers interviewed by The Sunday Times said MPs should be wary of sending criminal appeal letters to the courts. — At Meet-the-People Sessions, some residents involved in court cases may approach their MPs for help. Lawyers interviewed by The Sunday Times said MPs should be wary of sending criminal appeal letters to the courts . ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG

The question of when MPs should write to the courts arose after a judge took issue with the misrepresentation of facts in an MP's letter to the State Courts, which downplayed a motorist's culpability in an accident.

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VIDEO: Proposed home-sharing rules to be released for feedback by Q1

Singapore's situation is complex due to its high density, and the majority of private home owners live in strata-titled properties, said Mr Lawrence Wong. He said that in such properties, it is not just about what one person wants to do - his neighbour has rights too. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

A consultation paper that sets out a regulatory framework for short-term accommodation will be released before April - a long-awaited move that could shed light on how home-sharing models like Airbnb can survive here.

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Bold moves in infrastructure: Thinking big pays off for Singapore planners

The Punggol Digital District masterplan aims to transform the area into a hub for the digital economy's key growth sectors. The district will also serve as a test bed for a slew of new features and planning practices. The zoning rules - which affect — Construction of Jewel Changi Airport. To future-proof Singapore against competition and increase the chances of attracting investments, the Government is betting big by embarking on billion-dollar projects. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

Singapore must dare to make decisive strides in infrastructure, says National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, ahead of likely increased spending in the upcoming Budget.

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It Changed My Life: How a mother lost her 11-year-old son to depression

Ms Doreen Kho, whose eldest son Evan hurled himself from the 16th floor of a condominium last November, is haunted by a note from him and vows not to let his death be in vain.

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VIDEO: Overall crime down but reports of molest on public transport up 60 per cent

There were more reports of molest, Internet love scams and unlicensed money lending harassment cases last year, the Singapore Police Force said in its annual crime brief.

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$53k raised for baby's surgery lost to 'scammer' on crowdfunding website

Madam Duong Thi Hai Nhi with her baby daughter, who was born with Apert syndrome - a genetic disorder where the skull does not grow normally and the fingers are fused together. PHOTO: ST FILE

At least three police reports have been made by beneficiaries, who received public donations via Give.asia, against a woman who claims her name is Ashley Lee.

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Love spies in Singapore on the rise

Founder of SG Investigators David Kang stealthily using a video recorder held close to his hips. There are risks on the job like getting injured, said the private investigator, who fractured his pelvis last year after his motorbike skidded when he was trailing a target. ST PHOTO: ONG WEE JIN

Private eyes say they are getting more requests from clients who want to check on boyfriends or girlfriends, even before they say "I do".

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Lying to get their child into a top school

For Primary 1 registration, schools conduct a ballot when the number of applicants exceeds available places. Those who live nearer the school get priority in the ballot. Phase 2C is for those with no links to the school. PHOTO: ST FILE

According to market players, the hard-to-detect practice of parents breaking the law to get their children into brand-name schools by faking their address is not uncommon.

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What you should know about ElderShield

According to estimates from the Ministry of Health, half of Singaporeans who are healthy at the age of 65 are at risk of developing a long-term disability over their lifetimes. PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

With the ElderShield insurance scheme - which offers protection against severe disability - getting a makeover, The Sunday Times highlights what you should know about ElderShield.

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VIDEO: Hip food, heartland setting: What to eat at the new Pasir Ris hawker centre

Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre has now become a hot foodie destination, with 22 stalls run by a new generation of modern hawkers presenting hipster food at Fareground, a spacious area on its second floor. ST PHOTOS: KEVIN LIM

The 11-day-old Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre is so cool that it has become a hot foodie destination.

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