Who will be the next top pol? Singaporeans weigh in on who’s hot – and who’s not
By Coconuts Singapore Apr 9, 2021 | 12:20pm Singapore time
Ministers clockwise from top left: Chan Chun Sing, One Ye Kung, Desmond Lee and Lawrence Wong. Photos: Change.org, One Ye Kung/Facebook, Lawrence Wong/Facebook, Desmond Lee/Facebook
Ministers clockwise from top left: Chan Chun Sing, One Ye Kung, Desmond Lee and Lawrence Wong. Photos: Change.org, One Ye Kung/Facebook, Lawrence Wong/Facebook, Desmond Lee/Facebook
Singaporeans are placing bets on who will be the next political heir apparent to Lee Hsien Loong – starting with who they definitely don’t want to see in the top job.
After Heng Swee Keat’s surprise announcement yesterday that he was stepping aside, more than a thousand people have put their names to a petition opposed to Trade and Industry Ministry Chan Chun Sing getting the nod, while an internet poll found Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung and Education Minister Lawrence Wong among preferred options.
“Our worst fear is that PM Lee will push Chan Chun Sing for the position again, which will be disastrous for Singapore. If you too [care] for our political future, please sign this petition to voice our concern, and persuade PM Lee not to put up Chan Chun Sing,” the Change.org petition opposing Chan read.
The three men are among Singapore’s fourth generation of leaders from the ruling People’s Action Party, a cadre Heng previously helmed. Yesterday’s development threw succession plans up in the air, causing some panic given Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s stated desire to retire at 70 next year. Singaporeans don’t get to vote on who serves as prime minister, but that did not stop many from wanting their voices to be heard on the internet.
The “Say NO to Chan Chun Sing for PM!” petition went live within hours of Heng’s announcement. None of those who signed the petition specified concrete reasons for not supporting Chan other than they could not “stand him” or that they needed someone “more down to earth.” Chan has been in the spotlight over leaked audio recordings and that one time he thought cotton came from sheep.
A Twitter poll that drew more than 4,000 votes resulted in Ong and Wong getting the most support at 36% and 37% of the vote, respectively. Ong served as education minister from 2018 until taking on the transport portfolio last year. Wong was the National Development minister for five years before taking over at education.
Meanwhile, National Development Minister Desmond Lee received a measly 4% of votes.
For now, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean has been sworn in as Singapore’s acting prime minister for when Lee is absent, at least until the next potential successor is chosen. Heng will also give up his finance portfolio when the cabinet reshuffles in the coming weeks, but remains deputy prime minister and coordinating minister for economic policies.
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Things you may not know about Singapore Sports Hub
By Coconuts Singapore Apr 6, 2021 | 3:20pm Singapore time
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Photo: Singapore Sports Hub
Photo: Singapore Sports Hub
Like everyone else, our plans to assimilate back into society post-Circuit Breaker has involved a comprehensive workout plan. Or at least, a hearty attempt at it. If you’ve been in Singapore for even a little while, you’d know that Kallang is where you can go for anything sports-related. After all, you can’t really miss the massive dome that is the Singapore Sports Hub, or the dragon boats peppered across the Kallang River nearby. Navigating the world of fitness doesn’t have to be hard, and we’ve found some interesting facts about the giant sports venue that may help to inform your workout plans.
Train where national athletes do
You might already know that national athletes come here to train, and you can too. We’re talking about the actual Olympic-sized swimming pool at the OCBC Aquatic Centre that Joseph Schooling himself trains in when he’s in Singapore (but you can’t actually see him when he’s training, sorry). The OCBC Arena is also where national athletes hone their skills in a whole bunch of sports. Members of the public can make a booking to play basketball, table tennis, badminton, netball, and volleyball at the indoor courts here. But that’s not all. The Water Sports Centre also allows everyday patrons to rent a kayak or dragon boat and train at the same place as the Singapore Dragon Boat Association!
Get a workout in at any time of day
With a name like Singapore Sports Hub, it’s exactly as it says on the tin as the crown jewel of the neighborhood where those serious about fitness go to train. It’s home to a whole host of world-class facilities—some of which are available 24/7. You know, in case you’ve ever felt the urge to go for a run at 3am in the morning, there’s the 100PLUS Promenade for that. The skate park is another facility that’s open round the clock.
Your brain can get a workout too
Brains or brawn? Both, says the Singapore Sports Hub. Besides the seemingly endless list of sports you can do here, the sports district is also home to the Sports Hub Library. It’s right next to the Stadium MRT exit too, which makes it convenient to hit the books and head off after. It also means your study breaks can include rock climbing sessions at the nearby Climb Central in Kallang Wave Mall. That’s not the only way to work your brain, as there’s also Giant Chess. Yep, you can live out your dreams of The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix—but in giant form. Does it make capturing the King even more satisfying? Only one way to find out.
Bonus fact: the seats here move
Not exercise-related, but only slightly because it’s a pretty jaw-dropping fact. You probably already know that the venue hosts a myriad of events, from live entertainment like that sold-out U2 concert in 2019 pre-rona (sobs), to rugby games and even the National Day Parade in 2016. The massive venue has a seating capacity of 55,000, but the seating configuration can be changed thanks to moveable tiered seating.
Thinking of making a trip down to the Singapore Sports Hub? Check out this video of the different facilities here: