THE TEMASEK REVIEW

I refer to Miss Chua Mui Hong’s article Straits Times Singapore, 20 Apr, 2010, Tuesday titled Property: Do something drastic or do nothing? (http://www.asiaone.com/Business/My%2BMoney/Property/Story/A1Story20100420-211365.html)   Jowett & O’Donnell defines “propaganda” like this: “Propaganda is the... 

By Richard Lu What sets Singapore apart from all the First World capitals (and countries) and Hong Kong in particular is the very successful public housing program which has been the envy of many countries.  Perhaps Mr. Mah Bow Tan should be reminded of the history of the HDB. The HDB was tasked with the responsibility... 

By Richard Lu I am not about to judge Jack Neo.  I too do not know the man.  Jack is a comedian and one whom I would treat with tepidness.   But this Lim Biow Chuan fella is a different kettle of fish altogether.  He is a MP; “Christian leader” and a lawyer.   MP Lim Biow Chuan has been a big let-down.  He does... 

By Richard Lu I refer to Miss Chua Mui Hoong’s article ‘No wayang – MPs serve as early warning system’ filed under ‘From the Gallery’ section of the Straits Times of 12 March, 2010.  This article is a shaggy dog story.  In it Miss Chua says “MPs play a valuable role in the political process, often as an... 

By Richard Lu In liberal democracies, citizens are mandated to obey the rule of law.  It stands to reason that the independence of the judiciary is not only an important part of a liberal democracy, but some might suggest it is essential.   To understand why an independent judiciary is an important part of a liberal... 

By Richard Lu  The Judiciary   “The judiciary (also known as the judicial system or judicature) is the system of courts which interprets and applies the law in the name of the sovereign or state. The judiciary also provides a mechanism for the resolution of disputes. Under the doctrine of the separation of powers, the... 

By Richard Lu There is an interesting, intense on-going discussion in the Temasek Review pages on Pastor Rony Tan’s views and comments on lesbians and homosexuals in a video posted on the Lighthouse Evangelism website (since removed).  I choose not to delve into religion. Many of us so called liberals deem we are all... 

By Richard Lu Dear Singaporeans,   I have been reading the comments in the Temasek Review and here are some of my thoughts on democracy.   Democracy exists in several shades and hues – from liberal to sinister to diabolical.  Ask Robert Mugabe or Kim Jong-il.  Democracy is characterized by:   ·        ... 

By Richard Lu Transparency International (TI) publishes an annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) according to “the degree to which corruption is perceived to exist among public officials and politicians”.   Corruption is best described as “the abuse of entrusted power for private gain”.  The... 

By Richard Lu I am apolitical.  It is not important who or which party or parties gets into power ultimately.  So long the government of the day gives back our dignity, our rights to freedom and restores true democracy to our beloved Singapore.   Singaporeans are always fearful and skeptical – fearful that if an opposition...