wah!

The Government Gazette has revealed that changes have been made to polling districts. Such changes are part of the steps that need to be taken ahead of a General Election. (Straits Times)

TOO LATE NOW! the papees govt has already made their final arrangement to call for an early snap election in days to come. If the 2 present opp parties cannot get their new members ready in time, maybe Potong Pasir will be gone too, all they have to do is just telling the people there that CST is not going to last much longer and there will be no successor and pap will automatically take over. Call it dirty game, but this is Singapore PAP way of politicing. No choice, before the old man kicks the bucket (which would not be long), he will at all means grab this last straw of opportunity he has, to do whatever he could to keep all the power and money to his family members.

tiredsingaporean (#2),

Yes. If LKY kicks the bucket, there is no need for by-election in LKY’s GRC.

smallvice585 (#3)

The old man have no choice now as to protect his family and his party, he is definately out to do the killing himself now even to the extend of damaging his own name this time round. Just imagine how many of his own people will be drag into deep shits should pap party lose this election. Winning is power stay and power stay is you people still cannot question nor touch them but to let them continue with “their work” Unless hopefully there will be foreign intervention then maybe things may not go as smooth as they’ve planned, if not . . . . bye bye singaporeans.

What’s your choice? MORE FRAUD, MORE LOSSES?

APL to pay $26.3 million to resolve shipping fraud claim

Global shipping company APL Ltd. has agreed to pay $26.3 million to resolve fraud claims related to its shipping of cargo to support U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, federal prosecutors said Friday.

APL — which has its Americas headquarters in Oakland, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SINGAPORE-BASED NEPTUNE ORIENT LINES LTD. — was accused of knowingly overcharging and double-billing the Defense Department to transport thousands of containers to the war zones.

Read more: http://www.mercurynews.com/crime/ci_11701755

tan kin lian try your best

Whether there’ll be a snap General Election soon or later actually will not make much difference to our politics.

The Opposition political parties are all still too weak. PAP haters would rather spend more time contributing caustic comments on TOC than join Opposition Parties. So I can confidently announce the results of General Election 2009 now! – the PAP is returned to power with another generous majority again.

It really doesn’t matter whether the Govt has done a good job or not in this economic crisis, or whether there is democracy in Singapore or not. When faced with Hobson’s choice on election day, the people will still vote for the old familiar Party.

By the way, has Mr Tan Kin Lian’s political ambitions fizzled out? What’s happened to those 100,000 endorsements that he needed?

The pendulum has start swinging, and I really hope that there will be a difference during this GE, if not the end of SGP will be near. Please, for those who will be able to vote in the upcoming GE, let your voice be heard and let a difference be make.

even though many issues and incidents happened in 2008 alone,
and things are getting worse in 2009,
it is shockingly unbelievable that there is not much opposition or opposition activities to challenge them for the championship.

by the by, tiredsingaporean though you like many are thinking if not have thought of bye bye’ing, i like to request you and the likes to do it 1 more time for your comrades who for one reason or another would not be bye bye’ing at least for now or near future.

1 more time.

In almost every ward(s) contested against the Oppressition Party, the parties representing Singaporeans (a.k.a. opposition) always scores AT LEAST 30% to 45% of valid votes.

Now, if just 10% of voters swing… the Darkness of Sauron will be disspelled, the ice age of the White Witch will melt, the Empire will be defeated! Eventually.

“it is shockingly unbelievable that there is not much opposition or opposition activities to challenge them for the championship.”

they may not be doing house-to-house visit etc to win votes, but their challenge and suggestion in parliament has showcase their commitment and to me, it has won my vote.

yes, hopefully a swing for the better will occur.

Look at the last GE, if i remember correctly, Mr Cham ST won with an even higher percentage even with all the carrots that PAP is dangling. this speaks volume about the people staying at PP.

so maybe what we can do is, to try to help garner support for opposition by educating the ignorant on the mess we are in and who cause it…and who are the one constructively solve it

11) SZ,
I feel that the sacrifices of Ptong Psir residents and Hgang residents
must be acknowledged (i stand up clapping)

Bravo! to the supporters! Its proven, while many are ‘like that’ , not all are. There are people who see the need for change. Even from the pool who actually got to vote, a sizable 33% wants change. This is an officially recorded fact.

I hope and wish more who can manage funds as well them also step forward to serve. You will not walk alone as there are people who think alike. The obstacle now is how to Reach the remaining majority.

i cant wait….yeah!!!

But how to ensure more gets to vote? I am sure many wants to experience this thing called voting. Many have heard about this concept but never done that. Some done that 1 time and then no more chance . Will the coming one be any different?

Looking around, in 2008 alone, all parts of the world Changed, if you know what i mean. But ! there are unique things that exist in this world.

Is there such thing as miracle? May be. As usual, may = may not.

Regarding how many wards that will be contested, i think it will remain unchange.however, what we can hope and work for is to increase the vote for opposition plus hopefully wrestle some single seat ward over…to send a message across….

my hope is that Ms Sylvia will win in her GE. that will be simply great

It’s a terrible mistake to have an election now. Perhaps this is the time when history turns against the mighty!

Maybe the elections will be held on Mas Selamat’s Kastari 1st escape anniversary on 27th Feb 2009. To remind Singaporeans that we should always be afraid and vote for PAP so that they can finish their job.

My next vote is for the alternative party!

Tan Kin Lian should announce a new party asap, and pronounce aiming at a GRC. it could be a treat to PAP, and if they do not think it as a treat, we’ll see what we can do to give them a Storm!

There is no point holding an election when there’s no one else to vote for. Stop all the wayang-ing, it makes people feel sick.

So excited.. got election coming..
I would think this time round.. opposition will win at least 4 seats if Tan KL, Steve Chia and NMP Siew Mun form a GRC.

Think Chiam See Tong this time round buay tong liao..
Low TK will hold his seat no problem..
Slyvia Lim might get one seat if she is contesting in a single ward
Chee Soon Juan .. might get one ..if HE starts behaving normally and appeal to people’s intelligence…

The rest of the opposition can go FLY Kite..

I favor Tan KL as he has been a pappie all his life..
I think if he gets in.. he will grab the pappies by the balls..
He should be very good as he is a CEO before and he knows the way of the system.

Think even upgrading and such ..he will find a way to corner the govt…

aiyoyo

not sure how many areas being walk over?

aioyoyo

Tan Kin Lian, you have my support. You are seen as the hero who spoke up for SIngaporeans during the lehmen bros issue and an experienced CEO.

Please form a good team to fight in a GRC and make the Singaporeans’ voice louder in Parliament.

Mainstream Media preparing for GE2009? Yes. GE2009 coming? Not necessary. It’s a routine business for such media outlets to prepare some content for “breaking news”. If the election is gonna be in 2010, well, they’ve just gotta change the dates and all will be set to go!

All media outlets do such stuff. I haven’t got a better link, but you can see this Snopes article on some similar but more embarrassing blunder.

Tan Kin Lian to form another team/party at this time is difficult, I wld suggest he team up with CST or LTK. The PAP will be very happy to see more opp parties join in the race as this will split up opp votes. Inorder to win few more seats from the ruling party, the opp parties hv to come together for a common purpose i.e to break the evil spell of the ruling party.

19) isa on February 20th, 2009 3.30 am I favor Tan KL as he has been a pappie all his life..
I think if he gets in.. he will grab the pappies by the balls..
He should be very good as he is a CEO before and he knows the way of the system.

Yes, the best person now is TKL, whether he is capable of doing the job at this moment but with his 30+ years of exposure with the pap system in the past, he should have no problem at all to pin down all the hidden things from these party. The choice now lies in the hands of the people, whether you want to know the whole truth, then give him all the power to do so now.

14) SZ on February 20th, 2009 12.20 am
….…to send a message across….

my hope is that Ms Sylvia will win in her GE. that will be simply great
=========================

While many of us here have read and heard and watched Sylvia and LTK’s full speeches regarding the several issues of public interest, HOW MANY apathetics and non-english-educated know what we know?

That is key. Period.

21) Please Makes Sense on February 20th, 2009 9.32 am
Tan Kin Lian, you have my support. You are seen as the hero who spoke up for SIngaporeans during the lehmen bros issue and an experienced CEO.

Please form a good team to fight in a GRC and make the Singaporeans’ voice louder in Parliament.
========================

Yup, its not how bombastic or decorated a person’s resume is nor what are his connections or education level. What the people Want is simple : People Representation of the Alternative kind. I speak for myself only. And not that there is zero people representation. the people elected 80 odd ones to do the job and see what a wonderful thing it has been……

5) Ah Lian on February 19th, 2009 11.36 pm

I think effort should be to non-TOC readers. 99% here already have a certain understanding…..This means effort is lacking in reaching and putting info into the ears and eyes of the Apatheticos which means the main bulk, the majority.
Especially those engrish ed but cyber-fobia or non-engrish ed cum explorer-meek.

Time is ticking away………………Big Bang ver 2.0

The only worry now is that whether before TKL could even appear in the coming snap election, the other party may plays the same dirty games again like the cases of our CSJ and late JBJ. As for the present 2 elected opp parties to take note that this time round, things will definately be dirtier than before as this is the straw of opportunity for the old man to do the killing himself before he kicks the bucket, so be very very well prepared even to the extreme of facing plant sabotage which is also quite possible as to make you people looks bad, so they can send in their military intervention. I duno but kept having this very bad feeling of instinct lately.

I believe if Mr Tan KL is going to contest, alot of us here will volunteer our assistance to aid him. So do let us know when the time comes

Now they are playing down the elcotion fire, is it because of fear that this time round, Mr TKL and other people will be fighting back with a big bang?

Whether its TKL or any opp party to contest this coming election, the most important issue in a rally is nothing more important than to continue asking the pap team of this important questions like WHERE HAVE ALL OUR MONEY GONE TO NOW? HOW MUCH IS THE BOOK BALANCE OF THE PEOPLES MONEY NOW? WHO ARE THE ONES RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THESE MESSED UP AND WHAT ACTION HAS SO FAR BEEN TAKEN? NO ANSWER, NO VOTE FOR THEM! forget about the long term rubbish, we can’t even have any solution to counter the present problems for the survival of the singaporeans, less talking about other things and diverting the issues. WHAT HAPPEN TO THE PAP TC SINKING FUNDS FIASCO? STILL NO NEWS? so no one is responsible? its our money paid to you for our flats maintenance, not your grandfather’s bank account to play with.

Mr TKL must be careful on what he says during campaigning if he wants to contest and not fall into our elite’s trap.

If i remember correctly, the late JBJ was suit by our elites for defamation just for saying he had a copy of a police report lodged by Tang Liang Hong during a rally speech.

Whether election is round the corner or not, the alternative parties should now up the ente and tighten the screws on the pappies. They have been rather quiet after the last parliamentary sitting. Much has been said in the forums and blogspheres, they should raise questions. Go to Hong Lim park and make their presence felt. Otherwise whatever they says or do will be suppressed by the MSM.

So what are the new GRCs and single wards now?

Everytime I try to square off with reasons those arguments put up by the dissenting voices of Gopalan Nair or Chee Soon Juan, who openly decry the lack of democracy and that the ruling party is a dictatorial regime, I cannot reconcile their patriotism and their ideals for Singapore.

After reading thread after thread of their discussions and watching their videos on Youtube, it does touch some heart strings and I must admit that it does not offer any real and practical solutions to issues like the low-wage workers’ issues or joblessness in Singapore or to manage the traffic congestion in Singapore except to ask for abolition of ERP.

Call an election today, I agree with , PAP will still be returned to power not because they are the best but because there is no stronger value proposition from any parties. Whether Tan Kin Lian decides to run and to run on a platform for real policy deliberation, I’ll support him for so long as his genuine concerns are with the people- our Singapore people.

There are many things the oppositions can do to garner the support of civil-minded and reasonable electorate. They can genuinely represent the cause of Singaporeans in a certain district or special interest groups like disabled or children with special needs. There are so many issues that need help. The latest one will be the Lehman’s linked investment products which Tan Kin Lian spoke on behalf for. He would have represented a cohort of Singaporeans affected by the sad saga and those affected will become his main constituents if he genuinely lends his helping hands. There are also avenues for the oppositions to meet the people and to organize like-minded, Singapore-loving individuals to come together to help those in needs. Meet the Peoples Session run by the PAP is not a natural outreach program by the party. It is run by volunteers with a deep conviction that they want to help residents solve their problems. Few people these days will have the time or convictions to volunteer on a political platform particularly since the day-to-day tasks of meeting residents is knocking on doors and explaining policies or provide a empathetic ears to their woes and to see what help can then be rendered. This is grueling hard work that calls for dedications and commitments.

Has the opposition got the necessary gumption to put up like-minded men and women who can walk the ground and help the residents with their woes. Democracy, freedom of speech, linguistic discussion on nepotism or autocracy are over-the-head notions for these folks. They want help in organizing themselves. They may have fallen into credit card problems or with kids needing assistance in school because of the demanding school curriculum. Or they may need some short-term financial assistance to help them get through a difficult period. The oppositions can similar gather sponsorships and helps to render to their constituents to win their support.

If none of those are forthcoming from the opposition, it will not be hard to see why the discerning voters will want to vote for them. Unless the opposition can form the next government, their strategy cannot be to govern but to provide the alternative voices to a section of Singaporeans who voted for them and to help them in their everyday lives and to ensure sustainable living. They are to provide the checks on the government policy excesses or spending irrationality. The tact should be to win seat after seat, hopefully, in closer proximity to form a larger geographic coverage. Political lines, all over, old and modern are drawn on north-south, east-west divide.

The opposition must evolve to become better or they cannot forever go on berating PAP for their lack of democracy or freedom of speech. Many governments have already run their countries aground by lack of vision or not displaying strong leadership and any political meadering will only mean that Singapore will fall back to the pits like in the snake-and-ladder game. We are far too small to be always in political contemplation on what we are to become or what state of democracy we want or how much liberty the opposition want.

Opposition parties in Singapore must rise up to offer new options to Singaporeans and stay on firm ground of reasons and rationales. Win the hearts and minds of the people. Don’t beat your chests and cry foul.

Oppositions in Singapore unite if you can.

Despite all the bad news that has been surfacing the past year, I have no doubt that pap will return to power with a good margin now and even for the next few elections.

The people who see through the tyrannical and dictatorial state here are few. I think many people just under estimate the extent of propanganda and so called brainwashing that is happening for 50 years. Just look at the number of people who continue to vote for pap not because they like pap but because they think there is no good alternative. This is the trap set by pap for those who are in the middle ground unsure of who to vote for, and with this tactic, pap has been able to capture them and win election after election.

Hi David, your suggestions are very reasonable and sensible.

Working the ground is just one example. More importantly, they must be ready to make some internal changes.

Hmm have you read this article on TOC, http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/02/where-to-opposition/ ? I think you’ll find common ground with me.

Did any of the MSMs question the use of ERP in these extraordinary times?
ERP purpose : traffic control. many people bought cars during boom time.
Now : there is much much fewer people driving, less people buying , car makers collapsing, existing car owners driving less despite petrol price fluctuations and COE low for long time.

In my mere mortal view, ERP should be inactivated for most places during most times. some critical places could still have some ERP but the amount can also be reduced. When traffic volume dropped, more ERP gantries should be inactivated. Only when volume grows again could it be allowed to re-activate. just my views.

Again, when purpose for existence of certain policies is not there , it should not continue, for the time being. Else it is being used for the wrong reasons.

again, just my mere mortal views.

I , wee shu shu of facial service lah!

About PAP member David Leong.

Please also visit his blog at http://davidskleong.blogspot.com/

With regards to his post on the ‘Losses at Temasek and GIC, take things in perspective’ on 20 Feb 2009, we would like to add that this is typical of all PAP apologists’ posts and one of many in cyberspace. You will see more blogs and new media in the next couple of weeks prior to elections by all the members of the PAP.

Basically David Leong is saying that everyone out there has suffered a loss and this is pretty normal. I am sorry, but there are some funds out there which are outperforming and why are certain companies still posting profits?

You see PAP member David Leong, Temasek and GIC only looks good next to a few indices i.e. MSCI Singapore. How about comparing the 2 SWFs to the other Indices that have outperformed or the other Sovereign Wealth Funds or the Other funds or Other companies?

I don’t want to embarrass you further by posting them here as you have an arsenal of members to work for you on this or have all of your members conveniently decided not to publish these? You already have the support of the press.

David Leong is comparing GIC and Temasek losses to Citigroup and all banks of the world. Stop blaming the world’s misfortune for your own Party’s misdoings.Please have better excuses ready next time David Leong.

But I concur fully with David Leong in his post ‘Crowing of Dissents of the Same Crows’ on 19 Feb 2009 when he called for the ‘Oppositions in Singapore unite if you can’. We give credit when it is due.

But David Leong ,one little thing always bothers us? Why is your career or job is specializing in bringing China, India, Myanmar and Philippines Foreign Workers to Singapore when you should be concentrating getting the Local Singaporeans into the job market? You are a PAP member and someone higher up in the scheme of things, why do you have this Pro Foreigners stance? You have brought countless numbers of Foreign Workers over the years to Displace Local Singaporeans. Is this the Policy of your party?

Please explain to us local Singaporeans why you prefer hiring Foreigners to Singaporeans.

I do not think the opposition is weak, what we see is the lack of exposure or over exposure of these capable individuals, The propaganda machine will never have good feedback on their views and their proposal for change.

Small steps are needed and we all have to give it time and come together as one.

One big question we got to ask ourselves is this ? Do we want our future and kids to embrace whats coming ahead of us ? given that the leadership tends to say,

“Please don’t depend on us to much”
GST was meant to help the poor
Singapore cost too much

Where are the people who have actually built Singapore from scratch ? are they enjoying the fruits of their labour ?

Where are we with the swiss standard of living?

What we all must ask is also, why is it costing for housing, reserves etc seems to be all mixed up and the shy answers to those questions seem to have lost its logical compound.

To sum it all up, Its about the following

1) Policy formulation – After all the slogans and schemes we still have problems?
2) Transparency and accountability
3) Welfare for the jobless and medical care for the aged, minimum wage
4) Losses in our investments, what is gone ? and how did we end up in this state?

And the million dollar salary question, what is the govt doing about this ?

Another question that i have is, how hiring cheap foreigners benefits the Singaporean who is jobless and poor ?

Is the Economy rich, but the people poor?
Is this the reality, that with every foreigner, one less job for the Singaporean

I do not think that Singaporeans are choosy, do not want to get married and have children……

Change is the only constant, may the future be better for Singaporeans.

has very succinctly put across a point that a small group of SWF and funds actually made money and outperform some indices. I agree.

Like most others, even UK and US governments was struggling to keep most major companies afloat. Banks like RBS, Lloyd, Barclay, Citigroup were bleeding profusely. My point is that , there are many ways for Singaporeans to look at the issue – apologetically, furiously or objectively – and to see how we can get ourselves out. A larger vision and a longer term positioning is needed for such time. We need to gelled ourselves together and band together as Singaporeans – across lines of races, genders, ages and mostly apolitically. Whether or not you are PAP or otherwise or belonging to WP whom I also admire for their steady stance on some policy issues, we must appreciate that the gravity of this situation is really beyond many people including major governments.

We need a vision, a dream bigger than ourselves to grow ourselves into. I am now reading Obama’s Audacity of Hope and think that even for a US president, he serves the ground being a community organizer, living with their pains and understanding them and working out with them.

I always tend to take a longer view on our growth and I am sure is also a Singapore-loving citizen like I am. Take an issue and we dissect them, notwithstanding what the government says, and we present our contrarian proposition.

Donald Trump’s casino has filed for bankruptcy, will Las Vegas Sands be next?

Las Vegas Sands faces third shareholder lawsuit
Read more: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/19/las-vegas-sands-faces-third-shareholder-lawsuit/

Bad News Outweighs Good at Las Vegas Sands
Read more: http://www.casinogamingstock.net/news/bad-news-outweighs-good-at-las-vegas-sands-90337

A federal magistrate rejected an attempt by casino mogul Sheldon Adelson to subpoena a newspaper reporter’s testimony in a defamation suit.
Read more:http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/02/03/state/n154433S34.DTL

Ditto our GIC heavily-invested UBS?

Shares in UBS tumbled badly Friday, a day after the United States authorities issued a lawsuit against the bank demanding that it hand over about 52,000 names of clients.
Read more: http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/business/news/article_1460725.php/UBS_stocks_plunge_but_court_bans_transferring_data_to_US__Roundup__

UBS Warns US Tax Fraud Battle Could Be Its Ruin
Read more: http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4045651,00.html

Close to $91 billion loss for the combined investments of Temasek/ GIC is frightening. Is that about almost 4 times of what the total Budget proffered to Singapore to help lift us up from the dire economic situation.

Are they sunk and not recoverable? Those assets, including shares in UBS are deeply under-water to be meaningful. Our investment in ABC Learning from Australia went belly-up. Most assets classes, of all types from property to shares to all derivative instruments are steeply discounted. Whether actualized losses or paper losses, they are still huge losses, by any measures and no matter who is counting, it is still painful.

Grappling with today’s economic woes is quite slippery. I read the Wall Street Journals and together with the broad mix of periodicals, I get the feel that even major governments from Aso, Brown to Obama are experimenting different prescriptions to see if they can lift the monumental weight of today’s crisis. I do not get any sense of confidence or relief because the more I read, the more fearful I become. Our government, notwithstanding, is trying to figure a way out of it. In the same vein, I believe the senior executives of Temasek and GIC are planning different scenarios to recalibrate those loss investments and to park them in defensive investments and at appropriate time to grow them again. It may be painful but it has not run aground like in Iceland where the entire country economy bankrupted. Look around – Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, Japan or Indonesia.

Are we doing better than the rest? I think we are. Most of those Asian countries are looking at us to see how we are coping and emulating certain policies.

The Great Depression of 2009 is really beyond you and me. As far as we are concerned, we have to live each day seeing how the marco-level events pan out and to see how it will affect us and our competitiveness.

For those needing help at MPS, help will be rendered to make sure that Singaporeans are not left without food, without opportunity for a job, without access to medical care. I have seen old parents being abandoned by children who turned up at MPS for help. These are the pockets of Singaporeans where outreach must be swift and quick. I saw tears in resident who was worried sick because he could not pay up the medical bills with chase letters. We seeked for deferment and at the same time to apply for social assistance. I saw residents who skipped their mortgage payment because they have lost jobs. We asked for deferment of the mortgage. We saw some parents, children in toll come to MPS for help because their father were imprisoned, sicked or jobless and there were little food left. These are local issues we deal with every week to ensure that residents like these received help. They are not forgotten.

For those who do not come to MPS, we go to them through house visits.

Those of us who can commit time, notwithstanding the political platform, can do the same. I have deep admiration for Chiam See Tong who win unwavering support from his constituents despite the many allures from PAP and this just shows proof that his single minded dedication pays off. It is not about upgrading, it is not about resources, it is really about the care he gives and attention given to his constituents. His MPS at the void deck is sparse but work still get done. Quietly and it works. Chiam See Tong is not verbose, full of high ideals on democracy or what is democracy but he worked the ground, grinding away faithfully solving local concerns.

I think this should be the way for opposition to win the hearts and minds of the electorate – genuine care for local issues. They may be small – neighbour quarrels, dirty corridors or an application for a bursary. It is gruelling work as it means going doors after doors, knowing the people and getting help to them.

以民同行。

I

I feel that TOC is a nice blog. In fact, a new and unprecedented kind of blog that is respectable because it is credible. Views here are mixed : you get both sides of the coin views on all articles ; we cannot expect 50:50 spread of opposing views because we live in a Real world where people’s views are individual and people think differently. Even if views are 80:20, so what? as long as THIS IS A FAIR REASONABLE REFLECTION OF PEOPLE’S VIEWS. the only way to make views 100:0 is to control everyone’s thinking , what they type and what they say.

in my honest opinion, we have seen unprecedented big issues in 2007-2008, and if our loyal team still cannot make significant progress over the last GE, I am afraid more would really really give up on them. In other places, I dare say, given such miraculus circumstances, other loyal teams would have made much progress and made it much earlier. While almost all places have seen leadership replacement, this dot may be the last one standing. If so, i wonder what morale would the alterative populace feel? I was almost completely shattered when they did not made progress in the last E. this time, I am not sure if people like me could take another blow.

If the Alternative party(s) still cannot make significant progress this time round, given all the many significant events that happened in 2007,2008 and 2009,
I wonder does it mean there is Fundamental Flaw in their strategies?

We have heard and seen too many craps from pap in the last couple of years. The important one gone missing, the less important one behaved arrogantly in parliament and the junior one talked without much intelligence and simply waited upon instruction to act.

Did Singaporean benefitted when PAP took power after 2006 election, or was our life became tougher and more grieved than before? I could not betray myself to believe Singaporean life has improved for the better.

Too much suffocations have deprived the citizens of their much needed oxygen. The moment we stepped out of our house and looked around us, we know we need change in Singapore.

#45 I wonder how many names from our public elites will appear in UBS lists of 52,000 names.

It is a fallacy to think that the APs are weak and cannot take over the running of our country. This is a myth propagated by our elites which has fooled so many of us and for long enough.

Our elites have shown us that they bear no sense of shame, accountability, or apologies towards the people in spite of their numerous flops. In fact, with every passing mistake, it has only made them grow bolder, obnoxious and more arrogant in the eyes of the people.

Look at Malaysia, their opposition took over some of the states there without any previous experience after taking over from the incumbent and are doing well. I believe our APs will do no less worse.

It is time our elites are given a wake up call by the people. It is time we stand for what is right and let them know we will not be taken for granted. It is time.

One more important reason not to support PAP, they may hike GST by another 2 to 3% again. This form of consumer tax is very lucrative to replenish all the billions the existing govt has lost. If you felt you have not suffered enough, than 10% GST might just add salt to your wound.

This time round, the alternative parties should contest in all the electoral seats to dismiss the myth that alternative parties are too weak. Once we can match numbers to numbers with the other party, the mindset of the people will change, they may consider that its time to change a new government that encompass all parties working together to bring us out of this recession. One dorminant party is not enough to bring us out of this mess, because one party only views usually does not go through enough rigorous brainstorming and refining as all participants of the same party views and opinions are unconsciously shaped by party stance even its against the interest of the people and the nation.

46) Mere Mortal Tan on February 21st, 2009 3.06 pm

You are so right!!

IF they still unable to make gains, given the many circumstances,
it simply means 1 thing :
Hope.less.

TOC has made significant contributions. kudos!
Nevertheless, the fact remains,
if the root problem is not tackled or faced head-on,
status may be the quo or worse, due to the crisis, there are theories that says the MIW margin may increase.

last E, the tremendous turnout for LTK rallies were shocking as seen by real pictures available in many places on the internet. And what happened?

Thus, its clear, the root problem was not handled head-on. Other than more speeches at HLP, there is no difference since then and now. Then, also many issues purturbing people. Now, the same, but much worse. But as long as the root problem is not understood, discovered, tackled successfully, status quo at best if not get worse.

Which is why it is time we try to educate more of those who are still dreaming. We have to make them see the light so that there will be changes in singapore

From all over, in realpolitik, a coalition governments from Thailand to Japan, there is this constant struggle to compromise between parties, trading off interests and I am not sure if that is the best way forward for Singapore.

On the point of suffocation by David, I wonder what kind of Singapore some of us including David may have. Which country in specific does he has as a model for Singapore? What hopes and aspirations do you hold out for yourself in Singapore?

hi WSS,

u cannot reach the majority as the breakdown is like this according to 1 taxi driver who was telling me: ~30% sure vote opposition, ~20% other races sure vote PAP, ~40% old pple/chinese sure also vote PAP, so u have left ~10% who are like new singaporeans (aka naturalised) who are afraid that if they vote for opposition their pink ic will be taken away n there u have it! no more wins for the opposition!

that’s how this PAP will draw the boundaries to make sure this percentage stays this way, but whatever willing that will help, then a swing will take place n they might lose 1 GRC n this will be enuff for the moment!

how the opposition can win is to tackle the other races! and the on the fence pple in the ~40% band, to convince/educate them that sg will not sink if PAP falls as the country is still basically run by the civil service(who by right are non-partisan)!

just perhaps even dealing the old man a big blow n he might be paralysed or something to that effect n his eventual demise!

nothing stays like that forever, so PAP! u will also go down! sooner or later! that’s all!

The mood of the people are changing. A big portion of fear-marginalised old people is already gone, now only left some old who cannot fend for themselves without cpf savings and some disenchanted after being swindle by mini-bonds and high-notes. The remaining old have nothing to lose so nothing to fear. This time round, the very old, very young and middle-aged people whose jobs were lost to foreigners are the ones to turn the tables this time round.
So we expected very close fight in every wards. My take is PAP votes will go down to 52% and the alternative parties 48%. PAP takes 68 seats and Alternative parties 16 seats

54) sucker

Please do not insult Mr Tan, he has proven himself with his deed and his action speaks louder then words. I for one will not flame him. so let me ask this, are you send here to undermine Mr Tan?

55) insider65

it will be good if that happens, internal strife between their own people will add a little leverage for the opposition.

Even though it is hard, but we have to wake up those that are still in dreamland…and one of the way is to ask them to look at what happen after the last GE and do they want the same cycle?

fear what? fear that the opp will destroy singapore ? or being captured by PAP ?

why do u say that the old ones will vote for pap.is it that they see how PAP has changed singapore?

our leaders are not god, even if they are very good and think good. they cannot foresee that the economy will fail so badly. they did not know those us banks are in the red or the world economy has left with a ”empty shell”.

Now is the time we as a nation ,work hard for ourself and not blame the govt.
if u are being sack, are u in ur heart work hard for the company?

They need investment to make money,bank too also need invest. u think money fall from the sky???

you can try play this game….
http://www.erepublik.com

it is a political game play by all others nation ppls…
you can elected as a president and lead a nation,which has real players listen to.

It is very similar to real life, if u done badly, the citizen will complain…sam.e

it is a sitmu of a country with real citizen to answer to, it has economic like GDP and inflation and stuff.

If PAP calls a snap election i have doubts that the oppostion can do much damage even though the ground is sweeter for the oppostion now.

This probably is the most disappoiting part about our politics here. If this happened in either Malaysia or Indonesia, the oppostion aprties will be out in full force campaigning for votes.

Our opposition parties were strangely very quiet during this critical period. It is as if they have went into hiding.

Even if things go awry with the government, they may not be able to capture the advantage which is very disappointing for Singaporeans who may be looking for a change unlike that of Obama’s US.

TKL can only do so much and even if he wins he cant change the whole political situation much.

I am afraid even if PAP calls a snap election now, they will still win hands down with hiccups like Selamat MAs, town council’s investment and massive losses of Temasek/GIC. We don’t have a good alternative now.

61) Gilbert Goh on February 21st, 2009 8.30 pm

Though we are 2 different unique individuals,
you know what,
we think exactly the same, every word!!! :P

And I suspect most here feel the same deep down inside. :(

there is basically nothing different from the last E where LTK rally drew extremely huge crowd and result was 180 degrees ‘out of phase’. ;(

And since many of us think the same, I would add another thought to share with you:

Like all problems and difficulties, there is a solution. The solution is not inplace obviously. This could be due to the root cause is known but the solution cannot be found by mere mortals. Or maybe the root cause is not even found! many may be aiming at the wrong target based on wrong root cause determined.

You are right. I would not expect anyother country the same for some unexplanable reasons.

The biggest joke is, the alternatives could not synergize to the best possible way to achieve their common goal. If cannot even progress, don’t need to even think about too many alternatives lah.

do u have any idea how disappointed many people are? and sorry for this negative comment that seems to pour cold water on the movement.

I conclude: this place is the most THE MOST unique place on earth. No one can break the spell. No one.

oh, by the by, another neighbor migrated. i asked him why, he turned around and gave me a pissed look then walked away to the airport….

52) SZ on February 21st, 2009 4.04 pm
Which is why it is time we try to educate more of those who are still dreaming. We have to make them see the light so that there will be changes in singapore
=============

Quizz : why indon chinese tak chakap cheena?

how to educate? using what? realistically speaking, many could not be bothered to even type “www.theonlinecitizen.com” . donch take my words for it. Do a litmus test. how to educate chinese ed elderlies? how to educate internet-phobic asian elderlies?

how to make people jump out of the well?

how to make people come out of their COMFORT Zone or shell?

reading this blog comments may mislead new readers that many think alike. These are the minority. Sad but true.

What i am really concerned about is just:

1. MSK case
2. TC investments
3. HDB flat construction costing.
4. Transport fare hiked during crisis.
5. T and G extravaganza
6. EP and 52 man-years
7. who wants to be a millionaire
8. talk to my face
9. etc etc etc

To u and me, we deduce many things. To the majority, why they so like that?

Its not even about win or loose. Its about fundamental commonsense things. its about principles and value systems. Believes and ideals.

I am not sure what is going on with people’s brains.

Politicians in Singapore are really bad at politicking, even PAP ones..

That is why i feel we need FT politicians to improve the alternative strategising.
Is it legal to pay such FT for strategies? i mean maybe its time to look at ideas from people from out of this deep well.

61) Gilbert Goh on February 21st, 2009 8.30 pm

I am afraid even if PAP calls a snap election now, they will still win hands down with hiccups like Selamat MAs, town council’s investment and massive losses of Temasek/GIC. We don’t have a good alternative now.

It is all about people. Freedom is not free. If people are not willing to pay that price for their freedom, then there will never be good alternatives. There will never be a strong opposition party and strong opposition present in Parliament.

If people were willing to vote in any opposition for the sake of sending a message to PAP enough is enough, then we will see progress. If people think the situation is not bad enough to warrent such drastic action, then there is not likely to be much progress.

Democracy is about people taking actions, expressing their views. There is no democracy if no one is doing that.

63) Rodney Quek Leng Lee

We won’t know until we try, and if everybody think in such a manner whereby because of some reason or some stereotype, there is no point in trying to change it even a little bit, and that’s when we end up stagnant. I am not suggesting that we will change the whole system directly, but we can try to be a catalyst and try to push it along.

you don’t start everything with a critical mass, you have to build it up sometimes from scratch.

however, Gilbert Goh is quite right, the way things stand now, even if the condition is ideal for the opposition, PAP will still win. what i just hope for is a higher percentage of voters that switch over to the opposition.

There is no way in which the opposition can win enough seats to form at least 5% of the seats in parliament. This is based on following survey and observation

85% of the citizens live in HDB flats. Survey shows that at least 60% will vote for the PAP no matter what situation. This translates to 51% of the votes for the HDB heart lands. Of the 15% who lives in private property, 40% is likely to vote for them. This means 6%, so they are almsot certain of getting at least 57% of the popular votes.

The opposition can huff and puff, but they would not move one bit of the solid PAP edifice.

Its a generational issue. The strategies can only work if the audience is a capable receiver.

A look at the electorate will show that while internet based informational flows are growing, the majority of Singaporeans are born before independance, aren’t English educated or have an education beyond a diploma.

Hence, while I am pessimistic that we will have a more plural polity this election, the wave of change will come because of a generational shift in electoral demographics in the next 10-20 years.

As to whether the current model can prosper Singapore for 20 more years, I don’t really know anymore. In fact, I would even say that the social compact is beginning to unravel.

Lastly, newly naturalised citizens usually aren’t socialised as much as the rest of local-born Singaporeans, hence one should not readily place them in the voting camp of the ruling party. These people have seen far more than the average voter, and while their concerns are mainly economics, I’m quietly confident that they are not easily hooked by pork-barrel policies.

Personally, i think we should not even be talking about win or loose as in overall win or loose.

I feel that what we are expecting or hoping for is some Progress , if u know what i mean. ;)

It would be considered a WIN, to me ,if there is improvement in results. Will we see more of them inside there to voice up for us?

So, for me, i am not asking or hoping for alternative to win overall. Just a few more seats would be good since so many think alternative since the last E as shown by the turnout. This , to me, means this lot of people needs to be represented in that house. Its only logical and fair, imho.

The only question is : will every eligibles get to cast? As the population has increased significantly, so too should the number of ‘casters’.

juz me 1.499 cent

71) Andrew Yap

which is what i hope for too…now in a overall victory for opposition but an increase in seat for the opposition to express our voice

63) Gilbert Goh on February 21st, 2009 8.30 pm

Gilbert! I guess there are only 2 kind of people here in singapore, that is why its so dman difficult to look forward to any much changes to the present system. The first kind is those rich ones or those who’d already made their marks and would prefer to stay away from trouble, and the other kind which is those who are still suffering and complaining ones, and when time is ripe for them to play their part, they would just stick their heads into the sand and waiting for some others to come out and take the leads. This kind is the worse kiasu type and they would always be the ones that will ask alot of kiasu and kia see questions instead of doing their part when time calls for.

Was told that MediaCorp is among the first to know of GE dates so it can make sure that its mobile studios, crews, network links and other equipment are available.on those days.

allow me :

as long as the alternatives could not create a environment where all eligible voters get to vote , i believe history will repeat itself till no end.

many fundamental root obstacles not tackled or cannot be tackled which means…..

What I love about PAP MPs is that they are willing to do self-sacrificial passionate work …for a decent price. Big decent price. For a change, can some of them quit PAP and do the same passionate work they are doing now?

For one, you will earn my respect and others too. Please don’t say I’m crazy to suggest this hor, because there is one perspn doing this FOC and he oso wants to run for the Presidency. For 2, save tax payers money. From my books, that is what I call ..a bargin.

“What I love about PAP MPs is that they are willing to do self-sacrificial passionate work …for a decent price.”

In Hokkien parlance, it is called kiu-lo-kiu-tua-tu (the whole road is full of such).

58) sucker on February 21st, 2009 5.32 pm

you may be right. afterall, most elderly people mostly do not surf blogs to see what is going on. Luckily, they rely on MSM ;)

Those who join the PAP hope to be called up to stand for election and become an MP earning $250,000 per year. Or if luck would have it become one of the millionaire ministers. Well, with the GRC in place, about 80% of PAP MPs are hollow and shallow; they have not experienced working the ground to becoming an MP.

Most of the PAP ministers were invited to join the party. Those who have joined the PAP hoping to rise through the ranks would be totally dissapointed

The most one would benefit from being in the PAP is 5 visits from LKY. Beyond that you are just cheap labour for the PAP elite.

There has been some important progress to educate people about social issues.

However, the audience is only to net users who are non-apathetic. so, not majority of net users is reached and engaged. The other main bulk not reached is the non-surfers and uneducated elderlies. they are the main supporters of …..

On surface there is much progress and even innovative efforts made. But the bottomline remains that many are not engaged.

SUGGESTION :

Number is STRENGTH.
With STRENGTH, can achieve more.
Residents should be engaged face-to-face.
Net-engagement is always limited.
Net-engagement is already effective. Effort should now shift to meeting the residents.

Imagine: large groups of Volunteers go around the residential areas every weekend to Talk to them, Ask they how they feel, Get their Feedback, Get their Views, Listen to them, Help them, advice them.

Can this be done?

But 1st TKL needs to formally declare and open his Alternative Party.

I believe 1 thousand volunteers is possible.

The screenshot is doctored. Visit the actual site and you will realise that it is “2006″ and not “2009″. The picture published here is also strategically cropped to leave out the title of “Singapore Votes 2006″.

/// 18) TKL party out pls on February 20th, 2009 1.49 am
Tan Kin Lian should announce a new party asap, and pronounce aiming at a GRC. it could be a treat to PAP, and if they do not think it as a treat, we’ll see what we can do to give them a Storm! ///

/// 21) isa on February 20th, 2009 3.30 am
I favor Tan KL as he has been a pappie all his life..
I think if he gets in.. he will grab the pappies by the balls..
He should be very good as he is a CEO before and he knows the way of the system. ///

Yes, TKL will be a treat to the PAP – a real treat. While you are giving them a treat, while not treat us to an ice cream? Is TKL a THREAT to the PAP? No way. He has already showed his hand too early, and the PAP is ready for him come what may.

isa – I presume you are thinking of TKL standing for the Elected President? I wonder who will be grabbing whose balls. Remember OTC – he has been a Pappy all those years and what happened? Knowing the way of the system is not going to get you anywhere if your intention is to rock the boat or change the system. The system will change you – just look at V. Also, remember that TKL was not fielded as an MP despite toiling for decades doing grassroot work.

Just my $0.02

/// 82) sweet_gingerz on February 25th, 2009 12.11 am
The screenshot is doctored. Visit the actual site and you will realise that it is “2006″ and not “2009″. The picture published here is also strategically cropped to leave out the title of “Singapore Votes 2006″. ///

sweetie pie, the doctoring was done by Media Corp themselves. I went to the site in the morning of 20 Feb at 8.30am and title page was still showing “2009″. By 4.30pm, they have already changed it “2006″ as they realized their boo-boo and they were poked fun by Alex of Yawning Bread and this site. Initially, all the references were to 2009.

My friend told me casually,
if given all the things that happened,
IF alternative force still could not make progress,
then, maybe, they would not be able to make progress for a long time come.

for me, i always keep my thoughts secret and never tell people how i feel. i kia si.

If those kia si voters still vote the same way in favour of the papy, then they will ’si te hun how cant’ cos all jobs will be infiltrated by FT, Singaporeans will lost their indentities, probably we need to wear a big tag around our neck to tell the whole world I am native Singaporean; our numbers will be diluted in the messy big crowds. Don’t dream that the economy will grow as fast as before and your income will go up, in fact will be depress further. You will regret for your ‘tortoise hand’ in the vote.

tiredsingaporean: stop using derogatory terms to describe MM Lee. if not for him, u wldnt even have the stupid com that you’re using to type ur amateur comments. have some respect for the man. i disagree with him on loads of things, much less do i put him on a pedestal. nonetheless, i am deeply appreciative of what he’s done and continues to do for sg when he could jolly well spend his millions in comfort. for those reasons alone, lets think twice before insulting our founding father.