#655 - SM Lee Defends Ng Chee Meng Over NTUC-Allianz Saga & SDP Apologies for Racial Slur

★ 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!At a high-stakes PAP rally, Ng Chee Meng finally addressed the NTUC Income–Allianz controversy—but needed backup from Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong to frame it as a story of good faith, not mismanagement. SM Lee also took shots at some of WP’s claims about NTUC as well as the role of the opposition. Meanwhile, SDP’s Gigine Wong & the rest of the SDP team issued a public apology after her racial slur during a rally speech, but questions linger about vetting and damage control. Plus, we continue our APolitical Party Bus journey through Tanjong Pagar, Radin Mas, Queenstown, and Bishan–Toa Payoh as GE2025 hustings intensify.🚍 Want to know where we’re heading next? Track the Yah Lah But GE2025 bus live at ministryoffunny.com/yahlahbut-ge2025. 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 https://www.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 https://www.westpointbus.com.sg/(00:00) Intro(10:50) SM Lee Defends Ng Chee Meng Over NTUC-Allianz Saga(42:20) SDP Apologies for Racial Slur(01:01:45) One Shiok Comment(01:03:45) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingGE 2025: Getting Elected Cannot be Just PoliticsComment 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/yahlahbutpodSM Lee Defends Ng Chee Meng Over NTUC-Allianz SagaGE2025: NTUC will 'learn the right lessons and do better' following Income-Allianz saga, says labour chief Ng Chee MengGE2025: Ng Chee Meng not to blame for Income-Allianz deal; WP would have approved it if in charge, says SM Lee[2024] NTUC pledges to hold Income to commitment of keeping two existing low-cost insurance schemes affordableSM Lee receives top May Day award from NTUC for 'supreme' contributions to labour movementNg Chee Meng pauses rally speech to call for medic after woman collapsesSDP Apologies for Racial SlurGE2025: SDP's Gigene Wong apologises twice for using racial slur to describe own party candidate at rallyMics 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!As GE2025 hustings hit full swing, Lawrence Wong calls a rare press conference warning against race and religion in politics, though some headlines painted a murky picture. We dive into the real issues, including foreign interference concerns and how WP got dragged in. Plus, an SDP candidate referring to a teammate using a racial slur at a rally has sparked major online backlash - what happened and why this matters. We also recap our journey covering Aljunied GRC, Tampines, Pasir Ris, Changi and more, as the APolitical Party Bus tours Singapore’s east.🚍 Want to know where we’re heading next? Track the Yah Lah But GE2025 bus live at ministryoffunny.com/yahlahbut-ge2025. Our Sponsors Lendela 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 https://www.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 https://www.westpointbus.com.sg/(00:00) Intro(07:35) PM Lawrence Wong Slams Identity Politics(31:57) SDP Candidate Uses Slur During Rally(48:05) One Shiok Comment(50:20) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingVidGrid - watch multiple news channels in your browserDon Say One (@donsayone)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/yahlahbutpodPM Lawrence Wong Slams Identity PoliticsPM Wong: Identity politics has no place in S'pore & we should never mix religion & politicsGE2025: Singapore identifies foreigners trying to influence elections; Meta directed to block access to Facebook postsReligious teacher says he had talks with WP, urged party to prioritise rights of Malay/Muslim communityGE2025: WP says it did not make promises to any individual in exchange for political supportJoint MHA-ELD Statement on Takedown of Foreign Online Election AdvertisingThe Workers' Party media statement on Foreign InfluenceSDP Candidate Uses Slur During RallyGE2025: Chee Soon Juan says Bukit Batok residents remain in his heart despite move to Sembawang West[2020] Meet Gigene Wong, the '$30 listed-company CFO' from Progress Singapore PartyVidGridMics 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!We dissect every speech from the first GE2025 Party Political Broadcasts - from Lawrence Wong’s bleak-to-positive pitch to Ravi Philemon’s viral “5 C’s” reboot. Plus, we dive into the cheeky clapbacks to Ong Ye Kung from Ariffin Sha and Dr Paul Tambyah of the Singapore Democratic Party. We also recap our Day 3 and Day 4 journey through Ang Mo Kio, Yio Chu Kang, Marine Parade, Siglap, and more, as the APolitical Party Bus rolls on.🚍 Want to know where we’re heading next? Track the Yah Lah But GE2025 bus live at ministryoffunny.com/yahlahbut-ge2025. 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.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(07:44) The Best & Worst of the GE2025 Party Broadcasts(46:43) SDP Claps Back at Ong Ye Kung(54:50) One Shiok Comment(56:58) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingRed Dot Perspective - YouTubeGE 2025 Voter Quiz by JomComment 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/yahlahbutpodThe Best & Worst of the GE2025 Party BroadcastsA summary of all 8 party speeches from the first GE2025 party political broadcastGeneral Election 2025: Party Political Broadcasts Schedule | IMDASDP Claps Back at Ong Ye KungGE2025: SDP candidates rebut Ong Ye Kung’s claim that Chee Soon Juan abandoned Bukit BatokGE2025: SDP says current influx of foreigners 'unsustainable', calls for PM Wong to state 'optimal population size'Mics 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!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