Lets Get Angry!

Singapore Premier Lee Wins Election; Opposition Gains Support

Published Sunday, May 07, 2006 by Singapore Election |

May 7 (Bloomberg) -- Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's People's Action Party was returned to power in elections yesterday, though the opposition increased its share of the vote.

The party, which has ruled the city-state since 1959, won about 67 percent of votes cast, down from 75 percent at the last election in 2001. It has 82 of 84 seats in parliament.

The election was the first since 1988 in which opposition groups mustered enough candidates to prevent the ruling party from being reinstated without a vote. Campaigning centered on health, housing and economic issues, though the election was overshadowed by lawsuits against senior members of the Singapore Democratic Party and a spat between the government and Workers' Party candidate James Gomez.

"Perhaps some people wanted to send a message to the PAP with some of the heavy-handed methods, and for the PAP to lighten up,'' said David Cohen, an economist at Action Economics in Singapore. "Citizens would be satisfied with the economic performance, which reflects a competent management of the economy.''

Cohen forecasts Singapore's economy would expand by 6.5 percent to 7 percent this year, compared with the government's prediction of growth of as much as 6 percent, which he expects would be revised.

Competition from opposition groups intensified in this election. Low Thia Khiang, head of the Workers' Party and one of two elected opposition Parliament members from the previous poll in 2001, increased his victory margin to 63 percent from 55 percent.

Meaningful Opposition

The victory margin "matters to the prime minister and the PAP, but in effect the political system is already absent of meaningful opposition and the PAP has ample capacity to implement its program,'' said Garry Rodan, director, Asia Research Centre at Murdoch University in Western Australia.

Tony Tan, who retired as deputy prime minister in September, expected the ruling party to get between 60 percent and 65 percent of the votes, the Straits Times reported on April 22.

While the ruling party's support declined, it won its second-highest proportion of votes cast since 1980, according to the government.

"It's a very strong mandate and I'm very satisfied,'' Prime Minister Lee, 54, said in a televised briefing. "The young and old areas supported us uniformly,'' he added, in reference his own seat of Ang Mo Kio.

Former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong led the party to a resounding victory in November 2001, when concern about the economy and the threat of international terrorism galvanized support for the government.

Unusual Circumstances

The decline in PAP's victory margin "is to be expected given the unusual circumstances in 2001, after the Sept. 11 attacks,'' said Bruce Gale, a Singapore-based independent political consultant who has covered Southeast Asia since 1988. "This is a more 'normal' set of results for the PAP.''

About 1.22 million Singaporeans were expected to vote in yesterday's polls, which are compulsory for all eligible citizens. A total of 94 percent voted, the Elections Department said in an e-mailed statement. A further 935,820 people, or 43 percent of Singaporeans eligible for elections, didn't get to vote because the opposition didn't have enough candidates to contest their districts.

Singapore's electoral system allows for additional seats to be provided to political parties. As many as three members of opposition parties and nine others unconnected to any parties may be selected for Parliament. While the opposition won two of 84 seats up for election in 2001, they gained an additional seat when the government expanded Parliament to 94 seats.

Greater Margin

Lee, the elder son of Lee Kuan Yew, founder of modern Singapore, was challenged by candidates who focused on health- care costs and improvements in public housing. Some senior members of the Singapore Democratic Party were also sued by the premier and his father for statements made in the party's newspaper, while both Lees publicly questioned the character of Workers' Party candidate Gomez over his handling of a dispute related to his election form.

"This is a sign that people want an opposition because they're giving the opposition a greater margin,'' Chiam See Tong, a member of the Singapore Democratic Alliance, said after winning re-election in his Potong Pasir district by an increased margin.

The opposition parties retained two seats in parliament, even though the government said it would provide multimillion- dollar public housing upgrades if the two constituencies voted for the People's Action Party.

Goodies

The government this year also started paying out S$2.6 billion ($1.6 billion) in cash payments to its citizens, to share the prosperity delivered by an economy that the Straits Times reported yesterday had expanded by more than 10 percent in the first quarter, citing Lee.

"The opposition in Singapore politics wins when they work the ground hard, and they're respected for that because the PAP candidates perhaps don't have to work the ground as hard because they can hand out the goodies during the campaign,'' Gale said.

After months of speculation, elections were called on April 20, giving the opposition 16 days to prepare for the polls. The city also detailed electoral boundaries for each district on March 4, two months ahead of the polls. In 2001, the boundaries were announced one day before the ruling party announced the polling date, and less than three weeks before the actual election.

Still, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts last month banned candidates from using podcasts, Internet blogs or text messages to deliver political messages, and warned that private chatrooms or blogs that focused on politics could be in breach of the law.

"In the things that matter most, such as the opportunity for robust political engagement without fear of legal actions and the constraints on the use of non-government-controlled electronic media by the opposition, little has changed,'' Murdoch University's Rodan said.

To contact the reporter on this story:
Linus Chua in Singapore at lchua@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: May 6, 2006 14:08 EDT

83 Responses to “Singapore Premier Lee Wins Election; Opposition Gains Support”

david lim on 11:01 AM SGT

No matter what was published in ST or CNA, the PAP leadership knows this was a failed campaign.

1. The SDP factor.
By contesting, SDP actually helped PAP pull up the national average. Can you imagine if WP had contested in Bt Panjang and Sembawang. The national average would have dropped significantly.

2. PM getting less than two-thirds majority in his own GRC.
He was up against a group of rookies and every one out of three persons in AMK wants him kicked out of parliament. Think about it.

3. Spectacular failure of upgrading carrot in Potong Pasir and Hougang.
This shows that money politics cannot work and instead will backfire badly. The only way to win people's hearts is to make sure policy-making always take into consideration of the people's wellbeing first, rather than bogus economic reasoning.

4. The winds of change are blowing indeed.
The vibrant discussions on the internet and massive rally attendances show that political apathy is a thing of the past. The people will make an informed choice before casting their votes, and PAP will really need to work hard and come up with specific proposals to win votes in the next GE.

All in all, the opposition has done very well during this elections. Their performance will no doubt set PAP thinking and planning on how to secure victory in 5 years time and this will result in more people-oriented government policies moving forward.
Anonymous on 11:09 AM SGT

"It's a very strong mandate and I'm very satisfied,'' Prime Minister Lee, 54, said in a televised briefing. "The young and old areas supported us uniformly,'' he added, in reference his own seat of Ang Mo Kio.

Does he have any idea what is going on? Does he actually know where he stands? Does he realise what kind of mandate the citizens have given him?
Anonymous on 11:21 AM SGT

Inclusiveness and diversity is the right direction for local politics. The improved showing by the opposition parties indicates that more and more Singaporeans want to hear diverse views and I believe it is a start of trend. Unfortunately, PAP is chasing the oxymoronic dream of "open-inclusiveness" and "dominant-diversity". The longer they hang on to these dreams, the deeper they are going to be hurt at both edges of the sword. It is sad that as long as there is a good, strong and credible opposition, the PAP is at risk. A good political party is only credible if it can face up to a strong opposition and still win convincingly. Our opposition parties are not very strong yet; that's why PAP is still able to dominate. One day, it will. Perhaps, PAP should start first by being more sincere, personable and accepting of diverse views. Start first with the civil servants - many are getting to be and speak like the PAP government who thinks they have the answers to everything.
Anonymous on 11:47 AM SGT

I am very heartened that Singapore's Alternative Parties (I don't like the term Opposition Party because some moronic people, including some MPs like to equate that to opposing) have fight a good fight this election. The APs need to capitalise and build on the good results and stay focused on helping the poor people.
Anonymous on 1:20 PM SGT

Congratulations to Mr. Chiam S.T and Mr Low T.K in Potong Pasir and Hougang respectively!

I'm happy that we had a good fight in Aljunied GRC and AMK GRC as well!

Healthy competition will always promote healthy growth in the political scene in singapore, and is definitely beneficial to our future generations.

The signal sent to the incumbent is pretty strong, especially in the PM's home turf. I sincerely hope the future for singapore would be a vibrant one!

=)
Anonymous on 1:31 PM SGT

Election of non-constituency Members in certain circumstances

52. —(1) At any general election, the number of non-constituency Members to be declared elected shall be 3 (or such greater number not exceeding 6 as the President may by order specify for the purpose of that general election) less the total number of Opposition Members elected to Parliament in accordance with section 49 (7).

[21/91]

If this is a possibility, can such a course be taken? Can we petition for the President to increase the number of NCMP to 6? Anyway familiar with this statute? Please discuss!
Anonymous on 1:36 PM SGT

My post election wishlist...

What I hope to see:-

1.Healthy competition, debate and sparring way to go for good of the people. In the process, churn out even more sound policies.

2.Governing style to shift. Just like a parent, he changes his parenting style changes as his child grows. You don't whip an adult child who would like to reasonwith you like when you whip a tantrams-throwing child ages ago.

3.No name callings and labellings. Respect. No personal attacks.

4.More LTKs and SLs at next GE.

6.No walkovers, pls.

What I hope NOT to see:-

1.MM Lee goes to Potong Pasir and Hougang at the next GE since SM can't do it well this time.

2.Redrawing of electorate boundaries time and again unless there is a good explanation for it.

3.LTK and SL ending up like JBJ, Chee, Tang etc.

4.Bloggers here won't be prosecuted.

5.No fear to voice out.

Rgds,
Fearful.
(Trembling as I type and post)
chris chan on 1:45 PM SGT

The biggest lesson I have learnt from this election is to never accept what is presented at face value. Questioning to ensure that we get the best deal is our basic right. Our mothers do that in the markets. You do that in your offices, ensuring that your companies get the best deals. You fought tooth and nail with your suppliers and sometimes more vigourous than your boss because you want show that you add value in the company.

The crunch time came these last 2 weeks. This election is about our future, LHL said. I agree. The bosses of your lives are your kids and aging parents. They are looking at you to see if you add value to their lives, their future.

Did you question?

"But I have voted PAP before and they did a good job. I was right", you might say.
Did you buy from the same suppliers more than once?
Did you not question their quotations each time?
Did you not look for alternate quotations to compare price?

"But I read the newspapers and watch the TV", you might add.
Would you go to Supplier A to get the quotation on Supplier B and treat it as an alternative?

It is not about the choice you made at the polling stations, just like you might sometimes still buy from the more expensive supplier even after due diligence is done. Did you add value to the bosses in your lives?

WP took 5 years to build the team they have today. The people who wants to share the truth will have to start now. 5 years is a long time in the face of uncertain price hikes and policies being thrown at us. However, 5 years is a short time to change mindsets and tell the truth.

Be calm. The people will not hear us just because we are loud. Be rational and let your actions speak louder than words. Share the truth.
Anonymous on 2:27 PM SGT

South China Morning Post
May 7 2006

The all-powerful Lee family has been at the helm of Singapore's transformation from a seedy colonial port into one of the world's strongest economies. They sound like an extremely talented bunch?

It would seem so. The elder statesman is 82-year-old Lee Kuan Yew, who served as its first prime minister for 31 years until 1990. He has remained in government ever since, first as senior minister, and for the past two years under the title "minister mentor".

The present prime minister is the elder of his two sons, Lee Hsien Loong, whose wife, Ho Ching, runs a powerful government investment arm, Temasek Holdings. Another son, Lee Hsien Yang, is president and chief executive officer of the island state's largest company, SingTel.

Lee Kuan Yew appears to have played an enormous role in Singapore's transformation.There is no doubt he was the main man. Educated as a lawyer at Cambridge University, he returned home to form the People's Action Party (PAP). He led Singapore into the Malaysian Federation four years later before achieving full independence in 1965. Over the next three decades, Mr Lee oversaw what many regard as an economic miracle.

But hasn't this economic success come at the expense of democratic freedoms?That's the big criticism. Mr Lee imposed tight controls on everything from chewing gum to freedom of speech and the press.

The consequences for government critics have been grave. The Lees and ruling party politicians often silence political opponents by suing them for libel and seeking large amounts in damages.

The state-controlled media acts as a mouthpiece for government policy. In 2005, the World Press Freedom Index ranked Singapore 140th of 167 countries.

So there was no danger of the Lees losing the election yesterday?They were always going to win in a landslide. But this election was the first in two decades when opposition parties fielded enough candidates to ensure the ruling PAP had not officially won the election before voting got under way. While older voters still strongly support Mr Lee, younger Singaporeans are less keen on their government's authoritarian style.

Lee Kuan Yew is getting on - when will he quit public life?That would appear to be a matter for him, and him alone. Mr Lee says that there are things he can do as a minister that no one else can. He will retire when he feels he can no longer contribute to government. And there are no signs of that happening any time in the near future.

Billy Adams
Pak Kadok on 3:05 PM SGT

The PAP got a BIG mandate, like it or not.

In the UK, Tony Blair only got less than 40% of the votes, in Australia, John Howard gotless than 50% of the votes and in Italy recently, the winning coalition only only by 1%!!!

I believe the losers will now disappear and will reappear again comes next elections!
chris chan on 3:11 PM SGT

David Lim said above "PM getting less than two-thirds majority in his own GRC. He was up against a group of rookies and every one out of three persons in AMK wants him kicked out of parliament. Think about it."

Hi David,

Well said! Interestingly that's not how LHL saw it. Look around you tomorrow while taking the train at AMK, somewhere on those trains, 1 out of 3 voting adults around you wants a change of the country leadership. Hardly a strong mandate, I would say.
Anonymous on 3:14 PM SGT

found post at www.deluxecoffeeclub.com
------------------------

Not enough people read the WP 52-page manifesto - Why?

(1) is it too long and time-consuming?
(2) is Singapore too apolitical
(3) is Singaporeans too uneducated to understand it?
(4) Don't know where to find it?
(5) S$5 per copy too expensive?
(6) Would it be better to have a brief one and a detailed one?
(7) Was it released too late to publicize?
(8) Is the 6 man team to produce it too small or did they have a team for feedback?

waba
Anonymous on 3:23 PM SGT

I cannot stress hard enough how very, very important it is for loyal Singaporeans to continue and keep supporting the alternative parties even after the elections are over.

We often hear the media telling us that the opposition candidates only appear when election comes around. That is certainly not true, and the corollary is even more valid - the electorate must continue to support and encourage the alternative parties, especially at this critical time for those candidates who lost to the ruling party.

For those courageous and honest alternative candidates who have shown their mettle during this election, we the electorate need to do all we can to ensure their survival and continued participation in Singapore politics. Those candidates have their role to play, while we the electorate also have our role to play, let us not fail in our role. If we lose these young heroes, it is our sad loss, more than theirs.

Again, the same may be said for the existence of websites such as this one. It has turned out to be such a valuable venue for us during the elections - and it will be best if it continues to exist and serve as our venue for the long years after the elections. At the very least, our encouragement given in this website can serve as a strong moral support for the well-being of the alternative candidates, even if there is nothing physical that any of us can do for them.
Anonymous on 4:50 PM SGT

1) I recalled 1 of the PAP candidates at AMK GRC mentioned that he wants to make sure that the WP candidates for AMK GRC loss their deposit. I guess he have to shallow his words now.

2) I guessed when Irene of PAP mentioned that the opposition make trouble, she meant the erosion of PAP support. Otherwise, please apologise.

3) While watching the CNA "live" report last night, no one in the studio dare admit that the Gomez issue caused the swing of some percentage of PAP votes to the opposition.
Anonymous on 5:35 PM SGT

http://www.flickr.com/photos/flatworld/sets/
Anonymous on 5:51 PM SGT

You think they will redraw the Adjunied GRC boundaries again ? Seems it's the only thing they know to do properly and effectively to stay in power. We are gonna play catch-up every 5 years and those cunning chaps keep changing the rule of the game...
Anonymous on 5:57 PM SGT

News report from sammyboy forum

Pastor778

Embarrasing win for Ruling Party PM

Singapore's ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has managed to retain in power in the 2006 General Election, winning 82 of the 84 seats. However, voters have shown new maturity by rejecting 'buy offs' and not succumbing to threats, leading to a huge swing to the alternative parties. PAP have suffered a 9% swing of votes as a result of their poor performance and high ministeral pay issues highlighted by the APs.

Although PAP took 45 of the 47 seats contested on Saturday, they effectively lost ground in every ward, reflecting the changing tide of opinion. Nonetheless, because of the 37 it secured on Nomination Day unopposed, they were easily returned to power.

The PAP obtained 66.6 percent of the total valid votes cast, down from 75% in the last election.

A total of 94% of the 1.22 million eligible voters cast their ballots. The 33.3% slide against the ruling party indicates that over 380,000 Singaporeans who were allowed to vote, voted against the 'fix' threats and buy-offs.

Low Thia Khiang, leader of the opposition Workers' Party, retained the Hougang constituency he has held since 1991, with his share of the vote rising to 62.74% from 55% in 2001. This was an outright rejection of the $100m bribe the PAP offered! The outstanding result was earned through Mr Low's honest and down to earth approach to his constituents. Respect and trust now shown to be worth over a $100m!

The PAP also failed to unseat the opposition member in Potong Pasir despite offering a similar bribe of $80m

The 72-year-old Singapore Democratic Alliance leader Chiam See Tong is greatly loved and respected by his constituents for his 22 years of service. The night before he was loudly and heartily supported and cheered all the way from his rally to his town council. This bond with the people led to the defeat of an aggressive $80m PAP attempt to oust him from the Potong Pasir seat. In fact, his majority rose 3%.

Lee Hsien Loong stumbles in AMK

Mr Lee Hsien Loong led the PAP team to victory in Ang Moh Kio, securing 66.1%. But the analysis of this veteran's victory pales when considered he lost 33.9% of the AMK voters to a green WP team literally wet behind the ears.

In what may be the lowest margin yet for an incumbent Singapore Prime Minister, the sweet taste of victory must surely be soured by this fact that he is unable to secure a strong mandate from his own constituency. The 66.1% is even below the national pull of votes that the PAP was able to attract.

The 13% swing in votes, an indication of the peoples acceptance of the PAP policies and method of governance, was obviously a black mark against his Prime Ministership and his handling of the election campaign.

In comparison, Mr George Yeo, suffering under allegations of attempting to mislead the opposition into dropping James Gomez, and facing the number one team from the WP, was able to secure 56.1%.

Detracting from the figures, Mr Lee claimed a mandate from the people.

"We thank all of you for supporting me and my colleagues on my PAP team for electing me with a strong mandate, selecting us with a strong mandate," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told cheering supporters after the PAP's victory was confirmed.

However, this election has shown that there is a lot more the PAP can do.

"We have a lot of work ahead of us," he added.

In a news conference, Mr Lee recognised the previous teams weaknesses and how out of touch with the people they had been.

"We need a first class team to cope with the rapid changes and the unpredictable surprises that are bound to come," he added.

"The key is to keep in touch with the changing demographics, that means with every successive generation of young Singaporeans, and with the new globalized world order and the changes going on around us."

Referring to people's objection to the PAP smear campaign, the vote buying and 'fixing' threats, Mr Lee said "now that elections are over, we should come together again as one people."

Mr Lee acknowledged that the Workers' Party had produced better candidates than before and he urged all opposition groups to "upgrade themselves".

"Voters want opposition parties who are credible, who have higher quality and it all goes well for the future. I hope it will encourage the opposition parties to upgrade themselves and to improve the quality of party politics in Singapore," said Mr Lee.
Pastor778 on 6:05 PM SGT

Newcomer Sylvia Lim dents the GRC system!

The PAP safeguard to votes strategy was to introduce the GRC system, which has since grown to 6 people. With this system, the PAP believed they could sneak in unknowns and untrieds under the wings of a Minister.

It has since proved a deterrent to the opposition as finding both the number of eligible candidates, and the accompanying deposit, has been a hurdle. Nonetheless, this system has not been bullet proof.

The Workers Party team led by Sylvia Lim, stole a huge chunk of the votes from veteran FA Minister, BG Yeo. The groundswell and support was surprisingly omitted from local media. Photos of the 100,000+ crowds were notably absent. The supporters came from all walks of life, from all over Singapore - young and old, men and women, students (even LHL's own son) and children.

Alas, this huge support was not sufficient to sweep the WP Aljunied GRC team into power.

Nonetheless, a first time GRC team won 43% (over 58,000) votes was a significant blow to the arrogance of the PAP. More importantly, the opposition has shown that the PAP hold can be weakened. It has provided hope that one day, there will be an opposition GRC in parliament.

The fact that over 58,000 people have voted for a voice in parliament, it also signals that the PAP method of sneaking in unknown faces in GRC's may not be safe anymore. Could this be the first crack in the armour of a well planned political safe-system?

The attendances at the rallys were poorly covered by local media, and internet podcasts were banned by the government, hence only those present were fully aware of the throngs of thousands who rallied and cheered their alternative parties. These are signs of a government trying to reign in the freedom of information which threaten their political influence. But despite these measures, in GE 2006 - the people have spoken - and will continue to speak.

One third are not happy - of the over one million Singaporeans allowed to vote - over 380,000 have said YES to the opposition. Is the PAP listening? We hope so.

Technology is providing the masses access to information that is unparrallelled - the freedom not only to access, but to share, comment and
Pastor778 on 6:06 PM SGT

CAN we do anything about the Singapore Media?

Is there anything that can be done to expose the bias and misleading journalism in the Singapore Media?

Here are a few suggestions to help the truth come out.

1. Email photos of the Hougang, AMK and Sembawang rallies - alongside the photos published by the Straits Times

- send them to 10 of your personal friends to send to 10 others

2. Use some of the photos as file covers, screen savers, t-shirts, etc

- preferably with the slogan - WHY NOT IN ST? or The TRUTH

3. Flood letters to the editor demanding an explanation and acknowledgment of the truth - ie the immense groundswell and support that the WP and SDA have received.

4. Compile a CD or DVD of the various videos of the speeches, that show the crowds in attendance and circulate.

It is unfortunate that in our first world economy, with a first world salaried government, that we have such third world coverage of an election.

Let the PEOPLE SPEAK AND BE HEARD.
Anonymous on 6:59 PM SGT

This NO MANDATE at all.

In fact competing against a bunch of youngsters and only getting 66% is a SHAME.
Anonymous on 6:59 PM SGT

All admirable suggestions my friend.

Now who is going to bell the cat? I am a male PR in Singapore who got his citizenship rejected despite having served NS, no offences in NS, with university degrees from NUS. How do you think I feel about all this?
Anonymous on 6:59 PM SGT

pak kadok - "The PAP got a BIG mandate, like it or not. In the UK, Tony Blair only got less than 40% of the votes, in Australia, John Howard gotless than 50% of the votes and in Italy recently, the winning coalition only only by 1%!!!"

Not everyone in singapore got to vote. The percentage comes from the seats being contested, and doesn't reflect the whole island. Also, when you consider that a "strong mandate" in the past has always been above 70per cent, 66.6% isn't that strong.

It's just The Straits Times' spin on things.
Anonymous on 8:02 PM SGT

IS IT TRUE JAMES GOMEZ was detained by the POLICE at the airport???

LET US KNOW, we want to KNOW THE TRUTH and we need to rally people to VOICE THIS OUT.
Anonymous on 8:11 PM SGT

Does anyone have inside info?
Someone posted on his blog the following, although he said the authenicity of the news has not been verified.

James was arrested by the police a few hours ago today May 7 2006.

James was returning to his work overseas when he was stopped by an immigration official at Changi Airport. The official asked him to wait in order to do some check. It wasn't clear at this point as to why he was stopped. This is the first time such a thing has happened to him since he has been travelling in and out of Singapore given the nature of his job. He was taken to a corridor, asked to sit on a chair and wait. His passport and boarding pass has been taken from him.

Later on, he was arrested and taken to the Police Cantonment Complex on a case of criminal intimidation. He was told about the case by a Inspector Christopher Jacob at the station. At the time of writing, a statement is being recorded from him by the police.
Anonymous on 8:18 PM SGT

HA HA HA,
Dare to oppose Lee Hsien Loong, don't know death lah!
Ha Ha Ha,
With a strong mandate, all opposition will be sent to hell!
Anonymous on 8:23 PM SGT

We feed James Gomez with all kinds of shits! We breaking every pieces of his bones! heh heh heh, commando? dare to die? Now you will die, after PAP got strong mandate to send you to hell!

Inspector Ong
Anonymous on 8:29 PM SGT

Now, stop spread anti PAP messages through the internet or ALL of YOU will be arrested and tortured and sent to hell just like that James Gomez!
PAP is all mighty! Lee Hsien Loong is supreme! How dare you people tarnish their images through insidious remarks on the internet! You will pay the price!

ISD
jOlYnNN on 8:31 PM SGT

I really wonder if they should justify how come they are redrawing boundaries. Or rather not simply redrawing, it's anyhow draw! it's basically the same district but divided by 2. It happens in places like serangoon and aljunied..

Should they tell us why before they vandalise?
Anonymous on 8:33 PM SGT

Jolynnn,
you should not question government policy. if you do it again, you will be arrested, just like james gomez. dont think that you are safe to say anyhow on internet.
ISD
Anonymous on 8:45 PM SGT

that there are more and more people like myself who the local media are not reaching. i do not subscribe to or even read any of the SPH papers. I don't watch TV (except for hk serials on cable. - i certainly don't watch CNA.) all my local news is coming in from my friends' blogs.
Anonymous on 8:48 PM SGT

Gosh...we are so frightened now....oh now....let's go and look for somewhere and hide....oh no.....frightened....and I am from Guards...if commando can be tortured then me Guards would be the same....gosh....frighten....PUKE!!!!
muahahahahaha!!!!!!!! on 8:56 PM SGT

actually why just arrest james gomez? since sylvia lim also knew of his "dastardly trick", she should be arrested as well! come to think of it, why not arrest LTK and the entire WP? they must have known and colluded with JG!!!! give them all 7 years in prison!!! disqualify them from the next GE!!! kick LTK out of Hougang!!!

long live the PAP!
death to all opposition!!!
Anonymous on 9:02 PM SGT

muahahahahaha!!!!!!!!
Dont be siow siow happy happy. we could track you and know you id. you will be arrested too.

ISD
for
WKS
Anonymous on 9:15 PM SGT

Hey! this gomez rumour true or not? Where you got the info from?

Boey Song
Anonymous on 9:19 PM SGT

Did anybody ACTUALLY did the calculations how they arrive at 66.6%? What are the terms of reference or basis for this figure?

Boey Song
Anonymous on 9:20 PM SGT

Ok ok...soni soni...next time I draw tortise on the ballet paper loh...no more voting for opposition loh...soni la....must upGRAPE my flat leh...must oh...better every household one lift....okie??? okie???
Anonymous on 9:20 PM SGT

maybe they dug up other skeletons in closet..

maybe he got "intimidate' singh when they were in primary school, and singh remember...
david lim on 9:24 PM SGT

I would encourage JG to ask his press secretary to issue apology. "Whatever I said I was just trying to use more direct language,please accept my apologies if I had offended anyone".

Once he do that, he is safe already :-)
Anonymous on 9:36 PM SGT

The govt. just arrested James Gomez!
Anonymous on 9:40 PM SGT

See

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_POL_SINGAPORE_POLITICIAN_ARRESTED_ASOL-?SITE=ASIAONE&SECTION=SPECIAL&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-05-07-07-49-18
Anonymous on 9:44 PM SGT

Singapore opposition politician arrested for allegedly threatening election officials

By EN-LAI YEOH
Associated Press Writer

SINGAPORE (AP) -- A Singapore opposition politician was arrested Sunday for allegedly threatening the country's election officials, a day after he failed to win a seat in national elections, an aide said.

Workers' Party candidate James Gomez was arrested Sunday for alleged "criminal intimidation," his aide Jacob George said. Gomez was attempting to leave the country but was stopped by immigration officials, who turned him over to the police.

"We don't know the specifics, but it could be due to the minority certificate," said George, referring to an incident when Gomez initially accused officials of misplacing his election papers more than a week before Saturday's election.

He subsequently apologized after security camera footage showed he put the form into his bag. The academic claimed he was distracted.

Gomez was part of a five-member Workers' Party team that contested a multimember ward against the ruling People's Action Party, where a minority candidate is compulsory.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's PAP won 82 of 84 seats in Singapore's 10th general elections since independence in 1965.

"Police received a complaint against James Gomez from the Elections Department, and police are investigating," said police spokeswoman Siow Cheng Cheng. She did not elaborate.

A security official, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with policy, said Gomez has not been charged. If found guilty for criminal intimidation, Gomez could be jailed for up to seven years.

It is not immediately clear why the elections department waited till after the polls to file the complaint.

The incident was played up by ruling party politicians and local media, which rarely deviate from the government line.

Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew, called Gomez, 40, "a liar" and a "bad egg."

"He's not a fool ... He's saying he's got brains," elder statesman Lee was quoted on state-broadcaster Channel NewsAsia's Web site as saying. "Well, what do you use those brains for?"

Lee is the father of the current prime minister and wields considerable influence as "Minister Mentor" in his son's cabinet.

The PAP said they targeted Gomez, a researcher with a Stockholm-based institute, as it was an issue of credibility.

Source: http://www.asiaone.com.sg/
Anonymous on 9:51 PM SGT

James Gomez arrested. This is ridiculous!!! What is the world coming to???

We must do something!!1
Anonymous on 9:55 PM SGT

Old man on TV now saying an apology is not enough, that he cannot just apologise for a criminal act......

So how come Minilee can issue apology via his press sec?
Anonymous on 9:58 PM SGT

Low Thia Kiang did something for Lee Hsien Loong that MM Lee could not do for his son. Mr Low sent a WP team to contest in Mr Lee's GRC - only now Lee Hsien Loong can say honestly that he is an Elected PM! Low Thia Kiang has all the makings of a "Jun Zi" (Gentleman). Will Lee Hsien Loong reciprocate with some modicum of grace and remove the Damocles sword of upgrading hanging over Hougang and Potong Pasir?

I'm so proud to be a Singaporean when the election results of Hougang and Potong Pasir were announced. Indeed, the TIPPING POINT came! The heartlanders stood up for Singapore! They stoutly stood up against "Conditional Upgrading on Partisan Lines Using National Budget".

We salute you, the voters of Hougang and Potong Pasir!

WP and Chiam have demonstrated their credibility. If we cut the statistics based on WP and Chiam, PAP only got 61.04% mandate despite (i) being helmed by ministers in contrast to the challenge from WP rookies, (ii) timing Progress Package payments to coincide with the GE, (iii) redrawing electoral boundaries 2 months prior to GE and (iv) dangling super-fat upgrading carrots.
Anonymous on 10:05 PM SGT

they arrested Gomez today
Anonymous on 10:10 PM SGT

O my gosh they did that. what the heck are they doing this.
Anonymous on 10:16 PM SGT

Source: http://www.asiaone.com.sg/
Anonymous on 10:16 PM SGT

According to insider information, the police had beaten the shit out of James Gomez. They are torturing him because some higher authority wanted James Gomez to learn the lesson. Poor James, he had fainted so many times.
We should demonstrate in front Changi's prison for James Gomez's immediate release!
WKS3
Anonymous on 10:22 PM SGT

The arrest took place only AFTER election day.

Neh neh, there's nothing you can do now...

And you can forget abt the fat carrots since you didn't vote for meeeeeeeeeee!
Anonymous on 10:27 PM SGT

Please substantiate such claims! We know he's arrested, its on TV, but don't spread a rumor like James being beaten up or anything to the extent. I'm sure our police force are not that 3rd world! Anwar was a good case study for our police force, i'm sure they are not that stupid. Don't discredit the legitimacy of this platform that we use to good effect due to our inept MSM!
Anonymous on 10:33 PM SGT

so much for LHL's vision of forming a "inclusive" society, acceptance to "diversity", and the rest of the BS.

To PAP : like that not beautiful leh.

Maybe LHL is thinking now : "I thought you guys asked to clarify how I "fix" the opposition ? ... at least I said sorry before I acted"

- Chin Too Lan
Anonymous on 10:37 PM SGT

I am an ex police officer. I got the information about the beating of James Gomez from my ex colleagues.
By the way, the police knows how to torture and beat someone without leaving behind any evidence. This is open secret.
My deepest sympathy is with him. I just wonder why is he stupid enough to try to leave Singapore in the normal way after his quarrel with PAP? He should have swam across the Singapore Straits the moment it was known that he lost!
May God saves James Gomez.
Anonymous on 10:54 PM SGT

INSIDER INFORMATION:
ALL WORKER PARTY'S LEADERS DETAINED! NOT JUST JAMES GOMEZ!
lin on 10:57 PM SGT

When I was still teaching, I used to find it difficult to teach thinking skills (critical and creative) to my sec 1 and 2 kids. The reason is that we have not been trained to participate in debates that respectfully allow all views to be heard without fear of being penalised. Even during staff and dept meetings, I had to be so careful in offering alternative views in order to avoid being marked down by the heads. During these few years of stay in UK, I had gradually learnt to speak out without fear of repercussions. An Australian mum was surprised by my apprehension in giving negative feedback to my son's teacher for fear that she would discriminate him. Encouraged by her, I shared with the teacher certain things I was not happy with. As a result of my feedback, the teacher actually improved the way she communicated with us parents. Of course my son was not penalised. In fact, the relationship between the teacher and I strengthened. This incident has a happy ending as the other party is open to feedback and I on my part am polite and respectful.

Like most Singaporeans, I still want the PAP to be in power. It is undeniably still one of the most efficient governments in the world. However, we want to have more alternative voices representing us in parliament. The PAP should appreciate the improvement in the candidature quality of the opposing parties in the likes of SL. It should grasp this opportunity to allow these sensible and credible opposition figures to represent us in parliament.

My stay in UK has made me more grateful to the PAP for making the previous economic miracle possible and also for the efficient Singapore education and housing systems when compared to the poor British equivalents.
In face of today's global competition, Singapore would not perish. It does face the risk of not being in the top league. How can we churn out more entrepreneurs as well as global competitors without our people willing to take risks, speaking out our minds without fear of repercussions, being mature to handle different views of a debate?

When my family moves back to Singapore in one year's time, I would like my two young kids to retain their eloquence in airing their views. This is something they have picked up in school and from playdates.

I am a successful PAP education product. Did well academically, won a govt scholarship. However, I feel stunted in my growth as a person. I have so much life process skills to catch up on. I would like my kids to not fear but yet respect authority, to have a mature thinking mind, not to falsely think material pursuit and comfort is the focus of our existence.
Anonymous on 10:57 PM SGT

"All in all, the opposition has done very well during this elections. Their performance will no doubt set PAP thinking and planning on how to secure victory in 5 years time and this will result in more people-oriented government policies moving forward."- from the first post

I'm not exactly sure what type of "people-orientated government policies" will be moved forward, but judging how James Gomez got arrested just ONE DAY post-election, their people-scaring-tactics are definitely moving forward..
Anonymous on 11:03 PM SGT

Wat talk you did? we r talking about James Gomez's arrest n u suddenly blurt ur gratitud to pxp...scholarshi...bla bla bal...
uncle here won scholarships fr goment 2 but rejected them in contempt n went overseas to study on fellowship from foreign university n dont boast such trivialities...
wat is happening to james gomez?? any insider info?? pl..
Anonymous on 11:07 PM SGT

"Repression, Sir is a habit that grows. I am told it is like making love - it is always easier the second time! The first time there may be pangs of conscience, a sense of guilt.

But once embarked on this course with constant repetition you get more and more brazen in the attack.

All you have to do is to dissolve organizations and societies and banish and detain the key political workers in these societies.

Then miraculously everything is tranquil on the surface.

Then an intimidated press and the government-controlled radio together can regularly sing your praises, and slowly and steadily the people are made to forget the evil things that have already been done, or if these things are referred to again they're conveniently distorted and distorted with impunity, because there will be no opposition to contradict."

- Lee Kuan Yew as an opposition PAP member speaking to David Marshall, Singapore Legislative Assembly, Debates, 4 October, 1956
Anonymous on 11:11 PM SGT

LASTEST INSIDER INFORMATION:
LOW THIA KIANG WILL BE CHARGED AND DISQUALIFIED AS AN MP!
Stupid James Gomez gave PAP reason to destroy WP!
Anonymous on 11:18 PM SGT

If any of us here still has a shred of conscience, we SHOULD do something for the Workers' Party.

This is really NO FUCKING joke, if this really goes thru(e.g JG and WP leaders all sued/detained/jailed for whatever fuck reason), then we are REALLY telling the ruling Govt that they ARE free to do whatever they want because every Singaporean is AFRAID to stand up even for a man who tried to STAND UP for the rights of his Singapore comrades!

What is Singapore really turning into!?
Anonymous on 11:23 PM SGT

Die Die no hope in Singapore.
I worked in the Ministry of Home Affairs. For you information, the government plans to replace stupid, lazy and ingrate Singaporeans with smart, hardworking and grateful people from China. Die Die no hope in Singapore. Better migrate elsewhere.
Anonymous on 11:34 PM SGT

Siow liao! This is called carrot and stick! They dangle the carrots and if you don't bite, then wag -comes the stick! Don't play play. The god can smile in front of you and said victory is sweet and all is well - but deep down inside, what the !@#$% - got to fix them good for making me look bad.

What can ordinary people do? Pity LTK (he's the real suicidal man). Wonder who is their next target? CST?

See pek siong
Anonymous on 11:40 PM SGT

Don't worry. They still need to have those minimal two so that they can tell democratic Uncle Sam, 'look, we got opposition. Very democratic!' PAP signed free trade agreement with USA, remember? You think Bushie suka-suka sign FTA? Even Islamic Indonesia got to sell Playboy after getting the FTA. The USA has a funny way of getting back at funny characters. Oh, US forced the sale of chewing gum again, albeit medical types.
Anonymous on 11:43 PM SGT

What worries me is comments as above :

"What can ordinary people do?"

We can achieve if we show courage!
If LTK and WP leaders have the courage to fight for us and risk their own safety, shouldn't we do our part and stand up for them?

If we are to be submissive and go along with: "What can ordinary people do?" mindset, then we do not deserve to have courageous people like LTK, WP Leaders etc to fight for our welfare because we asked for it. We MUST help them, someway and somehow.

Please show the courage and passion you did BEFORE the election results!
Anonymous on 11:46 PM SGT

Siow Siow not afraid of death...wait uncle lee locks your whole family up in Changi then you know...
my prediction: wp is gone....all will be locked up...
Anonymous on 11:58 PM SGT

"wait uncle lee locks your whole family up in Changi then you know..."

Singaporeans really only talk and no action...will only talk talk talk... please try to think more sensibly and not use your kiasi(Uncle Lee wait lock me up) mentality before you speak.
Anonymous on 11:59 PM SGT

Lesson learn from all these: next time you go to any government dept, make sure you bring along a video to tape all your activities.
Anonymous on 12:27 AM SGT

aiyah....have more faith in justice lah. the world is fair! what goes around, comes around! if not in this world, then the next!
Anonymous on 12:45 AM SGT

I dun think pap is so daring. WP have like 35% of the support. So its like 800 thousand ppl. If only 3 percent stand up , you will have 24000 ppl. It not going to be a pretty sight....

Rem, LTK is very well like on the ground. There is only so much a dog can take, before he will bite you back.
Anonymous on 1:03 AM SGT

You would be fucking amazed. The PAP doesn't fucking care about what the public thinks! That's why they fucking banned exit polls and all. The PAP works for themselves, and they can and will do whatever they fucking hell choose!

And by the way, the world is NOT fair! That's you had people like Dr. Chee sued and declared bankrupt! That's why despite the large showing at the rallies, the PAP still got away with a majority and no losses of their original numbers.

People, if you don't have be fucking pushovers, let's fucking start a revolt against the PAP! These bastards have had 47 years of unchecked rule!
Anonymous on 1:08 AM SGT

let's fucking start a revolt against the PAP! -> someone wrote

Dun just say and then go shit on it ok. If you say that, you are resposible for it, if not you are just like those ppl that kep giving empty cheques....
Anonymous on 1:18 AM SGT

revolt??!!! u must be an idiot!!!!!
Anonymous on 1:31 AM SGT

Nullify GE2006 results!!! We demand a re-election!!! Down with PAP, LKY, GCT, LHL, WKS etc!!! Singaporean revolt!!! Thailand style!!!
Anonymous on 1:40 AM SGT

re-election???!!!!!! u must be an even bigger idiot!!!!!!! the last thing singapore needs is a bloody revolt!!!!!! then there will be NO LIFT UPGRADING ANYWHERE!!!!!!!!!
Anonymous on 1:45 AM SGT

citizens being fucking thrown into the prison cells, and are you fucking care about is a lift upgrading?
Anonymous on 1:50 AM SGT

LTK said...."my highest priority now is LIFT UPGRADING!!!!!!"
Anonymous on 2:11 AM SGT

The big house at Changi got lift at very floor or not huh?
Anonymous on 2:59 AM SGT

"Siow Siow not afraid of death...wait uncle lee locks your whole family up in Changi then you know...
my prediction: wp is gone....all will be locked up... "

That's not possible lah. You think everyone is dead meh?
Anonymous on 3:07 AM SGT

Think the more naive ppl of singaporeans feel oppose is not good. So the word 'opposition' to them is a harsh word. 'Fan dui dang" dun sound nice either right? hmmm.....maybe WP could change the word...LOL
Perhaps debaters....
If PAP were to lose the ruling government, won't they be called opposition as well???
wahaha.......penny for a thought....
Anonymous on 10:38 AM SGT

do you know in Taiwan, the non-ruling party is called "zai ye dang"? (loosely translated as the party on the outside/greens)

i wonder who invented the word "Fan dui dang" :(

we need upgrade the mentality of common sporeans, not the lifts.
John Riemann Soong on 5:51 PM SGT

Not to mention, forced upgrading is usually quite disruptive and (at least I) do not welcome it anyway. I don't really like the En Bloc scheme at all.
Anonymous on 8:46 PM SGT

1. If you wont allow people to discuss issues important on your controlled media, why try and stop it on the internet as well. PAP's Tactic of inflicting fear in everyone's hearts will legal suits it absoulte nightmare.

2.We dont need more hospitals, upgrading etc, we need our current facilities to be cheaper and more affordable. What is the point of having a hospital at every corner when you need to pay bomb to get treatment.

3. It is absolutely crazy when you as a decent human being want to name- call people and expect them to join u in your shallow hole and dig dirt. Sorry they happen to be better.

I really do hope the media, however controlled keeps reporting to people about the James Gomex situation and people see for themselves how PAP might abuse its power, whilst PAP probably thinks they are discrediting the Opposition.

I hope they manage to survive the next 5 years.
Anonymous on 12:34 AM SGT

only GOD can lock LKY
Anonymous on 1:04 PM SGT

Dun worry, be happy!

latest from moh.gov.sg , it shows that life expectancy for singaporean males have increased gradually for the past few years.
from
2002: 76.6yrs
2003: 76.9yrs
2004: 77.4yrs
2005: no figure
2006: no figure

judging by the trend itself, 2006 might well be just 79yrs (give or take a couple of yrs)

its about time... dun rush to buy your champagne...

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Singapore Premier Lee Wins Election; Opposition Gains Support

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