In the end, the only thing the PAP understands is the crack of the whip on their well-fed posteriors. No amount of writing or complaining or reasoned argument could convince them to change clearly wrong-headed policies. But punish them at the polls, and they jump to obey (finally) the people.
Well, sort of. It is not enough. It is far from enough. A 'committe' has been set up to 'study' Ministerial pay. The 'committe' should understand that a 10% pay-cut will not be sufficient. In fact, today's ministerial pay cannot be used as a baseline at all. Because today's ministerial is ludicruos. Politicians in Singapore cannot be paid more than leaders in the US, who run a nation of 300 million people. If it's not good enough for them to perform public service, then the nation is well rid of them. The baseline, if the committee wants one, is zero. They may work from there but they would be well-advised to stop at S$25,000 a month. With the kinds of silly perks these guys get, it should be more than enough.
And what about all these draconian laws? Is Mr.Lee planning to repeal them? No, of course not; the message is not clear enough, perhaps.
Meanwhile, Mr.Lee Kuan Yew and Mr.Goh Chok Tong, resigned from posts that they had not been appointed to yet, in a joint statement! What are they, The Two Ronnies?
We must say though, that it is a serious mistake by the opposition to accept the NCMP posts. The PAP will use it again in the next election, to their detriment perhaps.
Showing posts with label Singapore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Singapore. Show all posts
Monday, May 23, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The PAP In Decline, Drop Lee And Goh, And Reject The NCMP Posts
It was a small step, but a meaningful one, for Singapore, on May 7th. The PAP's popular vote was slashed to 60% from the 66% of five years ago. And in Aljunied they were betrayed by their own foul creation, the GRC, losing 5 seats. It can no longer be disputed, that the PAP is in decline.
The voters of Aljunied rejected the PAP's old politics of threats and fear-mongering. Indeed, they rebelled against it. This despite a direct threat from Mr.Lee Kuan Yew, that they will 'regret' it. Mr.Lee had thought it was the 60's and that he could intimidate voters, while they have reminded him that it is 2011, and that it is the age of the Internet. We will watch with interest, and report, whatever the PAP does to Aljunied. Every act of 'revenge' that they attempt, will be another reason to vote against the PAP in the next General Election.
Mr.George Yeo is a casualty of the PAP's overbearing actions and policies. He had called for a more open system, but did nothing about it. He promised to be the 'voice of reform' in the PAP. He has had 20 years to do that. If he was the 'voice of reform', he was an ineffectual one. His line of promising to be one, 'from now onwards', is not something he should expect an increasingly sceptical electorate to buy. He is a lesson for other PAP parliamentarians, they had better walk their talks, now.
Mr.Goh Chok Tong has won, but has had his winning margin slashed. He will perhaps learn some humility now. Mr.Lee Hsien Loong will be wise to drop him from the cabinet, as he should drop Mr.Lee Kuan Yew. They are both outdated liabilities to the PAP.
The NCMP post, like the GRCs, is another, and equally foul creation, of the PAP. It's sole purpose is to convince Singaporeans to vote for the PAP, and think that there will be an 'opposition' voice in Parliament anyway. Oppositionists must stand on principle, and reject it.
The voters of Aljunied rejected the PAP's old politics of threats and fear-mongering. Indeed, they rebelled against it. This despite a direct threat from Mr.Lee Kuan Yew, that they will 'regret' it. Mr.Lee had thought it was the 60's and that he could intimidate voters, while they have reminded him that it is 2011, and that it is the age of the Internet. We will watch with interest, and report, whatever the PAP does to Aljunied. Every act of 'revenge' that they attempt, will be another reason to vote against the PAP in the next General Election.
Mr.George Yeo is a casualty of the PAP's overbearing actions and policies. He had called for a more open system, but did nothing about it. He promised to be the 'voice of reform' in the PAP. He has had 20 years to do that. If he was the 'voice of reform', he was an ineffectual one. His line of promising to be one, 'from now onwards', is not something he should expect an increasingly sceptical electorate to buy. He is a lesson for other PAP parliamentarians, they had better walk their talks, now.
Mr.Goh Chok Tong has won, but has had his winning margin slashed. He will perhaps learn some humility now. Mr.Lee Hsien Loong will be wise to drop him from the cabinet, as he should drop Mr.Lee Kuan Yew. They are both outdated liabilities to the PAP.
The NCMP post, like the GRCs, is another, and equally foul creation, of the PAP. It's sole purpose is to convince Singaporeans to vote for the PAP, and think that there will be an 'opposition' voice in Parliament anyway. Oppositionists must stand on principle, and reject it.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Root Of All Singapore's Problems (Last Post Before The Elections)
It is not housing, rising prices, transportation, immigrants or flash floods. Nor is it overpaid Ministers, or incompetent ones like Wong or Vivian. All of these are symptoms.
The root evil in Singapore that leads to all these problems is the suppression of free speech and press freedom. It is the suppression of freedom in all forms. It was never possible to have robust discussion about any topic because you could be hounded from your job, suffer petty tyrannies, be arrested, or be bankrupted. Without free and robust input, the PAP has gone terribly wrong.
They are their own counsels, and only a fool would appoint himself to such a post. The decision-makers are surrounded by syncophants, who are quick to agree with them, right or wrong. There are no robust discussions in the PAP; it is an in-bred party. Though we do not doubt that they love their country, even as they set it firmly on the path to ruin.
The shadow of Lee Kuan Yew still smothers the PAP. His prescriptions from another age are the wrong medicine for today's Singapore. He thinks he helps, when in fact, he crushes civilised progress with his gnarled iron fist.
Mr.Lee Hsien Loong, despite being educated in a free England, lacks the will to do the needful, to release Singapore from the yoke of Draco's code. He seems bereft of a mind of his own, and appears to blunder about like his father's zombie.
The PAP cannot change, they can only be changed at the polls by the people. This is not the time to think about whether you will get a better bus-stop, or relinquish your vote for a packet of rice. Whatever form that packet of rice may take. It is not the time to worry about oneself or one's own constituency. This is not a time for fear.
This is the time for her citizens to stand up for Singapore.
The root evil in Singapore that leads to all these problems is the suppression of free speech and press freedom. It is the suppression of freedom in all forms. It was never possible to have robust discussion about any topic because you could be hounded from your job, suffer petty tyrannies, be arrested, or be bankrupted. Without free and robust input, the PAP has gone terribly wrong.
They are their own counsels, and only a fool would appoint himself to such a post. The decision-makers are surrounded by syncophants, who are quick to agree with them, right or wrong. There are no robust discussions in the PAP; it is an in-bred party. Though we do not doubt that they love their country, even as they set it firmly on the path to ruin.
The shadow of Lee Kuan Yew still smothers the PAP. His prescriptions from another age are the wrong medicine for today's Singapore. He thinks he helps, when in fact, he crushes civilised progress with his gnarled iron fist.
Mr.Lee Hsien Loong, despite being educated in a free England, lacks the will to do the needful, to release Singapore from the yoke of Draco's code. He seems bereft of a mind of his own, and appears to blunder about like his father's zombie.
The PAP cannot change, they can only be changed at the polls by the people. This is not the time to think about whether you will get a better bus-stop, or relinquish your vote for a packet of rice. Whatever form that packet of rice may take. It is not the time to worry about oneself or one's own constituency. This is not a time for fear.
This is the time for her citizens to stand up for Singapore.
The Mountbatten Faker Resurfaces
Here's Mr.Lim Biow Chuan resurfacing again. For those who don't remember he is the guy who claimed that 23,172 people had 'liked' his facebook page when the true number was 244.
According to him, the NSP has no record of serving the people in Mountbatten. Well, how could they, when the PAP has gerrymandered, threatened and bought their way to victory at every election? He's probably not even talking to Mountbatten voters; they're more likely to have been ferried there by chartered buses from Tanjong Pagar and supplied with food packets.
Talk is cheap, he went on to say. Yes, he's right, and so is faking the number of people who 'like' you on Facebook. Mr.Lim clearly has a desperate need to be liked. Caused, no doubt, by some childhood trauma. Invite him to 'Oprah' and all will be revealed!
According to Mr.Lim, Ms.Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss only surfaced 2 months ago. This despite the fact that she grew up in Mountbatten!
The Straits Times also reported that "On Mrs Chong-Aruldoss' claims that she is a better-qualified candidate that Mr Lim, he said: 'I have thousands of residents in my constituency who are equally qualified, but being an MP is more than just about intelligence and talent."
It's also about being a PAP suck-up, we suppose. And about being a nodding syncophant in Parliament so that you may eventually be appointed a PAP Minister and be paid S$2 Million a year!
According to him, the NSP has no record of serving the people in Mountbatten. Well, how could they, when the PAP has gerrymandered, threatened and bought their way to victory at every election? He's probably not even talking to Mountbatten voters; they're more likely to have been ferried there by chartered buses from Tanjong Pagar and supplied with food packets.
Talk is cheap, he went on to say. Yes, he's right, and so is faking the number of people who 'like' you on Facebook. Mr.Lim clearly has a desperate need to be liked. Caused, no doubt, by some childhood trauma. Invite him to 'Oprah' and all will be revealed!
According to Mr.Lim, Ms.Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss only surfaced 2 months ago. This despite the fact that she grew up in Mountbatten!
The Straits Times also reported that "On Mrs Chong-Aruldoss' claims that she is a better-qualified candidate that Mr Lim, he said: 'I have thousands of residents in my constituency who are equally qualified, but being an MP is more than just about intelligence and talent."
It's also about being a PAP suck-up, we suppose. And about being a nodding syncophant in Parliament so that you may eventually be appointed a PAP Minister and be paid S$2 Million a year!
Vivian Spins Excuses
"The YOG exceeded it's budget 3 times over because it was the first time such an event was organised" says Mr.Vivian Balakrishnan, as reported by the propagandic Straits Times.
Since the PAP uses the private sector as an excuse for their fat salaries, then they should be held to private sector standards of performance. By those standards, Mr.Balakrishnan should have been fired for incompetence. We can understand a deviation of plus or minus 20% from budget, but a 300% over-run is certainly grounds for sacking. It shows the minister up for a fool who does not even know how to plan a budget.
He then went on to say that 70% of the budget went to local companies for services provided. So what? Is that supposed to be an excuse for so ludicruous a budget over-run? This is precisely the problem with the PAP and it's officials. Instead of addressing the issue, they try to confuse it, to fool Singaporeans. Whether it went to a Singaporean or foreign company has nothing to do with the fact that Mr.Balakrishnan is an incompetent manager.
It is clear that a formal investigation must be conducted by independent bodies, and we mean independent of the PAP, to look into the details of this YOG scandal. All elements must be investigated, every line item examined, and any unusual relationship between the companies involved and Mr.Balakrishnan, his officials or the Ministry examined in minute detail.
Needless to say, it must be a public enquiry.
Since the PAP uses the private sector as an excuse for their fat salaries, then they should be held to private sector standards of performance. By those standards, Mr.Balakrishnan should have been fired for incompetence. We can understand a deviation of plus or minus 20% from budget, but a 300% over-run is certainly grounds for sacking. It shows the minister up for a fool who does not even know how to plan a budget.
He then went on to say that 70% of the budget went to local companies for services provided. So what? Is that supposed to be an excuse for so ludicruous a budget over-run? This is precisely the problem with the PAP and it's officials. Instead of addressing the issue, they try to confuse it, to fool Singaporeans. Whether it went to a Singaporean or foreign company has nothing to do with the fact that Mr.Balakrishnan is an incompetent manager.
It is clear that a formal investigation must be conducted by independent bodies, and we mean independent of the PAP, to look into the details of this YOG scandal. All elements must be investigated, every line item examined, and any unusual relationship between the companies involved and Mr.Balakrishnan, his officials or the Ministry examined in minute detail.
Needless to say, it must be a public enquiry.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Sorry No Cure!
Mr.Lee Hsien Loong has said he is sorry for past mistakes. It's funny he should choose to say it now, in the middle of an election campaign where it has become clear that the PAP is going to take a bruising.
We know what it is of course, it is an 'Election Sorry'. An 'Election Sorry' is much like an election promise, it means nothing. His sorry did not stop the flash floods in Ang Mo Kio today, a result of poor planning by his PAP government.
No, Mr.Lee is not at all sorry. He just wants you to keep voting for him, and will say anything he thinks you want to hear.
All this time Mr.Lee has been adamant about how good his government is, and how wonderful his Ministers are. Mr.Lee has also consistently insulted the intelligence of Singaporeans by trying to sell the NCMP idea. Now he is suddenly 'sorry'.
Is Mr.Lee sorry enough to restore freedom to Singaporeans by freeing the press and stop the stifling of freedom of speech? Don't even think about it! Mr.Lee is the Prime Minister who recently gazetteed TOC in a crackdown on freedom of speech in the Internet.
Perhaps Mr.Lee Kuan Yew should say sorry for blatantly threatening the voters of Aljunied, or for putting down the entire Malay community. But that day is unlikely to come.
If Mr.Lee Hsien Loong is genuinely sorry, then he should state exactly what he is sorry for. Which are the mistakes he is referring to? It is hardly just public housing and transport! And we mean details of the mistakes, like who recommended them, who made the decion, and most of all, what was the PM doing when all these mistakes were being made?
And Mr.Lee should state what he will he do about all these mistakes if he is re-elected, in detail!
Note :
We hope the list of mistakes is released in spreadsheet form. We are sure to have some to add. Microsoft Excel, please!
We know what it is of course, it is an 'Election Sorry'. An 'Election Sorry' is much like an election promise, it means nothing. His sorry did not stop the flash floods in Ang Mo Kio today, a result of poor planning by his PAP government.
No, Mr.Lee is not at all sorry. He just wants you to keep voting for him, and will say anything he thinks you want to hear.
All this time Mr.Lee has been adamant about how good his government is, and how wonderful his Ministers are. Mr.Lee has also consistently insulted the intelligence of Singaporeans by trying to sell the NCMP idea. Now he is suddenly 'sorry'.
Is Mr.Lee sorry enough to restore freedom to Singaporeans by freeing the press and stop the stifling of freedom of speech? Don't even think about it! Mr.Lee is the Prime Minister who recently gazetteed TOC in a crackdown on freedom of speech in the Internet.
Perhaps Mr.Lee Kuan Yew should say sorry for blatantly threatening the voters of Aljunied, or for putting down the entire Malay community. But that day is unlikely to come.
If Mr.Lee Hsien Loong is genuinely sorry, then he should state exactly what he is sorry for. Which are the mistakes he is referring to? It is hardly just public housing and transport! And we mean details of the mistakes, like who recommended them, who made the decion, and most of all, what was the PM doing when all these mistakes were being made?
And Mr.Lee should state what he will he do about all these mistakes if he is re-elected, in detail!
Note :
We hope the list of mistakes is released in spreadsheet form. We are sure to have some to add. Microsoft Excel, please!
Ferried Crowds At PAP Rallies
The PAP organizes it's crowds by ferrying them from other locations. They are given packets of rice or noodles. Buses are chartered and they are then ferried from their RCs to the relevant PAP rally.
One such example was revealed at an Ang Mo Kio rally for Mr.Lee Hsien Loong. The citizen was from Tanjong Pagar and revealed that the food packet was given by her RC. You can watch for yourself here .
The PAP's Mr.Chan Chung Sing, now an MP from the dubiously won seat of Tanjong Pagar, interrupted the reporter and tried to stop the conversation.
It was sad to watch the citizen's reaction when approached by Mr.Chan in his all-white PAP garb. She said 'sorry' and cringed away from him while holding tightly on to her food packet. Mr.Chan tried to put on a show of camarederie with the voter, but it rang patently false.
The PAP rules by fear, threats and open bribery in Singapore today. Their election rally attendees are often bussed in to avoid embarassing empty seats at their rallies. Their support is clearly dwindling and they may yet learn a harsh lesson on May 7th.
One such example was revealed at an Ang Mo Kio rally for Mr.Lee Hsien Loong. The citizen was from Tanjong Pagar and revealed that the food packet was given by her RC. You can watch for yourself here .
The PAP's Mr.Chan Chung Sing, now an MP from the dubiously won seat of Tanjong Pagar, interrupted the reporter and tried to stop the conversation.
It was sad to watch the citizen's reaction when approached by Mr.Chan in his all-white PAP garb. She said 'sorry' and cringed away from him while holding tightly on to her food packet. Mr.Chan tried to put on a show of camarederie with the voter, but it rang patently false.
The PAP rules by fear, threats and open bribery in Singapore today. Their election rally attendees are often bussed in to avoid embarassing empty seats at their rallies. Their support is clearly dwindling and they may yet learn a harsh lesson on May 7th.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The Rhetorical Ms.Fu
Ms.Grace Fu, dressed like an escapee from a mental asylum, outlined her '3H' plan for Yuhua. Apparently, 3H stands for hope, heart and happiness. None of those things are even remotely associated to what the PAP offers Singaporeans.
With the PAP in power, there is no hope for change. The PAP has never shown heart, preferring to brand the less successful as lazy or not working hard enough. And how can there be happiness if you are condemned to a lifetime of drudgery just to survive and forced to face unnatural competition for jobs due to the PAP's immigration policies.
Ms.Fu then followed up with a series of rhetorical questions. Apparently these questions are addressed to the opposition, but none were invited to respond. That is the usual modus operandi of the PAP, to indulge in one-sided conversations, because they are afraid of the answers.
We will answer her despite the immaturity of her questions. She said "During the global financial crisis, where were they when we needed them most?"
They were suffering alongside ordinary Singaporeans while Ms.Grace Fu and her colleagues in the PAP were collecting fat salaries from public funds. This despite their clear incompetence in being unable to shield Singaporeans from the crisis.
"When we were losing our jobs, where were they?"
Firstly, Ms.Grace Fu did not lose her job. Neither did any other PAP functionary. What does she know about losing jobs?
Secondly, the opposition was not in charge of the government, the PAP was. And the PAP was responsible for the loss of jobs, even if, as usual, they prefer to point the finger instead of accepting responsibility.
"More importantly, do they know you? Do they understand your problems?"
Why wouldn't they? They are Singaporeans just like the citizens of Yuhua!
Have they walked the streets of Yuhua? Over the past 5 years, have they visited you at your home?”
We are sure they have walked Yuhua's streets, but they were not the MP, were they? Ms.Fu, meanwhile, only walks the streets during election campaigns, otherwise she has her chauffered limousine. And we are not sure how many people want Ms.Fu's presence in their home.
She finally decided to admit to the PAP's failures by giving the excuse that she is human. Well, in that case, she should immediately give up her superhuman salary!
With the PAP in power, there is no hope for change. The PAP has never shown heart, preferring to brand the less successful as lazy or not working hard enough. And how can there be happiness if you are condemned to a lifetime of drudgery just to survive and forced to face unnatural competition for jobs due to the PAP's immigration policies.
Ms.Fu then followed up with a series of rhetorical questions. Apparently these questions are addressed to the opposition, but none were invited to respond. That is the usual modus operandi of the PAP, to indulge in one-sided conversations, because they are afraid of the answers.
We will answer her despite the immaturity of her questions. She said "During the global financial crisis, where were they when we needed them most?"
They were suffering alongside ordinary Singaporeans while Ms.Grace Fu and her colleagues in the PAP were collecting fat salaries from public funds. This despite their clear incompetence in being unable to shield Singaporeans from the crisis.
"When we were losing our jobs, where were they?"
Firstly, Ms.Grace Fu did not lose her job. Neither did any other PAP functionary. What does she know about losing jobs?
Secondly, the opposition was not in charge of the government, the PAP was. And the PAP was responsible for the loss of jobs, even if, as usual, they prefer to point the finger instead of accepting responsibility.
"More importantly, do they know you? Do they understand your problems?"
Why wouldn't they? They are Singaporeans just like the citizens of Yuhua!
Have they walked the streets of Yuhua? Over the past 5 years, have they visited you at your home?”
We are sure they have walked Yuhua's streets, but they were not the MP, were they? Ms.Fu, meanwhile, only walks the streets during election campaigns, otherwise she has her chauffered limousine. And we are not sure how many people want Ms.Fu's presence in their home.
She finally decided to admit to the PAP's failures by giving the excuse that she is human. Well, in that case, she should immediately give up her superhuman salary!
Rebutting Lee and Goh
Mr.Lee Hsien Loong says he doesn't get why Singaporeans think NCMPs aren't real. After all, they get to ask questions in Parliament, even if the answers are evasive. And they get to introduce bills, which will never be passed by the ridicoulous PAP majority. And they get to vote, except on anything that is important, like finance and confidence motions. The answer to Mr.Lee's question, is that Singaporeans aren't stupid!
Meanwhile Mr.Goh Chok Tong has taken to running down his former employee, Mr.Tan Jee Say. He was not good enough and so left the civil service, he said. Mr.Tan has exposed his lie by rebutting him that it was Mr.Goh who asked him to stay on when he resigned the first time. It is most unprofessional of Mr.Goh to say such things, even if it were true, which in this case it patently is not. Mr.Tan is doing a good job of exposing the going-ons in Temasek and the GIC, and he can take comfort in the fact that Mr.Goh's low attack has only made him(Mr.Tan) more popular.
Incredibly Mr.Goh described the campaign so far as gentlemanly! Yes, the opposition may be, but Mr.Goh most certainly is not, a gentleman!
Meanwhile Mr.Goh Chok Tong has taken to running down his former employee, Mr.Tan Jee Say. He was not good enough and so left the civil service, he said. Mr.Tan has exposed his lie by rebutting him that it was Mr.Goh who asked him to stay on when he resigned the first time. It is most unprofessional of Mr.Goh to say such things, even if it were true, which in this case it patently is not. Mr.Tan is doing a good job of exposing the going-ons in Temasek and the GIC, and he can take comfort in the fact that Mr.Goh's low attack has only made him(Mr.Tan) more popular.
Incredibly Mr.Goh described the campaign so far as gentlemanly! Yes, the opposition may be, but Mr.Goh most certainly is not, a gentleman!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The Hypocrite Of Tanjong Pagar
Mr.Lee Kuan Yew yesterday drew comparison with the British Parliament. He wanted the Opposition to form a 'Shadow Cabinet'.
In the first place, Cabinets and Shadow Cabinets are only formed after elections, not in the middle of campaigns.
The British Parliament is also elected in a system where the press is free, freedom of speech is an inalienable right, and oppositionists are not bundled of to prison or bankrupted on whim. It is a far cry from the repression of the PAP.
The United Kingdom is a free country with a people who will brook no interference with their freedoms. Singapore is under the oppressive rule of the PAP, run by a succession of petty dictators, assisted by fawning minions.
If Mr.Lee seeks a comparative system, he should look to Syria with it's iron-fisted rulers. It would be a better fit.
In the first place, Cabinets and Shadow Cabinets are only formed after elections, not in the middle of campaigns.
The British Parliament is also elected in a system where the press is free, freedom of speech is an inalienable right, and oppositionists are not bundled of to prison or bankrupted on whim. It is a far cry from the repression of the PAP.
The United Kingdom is a free country with a people who will brook no interference with their freedoms. Singapore is under the oppressive rule of the PAP, run by a succession of petty dictators, assisted by fawning minions.
If Mr.Lee seeks a comparative system, he should look to Syria with it's iron-fisted rulers. It would be a better fit.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Repenting in Aljunied
According to The Straits Times, Mr.Lee Kuan Yew said, "If Aljunied decides to go that way, well Aljunied has five years to live and repent". So voting for the opposition is a 'wrong' action and like other wrongdoers, the Aljunied Electorate must repent.
We are sure many voters in Aljunied are already repenting of voting for the PAP all these years. Only to be threatened in this fashion, by the ingrates in the PAP.
Mr.Lee rolls out the same old threats year after year. Is he not aware that 75% of Singaporeans have access to the internet now? They are no longer dependent on the propagandic rubbish printed by 'newspapers' like The Straits Times.
Mr.Lee also says that Aljunied is the only hot seat in this election. He is misinformed, or he is lying. His objective is to make Aljunied feel isolated. It is a common tactic of tyrants. Has he not heard that Mr.Chiam is standing in Bishan-Toa Payoh?
Every seat in Singapore is a hot seat in this election, except for Tanjong Pagar, which Mr.Lee won dubiously.
We are sure many voters in Aljunied are already repenting of voting for the PAP all these years. Only to be threatened in this fashion, by the ingrates in the PAP.
Mr.Lee rolls out the same old threats year after year. Is he not aware that 75% of Singaporeans have access to the internet now? They are no longer dependent on the propagandic rubbish printed by 'newspapers' like The Straits Times.
Mr.Lee also says that Aljunied is the only hot seat in this election. He is misinformed, or he is lying. His objective is to make Aljunied feel isolated. It is a common tactic of tyrants. Has he not heard that Mr.Chiam is standing in Bishan-Toa Payoh?
Every seat in Singapore is a hot seat in this election, except for Tanjong Pagar, which Mr.Lee won dubiously.
Malaysia Chronicle Predicts A Singapore Tsunami
We excerpt from the Malaysia Chronicle :
"Change is coming to Singapore. For sure this time. Large crowds are attending the opposition's rallies and more than 20,000 flocked to hear the Workers' Party at Hougang a few nights ago.
Singapore practises a unique kind of electoral system where 75 of the seats are gathered into groups of 4, 5 or 6 and called GRC's. Ostensibly, it is to ensure minority participation but in actuality it stacks the deck against the opposition. In past elections, it was difficult for them to gather the numbers to contest GRCs. It also increased the cost barrier for them, and as a result, the PAP would win the GRCs mostly uncontested. Not this time, though."
Full article in the Malaysia Chronicle at http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/ titled "Singapore Tsunami - Much Closer Than You Think!"
Singapore practises a unique kind of electoral system where 75 of the seats are gathered into groups of 4, 5 or 6 and called GRC's. Ostensibly, it is to ensure minority participation but in actuality it stacks the deck against the opposition. In past elections, it was difficult for them to gather the numbers to contest GRCs. It also increased the cost barrier for them, and as a result, the PAP would win the GRCs mostly uncontested. Not this time, though."
Full article in the Malaysia Chronicle at http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/ titled "Singapore Tsunami - Much Closer Than You Think!"
The PAP's False Analogies
The other day Mr.Lee Hsien Loong compared Singapore to a plane. He wanted it to be a fighter plane, instead of an Airbus. Hee neglected to mention that fighter planes are more likely to go down in flames. Today he compared Singapore to a car.
It is a pity that Mr.Lee has been reduced to comparing a country to transport vehicles. Here are some more for him to use in the coming days. Singapore should be a sleek air-conditioned bus, not an old jalopy. Singapore should be an ocean-liner, not a sampan.
They are all false analogies of course, meaning their substance is flawed. Countries are complex entities, and cannot be compared in such simplistic ways. Two drivers may not be good for a car, but a strong opposition is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy. While differing views and constant scrutiny ensure governments don't go wrong. If Mr.Lee and the PAP are as clean and competent as he claims, and if they are not doing anything wrong, then why such fear of scrutiny?
It would make sense, if voters were all 12 years old, for him to talk this way. But all voters are above 21, and it is simply disrespectful, not to mention an insult to their intelligence. The PAP and Mr.Lee never seem to tire, of treating Singaporeans like they are a bunch of schoolchildren.
It is a pity that Mr.Lee has been reduced to comparing a country to transport vehicles. Here are some more for him to use in the coming days. Singapore should be a sleek air-conditioned bus, not an old jalopy. Singapore should be an ocean-liner, not a sampan.
They are all false analogies of course, meaning their substance is flawed. Countries are complex entities, and cannot be compared in such simplistic ways. Two drivers may not be good for a car, but a strong opposition is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy. While differing views and constant scrutiny ensure governments don't go wrong. If Mr.Lee and the PAP are as clean and competent as he claims, and if they are not doing anything wrong, then why such fear of scrutiny?
It would make sense, if voters were all 12 years old, for him to talk this way. But all voters are above 21, and it is simply disrespectful, not to mention an insult to their intelligence. The PAP and Mr.Lee never seem to tire, of treating Singaporeans like they are a bunch of schoolchildren.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Time For The Opposition To Cross-Campaign
It's heartening to see the large numbers of people attending opposition rallies across Singapore. The Worker's Party for example, attracted a stunningly huge crowd yesterday at Hougang.
It is reminiscent of Malaysia's 2008 elections, where the huge crowds that gathered in Penang and Selangor translated into votes, and the BN's decades long government was thrown out in those states.
Despite whatever the PAP says, change is coming to Singapore. The opposition has a few stars among them, like Mr.Chiam, Mr.Low, and of course Ms.Seah, among others. This would be the right time for them to campaign for each other. For example. Mr.Chiam could speak at Marine Parade, Mr.Kenneth at Bishan-Toa Payoh or Mr.Low at Holland-Bukit Timah and so on.
Certainly it would increase the average Singaporean's confidence level in the opposition's ability to form a united government.
It is reminiscent of Malaysia's 2008 elections, where the huge crowds that gathered in Penang and Selangor translated into votes, and the BN's decades long government was thrown out in those states.
Despite whatever the PAP says, change is coming to Singapore. The opposition has a few stars among them, like Mr.Chiam, Mr.Low, and of course Ms.Seah, among others. This would be the right time for them to campaign for each other. For example. Mr.Chiam could speak at Marine Parade, Mr.Kenneth at Bishan-Toa Payoh or Mr.Low at Holland-Bukit Timah and so on.
Certainly it would increase the average Singaporean's confidence level in the opposition's ability to form a united government.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The NCMP Scam
Mr.Shanmugam would like Singaporeans to vote en masse for the PAP. There is no need to worry about opposition voices in Parliament, he said today, because nine of them will be non constituency MPs. We very much doubt the opposition will accept such odious charity from the likes of Mr.Shanmugam. And they should make it clear they will not.
NCMPs are powerless, pale caricatures of MPs. They may be ignored at will by the PAP because they were not elected and therefore represent nobody. The system has been introduced simply to fool Singaporeans into continuing to vote for the PAP.
You may be tempted to think that Mr.Shanmugam is a half-wit to think he can succeed in such a transparent scam in this election. But you would be wrong to come to such a conclusion. Mr.Shanmugam is not a half-wit, he thinks you are!
NCMPs are powerless, pale caricatures of MPs. They may be ignored at will by the PAP because they were not elected and therefore represent nobody. The system has been introduced simply to fool Singaporeans into continuing to vote for the PAP.
You may be tempted to think that Mr.Shanmugam is a half-wit to think he can succeed in such a transparent scam in this election. But you would be wrong to come to such a conclusion. Mr.Shanmugam is not a half-wit, he thinks you are!
Wong's Waterloo?
Mr.Wong Kan Seng, who exhibited gross incompetence in the escape of Mr.Mas Selamat, and then compounded it by refusing to resign and accept responsibility for it, faces what could be his Waterloo in the Bishan Toa-Payoh election. His opponent is Mr.Chiam See Tong, Potong Pasir's redoubtable MP.
If Singaporeans want their leaders to be accountable, they must throw Mr.Wong out. Voting for the PAP in Bishan-Toa Payoh will send them the message that refusing to be held accountable is acceptable to Singaporeans.
If Singaporeans want their leaders to be accountable, they must throw Mr.Wong out. Voting for the PAP in Bishan-Toa Payoh will send them the message that refusing to be held accountable is acceptable to Singaporeans.
A Chauvinist in Marine Parade?
According to The Straits Times, Mr.Goh Chok Tong said, "The four men seem to be leaving it to the young lady to campaign and say all the things.” He was speaking of Ms.Nicole Seah in Marine Parade.
Precisely what is wrong with Ms.Seah taking the lead? Does it bother Mr.Goh that she is a woman taking the lead? Does he feel that she should meekly follow? Or does he perhaps feel that she belongs in some kitchen?
Ms.Seah is intelligent, she is articulate and she has a huge following on Facebook, more than Mr.Goh certainly. If she speaks, it is because people are interested in what she has to say.
Mr.Goh should take his own advice, and focus on the issues, instead of taking cheap and possibly chauvinistic shots, at oppositionists.
Precisely what is wrong with Ms.Seah taking the lead? Does it bother Mr.Goh that she is a woman taking the lead? Does he feel that she should meekly follow? Or does he perhaps feel that she belongs in some kitchen?
Ms.Seah is intelligent, she is articulate and she has a huge following on Facebook, more than Mr.Goh certainly. If she speaks, it is because people are interested in what she has to say.
Mr.Goh should take his own advice, and focus on the issues, instead of taking cheap and possibly chauvinistic shots, at oppositionists.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Different Rules For Different Parties!
The opposition's team in Tanjong Pagar was disqualified today. Apparently, their seconders, proposers, and assentors were not all seated at the end of nominations! So what, if they were standing? What has it to do with an election? It is a silly rule, enforced selectively by the PAP's Elections Department! To add insult to injury, they were apparently only 35 seconds late! Perhaps they should add more rules, like you should not scratch your nose, or pull your earlobes, or raise your eyebrows at discrimination. Why not, the rules would only be enforced on the opposition, after all!
If Mr.Lee Kuan Yew had been standing, or even standing on his head, we doubt the Elections Department officials would have enforced this rule. In fact, they may all have taken to standing on their heads as well!
Mr.Lee then unashamedly proceeded to give a 'victory speech'. We are certain he did not want a challenge, for the ballot boxes would have been filled with many protest votes against the PAP and it's policies. Mr.Lee would have been embarassed by a victory with a small margin, or even a loss, and he would have been proven to be merely a tin god . We will never know, for they have chosen the poltroon's path to victory. Mr.Lee and his team are not legitimate victors, and Singapore's unfair elections are off to a troubling start.
Meanwhile, the SDP's protest on the PAP's Ms.Sim Ann has been dismissed with no reason given by Election Department officials. She had written on her papers, that she was 'unemployed' while the SDP says she is still serving her notice.
If this is accurate, then writing a falsehood on your nomination papers is apparently acceptable to the Election Department's officials, if you're a PAP candidate. However if you're from the opposition, and are standing instead of sitting, you will be promptly disqualified!
The Election Department's decisions seem to have little to do with infractions of rules, and everything to do with which party you're from!
Note (Update):
The Public Services Division has come out and said that Ms.Sim Ann is no longer in the civil service. Whether this is true, or was made to come true after the SDP's protest, we will never know. The fact remains that the Elections Department chose to quickly dismiss the protest, when it clearly warranted a detailed investigation.
If Mr.Lee Kuan Yew had been standing, or even standing on his head, we doubt the Elections Department officials would have enforced this rule. In fact, they may all have taken to standing on their heads as well!
Mr.Lee then unashamedly proceeded to give a 'victory speech'. We are certain he did not want a challenge, for the ballot boxes would have been filled with many protest votes against the PAP and it's policies. Mr.Lee would have been embarassed by a victory with a small margin, or even a loss, and he would have been proven to be merely a tin god . We will never know, for they have chosen the poltroon's path to victory. Mr.Lee and his team are not legitimate victors, and Singapore's unfair elections are off to a troubling start.
Meanwhile, the SDP's protest on the PAP's Ms.Sim Ann has been dismissed with no reason given by Election Department officials. She had written on her papers, that she was 'unemployed' while the SDP says she is still serving her notice.
If this is accurate, then writing a falsehood on your nomination papers is apparently acceptable to the Election Department's officials, if you're a PAP candidate. However if you're from the opposition, and are standing instead of sitting, you will be promptly disqualified!
The Election Department's decisions seem to have little to do with infractions of rules, and everything to do with which party you're from!
Note (Update):
The Public Services Division has come out and said that Ms.Sim Ann is no longer in the civil service. Whether this is true, or was made to come true after the SDP's protest, we will never know. The fact remains that the Elections Department chose to quickly dismiss the protest, when it clearly warranted a detailed investigation.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Vivian Balakrishnan, Gutter Politician
One would expect someone who had to spend his life burdened with a name like Vivian, and a member of a minority, to show more empathy. But Mr.Vivian has shown that he will sink to any depth, to win an election.
He has clearly picked up a thing or two from Malaysia's Mr.Mahathir. Mr.Mahathir too, will do and use anything, true or false, and no matter how low, to win an election.
Mr.Vivian has asked that some opposition politicians should 'come out of the closet'. Perhaps, like in Borat's Kazakhstan, he would like all gays to wear blue hats, next? Or perhaps he seeks a 'final solution' to this 'problem' like the Nazis did? Is Mr.Vivian, perhaps, a closet Nazi?
This is the ugly face of the PAP, a discriminatory face, and it is a shame to Singapore. Mr.Vivian will not find it so easy to get a visa to some Western countries, the next time he applys. Such homophobia should not be tolerated, and has no place in civilised nations.
We do not know whom he is accusing, but we wonder whether he is certain, that there is nobody 'in the closet' in the PAP.
Note :
The silver lining in this deplorable episode, is that as the PAP becomes ever more desperate, it shows ever more clearly, that they are headed for a thrashing in the elections. And if anybody is unfit for high office, it is unscrupulous politicians like Mr.Vivian.
He has clearly picked up a thing or two from Malaysia's Mr.Mahathir. Mr.Mahathir too, will do and use anything, true or false, and no matter how low, to win an election.
Mr.Vivian has asked that some opposition politicians should 'come out of the closet'. Perhaps, like in Borat's Kazakhstan, he would like all gays to wear blue hats, next? Or perhaps he seeks a 'final solution' to this 'problem' like the Nazis did? Is Mr.Vivian, perhaps, a closet Nazi?
This is the ugly face of the PAP, a discriminatory face, and it is a shame to Singapore. Mr.Vivian will not find it so easy to get a visa to some Western countries, the next time he applys. Such homophobia should not be tolerated, and has no place in civilised nations.
We do not know whom he is accusing, but we wonder whether he is certain, that there is nobody 'in the closet' in the PAP.
Note :
The silver lining in this deplorable episode, is that as the PAP becomes ever more desperate, it shows ever more clearly, that they are headed for a thrashing in the elections. And if anybody is unfit for high office, it is unscrupulous politicians like Mr.Vivian.
Living In Disneyland
Mr.Lee Kuan Yew has been kind enough to inform Singaporeans today that they are not living in Disneyland. For some reason, he must think that Singaporeans feel they are living in Disneyland.
Why would Singaporeans think they live in Disneyland?
It could be because of the fact that the subways, like Disneyland's rides, are packed.
Or because, like Disneyland, Singapore is full of people from all different parts of the world, having fun.
The locals in Disneyland, have to work at jobs, sometimes dressed in silly costumes.
Like Disneyland, there are no free rides in Singapore, not even for the poor or unable.
And, like Disneyland, everything is way too expensive.
Singaporeans have some advantages over Disneylanders, though. While people from Disneyland have to drive for hours or catch a 1 hour flight to get to Las Vegas and it's casinos, the PAP has brought the casinos to Singapore.
We doubt if Singaporeans feel they are living in Disneyland. For a struggling family, such a suggestion would be a trivialisation of their difficulties. That Mr.Lee would make such a suggestion, shows the disconnect between the PAP's leaders and the average citizen.
Mr.Lee himself, however, has very reason to think he is living in Disneyland. He is the King who lives in a castle, his son is the Prince, and he may do and have anything he wants. And his Ministers will be quite happy to put on any mask he wants them to, to please him. Though we do not know if he will feel quite so flippant, after this election is over.
We do agree with him on one thing, that Singaporeans have to make the right choice for the future of their children and grandchildren. And that choice should be for a strong opposition in Singapore's Parliament and for a two party state.
Or else their children and grandchildren too, will have to live in a repressive state, led by an in-bred, declining, much detested party, which will fear-monger and sell insurance to stay in power, at every election.
Why would Singaporeans think they live in Disneyland?
It could be because of the fact that the subways, like Disneyland's rides, are packed.
Or because, like Disneyland, Singapore is full of people from all different parts of the world, having fun.
The locals in Disneyland, have to work at jobs, sometimes dressed in silly costumes.
Like Disneyland, there are no free rides in Singapore, not even for the poor or unable.
And, like Disneyland, everything is way too expensive.
Singaporeans have some advantages over Disneylanders, though. While people from Disneyland have to drive for hours or catch a 1 hour flight to get to Las Vegas and it's casinos, the PAP has brought the casinos to Singapore.
We doubt if Singaporeans feel they are living in Disneyland. For a struggling family, such a suggestion would be a trivialisation of their difficulties. That Mr.Lee would make such a suggestion, shows the disconnect between the PAP's leaders and the average citizen.
Mr.Lee himself, however, has very reason to think he is living in Disneyland. He is the King who lives in a castle, his son is the Prince, and he may do and have anything he wants. And his Ministers will be quite happy to put on any mask he wants them to, to please him. Though we do not know if he will feel quite so flippant, after this election is over.
We do agree with him on one thing, that Singaporeans have to make the right choice for the future of their children and grandchildren. And that choice should be for a strong opposition in Singapore's Parliament and for a two party state.
Or else their children and grandchildren too, will have to live in a repressive state, led by an in-bred, declining, much detested party, which will fear-monger and sell insurance to stay in power, at every election.
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