For Singapore’s sake, we need a contest in the presidential election

Hello.

All eyes are on Singapore’s upcoming presidential race, after President Halimah Yacob announced she will not be running for a second term. Though advocates will remember Madam Halimah as a champion for social causes, the 2017 election was controversial because she was the only candidate that qualified for the position. Too many no-contest elections will breed cynicism about the presidency, says former veteran newspaper editor Han Fook Kwang.

Defence leaders from all around the world will meet at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore today (Jun 2). But the meeting – or the lack of one – that has made headlines is China snubbing the US’ invitation for talks on the sidelines of the forum. This may seem surprising when Beijing has been receptive to meetings with senior US officials in recent weeks. But China is simply choosing its preferred process for rapprochement, holding back on areas the US wants to engage on, says foreign policy adviser Christian Le Miere.

Did you see the viral clip of an older man berating a younger man seated in an MRT priority seat? Netizens had plenty to say on both sides, with some advocating giving up seats to older folks without waiting to be asked, and others saying that younger commuters could also need priority seats, due to medical conditions for example. But as writer Tracy Lee argues, we shouldn’t have to designate priority seats anyway.

We hope you enjoy our selection of commentaries this week.

Erin Low

CNA Commentary

Why do MRT priority seats seem to bring out the worst in us?

When commuters fight over who should get a priority seat on public transport, it often raises the question of whether some have grown to feel entitled, says Tracy Lee.

For Singapore’s sake, we need a contest in the presidential election

A presidential election contest between a candidate who has links to the ruling party and one who does not will be win-win for all in Singapore, says former veteran newspaper editor Han Fook Kwang.

Decoding Beijing’s intentions behind Micron chip ban

Chips have become the most aggressive front in the tech war between US and China. Here’s what to make of Beijing’s first retaliatory action, says the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy’s Ryu Yongwook.

Securing our devices and chats may help protect our personal information, but it does little to build trust in romantic relationships, says psychiatrist Lim Boon Leng.

5 things about Singapore’s soaring rents

Private rental prices in Singapore surged by 29.7% in 2022, according to data from the Urban Redevelopment Authority. Will this growth continue – and could there be any respite for tenants? Jonathan Peeris sits down with Alan Cheong, executive director, research and consultancy, Savills Singapore.

Some Singapore teens are getting high at home. What can parents do?

Once associated with illicit parties, teen drug use in Singapore has found a new breeding ground: Their own homes. Clinical psychologist Sandor Heng looks at what parents can do to address this threat.

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