The Online Citizen
LightNews LightNews
banner
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
The Online Citizen
@theonlinecitizen.substack.com
50 followers 1 following 2.5K posts
Founded in 2006, The Online Citizen is a platform for independent journalism and alternative perspectives, with a focus on accountability and transparency.
Posts Replies Media Videos
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
Singapore maintains top ranking for public safety in Gallup’s 2025 global survey https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/11/11/singapore-maintains-top-ranking-for-public-safety-in-gallups-2025-global-survey/
Singapore maintains top ranking for public safety in Gallup’s 2025 global survey - The Online Citizen
Singapore ranked among the safest countries globally in the 2025 Gallup Law and Order Report, with high public confidence in law enforcement, but its public communications spending has drawn attention for its scale.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:15 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
ICA’s warning to Ong Beng Seng raises questions over unequal treatment in PR revocations
https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/11/10/icas-warning-to-ong-beng-seng-raises-questions-over-unequal-treatment-in-pr-revocations/
ICA’s warning to Ong Beng Seng raises questions over unequal treatment in PR revocations
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s decision to issue only a warning to Ong Beng Seng, despite his conviction for a serious offence, has raised questions over fairness—especially as others have lost PR status for less.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:10 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
Chen Zhi’s Singapore aide stole millions as tycoon built empire now under US sanctions
https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/11/10/chen-zhis-singapore-aide-stole-millions-as-tycoon-built-empire-now-under-us-sanctions/
Chen Zhi’s Singapore aide stole millions as tycoon built empire now under US sanctions
Bloomberg has reported that Chen Zhi, the China-born Cambodian tycoon recently sanctioned by the US for alleged involvement in global scam operations, was himself defrauded by his Singapore family office chief, David Wong, who allegedly stole millions from his accounts in 2021.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:18 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
Courts rule on law, people rule on mandate: testing Edwin Tong’s criticism of Pritam Singh
https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/11/09/courts-rule-on-law-people-rule-on-mandate-testing-edwin-tongs-criticism-of-pritam-singh/
Courts rule on law, people rule on mandate: testing Edwin Tong’s criticism of Pritam Singh
In CNA’s The Assembly, Pritam Singh said the “court of public opinion can be bigger than any court”, citing WP’s election showing. Law Minister Edwin Tong called the remark “outrageous” and warned sentiment cannot trump judgments. Our view: courts decide law; voters decide mandate — different domains that coexist.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:17 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
Framing WP’s Tampines gains as racial appeal is political misdirection
https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/11/09/framing-wps-tampines-gains-as-racial-appeal-is-political-misdirection/
Framing WP’s Tampines gains as racial appeal is political misdirection
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s remarks about the Workers’ Party’s (WP) performance in Tampines raise inconsistencies, particularly when compared with past elections where the WP performed strongly in Chinese-majority areas.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:29 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
Balakrishnan’s call for balance misses the overwhelming reality of Gaza’s suffering
https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/11/07/balakrishnans-call-for-balance-misses-the-overwhelming-reality-of-gazas-suffering/
Balakrishnan’s call for balance misses the overwhelming reality of Gaza’s suffering
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan’s appeal for Singaporeans to seek balance and dialogue in the Israel-Palestine war ignores the scale and clarity of atrocities unfolding in Gaza, where nearly 70,000 have been killed and the UN has declared a genocide.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:25 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
Mah Bow Tan–led Therme wins Marina South tender; STB defends award https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/11/06/mah-bow-tan-led-therme-wins-marina-south-tender-stb-defends-award/
Mah Bow Tan–led Therme wins Marina South tender; STB defends award
Therme Group Singapore, led by former minister Mah Bow Tan, won the Concept and Price Revenue Tender to build a S$1 billion wellness attraction at Marina South, STB announced. Responding to media, STB said due-diligence checks found no misrepresentation in Therme’s submission. The 4-hectare project includes a public park and targets opening by 2030.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:23 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
Netizens criticise Lee Hsien Loong’s silence amid government decision to preserve 38 Oxley Road https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/11/04/netizens-criticise-lee-hsien-loongs-silence-amid-government-decision-to-preserve-38-oxley-road/
Netizens criticise Lee Hsien Loong’s silence amid government decision to preserve 38 Oxley Road
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong declined to comment on the government’s move to gazette 38 Oxley Road as a national monument. Netizens criticised his silence and urged the government to respect Lee Kuan Yew’s wish for the family home to be demolished.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:53 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
Lee Hsien Yang says PAP government has ‘trampled’ on Lee Kuan Yew’s wish to demolish 38 Oxley Road

https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/11/04/lee-hsien-yang-says-pap-government-has-trampled-on-lee-kuan-yews-wish-to-demolish-38-oxley-road/
Lee Hsien Yang says PAP government has ‘trampled’ on Lee Kuan Yew’s wish to demolish 38 Oxley Road
Lee Hsien Yang accused the Singapore government of disregarding Lee Kuan Yew’s will by moving to preserve 38 Oxley Road as a national monument. He said his father wanted the home demolished, not memorialised. The government maintains the site has national significance.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:21 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
Dr Paul Tambyah rebuts PAP’s race stance, urges unity, tells Shanmugam public debate offer still open https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/11/03/dr-paul-tambyah-rebuts-paps-race-stance-urges-unity-tells-shanmugam-public-debate-offer-still-open/
Dr Paul Tambyah rebuts PAP’s race stance, urges unity, tells Shanmugam public debate offer still open
On 3 November 2025, Singapore Democratic Party chair Dr Paul Tambyah issued a rebuttal to the People’s Action Party’s criticism of SDP’s position on race and politics. Responding via social media, Tambyah reaffirmed his party’s record on cultural inclusion and accused the ruling party of perpetuating “divide and rule” politics reminiscent of the colonial era.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:58 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
David Neo: 38 Oxley Road set for national monument status, with plans for heritage park

https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/11/03/david-neo-38-oxley-road-set-for-national-monument-status-with-plans-for-heritage-park/
David Neo: 38 Oxley Road set for national monument status, with plans for heritage park
The Singapore government will gazette the 38 Oxley Road site—the home of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew—as a national monument. Acting Minister David Neo said the move balances national heritage interests with respect for Lee’s privacy wishes. Lee Hsien Yang, the current owner, has until 17 November to file objections.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
November 3, 2025 at 6:40 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
Murali Pillai rebuts Chee Soon Juan’s identity politics claims as Shanmugam stays silent https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/11/02/murali-pillai-rebuts-chee-soon-juans-identity-politics-claims-as-shanmugam-stays-silent/
Murali Pillai rebuts Chee Soon Juan’s identity politics claims as Shanmugam stays silent
Murali Pillai has refuted Chee Soon Juan’s claims that PAP policies divide Singaporeans by race, arguing that such measures preserve harmony. His response comes amid silence from Shanmugam, the minister originally challenged by Chee.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
November 2, 2025 at 1:01 PM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
Khoon Group, sanctioned by US over Chen Zhi ties, led by PAP grassroots leaders

https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/10/28/khoon-group-sanctioned-by-us-over-chen-zhi-ties-led-by-pap-grassroots-leaders/
Khoon Group, sanctioned by US over Chen Zhi ties, led by PAP grassroots leaders
Khoon Group, a Singapore-based firm sanctioned by the US over alleged ties to Cambodian tycoon Chen Zhi, is led by PAP grassroots leaders Ang Jui Khoon and his son Jansen Ang. Incorporated in the Cayman Islands and listed in Hong Kong, the firm previously provided electrical engineering services for HDB estates across Singapore.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:44 PM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
Five months of warnings, five months of silence: How Megan disappeared and no one kept looking https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/10/26/five-months-of-warnings-five-months-of-silence-how-megan-disappeared-and-no-one-kept-looking/
Five months of warnings, five months of silence: How Megan disappeared and no one kept looking
For five months, warnings were raised about Megan — by her preschool, by social workers, by family. Police were told she was at risk. Then everyone stopped looking. By the time the four-year-old was killed and her body destroyed, the system had already let her vanish. This is not just tragedy. It is neglect, and it is ours.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
October 26, 2025 at 10:15 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
Netizens lament systemic failures in Megan Khung’s case, call for child protection reforms

https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/10/24/netizens-lament-systemic-failures-in-megan-khungs-case-call-for-child-protection-reforms/
Netizens lament systemic failures in Megan Khung’s case, call for child protection reforms
Netizens have lamented what they described as systemic and institutional failures in the handling of four-year-old Megan Khung’s abuse case, saying her death could have been prevented. Many called for accountability and comprehensive child protection reforms to ensure such tragedies never happen again.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
October 24, 2025 at 9:18 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
A law no one asked for: The 2009 Act that reshaped public assembly in Singapore

https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/10/24/a-law-no-one-asked-for-the-2009-act-that-reshaped-public-assembly-in-singapore/
A law no one asked for: The 2009 Act that reshaped public assembly in Singapore
The acquittal of three women accused of organising a peaceful walk for Palestine exposes how the 2009 Public Order Act reshaped Singapore’s approach to public assembly — turning peaceful expression into a punishable offence unless state-approved, and dismantling long-standing legal protections.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:01 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
An apology is overdue — but from the right people
https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/10/23/an-apology-is-overdue-but-from-the-right-people/
An apology is overdue — but from the right people
Minister Masagos Zulkifli’s apology for the death of four-year-old Megan Khung was necessary but misplaced. The failures that led to her death occurred under former minister Desmond Lee and with the police under K. Shanmugam. True accountability requires names, consequences, and the courage to take responsibility—not just policy reviews and regret.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
October 23, 2025 at 9:44 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
Josephine Teo remains silent on unequal DOL treatment of TOC’s Instagram account

https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/10/23/josephine-teo-remains-silent-on-unequal-dol-treatment-of-tocs-instagram-account/
Josephine Teo remains silent on unequal DOL treatment of TOC’s Instagram account
TOC questioned why its Instagram was declared a Declared Online Location under POFMA, despite similar Correction Directions being issued to Bloomberg and The Edge with no such action. The government has not responded to follow-up queries, raising concerns of selective enforcement and the financial impact of the law.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
October 23, 2025 at 6:13 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
SIT computer science graduate shares struggle to find a job despite 650 applications, Reddit weighs in https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/10/22/sit-computer-science-graduate-shares-struggle-to-find-a-job-despite-650-applications-reddit-weighs-in/
SIT computer science graduate shares struggle to find a job despite 650 applications, Reddit weighs in
A recent Computer Science graduate from the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) shared on Reddit his struggles entering the job market, revealing he had submitted 650 job applications since June but received only one offer. Netizens offered advice, while others said local graduates are being sidelined by cheaper foreign hires.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
October 22, 2025 at 8:29 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
TTSH warns against false accusations as patient files police report over alleged inhumane treatment

https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/10/22/ttsh-warns-against-false-accusations-as-patient-files-police-report-over-alleged-inhumane-treatment/
TTSH warns against false accusations as patient files police report over alleged inhumane treatment
Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) said on 21 Oct it takes seriously the patient’s allegations of being forcibly restrained and injected without consent but cautioned against false accusations and harassment. The hospital said its clinical team acted out of genuine concern to protect the patient, adding that events may be misunderstood when taken out of context.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
October 22, 2025 at 3:38 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
SDP: Small but significant step for free speech as court acquits trio accused over pro-Palestinian procession

https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/10/22/sdp-small-but-significant-step-for-free-speech-as-court-acquits-trio-accused-over-pro-palestinian-procession/
SDP: Small but significant step for free speech as court acquits trio accused over pro-Palestinian procession
On 21 October, the Singapore Democratic Party welcomed the State Court’s acquittal of three women accused of organising a pro-Palestinian procession to the Istana in February 2024. The party called the ruling a small victory for social activism and reaffirmed its call to uphold citizens’ constitutional rights to free speech and peaceful assembly.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
October 22, 2025 at 1:16 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
Yishun BTO applicants frustrated over ‘8-year wait’ for home completion and its impact on lives
https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/10/21/yishun-bto-applicants-frustrated-over-8-year-wait-for-home-completion-and-its-impact-on-lives/
Yishun BTO applicants frustrated over ‘8-year wait’ for home completion and its impact on lives
Singaporeans who applied for the Vanda Breeze @ Yishun BTO project have voiced growing frustration over longer-than-expected completion timelines, with move-in dates projected as late as 2030. HDB clarified that the 67-month wait has remained unchanged since launch, citing environmental and site preparation factors for the delay.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
October 21, 2025 at 9:53 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
Singapore court acquits 3 women accused over pro-Palestinian procession outside Istana https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/10/21/singapore-court-acquits-3-women-accused-over-pro-palestinian-procession-outside-istana/
Singapore court acquits 3 women accused over pro-Palestinian procession outside Istana
A Singapore district court acquitted three women accused of organising a pro-Palestinian procession outside the Istana, ruling they could not have known the route was restricted. Judge John Ng said the women had made efforts to comply with the law. Their acquittal drew strong reactions in court.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
October 21, 2025 at 8:15 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
Chee Soon Juan challenges K Shanmugam for a public debate over identity politics in Singapore https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/10/20/chee-soon-juan-challenges-k-shanmugam-for-a-public-debate-over-identity-politics-in-singapore/
Chee Soon Juan challenges K Shanmugam for a public debate over identity politics in Singapore
Singapore Democratic Party leader Chee Soon Juan has challenged Minister K Shanmugam to a public debate on who is truly playing identity politics in Singapore. The challenge follows Shanmugam’s parliamentary statement warning against racial politics and accusing an SDP candidate of seeking support along racial lines.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
October 20, 2025 at 7:21 AM
theonlinecitizen.substack.com
Tommy Koh praises Palestine newborn named ‘Singapore’ as netizens spotlight Gilbert Goh’s aid work https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/10/20/tommy-koh-praises-palestine-newborn-named-singapore-as-netizens-spotlight-gilbert-gohs-aid-work/
Tommy Koh praises Palestine newborn named ‘Singapore’ as netizens spotlight Gilbert Goh’s aid work
In a 19 Oct Facebook post, Professor Tommy Koh praised a Palestinian couple in Gaza for naming their newborn ‘Singapore’ in gratitude for the humanitarian assistance provided by Singaporeans. Netizens later highlighted activist Gilbert Goh and his NGO, Love Aid Singapore, for their continuous relief work in the war-torn region.
www.theonlinecitizen.com
October 20, 2025 at 3:10 AM