Former Singapore President Halicam Yacob has taken to Facebook to express deep concern and question the global response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Yacob’s post reflects a plea for humanity and raises critical questions about the world’s apparent indifference to the suffering of Palestinians amidst the Gaza War.

A Cry for Humanity in the Face of Tragedy

In his Facebook post, Yacob wonders why it is challenging for the world to stand on the side of humanity, especially in the context of the Gaza conflict.

She highlights the staggering toll of 17,000 Palestinians killed in just two months, with a majority being women and children. Yacob expresses dismay at the global immobilization in the face of such devastating human loss.

The post vividly describes the dire conditions faced by the Palestinian population, with images of babies being killed, children mourning their deceased parents, and two million people fleeing for their lives without a safe haven.

Yacob draws attention to the inadequacy of the proposed safe zone, likening it to London’s Heathrow airport in size but lacking essential infrastructure and basic amenities for survival.

Halimah Yacob’s Facebook post

Why is it so difficult to stand on the side of humanity? We invoked humanity, when it is convenient, for so many other causes, yet when 17,000 Palestinians are being killed, in just two months, the majority of them women and children, the world is immobilised.

Are our hearts so hardened that we chose not to be moved by pictures of babies being killed, children crying for their dead parents and two million people fleeing for their lives with nowhere safe to go? A safe zone? So small that it’s no bigger than London’s Heathrow airport with no infrastructure, water, electricity and other basic amenities for survival which even the UN and International Red Cross have described as unliveable.

And even the meagre lorry loads of aid are blocked, killing Palestinians through starvation, disease and untreated injuries if they’ve escaped the bombs.

After this is over, whatever the outcome, what lessons will we learn about a world so indifferent to the pain and suffering of a people? Is the value that we attach to humanity dependent on who they are? If this is one takeaway, then we are living in a very dangerous world where principles and values, the biggest victims in the Gaza War, will count for nothing in the future.

Why do we have international laws then if they can be broken with impunity despite pious protestations globally?

What is the significance of this in conflicts in other parts of the world? What’s the role of the UN which has been severely undermined in this war? Surely humanitarian international laws which prohibit collective punishment of innocent civilians, which the UN said was repeatedly violated by Israel in its exercise of the right to self defence, must count for something.

If it counts for nothing, then be very fearful of the rule of the mighty over the weak. Of chaos and disorder particularly dangerous for vulnerable small states.

Stand on the side of humanity. Humans never learn. We are doomed to repeat the same mistakes. Security is not achieved through the barrels of a gun.

Humans have memories. We share experiences through telling stories to our young. A truly traumatised young will remember these moments when their families are killed, homes destroyed and all hopes erased. Security is a long term commitment and requires sincere effort. It cannot be achieved overnight.

Stand on the side of humanity. What stories will we tell our young even though we are living in peace now? How do we explain what’s happening when they see so much death and destruction and they wonder why? Do we tell them that humanity failed?

A Grab passenger recently took to social media to express frustration after leaving their wallet in a Grab vehicle and facing difficulties in retrieving it. The incident has raised concerns about the responsiveness of Grab’s support system and the challenges passengers may encounter in such situations.

Lost Wallet and Unresponsive Driver

The passenger reported leaving their wallet in a Grab vehicle, initiating contact with the driver within minutes of disembarking. Unfortunately, the driver did not answer the call, and subsequent attempts to reach the driver proved futile. The Grab app indicated that the driver had been offline for the past 60 hours, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the situation.

Desperate to retrieve their wallet containing both work-related and sentimental items, the passenger reached out to Grab support via email multiple times. However, the responses from Grab support conveyed their inability to establish contact with the driver, leaving the passenger in a state of distress.

Plea for Help and Escalation

In a social media post, the passenger expressed frustration with the lack of assistance from Grab support, emphasizing the importance of the wallet’s contents.

The passenger highlighted that Grab support marked the issue as resolved, but in reality, no tangible progress had been made.

The passenger’s post concluded with an appeal for the issue to be brought to Grab’s attention, seeking a prompt and effective resolution to retrieve the lost wallet.

What the netizen said

Basically what happen is, I left my wallet inside a grab, it has been about 62 hours now, the grab driver did not pick up, I have emailed grab multiple times and they said they couldn’t contact the driver.

He’s on offline mode in grab for the last 60 hours. I called him about 2 mins after I left the grab but he didn’t pick up as well, I have very important contents inside my wallet which has work and sentimental values to me. Grab support is not helpful, and all they can reply is they cannot contact him. I hope this post can be escalated up to grab and someone can help me. Thank you

They put the the issue is resolved, but nothing is done, no updates as well.

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A recent Facebook post by a disgruntled guest sheds light on a concerning experience at KSL Hotel and Resort in Johor Bahru. The guest, who checked in on December 3rd for a 3-day, 2-night stay, expressed dissatisfaction with various aspects of their stay, citing safety concerns and poor customer service.

Electrical Safety Hazards

The guest reported a harrowing incident involving a faulty lamp in room 2312 of Tower 1. Unaware of the lamp’s electrical issues, the guest, on the following morning, attempted to turn on the lamp, resulting in an electric shock. Disturbed by this, the guest promptly reported the incident to the customer service desk.

The manager on duty offered medical assistance, suggesting a visit to the clinic, but the guest, reluctant to disrupt their vacation, opted to monitor the situation. Instead, they requested the hotel to address the electrical issue promptly, along with another concern regarding the weak and often non-existent wifi connection.

Despite the guest’s request for urgent attention, the lamp’s faulty wiring and the subpar wifi connection persisted throughout the stay. The guest expressed frustration that no one from the hotel bothered to follow up on the reported issues. Even upon check-out, the problems remained unresolved.

Lack of Accountability

Upon questioning the hotel staff during check-out, the manager on duty failed to provide satisfactory answers. Expressing disbelief that the issues persisted, the manager assured the guest that the customer service or senior management team would contact them via email within 5-7 days to address the situation and discuss potential compensation.

Regrettably, more than a week after returning to Singapore, the guest claims they have not received any response from the hotel regarding the incident. This lack of communication has left the guest deeply disappointed with the hotel’s customer service and perceived carelessness.

What the netizen said

Horrible experience in KSL hotel and resort

I checked in on 3rd December for 3 days 2 nights trip at KSL hotel and resort tower 1 room 2312 and for the first day I didn’t know there was a faulty lamp with an electrical leak that is connected to electricity outlet since I never turn on the switch for it.

Next morning, I found the room dark and I want to turn on the lamp. But when I try to flip the switch to turn on the lamp, I accidentally touched the faulty wires on the lamp and got electrocuted.

I then went to the customer service downstairs to report this issue. Not to mention this was the only one, the wifi there is very weak and often also no connection.

The manager on duty just ask me if I want to see the clinic and if I need she can send me to see a doctor. All though my finger very pain after the electric shock, I don’t want to waste my vacation and time just to see a doctor.

I replied that I will monitor first and requested her to get an electrician to help me repair the lamp and a technician to repair the wifi for me.

But surprisingly, the internet and the faulty wires were still in the same condition and weren’t repaired. The worst thing was no one bother to come and ask if it was done.

When I went check out i ask them why the lamp wasn’t repaired and the wifi was still in a horrible state with barely any connection.

The manager on duty didn’t believe that the faults weren’t touched and went to my room to double check and couldn’t give me any answers.

She only told me that the customer service/senior management team will send me email regarding this accident and what they could do to compensate this ridiculous incident.

She told me that they will respond in 5-7days. I am already back to Singapore for more than a week now and I still have not received a single response from them through email.

It was a really horrible experience staying in this hotel and I am so disappointed with their customer service and carelessness. Please read and take note, you should really consider before you book this hotel.

Source: Facebook

In a shocking incident at Christmas Wonderland on December 12, 2023, at approximately 9:45 pm, a young boy was bitten by a dog, sparking a plea for help on Instagram. The incident occurred right after the Rhapsody performance, during the “snow blizzard” segment.

The Incident Details

The victim, a 4-year-old boy, was innocently walking towards the snow blizzard when he suddenly knelt on the floor, crying hysterically. It was later revealed that the cause of his distress was a dog bite. Eyewitnesses corroborated the lack of provocation, emphasizing the unprovoked nature of the attack.

Upon discovering the dog owner, the victim’s father approached her, seeking accountability. The owner admitted the dog’s attack but argued that the incident occurred in a public place, absolving them of liability. The refusal to exchange contact information escalated the situation, leading to a threat to involve the police.

In a desperate plea for justice, the victim’s mother took to Instagram, sharing the traumatic experience and urging the online community to help identify the dog owner. The post quickly gained traction, with users sharing it across various platforms.

What the netizen said

I would like to appeal to everyone in search of this dog owner

Her dog bit my son (4YO) at Christmas Wonderland on 12-Dec-2023 at approximately 9.45pm right after the Rhapsody, when the snow blizzard started

My son was walking towards the snow blizzard and he’s suddenly kneeling on the floor crying hysterically. I thought he fell down. After he calmed down, he told me the dog BITE him!!

THERE IS NO PROVOCATION, he is innocently walking past

My husband immediately went to the dog owner to inform her of the attack. Owner admitted the dog attack but retorted that incident happened in a public place thus they are not liable. My husband requested to exchange contact but owner refused. My husband inform that he will then need to call in the police but they continued their escape, and we could not restrain them until police arrive

Please, everyone, help us to spread this post. We hope if by any slim chance someone knows her, reach out

Thank you

Side note: Before biting my son, this crazy dog somehow provoked an idle Goldie chilling beside it

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In a distressing incident, a TADA ride-hailing driver, Peh Boon Hua, faced legal repercussions after hurling racist remarks at a female passenger. The 54-year-old driver was initially charged with deliberately wounding racial feelings, but the charge was later amended to using insulting words causing distress. Peh pleaded guilty to the amended charge, resulting in a S$3,000 fine.

2. Dispute Over Drop-off Location

According to CNA, The unfortunate incident unfolded when a 46-year-old female passenger, accompanied by her nine-year-old daughter, booked a TADA ride from Pasir Ris using the ride-hailing app. A malfunction in the app prevented her from setting the correct drop-off location, leading to a dispute.

3. Argument Escalates During the Ride

Peh Boon Hua, assigned to the job, picked up the passenger and her daughter but faced challenges finding the specified location. A disagreement ensued, leading to a heated argument between the driver and the passenger. The tension escalated as Peh made a U-turn and proceeded towards a different location, exacerbating the dispute, reported CNA.

4. Racist Remarks and Offensive Language

The situation took a disturbing turn when Peh resorted to racist remarks, yelling at the passenger about her ethnicity. In the midst of the argument, he incorrectly identified her as Indian and used derogatory language. The victim, a Singaporean Eurasian, corrected Peh, who continued to shout racially insensitive comments, leaving the passenger feeling unsafe and deeply offended.

5. Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Peh Boon Hua’s actions resulted in legal consequences, with the prosecution seeking a fine between S$3,000 and S$4,000. The court emphasized that the overtly racial nature of the insults was unacceptable, stressing that such language has no place in Singapore. Peh’s early guilty plea and lack of prior convictions were considered in mitigation, leading to a S$3,000 fine.

6. TADA’s Response and Permanent Ban

TADA, the ride-hailing platform involved, took immediate action by suspending Peh from their platform and conducting a thorough investigation. In response to the incident, a TADA spokesperson announced that Peh is now permanently banned from working as a driver on their platform. The spokesperson condemned Peh’s racial remarks, emphasizing TADA’s commitment to fostering an environment built on respect and understanding.

7. Lessons Learned and Community Guidelines

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining respect and avoiding racial or derogatory comments, even in challenging circumstances. TADA’s spokesperson urged users to uphold community guidelines, emphasizing the platform’s commitment to providing safe and respectful rides for everyone.

8. Conclusion

The shocking incident involving a TADA driver’s racist remarks highlights the need for continued efforts to eliminate racial insensitivity and discrimination. As legal proceedings conclude, it serves as a critical moment for reflection on the values of tolerance and inclusivity within the community.

1. Introduction

In a shocking turn of events, a 50-year-old Singaporean woman, Baniyah Shap, finds herself at the center of a legal storm as she faces accusations of causing the death of her 62-year-old husband, Mohamed Ali Saaban. The alleged incident occurred during a scuffle that took a tragic turn, leaving the husband fatally wounded.

2. The Scuffle and the Alleged Stabbing

According to CNA, The unfortunate event unfolded at the void deck of Block 631 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 around 11:50 pm on December 11, as reported by both CNA and The Straits Times. It is claimed that during the scuffle, Baniyah allegedly stabbed her husband with a silver-colored foldable knife, resulting in a puncture wound.

3. Claim of Self-Inflicted Injury

According to The Strait Times, During the court appearance on December 13, 2023, Baniyah Shap, appearing via video link from Changi Prison, shocked the courtroom by claiming that her husband inflicted the fatal wound upon himself. This unexpected twist adds complexity to the case and raises questions about the nature of the scuffle.

4. Husband’s Demise and Legal Proceedings

Tragically, Mohamed Ali Saaban succumbed to his injuries, being conveyed unconscious to the hospital on December 11 and passing away the following day. In court, Baniyah faced a charge of causing death by rash act not amounting to culpable homicide. The legal proceedings bring to light the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences for Baniyah.

5. Bail Request for Final Respects

In a poignant moment during the court session, Baniyah requested to be released on bail, expressing her desire to pay final respects to her deceased husband. However, her plea was met with resistance from the prosecution, who argued for her remand to facilitate further investigations.

6. Allegations and Denial

Baniyah, standing her ground, vehemently denied the offense, insisting that her husband was responsible for his own injury. The courtroom tension heightened as the prosecution sought her remand to aid investigations, including the recovery of exhibits and the reconstruction of the crime scene.

7. Plea for Compassion

Expressing her frustration, Baniyah claimed to have cooperated fully with the investigating officer, yet she was not granted the freedom to leave custody. She pleaded with the judge to be allowed bail, emphasizing her wish to bid a final farewell to her husband.

8. Remand Order and Future Proceedings

Despite Baniyah’s pleas, the judge ultimately ordered her remand for a week, extending the legal process. She is scheduled to return to court on December 20, where further developments in the case will unfold, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Ali’s tragic death.

9. Legal Ramifications

If convicted of causing death by a rash act not amounting to culpable homicide, Baniyah could face severe consequences, including imprisonment for up to five years, fines, or a combination of both. The legal implications of the case underscore the gravity of the charges against her.

10. Conclusion

As the courtroom drama continues, the tragic incident involving Baniyah Shap and Mohamed Ali Saaban raises significant questions about the events leading to the husband’s death. The conflicting narratives and legal proceedings add a layer of complexity to an already somber situation.

FAQs

1. What is Baniyah Shap accused of?
   • Baniyah Shap is accused of causing the death of her husband, Mohamed Ali Saaban, during a scuffle.
2. What did Baniyah claim in court regarding her husband’s injury?
   • Baniyah claimed that her husband inflicted the fatal wound upon himself during the court appearance.
3. Why did Baniyah request bail?
   • Baniyah requested bail to pay her final respects to her deceased husband.
4. What are the potential legal consequences for Baniyah if convicted?
   • If convicted, Baniyah could face imprisonment for up to five years, fines, or both.
5. When is Baniyah set to return to court?
   • Baniyah is scheduled to return to court on December 20 for further legal proceedings.