Worker’s Party launched their TikTok page @thehammertok with former chief Low Thia Khiang featuring in their first ever video.
Low was seen in the TikTok video inspecting the equipment at a HDB playground at Anchorvale.
Low is currently standing in for MP Jamus Lim for the Sengkang GRC, with the latter being away for 3 weeks doing a fellowship in the US.
The TikTok video provided an insight into the WP’s estate walk duties, such as checking if the playground’s equipment are working for the safety of the residents and the users.
Netizens’ comments
Happy to see Mr Low in good health and in action
I thought he was going to do a pull up
can u all fix the playground at 326 estate. it’s been more than 1.5 years
Good to see Mr Low. Such a dedicated person to people of Singapore
Two men aged 17 and 23 were killed in a horrific accident involving a lorry, that took place yesterday (4 August) at Old Jurong Road, heading towards Upper Bukit Timah Road.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force also said that they received a call for help at about 1.45am on Thursday, and when they arrived at the scene, two persons were found trapped in the front seat of the lorry.
Two men were pronounced dead at the scene by an SCDF paramedic, and 6 others were sent to the National University Hospital.
Facebook page Singapore Roads Accident shared footage of the wreckage from the accident, showing the destroyed lorry.
A traffic policeman was also seen at the scene in the background of the video.
Singapore Roads Accident’s Facebook post
Fatal accident in Jalan Jurong kechil
Two dies after lorry crashing into tree along old Jurong road on 04 August at about 1:45am.
The 25-year-old male driver and five passengers between the ages of 15 and 20 were taken to hospital
17-year-old and 23-year-old male passengers dead on the spot
The 25-year-old male driver was arrested for drunk driving and negligent driving causing death.
Dota 2 has announced that The International, its biggest yearly esports competition, will hold its 11th edition in Singapore. The International will be held in Southeast Asia for the first time ever during this competition.
One of the biggest Dota 2 and global competitions is about to begin. With a US$45,000.00 prize pool, The International 2022 is one of the most eagerly awaited tournaments this year. The International 2021 competition last year saw the distribution of the $40,018,195 in prizes.
The world’s most prestigious Dota 2 esports event, according to Valve, will soon begin selling tickets.
On August 13 at 10 AM GMT+8, ticket sales for TI11 will start to take place. There will be two price tiers for the tickets that can be bought.
The cost breakdown is as follows:
S$88 per day for the playoffs (20-23 October at the Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre).
The Singapore Police Force said that they are investigating 362 people for their alleged involvement in victims being scammed of more than $11.1 million.
The 362 people, comprising 249 men and 113 women (with the youngest being 16 and the older being 82), are suspected to be involved in more than 1,050 scams including internet love scams, government and China officials impersonation and e-commerce scams.
The Singapore Police Force’s Commercial Affairs Department conducted a two-week islandwide operation along with 7 land division, between 22 July to 4 August.
They said that the suspects are being investigated for a slew of offences, including cheating, money laundering and providing payment services without a license.
Potential penalties
Persons found guilty of cheating face a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine, while persons found guilty of money laundering face a jail term or up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to $500,000.
Persons found guilty of providing payment services without a license, face a jail term of up to 3 years and/or a fine of up to $125,000.
In an operation conducted on 1 August 2022, the Commercial Affairs Department arrested one 17-year-old man and identified two men, aged 30 and 37, for their suspected involvement in a scam involving the sale of Marquee Singapore tickets on Telegram. Since July 2022, at least 19 victims have fallen prey, with total losses amounting to at least $5,000.
On 31 July 2022, the Police received information about a scam variant involving the sale of Marquee Singapore tickets on Telegram, where victims were deceived into making advance payments to scammers to secure tickets for entry to Marquee Singapore.
Preliminary investigations revealed that victims came across posts made by scammers, on Telegram chatgroups such as ‘SG Clubbing’. These posts advertised the sale of Marquee Singapore tickets, for various events that were sold out on the official website of Marquee Singapore. In these posts, victims were promised that by purchasing tickets via the scammers, they would have guaranteed entry into Marquee Singapore and would also not have to queue to enter. Upon responding to the posts, victims were requested by the scammers to make advance payment for the tickets. The victims realised that they had been scammed when the scammers became uncontactable after the transfers had been made but they did not receive the tickets they had paid for.
In general, patrons of Marquee Singapore would be required to purchase tickets for entry either via the official Marquee Singapore website or onsite at Marquee Singapore itself.
Officers from the Commercial Affairs Department conducted investigations and arrested one man. Two other men are also currently assisting with investigations. The three men are believed to have facilitated the scam by providing their bank accounts to facilitate illicit fund movements.
Police investigations are ongoing. The offence of cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of a property under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871 carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years and a fine.
The verdict for Dee Kosh’s case is out, he has been sentenced to 32 weeks (approximately 8 months).
Dee Kosh posted on Instagram stating that he is going to prison.
In his Instagram post he said:
“If you’re reading this, that means I’m on the way to prison.
Despite what the headlines might suggest, I am extremely sorry for things I’ve done. And now it’s time to pay the price.
It’s been 2 long and hard years and this chapter is finally coming to a close. I lost everything, my career, loved ones, the trust of my family and so much more. I go to face my mistakes broken and I hope I can pick up the pieces in the future.
There is alot to be said about me and my character and my case, there are alot of things that I’d like to clarify and hopefully, I’ll be able to talk about everything one day. But for now. Goodbye”
Previously a petition went viral calling for a heavier penalty
A petition was set up a day before his sentencing and the petitioner called for a jail sentence of at least 3 years.
Former radio deejay, Darryl Ian Koshy, or Dee Kosh, pleaded guilty to three criminal charges.
The three victims were between the ages of 15 to 23 at the time of his offence.
The 33-year-old YouTuber pleaded guilty to offering cash to an underaged boy for explicit services, as well as the attempted exploitation of a young person.
He had offered between $400 to $2,000 for explicit acts with the victims after reaching out to them on social media.
None of the underaged boys accepted his offer, but he also secretly filmed a man who had accepted his offer of explicit activity.
Dee Kosh pleaded guilty to one charge of communicating with an underaged person to obtain explicit services, one charge of attempting to exploit a minor, and one charge of making an obscene video.
Four more similar charges will be taken into consideration for his sentencing, including making an obscene video.
Dee Kosh was also examined at the Institute of Mental Health after his lawyer obtained a psychiatrist report on whether Dee Kosh is a paedophile and what are the risks of him reoffending.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan appealed to both sides to avoid any actions that will raise the tensions any further, as Singapore and its neighbours might end up in the crossfire.
Dr Balakrishnan was attending the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting and speaking from Phnom Peng, and noted that ASEAN is scrutinizing the Taiwan-China events and keeping tabs on the situation.
He said in a Facebook statement, that “ASEAN is also watching cross-strait developments with concern. Stable US-China relations are vital for regional peace and prosperity.”
He added that “Singapore hopes that the US and China can work out a modus vivendi, exercise self-restraint and refrain from actions that will further escalate tensions.”
Vivian Balakrishnan’s Facebook statement
Intensive discussions at the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting today.
Prime Minister Hun Sen shared insightful views on pressing geopolitical developments with the ASEAN Foreign Ministers.
Discussed key issues with my counterparts, including the dire situation in Myanmar and the lack of progress on the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. The recent execution of four opposition activists was a grave setback for ASEAN’s efforts to facilitate a peaceful resolution and national reconciliation in Myanmar. It reflects the Myanmar military authorities’ clear disrespect for ASEAN.
But our work must go on. We cannot allow ourselves to be held hostage, or let our current difficulties undermine ASEAN’s centrality and unity.
ASEAN is also watching cross-strait developments with concern. Stable US-China relations are vital for regional peace and prosperity. Singapore hopes that the US and China can work out a modus vivendi, exercise self-restraint and refrain from actions that will further escalate tensions.
China’s military exercises around Taiwan
China has also announced upcoming military exercises around Taiwan which started yesterday (4 August), involving exercises that include land and air combat training, sea assault, and a joint blockade.
The Global Times also reported that missiles would fly over Taiwan for the first time during the exercises.
My boyfriend and I were together for 2 years before we broke up. The reason for the break up was mainly because he wanted to set up a business on his own and don’t have time even for himself.
Another reason is that I’m really immature and easily stressed out. He had always been there for me but I didn’t because I used to think that my “stress” was a lot for me.
Some context when we were still together:
We were a very loving couple and are always together because we just prioritize each other. He loved me a lot as well by pampering me and treating me like a princess. Due to this, I get angry and mad easily. This year, during Valentine’s day, we agreed to meet after his lesson for a while. On the day itself, he told me that Oh he couldn’t make it because he suddenly remembered that he has to attend some business group project and that we had to cancel the meeting.
I got really furious and I was so mad so he came to me eventually. I know… I know I’m being very unreasonable and now that I recall this incident, I just had that I couldn’t think for him. So there were many instances like that.
We started arguing a lot when internship started for the both of us and eventually we call it quits.
During this month that we’ve broken up, I have been reflecting on my wrongdoings.
A few days back we texted and he said I could text him like usual and he would reply whenever possible (as he is busy with his work). We chatted like usual and he opened up to me saying that he couldn’t function normally after the breakup and that when we were still together, I was the only able to calm him down and helped his insomnia. He told me he hasn’t been sleeping for days and is also having a high fever while he has to deal with his work.
I became very worried and suggested to be there for him (like chit chats and stuffs as he doesn’t want me to come over).
So I talked to him about my things so at least there is someone there for him and eventually he would open up about his stresses. I lied to him saying that I’ve moved on because it hurts to see him suffering (due to the break up) and honestly I want him to move on as well. I tried to keep the conversation casual and try to sound cheerful but most of his replies are just. “Okay” “Mmm” and I understand that he is going through a lot but it just got a little disappointing and draining for me as I don’t know if I’m bothering him or if I came off as ‘needy’. I started asking him about it and I said it’s fine that I can stop talking but he always replied with “I’ll reply when I see” so I just continued sharing about my day. I don’t expect him to reply immediately like he can take a day or so to reply but his reply are so dry and eventually I was so done and I told him I’m going overseas to study because I don’t want to stay at the same place as you. We argued, and that’s the end of it.
I’m still worried about him and I miss him but I really couldn’t take his half-hearted replies without feeling that I’m shamelessly texting him.
“Just an international student feeling a little tired and hopeless.
Since the start of my uni life, I no longer take any money from my family. This means that I had to pay for my school fee, hall fee and daily expenses, all by myself. I had to work so many part-time jobs just to be able to afford to study here, 6K/year for school fee, 4K/year for hall fee, not to mention daily meal expenses, transportations, phone bills, and so many other things that I can’t even list all of them down.
On top of that, I still need to work so damn hard to maintain my academic results. Getting a good result is probably the smallest thing that I can do to at least make my family back in my home country proud.
Now that I am almost graduating, I immediately have to start repaying my enormous 40K tuition loan debt which is charged with close to 5% annualised interest rate. Additionally, I still need to find a place to rent outside which is going to cost so much more.
Tbh, sometimes I keep trying to tell myself that I should be proud of myself, to be able to even survive for the past 3 years. Sometimes I blame myself for not working just a little harder in JC, to be able to at least qualify for some kind of scholarship for international students.
Sometimes when I see my friends having all their living expenses and school fee paid by their parents, I wonder how that would feel, life must be easier to be able to just study and not care about any other responsibilities.
Ok I accidentally spent too much time writing this post, time to get back to my lectures and assignments. I still gotta work tomorrow.”
His sister, Norhafizah Shapiee, then submitted a letter of complaint claiming that the prison authorities had “placed impossible obstacles which prevented their suit (appeal) from reaching the court”.
Singapore Prison Service’s statement
Allegations by Sister of Prisoner Awaiting Capital Punishment
The Singapore Prison Service (SPS) is aware of claims made by the sister of a Prisoner Awaiting Capital Punishment (PACP), Abdul Rahim Bin Shapiee (“Abdul Rahim”), that SPS had intentionally obstructed the submission of a legal application (“Originating Claim”) by a group of PACPs, in order to facilitate the carrying out of the capital sentence imposed on Abdul Rahim, which is presently scheduled for the 5th of August 2022.
This is untrue.
No PACP approached any SPS officer on 25 July 2022 to request to file any legal application.
On 28 July 2022, two PACPs had made a request to a SPS officer for advice on the process of filing an Originating Claim with the Court. Since the advice related to legal proceedings to be filed in Court, the SPS officer told them that they should seek advice from the Court on the specific documents required for the filing of an application of that nature, as well as the fees involved. This is the standard procedure for prisoners who are not assisted by legal counsel for the filing of non-routine applications.1 Additionally, on the same day, one of the two aforementioned PACPs was issued with a letterform to write to the Court to pose his queries, when he requested for it. The letterform was not used.
Contrary to the claims made, SPS officers did not ask any PACP for any application form or e-litigation form, or deny any request to file a court application on such basis.
The two PACPs mentioned at [4] did not inform SPS that their intended Originating Claim involved Abdul Rahim, or that the application required urgent attention. In fact, one of the two PACPs who spoke to the SPS officer on 28 July 2022 informed the officer that the documents were not finalised as he was awaiting an upcoming visit on 1 August 2022 to receive a printout of another document.
On 1 August 2022, the PACP representing the Claimants in the Originating Claim (the “Representative PACP”) submitted the final set of documents to SPS. On the same day, SPS assisted to file the set of documents with the Court, on behalf of the PACPs. As there was an application fee to be paid at the Supreme Court, SPS also made arrangements with the Representative PACP’s family for the required payment. A SPS officer was present at the Supreme Court to assist with the filing of the application. The application was successfully filed on the same afternoon (1 August 2022).
Singapore Prison Service
4 August 2022
1 Examples of routine applications which SPS staff are familiar with include the filing of a Criminal Motion and Judicial Review (Originating Application).
