The ball is in the opposition’s court
Tuesday, 19 August 2008, 7:16 pm | 561 views
Announcement: We apologise if you are experiencing some difficulty with this site. We are investigating the cause. We ask for your patience. Thank you.
Andrew Loh / Deputy Editor
From “anonymous counter-insurgents” to “openning up” in cyberspace, the Government is being forced to change its policies. But how will the opposition respond?
Having sat through the two hours of the Prime Minister’s National Day Rally speech, I am somewhat nonchalant about the announcements he made, particularly about the changes in the political sphere.
Earlier reports and write-ups in the local press and various comments by Government ministers had given clues that the changes were to be expected. Although I am glad that the Prime Minister has finally made them public, and thus would be held to his word, I nonetheless feel that the so-called “opening up” falls short of what a first-world country or democracy should have in the first place.
More importantly, the question I have is this: So what? Does it matter whether the Government allows podcasting or not? Or public protests? Or political films? Netizens are going to engage in them anyway, just as they did in the last elections. Besides, the Internet audience isn’t as big as the mainstream media’s, or so we’re told. And how many Singaporeans would want to create a political film, anyway?
My thoughts then became: Surely the Government knows that netizens are evidently not going to be bothered by such regulations. So, why make such significant announcements – and in a speech to the nation?
Well, there are a few reasons.
Government pressured to change
One, as Chua Lee Hoong, The Straits Times’ Political Editor said in the paper today, the Government wants to be seen as being “on top of evolving issues” and “updating itself for a new generation”. In other words, the Government is “hip and happening”. In recent times, members of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and Government agencies have gone onto the Internet in a big way, albeit silently. Facebook, Youtube (even NTUC has a Youtube account), blogs, websites, all have been created, revamped, re-designed, etc.
Two, the announcements set down the “OB markers” for everyone. A government as paranoid as ours is obsessed with perimeters and demarcating such boundaries in cyberspace, as it feels this is necessary for control, another of its obsessions.
Three, and this is perhaps the most important reason, a whole new generation of tech-savvy, Internet-wise Singaporeans are, for the first time in history, availing themselves of alternative sources of news and information. Further, Singapore is one of the most wired places in the world, with access to broadband Internet. To ignore this is, well, political suicide.
So, it would seem that the Government, while portraying itself as being “on top of evolving issues”, is in truth being pressured to change – by New Media. And well it should too.
Opposition’s response?
Having said all that, these changes are not surprising. The PAP government being what it is – one which, really, is quite aware of the environment it operates in – it is expected to engage the people more fervently in cyberspace. These changes are a start. Expect the presence of the PAP to be more keenly felt in cyberspace as we approach the next General Elections.
The ball now is in the opposition parties’ court. How will the opposition respond? To be sure, besides the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), the other opposition parties are virtually non-existent on the Internet, besides a few disparate personal blogs by their members and several poorly-maintained websites which are updated only periodically.
So, while we may be skeptical of or criticise the Government’s foray into the Internet, the more important question, I feel, is about at the opposition parties: what are they going to do now to engage the new generation of potential voters who haunt cyberspace?
Ultimately, that is the question which Prime Minister Lee is asking of the opposition parties.
————-
Email this to a Friend
Bookmark this
Dear Andrew Loh,
The issue is, has been and will always be - about attracting good people to step forward into the political arena. I suspect that thís opening up - is an attempt to attract people to enter politics. To give space to the WP and to take the limelight away from Chee Soon Juan. A WP that is willing to protest at Speaker’s Corner is a WP that will outshine Chee Soon Juan.
I guess the SDP will have to follow my advice and produce alternative public policies - pragmatic ones too !
It does NOT matter what the Opposition thinks if the Opposition cannot get enough quality people to join them ! How many Malays are there in the WP or SDP ? You can count with your fingers in one hand !
So I still think that attracting quality people into politics is still THE issue here in Singapore. Ours is a depoliticised society…..
By the way - I have family issues and so I cannot and will not be a public figure. You gotta try others for that !
The changes will not change anything within the oppositions. It just remove barriers for PAP. Now it can make political films.
Andrew,
Personally, I am not convinced that there is any “opening” up to be taken advantage of. Lee’s regime will not change the law. This means framing the law in a way that promotes liberalisation. Instead be, the Law, as it has always been, will be left AS-IS for administrative discretion particularly from a default “not approved” position. As for the point on demonstration permitted in Hong Lim park, I would be surprise if it did not come with caveat not dissimilar to that of speaking.
Dr Syed Alwi forward the proposition that WP could take advantage to undercut the SDP. In my opinion, as long as the Law stands as it is, I suspect the uber-cautious attitude of the WP leadership would be able/willing to risk, albeit potentially, of being branded “irresponsible” if the decision ran against it.
Opening up is actually a trap to draw out those people who have been taking potshots at them in cyberspace. It is easier to deal with ‘enemies’ in open space than in covert operation. Those who are not opposition better stay where you are and continue to attack them as snipers. Those who are already known opposition should sieze the opportunities to be more garang and play their game.
It is more than meets the eyes. Don’t jump into it until you are sure there are no sharks.
i agreed with zhummmeng..it’s definitely a bait laced with poison!
Hi guys,
Allow me to reply to your various comments.
Dr Alwi, yes, recruitment of talents for the opposition is the number one priority. However, one can’t recruit if one does not first engage, right?
Tan Ah Kow, Zhummmeng, Blackfeline, sometimes I feel Singaporeans are guilty of fatalism to the point of inertia. Yes, it is what Catherine Lim recently termed “self-inflicted fear”. If even our opposition parties are that fearful, then perhaps there is no hope of having any alternative voices in Parliament. And more importantly, it is not the PAP which should be blamed.
At times, I feel that the excuse of “the govt is not being sincere” or that “there are hidden traps”, etc are excuses which S’poreans use to justify their inertia in fighting for the things they want.
At the end of the day, if S’poreans (including opposition parties) are afraid of speaking up or acting on their beliefs, then we have no one to blame but ourselves.
Time to stop passing the fear from one generation to another. Sometimes, I feel we are guilty of doing this more than the PAP or the Govt.
Can I say my 2 cents?
How will the Opposition respond ? Well, is this a no-brainer or trick question ? hee hee.
Based on almost 50 years of past performance and track record,
I am convinced there will be nothing changed.
I am not gonna say that I feel good or bad about this.
The People had spoken.
Based on the People’s continous decision made, I suspect there could be no more Opposition presence in future after the Strategies work to counter.
Opposition could not do much really in terms of winning the majority, in my 2 cents opinion.
What makes one think that after 50 years, anything will change in any significant way?
The FT policy worked so well as demonstrated by the medal.
Maybe , Opposition can invite Strategists good enough to beef them up and after they get their citizenship like our gals, represent the people and speak up for them?
Afterall, the reward is great
I mean, of course, being a Servant of the People, sacrificing their lives for the People who pay the coffers where they get their salary?
that is as rewarding as a million bucks, so to speak right? hee hee.
@Dr Syed Alwi
“I guess the SDP will have to follow my advice and produce alternative public policies - pragmatic ones too !”
well, they are presenly offering the possiblity to discuss various policy proposals and also allow Singaporeans to participate in them. Just go here:
http://forum.yoursdp.org/index.php
the PAP opening up?
more like a cat placing small chunks of cheese to haul a group of rats.
obviously, anonymous writers have irritated and hurting them bad enough. removing your invisible cloak is like choosing to pay for anti-virus, even though most of us are having them free.
play safe, be fearful and be very suspicious.
stay anonymous.
I think we can afford to be less cynical. Granted, the new freedoms are endlessly qualified and subject to approval, but the fact that the government is shifitng its position shows that they are not infallible, that they have to react to people power, and that there are more productive things we can do than mindlessly flame every word that comes out of a minister’s mouth.
As the article says, the ball is in the opposition’s court now. They can either take advantage of this new freedom, or they can screw up and let the PAP take credit for opening up with limits.
“the PAP opening up?”
So Kiddie start giving the bull again, so tell us who is in control ? Papa or Kiddie ?
Kiddie: let’s open up and create a vibrant society
Papa: You want to eat rottan, is it ? I will sue anyone who deflame me and put to jail anyone who question the regime’s integrity and credibility. You better disappear or else face my wrath that make your life vibrant instead.
Kiddie: alright i will disappear and leave the matter to you. Papa, you are the best and I am your obedient son !
If podcasting is banned they can only ban those podcasts hosted by Singapore-based servers. I am already looking for an alternative server not based in Asia (for my blog)
“Government pressured to change”. Pressured by who? Enlighten me - I am stupid here!
Dear Steve and Andrew,
Yes I am aware of the SDP Forum and in fact, I have made several postings there myself. You can check under Wealth & Poverty !!
Andrew - yes engagement is necessary. Again, you can check out the SDP Forum where alternative public policies are debated.
I still think that recruiting good people is THE main issue here.
Regards
Dr Syed Alwi
I agree with the article. Historically, the printing press was muzzled for precisely the same reason. Whilst the efforts to do so via the printing press was easy, today too much is riding on the internet and with too little control for any efforts at control to be really effective.
The “relaxation” of control wrt to Internet tools is an illusion cos the Govt never really had control over the Internet in the first place. It is just a recognition of reality.
Hi Andrew,
Im speaking for myself only..fear is NEVER EVER in my dictionary..we have to be wise..i dont sleep with my “enemy” if you know what i mean…thus i rather starts from the premise of doubt NOT fear…especially dealing with people from that camp.
13) kelly on August 20th, 2008 4.04 am
“Government pressured to change”. Pressured by who? Enlighten me - I am stupid here!”
You no stupid lah. You smart girl. You thing garment will give away carrot cake & mee siam so easily meh ?
support opposition party like u love your computers and computers games
[...] is the dividing line? - Yawning Bread: Demonstrations to be allowed in Hong Lim playpen - TOC: The ball is in the opposition’s court - Random Thoughts Of A Free Thinker: National Day Rally 2008: Political Liberalisation, really? - [...]
Dear Andrew,
I wonder if it is not so much ’self-inflicted fear’ as the baiting which Singaporeans themselves can inflict on those individuals who do bring to the floor constructive criticism. Speaking purely anecdotally, I notice on the ST Forum the occasional letter or comment from a Singaporean (or god forbid, a writer with a Caucasian name — possibly a subversive Western element?) arguing FOR universal human rights, or for a more liberal political arena, or in support of Dr. Chee and his sister (re. her application to attend the lecture in Stanford, for e.g.). These inevitably tend to be countered by admonishments to ‘be practical’, to be ‘thankful for what the PAP has given you’, to ‘leave the country if you don’t like it’…
Never mind the fear of the knock on the door in the middle of the night — nay-sayers who dare to speak in the public fora (read: the national press) tend to be lynched by the mob before their message even has time to take root and become the topic of reasoned discussion.
think the Government recognises (long ago) the need for the changes. this is just a ‘periodic’ moment for them to update us. alot more can be done, yes. but they deserve a clap for taking the step. a careful step, but needed one.
hmm..talking abt the opposition parties’ existence online..where can i find reform party’s website?
andrew, i think you’ve fundamentally misread LHL’s speech - to conclude on a ‘ultimately, this is …’ is erroneous. if the ball is in the opposition’s court, it always has been. what have come in are extraneous pressures - for example, the democratising elements of technology and of singapore’s economic strategies that hinge upon those very foundations - that elude both the govt and opposition parties. oppositionists now have more opportunities to dent the PAP’s armoury, but that’s not saying much. the elemental iron fences remain unchanged. i’d suggest you leave the political commentary to the other more astute TOC bloggers.
I think the govt just announced that they are joining the cybergame and they will be setting their ground rules, send in their referees and draw up the lines.
The match is on, the referee toss the coin, they say “head I win tail you lose” Now your turn.
i dont need their permission to speak up..that’s my basic right..and i dont need them to give me a designated corner to speak up…i will speak wherever i am…
Say whatever you want it safer to wait and see or test water. Don’t rush into it where the angels fear to tread even…. Ask yourself why this change of heart ,after 43 years.
It is not simple…. they may about turn.
Dear People,
I don’t think it makes any difference. How many of you are prepared to protest and demo at Speaker’s Corner ? How many of you are going to make political films ?
To me it matters not. Its just a green light signal to the WP to take things one step further. I suppose it also makes the SDP look unreasonable.
But by and large - it will not affect most of us. I am not going to join any political organisation. I do not even want to be a public figure ! What about you fellas ? If you are not going to have a public life - then it really does not matter much !
Only those who desire a political and public life - are affected because these people now have more avenues to reach out to the people….
Thank you for your compliment YOU_SMART_GAL! haha
I think the balls are in everyone else’s courts - not just the opposition parties’.
Yes, government has started getting cyber-savvy after buying my CD on HOW TO USE SOCIAL BOOKMARKS TO MAKE YOUR SITE MORE POPULAR….
JOKING!!!! >,<
Many of the things government have taken to implement on Facebook etc is definitely not as a result of hiring competent graduates (am not saying they are not competent). So a lot of times my friends find themselves asking “What do civil servants do that merit salary increases?”
hahaha.. u really are right! there is no free lunch in this world. especially when its from our BIG brother in the TOP seats.
Dear Bernard,
Thank you for your advice.
Having said what you said, you did not deny or rebut my point that the ball is in the opposition’s court now. Yes, there are obstacles in their way, but even so, there is much they can do - as far as engaging the Internet audience is concerned.
No one denies that PM Lee’s move is, at some level, due to the democratising nature Cyberspace. Still, this only means that if even the PAP - with all its encompassing might and resources - has to change, what more the opposition parties.
The changes which the PM announced is ultimately political ones with political aims. And there is nothing more political than trying to win votes through convincing the electorate and engaging them. (Actually, this is exactly what you mean by the ‘democratising’ nature of the Net, I suspect.)
Thus, being opposition political parties, the opposition must also do more to engage Netizens. I think you will agree that they indeed can do more. That is my point.
So, ultimately, the measures or changes announced by the PM is ultimately a gauntlet, if you like, thrown down. The PM is effectively saying: “Now I am going to engage Netizens and I am serious about it and I am going to do it on my own terms. What are you, opposition parties, going to do about it?”
The final aim - for both the PAP and the opposition - is to win votes. The PAP, at least ostentatiously, recognises that the Net is important enough in the fight for votes in the future.
What about the opposition? That is my question.
Dear Andrew,
Well - the SDP has a high profile presence on the Internet. What about the WP ? It seems to me that the WP is waiting for the PAP to give it the green light first ! That has always been the problem with the WP. They appear to be PAP-approved Opposition !
You can check out the SDP web-site and the SDP Public Policy Forum page. The fact that the SDP debates public policy on the Internet - is great proof of its people-centric approach to politics. If that is not engagement - then what is ?
Dr. Syed Alwi is right! I proposed (I think quite some time back) about the possibility of installing Poll Plugins for TOC. (SDP site already have them.) Not saying TOC should copy them but which kaypo like me don’t like polls? >,, http://www.alexa.com
As a senior citizen I have been waiting for many years for some credible individuals to stand by and be counted as real opposition MPs in Parliament.
I am sure many citizens are looking forward to a refreshing change and have such Singaporeans to really stand up to in Parliament. Freshness is needed as the present opposition MPs can only do this much given the baggages and personality constraints.
I sense that I may be getting my wish in the next GE - the net is really encouraging, and I am hopeful in imagining at least 12 good men and women in a new entity and prepared to make the sacrifices against great odds - the PAP has done its job for political dominance from time immemorial; its seedings campaign would win over many a good and dissenting voice early and the monetary rewards in Government need not be further mentioned , and there is the good possibility of a safety net of a good career after a stinct as a PAP MP.
I look forward to the Singaporean brave hearts who will have the courage and conviction to make a difference - for the sake of Singaporeans and our children if they so choose to stay; good opposition is really needed at SUCH TIMES to help the Government in its blind side and to close the widening divide.
Best wishes.
27) kelly on August 21st, 2008 5.41 am
Pobably two camps lah. One camp still pefer their coppee served like in the old day, ceramic small cup with that clink-clank plate. The other camp, another group of boy scouts from the next jamboree era are comfortable with StarBugs & Coffee Bins lah.
Civer Servens are just beauracatics pushing pens and parroting policy from above. Of corst, some justified their salary bcos they sweat also. Some, of coust not lah - got all credit but no downside.
Nice to have you here. Your & everyone’s views are important for a vibrant civil society.
Hello there Guys and Gals, In my point of view there firstly has to be credible oppisition,we cant have People who just speak from their Point of View. The PAP, has always got their facts and figures right, one can argye that,they can obtain such information without a problem. Firstly we much have opposition,who sincerely help the people and also at the same time develop the country,can they do that,Have u seen Hougang Ave 3,some may argue that there is a lacking of funds,but isnt that the oppsitions duty,to get those funds and upgrade the estate. How do u want people to trust them,We need opposition to ask pentarative questions and not Blame the Goverment. We need check and balance and not to find fault.
We all have to acknowledge that Peoples Action Party Have done a Great Job with our Beautiful Island
a city that has no pride other than making money to buy souls or manufacture souls will come to a sad end for many.
suicides of older folks have been rising slowly and more will follow soon.
what is there really to look forward to except work and more work? in such a culture, what kills is a misplaced worth.
when the lights dim, the vision blur as you watched your arrogance years played out before your languishing bones,the call to tranquil eternal bliss will become more insistence.
recently, an old lady with impeccable english asked to have my tray cleared and i said, don’t you have a tray clearing policy for your valued customers in your popular restaurant?
she replied, if i don’t clean up after you, what use am i?
sad. it hasn’t dawn on some people what awaits them yet.
a cold concrete existence amidst a constant flux of manufactured jubilance may just take your breathe….away.
Hello Joker I truly agree with u that we lack alot of social responsibility and that what we sould build up upon. How advancd we really does not matter, as long the matter close to heart are not resolved. Everything is such a competition that people have lost the love for mankind. Everybody is just thinking of their own gain,and no one really bothers about what happens to our neighbours. I have seen some elderly, who work tirelessly and that make’s my heart melt. My heart goes out to them, we young Singaporeans should try to understand, and help them. The Next time u see a old lady in the Mrt, give her that seat,it may be all she needs,as it will make her day.
To all the elderly Reading this, thank you very much for the contribution, to our society, without your toil and hard work, all this may never be.
Regards Deeply Debted to the elderly
Wulve
the Opposition needs a revamp to have any chance.
Taking the great example of the medal achievement, I propose offer of PR sponsorship to super world record talented political advisors from overseas to join the team to form our home.
Likewise, I propose to offer the whole Brazil soccer team citizenship and reward them handsomely to win the next world cup. I am confident at least a bronze.
based on proven success, i say Why Not? the new zens represented the country. why not have super talents come here and represent a portion of the people ? we should welcome correct or not?
visit my favorite blog for more…other…stuff….
34) wulve on August 21st, 2008 11.56 am
Say you are fresh graduate looking for an opening for the post of executive (not manager as you are not qualified yet).
The interviewer talks to you and conveys a message in a subtle friendly manner to mean that you do not possess the necessary hard experience (track record) and that your papers (though impressive with your accompanying surface knowledge which you have no problem regurgitating out) are something that they will take NOTE - when you hear such thing, you know it as an euphemism that you are not even considered as one of the listed candidates.
Well, I will analogise that you are a opposition party and your papers + knowledge as Point of View (remember no track record to start with).
You have to start somewhere and the incumbent party will not be here today without the opportunity of a start. Talking about funds, your mere mentioning of it almost makes me puke.
Your mere post gives me the impression that you are a extremely green neophyte really worthy of their service.
Dear People,
Look folks - it takes a lot to be a public figure and to look after a constituency and come up with pragmatic, alternative policies. For me - I have family issues to deal with - and so I cannot be a public figure.
And for many many others - they too have their own reasons for not wanting to step forward. If you ask me - my opinion is that the SDP is already far ahead in Internet presence and public policy making.
The SDP only needs to win a constituency to prove its ability to manage one.
Demos at Speaker’s Corner ? Political films and You Tube ? Come on ! The SDP is way ahead in all of these stuff !
I really think that LHL is giving WP the green light to do some of these things so that the WP - as a PAP-approved Opposition - can steal the limelight from the SDP !!
Dear Syed Alwi,
This is in reply to your comment number 30.
I do note the SDP’s activities on the Internet. I think I have said as much in the article. So, chill, man…
As for the WP, well… I think it is rather simplistic to label them “PAP-approved opposition” just because they’re not doing what you or we feel they should be doing. This also, sadly, reveals misunderstanding about how political parties operate.
To insist that one does the same as another is well, naive and short-sighted, in a sense. Each party has its own strategies according to what it feels will work best, politically.
Although the WP may be perceived as being absent from the media limelight (although it really is not so), still it is the party which did best in the last GE. So, who’s to say that their strategy is not working? And if it is, we should let them pursue it.
Having said that, I still hope that there can be more engagement from the opposition parties on the Internet.
I really think that LHL is giving WP the green light to do some of these things so that the WP - as a PAP-approved Opposition - can steal the limelight from the SDP !!
PAP is the one that need to green light to do the political films.
Yes, The SDP is way ahead in all of these stuff, so no one can steal the limelight within the confine of the new rules. They have to out do SDP and hence break the laws.
WP should maintain its current style and agenda to differentiate its brand name instead of trying to copycat SDP.
WP should act according to what it is and has confidence to stay on the course instead of wave according to public opinions to be more like SDP or any other party.
Dear Andrew,
I beg to differ regarding the WP. Indeed even the MM has said that the WP operates within the PAP-defined system. Besides - why is it that the WP is not willing to debate public policy matters on the Internet ?
All I hear from the WP are excuses. And the PAP itself - as in the SM Goh comments recently - indicates that it desires a particular type of Opposition that sits well with its plans.
Singapore is different from other countries. We are a one-party state where the lines between the administrative, the judiciary and the executive are blurred in favour of the ruling party. Those who ignore this reality - are either naives or knaves !
Dear sarek_home,
Well - where are the public policy debates by the WP ? What alternative policies do they have ?
What is the WP’s response towards the sky-rocketing cost of living ?
What is the WP response to the Tak-Boleh-Tahan campaign of the SDP ?
The WP is only a manifestation of the fears of Singaporeans. They want to vote for Opposition but they want a SAFE Opposition. They don’t want to have to publicly choose a political stand. That way they can simply vote for this safe Opposition and wash their hands clean.
Unfortunately it does not work that way. You have to stand up and make a stand. The way I see it - Singaporeans have a lot to brace for once the MM is finally gone……………
I know Dr SA is one of those pro-SDP-anti-WP people we see around alot very often. There is nothing wrong. However these same people ask questions to WP that I bet SDP isn’t even fulfilling. I shall stop short of criticizing SDP as I am not interested in them but more interested in PAP.
For his information there are also a lot of pro-WP-anti-SDP people in the internet sphere. The difference is that they are like me - more interested in PAP. Certainly not interested in opposition vs opposition. SDP can’t look at everyone and think they are superior nor can they last by making more than one “enemy” and if they are not then they make them enemies.
Other than internet and video-making which they are superior to every other party, SDP falls short of nearly everything else and should improve what they are weak on based on what PAP does not what WP or SDA does. Ditto for WP, to improve on what they are weak at. PAP succeeded because they copied whatever Barisan was strong in.
Dear anaken,
Give the SDP the opportunity to manage and run a constituency ! Thats the only thing the SDP lacks - experience in running a constituency.
In terms of policy making, in terms of political activism and Internet presence - the SDP is way ahead of the WP. If you visit the SDP Public Policy Discussion Forum - you will realise that the SDP has realistic policy alternatives to the PAP.
What the SDP lacks is the experience of running a constituency. Thats all.
By the way - I am NOT anti-WP NOR pro-SDP. Rather - I just happen to be realistic and honest enough to make careful observations and comments.
LHL’s National Day Rally speech MUST be read in light of the recent statements by SM Goh and MM Lee regarding Opposition politics in Singapore…..Its only been a few weeks since they made those comments.
Ultimately - every political party in Singapore faces the same problem - how to recruit good people and convince them to enter public life in the political arena…..
Dear Syed Alwi,
You said: “Ultimately - every political party in Singapore faces the same problem - how to recruit good people and convince them to enter public life in the political arena…..”
And therein lies the whole point. It is up to the individual parties to decide on the route they should take to achieve this. If the SDP’s way achieves this for them, that’s good. If the WP’s way achieves this for them, that too is good.
What we should not fall into is to compare one opposition party to another and then pit one against another. Having been a WP member myself, I do grant them that there are considerations which they have to keep in mind. I also understand that it may be hard for you to accept or understand.
But unfortunately, your pre-empting yourself from joining political parties, I suspect, closes the door to deeper understanding.
You have your considerations on why you cannot join a political party.
In the same way, grant that the opposition parties too have their considerations.
Dear Andrew,
I think we should compare the different political parties. Thats what makes an open, democratic and free political system. I do NOT pit one Opposition party against the other - but I certainly do compare them.
Whats wrong with that ? Isn’t that part and parcel of democracy ?
I cannot be a public figure because of family reasons. I come from a conservative Muslim family who will NOT accept my views on Islam in the ASEAN region. I fear for conflicts in my family because of my views. My family does not want to lose privacy and quality time. They need me to be around them. And besides - my health is not so good either.
And so I choose NOT to be a public figure.
But I certainly think that Singaporeans want an Opposition to do the dirty work for them ! In the meantime - Singaporeans just sit back and wash their hands clean. Thats the whole trouble !
Indeed - how many here are willing to demo and protest at the Speaker’s Corner ? And how many here are going to make political films, podcasts etc ?
We are a very depoliticised society - thanks to the PAP ! I guess Singaporeans sold their souls and conscience - in favour of economic progress and political stability !
Whatever……..but please do not say that we cannot compare the various parties. We can and we should. Thats democracy !
As Zhummmeng said, which I totally agree, please don’t fall into these traps. These are very cunning and surreptitious ‘invitations’ to throw the ball around.
Dont forget those referees in these ball games are ‘kayus’ and rules are not level - THAT’S IT, FULLSTOP.
Dear dr Alwi,
By all means compare. I am not against that. What I am against is this vehement insistence that one party does what another party is doing, or similar. If it does not, then that party is described as inept or called names - as you have done.
I think there is a difference between objective comparison and name-calling. Wouldn’t you agree? Personally, I think name-calling just makes your case weaker.
By the way, there is more than one way to helping the opposition parties - besides joining them as members.
Perhaps you would like to consider that.
Dear Andrew,
I do not think that I have done any serious name-calling. Rather its a label which some of these parties have earned by their own actions (or lack thereof) ! Indeed even SM Goh has commented on this point a few weeks ago.
So I do NOT believe that I have done any name-calling beyond what has become obvious to even the top PAP leadership. Its a label that I concocted fairly. Once again - isn’t that democracy ? isn’t that freedom of expression ?
People label and call the PAP names like Pay-And-Pay. Whats wrong with that ? Isn’t that democracy and the freedom of expression ? And if you allow for demos and protests at the Speaker’s Corner - don’t you think that you will see all sorts of labelling etc on placards ? Once again - thats democracy !
I do not understand you - if what you fight for is democracy and the freedom of expression - then like Voltaire - you must stand up for democracy and the freedom of expression - even if you disagree with what is being said !
Finally - my refusal to be a public figure has everything to do with family. Their rejection of lmy iberal views on Islam. My family also needs me a lot for many things. They require my physical presence for quite a number of reasons. They absolutely hate the idea of me becoming a public figure !
The best I can do for the Opposition is to donate some money. Thats all. I cannot do more than that…………….
what led to the decision to ‘liberalise’ (pending approval) ?
maybe its the internet of blogging and ’some’ dissent ?
Wonder who should take credit for ‘liberalising’ us?
wow, so great and the people must so appreciate the generosity ?
JBJ said its our rights anyways.
I remain neutral.
This is to protect myself.
Dear Dr Syed Alwi,
Well - where are the public policy debates by the WP ? What alternative policies do they have ?
If I am not mistaken, the material posted in the current SDP policy forum mostly come from its GE2006 manifesto. I think you should compare it with the WP GE2006 manifesto, that is WP’s alternative policies. I have read both in 2006.
As to the WP public policy debate, fair to say WP will do it according to its agenda. SDP has its timetable and WP has its timetable.
Regarding the rest of your post, it is simply a matter of WP’s chosen approach in the current social / political climate. It has done its own calculation and charted its own course. You may not like it just like some people don’t like SDP’s course of action. That is life and that is democracy.
As WP said: “You have a choice.”
BTW, I totally understand your view regarding WP. It is not new.
Andrew i think you can agree that singapore is tiny compared to other countries. How difficult do you think it is to be aware of what people are thinking?
There are so many grassroot activities to learn about the community.
Reference: #31 My comment was not submitted in full. I meant to say the TOC website has many more visitors than SDP.org (according to alexa.com ) High profile (SDP.org)? But I am suprised of the poor viewership.
Dear Kelly,
Ours is a depoliticised society. Singaporeans are more concerned about their own rice bowls and family (including myself since my family is totally against me becoming a public figure). People here just want to sit back and let the few souls who dare - take on the PAP. They want to wash their hands clean of their civic responsibilities towards a democracy……….
In other words - they want to play but they don’t want to pay !!
” I meant to say the TOC website has many more visitors than SDP.org (according to alexa.com ) High profile (SDP.org)?”
So what is this compare to PAP, the ruling party ?
From Alexa as measure on 11:45pm 21 Aug2008
Worker’s party http://www.wp.sg/ ranks 2,952,154
People’s Action Party http://www.pap.org.sg/ ranks 1,423,092,
you wouldn’t want to try Alexa ranking on http://www.pap.sg cos ou’ll be shocked ! It is too pathetic to list.
SDP http://yoursdp.org ranks 354,491
Online Citizen http://theonlinecitizen.com ranks 306,301
I don’t think these rankings tell us anything useful. Surely PAP & WP will agree.
Dear Dr SA,
I don’t know why I have different facts from yours. SDP has more experience in running a constituency. It had 3 seats in the past. I wish SDP will continue to try and get into parliament.
Internet presence wise, it is subjective. SDP has a nicer website, WP has more bloggers. SDP has political activism (more NGO style), WP has less but more grassroots activism. Even US politicians do grassroots. NSP without a seat also does grassroots under Red Star.
Policy making wise, SDP has something, WP has a thick manifesto. Even if I blatantly say that SDP is ahead of WP, it is not “way” ahead. The one thing SDP is way ahead of WP is the aesthetic-ness of its website. WP should sack the designers who gave them the revamp.
This is how I see both parties. But it doesn’t interest me more than seeing what PAP does and how we can bring it down.
Dear anaken,
I am referring to the SDP under Chee Soon Juan and NOT the old SDP under Chiam See Tong.
Under Chee Soon Juan, the SDP has yet to run a constituency.
As for policies - the difference is that the SDP has a discussion forum dedicated to public debate of its policies. The WP has none.
As for grassroots - the SDP is slowly but surely winning support from thinking Singaporeans who realise that the system is severely flawed and needs to be changed. The WP however - is NOT willing to change the system but instead choose to work within it.
I am excited following this blog discussion.
I strongly believe that come 2010, that there will be sufficiently good enough people standing up to voice other views in parliament to try to make a better world here for the future generation.
Dear guys - please get organised; do not end up like me - brought up in this wonderful system and being complacent and trusting, is now sufferring the fate in having to relocate to continue to earn a comparable standard living elsewhere in my twilight years . Oh my wonderful Singapore - I love you, but I have given too much and now I have to leave to be a “FT” in a foreign land.
My last 2 cents comments - if you guys out there are serious, form a new political party and make a fresh start with no baggages….. here is your best chance, citizens.
Good bye guys… and thank you TOC - you have started many good things…. soldier on…………
Are Singaporeans able to think?
I assume they can think and about 49 years in a row, they think that no opposition should win majority votes.
This can only lead me to assume that
the majority does not want to give the opposition any chance of winning the majority in the last 49 years or so.
PAP started as opposition and given 49 or so years to become what it is today.
As for Opposition, they have never been given the chance to develop for 49 years straight . Since that day, they have never won, because the majority who is I assume can think and wants to live in a 1st world democracy, does not want them to win any GRC. This trend i foresee will last forever and possibly, the extinction of opposition members in parlimon if they lose potong ps (chiam old) and HG is uncertain now. Can LTK deliver? What was his reply about accountability?
disclaimer : just my personal opinion which may be flawed in all ways. feel free to correct.
“61) hkliao on August 22nd, 2008 1.42 pm
Can LTK deliver?”
Can you deliver. If you are lady, of course yes. If you are man, of course no lah.
disclaimer : just my personal opinion which may be flawed in all ways. feel free to correct.
Ok ok. New SDP or whatever you want to call it still has people during Chiam’s days. When Ling and Cheo still had their seats Chee Soon Juan was leader. I think he won’t forget how to run a constituency so fast. Hope people will give him a chance.
To be more specific - SDP has a ONLINE discussion forum dedicated to public debate of its policies. WP? I don’t know but would think that it must have held face to face discussion forums to come up with that manifesto and their parliamentary speeches. After all speeches can’t be easy to write since the million dollar ministers need speech writers to write for them.
(As for grassroots - the SDP is slowly but surely winning support from thinking Singaporeans who realise that the system is severely flawed and needs to be changed.) Well I hope it is true. After getting barely 20% in several elections I hope things will change for them. I pity the results they get for the work they put in.
(The WP however - is NOT willing to change the system but instead choose to work within it.) Why do you talk about grassroots for SDP and talk about intentions of WP? Fair comparisons please. WP has a stronger grassroots presence but I agree it needs to beef up operations to break past the 35% they have been getting.
Bet PAP will put up the first political video. They know they have been lacking on the internet and hence relaxed the laws.
[...] - Yawning Bread: Demonstrations to be allowed in Hong Lim playpen [Recommended] - TOC: The ball is in the opposition’s court - Random Thoughts Of A Free Thinker: National Day Rally 2008: Political Liberalisation, really? - [...]
64) anaken on August 22nd, 2008 2.23 pm
I AGREE WITH YOU 100%!! our BIG brothers always think of ways to cover they backside first.. sad..
After what happen to BN’s poor showing in the recent malaysia election, it is smart of PAP to learn from them on the seriousness of the power of the online media be it in form of blogs, website, news and etc.
They have finally realise the need to liberalise and let go of something which they cant control.
They can control the papers, they can control the TV, they can control the radios but they cant control the huge public which in this 2008 era, singapore has one of the highest accessibility to internet. Almost everyone have a broadband connection in their home or offices.
They cannot deny such posting and freedom of rights to post freely on their views on what should be done to make our country. Podcast and online video screening, facebook and etc has already been part of our life, its the same as having a mobile phone these days. Primary school kid also have one.
I foreseen PAP getting worried that they have tightened too much, they will end up like Malaysia’s BN, which is being too arogant and too confident that they will win the polls. It is during such times of hardship with the current high inflation rate, high oil prices and many other incidents such as the indian leaded HINDRAF which consititude to the poor results of BN.
It is more of a protest vote for BN more than saying that they supports the opposition.
This is the same case as in Singapore. PAP has been doing very well during almost every single election since they won by a large majority. But times have passed and there are no such things as “Durian Bao Jia” aka durian sure nice to eat system anymore. There have been incidents which PAP have failed to carry out to their usual standards. The NKF Saga, the Selamat Saga, Ren Ci and many many others shown that no one is prefect and I do not expect them to be.
I just hope that PAP can show more fairness by giving the opposition a fairer grounds to complete on. It’s the same as in sports, all athletes compete based on the same set of rules and not rules set by the champions. Which of course the champions will set it to favour them more than anyone else. The GRC issue, the controlled media (how many times do u see media report on the oppositions? yes only when they are charged in court) and many others..
As for the opposition, until the day when the grounds are fair, I dont see them coming up to be able to catch up with PAP.
There doesnt seem to have any cohesiveness in the opposition, they should pool their resources together and fight against PAP.
I bet even after the relaxing of controls by PAP, nothing could be done by the opposition which given so little resources to put up a decent website.
It is obvious that PAP dont see the opposition as a threat to them if not with the usual “kiasu-ness” culture, who will in the right mind to approve this?