Here's my experience when I went down to the WP rally April 29. I talked to folks who were rooting for the WP. But what they said was troubling: Of the 6 people, 2 will vote for the PAP, 3 undecided, the last one wanted to spoil his vote. Amazing but true. How to have an alternative voice in parliament?
What is saddening is that Singapore want to nick pick. One guy came from Jurong, but won't vote for the opposition guy because he doesn't like him. This is the same guy who wants opposition in parliament. Another said that a certain party, not WP is unstable, so he votes PAP. He doesn't like PAP policies but still vote them in. Can't see his sense. Another guy was undecided, actually didn't know which GRC he is in now, tks to redrawing. But you could tell he wouldn't vote for Opposition.
If people cannot see the big picture of wanting & the need for an alternative voice in parliament and everybody wants his fave opposition candidate to stand in his ward, then will vote for opposition, then we will never have a co-driver in government.
People are still studying the details of the trees in the forest. Can't people give the opposition a chance, otherwise, the PAP sweeps the election again. Aljunied goes to them. End of the story.
Singapore is so small, so can Singaporeans, please cast aside our your ward's considerations and give their opposition candidates a chance? When Chiam first won, you cannot say he was a man of charisma but people gave him a chance. When Low took Hougang, he was hampered by the fact that he was Chinese educated. But their sincerity and commitment came through for them, together with their exposure to the workings of parliament made them what they are today. Today, one can tell that Low has improved so much from 20 years ago. Now, he speaks OK English and he can rebut the PAP quickly and with clarity. Everybody needs a chance, if we write off opposition, save for a few of our favorites, we will have another 20 years of opposition regression. Face it, Chiam's health ain't gonna help, Low not getting younger. So we got Chen, 2 folks from SDP, probably Nicole, Sylvia left. Can they even get elected this time?
Sure, give me quality & quantity anytime. But don't assume that the rest of the opposition are of not high enough quality. Did anyone think that Low could emerge into such a leading political force? Its not about his Teochew background.
My point is : Dear Singaporeans, there is a need for critical opposition mass in parliament. If these opposition folks have the heart & passion for our nation, please give them the chance regardless of race, language or religion. Like Chiam and Low before them, they will not disappoint. If they fail, they will be out in 5 years' time.
It is quite hearthening to hear PM Lee apologized and he is absolutely right of wanting to connect emotionally with the people. But the question is does his ministers feel the same way. My feeling is that PAP has over the many years developed a certain culture by itself so much so that every minister has to “fit” in that culture either by natural progression or “adjust” to it. Whatever policy or decision they proposed or made should be correct as long as they meet with what that culture expected of them. Then they will come out with long-established statements like for example :- “we don't believe in populist policies”, “the people of Singapore should not take thing for granted”, “this is also a global problem”, “there is nothing we can do about the oil price going up”, “the reserves must be protected at all cost” and lately “I am one of those ministers that speak without notes and I sometimes made mistake” and many others. Someone should make a list of common standard statements they made over the years. I think all the ministers knows what “thinking out of the box” meant, in fact quite often various ministers used that in their arguments. But are they practising that themselves ? Or is there a written list of Dos and DON'Ts they must follow when comes to making policies? There will be difference when making decision based on what your mind says and what your heart says. It is difficult to strike a balance whether the decision is guided by the mind or by the heart (for example, that of the casinos issue). May be is time for PAP led government to allow their ministers/MPs to vote against some issues which they strongly disagree on.
ReplyDeleteYes, I can't agree with this posting "Rally crowds don't translate into actual votes" more. Unfortuately, this happens at the last 3 elections i've gone through. good rallies turm out, crowds cheer opposition and boo PAP blunders but yet when come Polling Day, the results show otherwise.
ReplyDeleteWe complain day in day out about PAP policies but afraid to vote against PAP for fear of many factors (some fear their kids primary school slots penalised, some fear being identified, some fear no upgrading). In the end, we vote PAP but sincerely wishing our neighbours had voted differently to make the difference....and continue complaining next 5 years.
I'm not an opposition or PAP party member. But I salute the passion and love of the country the opposition displays regardless of their age or background. I think there are many many like me but i think it's time we show the new Gen PAP leaders they have lost touch with us for whatever reasons justifiable.
Vote with your heart. Let's show our future generations how we all spark change in 2011.
I was discussing polictics with my Mum few hours ago, and I realised that all her information gotten from this election are from the mainstream media... I welcome the idea of cooling day because it allow us, the voters, to see the "full" picture of what the alternative parties have to offer. One day may be too short to digest so many information at one go... and the limited exposure to alternative voices is a big problem. Our previous generation and the ones before relied on MSM to get information on political news, now at my generation it's all about getting information on the internet. In this election, our alternative parties will do very well, but not as well as PAP. But I'm very sure that in the next general election, there will be a major breakthrough.
ReplyDeletethe disproportionately large amount of TV airtime given to ruling party is very sad. ST n other dailies also so do the same. So our aunties n uncles will be brainwashed subtly into voting pap. maybe election results another horror show waiting to be shown.
ReplyDeleteWake up real local Singaporean. How can you trust PAP party again that the government are not protecting Singaporean rights and not giving care our basic needs. They create good jobs, good pay, good house .... only for Foreigners and "foreign Talents???" Are you really want to loss your home land and your right to live here? How about our next generation? You really want them to leave the country and migrate to other country? The only way is put more opposition into the parliament to protect Singaporean!!!! Wate Up! Wake Up! Wake Up!
ReplyDeleteIf Mr Low, Ms Sylvia Lim, Mr Chen and Ms Nicole were to contest in the single ward instead of all going for GRC. I can be sure we will have more opposition in the parliament to champion their course. But to go to GRC especially to a GRC with good minister. It is not only no good to the country and the people, it also make the result more unpreditable.
ReplyDeleteLook at the bigger picture. When there are unbiased and independent people always checking on the government's work, the work done will be what is really beneficial to Singaporeans.
ReplyDeleteDeep in your heart, is that a system you really want?
Don't cherry pick. The current system is in need of 'auditors' whom embodies values of "Without fear or favour"
As what PM Lee said, HE is running this election not MM or SM.
ReplyDeletePlease be fair to opposition candidates who step up. We are mature enough to judge candidates, to debate with others and debate we must because we love our country. When we debate, the best ideas and perspectives come out. That is the essence of having a critical mass of opposition in parliament, its not about individuals.
ReplyDeleteWhen there is open debate in all spheres of life, not just in the new media - we begin to realise how talented and intelligent Singaporeans really are. I have a dream - that all Singaporeans are valued, regardless of their educational background, where they stay, political affliations, race, language and religion.
I am very disappointed by the nominated MP for Hougang Ave 9. I failed to see his contirbution over the last 10yrs and first time I came close up and personal with him was when he shook my hand just 1 day ago when he brisked thru my unit asking for my support and vote, no more than 2min later he is off to the next unti. Well, I know how busy party workers are and neither did the opposition parties made any significant impact to meet the people in Hougang Ave 9. But at least the oppositions are fighting for rights to make a difference for flaws in the government, this current PAP incumbent is asking for vote but failed to present any solid plans to convince me how he is going to improve lives for Singaporeans and for residents of Hougang Ave 9. I hate the way the voting landscape and constituencies have changed. Hougang Ave 9 used to be under Aljunied and now it is under AMK GRC- led by PM Lee. Since this incumbent has wasted 10yrs of my time in Hougang, I believe many share the same and also wonder why Hougang residents should vote for PAP again ?
ReplyDeletePls grow up! Have a life! If we were to change will u even know? pls think before u talk! GO GO WP!
ReplyDelete123
ReplyDeleteDear Singaporeans,
ReplyDeleteRemember that if you vote for your PAP MP, you are also endorsing the PAP's platform and all they have done over the last 5 years.
And to tell you the truth:
If you're a rich tai tai with 5 properties that have gone up in price, you should vote the PAP.
If you're a towkay who loves cheap labor, you should vote the PAP.
If you're a high-income earner that loves Singapore's low income tax, then you should vote the PAP.
However, if you've been negatively affected by the increase in the GST, means testing in government hospitals, unbridled influx of and competition with foreigners, spiraling cost of HDB flats, crowded public transportation etc. vote for the opposition.
Send them into parliament to ask the hard questions and act as a check and balance.
Well said, Kelvin.
ReplyDeleteYes, look at the big picture. When you cherry pick, you & your loved ones end up the biggest losers. As it is, so difficult to be an opposition candidate, as an example, one candidate's wife wanted to divorce him
Even MM consider as a well known person internationally has to stoop so low as to use the value of your house to frighten you in a election.
ReplyDeleteEnough of being scared, hesitate or sitting on the fence. Let's ACT on it with our votes. Enough of PAP telling us they are the best, driving the car and taking us for rides. Like what Mr. Chiam See Tong has said, there is no Democracy if we only have 2 elected opposition in Parliament. The most credible 'A' team in WP at Aljunied is now. Plus the incumbent Potong Pasir and Hougang team and other credible oppositions. What are we waiting for?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that we should NOT vote ANY opposition party into government, as long as it is against PAP. And, it should NOT be about the carrots that the ruling party hands out, nor about having an "alternative voice" for the sake of having an "alternative voice".
ReplyDeleteIt is about having the party that has the interest of the constituency and Singapore at its heart. So how to you judge which party has the interest of the constituency and Singapore at heart?
What I can summarise from the rallies so far:
PAP:
1. They have track records (more good and some bad) - and common amongst PAP rallies, the Government is not perfect.
2. They have specific plans for my constituency and Singapore
3. The new candidates, in general, don't speak from their heart
4. The new Minister(s) appears arrogant and don't speak from their heart also. They disconnect with me the most because they are minister-level candidates (Tall trees and wild mushrooms - more like tall tales).
5. The older Ministers (and specific MPs) speak from their hearts, from their experiences and from their wisdom. They connect best with me as a citizen.
Opposition:
1. Incumbent opposition HAVE track records also (but not as impressive as PAP) - their wards are not bad off in comparison with others, and they have gain the trust of their constituencies.
2. The only plan they have for Singapore so far is "To be the Check-and-Balance", "Co-Driver" (but more like back-seat driver). In terms of my constituency - no plans, but will share more if elected. In terms of being an "Alternative Voice" - so far from what I hear is the same "Voice", not much "Alternatives" - sirs and madams, I want to hear more of your alternative plans, solutions, and ideas...but I agree that it may be time to remove the GRCs concept as it was based on the time when Singaporeans would vote along racial lines.
3. The new candidates (a few and the younger ones) speaks very well and from their heart. They have passion to bring about change. They connect better with me as a citizen.
4. The Opposition MPs speaks well and with Passion, and Mr. Chiam (Sir) I truly admire your spirit and dedication despite how age have been so cruel to you. (Salute!)
5. Not all the opposition candidates speak at the rallies...cannot gauge who they are. No connection at all (cannot even disconnect)
So who do I vote for?
I agree that we should give opposition parties a chance to prove their capabilities to lead Singapore in the Parliament, as well as the need to have alternative voices in our Parliament. However, I disagree that we should "cast aside our ward's considerations" by voting for all opposition candidates in each of our GRCs regardless of the actual confidence level we have in them to lead.
ReplyDeleteIt's undeniable that in some GRCs, the opposition is strong and provide excellent alternative plans for Singapore which may be better than the incumbent party's current policies. (WP and SDP are some examples in my opinion.) However, in other GRCs, opposition parties may have yet to prove their calibre in rallies, proposed ideas for change and such. Opposition parties/candidates running for GE in some GRCs do not show in any way that they will provide better changes for Singapore as compared to the incumbent party's proposed changes.
Sure, there may some whose votes will be affected by the "carrots" PAP dangles in front of us - housing upgrades, better facilities etc. It's inevitable in this sense that the Opposition parties are disadvantaged as there are many more variables in voting besides whether the party is capable or not to form a part of the government.
But for many of us who are better-informed to make better choices, we can see the "big picture" of having alternative parties in the government. I believe it is not our fear of losing current benefits such as house upgrading etc the current GRC receives (GRCs currently under PAP) or that we want more benefits (GRCs currently under Opp. parties) that affects our votes.
It would be daft to vote ANY opposition party into the government, as long as it is against the PAP. We want alternatives in the Parliament, but we want those to be CONSTRUCTIVE ones that truly speak for the unspoken and listen to the unheard. Not all opposition parties have proven themselves to be capable of doing so, and therefore we have to be meticulous in thinking through our vote for the opposition before we cast them a vote. We shouldn't just blindly vote for the opposition just because it is forming an "alternative voice" in Parliament.
I think our main issue here should NOT be whether the PAP gets to "sweep the election again", but whether the new government formed will be more capable than the previous one in having a listening ear to make changes for the better and to pursue a political system that is more democratic than it currently is. Not all opposition parties are capable of doing that. Hence, Singaporeans should always think and re-think our choices, not only based on whether the party is opposition or incumbent, but whether we see it as truly capable of bringing our voice constructively into the parliament, before we cast our vote.
Many of us were once FOR the incumbent government. But... last few years..enough is enough. It's Time for THE CHANGE.
ReplyDeleteya, i think singaporeans should look at the bigger picures that are at stake. dont worry about property value, ward issues etc. the opposition can do just as good if not better even with limited resources. if we don't start to put in more opposition in parliament, we will forever be threatened with property values in oppostion wards etc. once we have more forces in parliament to check and account, then the threat will not be there anymore. dont just because of ward facilities, then you forget other bigger pictures that affect you in daily like high transport cost, high housing cost. high cost of living, high medical costs, so many. your future generation is going to suffer, having to bear brunt of higher costs everywhere. and govt not willing to really help singaporeans in mitigating the high costs everywhere. think you are going to suffer in other ways even if you are going to benefit with more resources backed ward. seriously, if you are thinking of your future lives, your children, then vote to send opposition into the parliament, only then our futures are at least be represented in parliament.
ReplyDeleteAI YA why dont you change first from anti to pro... Then we change la...
ReplyDeleteAI YA why dont you change first from anti to pro... Then we change la...
ReplyDeleteI think you are none of the above... You are a failure?? Loser? Jealous?
ReplyDeleteYou very smart... Urge people to vote opposition and then you dont vote yrself.. This type of tricks "Lau Tao". You stay there or not?? If you stay there then you do it la.
ReplyDeleteYou very smart... Urge people to vote opposition and then you dont vote yrself.. This type of tricks "Lau Tao". You stay there or not?? If you stay there then you do it la.
ReplyDeletePeople just like to listen to gossip. They attend opposition rally to see "wayang" only. This wayang show by the opposition is on every 5 years. But, deep inside, we know who to vote for the interest of our country, our family and ourself.
ReplyDeleteWe do not need an alternative voice. We are all educated and if there are things that we are not happy about, we can voice up ourself. Thanks, but no thanks.
I am as described by you about those in the forties, but I still want change. Because the PAP is getting proud, greedy and lost my support when they decided to have casinoes here. They have lost the moral authority to be our leaders as far as I am concerned.
ReplyDeleteIn fact I have voted for opposition all my life before, nothing bad has ever happened to me. I am doing far better than I can possibly imagine. I got my first HDB flat without issues, I have no trouble securing COE for my new car, I got a comfortable job in an investment bank. My son got into primiary school of our choice, etc. All in all I'm doing fine.
My personal experience shows that nobody ever gets punished or persecuted for voting opposition. It's a constitutionally guaranteed privilege.
The problem with Singaporeans by and large, kiasu and selfish. They want some alternative voices in Parliament, but not willing to cross the correct box at the ballots. If everybody also like that, how would it ever be possible to have a real democracy?
The issue before us is very very simple. Why choose a party that is a proven screwup, when you could have chosen parties that hasn't got any experience screwing up our lives, to go into the parliament and get some accountabilities for us?
Why allow PAP a free hand to screw your lives up for another 5 years?
Malaysian make history to voted their opposition into their parliment. Legally and voice up for the people and exposed many many illegal deals and short coming of the government. At least the policies that not favorable to the people is "stopped" / inform to the public and not secretly being pass through and keep the public in dark.
ReplyDeleteIt is wise for Singapore to be more opposition to be in Parliment. This time the opposition have birng in more qualify and quality people whose really have passion and courage to face the consequences because of people interests.
Likes WP Low said, he and Chiam really "tong-pui-diau lior!". These new opposition members will help to lessen Low & Chiam burden and helps public to put more check to the PAP.
Good luck Singaporean, Good Luck to your long term vision! If you missed this chance you will need 5 more years. Well said LKY, if you choose PAP, you will be the same, you wil have 5 years to repent.
Further watching the video of the PAP Minister the ways the reply to questions. It is clearly shown that they are nervous and do not really answer it calmly and specificly; they have shown that they are nevous and most ofthe job is done by the staff and not them.
I hope this time, Singaporean would vote want they want to see. Don't after the vote, then when prices go up, complain complain complain. I am very sick of hearing Singaporeans complain! Voting also so kiasi. In the end the people get exacty the leaders they want coz they are kiasi.
ReplyDeleteThis is actually true when many friends are also like that.... for example, some pple will hiam alternative voices "they dun have past track of records or simply put FEAR". Ok... let me give u an analogy. You had worked for a few years after graduation & wants to become a manager & started to apply for managerial positions. U tell ur prospective employers "i have experience in working with this & that & i have heart, passion blab blab blab. Thus, i like to apply for position of manager." But u dun have past track of records that u r successful as manager. Errrr....... but if u dun give me a chance, how do u know i cant deliver??? Talk abt having alternative voices.... If all complains talk only, no action, then soon pple who have the heart & passion, their warmth will soon die down.
ReplyDeleteWe may not have ANOTHER CHANCE to see almost all seats contested. This is the 1st time since independence as it reflects HOW BAD the situation is . The GRC was devised truly against the spirit of democracy and that is why opposition has NEVER grown till now and NEVER WILL if we do not give them the chance. I HOPE THAT ALL SINGAPOREANS WILL FOREGO THE THOUGHTS OF PERSONAL GAIN NOW AND THINK IN THE LONG TERM INTEREST OF SINGAPORE. IF THE CURRENT TREND CONTINUE WHERE WE HAVE A PARTY THAT DOES NOT CONSULT TO BE GIVEN THE MANDATE TO RULE, THERE WILL BE NO FUTURE FOR SINGAPORE AS SINCE IN THE LAST 5 YEARS.
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree that the opposition must be constructive and I am sure that the candidates that we have currently in this election ARE !!
ReplyDeleteI am sad that we have to discuss about this as FOR TOO LONG, the incumbent party has been VERY HIGH HANDED in changing all rules to ensure that they are in power. Hence today we have a society where no-one cares about being a morally acceptable person but for oneself.
It is about time to correct some value that PAP has brought - "to each his own" and to build a truly democratic society based on JUSTICE and EQUALITY.
Does PAP needs to use how much your house will be worth if you don't elect them as a "threat" to frighten you? Don't tell me every time when there is a election PAP will use this "threat" to scare you off. Wake up Singaporean you are better than that, if you are not I am sorry for you and myself.
ReplyDeleteWake up Singaporean, it is just how much your house is worth that matter to you the most? What about others like, the cost of health care, cost of education, cost of transportation, cost of food, cost of taking care of your children and your age old parents and quite many others. Not of all you are paid the same kind of salaries as your minister, all our ministers are consider CEOs in term of status.
ReplyDeleteOn the accounts of unfairness of the GRC system, we should give opposition the vote.It is quite shameless that our army generals who are supposed to protect our lives are sticking on to the coatails of the minsters to get into the parliament. If it s straight SMC fight, I would definetely give the soldiers my vote.
ReplyDeleteThis makes a mockery of democracy and underestimate the intelligence of Singaporean.
Sorry all, allow me to share my candid thoughts which might sounds ridiculous to some. Being a small country that many of us are well connected with each other from childhood, schools, NS, work, it is not difficult for some of us to know candidates well from both sides in personal capacity. Frankly, I see good and credible ppl in this GE from both sides of the fence. The only difference is one side was brought in from top down and the other from bottom up... thanks for your time.
ReplyDeleteShould I vote a party (who is 80% right) or another whom I am not sure will do better than 80%.
ReplyDeleteShould I vote a party (who is 80% right) or another whom I am not sure will do better than 80%.
ReplyDeleteThis is what Edelman called the Boiling Frog Syndrome: "If you throw a frog into a pot of boiling water, he’ll jump out. But if you place a frog into a pot of lukewarm water and slowly turn up the heat, it will boil to death."
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid that many Singaporeans are like the frog being boiled alive without knowing it. Many PAP policies, especially the liberal FT open door policy and the out-of-this-world Ministers' pay, could not have survived in any democracy, past or present.
People who have awakened and resigned to the fact today are leaving the country in droves. For those who remain, it is a tough situation indeed.
That said, when the people do awake one day, and I hope they will, the forces of change will be so rapid and uncontainable like the sweeping through Africa and Middle East today.
If everyone keep thinking someone sure for opposition I can vote for PAP! I will not get marked by PAP then I think we sure be taken for a ride for another 5 years!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibzH-tZ3llg&feature=related
ReplyDeleteAfter going through the rallies and researching and stuff i just felt this would be a good break. Seriously I just don't see any of our current team of leaders coming anywhere close to this man. I feel our nation needs dedicated leaders with new visions. Not just blindly follow n overcome the standards/ideals of other nations like a global rat race..what for? Why can't we set our own standards/ideals? It's time for change.
Singaporeans, be BRAVE and vote for a CHANGE!
ReplyDeleteAsk ourselves, come May 7: If we do not give our WP or NSP or SDP a chance to enter the parliament, WHO will speak up for us?
Are we going to complain for another 5 years for the next election to find out then?
Vote wisely.
I am voting for change cos I am in my 20s now.
ReplyDeleteHaving spoken to those in their 20s & 30s, they are all excited about change.
As now it is hard to job hop (go interview, see so many FTs), crowded transport (taking bus/MRT, cannot even board), wage lower and long working hour, rising HDB price & waiting time, we are voting for change.
But
Those in their forties & above are hard to convince as they dont see the impact on them.
They owned house (property), car (not taking public transport), job (mid level management). They do not want change.
Someone need to think of some ideas to woo votes from this age group.
Most of them are not IT savvy.
sad to read about this.. but i really hope WP can take aljunied.. but wonder if it's possible coz im surprised when i went to nex today the area near serangoon is marine parade GRC.. very ridiculous! i didnt know it can stretch so far
ReplyDeletesad to read about this.. but i really hope WP can take aljunied.. but wonder if it's possible coz im surprised when i went to nex today the area near serangoon is marine parade GRC.. very ridiculous! i didnt know it can stretch so far
ReplyDeleteI must say i love this blog, its my to go site every hour as i'm currently living overseas but i live and breathe singapore and the elections. I love how an alternative view is provided in here and how true critical thinking is employed.
ReplyDeleteI vote for change, whatever opposition party it may be. Unlike the PAP, i believe change and diversity will push the government to be better, and singapore a better place.
Thanks again for this awesome site. I look forward to more updates.
I totally agree with u....In fact after the election, when PAP gets elected, we will see prices starts to go up... Are Singaporean so dumb to accept this??? We can keep paying and paying... Lets talk about hdb flat prices and interest rates at 2.6%, if they are for the singapore people, they should lower the prices and interest rates..... If banks can do it, why not hdb? Why must they earn such profits from us?
ReplyDeleteI think its more like FEAR. Cannot afford flat, replace by millions of FT and depressed pay etc... cannot bring them to vote than what else?
ReplyDeleteI think these people will need to hit the wall then they wake up. When they wake up, too late. They complain, cry mother cry father, no more use. Let them rot and suffer!!! If that is what Singaporeans want, so be it.
i think
ReplyDeleteTypical Singaporeans, if I may say so. Not voting for opposition because you don't like him? Don't like PAP's policy but still vote for him? While everything can be fun and games, but your future is not. Think about it - if the Opposition parties are not given a chance now, when can they? I'm pretty sure they can offer what we wanted to if are given chance. PAP is voted in again, and more 'idiotic' policies are introduced and next thing you know you're affected for the worse and starts regretting voting for them.
ReplyDeleteWhen there is open debate in all spheres of life, not just in the new media - we begin to realise how talented and intelligent Singaporeans really are. I have a dream - that all Singaporeans are valued, regardless of their educational background, where they stay, political affliations, race, language and religion.
ReplyDelete