The two-decade rule of Singapore’s third prime minister has led to a fabulously rich global city, but also a society that is more unequal and divided than ever before.

The recent spate of high-profile scandals in Singapore has prompted observers to discuss the political fortunes of the PAP and the WP. Yet, these have overlooked the more fundamental question of what the incidents reveal about the nature of political legitimacy in Singapore.

Ahead of the polls on September 1st, some Singaporeans have vowed to spoil their votes, in protest at what they believe has become a farcical race for head of state. But for the many undecided voters, an analysis of the candidates might help to clarify some doubts before they head to the ballot box.

Candidates have taken a significant part of their campaigning online, and are doing a pretty serious job of it.

In a second piece on RidoutGate, a senior counsel questions the perceived independence of a ministerial review, and its failure to robustly assess the Code of Conduct for Ministers.

What next for the queer movement; marriage equality or broader policy demands? And all while negotiating the state’s potential to co-opt and control.