Plan B

News Beat
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Apr 27, 2025 • 50min

#789 Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law K. Shanmugam

In this episode, we dive deep into the US tariffs - how they hit Singapore, what they mean for our future, and how they shake up an already turbulent world. We sit down with Minister for Law K. Shanmugam to tackle the tough questions - including the hot topic: was the timing just a little too coincidental with GE2025?(03:09) Say hello to Law Minister K. Shanmugam(11.25) What do the US tariffs mean for Singapore’s future?(17:15) Malay-Muslim community’s stance on the tariffs(20:05) Why this minimum 10% tariff affects Singapore(25:54) Too coincidental with general election?(33:42) Singapore’s position in an increasingly unstable world(45:06) US or China? Can we remain neutral?
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Apr 27, 2025 • 37min

#788 Is Singapore’s elections under siege?

GE2025 has been hit with scandal, with cases of foreign interference from Malaysia and controversial open letters. Noor Deros, a Malaysia-based religious personality, claimed to represent the religious teacher community when seeking endorsements from WP to attack Singapore's Muslim law. We speak to Ustazah Dr Siti Nur 'Alaniah Binte Abdul Wahid, an active member of the local religious teachers community, to understand what's going on.(01:28) Case of foreign interference in Singapore’s elections(11:01) Say hello to Ustazah Dr Siti Nur ā€˜Alaniah Binte Abdul Wahid(15:32) The Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) today(23:40) Abolish AMLA?(30:05) How long do laws or proposals get passed?(34:53) Knowing how other communities perceive the Malay-Muslim community
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Apr 24, 2025 • 31min

#787 Passionate about patient care and community unity - Dr Faisal Abdul Aziz

Believe it or not, even Dr Faisal’s own mother once mistook Pritam Singh for him. But mistaken identity aside, contesting in Aljunied under the PAP banner — a ward long held by the opposition — is often dubbed a ā€œsuicideā€ mission. So how does Dr Faisal stay upbeat and cheerful? And as a long-time ground volunteer, what keeps him going in politics despite the exhaustion?(00:35) Say hi to Dr Faisal Abdul Aziz of PAP!(04:00) How he stays positive while being in a ā€˜suicide squad’(13:45) Will PAP take back Aljunied?(16:30) Faisal’s personal beliefs and proposals to make Singapore better(21:05) Most rewarding thing about being in politics
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Apr 24, 2025 • 43min

#786 Sumarleki Amjah, PSP’s candidate for West Coast-Jurong West GRC

PSP is rolling out its A-team in the West, and newcomer Sumarleki Amjah is on the frontlines. We dive right in - what does he make of PSP’s bold response to the US tariffs? And with critics saying the PAP often adopts opposition policies, will PSP risk being branded ā€œPAP-liteā€ if they make it to Parliament?(01:20) Say hi to Sumarleki Amjah!(06:45) Leki’s response to PSP’s stance on the US tariffs(17:20) How is PSP different from other opposition parties?(22:18) Elitism in schools(28:48) Will PSP be labeled ā€˜PAP-lite’?(30:30) PSP’s policies that has made a difference
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Apr 24, 2025 • 37min

#785 ā€˜Report card’ ranking of ministers?

Joining politics at just 19 isn’t your usual coming-of-age story — but that’s exactly what Muhammad Aqmal did with the Young Democrats, SDP’s youth wing. And with an opposition party, no less. So how did his family take the news? Plus, since we’re keeping things fun, we hand Aqmal a ā€˜report card’ to grade Singapore’s politicians.(02:15) Say hi to Aqmal of SDP’s Young Democrats!(08:26) How did his family respond to him joining an opposition party?(15:10) Aqmal’s ā€œReport Cardā€ ranking of ministers(20:17) Future of young politicians in Singapore(27:03) What makes SDP’s manifesto special?(29:05) Aqmal’s aspirations and dream job(33:08) Hot button issues this GE2025
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Apr 17, 2025 • 39min

#784 Let the battle for GE2025 begin

East coast plan. People fainting. Pritam’s mic drop. Previous election rallies have given us memes, drama, and moments we’ll never forget — and GE2025 looks set to deliver more. But beyond the hype, what really matters to you this time? Is it your kids’ future? Bread-and-butter issues? Or deeper systemic change? Plus, we’re having a watch party in our studio, so register before it’s full!(00.30) Thank you for 30K!(01:50) Parliament is finally dissolved(05:45) Will you attend a rally?(10:20) Looking forward to more politicians coming out(20:20) How to convince the swing voters(30:15) The atmosphere of rallies(38:30) Register for our GE2025 watch party!https://tinyurl.com/PlanBGEWatchParty2025
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Apr 17, 2025 • 41min

#783 Losing $700,000 to scams?!

What would you do if someone claiming to be from the police ordered you to transfer $100,000 to stay silent? In a moment of fear, you might just do it. Or maybe you’ve been tempted by a too-good-to-be-true investment scheme promising quick money. Scams like these are on the rise in Singapore but what’s actually being done to stop them? We take your concerns straight to the source: Minister of State Sun Xueling.(02:25) Say hello to Sun Xueling, Minister of State for Ministry of Home Affairs!(14:20) Common types of scams(20:25) Can I file a police report on behalf of someone I suspect is being scammed?(27:35) A possibility to prevent yourself from getting scammed?(33:00) The surge in fake concert tickets and how to protect yourself from scams
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Apr 15, 2025 • 53min

#782 Ariffin Iskandar Sha Ali Akbar, founder of Wake Up Singapore

From viral headlines to public controversy, Wake Up Singapore has become one of the most prominent alternative media voices in the country - fearless in tackling taboo and under-reported issues. We sit down with founder Ariffin to unpack how it all began, whether Palestine-related posts are really being shadowbanned, and what the future holds for the platform.(01:40) Say hi to Wake Up Singapore!(04:40) How Wake Up Singapore was born(12:30) The motivation to keep going(16:10) Is social media silencing posts about Palestine?(26:10) Where does Wake Up Singapore sees itself?(34:40) Risk of echo chambers in GE2025(42:50) The future of Wake Up Singapore
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Apr 13, 2025 • 59min

#781 Is the Singapore workforce going extinct?

10 years ago, 6 Singaporeans supported one elderly person. By 2024, that number has dropped to just 3.2 - and if foreign workers are kept out of the workforce, it could fall to 2 by 2030. That’s the stark warning from Manpower Minister Tan See Leng as he addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing Singapore’s workforce. From fears of AI replacing jobs to frustrations over low pay, no topic is off-limits in this heated episode.(01:25) Say hello to Manpower Minister Tan See Leng(07:30) Policies that were important yet unpopular(14:20) Dr Tan’s solutions to job security(20:40) The Ministry of Manpower’s response to common workforce problems in Singapore(32:45) Why can’t Singapore be self-reliant?(45:00) The case of levies and foreign workers in Singapore(54:30) Is UAE’s employment approach an answer to our problems?
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Apr 11, 2025 • 26min

#780 What’s NTUC’s role in expanding CPF for gig workers?

With more people turning to gig work and freelancing, are unions truly stepping up for them? And with CPF contributions now in play, are they feeling the squeeze? We also dive into how NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng's military background influences his approach to union work - strategizing beyond traditional boundaries to protect workers' interests.(02:20) Platform workers’ discontent with CPF contributions(09:50) How NTUC handles cases of workplace bullying(12:00) Mr Ng’s journey from military leader to Labour Chief of NTUC(19:35) How do platform workers and freelancers respond to unions?(25:25) Why Mr Ng is optimistic about the future of unions in Singapore

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