Firstly kudos to PAP's George Yeo for coming up with the excuse that Workers Party is making use of Aljunied residents. Correct me if I am wrong, but didn’t PAP use NSS to “buy” votes from us during last election? After the job was done, the GST was raised to 7%. Do u know how I feel back then – USED! and you dare to claim that the WP is as despicable as you?!
I believe people of Aljunied are smart enough to make a decision on their own. Even Mr Chen Show Mao has come out to say, evaluate your own interests first before casting your vote. When the good people of Aljunied vote for the opposition, it is not because they are USED, but because they are fed up with you!
And to go ahead and call it an emotional dilemma, and against the spirit of democracy, that’s even more ludicrous! The ship carrying the spirit of democracy sailed 23 years ago, when GRC was introduced!
I tell you why we are so angry at PAP, not only do u build the GRC wall for the cowards, you keep re-drawing the boundary to dilute votes for the opposition. It’s true that your vote is secret. But, from the polling station, they can tell which few blocks have voted more for the opposition! Instead of devising these schemes against the opposition, why not use your time and intellect to solve the real problems that we Singaporeans are facing?!
You have so many tricks up your sleeve – GRC, electoral board and of course you control the media too. On the first day of rally, more than 15,000 Singaporeans turned up at Hougang. On the second day, 30,000 at Serangoon! But zero video footage was shown on TV! The media is already USED by you to spread your propaganda, what else you want to control?!
We are simple people. Even if we do not want alternative voices in the parliament, all we want is ACCOUNTABILITY! Who can advise why GIC and Temasek suffered so much losses? Why did we overspend so much at the IOC. The government simply treats us like fools – “Aiyah don’t need to explain to them, they don’t have PHD in economics lor”.
Lastly, George said he cannot grade himself, but he knows that he did not fail. Let me grade you now, C6! Yes, you did not fail, but all these years, you are just an average performer. If you can’t do the job better, pass it on to someone else for a try. Don’t keep hogging the seat till retirement!
I am an ordinary Singaporean who has sat on the couch for too long. After the government used me for the last election, I told myself I will never be used by another political party. This time, when I vote for the opposition, it’s because I am impressed with their manifesto. In other words, I want to take ownership of Singapore. It’s MY HOME, not PAP’s!
I live in Hougang Ave 8. I have three best friends who live along the same avenue, but we belong to AMK GRC, Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, Aljunied GRC & Hougang SMC.
ReplyDeleteI live in Hougang Ave 8. I have three best friends who live along the same avenue, but we belong to AMK GRC, Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, Aljunied GRC & Hougang SMC.
ReplyDeleteI'm very very surprised that our government PAP the ruling party is so so imature in their thinking and in their lack of confidence in their policies that are in placed by them since the last elections, Why are they so afraid of the oppostion parties . . .IF they are sincere and know what they have done for the PEOPLE OF SINGAPORE .. , Why can't they just fight for what they have done for people of Singapore than go round and argue , and make a fool out of themselves . I'm a righful Singapore citizen holding a red IC , its a shame to know that our ruling government is making a fool of themselves by using our citizens money as a carrot to entice the people to vote for them . Please remember , this is our money not yours to use it freely as and when you thinkl you can . We , the citizen of Singapore voted you into the parliament to serve us , help us in our needs and look into the welfare of the people and country . We do not require a fool to serve us , if you are not perfoming in your duties , then don't blame us for not giving you a chance to serve us .
ReplyDeleteThe GRC system is an inequitable voting system. I strongly suggest that the ruling party abolish it immediately as it is a double edged sword. Not only does it suppress the political renewal system of the "fittest will survive" in one-versus-one contests, it also penalises worthy politicians like George Yeo where stronger opposition could be mustered over time. This is inevitable, as the country matures the democracy movement will also escalates. A legacy of suppression of the opposition voice through lawsuits and the ISA should not be advocated as it could only lead to alienation and revolt of the people. There are other, more worthy ways to address minority presentation e.g. separate national election platform for minorities or NCMP system where the best performing minority candidates could enter parliament. Singapore is not the only multi racial country in the world but is it the only one with a GRC system. A country that values meritocracy should allow for the best candidates to enter government whether Chinese, Malay, Indian or other voices and not based on quotas.
ReplyDeleteI wish something can be done to reverse Singapore to FULL DEMOCRACY
ReplyDeleteFirst - scrap the GRC
Second - stop the re-drawing of Electoral boundary
Third - stop political party from using our money to fortify their political position
We promote so much about good corporate governance in the business world. It is time that we promote some form of constitution changes to safeguard the interest of PEOPLE of Singapore. Political party and Government must be recognised as SEPARATE ENTITY and must not be confused. This principle must be GUIDED irregardless of which political party in power.
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?
ReplyDeleteWhat is saddening is that Sgs 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 oppo 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 comittment 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.
A system of checks & balances is good common sense. As an example, if you just wrote a book, don't you need people to at least read it, give you feedback and proof read for you? That's what award winning authors do.
ReplyDeleteMind you, Singapore is even more important than a book!
I cannot imagine that the current PAP leaders cannot see and even tolerate that Singapore need a good number of opposition to render checks and balances to the policies used to govern Singapore. No matter how thoughtful the political leaders in power are, when policies trickle down to the grounds, other monsters evolve and emerge. Why cannot we have another group to check and offer their observations and challenges? Why is this not good for Singapore? The real tigers, unknowingly or knowingly, will promote a whole lot of paper tigers to oppress their subordinates. Singaporeans are tired of paper tigers, people using your leadership and powers, to do their thing to benefit their kind.
ReplyDeleteYou said it right on. We voters cannot escape our responsibilities. The oppostion have came forward, if voters don't vote them in and we get a clean sweep, we got ourselves to blame.
ReplyDeleteI too am troubled by your experience at the rally. We have been talking of responsibility; mainly with regards to the politicians. I think as voters we cannot escape our responsibilities. WE have collectively allowed this situation to come about and while it is heartening to see talk of change; we have to ensure that it does not remain just that, TALK. The buck stops with us; so either we put up or shut up. I'd shudder to think what this PAP government would be like if they sweep back into power after the sort of campaign we have had so far (with still 7 days to go)
ReplyDeleteI too am troubled by your experience at the rally. We have been talking of responsibility; mainly with regards to the politicians. I think as voters we cannot escape our responsibilities. WE have collectively allowed this situation to come about and while it is heartening to see talk of change; we have to ensure that it does not remain just that, TALK. The buck stops with us; so either we put up or shut up. I'd shudder to think what this PAP government would be like if they sweep back into power after the sort of campaign we have had so far (with still 7 days to go)
ReplyDeleteIsn't BG Yeo's love for the "spirit of democracy" a contradiction given the GRC system?
ReplyDeleteThe courage, sacriice & job done by Low in Hougang speaks for itself. Its a track record no one in his right mind can deny. As a citizen, I can only say vote for WP in Aljunied ...its the right thing to do. Stand up for Singapore & yourselves.
Isn't BG Yeo's love for the "spirit of democracy" a contradition given the GRC system?
ReplyDeleteThe courage, sacriice & job done by Low in Hougang speaks for itself. Its a track record no one in his right mind can deny. As a citizen, I can only say vote for WP in Aljunied ...its the right thing to do.
At the end of the day my fellow Singaporeans, you have a choice. Your current situation is the result of your votes in the elections past. Here's a unique opportunity to make yourself heard. Your vote tells me if the status quo is acceptable to you or change is needed. I've never had the chance to vote because there has been no competition. Cherish this opportunity and use it to the fullest! Be very lucid and judge everything on facts.. not opinions or threats.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the notion that the GRCs have been designed in a most disadvantageous manner, effectively walling out opposition parties. All the supposed benefits of the system cannot whitewash the fact that the GRCs make a mockery of the most basic of democratic principles.On a more practical level, it has allowed too many free rides for less than able politicians. PAP politicians walk into office uncontested through walkovers or on the back of a more senior politician's reputation.
ReplyDeleteIn this instance though their creation might come back to hurt the PAP. I differ with the author because BG Yeo is in my view one of the more capable of PAP politicians (there aren't many left), and one of the few who still commands my respect. His diplomatic skills have certainly been a boon for Singapore on the international circuit. However, it seems that these skills may not have been applied where they should have been; with the voters in his constituency.
The GRC system could very well cost him his job. I doubt he would have trouble getting elected in an SMC, but the PAP's hopes in this ward are pinned entirely on his reputation and position as Foreign Affairs Minister. They are (not so) subtly using this fact as leverage to get their team elected. Primarily, voting out BG Yeo and the rest who make up the numbers, boils down to dissatisfaction with the local issues in the ward. Additionally, perhaps losing a big wig could also serve to bring about a re-think of this GRC concept, hopefully hastening its demise. So if losing BG Yeo is the price to be paid, then so be it.
Ultimately, I say this in hope. All signs so far have reinforced our perceptions of an aloof and disengaged PAP decision making apparatus. If they were truly interested in what we thought, we wouldn't be where we are today. Realistically, even if BG Yeo lost his seat, the GRC system will probably stay, although maybe not in its current form. They might find more creative ways to serve their interests; scare tactics, more blatant gerrymandering (if the current situation is not blatant enough for you), or even whole new schemes the likes of you and I have not dared to contemplate yet.
Personally I think change is overdue. The opposition (for the most part) has got its act together from what we have seen so far; and the PAP's bumbling and uncoordinated responses to genuine issues and grievances has left me bemused and anxious.
Bemused because like most Singaporeans, I did not expect the supposedly all knowing and ever capable PAP to be so exposed and unprepared; as if we have suddenly changed the rules by actually openly voicing out our concerns and dissatisfaction. Anxious because there seems to be a very delayed response and reaction (denial is a reaction isn't it?) on the PAP's part to said concerns and dissatisfaction, which leads me to believe that they have genuinely lost their ability to gauge ground sentiment. The need for a vocal and coherent opposition has never been greater and I for one support change this time around.
I want to echo the author's sentiments; we have sat around for too long and allowed the situation to fester, now we have to take ownership of our country.
Being a Singaporean now living overseas, this new awakening in Singapore is making me happy beyond words. The PAP has for too long, manipulated the system to their benefit. This tactic of re-districting is not new; they did it to JBJ's Anson constituency. The introduction of the GRC system was also another loss at true democracy; its intent I gather, was to dilute the opposition's ability to challenge them.
ReplyDelete