ELECTION DAY !!! Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̄&#8

[kueytoc]

Why I’m contesting in Aljunied GRC: WP’s Chief

By Liyana Low | SingaporeScene – Thu, Apr 28, 2011 12:18 AM SGT

Workers' Party (WP) secretary-general Low Thia Khiang says his decision to move out from Hougang was made "quite long ago".

Speaking at a press conference after Nomination Day, Low revealed that he was even more determined to move to Aljunied after the gerrymandering of the People's Action Party (PAP), where changes were made to the electoral boundaries and some of their 29,000 supporters were moved to Ang Mo Kio and Pasir Ris-Punggol GRCs.

Low, who will join party chairman Sylvia Lim, Chen Show Mao, Pritam Singh and Mohd Faisal to form what is dubbed by many as the "A plus" team, will take on PAP's George Yeo, Lim Hwee Hua, Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Cynthia Phua and Ong Ye Kung.

He added that the decision to contest in Aljunied is a calculated risk and it is a risk they are taking "for Singapore".

Using a Mandarin proverb, Low said, "You know that there's a tiger in the mountain, and yet you still move there. So now we are taking this challenge and believe that voters will make the right choice."

WP's 'star catch' Chen added, "Winning a GRC is an important goal for the development of Singapore's political system and we are saying it in our actions."

While admitting that it may be more logical for him to stay in Hougang, where he has 20 years of grassroots experience, Low acknowledged that the stakes are high but felt it that the time was right for WP to make the move.

"Hougang residents understand that I need to do this. The ground is sweet and in fact many people I know are waiting for me to cross over," he said.

Replacing Low at Hougang is party organising secretary Yaw Shin Leong.

Yaw, who led WP's 2006 "suicide squad" against Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Ang Mo Kio GRC, dismissed claims that contesting against PAP candidate Desmond Choo was the reason for his deployment to the SMC.

The 35-year-old, who has been helping at Hougang's grassroots activities after joining the WP in 2001, said, "I don't think age is an issue. What is important is that you have the passion to serve the residents."

Yaw added that he has confidence in Hougang's voters and reiterated that they are "the WP's secret weapon."

Low, also spoke highly of Yaw's connections on the ground. Yaw has been accompanying him on house visits in his ward for the past three years and, making him a familiar face in the estate.

"By now, every resident in the Hougang constituency would have Shin Leong's namecard," said Low.

Analysts told Yahoo! Singapore that they are not overly surprised by Low's decision to contest in Aljunied GRC.

Independent scholar Derek da Cunha explained, "He cannot ask Singaporeans to move out of their comfort zone and vote for credible opposition members if he himself does not move out of his own comfort zone, of Hougang."

"Now that he has led by example, he has the moral standing to make the appeal to Singaporeans to vote for his team. That will carry some weight with voters."

Senior fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies Terence Chong described it as a "make or break time for the WP".

"The stakes are high and one can fully understand Low's decision. He is explicitly asking Singaporeans to decide if they want more Opposition voices in Parliament or not," said Dr Chong.

He continued, "If the WP has a poor showing this GE it will not be because of lack of hard work or credible candidates but that the people prefer PAP dominance of Parliament. If so, so be it."

National University of Singapore professor Tan Ern Ser added, "I reckon he is 'putting his money where his mouth is'. The move is also important symbolically. It shows he is serious about wanting to win a GRC. I reckon he thinks the WP has the best chance of winning that GRC."

Prof Tan also predicted some factors that may contribute to voters' inclination to vote WP: dissatisfaction with PAP over the hot-button issues; desire to have checks and balances and alternative views from a stronger opposition presence in Parliament.

In a separate press conference, PM Lee commented on Low's decision to contest in Aljunied.

He said that it was Low's tactic to win a GRC. "I don't doubt he's entitled to want to win a GRC and he's trying to make an argument so that it sounds good and people will vote for him to win a GRC."

- Additional Reporting by Alicia Wong

[kueytoc]

PM Lee welcomes ‘STRONG CONTEST’ from Opposition

By Alicia Wong | SingaporeScene – Thu, Apr 28, 2011 12:33 AM SGT

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has welcomed the "strong challenge" posed by the Opposition in this General Election.

Speaking after Nomination Day in which 82 out of 87 parliamentary seats will officially be contested come Polling Day, PM Lee said people now have to take a stand that "emphasises how important this election is."

PM Lee, who is also the PAP's Secretary-General, was flanked by Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng, Teo Chee Hean, and Education Minister Ng Eng Heng, as he spoke at a news conference aired live on Channel NewsAsia.

There, he took the time to lay out what he felt would be the main issues of this election, namely education and housing. He said, the government would continue to invest to uplift the next generation and pledged to improve the quality of homes while keeping them affordable.

He also hopes to achieve greater debate within the government and to find consensus while generating new ideas.

"The opposition takes themselves very seriously, they have said they want to fight to win and we will fight to ensure they do not win," he said.

Having a stronger opposition would "crystalise the issues" and "make Singaporeans realise what is at stake in this election," said the PM, who will himself face a challenge in his Ang Mo Kio GRC from the Reform Party.

"I think that a stronger opposition will galvanise a response from the ground and people will stand up on both sides and ask themselves what counts, what matters, what am I going to do about it."

Fielding questions from reporters, PM Lee acknowledged that half of Singaporeans may be first-time voters in this GE but he is confident that when they vote "their motivation, their incentives, the consequences for them for casting the vote will be aligned with good outcomes for the country".

Pointing to Singapore as a "property-owning democracy", he said, voters will be careful to make sure their assets are protected.

PM Lee also defended the GRC system, which saw PAP's newest candidate Dr Chia Shi Lu become a Member of Parliament without contest because Tanjong Pagar GRC, where he is fielded in, is not being contested.

Dr Chia was fielded in Tanjong Pagar GRC to replace PAP candidate Baey Yam Keng, who was transferred to contest in Tampines GRC after new candidate Steve Tan's abrupt departure.

PM Lee stressed the latest developments do not affect the credibility of the GRC system.

"The greatest importance of a GRC team is not just that it ensures minority representation in Parliament … I think the most important thing of the GRC, is that it forces our politics to be multi-racial. It forces all parties who want to do well, they have to contest in a GRC, and when they contest in a GRC they must get good minority candidates."

Without a GRC system, PM Lee said he doubted the opposition parties would "expand so much effort running around trying to round up better quality minority candidates".

His advice to candidates for this GE?

"Fight on the issues and this should be a clean fight. We are fighting on serious matters concerning the lives of Singaporeans and we should focus our minds on that."

[kueytoc]

PAP candidate clarifies SDP’s ‘OBJECTION’

By Faris Mokhtar | SingaporeScene – Thu, Apr 28, 2011 12:55 AM SGT

People's Action Party (PAP) candidate for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, Sim Ann, has clarified the objection raised by the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) over the validity of her candidacy due to her employment status.

The objection by SDP was made after Sim Ann indicated in her Nomination form that she was "unemployed".

It questioned whether she was still able to stand as a candidate as she was still serving out her notice of resignation from her civil service job.

At the Greenridge Secondary School Nomination Centre on Wednesday afternoon, the SDP claimed that since she is still serving out her notice of resignation, Sim Ann was still considered a civil servant. Under the Parliamentary Elections Act, a civil servant is not allowed to contest in an election.

Sim Ann, 36, was formerly a high-flying civil servant with the National Population Talent Division before she was introduced as a PAP candidate on 14 April.

However, the Returning Officer from the Elections Department "overruled" SDP's objection. This prompted the SDP to seek a reply from the department to explain why the objection was overruled.

At a press conference held by PAP's Holland-Bukit Timah GRC team after nominations closed, Sim Ann said the SDP's objection was "utterly and completely baseless".

She explained that she had tendered the notice of resignation on 18 March and her last date as a civil servant was 3 April.

"Essentially the PSD will require a stipulated time for resignation and if you fall short of that particular period, there may be a penalty to be paid," she said.

"So you can leave the service at any time but depending on how much notice you give, there may or may not be a financial penalty attached to it. And for the record, in my case, there was a financial penalty to it which I have already paid up," she said.

However, she refused to reveal the amount that was paid, claiming that it was a "personal issue".

"My last date as a civil servant was the third of April, so from April 4 this year onwards, I am not employed by the civil service or for that matter any other organisation."

The Public Service Division (PSD) also confirmed that Sim Ann is no longer an employee in the civil service in a statement from the Elections Department hours after the close of nominations, reported Channel NewsAsia.

When informed about PSD's explanation, the SDP said that it "welcomed" the clarification and would put the issue behind them.

[kueytoc]

Dr Vivian: Let’s not talk about VIDEO anymore

By Faris Mokhtar | SingaporeScene – Thu, Apr 28, 2011 1:30 AM SGT

Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Dr Vivian Balakrishnan has called for a truce.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the Minister said there is "no need" to further discuss a video which shows Singapore Democratic Party's (SDP) candidate, Dr Vincent Wijeysingha, attending a forum which discussed on gay rights.

Dr Balakrishnan, who will contest the Holland-Bukit Timah against the SDP team led by Dr Wijeysingha, said that he was satisfied with the SDP's video response to his earlier concerns about a possible "gay agenda" should SDP be voted into Parliament.

"His video statements (by SDP chief Chee Soon Juan) were a response to my question, he's answered the question. Let's leave it at that," said the minister.

When asked if he would bring the matter up again during his team's campaigning, he said, "No. No need. I don't need to go any further with that. Questions was asked, I posed the question, he answered," he added.

However, Dr Balakrishan dismissed that he was employing a "smear tactic" when he brought up the issue, saying "No. This is a legitimate question and he's answered it."

In a statement released on Monday evening, the People's Action Party (PAP) team for the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC had called on the SDP and, in particular, its candidate Dr Vincent Wijeysingha, 40, to be upfront about his "political motives", prompting a heated war of words between the two parties.

In a swift video response, SDP chief Dr Chee said that while both parties might have disagreements over policy issues, he called on the Minister not to resort to "personal attacks" and adopting "smear tactics".

Meanwhile, Dr Balakrishnan also rejected calls by the SDP for a public debate, saying that it would just give the SDP an added platform to engage residents.

Explaining that there are no such "shortcuts", he said, "Personally as incumbents, we've been here, our residents know us, we have walked and knocked on every single door in this GRC.

"A team that has just come together in the last few days and has not done their leg work, the reason they want a debate is because they want a platform to reach out to residents."

Taking a jibe at the SDP's statements that he was rattled by their contest in the GRC, Dr Balakrishnan said, "Do I look rattled?"

Apart from that, he also stressed that the choices made by voters will have an impact on the outcome and opportunities for young Singaporeans over at least the next 20 years.

"For a young Singaporean who just graduate today, 20 years is half your working life. So there are some very fundamental choices which Singaporeans will have to make up their minds on, over the next nine to ten days," he said.

Chee welcomes Dr Vivian’s remarks

On the other hand, Chee pointed out that there has been a “very stern rebuke online” about the way Dr Balakrishnan brought up the issue on the video.

However, the SDP chief welcomed the minister’s statements that he will not pursue the issue come campaign period. Chee was speaking at a separate press conference on Wednesday afternoon where it unveiled its party’s manifesto.

“It’s very clear the online reaction has been very negative towards him. And we asked him not to continue, not to persist in this line.

“I’m hoping, and we’re all hoping that we can run this campaign in the spirit that it was meant to be and that is talking about issues that people are concerned about. And not get into personal attacks," said Chee.

“We take Dr Balakrishnan at his word, that he will not pursue this, and it was very distasteful. The internet community has made that clear to him and we are glad to hear that he will not continue to pursue this matter. We’ll leave it at that."

In addition, Chee also dismissed the suggestion that the party will take advantage of the situation and turn the tables back on Dr Balakrishnan, saying that this is not what SDP is about. Instead, he called on all parties to adopt a “clean fight”.

“This is one thing SDP is not and that we want to go after somebody in a very negative way,” he said.

“We call on every party to take the high road in politics and discuss what’s important for the future of our nation and the people. And when we do that, we’re hoping they will reciprocate.”

[kueytoc]

COMMENTS from JUSTIN 4 hours ago

Vivian,

1. PEOPLE IS THE STRONGEST PARTY.......and NOT PAP.

2. CANNOT SEE ANYTHING THAT YOU HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO HELP BOTH BLUE COLLAR and WHITE COLLAR via IMPROVED POLICIES........kindly SHARE & WE WILL LISTEN !!!

a. Why does SINGAPORE NEED TO ISSUE EMPLOYMENT PASS for GP DOCTORS (NOT SPECIALIST) ? and also for PRIMARY?SECONDARY?COLLEGE TEACHERS ?

b. WHY SO MANY FOREIGN STUDENTS Iin OUR UNIVERSITIES, ARE OUR CHILDREN DEPRIVED ?

c. WHY CANT OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM PRODUCE SINGAPOREAN GP DOCTORS & TEACHERS to meet OUR OWN NEEDS ?.........we TRUST OWN LOCAL QUALITY BETTER>

3. YOU ARE SPOKE UP IN FULL SUPPORT OF PUTTING UP 2 VICES in our BACKYARD .

SHAME ON YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE 2 CASINOS !!!

a. WILL THIS LEADS TO SINGAPORE BEING THE NEXT PATTAYA AND BRING IN MORE VICES.........BASING ON THE LOGIC OF PAP & IGNORING RIGHT VALUE SET ?

i. WILL DEFINITELY INCREASE # OF JOBS & BRING IN THE TOURIST WHICH ARE THE JUSTIFICATION BY PAP FOR BRINGING THE 2 VICES....... WHICH YOU FULLY SUPPORT SYRONGLY !!!!!!!!!

4. ON TOP OF THAT, PAP ALLOW THE CASINO TO BE A LEGAL MONEY LENDER !!!

a. PAP ALLOW THE CASINO TO LEND MONEY TO THOSE WHO HAVE NO MONEY OR ALREADY LOSS HEAVILY TO CONTINUE GAMBLE !!!!!

THIS HAS CAUSED A SINGAPOREAN TO LOSE A WEALTH OF MORE THAN EST $22 MILLION !!! ..............understand casino is taxed in Singapore.

b. WHY DON"T PAP ALLOW THE CASINO TO LEND MONEY OUTSIDE THE CASINO GATE SO THAT THOSE WITHOUT MONEY CAN NOW PAY THE ENTERANCE FEE AND STILL BORROW TO GAMBLE ?????

SINGAPOREANS of ALL CLASSES WANT LEADERS OF RIGHT VALUE SET, INTEGRITY, COMPASSION FOR ALL CITIZENS AND WISE.

SAD TO SAY, YOU GET a THUMBS DOWN BASING ON YOUR EVERY OWN ACTIONS AND RESULTS !!!!

Holland-Bukit Timah SINGAPOREANS,

a. VOTE WISELY !!!!

b. VOTE OUT NON-PERFORMING MINISTERS..............this will PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A RIGHT PERSON TO COME ON ABOARD TO TAKE OF US AND OUR FUTURE GENERATION WITHOUT VICES IN OUR HOMELAND !!!!!

Dr Vivian: Let’s not talk about VIDEO anymore

By Faris Mokhtar | SingaporeScene – Thu, Apr 28, 2011 1:30 AM SGT

Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Dr Vivian Balakrishnan has called for a truce.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the Minister said there is "no need" to further discuss a video which shows Singapore Democratic Party's (SDP) candidate, Dr Vincent Wijeysingha, attending a forum which discussed on gay rights.

Dr Balakrishnan, who will contest the Holland-Bukit Timah against the SDP team led by Dr Wijeysingha, said that he was satisfied with the SDP's video response to his earlier concerns about a possible "gay agenda" should SDP be voted into Parliament.

"His video statements (by SDP chief Chee Soon Juan) were a response to my question, he's answered the question. Let's leave it at that," said the minister.

When asked if he would bring the matter up again during his team's campaigning, he said, "No. No need. I don't need to go any further with that. Questions was asked, I posed the question, he answered," he added.

However, Dr Balakrishan dismissed that he was employing a "smear tactic" when he brought up the issue, saying "No. This is a legitimate question and he's answered it."

In a statement released on Monday evening, the People's Action Party (PAP) team for the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC had called on the SDP and, in particular, its candidate Dr Vincent Wijeysingha, 40, to be upfront about his "political motives", prompting a heated war of words between the two parties.

In a swift video response, SDP chief Dr Chee said that while both parties might have disagreements over policy issues, he called on the Minister not to resort to "personal attacks" and adopting "smear tactics".

Meanwhile, Dr Balakrishnan also rejected calls by the SDP for a public debate, saying that it would just give the SDP an added platform to engage residents.

Explaining that there are no such "shortcuts", he said, "Personally as incumbents, we've been here, our residents know us, we have walked and knocked on every single door in this GRC.

"A team that has just come together in the last few days and has not done their leg work, the reason they want a debate is because they want a platform to reach out to residents."

Taking a jibe at the SDP's statements that he was rattled by their contest in the GRC, Dr Balakrishnan said, "Do I look rattled?"

Apart from that, he also stressed that the choices made by voters will have an impact on the outcome and opportunities for young Singaporeans over at least the next 20 years.

"For a young Singaporean who just graduate today, 20 years is half your working life. So there are some very fundamental choices which Singaporeans will have to make up their minds on, over the next nine to ten days," he said.

Chee welcomes Dr Vivian’s remarks

On the other hand, Chee pointed out that there has been a “very stern rebuke online” about the way Dr Balakrishnan brought up the issue on the video.

However, the SDP chief welcomed the minister’s statements that he will not pursue the issue come campaign period. Chee was speaking at a separate press conference on Wednesday afternoon where it unveiled its party’s manifesto.

“It’s very clear the online reaction has been very negative towards him. And we asked him not to continue, not to persist in this line.

“I’m hoping, and we’re all hoping that we can run this campaign in the spirit that it was meant to be and that is talking about issues that people are concerned about. And not get into personal attacks," said Chee.

“We take Dr Balakrishnan at his word, that he will not pursue this, and it was very distasteful. The internet community has made that clear to him and we are glad to hear that he will not continue to pursue this matter. We’ll leave it at that."

In addition, Chee also dismissed the suggestion that the party will take advantage of the situation and turn the tables back on Dr Balakrishnan, saying that this is not what SDP is about. Instead, he called on all parties to adopt a “clean fight”.

“This is one thing SDP is not and that we want to go after somebody in a very negative way,” he said.

“We call on every party to take the high road in politics and discuss what’s important for the future of our nation and the people. And when we do that, we’re hoping they will reciprocate.”

[TayHongSiang]

COMMENTS from JUSTIN 4 hours ago

Vivian,

1. PEOPLE IS THE STRONGEST PARTY.......and NOT PAP.

2. CANNOT SEE ANYTHING THAT YOU HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO HELP BOTH BLUE COLLAR and WHITE COLLAR via IMPROVED POLICIES........kindly SHARE & WE WILL LISTEN !!!

a. Why does SINGAPORE NEED TO ISSUE EMPLOYMENT PASS for GP DOCTORS (NOT SPECIALIST) ? and also for PRIMARY?SECONDARY?COLLEGE TEACHERS ?

b. WHY SO MANY FOREIGN STUDENTS Iin OUR UNIVERSITIES, ARE OUR CHILDREN DEPRIVED ?

c. WHY CANT OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM PRODUCE SINGAPOREAN GP DOCTORS & TEACHERS to meet OUR OWN NEEDS ?.........we TRUST OWN LOCAL QUALITY BETTER>

3. YOU ARE SPOKE UP IN FULL SUPPORT OF PUTTING UP 2 VICES in our BACKYARD .

SHAME ON YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE 2 CASINOS !!!

a. WILL THIS LEADS TO SINGAPORE BEING THE NEXT PATTAYA AND BRING IN MORE VICES.........BASING ON THE LOGIC OF PAP & IGNORING RIGHT VALUE SET ?

i. WILL DEFINITELY INCREASE # OF JOBS & BRING IN THE TOURIST WHICH ARE THE JUSTIFICATION BY PAP FOR BRINGING THE 2 VICES....... WHICH YOU FULLY SUPPORT SYRONGLY !!!!!!!!!

4. ON TOP OF THAT, PAP ALLOW THE CASINO TO BE A LEGAL MONEY LENDER !!!

a. PAP ALLOW THE CASINO TO LEND MONEY TO THOSE WHO HAVE NO MONEY OR ALREADY LOSS HEAVILY TO CONTINUE GAMBLE !!!!!

THIS HAS CAUSED A SINGAPOREAN TO LOSE A WEALTH OF MORE THAN EST $22 MILLION !!! ..............understand casino is taxed in Singapore.

b. WHY DON"T PAP ALLOW THE CASINO TO LEND MONEY OUTSIDE THE CASINO GATE SO THAT THOSE WITHOUT MONEY CAN NOW PAY THE ENTERANCE FEE AND STILL BORROW TO GAMBLE ?????

SINGAPOREANS of ALL CLASSES WANT LEADERS OF RIGHT VALUE SET, INTEGRITY, COMPASSION FOR ALL CITIZENS AND WISE.

SAD TO SAY, YOU GET a THUMBS DOWN BASING ON YOUR EVERY OWN ACTIONS AND RESULTS !!!!

Holland-Bukit Timah SINGAPOREANS,

a. VOTE WISELY !!!!

b. VOTE OUT NON-PERFORMING MINISTERS..............this will PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A RIGHT PERSON TO COME ON ABOARD TO TAKE OF US AND OUR FUTURE GENERATION WITHOUT VICES IN OUR HOMELAND !!!!!

from justin timberlake or SRC justin?

[kueytoc]

KUAN YEW says he would have liked a CONTEST in TG PAGAR

By Singapore Straits Times | The Edge – Wed, Apr 27, 2011 3:14 PM

SINGAPORE: Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said he would have welcomed a contest in Tanjong Pagar GRC, which was returned unopposed on Wednesday, April 27.

Lee said the Singapore Democratic Alliance which was to have fielded a team in the five-member GRC had made a “feeble effort to show that they wanted to contest”.

Lee, who has held the Tanjong Pagar seat since 1955, said the constituency has been transformed in the past few decades, as did the whole of Singapore since 1959 when he became the Prime Minister.

Speaking to supporters after his team was returned in a walkover, Lee gave his assurance that they would continue to serve Tanjong Pagar residents for the next five years.

Lee, who has not faced a contest in Tanjong Pagar since 1991, said he would have liked to see one there but the SDA team missed the noon deadline for filing their papers and was disqualified from contesting.

“Everybody knows you have to put the papers in by 12 o'clock, so it's a feeble attempt to show they wanted contest,” he said.

The other four PAP members in MM's team are Ms Indranee Rajah, Dr Lily Neo, new faces Major General (NS) Chan Chun Sing and Dr Chia Shi Lu.

Dr Chia was a last-minute replacement Mr Baey Yam Keng who was originally slated for Tanjong Pagar GRC.

Baey was moved to Tampines GRC to replace new candidate Steve Tan who pulled out on Wednesday morning.

– Singapore Straits Times

[kueytoc]

WAH !...so many Taxpayers-$$$ Garlands !!!

[kueytoc]

Party Rallies close to you on Friday 29 April

By Ion Danker | SingaporeScene – Thu, Apr 28, 2011 6:28 PM SGT

Time: 7 pm to 10 pm

Where: Serangoon Stadium, 33 Yio Chu Kang Road

Who: Workers' Party

Time: 7 pm to 10 pm

Where: Yio Chu Kang Stadium, 210 Ang Mo Kio Ave 9

Who: People's Action Party

Time: 7 pm to 10 pm

Where: Open field by Kallang Ave

Who: People's Action Party

Time: 7 pm to 10 pm

Where: Jurong West Stadium, 20 Jurong West St 93

Who: People's Action Party

Time: 7 pm to 10 pm

Where: Jurong East Stadium, 21 Jurong East St 31

Who: Singapore Democratic Party

Time: 7 pm to 10 pm

Where: Open field bounded by Sengkang East Ave and Sengkang East Drive

Who: Singapore Democratic Alliance

Time: 7 pm to 10 pm

Where: Open field bounded by Jurong West Ave 3, Jurong West St 22, 23 and 24, diagonally opposite Blk 276D

Who: Singapore People's Party

Time: 7 pm to 10 pm

Where: Delta Hockey Pitch, 900 Tiong Bahru Road

Who: National Solidarity Party

[kueytoc]

'3D Movie' coming to an open-THEATRE near U !!!

[kueytoc]

I have no other AGENDA: Vincent Wijeysingha

By Faris Mokhtar | SingaporeScene – Fri, Apr 29, 2011 3:34 AM SGT

Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Dr Vincent Wijeysingha says he has "no other agenda", other than discussing hot-button issues concerning average Singaporeans.

Speaking at the party's rally which saw an estimated 5,000 people gather at an open field located near Commonwealth MRT station on Thursday evening, Dr Wijeysingha said, "Let me assure you all and Singapore from this place. I have no other agenda than your agenda. Why? Because I am one of you."

Citing issues such as rising costs of living and housing prices, Dr Wijeysingha, 40, claimed that he is able to relate with the common man on their grievances.

“I also feel the pinch of rising prices. I also have to think twice about going to the doctor when I have the flu. I also haven’t been able to afford a flat and I also worry about my parents old days,” he said.

“I have spent my whole life working with the underprivileged and it is they who moved me and it is they who moved the members of my party.”

“And if we have any radical idea, if we have any dangerous agenda, it is this, that all Singaporeans deserved to be happy and fulfilled, not just some.”

His statements were a tongue-in-cheek reference to the “gay” video issue raised by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.

On Monday, the People's Action Party (PAP) Holland-Bukit Timah GRC team led by Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, had questioned if the SDP and in particular Dr Wijeysingha, will pursue the "gay agenda" in the political arena.

This comes after a YouTube video showed the SDP candidate in a forum on how to further promote the rights of gays and lesbians.

However, SDP chief Chee Soon Juan later responded that neither the party nor its candidates will pursue such an agenda and both parties have since put the matter to rest.

Addressing the issue for the first time in public, Dr Wijeysingha who is also an executive director of a social welfare organisation says that he bears no hard feelings and would also like to put the matter behind him.

"I would like to say something from my heart. Some of you may have read the headlines about me the last few days. I would like to say from this place that I have no anger to those who cause me to enter the headlines.

"Politics is a stressful activity, not for me. But having said that, politicians make mistakes, we are human beings, and we say the wrong things," he said.

"Dr Balakrishnan may have miscalculated, these things happen. I want to move on and I want to say from this place. I want to wish my PAP opponents the very best of luck and may the best men and women win."

Meanwhile, other issues raised at the rally included ministerial salaries, accountability for the "overblown" budget of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) and the need for more public assistance.

Coming on as the second last speaker of the night, the loudest cheers were ultimately reserved for Dr Wijeysingha as the crowd chanted "we want Vincent".

When he asked why they attended the rally, the crowd replied, "To see you, Vincent", before they broke into laughter and cheers.

According to the SDP, local celebrities such as actor-director Lim Kay Siu, TV host Denise Keller and local playwright Alfian Sa'at were also spotted at the rally.

However, some people in the crowd were upset with the poor sound system which left many who were standing at the back trying to make out what the candidates were saying.

One of them was 48-year-old researcher James Raj, who complained that he could barely hear a thing from the back of the crowd.

"I was really looking forward to what Vincent was going to say but unfortunately I couldn't hear a thing. Perhaps they should add more speakers at the back of the field," he said.

[kueytoc]

Fresh opposition faces make their BOW

Yahoo! Newsroom – Fri, Apr 29, 2011 12:28 AM SGT

Four fresh opposition faces made their bow on national television during the Party Political

The pre-recorded broadcast allowed a representative from each of the six major political parties contesting the General Elections to address a national audience on what the party stood for and its key messages.

Each was given air-time of between 2.5 minutes to 12 minutes to speak (depending on the size of the party).

National Solidarity Party's Tony Tan Lay Thiam, Workers' Party's Pritam Singh, Singapore Democratic Party's Tan Jee Say and the Singapore Democratic Alliance's Harminder Pal Singh -- who have been working the ground but have so far remained out of the full glare of the media spotlight -- stepped up to the plate and delivered.

NSP's Tony Tan, 41, was the most impassioned of the lot as he spoke with conviction about "starting a new chapter" for Singapore on the premise that the current government had failed to provide a "Swiss standard of living."

The ex-government scholar, who studied engineering on a Singapore Armed Forces Merit scholarship and is a Cambridge University alumni, urged voters to ring in a "chapter written by Singaporeans for Singaporeans" come Polling Day.

Postgraduate law student Pritam Singh, 34, of the WP stuck closely to his party's slogan of a "First World Parliament", arguing that continued PAP dominance had led to a "bull-dozing of policies."

Singh, who is on the WP's A-team that will contest Aljunied GRC, urged Singaporeans to vote for a Parliament that is "neither a national feedback unit nor a rubber stamp."

SDP member Tan Jee Say, 57, who is part of the team contesting the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC spoke on the need to return power to the hands of the people.

The investment adviser and ex-principal private secretary to Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong also called on policies to "remove GST for basic items, healthcare, education and foodstuffs" and "put Singaporeans first in jobs, good jobs, jobs that pay well."

For his part, Singapore People's Party chief Chiam See Tong, despite his age and hunched posture, spoke clearly and confidently asking for greater accountability from the government.

The 76-year-old opposition stalwart who will be gunning for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC asked for greater transparency in the Mas Selamat escape case as well as the "gross overspending" for the YOG, the "investment decisions of Temasek and GIC" and the "use of CPF monies."

Harminder Pal Singh of the Singapore Democratic Alliance said his party would raise five burning issues, including the cost of living and the high cost of medical expenses if voted into Parliament.

Singh is on the SDA team that will contest the Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC.

Reform Party chief Kenneth Jeyaretnam urged voters not be afraid of a "freak result" and instead to vote for a two-party system in parliament.

He also promised a "better, fairer and more accountable Singapore" where "the government serves the people and not vice versa" if his party was voted in.

People's Action Party's secretary-general PM Lee Hsien Loong made the final address as he laid out his party plans to double down on education, transport and aid for the less privileged so no one would be left behind.

He also said his party is "tested and proven" and knows how to guide the country in tough times, such as the 2008 financial crisis and the ongoing security challenges posed by neighbours Malaysia and Indonesia.

[kueytoc]

Poor Turnout at PAP’s first GE Rally

By Fann Sim | SingaporeScene – Fri, Apr 29, 2011 2:42 AM SGT

If the outcome for this General Election was based purely on rally attendances, the Opposition would win hands down.

An estimated 2,500 people, many of whom were hardcore party supporters, turned up for the People's Action Party's (PAP) first rally for the 2011 General Election at the field beside Buangkok MRT station on Thursday evening.

That figure pales in comparison to the rallies for the Worker's Party in Hougang (estimated 20,000), in Geylang East for National Solidarity Party (estimated 5,000), in Clementi stadium for Reform Party (estimated 4,000) and near Commonwealth MRT for Singapore Democratic Party (estimated 10,000).

Present at the PAP rally were candidates contesting Pasir Ris-Punggol Group Representation Constituency (GRC), Punggol East Single Member Constituency (SMC) and Sengkang West SMC.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean stumbled early on in his speech, after he wrongly addressed the audience as a "Siglap crowd." He quickly made amends and address his audience as from "Sengkang West".

On the topic of Singapore's cash reserves, DPM Teo -- who is leading the Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC team -- talked about the purpose of the reserve and how it helped Singaporeans tide over the financial downturn in the last five years.

"Now, however, the opposition parties seem to have forgotten why we need the reserves... and they now want to raid the reserves for all kinds of clever ideas," he said.

"To them, 60 billion dollars is small change," said the DPM before rhetorically asking the audience, "Do you know how many zeros there are in 60 billion? That to the government, is not small change."

Michael Palmer, the PAP candidate for Punggol East also impressed residents when he spoke fluent Mandarin.

"If you elect the PAP team for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, Punggol East SMC, the Pasir Ris Punggol Town Council will continue to see and manage the facilities of both Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC and the newly carved out Punggol East SMC," said the 43-year-old lawyer.

He also announced that he will be appointed the town council chairman if elected and this appointment would ensure a seamless continuation of service without interruptions or any transition periods.

Palmer also asked voters to think carefully about the three-cornered challenge posed by Desmond Lim from the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) and Workers' Party Lee Li Lian for Punggol East SMC.

"They have not worked the ground but appeared seven weeks before the Polling Day. Mr Lim said then (in 2006) that even if he did not win, he would continue to work the ground until the next election. After the election, we did not see Mr Lim for the next four-and-a-half years," said Palmer.

Spotted in the crowd was former army chief and PAP candidate Chan Chun Sing whose Tanjong Pagar GRC was the only ward not contested. He was seen walking around alone surveying trying to gain a different perspective from his "backstage view".

"I would say that a majority of Singaporeans are very logical and considered people. To make you vote, people can say things to stir your emotions and those things said may not be of substance," he said.

A spectator who declined to be named told Yahoo! Singapore she was asked to attend the PAP rally to lend support.

When asked who her employer was, she said "PCF", referring to the PAP Community Foundation organization known for it's pre-school kindergartens.

A fair number of youths were also seen at the rally listening attentively to the various speeches.

Nan, a 22-year-old student, said she had been a resident around the area since she was born.

"I'm very excited about this election because of the opposition. I'm not very experienced though," said the first-time voter.

[kueytoc]

It felt like Stefanie Sun came on Stage

By Alicia Wong | SingaporeScene Fri, Apr 29, 2011 2:04 AM SGT

"It felt like (local artiste) Stefanie Sun came on the stage".

That tweet by Twitter user Joyce Sim (@jovenaheart) pretty much summed up the current pop-star aura of National Solidarity Party (NSP) candidate Nicole Seah when she addressed the crowd at her party's rally held at Geylang East on Thursday night.

Certainly, an estimated 5,000-strong crowd, made up slightly of more men than women, reserved their loudest cheers for this General Election's youngest candidate.

Seah, 24, who was the second-last candidate to speak, spoke about the rising cost of living during her 15-minute speech which she peppered with smatterings of Mandarin and Malay.

The Marine Parade GRC candidate lamented the high prices of public housing -- "public housing, indeed" -- and the Goods and Service Tax which eats into the middle class households' expenses.

She also argued against the increase in foreigners in Singapore -- to the extent that "everytime I take the train, no need for a passport, I feel like I'm on holiday in a different country."

Seah -- who in the space of two weeks has gained a huge following on Facebook with over 30,000 fans -- said the NSP also would focus on employment, growing wages and building a better quality of life for Singaporeans, she said. The party also "promises compassionate lower prices for first time homeowners".

She reserved her strongest criticism for Prime Minister Lee Hsieng Loong when she asked point blank, "PM Lee, whose money are you using for upgrading? Whose money is used to pay your salary?"

Also responding to PM Lee's comment that the GE is not "masak-masak", she said,"Of course the NSP team feels that it is not masak-masak lah, that's why the NSP never change its Tampines team at the last minute."

As Seah rallied the crowd, her parents (right) stood by the side of the stage as her mother nodded and clapped along with the crowd.

A total of 10 NSP candidates spoke during the three-hour rally. They tackled a variety of issues, ranging from housing, transport, quality of life, the group representation system and ministerial salaries.

Asked Tampines GRC candidate Gilbert Goh, "Are you having a better life compared to five years ago? Is your salary right now higher than five years ago? Do you think you have a better Singapore compared to five years ago?"

There was a sombre moment when NSP chief Goh Meng Seng paid tribute to his late brother, David Goh, who died from a heart attack on Thursday morning.

The NSP Tampines team leader went on to lambast Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong for the high cost of living today through measures such as the electronic road pricing.

He said, Singapore's former Prime Minister had introduced a "Swiss cost of living", rather than a Swiss standard of living. He blamed SM Goh for turning Singapore into a "company" and for focusing on GDP growth instead of the people.

Meanwhile former MP Cheo Chai Chen criticised the government for not listening to the oppositions' ideas, while newcomer and Mountbatten SMC candidate Jeanette Chong-Aruldoss questioned PAP's candidate in Marine Parade GRC, Tin Pei Ling.

When Tin rallied hawkers in MacPherson to pledge to keep prices steady, did she ask the National Environment Agency not to increase the rent of these hawkers, questioned Chong-Aruldoss.

An estimated 5,000 turned up for the rally. (Yahoo! photo)

Some members of the crowd told Yahoo! Singapore they found the atmosphere "festive" while others felt it was "a bit quiet".

A group of four people, who live in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, Alujnied GRC, Radin Mas SMC and Marine Parade GRC, said they would be visiting various rallies to found out more about the opposition parties.

They said the NSP's arguments were logical and the party "brought out the frustrations of Singaporeans".

54-year-old Eric Perera, who lives in Marine Parade GRC, said the rally was "not as fiery" as previous rallies he had been to. But his two daughters who accompanied him felt the speakers "connected" with the ground, he said.

After attending a few more rallies, "(there will be) deep searching inside on who I'll vote for," said Perara.

[paul@sg]

After so much reading... something for relaxation, courtesy of Mr Brown

http://www.mrbrown.com/blog/2011/04/the-mrbrown-show-gee-ahruh-see-music-video.html

[kueytoc]

WP’s Pritam Singh: George Yeo as President

By Liyana Low | SingaporeScene – Mon, May 2, 2011 4:42 AM SGT

Workers' Party (WP) Aljunied GRC 'A team' member Pritam Singh says the party is "not looking to kill any tigers" during this election.

During his rally speech at Yishun stadium on Sunday evening, Pritam responded to Foreign Minister George Yeo's wife, Jennifer, who said on Facebook that "who dares to kill her tiger would have to deal with her".

He also hit back at Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong's comments, that the quality of the government will go down if Mr Yeo were to lose the election.

"It is as if George Yeo, like all the tigers around the world, is being treated as an endangered species," said the post-graduate law student.

"I promise you that the Workers' Party is not interested in killing any tigers... I would not be so worried about George Yeo. In the next few months, Singapore will host another election -- the presidential election," he told the estimated 10,000-strong crowd

"I strongly recommend that George Yeo contest in the presidential election. In that way, George Yeo can still be part of the government and SM Goh can relax," he said to loud applause.

Since Pritam's suggestion, several "George Yeo for President" pages have sprouted up on Facebook. One already has over 1,100 likes.

The post-graduate law student also suggested that if Mr Yeo does find himself out of a job, he could become a Non-Elected Member of Parliament (NCMP) as the best-performing losing candidate in the elections.

Meanwhile, WP chairman Sylvia Lim highlighted that the possibility of losing five talents in a GRC is a problem that the ruling party had created itself.

In her rally speech, she questioned the PAP for changing the rules and the formation of the GRCs.

"By having GRCs and making them so big, the PAP has raised the stakes and we opposition must contest with these stakes. If the system only has single seats, this problem wouldn't exist."

Turning her attention to Labour Day, she also spoke on how the minimum sum for the Central Provident Fund (CPF) has been increasing over the past years.

"In two years' time, the sum would reach almost S$150,000, and as a result, many Singaporeans who cannot meet this required sum are only allowed a withdrawal of S$5,000."

She added that the People's Action Party (PAP) constantly changes the rules and has delayed the draw-down age for savings from 62 to 65.

Lim told the crowd that the PAP needs to be reminded that it is the people's hard-earned money.

The WP proposed that the draw-down age be 60 and that Singaporeans facing financial difficulties should be allowed to tap into their CPF savings under strict guidelines, she said.

Unlike the PAP, who "treat Singaporeans like kids", she said, "The WP recognises that the money belongs to the people."

With Polling Day fast approaching, all eyes continue to be on the WP team contesting the Aljunied hotspot. The team consists of former Hougang MP Low Thia Khiang, former NCMP Sylvia Lim, the party's "star catch" Chen Show Mao as well as family counsellor Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap and post-graduate law student Pritam Singh.

They will be up against the incumbent PAP team fronted by Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Hwee Hua, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Madam Cynthia Phua and new face Ong Ye Kung, an assistant secretary-general of NTUC .

[kueytoc]

SDP’s Tan vs SM Goh: War of Words heats Up

By Faris Mokhtar | SingaporeScene – Mon, May 2, 2011 1:40 AM SGT

Singapore Democratic Party's (SDP) Holland-Bukit Timah GRC candidate Tan Jee Say says he was "surprised" by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong's remarks that he was not capable of being a Permanent Secretary.

Speaking to an estimated 7,000-strong crowd at the SDP rally on Sunday evening at Clementi, Tan responded to SM Goh's comments, revealing why he resigned from the civil service.

"I want to respond to remarks by a few ministers. In the past few days I've been the target of a lot of criticisms and I think it's only fair that I tell you what my position is."

"I am surprised that he (SM Goh) made such a remark because he had earlier said he would not comment on candidates outside Marine Parade GRC," said Tan.

Tan shared that he had wanted to resign from the civil service after his scholarship bond ended in 1984 but was asked by SM Goh, who was then Deputy Prime Minister, to be his principal private secretary.

He added that his appointment was to assist in the leadership transition from Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, who was the Prime Minister, to the second generation of leaders.

"I told him I had no intention of staying in the civil service; he said he needed me for only 3 to 5 years, after which I could leave the civil service if I still wanted to do so."

"At the end of five years, I again expressed my desire to leave the service. He replied that since this was the second time I told him I wanted to leave, he would not hold me back but would give me his blessings to leave the civil service," said the 57-year-old investment adviser.

SM Goh had earlier said at a People's Action Party rally for Marine Parade GRC on Saturday that although Tan was "hardworking", he did not think that he "could make it" as a Permanent Secretary.

As a result, Tan resigned from the public service and entered the private sector to advance his career.

But Tan replied, "It was not my mission in life to be a permanent secretary. I wanted to be a more complete person with life experiences in both the public and private sectors."

Tan expressed his disappointment at his former boss' comments.

"I have given five of my best years in my career life to Mr Goh. He asked me to be his PPS, I did not ask for the job. I do not expect such comments from him after five years of loyal service," he said.

Tan also responded to MM Lee's comments on his proposal to transform the economy, where he suggested that Singapore should divert from the manufacturing sector and progress towards the services sector.

Said MM Lee on Sunday, "He has no qualifications to say that and he is wrong. If you don't have manufacturing, you're going to have trouble with jobs."

In his response, Tan said he was qualified to propose alternative economic proposals, highlighting his educational background and policy-making experiences in the administrative service as supporting testimonials.

"I am surprised; I studied economics at Oxford University and for six years, I worked in the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) where I headed economic and manpower planning.

"So I have knowledge of both economic theory and development economics. In addition, my proposals have been endorsed by Lord Butler who served three British Prime Ministers."

Lord Robin Butler was a Cabinet Secretary to three British Prime Ministers - Margaret Thatcher, John Major and Tony Blair.

On MM Lee's statements that the manufacturing sector is "more steady" than the services sector, Tan argued that an economic study has proven otherwise.

He was referring to a study by three economists from MTI which was published in the Economic Survey of Singapore in 2009, titled "Is Smoother Always Better? Understanding Singapore's Volatility Growth-Relationship".

Tan explained that the study — conducted over a 30-year period from 1978 to 2008 — concluded that the services sector as a whole has a relatively low volatility. And that a large part of the increased in volatility in Singapore has stemmed from the manufacturing sector.

"It is these conclusions and the experiences of other countries that led me to propose that Singapore be developed as an integrated services hub for the region."

At the rally on Sunday evening, a total of 10 SDP candidates delivered their speeches, focusing on the rising costs of living where they spoke out against the lack of government assistance to help Singaporeans cope with the issue.

[kueytoc]

Do the new media reflect majority opinion in S’pore?

By Seah Chiang Nee | SingaporeScene – 1 hour 29 minutes ago

For years, cynical Singaporeans who disliked government-controlled news have been forming themselves into a sort of digital sub-community.

They often ignore what the government says about policies, preferring instead to talk to each other about them online, a sad development for the authorities.

Large numbers of these better-educated Singaporeans have long lived within this sub-culture where the government plays little or no part.

They turn away from government press releases or Singapore newspaper reports which they consider as propaganda.

So far, the authorities have not found a way to engage the community, let alone win it over. It is crucial because Singapore's Internet penetration is more than 75 percent.

And with the 2011 election coming up, this sub-culture has evolved further.

From merely communicating with each other, it has moved with videos, songs and poems into the area of social networking that galvanises thoughts and action.

Meet the Facebook Generation! If this election throws up a surprising outcome, it is due to the movement.

Facebook is not the only one, but it is the most popular social networking site in Singapore with 48.2 percent — or 2.5 million — people owning an account, making this island republic one of its biggest users.

(In a recent survey by The Straits Times, 36.3 percent of Singaporeans, aged 21 to 34, cited the Internet as their top source of local political news, compared with 35.3 percent who preferred newspapers.)

There are others, too, like Twitter and YouTube.

Collectively, their rising popularity is changing politics in Singapore by allowing weaker, poorer opposition parties to challenge a giant like the People's Action Party (PAP).

As I write this, a small army of young Facebook eager beavers — some of them armed with iPads -- are volunteering, discussing and organising political rallies for various parties.

"We need helpers. If you're living in Whampoa, Pioneer or Chua Chu Kang, we'd love to hear from you," an opposition candidate appealed on Facebook.

"Count me in," came a quick response, followed by another, "Me and my sect of 200 ready for action".

Another opposition party standing against Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong needed 30 volunteers to be proposers and seconders.

And the newbie Reform Party is online to recruit "walk-about" helpers, videographers, polling agents and general helpers.

In many cases, the appeals worked. Hundreds, if not thousands, are responding.

This is the Facebook Generation in action.

The ruling PAP hasn't fallen behind. Several Cabinet ministers and a dozen Members of Parliament (MPs) have Facebook or Twitter pages, which they use to communicate with supporters and constituents.

Few of the responses they get can match the opposition's, since the online community is largely an anti-government one.

Hours before nomination began, for example, a frantic attempt was launched in the social media network to raise S$13,000 still needed as deposits for an opposition team to contest in Tanjong Pagar, the constituency of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.

This was a case of a smaller party lacking funds and resources turning to the Facebook public for help. The call was repeated regularly and money began filtering in.

Finally, someone sent S$10,000 as a loan to the candidates, but if lost due to insufficient votes, the lender said, "I will cancel the debt".

He explained this was to prevent walkovers, so that every Singaporean can vote.

Despite the 11th hour activities, the team was late submitting nomination papers — by 35 seconds. (Most of the contributions had reportedly been returned to senders).

However, the new trend is helping to disperse some of the apathy of young people, making them less compliant or fearful of the government.

Singapore is recognised as the world's most evolved social media market, according to a research by Firefly Millward Brown.

"Singaporeans' lives converge online and offline, where their families, friends, interests, work and hobbies could be found in the tangible as well as virtual world," the survey findings reportedly revealed.

It is rubbing off on some older citizens, who know next to nothing about the world wide web.

Recently, when Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) leader Dr Chee Soon Juan spoke to Singaporeans in the Hokkien dialect, the video was seen 100,000 times.

A young opposition supporter, Nick, said he showed the tape to his mother, who had been an avid fan of the ruling PAP since the early days.

"After viewing it (Dr Chee was speaking of the plight of poorer Singaporeans and the high cost of living), my mother is now one of us. I am moved to tears," he added.

The PAP, which has governed since 1959 and has 82 out of 84 Parliament seats, is also using the Internet and social media to retain control on power. Its party's website is sophisticated and has 200 videos.

The looser policy contrasts with some of the tightest rules in the developed world to control the traditional media.

For the 7 May election, however, the authorities have lifted a ban on online political campaigning.

But as voting draws near, political analysts are cautioning against using the social media (which is overwhelmingly anti-government) as the sole yardstick to measure the outcome.

The Facebook culture may swing many youthful minds, but it may not necessarily reflect the majority of public opinion.

The Workers' Party's webmaster Koh Cheong Yoong has said new media tools like Facebook and Twitter cater only to a particular segment of the population.

"It helps us to reach out to more people than we could have, but it is probably not going to be the major determining factor in the winning of votes," he added.

That battle has to be fought and won in the streets and homes.

[kueytoc]

Opposition taps Anti-Immigrant Sentiment in Singapore

By Philip Lim | AFP News – Sun, May 1, 2011 10:34 AM SGT

Singapore is a nation of immigrants but its opposition parties are tapping into growing anti-foreigner sentiment among voters to win more parliamentary seats in general elections on May 7.

Foreigners are accused of stealing jobs, depressing wages and straining housing, transport, schools, hospitals and other public services, putting the ruling party on the defensive for easing immigration rules in recent years.

The People's Action Party (PAP), in power since 1959, is widely expected to secure a comfortable majority but its opponents are hoping to win far more than the two seats they held in the recently dissolved 84-member parliament.

"Now every time I take the train, it feels like I'm in a different country," 24-year-old opposition candidate Nicole Seah of the National Solidarity Party told a public rally on Thursday to boisterous cheers.

"It is like taking a holiday. I don't even need to bring my passport!" added Seah, an advertising professional who is the youngest candidate in the polls.

Singapore's population numbered 4.03 million in 2000, with 760,000 foreigners and the rest citizens and permanent residents, according to government statistics.

Last year, the population soared to 5.08 million with foreigners hitting an all-time high of 1.3 million.

Singapore has long had a steady intake of foreigners but the government markedly liberalised the admission of immigrants during the economic boom from 2004-2007.

With a birth rate far below what is needed to maintain population levels, Singaporeans were told they needed "foreign talent" and young immigrant families to keep the island economically competitive in the long term.

Sentiment began to worsen when the global economy collapsed in 2008-2009, and not even the record 14.5 percent economic growth in 2010 was enough to assuage Singaporeans' fears of being swamped by foreigners.

"They never asked us whether we wanted a huge increase in our population," another opposition candidate, Vincent Wijeysingha of the Singapore Democratic Party, said at a rally on Thursday.

"They never asked us if we expected such large numbers of people working for such low salaries so that your salaries will also be pulled down," he added.

It's an ironic turn of events for a city-state founded on cheap immigrant labour during British colonial rule, with most families tracing their roots to China, India, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Reform Party secretary general Kenneth Jeyaretnam said the poorest Singaporeans were the most affected by the presence of cheaper foreign labour.

"The incomes of the poorest 20 percent of the population have probably fallen by between 10 and 20 percent and this is all due to the fact that we have an open-door immigration policy with no minimum wage," said Jeyaretnam, who was a London-based financial executive before plunging into politics.

Eugene Tan, an assistant professor of law at the Singapore Management University, said it was not surprising that opposition parties were milking the immigration issue.

"It works up people very, very easily and it is something that you encounter on a daily basis," he told AFP.

Kelvin Low, an assistant professor in the department of sociology at the National University of Singapore, said the anti-immigration card was not unique to Singapore in the age of globalisation.

"These are populist strategies undertaken to attract the attention of voters," he said.

In reaction to the backlash, the government slowed the intake of foreigners and reduced their social benefits, such as hospital and school fee subsidies, while insisting that Singapore can never survive without them.

"By allowing in a controlled number of foreign workers, far from disadvantaging our own people, we have created more good jobs for Singaporeans and more opportunities in our economy," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said before the campaign began.

[kueytoc]

Comments from Fair Vote T 13 hours ago

Do Singapore looks like ancient china where emperor is in ruling?

China emperor bring in the foreigner because of dealing of weapon making life of the people suffering.

Our side bring in the foreigner robbing our jobs…

China emperor owns everything of the people taking land, taking tax making only the emperor the only one rich in the country.

Our side, GST,COE,HDB loan, Income Tax, ERP….. Do you really own your car and houses?? Every 10year you still got to renew your COE, road tax years… HDB loan is like till you deaths… Who dare say Singapore not rich??? Yes I agree too, I believe all agree on this but the people??? We are coughing blood!!

Who cares for the 1st class in the world if the people is 3rd class?

Who benefits from the high exchange rate???

A general worker PRC is $900+ a Singapore citizen maybe 1300

But when come to OverTime???? Who do the boss allow for Overtime??? A basic $900 or a Basic $1300??? You are so good in calculation you tell me please…??? Do you know how many Singaporean bring back home with a $1100pm to feed the family??

Yes a PRC working here is tough… they basically don’t have any life here and work with not much maybe the same amount $1300 to $1500 after long overtime. So What????? Do you know how much they can bring back to China??? Let say $1500 – $500 for meal and transport they save $1000 every month. In 5 years time $60,000, high exchange rate benefit them of going back to china with $300,000…. ( We here is how many room flat, do you know they are living in how many storey??) @#$% I sometime admires them.. suffer 5 years back and enjoy life there.

How many foreigner you make them rich by coming to Singapore work now??? You are opening gate to others to get rich here and back to their country… Singaporean are suffering…

Do we really have our say now??? Or is this a dictatorship country??

I not saying you are wrong but we need additional voice a extra person with another point of view looking at another view to see if the steering of direction really bring benefit the people??

If there is forever one person doing this job who is there to give another opinion to discuss and get the better idea??? There wont be any brain storming to make things work right???

Lastly.. Is there a point if the government is 1st class but not the people? or we want the people to grow strong with the country?? Please remember the people is the country

Opposition taps Anti-Immigrant Sentiment in Singapore

By Philip Lim | AFP News – Sun, May 1, 2011 10:34 AM SGT

Singapore is a nation of immigrants but its opposition parties are tapping into growing anti-foreigner sentiment among voters to win more parliamentary seats in general elections on May 7.

Foreigners are accused of stealing jobs, depressing wages and straining housing, transport, schools, hospitals and other public services, putting the ruling party on the defensive for easing immigration rules in recent years.

The People's Action Party (PAP), in power since 1959, is widely expected to secure a comfortable majority but its opponents are hoping to win far more than the two seats they held in the recently dissolved 84-member parliament.

"Now every time I take the train, it feels like I'm in a different country," 24-year-old opposition candidate Nicole Seah of the National Solidarity Party told a public rally on Thursday to boisterous cheers.

"It is like taking a holiday. I don't even need to bring my passport!" added Seah, an advertising professional who is the youngest candidate in the polls.

Singapore's population numbered 4.03 million in 2000, with 760,000 foreigners and the rest citizens and permanent residents, according to government statistics.

Last year, the population soared to 5.08 million with foreigners hitting an all-time high of 1.3 million.

Singapore has long had a steady intake of foreigners but the government markedly liberalised the admission of immigrants during the economic boom from 2004-2007.

With a birth rate far below what is needed to maintain population levels, Singaporeans were told they needed "foreign talent" and young immigrant families to keep the island economically competitive in the long term.

Sentiment began to worsen when the global economy collapsed in 2008-2009, and not even the record 14.5 percent economic growth in 2010 was enough to assuage Singaporeans' fears of being swamped by foreigners.

"They never asked us whether we wanted a huge increase in our population," another opposition candidate, Vincent Wijeysingha of the Singapore Democratic Party, said at a rally on Thursday.

"They never asked us if we expected such large numbers of people working for such low salaries so that your salaries will also be pulled down," he added.

It's an ironic turn of events for a city-state founded on cheap immigrant labour during British colonial rule, with most families tracing their roots to China, India, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Reform Party secretary general Kenneth Jeyaretnam said the poorest Singaporeans were the most affected by the presence of cheaper foreign labour.

"The incomes of the poorest 20 percent of the population have probably fallen by between 10 and 20 percent and this is all due to the fact that we have an open-door immigration policy with no minimum wage," said Jeyaretnam, who was a London-based financial executive before plunging into politics.

Eugene Tan, an assistant professor of law at the Singapore Management University, said it was not surprising that opposition parties were milking the immigration issue.

"It works up people very, very easily and it is something that you encounter on a daily basis," he told AFP.

Kelvin Low, an assistant professor in the department of sociology at the National University of Singapore, said the anti-immigration card was not unique to Singapore in the age of globalisation.

"These are populist strategies undertaken to attract the attention of voters," he said.

In reaction to the backlash, the government slowed the intake of foreigners and reduced their social benefits, such as hospital and school fee subsidies, while insisting that Singapore can never survive without them.

"By allowing in a controlled number of foreign workers, far from disadvantaging our own people, we have created more good jobs for Singaporeans and more opportunities in our economy," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said before the campaign began.

[kueytoc]

COMMENTS from NSW 12 hours ago

If it is a problem it should be tackle and NOT TO SWEEP UNDER THE CARPET.

Yes Foriegner Influx is a MAJOR problem here. you wont see this happen in US, AUSTRALIA or any other countries in EUROPE. In those countires people will be taking to the streets to demand an imediate action from the Government. So be grateful we are a civilize lot.

I DO NOT MIND FOREIGNER doing CHEAP LABOUR JOBS like what the Thai and Indonesian construction workers in the 80s but why do we have FOREIGNER now doing MIDDLE INCOME JOB, JOBS THAT A LOWLY EDUCATED SINGAPOREAN CAN DO, SALES, ADMIN, MARKETING, IT, RETAIL, F&B etc etc???

WE only wants FOREIGNER to do jobs that WE SINGAPOREAN DON'T WANT TO DO. If any position that we SINGAPOREAN WANTS TO DO it should be GIVEN TO SINGAPOREAN FIRST.

Also i want the QUALITYof FOREIGNER workers to be IMPROVED. WHERE IS THE POINT SYSTEM FROM IMMIGRATION? we need to fullfilled certain POINT SYSTEM in order to work in NZ, AUSTRALIA etc etc but here... ANY FOREIGNER WITH A O'LEVEL equivalent are let in to work PLS EXPLAIN THIS!!!!

WHY ARE FOREIGNER HERE, ONCE LET IN TO WORK CAN SKIP FROM LOWLY EDUCATED JOB to MIDDLE INCOME JOBS? Why many of them comes in as OPERATOR or SALES later after many years of experience are becoming ENIGNEER, MANAGER and EXECUTIVE?

PLS CONTROL THE LINE OF WORK A FOREIGNER CAN DO/WORK HERE and not to let them treat OUR SYSTEM AS A TICKET TO A BETTER LIFE HERE and COMPLETING WITH SINGAPOREAN!!!

I HOPE PAP LOOK INTO THIS POLICY

Opposition taps Anti-Immigrant Sentiment in Singapore

By Philip Lim | AFP News – Sun, May 1, 2011 10:34 AM SGT

Singapore is a nation of immigrants but its opposition parties are tapping into growing anti-foreigner sentiment among voters to win more parliamentary seats in general elections on May 7.

Foreigners are accused of stealing jobs, depressing wages and straining housing, transport, schools, hospitals and other public services, putting the ruling party on the defensive for easing immigration rules in recent years.

The People's Action Party (PAP), in power since 1959, is widely expected to secure a comfortable majority but its opponents are hoping to win far more than the two seats they held in the recently dissolved 84-member parliament.

"Now every time I take the train, it feels like I'm in a different country," 24-year-old opposition candidate Nicole Seah of the National Solidarity Party told a public rally on Thursday to boisterous cheers.

"It is like taking a holiday. I don't even need to bring my passport!" added Seah, an advertising professional who is the youngest candidate in the polls.

Singapore's population numbered 4.03 million in 2000, with 760,000 foreigners and the rest citizens and permanent residents, according to government statistics.

Last year, the population soared to 5.08 million with foreigners hitting an all-time high of 1.3 million.

Singapore has long had a steady intake of foreigners but the government markedly liberalised the admission of immigrants during the economic boom from 2004-2007.

With a birth rate far below what is needed to maintain population levels, Singaporeans were told they needed "foreign talent" and young immigrant families to keep the island economically competitive in the long term.

Sentiment began to worsen when the global economy collapsed in 2008-2009, and not even the record 14.5 percent economic growth in 2010 was enough to assuage Singaporeans' fears of being swamped by foreigners.

"They never asked us whether we wanted a huge increase in our population," another opposition candidate, Vincent Wijeysingha of the Singapore Democratic Party, said at a rally on Thursday.

"They never asked us if we expected such large numbers of people working for such low salaries so that your salaries will also be pulled down," he added.

It's an ironic turn of events for a city-state founded on cheap immigrant labour during British colonial rule, with most families tracing their roots to China, India, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Reform Party secretary general Kenneth Jeyaretnam said the poorest Singaporeans were the most affected by the presence of cheaper foreign labour.

"The incomes of the poorest 20 percent of the population have probably fallen by between 10 and 20 percent and this is all due to the fact that we have an open-door immigration policy with no minimum wage," said Jeyaretnam, who was a London-based financial executive before plunging into politics.

Eugene Tan, an assistant professor of law at the Singapore Management University, said it was not surprising that opposition parties were milking the immigration issue.

"It works up people very, very easily and it is something that you encounter on a daily basis," he told AFP.

Kelvin Low, an assistant professor in the department of sociology at the National University of Singapore, said the anti-immigration card was not unique to Singapore in the age of globalisation.

"These are populist strategies undertaken to attract the attention of voters," he said.

In reaction to the backlash, the government slowed the intake of foreigners and reduced their social benefits, such as hospital and school fee subsidies, while insisting that Singapore can never survive without them.

"By allowing in a controlled number of foreign workers, far from disadvantaging our own people, we have created more good jobs for Singaporeans and more opportunities in our economy," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said before the campaign began.

[kueytoc]

DPM Wong Kan Seng defends Track Record

By Alicia Wong | SingaporeScene – Mon, May 2, 2011 12:19 PM SGT

Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng has defended his track record, which has come under attack from the National Solidarity Party.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday after visiting Bishan North, he said he is only accountable to the people and the prime minister of the day and he has been found fit to head three ministries at different points of his career, reported The Straits Times.

DPM Wong made a point-for-point rebuttal to NSP candidates Jeanette Chong-Aruldoss and Goh Meng Seng's criticisms on Saturday.

They said he benefitted from the group representation constituency system, having only fought in the 1984 election and remaining uncontested since.

They also said that fertility fell to the present all-time low of 1.16 and foreigners swelled to form one-third of the population with DPM Wong as chairman of the National Population Committee in 2005.

The duo also blamed DPM Wong for the escape of terrorist leader Mas Selamat in 2009 as he was heading the Home Affairs Ministry then.

In response, DPM Wong said it was the opposition's fault for not fielding enough candidates to contest against him.

The trend of low fertility rates has also surfaced in other developing countries such as Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong, he argued, adding that the government here will continue to encourage young people to start families.

And when it comes to foreigners, he countered, the government could either allow them to fill vacancies created by employers or not allow them in and risk Singaporeans losing their jobs if businesses pull out because of a lack of manpower.

DPM Wong, who will be defending his Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC against the SPP team led by Chiam See Tong come Polling Day, also said a probe was launched after Mas Selamat escaped and recommendations were made to prevent a repeat of such an incident.

He noted it was "a bit short-sighted" to look at just this case when the Home Affairs Ministry had other notable achievements such as being the first to uncover Jemaah Islamiah activity in the region.

"I can proudly say, as far as the safety of Singaporeans and the confidence of the people and foreigners here are concerned, they feel Singapore is very safe. They feel we're on top of the situation and we're able to deal with crime, drugs and terrorism," said DPM Wong, who relinquished his post as Home Affairs Minister in November 2010.

[kueytoc]

COMMENTS from Moo Moomoo 12 hours ago

My fellow Singaporean netizens - don’t just vent on the internet. You are preaching to the converted. Go out and convert the unconverted. I was a staunch PAP supporter until this election. There are still many staunch PAP supporters out there. They don’t post on the internet, they don’t attend rallies but when they get into the poll booth, they will vote PAP because like me until GE 2011,

1) They still cling onto the belief/myth that PAP acts for the common/greater good

2) They don’t think anything is wrong. No government is perfect and life is still good. Except for the really poor, most of Singapore maintains a decent standard of living – pleasant homes, surroundings & amenities, enough money for living and small luxuries

3) Fear of change/unknown – The Opposition is untested

Common/Greater Good myth: (a) The common good came off the agenda a long time ago. It is now a party-compliant, complacent, arrogant, overpaid team of yes men and women with one person (employing everything but the kitchen sink to stay in power) who appears to have the veto vote; ( Are they concern about our welfare or are they towing the party line so they can keep their positions and be paid millions and an 8-month GDP bonus. Who can blame the ministers? I would do the same because I don’t know of anyone else getting an 8 month bonus this year, do you? © the self-preservation ploy – how much crap will be PAP have to shovel down their throats before they say enough : gerrymandering, cowed media, that infamous GRC system, linking votes to upgrading, bankrupted political opponents; cooling-off periods, growth dividends, NWC wage increase promises, 800,00 newly minted citizen & PAP supporters etc – all to stay in power. (d) They spend our money with no accountability whatsoever - for $$$ lost in China, Australia & Thailand etc

The Life is good myth: (a) MBT’s solution to every problem is to find innovative way to lighten our pockets; ( Singapore swarmed by foreigners competing for jobs, schools, public transport etc; Of the 160,000 jobs created, half went to foreigners. © Whilst they pay themselves out of our tax dollar and lose some more in horrific investment, we have no healthcare and old-age security whatsoever that have not been delegated to insurance companies that we have to pay for out of our own pockets (d) an education system that produces workers but not leaders – I think it’s even intentional (e) Do you know why GST keeps going up? To compensate for the the low taxes for high income earners & low corporate tax. And who gets hurt by higher GST? The lower income households because these families spend a large % of their income… on necessities

Fear of Change: (a) The risk is far lower than previous GEs. It is a quality opposition this time and standing for the opposition takes guts, gumption and sacrifice, overcoming near impossible odds for their belief in the need for change and for the love of Singapore. Don’t forget - almost every 3rd gen PAP MP rode into parliament on the coat-tails of their senior predecessors. And just look at the type of people PAP brought in this round – Tin Pei Ling (Do you think Ms "i don't know what to say" can represent you in a debate over policies), Foo Mee Har (alleged mistress of her boss in Standard Chartered & alleged financially strapped husband? - see Temasek Review article), Steve Tan (until they dropped him at the last minute for alleged sexual harassment?).

Truly, the world will not end because you don’t have a Papster as your MP. And its not permanent. If they really don’t like the work of the opposition MPs, they can always vote PAP again in 5 years time. Meanwhile, they will have 2 parties serving them and vying for their votes.

[kueytoc]

PM Lee: Gov't focused on tackling COST OF LIVING

By Alicia Wong | SingaporeScene – Sun, May 1, 2011 7:10 PM SGT

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong says the best long-term response to the higher cost of living is to ensure that workers have jobs and enjoy a steady increase in wages.

Addressing an issue that's top of Singaporeans' minds in his May Day Rally speech on Sunday, he acknowledged that in spite of measures such as the S$3.2 billion Grow & Share package, Singaporeans are still worried about the cost of living.

"The government is very conscious of this and we will continue to focus on this," he was quoted as saying by Channel NewsAsia on Sunday.

"And the ministers and I are personally very focused on this also, because we are very concerned that Singaporeans are worried and anxious and we want to be sure that whatever we can do, we will do."

"So we are tracking very carefully what is happening elsewhere that can impact our prices and we are finding ways to buffer ourselves and to manage our domestic costs," he assured.

In addition to the Grow & Share package, other short-term measures the government has introduced include keeping the Singapore dollar strong and targeting help to specific areas and groups.

PM Lee was speaking to a gathering of 8,500 unionists, employers and government leaders at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

He pledged that the government would continue to use its successful formula to create growth, good jobs and steady increase in real wages for Singapore workers over the long-term.

"This is what voters must ask any political party seeking their support -- how will they create growth and jobs for Singaporeans?" he added, according to The Straits Times.

PM Lee also announced the setting up of a NTUC50 development fund, which will be used to build a three-generation membership base of 1 million and develop future generation leaders in the labour movement.

In his Malay speech, PM Lee noted that the Malay-Muslim community is benefitting from Singapore's success.

He said, Malay workers are doing well. Many have gone for upgrading and taken better-paying jobs.

More Malay students are also going into university, while those in the polytechnics and Institutes of Technical Education are picking up strong technical skills.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister also released his May Day message, where he dealt on the topic of politics.

He said, politics in Singapore is not just about parties and elections. It is about "Singaporeans understanding what their future depends on, and supporting leaders who will work with them to secure their future".

He noted, "Our politics have looked after the interest of workers".

It is also about "upholding key institutions like the tripartite partners, so that we are resilient when confronted by challenges, and emerge from crises tougher and more united," said PM Lee.

While he cautioned of "storm clouds" on the horizon, such as economic troubles in the European Union, Japan's tsunami and nuclear crisis as well as the upheaval in the Middle East, he expects Asia to remain stable and vibrant.

However, the Prime Minister pointed out, "in the long term, how well Singapore does depends on our policies and politics."

Singapore's success over many years due to a good government and good policies have led to better jobs and better lives, which in turn, consolidated support for good government and good policies, said PM Lee. "We have to keep this virtuous cycle going."

The aim of growth is to raise Singaporeans' standards of living, and the government must "make a concerted effort" to allow all Singaporeans to benefit, he said.

The most effective way to raise incomes is through upgrading skills and productivity, said PM Lee. The tripartite partners -- businesses, workers and government -- are focusing on this.

2011 marks 50 years of partnership between the People's Action Party and the labour movement, the National Trades Union Congress.

Said PM Lee: "Let us continue working together to grow the economy, create more good jobs and secure a brighter future together for many years to come."

[kueytoc]

Aljunied Voters will regret choosing WP: MM LEE

By Jeffrey Oon | Yahoo! Newsroom – Sat, Apr 30, 2011 11:49 AM SGT

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has warned Singaporeans, especially those in Aljunied GRC, they will "pay a price, the hard way" if they vote for the Opposition.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Tampines on Friday night, MM Lee said, "If Aljunied decides to go that way, well Aljunied has five years to live and repent."

The 87-year-old warned voters they would have to live with the choice they make come Polling Day on Saturday.

"It may well happen that they win, in which case the people of Aljunied live with the results," he was quoted as saying on The Straits Times.

"The only way people learn is when they have to pay a price. From time to time we may lose, and the voters pay the price, " he said.

He further cautioned, "If Singaporeans are that fickle, they will have to pay a price, the hard way."

He highlighted the example of opposition-held ward Hougang where, "If you have the wrong government, your property prices go right down. Ask why in Hougang the property is not as high as their neighbours."

The high-powered 'A' team from the Workers's Party contesting the Aljunied hotspot consists of former Hougang MP Low Thia Khiang, former NCMP Sylvia Lim, the party's "star catch" Chen Show Mao as well as family counsellor Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap and post-graduate law student Pritam Singh.

They will be up against the incumbent PAP team fronted by Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Hwee Hua, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Madam Cynthia Phua and new face Ong Ye Kung, an assistant secretary-general of NTUC .

MM Lee also urged Aljunied voters to look at the track record of the different candidates.

"Do you want a capable team that can look after your interests, or do you want a team with little track record?" he said.

"At the end of the day, if you are in Aljunied, ask yourself: Do you want one MP, one Non-Constituency MP, one celebrity who has been away 30 years, and two unknowns to look after you?"

Or, he asked if voters would prefer two ministers, one potential Parliament Secretary, one potential Speaker of Parliament and one grassroots MP?

Cautioning voters against "trying their luck" when the value of their property and livelihood was on the line, MM Lee said, "Just think. Five years, they're in charge of your property and your lives... If you like to try your luck, well good luck to you. But I guarantee you, you will not do better than the PAP candidates."

MM Lee, whose own Tanjong Pagar GRC went uncontested, went on to question the WP slogan of "Towards A First World Parliament."

"Do you want a first world government or you want a first world opposition?" he asked.

"And is this a first world opposition? Can they compare themselves to the senators in the US congress?... If you want a third world or even a second world opposition to come and create a bit of excitement, well that's your choice," he said.

"But I do not consider them a first world opposition. I do not want to degrade them but you just look at their track record."