Yah Lah But

SDP is wasting no time. Just two weeks after GE2025, they launched a petition to reform elections, unveiled a new social co-op to rival NTUC, and introduced a youth-led renewal campaign. But does it feel premature—or even too self-promotional? We discuss the optics and potential of their big moves. Then, we dive into Singapore’s new “Go 25” aircon campaign launched by Senior Minister of State Amy Khor, urging everyone to set their thermostats to 25°C. Is this practical or just greenwashing wrapped in cute mascots?

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(00:00) Folklory
(00:53) Intro
(16:50) SDP Targets NTUC
(39:00) SG Sweats Over 25°C Aircon Campaign
(53:48) One Shiok Comment
(56:40) One Shiok Thing

Folklory

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SDP Targets NTUC

• Chee Soon Juan calls for reforms to electoral system, says SDP will not retreat despite GE2025 losses
• Petition · Reform Singapore's Electoral System

SG Sweats Over 25°C Aircon Campaign

• New campaign to urge S’pore home, business, building owners to set air-cons at 25 deg C
• Go 25 | Green Buildings SG

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sudhir Vadaketh joins us to unpack the GE2025 aftermath, the SDP controversies and and how WP pulled away from the opposition pack. We dive into the media vacuum during the NTUC saga, the difference between independent journalism and activism, and why the PAP’s fear messaging under Lawrence Wong felt out of sync. Plus: reflections on Paul Tambyah’s loss, the state of the NMP system, and what it takes to build public trust in media, and politics, today.

Nominate a Senior over 60 for Words of Wisdom!

• We’ll be recording 60 Folklories with 60 Singaporeans above 60 yrs as part of our “Words of Wisdom” Project for SG60
• You can check out the first wave of recordings on the same site
• Help us keep these stories alive by nominating your loved ones!

(00:00) Words of Wisdom
(00:55) Intro
(01:29) General Election Coverage
(03:50) Challenges and Obstacles in Journalism
(10:12) Emotional Impact of Electoral Results
(16:55) Election Reflection and Public Perception
(26:56) Politics and Activism Debate
(27:20) Media and Politics
(30:09) NMP System Concerns
(32:34) Political Campaigning in Modern Era
(38:04) Style vs. Substance in Politics
(39:29) Charisma in Political Leadership
(45:10) Vitriol in Political Discourse
(50:48) Vision and Execution in Politics
(52:55) Transparency and Accountability
(53:25) Singapore Civil Society and Public Pressure
(56:46) Jom's Approach to Media and Journalism
(01:00:51) Jom's Transparency and Financial Needs
(01:07:14) One Shiok Thing

One Shiok Thing

• The Wizard of Lies | Trailer
• The Devil’s Plan: Death Room | Official Trailer
• F1 The Movie | Main Trailer

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Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Su Haijin dinner saga continues to escalate as Ministers Ong Ye Kung & Chee Hong Tat lawyer up over online accusations, businessman Sam Goi takes ownership of organising the dinners, and Ho Ching defends all of them! The drama continues to raise questions about transparency and the “Rules of Prudence” written by SM Lee Hsien Loong himself when he was PM in 2020. Elsewhere inn Boon Tiong, residents revolt against their HDB’s bold new purple paint job, and the backlash sparks a rethink on how much say Singaporeans should have over public spaces. Even their newly-elected MP Foo Ceixiang had to step in and pause the painting. But do the residents have a point? 

(00:00) Folklory
(00:55) Intro
(09:41) Ho Ching Defends Ministers in Su Haijin Saga
(36:00) HDB Residents Revolt over Purple Paint
(49:00) One Shiok Comment
(53:48) One Shiok Thing

Folklory

• If you’re looking for a meaningful gift, we’d love to help you create a personal podcast for a loved one. Get started at Folklory.com

One Shiok Thing

• Warren Buffett steps down as Berkshire Hathaway CEO
• Darius Rucker - Only Wanna Be With You | The Song

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Ho Ching Defends Ministers in Su Haijin Saga

• Ong Ye Kung, Chee Hong Tat send lawyers’ letters to man who alleged they condoned Su Haijin's illegal activities
• Dinners involving ministers, Fujian gang member Su Haijin complied with COVID-19 measures: Sam Goi
• Ho Ching defends dinners that involved Su Haijin & ministers
• Letter from PM Lee Hsien Loong to PAP MPs on Rules of Prudence on 31 Jul 2020

HDB Residents Revolt over Purple Paint

• Some Tiong Bahru residents upset about HDB blocks being repainted a ‘gaudy’ purple without vote
• Tiong Bahru residents post 'urgent' sign after finding out their HDB blocks will be painted purple allegedly without 'voting process'

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cherian George, Professor of Media & Politics, author, and ex-Straits Times political journalist, joins us to unpack the state of Singapore’s media, politics, and public discourse. We also cover GE2025, the problems & future of the PAP and the Opposition, how academic freedom was constrained in Singapore and how it ultimately affected his career. And with all that, Prof Cherian shares why he continutes to write about his home country even from abroad.

(00:00) Words of Wisdom
(00:55) Intro
(01:10) Election Hangover
(04:54) Political Shift in Singapore
(06:12) Hong Kong vs. Singapore Politics
(10:21) Media and Freedom of Speech
(17:52) Mainstream vs. Alternative Media
(22:51) Impact of Digital Media
(32:22) Criticism and Insecurity in Politics
(33:55) Training for New Media
(39:00) Role of Media in Political Messaging
(42:40) Impact of Social Media on Politicians
(57:38) Election Dynamics and Role of Opposition Parties
(01:05:52) Personal Reflection on Political Commentary
(01:08:44) Discussion on Independent Candidates
(01:10:19) Reflections on Future Political Coverage
(01:10:53) One Shiok Thing

Nominate a Senior over 60 for Words of Wisdom!

• We’ll be recording 60 Folklories with 60 Singaporeans above 60 yrs as part of our “Words of Wisdom” Project for SG60
• You can check out the first wave of recordings on the same site
• Help us keep these stories alive by nominating your loved ones!

Cherian’s Website

• Welcome to my place - Cherian George

One Shiok Thing

• Die With A Smile - Postmodern Jukebox (Bruno Mars / Lady Gaga 1940s "Fallout" Style Cover)
• Hanumankind - Run It Up - Live at Coachella 2025
• Artificial Intelligence: A protective tool for journalists?

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Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Days after GE2025, a dinner photo featuring Ng Chee Meng, Su Haijin (a convicted money launderer), and billionaire Sam Goi surfaced online - raising eyebrows and trust issues. While Ong Ye Kung and Chee Hong Tat responded quickly, Ng Chee Meng’s delayed statement came off vague and defensive. Even weirder, he “asked” PM Wong to not consider him for a cabinet position. Why does this incident matter? What does it say about how the new government will handle accountability? And are the public’s standards for transparency rising faster than the system can handle? In other news, we dive deep into the drama surrounding one woman’s struggles with a premium matchmaking agency.

(00:00) Words of Wisdom
(01:00) Intro
(09:03) Ng Chee Meng Responds to Money Launderer & MOE Controversies
(51:52) Woman's Matchmaking Refund Drama
(01:01:56) One Shiok Comment
(01:05:00) One Shiok Thing

Nominate a Senior over 60 for Words of Wisdom!

• We’ll be recording 60 Folklories with 60 Singaporeans above 60 yrs as part of our “Words of Wisdom” Project for SG60
• You can check out the first wave of recordings on the same site
• Help us keep these stories alive by nominating your loved ones!

One Shiok Thing

• Grand Theft Auto VI Trailer 2
• The Smashing Machine | Official Trailer

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Ng Chee Meng Responds to Money Launderer & MOE Controversies

• Labour chief Ng Chee Meng asks PM Wong not to assign him any position in government
• Ong Ye Kung, Chee Hong Tat don’t know Fujian gang member Su Haijin personally: Statement
• Ng Chee Meng met Fujian gang member Su Haijin at engagement session, had no further interactions
• Ng Chee Meng apologises for how he acted in 2017 MOE dialogue with teachers

Woman's Matchmaking Refund Drama

• Woman, 31, who earns over S$10,000 a month, seeks refund from S'pore matchmaking agency for not linking her up with guys with suitable incomes, looks & education levels

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We deep dive into the final GE2025 results and recap the biggest stories. From PAP’s 65.57% popular vote & PM Lawrence Wong’s intact Cabinet to unexpected defeats like Dr Paul Tambyah’s and Dr Chee Soon Juan’s emotional near-miss. We also share our thoughts on what we think influenced the results, fallout of controversies involving Gigine Wong and Ng Chee Meng, the rise of independent and star party candidates, the impact of ground campaigning and what the results mean for the PAP, Opposition Parties and Singapore going forward.

Our Sponsors

•  Transparency 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 kept us moving from GRC to GRC. Check out their fleet at https://www.westpointbus.com.sg

(00:00) Intro
(06:50) Dissecting the Surprises, Shocks & Upsets of the GE2025 Results
(01:21:42) One Shiok Comment
(01:24:30) One Shiok Thing

One Shiok Thing

• The Hope and Heartbreak of Singapore’s General Elections (GE2025) - YouTube
• UNTIL DAWN - Official Movie Trailer (HD)

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GE2025 Results

• Here are all the results for GE2025

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

★ 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 8 days, 33 constituencies & one wild national ride, we wrap up the Yah Lah But APolitical Party Bus with a recap on GE2025. From Ng Chee Meng vs Andre Low in Jalan Kayu, to Harpreet vs DPM Gan in Punggol and how Gigine Wong’s gaffe affected the SDP, we break down every party’s campaign - from comms strategies to ground sentiment. We also revisit our podcast recording with PM Lawrence Wong, how mainstream media failed us, and our thoughts on the next few days.

https://www.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://westpointbus.com.sg/

(00:00) Intro
(05:50) Hot Takes on Every Political Party
(48:26) Dissecting PM Wong’s Episode
(59:00) One Shiok Comment
(01:02:04) One Shiok Thing
 

One Shiok Thing

• GE2025: A nation of champion grumblers finds its groove in memes
• Malaysia Cup Final 1994

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Hot Takes on Every Political Party

• GE2025: Singapore General Election Parties and Candidates

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

★ 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!

Overnight, leaked Telegram messages from Workers’ Party’s Andre Low rocked their campaign in Jalan Kayu. From personal rants to vulgarities aimed at residents, we break down the screenshots, his apology, and how this could impact WP’s shot at beating Ng Chee Meng. We also dive into Tan Suee Chieh’s public endorsement of WP’s Harpreet Singh, why it matters, and what mainstream media left out. Plus: updates from Punggol, Hougang, and Jalan Kayu, and how the ground feels just days before GE2025.

🚍 Want to know where we’re heading next? Track the Yah Lah But GE2025 bus live at ministryoffunny.com/yahlahbut-ge2025

Our Sponsors

• Transparency 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
(08:35) Leaked Messages from WP’s Andre Low
(30:30) Ex-NTUC Group CEO Endorses Harpreet Singh
(43:40) One Shiok Comment
(46:06) One Shiok Thing

One Shiok Thing

• Daily dispatch by Jom Media
• Reaction to Gigine Wong by Rishi Budhrani

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Leaked Messages from WP’s Andre Low

• WP candidate Andre Low apologises for 'inappropriate' language, remarks in leaked Telegram messages
• WP’s Andre Low apologises for ‘inappropriate’ language, remarks in leaked Telegram messages

Ex-NTUC Group CEO Endorses Harpreet Singh

• Open letter from Tan Suee Chieh Endorsing Harpreet Singh

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PM Lawrence Wong joins us in-studio to reflect on leadership, trust, and where Singapore goes next. He shares how he’s different from past PMs, addresses the impact of controversies on public trust, and explains why losing 3-4 Cabinet ministers would weaken his team. We also discuss opposition accountability, policy packaging, and why Singapore can have and needs “radical change” - even from within.

This was recorded on 29 Apr, 2025.

(00:00) Intro
(02:39) Discussion on Foreign Interference
(04:23) PM Wong's Leadership Style
(06:43) Recruitment in PAP and Tea Sessions
(08:46) Handling Mistakes and Public Perception
(12:55) Election Strategy and Focus
(20:18) Challenges in Politics and Credibility of Opposition
(29:57) Election Challenges and Consequences
(31:43) PAP's Historical Leadership and Present Challenges
(33:04) National Issues: Cost of Living and Housing Prices
(43:22) Leadership and Government Structure
(46:01) Personal Growth and Political Journey
(50:23) Future Plans and Strategy for Singapore
(53:53) One Shiok Thing

One Shiok Thing

• A Day Inside Dyson's New Singapore Headquarters | WSJ Open Office
• Jacob Collier Improvises the National Symphony Orchestra
• AC/DC - Back In Black

Comment on this episode!

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Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

★ 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 unpack how WP’s Harpreet Singh took aim at ministerial salaries in Punggol, how Alexis Dang and Pritam Singh clapped back at Gan Kim Yong, and how PM Lawrence Wong explained that he could potentially lose 3 Ministers if the Opposition is voted in. Meanwhile, in Sembawang, Ong Ye Kung & Poh Li San continue to slam SDP’s & Chee Soon Juan, but is it fair? With two days left to Polling Day, GE2025 mudslinging is in full swing. Plus: what our journey through Holland–Bukit Timah GRC, Bukit Panjang, and Bukit Gombak revealed about ground sentiment.

🚍 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://westpointbus.com.sg/

(00:00) Intro
(08:15)  WP’s Harpreet Slams DPM Gan in Punggol 
(30:23) Ong Ye Kung Tears into SDP’s Manifesto 
(42:37) One Shiok Comment
(45:00) One Shiok Thing

One Shiok Thing

• BMW - Episode 2: Bertha Henson meets Walid
• Elefant - Speaker Snapshots

Comment on this episode!

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WP’s Harpreet Slams DPM Gan in Punggol

• GE2025: Workers' Party zeroes in on Gan Kim Yong; calls on Punggol GRC voters to 'send strong message to PAP'
• GE2025: Punggol a 'shining model of Singapore's heartland', but can be improved even more, says DPM Gan
• 'Why are they so insecure?' Pritam and WP candidates hit out at PAP 'parachuting' DPM Gan into Punggol GRC
• 'A ridiculous argument': SM Lee rebuts Pritam Singh's comment that it's a 'serious problem' if PAP govt is weakened by losing ministers

Ong Ye Kung Tears into SDP’s Manifesto

• GE2025: Ong Ye Kung says SDP proposals don't have a ‘snowball's chance’ of contributing to Singapore
• Chee Soon Juan is passionate, but passion alone doesn't build playgrounds: Poh Li San at Sembawang West rally

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.