President Halimah Yacob is all set to move out of her home in Yishun Ave 4 after strongly being advised to do so by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). MHA said in a press release that it had conducted a careful assessment of the security arrangements for the President and had informed her that security agencies face several challenges in ensuring her security and protection, if she continues to stay in her current home.
The President had earlier stated that she would like to continue to live in her current home in Yishun, subject to security considerations. Her reluctance to move from her HDB jumbo flat drew fierce criticism from netizens.
https://theindependent.sg.sg/netizens-express-disapproval-over-mdm-halimahs-decision-to-stay-in-hdb/
Some even reproached her for wasting taxpayer’s money to drive with security escorts from Yishun to the Istana, and back, every day.
MHA also said in its press release that the President has accepted MHA’s security recommendation, and that she will make arrangements to move to a new place soon.
The President’s decision to move out of her HDB flat in Yishun, dubbed the Yistana, was welcomed by many netizens.
Prominent online satirist Molly Meek described trolled the President saying, “I’m quite sure she will do good together with the MHA”. Her comments referenced Madam Halimah’s presidential campaign promise: “Do Good, Do Together!”
Poor Halimah! She wants to be humble and stay in an HDB penthouse, but MHA says she shouldn't. Now, if she insists on…
Posted by 莫丽蜜 on Monday, 2 October 2017
The publisher of the The Middle Ground, Daniel Yap said: “Goodbye Yistana!”
Goodbye Yistana!
Posted by Daniel Yap on Monday, 2 October 2017
Madam Halimah’s new location was not disclosed in MHA’s press release. Most of Singapore’s past Presidents did not stay in the Istana, but President Halimah is the first to be living in an HDB flat instead of a private property.