Singapore
Tan Kin Lian to step aside If George Goh qualifies for presidential race
Presidential aspirant Tan Kin Lian may step down from the race if businessman George Goh qualifies. “If a four-way contest is allowed, I won’t submit my nomination,” Tan declared.
Despite previous disagreements, former NTUC Income CEO Tan regards Goh as a formidable candidate due to his youth, passion, and strong organizational backing.
SINGAPORE: Presidential aspirant Tan Kin Lian announced that he will withdraw from the race for the Istana if George Goh, the businessman, is deemed eligible to run.
“If the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) allows for a four-way contest, I will refrain from submitting my nomination,” stated Mr Tan on Thursday.
He also extended his best wishes to Mr Goh.
The declaration followed a series of exchanges between Mr Tan, aged 75, and Mr Goh, 63, with Mr Tan suggesting the possibility of one stepping aside should both qualify for the presidential race.
Earlier on Monday, at a press event, Mr Goh, the founder of Harvey Norman Ossia, clarified that there had been no arrangement with Mr Tan regarding stepping down if both qualify and urged him to prioritize his own campaign.
Mr Tan highlighted that he had initially resolved to step aside if all four candidates were green-lighted. He recounted his advisors’ reluctance towards his announcement, fearing it might dishearten his supporters. However, they have since warmed up to his decision, Mr Tan added.
“Mr Goh is a more suitable candidate – younger, more fervent, and with robust organizational backing,” remarked Mr Tan.
Though Mr Goh is said to have previously made some disparaging comments about him, Mr Tan voiced his respect and willingness to support Mr Goh if he secures a certificate of eligibility.
On the other hand, during a media interaction at the Bukit Panjang Hawker Centre on Wednesday, Mr Goh maintained his determination to contest in the Presidential race.
He emphasized the gravity of the election and encouraged other candidates to focus on their respective campaigns.
Addressing his eligibility concerns, Mr Goh recognized the challenges independent candidates encounter due to ambiguous regulations. However, he reassured that he was well-prepared with his campaign materials, encapsulating his entrepreneurial spirit: “I move forward confidently and don’t complain.”
Asserting the need for authenticity in a candidate’s intent on Monday, Mr Goh said, “Every candidate must be genuine.”
Mr Goh remains confident about his eligibility, stating that his consortium of five companies – which remains undisclosed – boasts a combined shareholders’ equity of S$1.521 billion over the past three years.
In preparations for the upcoming election, Mr Goh expressed his proactive approach, emphasizing the need for early preparations rather than waiting for the Certificate of Eligibility from the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC).
Crime
Singaporean fugitive deported from Thailand, to be charged with drug trafficking
A Singaporean fugitive arrested in Thailand, was deported to Singapore on 19 September 2024 and faces drug trafficking charges. Authorities expect him to face the death penalty under Singapore’s tough drug laws for running a smuggling operation between Thailand, Australia, and Singapore.
A 31-year-old Singaporean man, wanted for drug trafficking offences, was arrested in Thailand and deported to Singapore on 19 September 2024.
The fugitive, identified as Benny Kee Soon Chuan, was apprehended by Thai police at his residence near Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and will face charges in court on 20 September.
Kee, described as a high-level trafficker, ran a smuggling operation that trafficked crystal methamphetamine, ketamine, and Ecstasy to Australia and Singapore using Thailand as a transit hub, according to Pol Lt Gen Panurat Lakboon, secretary-general of Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB).
Cross-Border Investigation and Arrest
The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) of Singapore had issued an arrest warrant for Kee following investigations into two drug trafficking cases in December 2020 and November 2022.
He had been on the run since 11 April 2016, prompting CNB to collaborate with its international counterparts, including the ONCB. Thai authorities were tipped off by CNB on 12 August 2024, and after weeks of investigation, Kee was apprehended on 17 September.
Thai immigration officials revealed that Kee had entered Thailand earlier in 2024 using a Vanuatu passport.
Following his arrest, Kee’s Thai visa was cancelled, and assets worth 15 million baht (S$585,000), including luxury watches, gold pieces, and a luxury car, were seized during a raid on his residence in Samut Prakan.
Lt Gen Panurat confirmed that the fugitive had been living an affluent lifestyle in Thailand despite lacking legitimate employment.
Links to Broader Drug Network
Kee is believed to be linked to other Singaporean traffickers involved in the smuggling of drugs from Thailand.
In March 2021, Thailand’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Force (AITF) intercepted packages containing Ecstasy and ketamine destined for Singapore, as well as crystal methamphetamine bound for Australia.
Two other Singaporean men, aged 21 and 29 at the time of their arrests, were later sentenced to imprisonment and caning in Singapore for their involvement in these operations, which were connected to Kee’s trafficking network.
Death Penalty Under Singaporean Law
Kee’s deportation to Singapore brings him under the jurisdiction of Singapore’s severe drug laws, which prescribe the death penalty for those convicted of trafficking substantial amounts of controlled substances.
Singaporean authorities have indicated that he could face the death penalty under the country’s strict drug trafficking laws. Pol Lt Gen Panurat indicated that Singaporean authorities are expected to seek the maximum penalty for Kee’s alleged offences.
Arts & Culture
Epigram Books to close SAM bookshop amid low sales and footfall
Epigram Books will shut down its bookshop at the Singapore Art Museum on 26 January 2025, citing low sales and foot traffic. The independent bookstore, known for supporting local authors, will continue to operate its online store, but its future in brick-and-mortar retail is uncertain.
Epigram Books, a major supporter of Singaporean literature, will close its Epigram Coffee Bookshop at the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) on 26 January 2025.
The decision comes after years of struggling with low sales and foot traffic at the Tanjong Pagar Distripark location, marking the end of the bookstore’s three-year lease.
The announcement on 19 September follows Times Bookstores’ closure of its final outlet in Holland Road, highlighting the growing challenges faced by brick-and-mortar bookstores in Singapore.
Edmund Wee, publisher at Epigram Books, expressed disappointment, stating: “We tried everything to make this work. Over the past three years, we’ve often asked ourselves, how many people even knew our bookstore existed here, let alone visited?”
Despite efforts to boost traffic, including operating shuttles to increase accessibility, the bookstore struggled to attract visitors consistently.
Epigram Coffee Bookshop, previously located at the Urban Redevelopment Authority Centre on Maxwell Road and later in a pop-up at Beach Road, relocated to SAM in May 2022 in partnership with Balestier Market Collective.
The 20-seater store featured towering shelves showcasing local and Southeast Asian titles, including books from other independent publishers like Ethos Books and Math Paper Press.
However, the location’s industrial setting, which only saw spikes in visitors during major exhibitions like Olafur Eliasson’s, limited consistent footfall.
The closure coincides with the end of Eliasson’s exhibit on 22 September 2024. Although the exhibition provided a temporary boost to the bookshop’s sales, Epigram noted that the increased traffic was short-lived.
Epigram’s future in physical retail remains uncertain. Mr Wee indicated that high rental costs make reopening a physical store unlikely: “Unless rent prices relent, it’s unlikely we’ll move into another space.”
Epigram Books has been a significant presence in Singapore’s independent book scene, promoting local authors and holding literary events.
The bookshop was also a community hub for the literary arts, hosting numerous book launches and events supporting local writers. “These spaces are special to our literary arts community. They’re where book lovers gather, where literary events and book launches happen in support of our writers,” said Mr Wee.
Despite the closure of the SAM store, Epigram will continue to operate its online store. The publisher emphasized the need for continued support from readers: “We’ve come this far with everyone’s support, and we look forward to continued support from our readers as we transition to focus on online sales.”
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