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India is set for a series of important state elections in the next few months.

‘Tis the season for elections.  That the Indian Parliament’s rambunctious final session of 2011 ended in a near washout on 29th December was probably no big surprise, given that the major parties were jostling for advantage ahead of a series of key state assembly elections due in the next couple of months.

There had been expectations that Parliament would pass several important bills in its winter session, including a trio meant to address corruption, the centrepiece of which was the Lokpal Bill to set up a national system of ombudsmen.  The latter became a national issue in August 2011 when the government was forced to resurface the previously neglected bill after a high-profile hunger strike by a civil society activist riding on public sentiment against a venal political class.

The ruling party makes some internal adjustments, but deeper changes are needed.

Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) had an unaccustomed annus horribilis in 2011, clocking its worst ever electoral result in May’s General Election – unprecedentedly losing several ministers in the process – and seeing its favoured candidate squeaking into office during the subsequent presidential election in August by the slimmest of margins.  With anti-incumbency sentiment fuelled by issues including immigration, inequality, elite insolence and instances of incompetence, the PAP’s dominance appeared shaky for the first time in living memory.

ON 15 January, activists and supporters will be gathering at Speakers’ Corner (Hong Lim Park) to celebrate Yong Vui Kong’s 24^th birthday. His actual day of birth is the 19^th of January.

It has been four years since Vui Kong was arrested at Singapore’s Orchard Road. He was subsequently charged and sentenced to death for trafficking in 47.27g of heroin.

Warm up your New Year's Eve with a concert featuring the pumping and original sounds of local talents at Marina Promontory! Concert starts at 7, so don't be late!

This annual event showcases the exciting achievements of our local artistes throughout the 2011! Come discover some of our very own homegrown talents that’s been shaping our music industry.

Catch exciting performances by:

SLEEQ – Anugerah Planet Muzik 2011 Best Pop Group Nominee

CATALOGUE V – Grand Prix Award Winners of Yamaha Asian Beat 2011 Final

THE BLACK FOREST – Opening Band for F.I.R

THE PINHOLES – Highly entertaining rock and roll outfit affectionately known as “People’s Band”

CHERYL WEE, NATALIE HIONG, DEON TOH and WEI EN – Listen to songs from their New CD Release ( performing tracks form their latest 2011 releases !)

So come for a promising night of great music, fun and breathtaking display of fireworks at The Promontory @ Marina Bay!