Comments on: TOC Special Report : Opposition creating a buzz in Penang elections

By: Oxford Dude

Oxford Dude — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:31:11 +0000

Clearly, what Malaysian politics can tell us in order for democratic election to take place, the Opposition has to be just as backhanded as the ruling party in order for fair competition to emerge.

By: looes74

looes74 — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:56:59 +0000

My dear friends,
Just wondering if you see similarities between DAP & PAP. Basically, Singapore opposition parties ain’t credible as Malaysian opposition parties. On the contrary of what you guys thought, most of DAP members are professionals. Lawyers, Journalists, Prominent Bloggers unlike the Xiaxue type bloggers, Doctors. There is even one Oxford graduate in the team. Look closely at their manifesto, they are similar with Lee Hsien Loong’s PAP manisfesto.Dey, they are from the same root lah.
Honestly, I don’t have much faith on present Singapore opposition parties. It’s all Singaporeans’ fault. Sometimes, you got to vote out Thia Khiang and See Tong. Malaysians at one time voted out Karpal Singh and Lim Kit Siang. It goes both ways, my dear friends.
Anyway, I have to agree with LKY. If PAP fails to perform, they would crumble very quickly. Good men would definitely come. Hence, never agree to artificially create “oppositions”.
Guess what!

PAP = Lee Kuan Yew (Father), Goh Chok Tong (Holy Goh), Lee Hsien Loong (The Son)

DAP = Lim Kit Siang (Father), Karpal Singh (Holy Spirit, wah very fiery spirit), Lim Guan Eng (The Son)

So, the same right. I would only choose the right people to run the country. Don’t get me wrong, DAP is a much better political party than any BN parties and definitely all Singapore opposition parties combined. Choose wisely. Hmm……PKMS…..Singapore UMNO under SDA (Chiam). “Cut! Cut Cut!” Ring the bell. Such unholy alliance would never survive in Malaysia simply Malaysians are damned smarter.

I am not saying that such passion are wrong. However, do learn from LKY or Anwar. Don’t be so “wood”

By: Melvin

Melvin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:28:31 +0000

Talking about united opposition, DAP and PAS have started to encounter friction less than a week after the Malaysia GE and I believe many observers like myself are disappointed although not surprised. DAP has decided to boycott the Perak MB swearing-in as they wanted a PKR assemblyman as MB (although the difference in number of seats was just 1) and PAS has announced that they will retain the NEP.

By: Dead Poet

Dead Poet — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:22:17 +0000

What I found really interesting is the extensive coverage given by CNA on the Malaysian election. Surprisingly they covered and interviewed more opposition than they actually did for the Singapore election. I wonder if the Malaysian press and the International press covered our election and the opposition with such gusto, would MDA allow it to be aired in the Singapore airwaves or would it be deemed as interfering in local politics. Afterall the official mantra is that Singapore politics is only for Singaporeans but its perfectly alright to go around the world and comment on everyone else’s politics

By: shhhh...

shhhh... — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:05:00 +0000

LOL! Is that really DAP’s logo? What’s with the scud missile man? :D

I never expected our Pokemon to be setting fashion trends ;p

By: sigh

sigh — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:25:47 +0000

are singaporean ok with the policies dish out by PAP?if PAP continue to take charge for another 40 yrs, will they change the way they run the country? ( that is if you are happy with it ) are you people happy? if you are then PAP should continue. if not, we should change it. to grow, change is inevitable and there will be risk involved. why invest in shares when you can have safe returns in fixed deposit? – higher returns ,folks .but that comes with risk of losing yr principle amount. in my opinion, other than PAP, there are singaporeans who are better than them. that can think of better policies to run our country. let these people surface. there will be bad eggs among these people, but let singaporean decide who should stay or go. singaporean are the shareholders & boss of this country and not the people who are given the job to run it.

By: ??

?? — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:09:20 +0000

I kudos to our malaysian brothers/sisters.
They vote for a change.
when will our turn be?
Maybe i will not live to see the day comes.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:19:37 +0000

All change incurs risk. With no risk, there is no improvement and status quo.

In Singapore, the complacency, inaccountability and intransparency of the establishment posed greater risk than anything else after more than 4 decades in power.

With change, at least there is hope.

The establishment has corrupted the local mind with the incapability to discern what is right or wrong. Judgement is very impaired.

It is time for a change just like other country.
I would like to see a Singapore where everyone can call it home and be proud.

Singapore = Citizen != PAP != Singapore Inc

Would it come ? Hopefully before migration.

By: bimp

bimp — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:25:54 +0000

well,
In fact i just want to share comments made by my malaysia friend.Comments that were mentioned above is purely his own personal comments that I just wish to highlight.

Thks anyway.

By: Gary Teoh

Gary Teoh — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:17:51 +0000

To Bimp, If there is no risk, there is no gain.Lack of experience in governance is not the reason.A fresh graduate from Uni has no work experience, but given the chance to work,he will climb up the corporate ladder, same to opposition parties,Gerakan has no experience too when they won in 1969.And yet they govern almost 40 years.

By: bimp

bimp — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:08:38 +0000

A malaysian friend of mine told me indeed it’s a risk though a great triumph to trounce the govt arrogance.
Selangor is a federal teritory that just a stone’s throw to KL,it has been in fact the most developed state apart from Johor after years of BN control.
As in kelantan,PAS party ever complaining bout govt (BN party) that it has yet to be in full access to it’s own reserve (fund) to fully develop kelantan.In fact he told me in a frank manner,for the last 18 years under PAS rule kelantan population from all races seems to be loyal to them (PAS Party).
As in the case of Selangor, It seems they are in danger of being deprived of funds/deveopment by the govt (BN) and in turn the serious declination of KL.Please take note that KL is indeed M’sia capital and over the years Selangor share the ecomomic prosperity as being the state that is closest to the capital.To make it simple just like Johor next to S’pore and due to our high currency Johor stand of living/expenses and necessities are one of the highest just after Selangor.
As in the case of Penang,it seems to be on it’s own wanting to govern it’s way and is in danger of being left out of M’sia just like S’pore.penang is an island similar to S’pore.
He pointed to me as in the case of Kedah and Perak,for now they are riding on the back of the opposition party.Over the years,maybe just like trengganu they will be won back by BN due to opposition parties lacking of experience in governing.
What I have mentioned above is comments from a friend of mine,used to work in S’pore and now lives in Petaling Jaya,Selangor (that falls into Opposition hands)
He as a Malaysian have indeed see it as risk.He see the 5 states that have fallen into the opposition hands as a gamble that was driven by compassion to change.Compassion and unity from the ppl from the 5 states that on 8th March all vote for change.
nicholas-just a note from your stated comments – RISK

By: Nicholas

Nicholas — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 03:22:07 +0000

bimp, I disagree with the use of the word “risk”. I dont see it as a risk for Malaysians to vote the oppositions. I mean, its not as if some states have not been under opposition rule before.

By: Andrew Loh

Andrew Loh — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 14:07:50 +0000

Dear Antz and Bimp,

The best and fastest way for change to happen is if Singaporeans step up to the plate. Otherwise, yes waiting for change to happen on its own will take generations – and it may never happen.

We must stop thinking that we can’t do anything to help change happen. And just waiting or hoping for the opposition to somehow change things is not going to help either.

I think Dr Chee says it best:

“Great things happen to those who dare.”

“Many of us in the opposition rejoice vicariously in the electoral victory of our counterparts in Malaysia. As we bask in the reflected glory from up north, many of you hope aloud that a similar change will take place in Singapore.

Unfortunately, it will not.

For change does not come with timidity. It belongs to those who dare. And the opposition and people in Malaysia dared greatly.

More importantly, they worked – and made huge sacrifices – for the change they wanted to see. ”

Thus, the question really is: For all those who are calling for and want to see change, how many are willing to put their money where their mouths are?

How many are ready to step forth and help the opposition?

The opposition, lest we forget, is only as good and as strong as the numbers in their ranks.

The Malaysians had many who sacrificed and overcame their fear. How many Singaporeans are willing to do so?

Regards,
Andrew Loh

By: bimp

bimp — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 13:50:18 +0000

I salute ppl of Malaysia for taking the risk to be united to vote for opposition.
Indeed quite shocking to see out of a sudden 5 states especially Selangor to fall to the opposition.
Agreed with antz, for s’pore to have a sudden wave of change in politics will take years or maybe few generations.
I do not think I will still live to see that day.

By: Gary Teoh

Gary Teoh — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 13:29:09 +0000

In Malaysia the system is different,Cabinet ministers can be voted out,but in Singapore,cabinet ministers are adored like god.Some more the PAP propaganda always mention we can’t afford to lose even a minister, and the silly singaporeans always brainwash by them, so i think it is impossible to win more than 2 seats, not to mention to deny the PAP 2/3 majority.

By: antz

antz — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 13:20:51 +0000

what happened in Malaysia from my point of view is an election that caused a major upset to the ruling party.
From views from M’sia friends,it seems they were drove by feeling of emotions and grievances that eventually led to a denial of 2/3 of votes needed by BN to have an all round majority vote.
Opposition have indeed came together from all parties to cause this upset.
Malaysian is a large country with all natural resources that you can think of,but the main problem is the all important the welfare of it’s ppl of all races.
a friend of mine from penang, a Malay told me DAP gave out leaflets that state s’pore a small country gave out generous handouts to it’s ppl and question the ruling party,BN of not looking into it’s ppl welfare as M’sia is the number one producer in the world of palm oil..
and so the allegations continued till ppl of penang wonders where are they standing??
Frankly, it will take i guess quite some time in term of years maybe to have a kinda upset by the opposition in Singapore.
I do not see any credible opposition party or any domain opposition figure like Datuk Anwar ibrahim m’sia deputy PM.
To have a sudden change in the govt/policy of s’pore is risky/complex due to non existence of natural resources and our position sandwiched unfortunately between two bigger countries.
We can wish for change IF a credible and a potential opposition party that can led us to stability and a united ppl.

By: patriot

patriot — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 11:58:53 +0000

Read some in some blogs, commenters looking forward to have ‘Majullah Singapura’ changed, tune, lyrics and maybe even language. Is it an omen of coming events?

By: bolumpah

bolumpah — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 07:08:37 +0000

hope singaporean wake up like what happen in Malaysian election. then it is majulah singapura !!!

By: Andrew Loh

Andrew Loh — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 02:55:36 +0000

Goodwind,

Yea, we all hope something similar will happen in Singapore too. Thailand, Australia… now Malaysia… hopefully next will be Burma… and then maybe… maybe Singapore.

When I was there in Malaysia, what was inspiring were those volunteers who gave of their time in helping the DAP, even though they were not members.

I truly hope that Singaporeans who have had enough of the PAP will come forward and help the opposition parties in the next elections. It will no doubt be an enormous task for the opposition to go up against the PAP mammoth.

But as the Malaysian elections has shown, it is not impossible.

Impossible is nothing. :)

By: Goodwind

Goodwind — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 02:18:02 +0000

The Malaysian Opposition Coalition has won Penang, Kedah and Kelantan. As of now, 4 ministers from the UMNO-led United Front have lost their seats. MIC Chief is one of them. And the UMNO’s vetran Women Affairs Minister has lost her seat to Anwar’s daughter, who is only 27 years old and inexperience in politics.

Anwar’s wife, Wan Aziza has retained her seat in Penang, which she campaigned base on the understanding that she would hand the seat over to her husband once he is eligible for holding official posts.

MIC has suffered the biggest blow. The whole of the MIC Executive Committee has resigned. MIC itself has also resigned from the United Front (Barisan National coalition).

This Malaysian GE result shows that Singaporeans should also pick up their courage and make effective change to deny the two-third majority of parliamentary seats to the ruling party, so as to ensure that the wishes of the people won’t be brushed aside so easily at will.

Wake up, Singaporeans!