Schools and offices shut down, water and power supplies disrupted, drone attacks simulated, food rationed, and toilets closed – for two weeks starting on 15 February, thousands of people will be involved simulating disruptions caused by a large-scale attack on the country.
Police are looking into two events: a protest march to Istana with anti-war letters and an online video. Government minister says people are free to protest but without violating the law or creating rifts in society. Many fear incidents.
In addition to the creation of new specialised centres, dedicated mental health services will be introduced in all polyclinics in Singapore. The number of psychiatrists and psychologists in public health will also be increased, by 30 per cent and 40 per cent respectively. The government wants to implement the measures by 2030.
The new law cracks down on money-laundering, as well as dealing in precious stones and metals, money lending, pawnbroking, etc., to evade sanctions against funding the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The definition of precious products now includes luxury brands as well. Last August, 10 people were arrested in a major money-laundering case.
Today's news: Tibetan Buddhist monk arrested by Chinese police for publishing books of the exiled community; Yemen's foreign minister is the new premier of internationally recognised government; Singapore wants to keep 'dangerous' prisoners in jail even at the end of their sentences; Tokaev dismisses the entire Kazakh government, appointing a new interim premier.
With tensions running high in the country, the PNG government leaked some details about a possible visit, but the latter has not yet been confirmed. On several occasions, Francis said that he wants to visit, and a trip in 2020 was cancelled. Presently, plans are being worked out, with stops in Indonesia, Timor Leste, and perhaps even Singapore. But the visit’s feasibility will be determined later. For Card Ribat, looting is unacceptable but the “leaders in our government must own up to their people”.