Yah Lah But - podcast cover

Yah Lah But

Ministry of Funnywww.yahlahbut.com
A thrice weekly podcast on conversations Singaporeans are having but not saying out loud – politics, culture, identity. Haresh Tilani and Terence Chia consider every side, never quite agree, and never play it safe. Honest, informed, always worth arguing about. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes.

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Episodes

#709: Edwin Tong Slams US Comedian’s Censorship Claims & Italian Swimmers Caught for Shoplifting

US comedian Sammy Obeid claimed his Singapore show was cancelled due to censorship over the Gaza crisis, but IMDA says it was because of a late licence submission. Plus, two Italian swimmers were detained for alleged shoplifting at Changi Airport but were let off with a warning, raising questions about diplomatic discretion. 𝗡𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟲𝟬 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗼𝗺! We’re recording 60 Folklories with 60 Singaporeans above 60 yrs as part of our “Words of ...

Sep 01, 20251 hrEp. 714

#708: U17 Footballer Dropped For Choosing Exams & Jack Neo’s AI LKY Video Deemed “Respectful”

A viral online post by local celeb Norfasarie about her son’s omission from the U17 national team, after prioritising N-level studies over a training camp, sparked controversy as well as a response from FAS. Elsewhere, Jack Neo’s SG60 music video featuring an AI-generated image of Lee Kuan Yew drew public attention, with MCCY assessing it as “respectful.” 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧: 𝙊𝙒𝙉𝘿𝘼𝙔𝙎 𝘞𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘋𝘳. 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘠𝘢𝘶, 𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘖𝘱𝘩𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘭...

Aug 29, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 713

#707: Platform Workers Press Ng Chee Meng & Safra’s Wild Plan to Go Beyond a Social Club

Platform workers met NTUC chief Ng Chee Meng to raise frustrations over unclear fares, illegal foreign riders, and the future of gig work. At the same time, enforcement agencies clamped down on foreigners doing delivery work illegally. We also discuss Desmond Choo’s eyebrow-raising call for Safra to evolve from a social club into a “defence movement.” 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧: 𝙋𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚’𝙨 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙈𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 (𝙋𝘼𝙔𝙈) 𝘞𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘋𝘳. 𝘑𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘭 𝘗𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘤𝘩...

Aug 27, 202553 minEp. 712

#706 ft. Pritam Singh - Why SG’s Leader of Opposition Won’t Be PM & Dealing with Govt Scrutiny

Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh joins us after GE2025 to talk candidly about the Workers’ Party’s results, the challenges of opposition politics, and his role in Parliament. He explains why he doesn’t aspire to be Singapore’s Prime Minister, how WP balances ideals with pragmatism, and what the party stands for in the years ahead. We also cover hot-button issues like HDB pricing, constituency strategy, controversies within the party, and WP’s evolving stance on international conflicts. Beyo...

Aug 25, 20251 hr 47 minEp. 711

#705 ft. Dr Ang Swee Chai - Risking Her Life in Gaza as a Christian Surgeon for Palestinians

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Ang Swee Chai recounts her arrest & interrogation in Singapore linked to her husband Francis’s escape, her decision to speak publicly about the 1982 Sabra & Shatila massacre in Beirut, Lebanon, and the consequences of speaking up for Palestinians. 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧: 𝙋𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚’𝙨 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙈𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 (𝙋𝘼𝙔𝙈) 𝘞𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘋𝘳. 𝘑𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘭 𝘗𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘩𝘢�...

Aug 22, 20251 hr 40 minEp. 710

#704: Living with HIV - Stigmas, Rejections & Why HIV is No Longer a Death Sentence

Calvin Tan was diagnosed HIV-positive at a time when the illness carried heavy stigma in Singapore. He shares the shock of his diagnosis, the rejection he faced, and the emotional toll of telling family and friends. Calvin also explains how modern treatment makes HIV a manageable condition, while stigma remains the bigger battle. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙙𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙮 𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘼𝙄𝘿𝙎 (𝘼𝙛𝘼) 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 ...

Aug 20, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 709

#703: Breaking Down PM Wong’s National Day Rally & Sengkang Bullies Suspended for Death Threats

PM Wong’s National Day Rally 2025 drew mixed reactions, with analysts noting its measured tone and opposition parties issuing their responses. We also discuss the shocking case at Sengkang Green Primary, where three Primary 3 students were suspended after issuing violent death threats against a classmate and her family. 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 ...

Aug 18, 202559 minEp. 708

#702 ft. Dr. Christine Yau - The Vision Problem You Can’t Escape & What You Can Do!

Dr Christine Yau – Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist and Director of Neuro-Ophthalmology at the International Eye Cataract Retina Centre – explains why presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision, affects everyone over 40. She also shares eye care tips and other good eye care habits, debunks common myths and explains the importance of regular yearly eye exams. Our Sponsor Need clear vision up close and far away? OWNDAYS premium progressive lenses provide seamless clarity at every distance wi...

Aug 15, 20251 hr 8 minEp. 707

#701: KF Seetoh vs Ong Ye Kung Over Hawker Rules & SBS Transit Apologises for Train Breakdown

KF Seetoh accuses Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre of unfair rules and extra charges for stallholders. Ong Ye Kung responds, disputing the claims and clarifying hawkers’ obligations. We also cover SBS Transit’s apology after a major disruption on the North East Line and Sengkang-Punggol LRT, and Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow’s reaction to recent breakdowns. Our Sponsor – CloserStill Media Attend eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia, happening 8-9 Oct at MBS Get your free tickets here (00:00) eComme...

Aug 13, 202559 minEp. 706

#700: PM Wong vs Pritam on National Day Message & Wake Up SG Founder to Be Called to the Bar

National Day messages from PM Lawrence Wong and Workers’ Party Chief Pritam Singh highlight differing aspects on nation-building. We unpack their contrasting tones, calls to action, and what they signal for Singapore’s future. Plus, Wake Up Singapore founder Ariffin Sha is allowed to be admitted to the Bar despite his role in a past defamation case. (00:00) Intro (12:27) PM Wong vs Pritam on National Day Message (38:28) Wake Up SG Founder to Be Called to the Bar (51:41) One Shiok Comment (54:28)...

Aug 11, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 705

#699: Trial To Extend Liquor Licenses to 4am & Muslim Passenger Served Pork on SIA

Singapore will trial extended liquor hours till 4AM for nightlife spots in Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Upper Circular Road as part of a plan to revitalise the area. Plus, Singapore Airlines apologises after a Muslim passenger was served prosciutto and allegedly told it wasn’t pork. Our Sponsor – CloserStill Media Attend eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia, happening 8-9 Oct at MBS Get your free tickets here Our 700th Episode Special Livestream! Happening 11 August Monday at 6.00pm GMT+8! Click here to g...

Aug 08, 202554 minEp. 704

#698 ft. Sandra Riley Tang - Her Viral Video Against HDB & Why She Quit Music After Coldplay

Sandra Riley Tang joins us to talk about her unforgettable performance with Coldplay in Singapore, her departure from The Sam Willows, and her passion for better HDB design. She reflects on burnout, therapy, and creative freedom, while sharing why she’s now focused on building a more beautiful, intentional life—both onstage and off. Our Sponsor: People’s Association Youth Movement (PAYM) This episode is brought to you in partnership with PAYM. They've recently launched the Youth Charter as part ...

Aug 06, 20251 hr 30 minEp. 703

#697: SG60 Food Fair Vendors Slam Poor Sales & Sydney Sweeney’s Jeans Ad Called Out

A viral video over the weekend showed food vendors at the SG60 Bayfront food fair worried about suffering major losses of up to $10,000. But is it their fault or is it a lack of support from the organisers? Elsewhere, American Eagle is under fire for a jeans ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney that has been accused of promoting eugenics. Our Sponsor – CloserStill Media Attend eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia, happening 8-9 Oct at MBS Get your free tickets here (00:00) eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia (0...

Aug 04, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 702

#696: Backlash Over Mandarin-Taught Uni Courses in SG & Khairy vs PAP Over Pritam’s Podcast

Singapore’s top universities are introducing Mandarin-taught modules as interest from Chinese students grows, sparking debate about inclusivity, messaging, and academic identity. Elsewhere, podcaster & ex-Malaysian minister Khairy Jamaluddin called the PAP “juvenile” for reacting to Pritam Singh’s appearance on his podcast. Our Sponsor – CloserStill Media Attend eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia, happening 8-9 Oct at MBS Get your free tickets here (00:00) eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia (01:22) Intr...

Aug 01, 20251 hr 8 minEp. 701

#695 ft. Jinx Yeo - Politically Incorrect Jokes, Beating Stage Fright & Surviving as a Comedian

Jinx Yeo opens up about what it’s really like being a stand-up comic in Singapore. He shares how his journey started 14 years ago, the impact of his viral videos as well as his experience building an international career from scratch. He also talks about making politically incorrect jokes, self-censorship and the difference between Singaporean and Western crowds. Check out Jinx’s Comedy! Jinx Yeo | Upcoming Comedy Shows & Tour Dates Jinx Yeo - "Asian Nerd" Roasts the British Nominate a Senio...

Jul 30, 20251 hr 11 minEp. 700

#694: Sinkhole at Tanjong Katong Swallows Car & SMRT Gets Reduced Fine for 2024 Train Disruption

A car fell into a sinkhole along Tanjong Katong Road, prompting a nationwide safety review of sewer works by PUB. Elsewhere, LTA reduced SMRT’s $3 million fine for a major East-West Line disruption to $2.4 million. Our Podcast Creation Workshop Only 2 more slots remain for our full-day podcast workshop on either 15th or 16th Aug, done face-to-face at our studio! Registration ends this Sunday (3 Aug), so sign up here (00:00) Our Podcast Creation Workshop! (03:00) Intro (13:07) Sinkhole at Tanjong...

Jul 28, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 699

#693: The Controversial Death of Jane Lee & Petition Against Relocation of Geylang East Library

The tragic death of Jane Lee, owner of Sumo Salad, has sparked nationwide debate about Singapore’s Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA). We break down what happened, the WICA loopholes she flagged before her passing, and why her case has rattled business owners and employees alike. Plus: Singapore’s libraries are moving into shopping malls, but is that a good thing? Our Sponsor – CloserStill Media Attend eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia, happening 8-9 Oct at MBS Get your free tickets here (00:00) eCo...

Jul 25, 202550 minEp. 698

#692 ft. Prof. Donald Low - The COE Problem, SM Lee vs Jamus Lim & The Rental Crisis in SG

Donald Low, Professor of Practice at the HKUST Institute for Public Policy, is back to unpack the recent debate around COEs involving SM Lee Hsien Loong and WP’s Jamus Lim, as well as comments by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow. Plus: Singapore’s rent crisis is boiling over, with tenants frustrated by landlords’ rising expectations. Are landlords really the villains - or is there more to the story? Check out Prof Donald Low: The Price of Zero: China's policy missteps during and after ...

Jul 23, 20251 hr 36 minEp. 697

#691: Kpod Vapes to be Listed as Illegal Drug & Astronomer CEO Resigns After Coldplay Controversy

Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung announced that MOH is working with MOH to list etomidate as an illegal drug after one-third of vapes seized were found to contain it. Is this the best solution? Elsewhere, Astronomer CEO Andy Byron resigns after getting caught cheating with his HR Head, Kristin Cabot, on camera at a Coldplay Concert in Boston. We unpack the ethics, memes, and whether Coldplay is really to blame. Our Sponsor – CloserStill Media Attend eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia, happening 8-9 Oct...

Jul 21, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 696

#690 ft. Sonny Liew - Controversy Through Comics, Being World-Class & Creating Satire on Lee Kuan Yew

What happens when your art pokes too close to the truth? In this episode, Sonny Liew, Eisner-winning cartoonist of The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye, joins us to reflect on 10 years of his landmark graphic novel, and how it almost got banned. We dive into his new project on capitalism, the cultural contradictions of Singapore, and why his latest collectible action figures featuring Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Keng Swee and S Rajaratnam, are quietly subversive. Our Sponsor – CloserStill Media Attend eComme...

Jul 18, 20251 hr 32 minEp. 695

#689 ft. Prof. Walid - Why Every SG Politician Should Want to be PM & His New Book on Palestine

Is Singapore ready for more open political discourse - or are we still too scared to "cross the line"? We sit down with Associate Professor Walid Abdullah, political scientist, author, and host of the “Teh Tarik with Walid” podcast. We cover his latest book on Palestine, the rise of podcasting in Singapore’s political scene, and why Prof Walid thinks every politician should want to be Prime Minister. Plus, we get candid about cancel culture and whether he’ll run in GE2030. Our Sponsor – CloserSt...

Jul 16, 20251 hr 32 minEp. 694

#688 ft. Fadzri Rashid – Why He Moved to Malaysia, How KL is Better Than SG & Why He Changed His Name

Singapore comedian Fadzri Rashid opens up about moving to Malaysia, why artists feel the need to leave Singapore to grow, and how chasing authenticity is harder than ever. We discuss NFT regrets, the grind of stand-up comedy and what it really means to hold up a mirror to Singapore’s society that’s chasing perfection. UndoAge|Globally Trusted Supplements, Direct-from-Source Value ✅ Certified Nutritional Solutions 📦 Direct Manufacturer Pricing 🌍 Global Supply Assurance Check them out at undoage...

Jul 14, 20251 hr 16 minEp. 693

#687: Trump’s Pick for Ambassador to SG Gets Grilled & SG Uni Students Stressed by Finance Clubs

Trump’s nominee for US Ambassador to Singapore, Dr. Anjani Sinha, struggled at his Senate hearing, prompting questions about his credentials, timing, and political optics. Though Bilahari Kausikan & Calvin Cheng feel a lot more positive. Meanwhile, campus finance clubs at Singapore’s universities are as brutal as they are prestigious, with sky-high stress and razor-thin acceptance rates. Sign up for "Your Little Bit" - our weekly newsletter Get a weekly roundup of our One Shiok Things & ...

Jul 11, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 692

#686: 6 Golf Courses to Be Closed in SG & Over 160 Anti-Nuisance Offences on Public Transport

Six golf courses across Singapore will not have their leases renewed, with two sites to be converted into a new public course - sparking backlash from country club members. Meanwhile, over 160 offence notices have been issued since new anti-nuisance rules were introduced on buses and trains. Sign up for "Your Little Bit" - our weekly newsletter Get a weekly roundup of our One Shiok Things & first dibs on our latest launches! Click here to sign up ! Folklory If you’re looking for a meaningful...

Jul 09, 202550 minEp. 691

#685: Tan Cheng Bock & Hazel Poa Step Down from PSP & Naked Couple Caught in Sengkang Car Park

Tan Cheng Bock and Hazel Poa have stepped down from the Progress Singapore Party’s top leadership, triggering a “renewal plan” ahead of GE2025. What does this mean for PSP’s identity and future? Meanwhile, in Sengkang, a man caught his wife naked in a car with another man - and got injured when the car sped off. Our Sponsor – CloserStill Media Attend eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia, happening 8-9 Oct at MBS Click here to get your free tickets ! (00:00) eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia (00:55) Intro (04...

Jul 07, 202550 minEp. 690

#684: PAP Slams Pritam For Interview on M’sian Podcast & Chan Chun Sing’s Idea for NS Live Firing

PAP called out Pritam Singh for remarks he made on a Malaysian podcast, accusing him of crossing a line by airing political views overseas. WP fired back, saying PAP is “opposing for the sake of opposing.” Elsewhere, new Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing floated the idea of a live firing experience for regular Singaporeans, so they can get “a slice of NS.” 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 ...

Jul 04, 202555 minEp. 689

#683: Cyclists Face Possible Jail Time & Certis Cisco Reverses Sick Leave Policy After Backlash

From July 1, 2025, cyclists in Singapore may face fines or jail time for riding on pedestrian-only paths - but is this fair, especially with minimal enforcement on pedestrians and PMD users? Elsewhere, Certis Cisco was embroiled in controversy after telling their officers on sick leave to stay home or share their live location. They removed the order after pressure from the union, but has the trust been eroded? Our Sponsor – Building and Construction Authority! If you want to find out more about...

Jul 02, 202552 minEp. 688

#682 ft. Ho Kwon Ping: Hypocrisy of Corporate America, How REITs are Hurting Singapore & the Danger of Mediocrity

Ho Kwon Ping returns to discuss critical challenges for businesses and society. He sharply criticizes the hypocrisy of Corporate America, especially regarding DEI and ESG, and the structural issues with REITs in Singapore affecting local businesses and long-term planning. The conversation also explores geopolitical shifts, the potential decline of Pax Americana, and the looming threat of mediocrity to Singapore's future as a global city, emphasizing the need for self-agency and genuine innovation.

Jun 30, 20251 hr 49 minEp. 687

#681: Pritam Singh Doesn’t Want to be PM & Thailand Reverses Cannabis Ban

Pritam Singh appeared on Keluar Sekejap, top Malaysian political podcast, and said he doesn’t want to be Prime Minister. We unpack what that means as well as other topics like whether WP’s risk-averse strategy is enough. Then we head to Thailand, where the government just announced a U-turn on weed, three years after legalising it. Is this proof that decriminalising drugs too fast can backfire? Our Sponsor – CloserStill Media Attend eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia, happening 8-9 Oct at MBS Get your...

Jun 27, 202548 minEp. 686

#680: NTUC Income Shareholders Demand Answers at AGM & Israel-Iran Tensions Escalate

Tempers flared at NTUC Income AGM on 24th June, with frustrated shareholders demanding answers about the failed Allianz deal after losing out on a bigger payout. Some answers were given but key questions remain - especially around the reasons why the deal fell through. Meanwhile, Israel and Iran agree to a Trump-brokered ceasefire, but intelligence leaks suggest the nuclear threat isn’t over. Watch us live at Happy Ever Laughter Party! Click on the link below to enjoy up to 20% off on all shows ...

Jun 25, 202558 minEp. 685
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