Addy Lee Bids Farewell to Singapore PR Status

In a surprising move, former celebrity hairstylist Addy Lee has announced his decision to renounce his Singapore permanent resident (PR) status. After nearly three decades in the country, the 54-year-old Lee, originally from Malaysia, is ready to cash in on his Central Provident Fund (CPF) funds and step into retirement.

Lee recently sold his home and businesses in Singapore, declaring, "Now I'm just a free man." Despite feeling bittersweet about his decision, he expressed optimism about his financial situation, stating that his CPF savings would allow him to live comfortably for the next 30 years.

A New Life Awaits in Malaysia and Thailand

Looking ahead, Lee plans to spend his golden years in both Malaysia and Thailand, where he has even ventured into the rabbit breeding business. He has expressed well wishes for former friend Quan Yifeng and her daughter Eleanor Lee, choosing to steer clear of their past disputes.

Vaping Crackdown and ERPs See Changes in Singapore

In other news from Singapore, the government will introduce stricter penalties for vaporizer users, including caning for those caught bringing in the drug etomidate. These measures aim to curb an alarming rise in vaping-related incidents, especially among foreigners, who risk immediate deportation and a ban from re-entry.

Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam emphasized the urgency of these measures: "We see it as an increasing problem, and we don’t want to wait until it goes out of control."

Train Service Disruptions and ERP Rate Hikes

In transport updates, a brief disruption on the Downtown Line caused service interruptions for about 90 minutes on August 28, though regular service has since resumed. Meanwhile, starting September 1, Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) rates will increase by $1 at five strategic locations to help manage traffic congestion.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is keeping a vigilant eye on traffic conditions and may adjust rates as necessary.

Politics and Perspectives on Global Issues

Lastly, Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh shared insights on a recent podcast, advocating for political parties in Singapore to engage with global issues such as the Gaza conflict. Singh emphasized that their views stem not from race or religion, but from a perspective of shared humanity.

With a commitment to address various international matters, Singh clarified that their manifesto for the upcoming elections also includes stances on the situations in Myanmar and the South China Sea.