Hi everyone,
Are you tired of our Members of Parliament screwing up or being too secretive? Do you find them not being transparent or accountable in their dealings? Or maybe you feel your MP is not doing enough in your constituency?
Now, you can play an active – and effective – part to hold our MPs to a higher standard.
In Singapore, our MPs are the best-paid part-timers. Even though they are elected to represent the people, and are paid a handsome $14,000 a month, they only spend part of their time carrying out their duties as MPs. The work of running the town is given over to hired-hands, the professional town managers.
The thing is, if our MPs are paid such good remuneration (and for PAP MPs, are guaranteed a win in elections), they should be providing service of the highest quality, standards and expectations. No longer should we be satisfied with non-transparency, non-accountability and coy and meaningless answers from our MPs about issues, as has happened on many occasions this year.
And so, TOC would like to invite all of you to join our new initiative – the Members on Patrol Scheme (MPS). We will have our own MPs on the ground. The intention is a simple one:
Singaporeans who live in the same area will form groups who will keep watch on the issues, events and happenings in their respective constituencies. These will then be relayed back to TOC and TOC will highlight these issues here on this blog.
In effect, it will be ordinary Singaporeans keeping their Members of Parliament on their toes.
The Members on Patrol keeping the Members of Parliament in check.
For example, the recent town council investment saga highlighted the possibility and effectiveness of Singaporeans questioning their MPs directly. In the same way, we can also highlight other issues, even municipal ones.
To join the TOC MPS, simply drop us an email at theonlinecitizen@gmail.com with your name, contact (either handphone or email address) and the constituency in which you are living (please state only the GRC or the SMC).
We will group you together with others in your area and ideas, suggestions and discussions can take place. You can also rope in your friends, families, colleagues to join this scheme.
At the moment, the MPS is made up of TOC members – some 60 or so of them. Help us grow this into a more significant – and more effective – number.
Your contribution and participation may be small but be assured that it is significant. More importantly, you will be part of a larger group of Singaporeans who want to see our MPs doing better and holding them to higher standards of service, accountability and transparency – be they PAP MPs or opposition MPs.
The bottomline is this: If our MPs want to be part-time MPs and be rewarded with such high salaries, then they’d better be doing an exceptional job.
Join us in making this so in 2009 and beyond. Be an MP yourself! Anyone who is a Singaporean is welcome!
Lets not just gripe and feel helpless. We can do something about improving Singapore. Change is what we need and this MPS is but just one small thing we can do in this direction.
Drop us an email and work together with other Singaporeans in your area on this initiative!
Thanks, everyone.
Regards,
Andrew Loh
Managing Editor
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Hi Andrew,
I think this is a neat scheme. To receive vehement opposition by a mere mention of it is a sign that the scheme has the potential to spur Members of Parliament (elected or otherwise) and their train of PBM aspirants to look beyond the SOPs and the obvious.
I feel that this scheme has the potential to be a platform for citizenship education. Citizenship goes beyond holding on the the Singapore NRIC. It is a state of being, a role encompassing rights and responsibilities. There is a need to remind the PUBLIC SERVANTS that they are called public servants for reasons that they are entrusted by the citizens to serve.
If it takes the public to remind them through voluntary and non partisan actions of their duties, so be it. I’ve seen my share of TC, RC and CCC members acting without the litllest concern of the public that they are serving and heard too often the dreaded, “I was not aware” remark from the so called elected MPs. The most apalling is after an issue was raised, instead of resolving the issue, a very ‘enticing’ email inviting you to a golf getaway in a neighbouring country comes by with a pretext of getting to know.
However, my support has its qualifications. This participants of this scheme must be non partisan and members with any political ambitions, PAP or other Alternative parties must be transparent and declare them upfront. Otherwise, it is easy for other members of the MPS which conceptually is active citizenry and perhaps civic consiousness advocates to be implicated senselessly should anyone hiding their political agenda get caught into any kind of politically linked issues.
While the headlines in Main Stream Media never failed to highlight ‘Singapore’s Economic Success’ the MSm has failed to remind Singaporeans that the economic success is not for all Singaporeans to enjoy. With a Gini coefficient closer to many latin american countries, there was never a conscious effort to close the income gap and bring it to the level of Korea or Japan… let alone Sweden or Denmark.
It is good to remind ourselves that the news of Mas Selamat’s escape was smack in the middle of the Income gap debate. While Singaporean’s and the world can understand that immediate physical security threat would take priority, the debate on the Income Gap died a natural death and never revived. Widening Income Gap is a Security issue in the long run. Since capitalism became the heartbeat of the world, many nations have seen their social fabric shredded into pieces as the Rich continue to get richer, and the struggling have to forego every ounce of dignity they have just to get by day to day.
Please make this MPS a reality where Members of The Online Citizen walk the talk in the true spirit of Citizenship.
Hi, Hi People,
You came with one question to ask but you sure have a lot to say which mainly stem from your own fear that this TOC scheme might be too successful for the PAP grassroots volunteer’s liking.
Come on! Aren’t we all Singaporeans? Why does it trouble you when another group of Singaporeans are finding ways to help another? Why are you denying that there are others out there who can be helped in ways other than those organised by the PAP? Why this need to self-protect?
Think as a Singaporean, and think as a human being.
And. no; I am here to stay. Leaving the country of my birth when there is trouble brewing is the last thing on my mind. See how wrong you can read things? Take a step back and ponder a little before you start insinuating all these thoughts of yours without even knowing exactly what good or bad will arise from this scheme.
Like most over here, I would say, give it a try and let us work together for the main good of our fellow Singaporeans.
Good morning. Well it is good when things are like what Gemami said: others out there who can be helped in ways other than those organised by the PAP.
But I seriously doubt that this TOC scheme is one that is focused on “helping in ways other than those organised by PAP”, considering the heavy political flavour that can be sensed here. Well, there may be call for it to be non-partisan. But judging from the responses here, there are PAP supporters and oppositions taking a notice of this scheme and will likely influence the way things work.
Ultimately, this scheme will work out as a congregation of like-minded opposition supporters.
#54) jayden, what is or will not ever or can never be political issue?
tell me.
so, why touch on any issue?
social issue is social issue.
can you please stop alleging that this is political?
can you please stop politicizing a social endeavor into a political endeavor?
while you alleging toc to be politicizing, are you not the one here trying to politicize a social endeavor?
yes or no?
no need to reply. the people knows.
do you have an ALTERNATIVE suggestion or solution?
If so, I’ll support your plan.
Else hor. you know what I would say to you right?
Else hor, TOC’s plan should be tried – there is no other good suggestions.
like in singapore, there is only 1 Alternative even with the level of performance.
supply and demand.
If there are more Choices, the people will benefit.
If there are no other choices, that one will have to be. We will take ‘hay’ for the fish until the fish presents itself.
Dear TOC readers,
Does anyone know where is the list of all Grassroots leaders?
A guy told many people he is one.
My question is , is there a way to validate this claim?
How many exactly are there?
I like to ask each and everyone of them,
for their comments on the TC investment and the disclosure of clearer information. Well, they must have opinions right?
So what is it?
Are Grassroots leaders People’s representatives?
Are Grassroots leaders existence to help the people?
What is their role?
Why people become one? I mean the real honest reasons.
If you are one, please dont shy shy , answer leh. Able to answer or not?
regards
ah teo
55) Teo Kam Lee on December 14th, 2008 6.59 pm
Ask him to show his “The Grassroots’ Club” membership card.
http://www.grassrootsclub.org.sg/membershipinfo.html
Hi Jayden,
I do understand the doubt you have tried to describe and indeed there is no denying that such concerns are not unfounded.
For this reason, it is important for whoever that step forward to keep in mind that we are not doing this to compete with one another to see who can reach out to the less fortunate better.
We must come into this with the clear focus that we are doing this to help these poor folks reach out to those avenues that are there for them while at the same time allowing their MPs to understand their plights and see what the best ways are that they can be helped.
I do agree that the wording in this article might suggest that there are political leanings but we can make the necessary changes along the way to see to it that this does not become a political battle more than it should be helping those in need.
Let our hearts lead us and show us the way to true compassion for our fellow citizens who are as human as you and I.
54) Dar Mee,
you cannot politicize things that are already political in nature
Hi gemami
I can’t believe I’m hearing these words from you: “we can make the necessary changes along the way to see to it that this does not become a political battle more than it should be helping those in need” (57) gemami )
So you have decided to be non-partisan? Or are you a different gemami from the one who wrote the comments below:
2) gemami on December 15th, 2008 8.31 am
“these PAP TCs are … increasing their wealth … to hold us, Singaporeans, to ransom … threathen us during election time”
129) gemami on December 11th, 2008 2.41 pm
“you continue to keep faith with the PAP govt but not me and neither those who share the same sentiments as mine. So, please don’t go telling us how sweet and nice Singapore is (compared to….). I don’t a shit about your opinion. I care about mine and those who are crying out next to me.”
40) gemami on December 12th, 2008 9.13 am
Give me $300,000 a month and I’ll try to fit myself in to the govt’s position.
So I assume you are one of the “non-political” people joining this scheme. Yes I see people who are joining this scheme are “with the clear focus that we are doing this to help these poor folks” (57 gemami) are people who “don’t give a shit” about others opinion (see above gemami’s declaration) and wanting “$300,000 a month” (see what gemami said again) while trying to “fit (himself) in to the govt’s position” (yes, its gemami again).
Are there two gemamis in TOC? Or one with split personality?
Hi huang,
I have not decided that I want to be non-partisan. So in that sense, I am still the same gemami ;)
My position at TOC is very simple, although I have admitted openly in one of the threads somewhere in TOC, that I was anti-PAP when I joined TOC, I believe I have also taken heart with some of the comments posted by those who are pro-establishment and it became an interesting focal point to some of the topics of discussion. I am now proud to tell my fellow Singaporeans that I am pro-Singapore and if there are PAP policies that meet my eyes, I will shout with equal fervour. But sadly none so far.
So you see, if you think you have heard two, perhaps three or four gemamis, then it must be so. My position is not one that is so rigid that I stick steadfastly to it without good reasons.
Now let’s tackle some of the quotes you introduced to make your point.
Firstly; I can’t believe I’m hearing these words from you: “we can make the necessary changes along the way to see to it that this does not become a political battle more than it should be helping those in need”
Take it in the context of the discussion. We have a Jayden who commented that with the numerous partisan participants at TOC, it seems unlikely that the MPS scheme will take off without partisan flavours. All I am asking him to do is to put our partisan inclinations aside and work for the common good of the people. Why is this wrong?
gemami on December 15th, 2008 8.31 am
“these PAP TCs are … increasing their wealth … to hold us, Singaporeans, to ransom … threathen us during election time”
I reproduce the whole quote here:
The underlying reason why these PAP TCs are accumulating and increasing their wealth is primarily to hold us, Singaporeans, to ransom. We have already seen how it was used to threaten us during election time that should we vote in an inept opposition representative, our accumulated funds would be wiped out with irresponsible usage. Can they make these sort of threats if the funds are not so obscene, in the billion dollar range?
Is it wrong to speak the truth? The threat was made by GCT, LKY and LHL and I was repeating it as they have spoken it. So these are not my words but the words of important statesmen of the land. The threat was there for all to hear, read and see.
gemami on December 11th, 2008 2.41 pm
“you continue to keep faith with the PAP govt but not me and neither those who share the same sentiments as mine. So, please don’t go telling us how sweet and nice Singapore is (compared to….). I don’t a shit about your opinion. I care about mine and those who are crying out next to me.”
This paragraph was in response to one accusation thrown my way and for insinuating that I do not “appreciate our comfortable city”, as quoted here: if the PM’s party gets elected for the next GE…. Seems like you do not appreciate living in a comfortable modern city
And this was the paragraph I wrote preceding that which you quoted above.
Comfortable? If this modern city is comprised of modern native inhabitants who know each others habits and living lifestyle in and out, then yes; it would be paradise. But unfortunately, we are bringing in so many aliens of the unknown breeds that we even begin to fear our own natives. This is how I view Singapore as it is now. Mumbai doesn’t help one bit.
It was an article as passionate as one could get and seeing the suffering people alongside me against the backdrop painted by the poster made me use those harsh words. But if you read carefully, the underlying purpose I wanted to relay was ‘to help these poor people’. See, my message is constant.
gemami on December 12th, 2008 9.13 am
Give me $300,000 a month and I’ll try to fit myself in to the govt’s position.
This comment was made in response to:
But sometimes we need to put ourselves in the shoes of others. Let’s trying fitting into the shoe of the government. Would it make sense to come up with unpopular policies and getting cursed and sworn because of that?
It was meant to be a sarcastic response to poster who calls on me to put myself in the govt’s shoes.
So I assume you are one of the “non-political” people joining this scheme.
Like I said, I am not non-political. Also, I don’t remember TOC making the call for non-political participants in its MPS scheme.
I sincerely hope you read all my posts in the context in which they were written and not to resort to try and assassinate my character by piecing pieces of jigsaw puzzles you have cut out to create one to your liking.
Hope this enlightens you.
Hi Gem,
Sometimes I can’t help but keep noticing there are quite a no. of papees KGB in disguise here at TOC, from the way they throw in their questions to those netizens. Are they here to collect some sort of evidence or something?
Hi tiredsingaporean,
They are part and parcel of this forum, the props, so to speak.
Actually, I am quite honoured that they are taking a liking to my postings. Who knows, they might even learn a few things or two that they can use to help the people. Then I (we at TOC) would have made some inroads, wouldn’t we?
Let’s open our arms to welcome them, it they stick to the subject matters, that is.
Can’t stand those with poison arrows. What do they hope to achieve if they cannot bring anything to the table of discussion?
Hi Gem,
Just being concern of the developement of TOC and all those who are involved as we all knows how politics are conducted in any country.
Hi tiredsingaporean,
Strange, but I do get the same feelings these few days.
We’ll take it one step at a time because worrying isn’t going to be of much help.
Hopefully, the govt could see beyond the narrow view and send some of its officers to sit down here a discuss issues with us. This would be a more positive step forward than to force anyone to pack up and leave. This is not like the peddlars at Sungei Road where you can shoo away.
Internet discussions are here to stay and I am sure they recognise this in their drive to create their New Media. Whether it is TOC, OCT or CTO, these discussions will continue to be the new feature, whether politically or otherwise.