#273 - Can Singapore work with honour-based MC system & Chelsea football club faces sanctions because of Russian owner

★ Our GE2025 Plans!! ★ Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.yahlahbut.com to find out firsthand where we'll be during each day of the campaigning period. It's gonna be epic!Singapore’s GE2025 rallies are officially underway, and we dive into the energy, tactics, and speeches from five parties—WP in Sengkang, SDP in Marsiling, PSP in Marymount, PAP in Woodlands, and PBP in Tampines. From Chee Soon Juan’s crowd control to WP’s tightly-run lineup and Minister Ong Ye Kung mentioning Yah Lah But onstage, we break down the highlights and surprises. We also reflect on our Day 1 journey through Sembawang, Marsiling-Yew Tee, and Nee Soon, and how being on the ground in our APolitical Party Bus is changing how we see GE2025 unfold.🚍 Want to know where we’re heading next? Track the Yah Lah But GE2025 bus live at ministryoffunny.com/yahlahbut-ge2025Our SponsorsLendela makes borrowing fair and transparent by making banks bid for your loan, putting the power back in your hands. With over 70 financial institutions to match with, always make an informed decision on your loan at lendela.com Special thanks to Westpoint Transit — the ones driving this campaign, quite literally. As a leader in Singapore’s private chartered transportation scene, they keep us moving from GRC to GRC. Check out their fleet at westpointbus.com.sg(00:00) Intro(11:17) Unpacking the GE2025 Rallies(42:20) One Shiok Comment(45:57) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingNomination Day livestream by Jom MediaHow should we decide who to vote for in an election?Comment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/FB: https://www.facebook.com/yahlahbutpodUnpacking the GE2025 RalliesGE2025: Campaigning rolls into day 3 after flurry of ralliesOng Ye Kung Mentioning Yah Lah But in his Rally SpeechMics and Headphones from @shureEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

★ Our GE2025 Plans!! ★Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.yahlahbut.com to find out firsthand where we'll be during each day of the campaigning period. It's gonna be epic!This is our first on-the-ground episode of our Yah Lah But GE2025 coverage, where we’re travelling to all 33 constituencies over 8 days in our APolitical Party Bus. We break down WP’s shock withdrawal from Marine Parade GRC, leaving over 130,000 voters uncontested - and setting off a wave of criticism. Then we unpack PM Lawrence Wong’s post-nomination press conference, where he explained PAP’s candidate moves and addressed voter concerns. And mid-way through the recording, a minister made an unplanned appearance. You’ll have to listen to find out who it is (clue: he’s been on our podcast before). While he may have appeared, but the hot takes remain fully ours.🚍 Want to know where we’re heading next? Track the Yah Lah But GE2025 bus live at yahlahbut.com Our SponsorsTransparency matters—whether it’s politics or personal finance. Lendela brings you all your personalised loan options from over 70 banks and loan providers, so you can always make an informed decision on your loan. Try it now at lendela.comSpecial thanks to Westpoint Transit — the ones driving this campaign, quite literally. As a leader in Singapore’s private chartered transportation scene, they keep us moving from GRC to GRC. Check out their fleet at westpointbus.com.sg(00:00) Intro(08:55) Opposition Parties Blast WP’s Pullout(26:13) Lawrence Wong Defends Last-Minute Candidate Shifts(42:36) One Shiok Comment(44:09) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingCute scene stealer at Nomination DayWorkers' Party Punggol GRC team on first walkaboutComment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/FB: https://www.facebook.com/yahlahbutpodReferencesGE2025: Opposition parties upset that WP pulled out of Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRCGE2025: Workers' Party left ‘vacuum’ by not contesting Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, says MasagosEquip yourselves with the best team to take our nation forward: PM WongMics and Headphones from @shureEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

★ Our GE2025 Plans!! ★ Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.yahlahbut.com to find out firsthand where we'll be during each day of the campaigning period. It's gonna be epic! GE2025 is officially underway - and your daily hustings coverage starts NOW. In this special kickoff to this series, Haresh and Terence unpack the biggest Nomination Day headlines: Marine Parade’s surprise walkover, WP’s absence, Harpreet Singh in Punggol, and a last-minute PAP three-way trade. We talk WP’s strategy, Gan Kim Yong’s curious deployment, and why so many PAP candidates keep shifting ground. Plus, we finally reveal our plans for covering GE2025 in a way that’s never been done before, with our own custom BUS. One Shiok ThingSG Elections VisualizerSperm RacingComment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/FB: https://www.facebook.com/yahlahbutpodNomination Day SurprisesGE2025: Surprise moves as prospective candidates file papers at nomination centresMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

★ Our GE2025 Plans!! ★Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.yahlahbut.com to find out firsthand where we'll be during each day of the campaigning period. It's gonna be epic!Minister Chan Chun Sing opens up on Singapore’s most emotional pressure points: PSLE, streaming, tuition, and our obsession with comparison. He challenges the idea that we should do more to build resilience - maybe we should do less. We also talk about the need for political diversity as well as its misconceptions. He warns against slogan politics, and clarifies the difference between political leaders and politicians. We also tackle elitism, and the future of Singapore 100 years ahead. This episode was recorded on 16 Apr 2025.(00:00) Our GE2025 Plans(00:50) Intro(06:35) Education and Resilience(11:51) Parental Concerns in Education(18:32) The Competitive Landscape(26:37) Standardized Testing Debate(27:18) Alternative Education Models(34:21) Customization in Education(37:50) Teachers' Role in Technology Integration(45:22) The Value of Personal Growth(48:49) Smaller Class Sizes and Teacher Resources(54:45) The Role of Tuition in Education(56:03) Challenges with Current Educational Practices(57:16) Ethics in the Education Industry(01:01:03) Cultural vs. Policy Change in Education(01:06:41) Adapting Education for Diversity of Strengths(01:11:03) Encouraging Innovation in Learning(01:13:51) Political Systems and Governance(01:18:18) Leadership in Politics(01:20:13) Importance of Quality Ideas(01:21:47) Diversity in Political Service(01:22:59) Challenges and Standards in Leadership(01:27:04) Role of Public and Private Sector in Politics(01:35:40) Challenges and Commitment for Singapore's Future(01:39:12) Global Appeal and Multiracial Society(01:47:46) Engagement and Dialogue with Citizens(01:52:51) Singapore's International Presence(01:54:58) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingRainforest Wild ASIAInside Story Podcast by Al JazeeraComment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/FB: https://www.facebook.com/yahlahbutpodMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

★ Our GE2025 Plans!! ★Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.yahlahbut.com to find out firsthand where we'll be during each day of the campaigning period. It's gonna be epic!Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng joins YLB to talk about Singapore’s economic anxieties, the role of foreign workers, and how his business background shapes his policies. From his COVID-era baptism of fire to recent controversies on speaking Cantonese in Parliament and the internship exposure vs pay debate, Dr. Tan answers everything—including audience backlash. He also reflects on optimism, ambition, and what makes Singapore’s small but mighty brand work. This episode was recorded on 14 Apr 2025. (00:00) Our GE2025 Plans(00:50) Intro(02:44) Transition to Politics(07:28) COVID-19 Response(13:48) Challenges in Government Transition(25:17) Handling Public Feedback(27:19) Addressing Recent Criticism(35:35) Cantonese in Parliament(43:10) Fear of Foreign Workers(54:22) Singaporean Talent Abroad(01:03:14) Long-term Strategies(01:07:42) Safeguards for Foreign Media(01:08:05) Internship Remark Taken Out of Context(01:10:11) The Value of Skills and Internships(01:14:42) Healthcare Costs and Funding Models(01:17:04) State-Funded vs Private Healthcare(01:19:50) Sustainable Healthcare and Savings(01:26:50) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingLeeds, Burnley close in on promotion to Premier LeagueMr. Humble and Dr. Butcher - Book ReviewRocky Balboa - Theme SongComment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/FB: https://www.facebook.com/yahlahbutpodMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

★ Our GE2025 Plans!! ★ Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.yahlahbut.com to find out firsthand where we'll be during each day of the campaigning period. It's gonna be epic!After 30 years in opposition politics, Dr. Chee Soon Juan is still in the fight. In this candid, wide-ranging interview, the Secretary-General of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) discusses why he’s contesting again, his thoughts on cost-of-living issues, and how mainstream media unfairly shaped public perception of him, and how social media changed everything for opposition parties. We talk about fear, failure, fatherhood, and why he’s contesting in an SMC and not a GRC. We also cover his strategy for GE2025, how does he handle political disagreements at home, and what’s his message to first-time voters.(00:00) Our GE2025 Plans(00:50) Intro(02:20) Election Strategy and Challenges(07:08) National Issues and Public Sentiment(16:03) Reflections on Media, Image and Political Landscape(21:00) Cafe Business and Personal Insights(24:15) Voting Process and Public Perception(27:50) Why Contest in SMC?(34:27) Graduate Mothers Scheme & Early Political Involvement(36:43) Independent Newspapers and Social Engineering(37:22) Joining Politics and PAP Reflections(40:37) SDP's Ideals(48:42) Opposition Role and Policies(59:14) Singapore's Place in New World Order(01:03:48) Navigating Modern Challenges(01:09:32) Youth Engagement and Pesonal Growth(01:12:37) One Shiok ThingFind Dr Chee Soon Juan Here!Home - Singapore Democratic PartyDr Chee on FacebookDr Chee on InstagramOne Shiok ThingBlack Mirror: Season 7 | Official TrailerMission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning | Official TrailerEast Coast Park MapComment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/FB: https://www.facebook.com/yahlahbutpodMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Koh Buck Song, poet, writer, and country brand advisor, has helped shape how the world sees Singapore. He joins us to unpack the essence of what it means to be Singaporean and how we see ourselves. We also discuss how our shared identity as Singaporeans makes us unique. We explore why multiculturalism is our secret sauce, how hawker centres are more than food courts, and what we’re missing when it comes to soul and identity.Our Sponsor - Singapore International Foundation (SIF)This episode was done in partnership SIF, who brings communities together to share skills, ideas, and solutions to the global challenges of today.As Singapore marks SG60, SIF also celebrates our nation’s rich multicultural heritage, unity and diversity that continues to shape who we are.If you want to find out more about SIF and the work they do, follow them at @siforg (https://www.instagram.com/siforg)(00:00) A Message From SIF(00:55) Intro(01:27) What Is A Country Brand Ambassador?(03:13) SG50 to SG60 Transition(18:42) Cultural Soft Power(19:19) SG's Orchid Diplomacy(22:35) Multiculturalism as Singapore's X Factor(27:25) Brand Identity vs. Reality(34:02) Cultural Investments and Future of Singapore(35:50) Power Dynamics(36:45) Cultural Export and Singapore Brandin(38:41) The Role of Food in Singapore's Identity(41:30) Hard Power vs. Soft Power(54:22) Singapore's National Symbols and Identity(59:13) Singlish as Part of Singapore's Brand(01:06:08) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingWomen's Premier League All-Stars vs Brisbane Roar Match HighlightsScott Parker discusses key decision that has inspired Burnley's promotion bid amid tense Championship battleA Man on the Inside | Official TrailerComment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/FB: https://www.facebook.com/yahlahbutpodMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

★ Our GE2025 Plans!! ★Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.yahlahbut.com to find out firsthand where we'll be during each day of the campaigning period. It's gonna be epic!Donald Low, Professor of Practice at the HKUST Institute for Public Policy, joins us to talk about his new book on COVID’s lasting impact on China, the consequences of Donald Trump’s tariffs & counterintuitive facts about the global economy. And of course, with his decade’s long experience in the Singapore civil service, we also discuss the upcoming GE2025, and how voters should think about the candidates.Find Donald Low at the links below:His book, The Price of Zero: https://thepriceofzero.org/Donald Low on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donald.l.fc (00:00) Our GE2025 Plans(00:52) Intro(05:14) Hong Kong vs Singapore COVID Response(07:15) China's Pandemic Management(12:28) Donalds Book: The Price of Zero(25:41) Hong Kong Political Climate(30:01) Resilience in Hong Kong and Singapore's Perspective(32:43) Social Contracts and Expectations(35:02) Trust in Government and Social Behaviour(36:58) MNCs Shifting from Hong Kong to Singapore(41:18) China's Economic Future and Global Impact(49:20) Singapore's Domestic Consumption and Trade Dependency(57:36) Economic Strengths and Trade Relationships(58:08) China's Trade Surplus(59:34) Singapore's Surpluses(01:00:17) Economic Policies and Accumulation(01:09:31) Economic Bans and Regulations(01:15:38) Municipal vs National Issues in Elections(01:21:52) One Shiok Thing One Shiok ThingKaty Perry back on Earth after reaching spaceI went to France because I’m bored and then went homeThe Rise and Fall of the EASTComment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/FB: https://www.facebook.com/yahlahbutpodMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

★ Our GE2025 Plans! ★Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.yahlahbut.com to updates and to find out firsthand where we'll be during each day of the campaigning period. It's gonna be epic!In this candid conversation that took place right after the Writ of Election was issued, former PAP MP and serial entrepreneur Inderjit Singh joins us to reflect on his time in Parliament, his business journey, and his outspoken and controversial views on key policies. And given the upcoming election, we tackle the big question about PAP MPs on everyone’s minds: is it possible to speak out from within? From calling out “growth at all costs” economics to clashing with Cabinet members behind the scenes, Inderjit reveals what it really takes to challenge the system from within. He also weighs in on the new candidates from both sides, Singapore’s evolving political culture, and why housing and cost of living will dominate election conversations.(00:00) Our GE2025 Plans(00:52) Intro(03:33) Journey in Singapore Politics(06:50) Challenges of Public Service(10:09) Political Views and Decisions(15:09) Social Media's Impact on Politicians(27:21) Parliamentary Experience and Open Dialogue(29:38) 2011 General Elections and Management Style Discussion(35:15) New Ideas and Challenges in Policy Making(48:22) Political Campaign Strategies and Voter Perception(56:03) Leadership Challenges and Mandates(58:21) Comparison of Political Eras(01:01:50) Election Campaigns Inside Look(01:06:26) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingThe Prof G Pod – Scott GallowayThe Courage to Be Disliked: How to Free Yourself, Change your Life and Achieve Real Happiness by Ichiro KishimiGorillaz - Demon Days Live from the Apollo Theater, Harlem (Full Show)Comment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/FB: https://www.facebook.com/yahlahbutpodFind Inderjit here!FacebookMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Red Dot United’s Secretary-General Ravi Philemon opens up about why he left the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) to start Red Dot United just weeks before GE2020, and even more shockingly, contested against now-President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. He shares how RDU is positioning itself differently from other opposition parties ahead of GE2025, why discipline and data matter for his team, and the challenges of building a new party from scratch. Plus, he lays out the reason why smaller opposition parties, or “mosquito parties”, as Bertha Henson puts it, need to exist in our democracy. (00:00) Intro(01:44) RDU's Volunteer Dynamics(03:48) Formation and Growth of RDU(07:34) Challenges in Start-Up Parties(09:58) Transitioning between Political Parties(17:44) Amiable Parting with PSP(28:08) Background on RDU's Foundation(29:54) Ravi's Political Passion and Activism(34:05) Decision to Contest in Jurong(35:41) Election Strategy and Challenges(37:18) Campaign Experience and Public Perception(39:32) Reflections on 2015 and 2020 Elections(44:10) RDU Philosophy and Policies(54:28) RDU's Vision and Future Plans(58:29) Role of Smaller Parties in Political Landscape(01:05:28) Non-Adversarial Politics and Dialogue(01:07:00) Personal Reflection and Evolution(01:09:51) Religion and Politics(01:18:39) On M. Ravi and Activism(01:24:25) Building a Political Culture(01:30:00) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok Thing‘Our Kids Are the Least Flourishing Generation We Know Of’ | The Ezra Klein Show[Photo story] A Taiwanese collector's treasured photos of old Southeast Asia and SingaporeThe Pearl by John SteinbackComment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/FB: https://www.facebook.com/yahlahbutpodFind Ravi here!FacebookRDU InstagramRDU WebsiteRDU TikTokMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak