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The following is a letter published in the Straits Times forum page. It is written by Ms Elaina Olivia Chong (picture, left), an exco member of the Young PAP.
FIRST. I would like to congratulate Mr Calvin Cheng on his recent appointment as a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP).
I applaud his enthusiasm to assume heavy responsibilities. As his contemporary, and also an entrepreneur and media specialist, I appreciate that he will be my ‘voice in Parliament’, so to speak.
Understandably, with his recent public comments on the Young People’s Action Party (YP), that he ‘joined out of curiosity…never attended a single branch activity…and in fact, never even picked up my membership card’, Mr Cheng has stirred a flurry of interest. At best, it was a brilliant display of his talent as a media spin doctor; at worst, it shook public confidence in his capacity to take on his new appointment.
Having said that, I wonder if Mr Cheng is aware of the damage he has done, by denting the credibility of YP as a youth-worthy organisation.
As a card-carrying member of YP since 2004 and now a volunteer on the YP exco, I am saddened that my soon-to- be voice in Parliament shows no sensitivity or respect to thousands of us who offer our time, resources and commitment to the party and the good work it does.
Mr Cheng’s comments seem to imply that YP is not worthy of him, since he did not even pick up his membership card. More disturbing is the fact that he never gave himself a chance to understand how YP works and what it does.
Without any knowledge or basis, he has discredited YP publicly as something he cannot be bothered with. What other statements will he make in future as he does not seem to do his homework before he speaks. If he had done his homework in this case, he would have understood that YP is a vibrant, activity-driven platform that aggressively engages citizens on the ground.
Mr Cheng is well placed to benefit from the NMP scheme. But whether the business community feels he is worthy to be our trusted voice – that must be earned over time.
He has made his kickoff so much harder for himself. Nevertheless, I have faith that he has learnt exponentially from these recent weeks. I am confident his performance in his new appointment will be no less than stellar.
Elaina Olivia Chong (Ms)
Young PAP Exco Member
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The Young PAP seems to have deleted its blog site. It used to be at this url: http://youngpapblog.blogspot.com/ .
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143) gemami
144) theforgottongeneration
145) working within
& Kelly
Thank you for your responses.
Happy that you guys generally genrally do agree with my point that there are such people who opt to work from within.
That is the jist of my post.
Agree with 1 & all that whether ‘working within” is effective is deabatable.
I personally feel that having these people in there beats not having nobody there.
When the numbers are small numbers, they will be easily ostracised, and mentally assasinated. When the numbers are substantial, it will make a difference.
When we gun down such people too quickly, we may be doing ourself a disfavour.
Every effort towards the betterment of society is a noble cause and deserves support.
My 2cts worth of thoughts
151) Lim Xin
Some religious groups do social work, but ultimately if you do not become “one of them” they will soon desert you.
Doing social service is a noble thing. But is it is for an ulterior motive, it is not. Social service with a subliminal political intention to sway votes is not noble.
But if YP exists to really garner young views that challenges the current political thoughts towards the betterment of society, then it is good.
So what is YP to you?
153) KopitiamApek,
“I personally feel that having these people in there beats not having nobody there. When the numbers are small numbers, they will be easily ostracised, and mentally assasinated. When the numbers are substantial, it will make a difference.”
I am not too hopeful that the “work from within” strategy will work or is effective. I know of someone who has been doing that since about 20 years ago and still is. But I don’t see much difference, if any. Once I asked him how we may raise issues of serious concern about education to MOE senior management. His reply was that we should email to MOE feedback even though it’s not effective that way. His advice was that we should go and volunteer at the grassroot level then slowly climb up the PAP political ladder to make our voice heard.
154) KopitiamApek,
“Some religious groups do social work, but ultimately if you do not become “one of them” they will soon desert you.”
I am not sure which religious group you are referring to, but I know that for churches, they do charity because they feel that they personally have been helped. In return, they also like to help others as well, not so that people whom they have helped will join them.
Hi Lim Xin, I meant TKL quitted from NTUC Income. When you work in a PAP-oriented organization (like I assume NTUC Income is), it seems one has no choice but to only support PAP (by hook or by crook), especially if it’s an executive of high rank.
If you pay transport for your volunteerism, I guess YPAP organises charity events. So what some people are asking, is it right PAP uses citizens’ money (income tax) to set up YPAP?
Hmmm…okie, may be the other question isn’t so clear. For example, what’s the mission of Peta? YMCA? AWARE? They each have their own missions…and are accountable for the “work” they do. What’s YPAP’s mission?
Like what KopitiamApek said, if YPAP is doing charity work for an ulterior motive (political gains), then it is not as noble as one initially thought.
KopitiamApek,”But if YP exists to really garner young views that challenges the current political thoughts towards the betterment of society, then it is good.”
I agree! I was thinking….shouldn’t this be the job of journalists who are out to get stories and views? (May be I am just naive! lol )
Creducator,”His advice was that we should go and volunteer at the grassroot level then slowly climb up the PAP political ladder to make our voice heard.”
Yep, I heard of that too. But…how many of our NMPs “climbed up”? I don’t think many that I know of? If so, may be some names would be good just so I can update myself (I am not “politically informational”!) Thanks!
It’s good to have a share of minds and learn things, view things from all perspective. I hope to learn more from everyone.
too bad tio slam back. talk also never cover ass.
To all on Lim Xin treads,
I maintain that the path(s) chosen by each person is his/her own choice, for better or worst. Good INTENTS like helping the poor or “working from within”, etc… are not to be totally ignored paths but the question is always the intent. Without Lim Xin showing his/her previous views on TOC, this person could be anything from the YPAP’s PRO to a totally fired-up but ignorant person.
Just look at Germany and Japan on transparency & accountability. Economical path after WW2 = economical miracle. Both distributed lots of goodies to direct/indirect victims of their past doings. Money solves things.
Moral path? Ask any German youth about WW2 and they say “Ja, we have Remembrance Day, we know about the Holocaust” – they don’t forgot nor do they expect others to forgot. Ask any Japanese youth, and there is usually a dead silence/blur look on Unit 731, conversation quickly “…move on”. They want to forgot (another generation & it will be achieved) & they EXPECT others to forgot (except the A-bombings; that they are pissed). Surprisingly, both Geramns & Japs get a good night sleep.
If I was a youth, or for our children growing up in SGP, which moral path would I want to choose if I was out distributing goodies? Yes, I would rather do it through a Church group/NGO. But sucks, church groups may not have the resources for glam things like a PRO or a website…
154) creducator
I share your doubts about the effectiveness of working from within, but my point was that having these people in there beats not having nobody there.
159) KopitiamApek,
I guess those who wish to try the work from within strategy, they should only try it for a year or two and then leave if see no result, or else leave for good and join opposition. Otherwise, they will rot there.
I was trying to start an activity but was told to look for sponsor. Tried but not easy as not every company is willing to fund. It is not easy to get. But I know YＰ raises funds whenever it has plans or programmes. So far YP has been a good experience for me. At least I get to voice out and be heard. The bond is strong asn there is very good team spirit and commitment. I am not sure if the past was the same but the new direction of YP to embrace views and empower has helped give me confidence to bring up about issues, e.g. less elitist education system and a more efficient civil service.
To me YP is about change. The YP leaders that I got to know are walking the talk and lead from the front. Though I won’t say for a few at my branch. But the majority makes me feel worthwhile to be part of the action.
Sponsor? For transport? I thought YPAP is “funded” by PAP (or people’s income tax)? Pls correct me if I am wrong.
I do see change – look at what some blind and handicapped are doing. Because the associations behind these people teach them that they are of value to society. Despite their lower salary range, they lead a meaningful and fuller lives.
Distributing food rations to poor may help them temporarily – but long-term doing so, does not really change anything unless you teach them how to FISH.
@KopitiamApek (#158) I agree! They can function as “see and report”! heee heeee
@161) kelly on July 29th, 2009 5.21 am
How to fish? Pond is controlled and many fishermen now with the influx of FT/FWs. Just need to tax whoever uses the pond, so why bother to teach people to fish? Then there will surely be people push to the fringes of society and saviours like YPAP can step in to distribute some goodies. Pure cause and effect theory. Like most things, why YPAP suddenly “woke up” only near elections season? Upgrading of opposition wards too. Fishy?
Again, appreciate Lim Xin show his/her previous postings so we can see if what this person says is consistent. So far, the stories are quite heartening…. like Harry Potter series. Maybe we should tell the story of how SGP threw babies away so that the boat can reach shore faster…You see, long, long ago…
@159) creducator on July 28th, 2009 10.33 pm
Agree, anyone trying to work “from within” must have a time-out period. Like I said, otherwise they soon become part of the system, or worse. I see a few MPs from the last batch like that – 4 years & you can see which way they have drifted. Maybe everyone is thinking of a Mikhail Gorbochev. I said TKK.
Why not work “from outside” — something like Mother Teresa. If people like Lim Xin really want to make that difference, go join her Missionaries of Charity – go for the big fish, not small fries like YPAP.
To 162) theforgottongeneration,
“Then there will surely be people push to the fringes of society and saviours like YPAP can step in to distribute some goodies. Pure cause and effect theory. Like most things, why YPAP suddenly “woke up” only near elections season? Upgrading of opposition wards too. Fishy?”
It means good timing; minimum effort, maximum effect. Sorry to say that, Lim Xin is just a small pawn (with a noble cause) in a big complex web. Who will remember Lim Xin, they will only remember YPAP and the MP for the work done which indirectly score points for PAP. You have to agree this is a good strategy. Get some hot-blooded youngster(s) to spearhead the cause and claim the credit – this strategy is used far too often in the corporate world.
“Again, appreciate Lim Xin show his/her previous postings so we can see if what this person says is consistent. So far, the stories are quite heartening…. like Harry Potter series. Maybe we should tell the story of how SGP threw babies away so that the boat can reach shore faster…You see, long, long ago…”
I am more interested for Lim Xin to prove her point that YPAP is changing (from the political sense – not charity work). You know, human has very short attention time-span. If YPAP is really changing, Lim Xin should be able proudly pro-claimed that YPAP has done this this this and this after …… one month, 3 month, 6 month, 1 year? 2 year? Before and after elections. But I doubt Lim Xin can keep this up for long… I will be surprised if she even comes back to prove her points in 3 months time. Let’s hope I am wrong. (I presume Lim Xin is a lady as her name sounds like one – I apologise if I got it wrong).
Nonetheless, my experience tells me that in recent years (past 10 years or so especially), PAP only talk, talk, talk and talk…. I hear you…. PERIOD. I really do hear you…. but nothing changes… still no transparency and accountability in our country for top-notch politician and civil servants. MP continues to say I we are working on it; and this is a complex, delicate and enormous task…. I have constraints…. avoid the topic by saying working on something more important but don’t know what….. short of saying I need to toe the party line, it will affect my “wonderful” remuneration package and perks….
Things can be pretty complex, if anyone wish it to be.
Calvin the Clown has also discredited the commitee that selects NMP.
Can he seriously be the best we can get as NMP?
Since his appt, accidents and apologies all the way.
Or maybe he SDP plant, to discredit Parly and selection process.
Hi TheForgottenGeneration. HOW TO FISH? Just like how you teach insurance agents to be educated and sell insurance (just an example although I don’t think insurance is all that a “noble” job).
Teaching doctors to serve up pills to the sick is..well, leaves much to be desired.
Actually I don’t see any difference between serving LARGE organisations and smaller ones. For example, PETA is considered large, but I sometimes cannot agree to the methods they use to make people go vegetarian (I am a vegetarian myself). The KFC thingie and encouraging people to cook vege using radiation-powered microwave! Large corps and charities are MORE capable of corruption because they may have more ready funds or donations.
Btw, how many cancer charities actually HELP Cancer patients? Most money go to support cruel experiments using chemotherapy. (Such donations support making, testing of more anti-cancer drugs that have not been tested for their interactions with other prescription drugs, vaccines, fertility, etc.) If chemo is safe, why the need to even “test” it on my friend? He died within 1.5 years.
Do cancer patients even know about “thermagram”? Cancer sufferers are not informed of all their options because the orthodox doctors here are not even educated in it.
People may think they are helping by doing “charities” but what’s the reality?
I know it isn’t easy to fish – just keep finding the ‘loopholes’ that may allow you to fish. Now protecting natural resources is a new noble line of work to be involved in.
Rather than following the example of PAP (earning money by taxing on dangerous products like cigarettes), why not earn money by promoting really good and useful things that are not risky to health and also help humans?
Singapore does not offer that kind of education (for example, ow to use solar energy for homes and offices, ow to plant greens – in a confined space – to filter cancer-causing substances in air, etc). If you are able to offer this kind of education, may be this is FISH.
Errata: Singapore does not offer that kind of education (for example, how to use solar energy for homes and offices, how to plant greens – in a confined space – to filter cancer-causing substances in air, etc). If you are able to offer this kind of eco-friendly education, may be this is FISH.
@163) Dumb and dumber on July 29th, 2009 10.47 am
Yeah, I hear you too. See you are quite active in TOC. Sign, wish there is something we can do about the situation.
@166) kelly on July 29th, 2009 4.38 pm
FYI, I shared some views on solar power under a TOC article by TKL. Reckon we are about 5-8 years behind in adopting compared with Japan, Europe, Germany, USA. Cost is given as the issue by HDB, BCA, etc… Pure BS as such countries able to adopt while facing the same costs (basically PV manufacturers are few worldwide, demand outpacing supply). Issue is that each country found it necessary to inject billions into such schemes & the goal is long-term (15-20 years). Well, we blew our billions in investments. If only couple of billions taken from TH/GIC portfolio and used to “fish” in solar, we could have something now. Worked out $60b lost by TH could had solar-powered about 10,000 to 18,000 HDB blocks! Think of potential industry for such numbers even in small singapore. I lamented why none of our scholars doing this field 5-8 years back. No fishermen?
No help for cancer patients? LHL would dispute you – every tech was possibly considered in his case, maybe even cloning. Ha, Ha, I’m not medical person.
Lastly, on “from within” concept. We are probably not only one to compound this. Look at ex-NMP Siew Hong Kum. Good candidate for “from within” if given 2nd term? He also wanted to continue right? What happened? Like someone said, they are always one step ahead of us.
Hi again @TheForgottenGeneration GOOD LAMENT! Why are none of our scholars doing this field work 5 to 8 years back? The Singaporean selling solar-powered panels to Europe is an NTU professor. Hmmm….”Save Gaia” – what does this mean to the govt.
“LHL would dispute you.” Probably! He is right – medical technology has advanced but it is not the equivalent of “saving more lives”.
People who have received chemotherapy and lost the battle:
Angelina Jolie, Madonna and Rosie O’Donnell (who all lost their mothers to chemo); Paul McCartney (who lost his first wife, Linda, to breast cancer); CBS news anchor Katie Couri’s husband; American Idol David Cook’s maternal grandfather; Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News’ mum and sister; S. Epatha Merkerson of “Law and Order” (who lost 2 of her very best friends to chemo) …Singapore’s famous blogger Mrs Razzo and the list go.
For chemo to work on killing one cancerous cell, 499 healthy cells die. Signs: fatigue, loss of appetite, unable to walk or talk, go bald. That is what chemo gives you. If you recover, that is only because your body has time to rebuild new healthy cells in between chemotherapy sessions.
@169) kelly on July 30th, 2009 2.21 am
Kelly,
Seriously, didn’t president OTC died of cancer too? Why no all-out efforts to save him too? At least that was a decent man. Is it true influx of white cells helps? I did get hooked on that donor milking machine for about 1 hours, almost fell asleep, nurse thought I fainted.
Again, I’m zil on medical but ancients believed if a person survive a great calamity then it is a sign from the gods. These people then set out conquering the world, thinking they have the mandate of the gods. Ha, ha. (He still looks like a clone to me – movements so robotic!)
P.S. Heard so much about our biotech sector. Any major breakthru thus far BY LOCALS? Hopefully they can find commerical cures to the various illnesses; seems like we are just running here and there trying to look busy.
Apologies, we diverting away for topic….but, cheers.
Hi TheForgottenGeneration Nope, I don’t think people died from cancer although they did suffer from cancer pains. Most people receiving chemo (for cancer) died from chemo. I’ve always said Cancer is not a bitch as with your headaches – they are trying to tell you SOMETHING is not right and gives you a chance to ‘fix’ the problem.
There was one major breakthrough by one Singaporean but they did not even make it to frontpage. I don’t even remember the details or the person’s name except I remember his surname is CHAN. If I find the info again, I’ll let you know. (This breakthrough to me, is not really a breakthrough!)
I apologise too cos I also realise this is a diversion from the topic.
Hi Lim Xin,
“To me YP is about change. The YP leaders that I got to know are walking the talk and lead from the front. Though I won’t say for a few at my branch. But the majority makes me feel worthwhile to be part of the action.”
It about a month or so. Hope you are able to share with me the chances from an insiders point of view…
@172) Dumb and dumber on August 27th, 2009 2.27 pm
Dumb and dumber,
U TKK (wait long long) for reply. Per modus operandi, people like LX will act blur & move on.
Maybe she’s busy. Let’s wait for a few days.