The Online Citizen

Singaporean runner Soh Rui Yong spoke out on Facebook about the Olympic selection controversy between swimmers Quah Ting Wen and Gan Ching Hwee. He criticized unclear policies in Singapore Aquatics and condemned ageism in sports, arguing for merit-based selection regardless of age. Soh expressed support for Quah amid the emotional challenges of team selection. https://gutzy.asia/2024/07/12/soh-rui-yong-criticizes-ageism-and-selection-policies-in-singapore-aquatics/

The root of America’s problems: Plutocracy over democracy Yeoh Lam Keong: America’s democracy is failing due to corporate and military-industrial dominance, leading to disenfranchisement, inequality, and mistrust. Other democracies show this failure isn’t inevitable. https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2024/07/12/the-root-of-americas-problems-plutocracy-over-democracy/

In a shocking revelation, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported last Sunday (7 July) that the Israeli Defence Forces deployed the controversial Hannibal directive on 7 October 2023, which played a part in the deaths of 1,139 people and the capture of 251 others taken to Gaza. https://gutzy.asia/2024/07/12/israeli-military-deployed-controversial-hannibal-directive-during-7-oct-attack-leading-to-civilian-casualties/

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reports only five trucks with medical supplies entered Gaza last week, while over 70 await clearance in Egypt. Despite ICJ orders and rising death tolls, Israel maintains its offensive, worsening the humanitarian crisis and sparking global concern. https://gutzy.asia/2024/07/12/who-reports-only-5-aid-trucks-allowed-into-gaza-amid-escalating-humanitarian-crisis/

Netizens criticized Calvin Cheng for sarcastically suggesting that during a food crisis, the wealthy would eat meat while others would be left with insects. They questioned if he had tried insects himself and criticized his remarks as perpetuating a class divide, implying the wealthy could afford meat while commoners should settle for insects. https://gutzy.asia/2024/07/12/netizens-criticize-calvin-chengs-controversial-wealthy-eat-meat-masses-dine-on-insects-remark/

Netizens criticized the new Marine Parade bus stop for poor visibility and a confusing layout. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat suggested installing cameras to improve visibility, but many users argued this wouldn't solve the core issues and called for a redesign instead. https://gutzy.asia/2024/07/11/netizens-unsatisfied-with-ministers-explanation-for-marine-parade-bus-stop-design-flaws-call-for-better-planning/

In this podcast, Khush Chopra opines that Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's claim—that increasing the wage for low-income workers will drive up costs, suggesting that labour costs are the largest component of business expenses in Singapore—is misleading. He argues that while this may be true in Western economies, it doesn't hold in land-scarce Singapore.

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is set to be designated as a "politically significant person" (PSP) under Singapore’s foreign interference law due to its "close nexus and symbiotic relationship" with the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), announced the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). https://gutzy.asia/2024/07/11/ntuc-set-to-be-designated-as-politically-significant-person-under-foreign-interference-law/

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theonlinecitizenasia The Chinatown mural depicting a Samsui woman holding a cigarette will remain unchanged, announced the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) on 10 July. However, the building owner was fined S$2,000 for unauthorized works. This decision follows extensive public debate and feedback, sparking significant discussion among Singaporeans. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWopChUhc3w

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theonlinecitizenasia A man was caught smuggling over 100 live snakes into mainland China by hiding them in his trousers. Customs officers in Shenzhen discovered the snakes, packed in six canvas bags, during an inspection at Futian Port, a checkpoint from Hong Kong. https://youtube.com/shorts/0_nkJ6raXMM