More than 10,100 Singaporeans have
signed Advance Medical Directives (AMDs). Over the years, 19 AMDs
have been revoked and 6 have been put into effect...
Our AMD rate of 0.4% is low. But this is
the experience in many other countries too. For example, in
Australia the sign-up rate is even lower, at 0.2%. The US is unique
in having a much higher sign-up rate compared to the rest of the
world. Their rate is around 20% in adult population...
Euthanasia is only allowed in Belgium
and the Netherlands. In Switzerland and the states of Oregon and
Washington in the U.S., doctor-assisted suicide is permissible, but
not euthanasia...
My Ministry is promoting Advance Medical
Directive (AMD) and palliative care. AMD is about letting nature
takes its course for the terminally ill at the last stage of their
lives; AMD is about not mindlessly postponing death through futile
medical interventions. AMD is not euthanasia or doctor-assisted
suicide. I do not think that Singaporeans are ready to accept
euthanasia...
The total issue size of the Pinnacle Notes
Series 9 and 10 was S$26 million, sold to about 700 retail investors
through five distributors: DMG & Partners Securities, Hong Leong
Finance, Kim Eng Securities, OCBC Securities and UOB Kay Hian.
Investors who consider they have a genuine
claim that they were mis-sold the product or that the product was
misrepresented to them should lodge their complaints with the financial
institutions (FIs) that sold them the products.
To provide noteholders with an
independent opinion on the options that best serve their interests,
MAS has appointed Deloitte & Touche Corporate Finance Pte Ltd (DTCF)
as an independent financial adviser on the Lehman Minibond notes
programme...
MAS understands that noteholders are
anxious to know what they should do and what to expect next. At the
moment, there is no action required on their part. MAS and the
trustee will continue to keep noteholders updated on all
developments including any options for them to
consider...
The Termination of Pregnancy Act was enacted
in 1974, to provide for the safe termination of
unwanted pregnancies by trained persons in
appropriately equipped facilities.
It is to safeguard the health and well-being
of the woman who has, for various reasons, decided to
terminate her pregnancy. This is intended to ensure
that all children born in Singapore are wanted
children, who will be properly cared for, and will
have opportunities to develop to their full
potential...
In his Opening Address, Dr Vivian
Balakrishnan announced the increase of up to 25 per cent in funding for
the 17 social service agencies that are running the Guidance Programme
(GP) - a six-month programme for first-time young offenders to divert
them away from being charged in Court...
Towards the end of the 6-month
programme, the social worker will assess the youth’s overall
progress and make an appropriate recommendation to the Police
Investigation Officer.
Depending on the risks and needs of the
youth, the programme may be extended for up to
six months. The youth, if he completes the programme successfully,
may be let off with a stern Police warning in lieu of prosecution...
As the general review into Ren Ci’s past
transactions also disclosed other gaps in corporate governance and
internal controls, MOH commissioned EYA to carry out a more in-depth
evaluation.
The follow-up reviews have since identified
some possible irregularities in certain financial transactions involving
Ren Ci and certain external organisations. Hence, MOH is commencing an
Inquiry into Ren Ci to establish a fuller and better understanding of
these irregularities...
The Commissioner of Charities (COC) has
appointed Ernst & Young Associates Pte Ltd and Deloitte & Touche
Financial Advisory Services Pte Ltd to conduct the governance review of
the first seven large charities under his direct purview.
These charities were selected on the basis
of their high total annual income which exceeds $10 million a year....
"Following the implementation of new
regulations governing charity registration, public fund-raising appeals
and large charities on 1 May 2007, the Commissioner of Charities (COC)
announces today the removal of three charities from the Register of
Charities with immediate effect.
"These are the Children of Singapore
Foundation, Children's Lukaemia Foundation Limited, and Club Sunshine
Limited (previously known as Kids-In-Distress Foundation Limited[1]).
"The COC has also decided not to grant
charity status to Kidney Fund Organisation..."
"In tandem with the tightening of
charity registration, the COC's office will also launch the
Charity Portal (http://www.charities.gov.sg)
to provide a convenient one-stop ''paper-less'' process for
application for charity status and institution of a public
character (IPC) status.
"The Charity Portal provides a one-stop
resource centre for the public who want to know more about
charities in Singapore, including those interested in setting up
charities and IPCs..."
"In 2006, 294 persons were arrested for UML
offences and related harassment activities. This is an increase of 11%
as compared to 2005.
"In 2006, Police also dealt with 39
UML syndicate members under the CL(TP) Act, which is an increase
of 63% compared to 24 in 20053. In addition, Police
smashed 8 syndicates last year4 ..."
"The COC found that the Executive
President's total annual remuneration for the financial year ended
31 January 2006 was $248,867. Of this amount, only $53,836 was
disclosed as the Executive President's salaries in the Income and
Expenditure Statement.
"Another $164,475 was disclosed in Note
3 to the audited financial statements as salaries apportioned to
various projects/events...
"The Executive President's total
remuneration of $248,867 amounted to 56% of the total donation and
other income of $442,287 raised for the same period..."
"Between now and 2030, the number of elderly
aged 65 years or older will increase dramatically, from 300,000 to
900,000. 1 in 5 Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above by 2030.
"We will need to provide a wide range of
housing options to meet the different financial needs and lifestyle
preferences of the elderly, from smaller HDB flats like studio
apartments, to private retirement housing with dedicated care
facilities..."
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Community issues - 2008