Ministry of Funny
Yah Lah But
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.yahlahbut.com
Author
Ministry of Funny
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Oct 19, 2026
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Episodes
#404 - Singapore-Born Comedian Faces Backlash Over MH370 Joke & Tharman Runs for President 09.06.2023 1:02:33
This week, Singapore-born comedian Jocelyn Chia incurred the wrath of furious Malaysians after posting a video of her stand-up comedy performance, in which she insulted Malaysia and made a joke about the missing airliner MH370. Government officials from both countries have released statements, protests have been planned, and even other comedians, like Dr. Jason Leong, are facing blowback from this...
#403 - Daniel Goh Expelled From Workers’ Party & MP Sun Xueling Shares Vulgar Email From Resident 05.06.2023 55:46
This past week, ex-NMCP Daniel Goh announced his expulsion from the Workers’ Party. While it was not unexpected, we discuss what this move means for public perception of the internal workings of the WP. Elsewhere, MP Sun Xueling shared a Punggol resident’s rude and vulgar email addressed to her, underlining the needlessness of verbal abuse in giving feedback. However, we questioned the need for he...
#402 - Stricter Enforcement of Tray Returns in June & Migrant Worker Wins $18,888 in Squid Game in Singapore 01.06.2023 56:41
From 1st June, tray and crockery return will be more strictly enforced by enforcement officers in Singapore. What changes are expected, and will it make a material difference in making Singapore a more gracious society? Elsewhere, a migrant worker won a life-changing amount of money in a Squid Game-inspired company dinner and dance event. Why are there mixed feelings on the internet about the even...
#401 - President Halimah Rules Out Re-election & NS Allowance Increased 30.05.2023 54:42
This week, President Halimah Yacob announced that she will not stand for re-election in the 2023 Presidential Election. What does this mean for the presidential race ahead? Elsewhere, it was also announced that all national servicemen in the Singapore Armed Forces, Police Force and Civil Defence Force will receive an increase in their National Service (NS) allowance. Was this increase warranted, a...
#400 - SIA Brings Back In-Flight Dining Perks & the Sad State of Singapore Football 27.05.2023 55:58
On the back of announcing record annual profits, Singapore Airlines is reintroducing elements of its in-flight dining experience, such as appetisers for economy class meals and hot towels, which were removed during the pandemic. Why the sudden change of course? Elsewhere, the Football Association of Singapore acting president made a number of announcements that underline the necessity for change i...
#399 - PM Lee Orders Review of Ridout Road Bungalows & Influencer’s Ice Cream “Hack” Draws Flak 24.05.2023 1:00:22
This past week, a COVID-stricken PM Lee ordered an independent review of the Ridout Road situation to address the allegations that have arisen over the matter. How did a blogpost by an opposition politician escalate to this? Elsewhere, a Singaporean influencer has drawn flak for uploading a video showing how to manipulate IKEA’s ice cream machines to dispense more ice cream than the usual portion....
#398 - Chan Chun Sing urges RI Students to “Uplift” Others & Protected Area Signs Get Makeover 17.05.2023 53:16
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing spoke to students and staff at Raffles Institution’s bicentennial lecture this week, and emphasised that RI has a duty to bring others along and let more benefit. We break down the speech and why it’s representative of the times we live in. Elsewhere, Protected Area signs in Singapore will be getting a facelift, with a new silhouette that more accurately represent...
#397 - Ministers Shanmugam and Vivian Revealed as Renters of Huge Colonial Bungalows & Blackpink Fans Disappointed by Concert 15.05.2023 58:49
Last Friday evening, the Singapore Land Authority responded to a series of blogposts from opposition politician Kenneth Jeyaratnam that questioned how Ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan came to occupy two huge state-owned colonial bungalows on Ridout Road. We break down SLA’s response, and examine why this house rental issue is generating a lot of buzz on social media. Elsewhere, many B...
#396 - Singapore Wins SEA Games e-sport Gold & Hijab-Wearing Worker Sells Pork at Pasar Malam 12.05.2023 54:33
Singapore won its first SEA Games e-sport gold medal, but the win was mired in controversy. We break down the spat between the Singapore and Indonesian teams, and discuss if there could have been any other outcome. Elsewhere, a man took to social media to call out a bazaar stall that hired a tudung-wearing employee, but was selling pork satay, even prompting MUIS to respond to the issue. Is the an...
#395 - Leong Mun Wai Asks for $1 Million for MPs & Edwin Tong Defends Live Auditions for Buskers 10.05.2023 1:01:52
This week, NCMP Leong Mun Wai proposed that the government set aside $1 million for a parliamentary research department, among other proposals for more resources to help parliamentarians. While the idea was shot down, were there any merits in his suggestions? At the same parliamentary session, MP Edwin Tong also defended the need for buskers to undergo live auditions annually. Why is this a big st...
#394 - Prince Harry Attends King’s Coronation & Chickens at National Gallery Ruffles Feathers 08.05.2023 52:20
King Charles’ coronation, a historic moment for the British monarchy, was the talk of the town this past weekend, but much of the attention was directed at Prince Harry and his demeanour at the ceremony. What stood out, and do people actually care about the royal family? Closer to home, people also scrutinized an exhibit at the National Gallery that featured live chickens, asking about the welfare...
#393 - Breaking Down Lawrence Wong’s May Day Rally & Condo Bans Food Delivery Riders 04.05.2023 56:17
IN DPM Lawrence Wong’s May Day Rally, he spoke about how Singapore can prevail in a changing world, and also touched on the hot topic of rising housing prices. How did he fare in his first May Day Rally as PM-in-waiting? Elsewhere, some condos have banned or restricted access to delivery riders. Is this a trend that will continue even as deliveries become part and parcel of daily life? Find us her...
#392 - GP Tutor Brooke Lim Caught Plagiarising & Netflix Angers Egypt with Cleopatra Documentary 28.04.2023 1:01:57
This past week, popular GP tutor Brooke Lim was revealed by an anonymous TikTok account to have plagiarised others’ content for a blogpost she wrote. This has led to an apology video, international news coverage, and a firestorm of vitriol directed at her. Why has this issue become such a big deal ? Elsewhere, Netflix has also drawn the ire of Egyptians, with the revelation that the historical fig...
#391 - Fewest Nominated MP Candidates in 2 Decades & LGBT Party at Capitol Theatre Cancelled 24.04.2023 53:30
Last week, only 30 names were put up for consideration for Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) positions, the lowest number since 2001. Why are so few people applying for this prestigious parliamentary position? Elsewhere, a dispute between an LA party organiser and a Singapore venue management company has made international news, as the plug was pulled on an LGBT party that was scheduled for May...
#390 - Charles & Keith Girl Comes Clean & Engineer Ordered to Return Company Bonus After Quitting 21.04.2023 53:28
This past week, the Charles & Keith girl had to post a video refuting the claims that she’s been less than honest about her family’s financial background. Why was it necessary? Elsewhere, a Singapore company sued an engineer who quit after getting his bonus, looking to claw the money back. While they ultimately won the case, we debate whether it’s fair for the company to resort to this legal a...
#389 ft Jo Tan - Performer Jo Tan on Finding a Happy Place After Leaving Radio 19.04.2023 1:35:50
Performer and writer Jo Tan comes by our studio to spill the beans about her brief stint as a DJ on SPH’s Kiss92 FM radio station. Why did she jump into it, despite her reservations? What made her quit? And what does she want to say about the experience via her new play, Happy Place? Find us here! YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IG YLB YouTube Folklory If you’re looking for a meaningful gift, we’...
#388 - Son of Ex-Changi Airport Group Chairman Jailed for Lying & Grab Raises Platform Fees 17.04.2023 55:23
Son of Ex-Changi Airport Group Chairman Jailed for Lying Karl Liew, son of ex-Changi Airport Group chairman, gets jail for lying to judge in Parti Liyani's trial No apology from Karl Liew or his family, says Parti Liyani who 'lost reputation and money' after false theft claims - TODAY Statement From Parti Liyani Singapore jails son of ex-Changi Airport boss for lying to judge that family’s helper...
#387 - Dee Kosh’s Tell-All Video & 12-Year-Old Steals Bus for Joyride 15.04.2023 59:03
Dee Kosh finally released a 51-minute tell-all video in which he finally talks about his conviction for sexual offences. Reactions on social media have mostly been positive, but some have also called him out for jumping back onto social media so quickly. Why the mixed reactions? Elsewhere, a 12-year-old boy was caught after allegedly stealing a private bus and taking it for a joyride over 100km ar...
#386 - Dalai Lama’s “Suck My Tongue” Video & SG Livestreamer Stopped by Korean Police for Showing Boobs 12.04.2023 52:41
The Dalai Lama is facing a huge backlash after a video of him kissing a child on the lips and telling him to “suck my tongue” at a public event went viral. Was it really just a playful gesture, or does it point to something more sinister? In Seoul, Singapore livestreamer Kiaraakitty was stopped by Korean police for “having her boobs out”. Was she really breaking any laws with her provocative outfi...
#385 ft. Soh Rui Yong - Marathoner Soh Rui Yong is Back and Why Sports Don’t Work in Singapore 08.04.2023 1:17:50
Marathoner Soh Rui Yong is back to represent Singapore at the upcoming Sea Games again! He talks about how he stayed motivated in the past few years, the difference between sports in Singapore and the UK, as well as what he hopes to do after his running career comes to a close. Find us here! YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IG YLB YouTube Links for “She’s a Terrorist & I Love Her” Full series...
#384 - Trump’s Criminal Charges Polarise America & Singaporeans Do the Right Thing With Trays 05.04.2023 1:08:39
This week, Donald Trump was indicted in a Manhattan court with 34 felony charges in a historic move that has polarised the nation. We discuss the ramifications of the American justice system starting criminal proceedings against an ex-president. Closer to home, a survey has found that a higher percentage of Singapore residents now return their trays after finishing their meals at food centres, and...
#383 - Singaporeans Want English Test for New Citizens & HOOQ Liquidation AMA 03.04.2023 1:09:02
A recent CNA poll revealed that 80% of 500 Singapore-born citizens surveyed were in favour of an English test being part of the country’s citizenship application process. As this was the core of one of our more contentious YLB episodes in recent memory, what are our thoughts about this new poll? Also, we answer the burning questions on Reddit that listeners had about our recent revelations about t...
#382 - Indonesia Loses U-20 FIFA World Cup Hosting Rights & Minister Sim Ahn Disrupts Live Performance 31.03.2023 1:01:18
On Wednesday, FIFA stripped Indonesia of their hosting rights of this year's Under-20 World Cup, after a series of protests against Israel’s participation in the tournament, and several government officials’ refusal to welcome the Israeli football team. How did the situation reach such a breaking point? Closer to home, Minister Sim Ahn was criticised for disrupting a live music performance at the...
#381 - Pork Sold at Ramadan Bazaar & Amsterdam Tells Rowdy Tourists to “Stay Away” 29.03.2023 53:22
This past week, the organisers of a Ramadan bazaar in Woodlands had to step in to stop the sale of pork at some of its stalls. Is it really that big of a deal that there were non-Halal stalls selling pork at a pasar malam? Elsewhere, the city of Amsterdam launched a campaign to discourage rowdy tourists looking for drugs, alcohol and parties from visiting their city; the campaign is literally name...
#380 - Our Silence Ends Now: Our TV show “She’s A Terrorist” & Laid-off Employee Steals Snacks From Office Pantry 27.03.2023 53:49
This past week, jobs portal Indeed announced that they would be cutting 120 employees from their Singapore office. One of their laid off employees then filmed himself on TikTok raiding the pantry’s snack shelf on a ‘final office snack run’, which won him supporters and detractors in equal measure. Who’s right? Also, on the 3-year anniversary of the HOOQ liquidation, we’re finally going public with...
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