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May 22, 2025 • 30min

#793 Singapore the poisonous shrimp of Asia?

Rahman's hair journey game is improving this week, but the UAE's hair flipping dance was the talk of the town. Trump's visit to the Middle East saw viral videos of what reminded local viewers of pontianak, but is there more to the diplomatic tour? And as the Malaysian PM visits Russia and Indonesia voices displeasure at Singapore's oil pricing, where does the new world order leave us?(00:23) Update on Rahman's hair(04:28) Trump's visit to Middle East(12:16) Indonesia slams Singapore's oil prices(15:50) How diplomacy is changing(25:40) Is Saudi Arabia's modernizing approach controversial?
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May 15, 2025 • 34min

#792 Our ministers seen with a money launderer?!

GE2025 may be over, and the buzz has simmered down—but one name still lingers: Ng Chee Meng. His appearance alongside ministers Chee Hong Tat and Ong Ye Kung at a gathering with money laundering suspect Su Haijin isn’t doing him any favours. We’ve got thoughts. Also, might we see Rahman with a head full of hair soon?(00:35) Rahman had a hair transplant?!(12:20) Ng Chee Meng’s controversies(19:40) Our coverage for GE2025(26:00) GE2025 shenigans(31:00) Future policies we want to see
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Apr 30, 2025 • 34min

#791 Free university for NS boys?

Desmond Lim, Chairman of the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA), knows the jabs - he’s heard the “mosquito party” taunts and viral memes about him. But in GE2025, he’s not here to be ignored. This time, he’s swinging big: from free university education for NS men to faster-built HDB flats and bold reforms that demand attention.(00:45) What’s life like on the campaign trail for SDA’s Desmond Lim?(07:00) Lim’s response to viral memes and criticisms(11:52) What bold steps could improve Singapore’s future?(25:57) Lim’s confidence this GE2025(30:00) Lim’s message to future supporters
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Apr 30, 2025 • 35min

#790 From no blank cheque to no free pass, what is the magic balance?

As the GE2025 campaign season draws to a close, Health Minister and Sembawang GRC candidate Ong Ye Kung reflects on the bigger questions. What are the roles of the incumbent and opposition parties in Singapore? What does it mean to have a strong government but also strong check and balance? And on a more personal note - what legacy does his 20 years in politics leave behind?(01:35) Say hello to Health Minister Ong Ye Kung!(05:17) Ong’s social media game(11:27) Minister Ong’s experiences in politics(24:17)) Does having more opposition voices truly make for a first-world Parliament?(29:25) A legacy of politics in Ong’s family
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Apr 27, 2025 • 50min

#789 Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law K. Shanmugam

In this episode, we dive deep into the US tariffs - how they hit Singapore, what they mean for our future, and how they shake up an already turbulent world. We sit down with Minister for Law K. Shanmugam to tackle the tough questions - including the hot topic: was the timing just a little too coincidental with GE2025?(03:09) Say hello to Law Minister K. Shanmugam(11.25) What do the US tariffs mean for Singapore’s future?(17:15) Malay-Muslim community’s stance on the tariffs(20:05) Why this minimum 10% tariff affects Singapore(25:54) Too coincidental with general election?(33:42) Singapore’s position in an increasingly unstable world(45:06) US or China? Can we remain neutral?
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Apr 27, 2025 • 37min

#788 Is Singapore’s elections under siege?

GE2025 has been hit with scandal, with cases of foreign interference from Malaysia and controversial open letters. Noor Deros, a Malaysia-based religious personality, claimed to represent the religious teacher community when seeking endorsements from WP to attack Singapore's Muslim law. We speak to Ustazah Dr Siti Nur 'Alaniah Binte Abdul Wahid, an active member of the local religious teachers community, to understand what's going on.(01:28) Case of foreign interference in Singapore’s elections(11:01) Say hello to Ustazah Dr Siti Nur ‘Alaniah Binte Abdul Wahid(15:32) The Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) today(23:40) Abolish AMLA?(30:05) How long do laws or proposals get passed?(34:53) Knowing how other communities perceive the Malay-Muslim community
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Apr 24, 2025 • 31min

#787 Passionate about patient care and community unity - Dr Faisal Abdul Aziz

Believe it or not, even Dr Faisal’s own mother once mistook Pritam Singh for him. But mistaken identity aside, contesting in Aljunied under the PAP banner — a ward long held by the opposition — is often dubbed a “suicide” mission. So how does Dr Faisal stay upbeat and cheerful? And as a long-time ground volunteer, what keeps him going in politics despite the exhaustion?(00:35) Say hi to Dr Faisal Abdul Aziz of PAP!(04:00) How he stays positive while being in a ‘suicide squad’(13:45) Will PAP take back Aljunied?(16:30) Faisal’s personal beliefs and proposals to make Singapore better(21:05) Most rewarding thing about being in politics
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Apr 24, 2025 • 43min

#786 Sumarleki Amjah, PSP’s candidate for West Coast-Jurong West GRC

PSP is rolling out its A-team in the West, and newcomer Sumarleki Amjah is on the frontlines. We dive right in - what does he make of PSP’s bold response to the US tariffs? And with critics saying the PAP often adopts opposition policies, will PSP risk being branded “PAP-lite” if they make it to Parliament?(01:20) Say hi to Sumarleki Amjah!(06:45) Leki’s response to PSP’s stance on the US tariffs(17:20) How is PSP different from other opposition parties?(22:18) Elitism in schools(28:48) Will PSP be labeled ‘PAP-lite’?(30:30) PSP’s policies that has made a difference
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Apr 24, 2025 • 37min

#785 ‘Report card’ ranking of ministers?

Joining politics at just 19 isn’t your usual coming-of-age story — but that’s exactly what Muhammad Aqmal did with the Young Democrats, SDP’s youth wing. And with an opposition party, no less. So how did his family take the news? Plus, since we’re keeping things fun, we hand Aqmal a ‘report card’ to grade Singapore’s politicians.(02:15) Say hi to Aqmal of SDP’s Young Democrats!(08:26) How did his family respond to him joining an opposition party?(15:10) Aqmal’s “Report Card” ranking of ministers(20:17) Future of young politicians in Singapore(27:03) What makes SDP’s manifesto special?(29:05) Aqmal’s aspirations and dream job(33:08) Hot button issues this GE2025
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Apr 17, 2025 • 39min

#784 Let the battle for GE2025 begin

East coast plan. People fainting. Pritam’s mic drop. Previous election rallies have given us memes, drama, and moments we’ll never forget — and GE2025 looks set to deliver more. But beyond the hype, what really matters to you this time? Is it your kids’ future? Bread-and-butter issues? Or deeper systemic change? Plus, we’re having a watch party in our studio, so register before it’s full!(00.30) Thank you for 30K!(01:50) Parliament is finally dissolved(05:45) Will you attend a rally?(10:20) Looking forward to more politicians coming out(20:20) How to convince the swing voters(30:15) The atmosphere of rallies(38:30) Register for our GE2025 watch party!https://tinyurl.com/PlanBGEWatchParty2025

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