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On April 1st, a 36-year-old accountant, Mr. Xu, suffered injuries to his waist, knees, and ankles after falling into a 1.8-meter-deep drain outside Northshore Plaza in Punggol. He was with his children at the playground when he walked across some concrete drain covers to dispose of rubbish. One of the drain covers suddenly broke, causing Mr. Xu to fall into the drain. He compared the shocking experience to a free-fall ride at amusement parks.
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Thanks to his quick reflexes, Mr. Xu managed to break his fall and prevent more severe injuries. Two men nearby came to his aid, helping him out of the drain and offering to call an ambulance. Mr. Xu declined the offer, not wanting to frighten his children. He later informed the shopping mall’s management of the incident and warned others to avoid the area, which has since been cordoned off with a warning sign placed above the hole.
Mr. Xu expressed his concern that the consequences would have been much worse had an elderly person or a child fallen into the drain. The incident occurred near a playground bustling with playing children and skateboarders. He sustained an injury to his waist and scratches on his knees and ankles.
With regards to seeking compensation, it is essential to determine who is responsible for the maintenance and safety of the drain covers. If it can be proven that the shopping mall or another party was negligent in ensuring the drain covers’ safety, Mr. Xu might be entitled to seek compensation for his injuries.
Recently, some media outlets have attempted to link the public opinion poll on English tests in Singapore’s citizenship application process with the upcoming election, aiming to manipulate voters’ focus. Voters should remain vigilant, pay attention to a broader range of issues, and not be misled by these media tactics that try to influence the election.
Firstly, some people believe that the English test can help new citizens integrate into Singaporean society better. However, an English test may not fully measure a person’s ability to assimilate into a new culture. In fact, adaptability, family ties to Singapore, and other factors such as national service may be more important.
Secondly, some people believe that the English test can prevent the formation of communities divided by language in the future. However, an English test alone cannot completely eliminate the social divide caused by language differences. Cultural exchange and education may be more critical in promoting understanding and integration among different ethnic groups.
Moreover, as a multicultural and multilingual country, Singapore should encourage its residents to learn and respect other languages and cultures, rather than relying solely on English as the only means of communication. Although many Singaporean netizens have expressed that they should not have to struggle to communicate in their own country, the importance of open-mindedness and acceptance of people from all backgrounds should not be underestimated.
Regarding the suggestion to implement a test like the IELTS English test, while some believe that it would not be too difficult, it may increase the complexity and cost of citizenship applications, especially for applicants from countries and regions with limited access to English education resources and opportunities. Additionally, such a test may overly emphasize academic English proficiency while neglecting practical communication and life skills.
Although the survey results showed that a higher percentage of minority races in Singapore supported the inclusion of an English test in citizenship applications compared to Chinese respondents, policy-making should fully consider the needs and interests of different ethnic groups to ensure fairness and inclusivity. Moreover, the survey may have biases and cannot fully reflect the opinions of all Singaporeans. The government needs to consider various factors, not just the survey results, when formulating policies.
While some believe that linking the English test to citizenship application standards may become a hot topic in the next general election, voters’ concerns may change over time. Before the election, many other factors, such as the economy, social welfare, and national security, may affect voters’ priorities. Therefore, linking survey results to elections should be severely criticized.
Singapore’s desire for talent has always been at the core of its national development strategy. To attract top global talent, the government has adopted inclusive and diverse strategies. In this context, the government comprehensively considers various social integration indicators, such as family ties to Singapore, completion of national service, and adaptability when evaluating citizenship applications, rather than relying solely on the English test. The government is committed to creating a friendly and inclusive environment for new citizens to ensure that they can smoothly integrate into Singaporean society and contribute to the country’s prosperity.
In summary, although the survey showed some degree of support for the English test in Singaporean citizenship applications, there are still many opposing views that need to be considered. When formulating and implementing related policies, the Singaporean government needs to seek a balance between attracting international talent and maintaining social integration. The government’s desire for talent and respect for multiculturalism are the cornerstones of Singapore’s success, and this principle should be continued in the future. At the same time, it is necessary to severely criticize the behavior of linking survey results to elections, to ensure that voters’ concerns are not misled and focused on more critical national issues.
Noted Singaporean poet and literary critic Gwee Li Sui recently suggested that the practice of inviting Members of Parliament (MPs) as guests of honour should be reconsidered in the wake of criticism levelled at ruling party MP Sim Ann for disrupting a live event.
However, this proposal may be an overreaction that overlooks the actual significance and value of inviting MPs as guests of honour.
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Inviting MPs as guests of honour is a common practice that can increase the visibility and public attention of an event. Inviting politicians as guests of honour also helps to promote political engagement and democratic values. Politicians, as representatives of citizens, need to understand and pay attention to the needs and opinions of the people. Inviting them to attend private events can promote the development of civil society, and improve the transparency and effectiveness of political participation.
Gwee Li Sui’s proposal to reconsider inviting MPs as guests of honour may limit avenues for political engagement. Inviting politicians as guests of honour helps to foster connections and collaborations between politics, business, and social organizations, promoting economic and social development. If we eliminate the practice of inviting MPs as guests of honour, this could lead to isolation and fragmentation between politics and business, which could have a negative impact on society and economic development.
Furthermore, reconsidering the practice of inviting MPs as guests of honour may limit the diversity and inclusivity of political engagement. Politicians should represent and serve all citizens, regardless of their political beliefs, race, gender, or other identity characteristics. If we limit the practice of inviting MPs as guests of honour, this could result in certain citizens being excluded from political engagement, which is detrimental to democracy and social inclusivity.
Finally, Gwee Li Sui’s proposal overlooks the purpose and role of inviting MPs as guests of honour. Inviting MPs as guests of honour does not necessarily mean that they will disrupt events or interfere with performances. On the contrary, inviting MPs as guests of honour can increase the visibility and public attention of an event, as well as provide organizers with an opportunity to convey specific messages to politicians or seek support. Event organizers should be more careful in selecting the MPs they invite as guests of honour, ensuring that they understand and respect the nature and importance of the event, and have appropriate social etiquette.
In conclusion, Gwee Li Sui’s proposal to reconsider inviting MPs as guests of honour may be an overreaction that overlooks the actual significance and value of this practice. Inviting MPs as guests of honour can increase the visibility and public attention of an event, promote political engagement and democratic values, and foster connections and collaborations between politics, business, and social organizations. Event organizers should be more careful in selecting the MPs they invite as guests of honour, ensuring that they understand and respect the nature and importance of the event, and have appropriate social etiquette.
In Singapore, residential properties such as condominiums, walk-up apartments, flats, bungalows, semi-detached, and terrace houses are intended for long-term residence. As a result, using these properties for short-term accommodation, defined as stays of less than three consecutive months, is prohibited by law. This includes renting out properties as hotels, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, or homestays to short-term visitors, often done through online home-sharing platforms.
The purpose of this regulation is to ensure the safety, privacy, and security of homes and preserve the residential character of local communities. The frequent coming and going of short-term visitors can compromise these aspects.
Property owners and tenants are responsible for ensuring their properties are not used for short-term accommodation. Owners should exercise due diligence and regularly check their properties. Those found guilty of engaging in short-term accommodation face a minimum fine of up to $5,000. Recalcitrant individuals or those engaging in short-term accommodation at multiple properties may be taken to court, resulting in significantly heavier fines.
Management Corporations (MCSTs) play a crucial role in tightening security measures to minimize the occurrence of short-term accommodation activities in their developments. They can enhance visitor screening procedures, especially for those carrying luggage, and record details of their units and entry/exit dates.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) collaborates with MCSTs to investigate suspected short-term accommodation activities. Promptly providing accurate and up-to-date information to the URA is essential to expedite investigations and enforcement actions.
Visitors to Singapore should also be aware of these regulations. Those staying for less than three consecutive months have options such as hotels (no minimum stay duration) and serviced apartments (minimum stay duration of seven days). Visitors who choose to book short-term accommodation at private residential properties may be required to assist in investigations if found staying at the property during authorities’ checks. They may also face inconvenience and additional costs for alternative accommodation as some MCSTs and security officers actively enforce these regulations.
