How can the PAP be so sure that their grassroots advisors can do a better job than an MP? Do they pay their grassroots advisors millions each?

If they don’t pay their grassroots advisors millions, these grassroots advisors must be of a very low quality, probably not a PSC scholar and very far beneath the elite rank. If these people aren’t talented, I’m sure they won’t be able to do a good job since this is a highly complex job for which only highly educated people can do well, and especially so since no highly educated person would want to earn less than they could in the corporate sector.

May the PAP’s contradictory reasoning fall to pieces.

Politics in Singapore is very low class. A laughing stock.

The attitude of PAP is a show of blatant discrimination of the opposition MPs
of both wards. In the same measure, if PAP do not acknowledge the legitimate position of opposition MPs LTK and CST and try to elevate the two losers into
prominence, too bad, it backfired.

This two stooges Sitoh and Eric never seemed to grow up yet even after the thrashing received at the polls.

Two opportunists clown popping out from jack-in-the-box from nowhere. We just close the cover and suffocate them.

Shameless Men In White.

Behaving worse than a 6 year old kid.

They have no respect at all for the voters of Hougang and Potong Pasir and the people of Singapore.

Where’s the decency ??

Singapore, a Civil and Graceful society ??

Not as long as the PAP are in Government.

ungracious, disgraceful, ungentlemenly, cheap, crass, gutter-politicking PAP ministers we have. I don’t feel they’re fit to lead this country.

Credit to Mr Muhammad Yusof Osman for his letter on the LUP.

It shows that there is a limit to what concerned citizens will accept to the blatant abuse of power by the PAP Government.

Congratulations to Mr Low Thia Kiang for a great letter.

Can’t wait for the reply from our Dear Minister MBT.

Guess he will have to think up some excuses when he soaks himself in his swimming pool at home this weekend.

May I suggest TOC to make correction as follows.

Incorrect: Low Thia Kiang

What it should be: Low Thia Khiang

Shadow politiking here – lurking in the bushes after withdrawing the breakfasts shows these two clowns do not have the welfares of the people at heart !
Now, appearing suddenly to claim credits for something, which have nothing to do with them – because our authorities allowed it !
Politics in Singapore is absolutely Shamless !

it time for change vote in more opposition

[#8 Annonymous Agent 007]

Excellent pointers, AA007. I agree with you completely.

No one in their right mind would disagree that the HDB is a PAP managed institution.

We can only improve the political scene in Singapore by kicking the papies out of their political office. Which means we have to vote them out in the next general elections.

Let’s show the papies what we can do.

4) Maria Ozawa on October 10th, 2009 8.05 pm

Being a pioneer in the same industry as my friend Maria Ozawa, I can hereby confirm that she is telling the truth.

Furthermore, I wish to confirm that those who are below average in height with tiny little brothers are prone to hyperbole.

They usually ’subsidise’ their lack of manhood by claiming that it is ‘affordable’ even when I charge them double the normal rate.

Hi Correction #9,

Thank you for pointing out the error. It has been rectified.

Cheers
Donald
Deputy Editor
The Online Citizen

#8 Annonymous Agent 007

Whatever MBT a.k.a. Marlboro Tan will say, the best is to challenge him for an open debate, sure he will run and hide at MND office just like he hid under Tampines GRC and sneaked to become a MP after losing to Potong Pasir’s Chiam.

The current PAP is only a bunch of cowards who have no guts facing up challenges for public debate of issues.

If I remember correctly, Mr Sitoh installed some solar lamps in Potong Pasir.
Some of the solar lamps were later being stolen. if I remember correctly again, Mr Sitoh did not replace the lamps, he pointed his finger at Mr Chiam and asked Mr Chiam to replace those lamps. Yes, Mr Chiam cleared the mess. So, who is more sincere?

This stupid Eric and Sitoh’s move will only make people angry and hence more votes will go to Low and Chiam. I thought the pap are talented stooges, but they fail in this simple, naive exercise. Mah Boh Tan is not a brilliant gut, he is a lousy talent who lost to Chiam See Tong. Lee Kuan Yew said Mah’s o level is better than chiam’s o level, see who is stupid, Lee Kuan Yew is stupid , right?? Lee even said those who earn less than $200 per month must stop at 2, now Spore suffers because of population shortage due to stop at 2 policy, as a result, spore has to import from china and india, so who is stupid ??

To Maria Ozawa and Marilyn chambers
Like you, the whole of singapore is getting screwed on a daily basis…opposition ward or not…Unlike the both of you, we are not from the industry.

maybe the minister would like to follow what they preach:

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_356816.html

They need to show some graciousness even in losing.

Simply no respect for the opposition MP and the voters. It is a shame the government is misusing the current grassroots organization system for itself .>: (

Mr Low TK, WELL SAID!

It would be interesting to see how that short S would reply. I still can’t figure out how MBT won in the erection 2006. I think the group members in his GRC team must have help him to cheat.

Mr Low,

Many Singaporeans know how the communist style of PAP taking charge.
Myanmar is rule by junta generals so is s’pore rule by junta PM.

Take courage, Opposition Parties.

The elderly Pharaoh days are numbered.

in 2006 election, the WP should have targeted MBT GRC instead of George Yeo’s

all these wont stop until they lose at least 10 seats next election.

It appears that Mah Bow Tan is certain to lose his seat in the coming GE. He is very arrogant and very unpopular among the voters.

I hope that another unpopular MP, Khaw Boon Wan, will lose as well.

The opposition needs to win at least 30 to 40 seats for there to be any change in this country.

Vote for Change. Vote opposition.

23) massivelosses_sohow? on October 10th, 2009 11.20 pm

10 seats wouldn’t make any different as it will not be able to stop PAP from passing any bills into laws in the parliament

PAP wants to build a gracious society. My foot!
when they themselves are playing dirty politics sans the
graciousness of respecting the will of the people.

Once again LTK has shown how to hit the nail on the head and doing so in such an efficient manner.

On the other hand I believe PAP may wish to conduct a detailed inquiry on who within the system is bent on sabotaging the party. It’s unimaginable that the wise men in the PAP leadership would sanction such a public relations fiasco! They may wish to fish out the plant or plants that the opposition parties have placed in the various government orgainsations such as the HDB and Peoples Association.

From the regularity of mistakes being made it’s hard to believe that such “mistakes” can be made by wise people!!!

Men in White are NOT WHITE. They are merely in white clothes, but their real colours are grey, black, dark brown and all sorts of other dirty, sh**ty colours!

Is it lawful for PAP to appoint it own grassroot advicer in the ward when the voter elected and non PAP MP. It should be lawful the and elected MP will be grassroot advicer for that ward. This show that PAP have disrespect the voter. What good that such party bring to people when they dont even respect anybody.

It is a blatant abuse of power by the PAP. The voters of the two opposition wards have been so courageous and so determined, making so much sacrifice for so many years. HDB’s stupid behaviour can only strengthen their resolve to continue to support the opposition.

In the meantime, LTK should expand his role and act more than just an opposition MP, speaking out loud only when his immediate interest is affected. He should speak out equally forcefully on national issues so as to become more influential in the coming GE.

mr low, thank you for your press release addressing your stand.

i do not live in your ward, but i am pretty sure you are able to do as capable a job, if not much better, as compared to the grassroots advisers.

I hope your residents will appreciate your hard work and efforts and vote for you again at the next election, and more to come.

If the PAP government continues to thump its nose at us and our constituency
representative,you will be in for a big surprise in the next election.We,as citizens and
tax payers do not ask for more but just some respect shown.We no longer have the mentality of our parents where by,their attitude are always “chin-chye,chin-chye lah’
trust and obey and there is no other way but to believe in PAP”.No MORE! the
electorates are smarter and more educated just like those million dollars men
dressed in whites.RESPECT US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Such a mild response to a grave injustice to the opposition and the residents of Hougang.

Kudos to Mohd Yusuf Osman for highlighting the underhand tactics of two defeated candidates, one in Hougang and one in Potong Pasir, both Wards won by Oppositions in previous elections.

The shameless acts of the two politicians have riled the electorates so much that Mr Mohd Yusuf felt indignant enough to write to the Straits Times to highlight their audacious and shameful manoeuvres in invading the rights of two Opposition Elected Members of Parliament, namely; Mr Low Thia Khiang of Hougang and Mr Chiam See Tong of Poton Pasir.

Voters in the Two Said Constituencies have rightly and courageously refused to be cowed by threats nor take any baits and traps. These voters have proved that they need not have to depend on PAP to survive, in fact, these two wards have proven that they have less issues than other wards controlled by PAP MPs. At least they have no Town Council investing in loss making ventures.

Now, it is only fair and right for Singaporeans to reject politicians like Eric Low, Sitoh Yin Pin and some of their Elected Colleagues in the Coming Election.

It is now time for the Citizens of Singapore to show the Leaders that they, the people, will not accept anymore nonsense. Leaders are expected to be respectable, have integrities on top of being talented.

Please show our leaders that we Singaporeans expect no less from those who choose to lead us.

patriot

PAP by making Eric Low and Sitoh look like they are MP in opposition wards is a joke and an insult to Singaporeans intelligence. Why didn’t ST report such nauseating news and that netizens are all very unhappy about it. Nope, nobody will think the two PAP stooges have any credit. They will lose even more votes in the coming election and thanks PAP for showing us such despicability. That give many Singaporeans the will tol fight all the way for the two oppositions and many others to help them win majority vote in the coming election,

how pap loss trust and rapport with people ?

1) PAP is arrogant
Using lift upgrading to threaten and hinder the quality of singaporean’s living

2) They dont allow opposition MP to announce lift upgrading
This is to place the Party above law ( making law is the one key function of parliament), this is very much like Communist China Party.

3) No transparency in their policies and appoitment to key positions, such as TEmasek holding and CAAS

4) PAP MPS are mainly puppets of the inner circle in PAP
They represent teh Party and nor people
U can see 3 PAP MPs defended the excessive immgrants policy spoke for foreigners

5) They lied, told half truth and NEVER ever admit many mistakes in lasat 2 decades

6) They cheat the parliamentary seats by using GRC

You can count on… hope that PAP MPs and young PAPcan explain why they are so proud in that Party

@25 Adult ID Caregiver – “From the regularity of mistakes being made it’s hard to believe that such “mistakes” can be made by wise people!!!”

Proclaiming themselves “the cream of the crop” and “extraordinary talents” and therefore entitled to the multi-million $ paycheck they give themselves does not make them “wise people”. The string of blunders that have dogged them and which we find embarrassing (but not them, they still believe they deserve extraordinary bonuses) is the result of complacency and not sabotage by anyone. When they are being paid millions of $$$ for sitting on their asses and without having to account to anyone for anything mistakes or fear losing their rice bowls, their minds can atrophy, and quite rapidly.

Mr Low is right on.

There is only 1 thing we can do now such the next time something like this happens Mr Low gets to announce it.

Other than this, there is really nothing else that can be done.

Else, prove me wrong.

[#31 patriot]

“Please show our leaders that we Singaporeans expect no less from those who choose to lead us.”

Yes, I agree with you – we have to show something to our papy leaders. And the best way to show them is to kick them out of political office. And the sooner the better.

Can TOC clarify if this reprint is sanctioned/with permission from Mr. Low? I can’t recall him being very visible in engaging bloggers’ views — either contributing or rebuking. If he had OK this reprint here, can TOC get him to engage some of our views? PAP obviously doesn’t see it fit to come in (minus the low standard exhibited in another recent article by a PSC scholar); if the opp. afraid or too howlian also?

being the first to claim credit when credit is not theirs, and first to push blame to other people when it is their own fault.

singaporeans, please do not support these kind of characters!

Mr Low Thia Khiang, please get Workers’ Party to contest all the seats by not leaving any walkovers at the next election.

At least the chances of winning a GRC will be higher, never mind that your candidates are not PhDs, scholars, company directors, professionals etc.

Just an ordinary Joe without any criminal record will do. I will vote for them. I hope others also do the same.

Hi theforgottengeneration #37,

The Worker’s Party categorised this letter as press release / public statement, so any Tom, Dick or Harry can use it.

Oh, so now Low Thia Khiang has opened his mouth finally? And what is he making noise about? Oh, HE DID NOT GET TO ANNOUNCE THE LIFT UPGRADING!

This is really sad. Even the opposition is more interested in politicking and scoring political points than in speaking up on real issues.

What has WP under Low TK done since GE 2006? How many issues have we all been so affected by? How many has WP raised meaningfully and not just by making useless speeches in Parliament?

Maybe Low TK is just as guilty as Eric Low for politicking. After all, Low TK did once say that he is “not ashamed” to be compared to the PAP.

He may as well wear the white uniform too. Useless MP.

#42 Naninews:

Perhaps Mr Low was referring to the good things that the PAP has done?

In any case maybe you should read WP’s Hansard (archived) parliamentary speeches before questioning ‘what they have done’ based solely on ST reports, because even you should know ST is grossly inadequate.

Surprised that a supposedly non partisan HDB can outrightly and without tinge of shame , guilt or uneasiness can display its partiality and revealing its sycophany aspect much to the ridicule and the shamefulness of those two pachyderm clowns – alas SG politic and how much more maddening can it go further ?

Good job! I am glad he’s stepping up the game…” Tiger doesn’t roars, you treat it as a sick cat!” And that shitoh goon can buzz off!

不知羞耻。

This incident shows that the PAP government and it’s institutions think they own Singapore and have no respect for Singaporeans.

43) plopp

Yea, right. We should all read Parliamentary reports.

Yea, right. Right on. Right.

If we all read Parliamentary reports, PAP MPs would beat Mr Low hands down in the issues they bring up. Don’t believe? Go read parliamentary reports.

But that is a red herring. Making useless speeches in Parliament is not all that MPs are expected to do. if it was, PAP MPs would have done their jobs too.

So, don’t support blindly any opposition members or leaders. Again, I ask: What has WP done since 2006 – and not just Low Thia Khiang, but the entire WP?

@42) Donaldson on October 11th, 2009 4.52 pm

Thks, just to be sure this is not another like the Viswa’s ding-dong. Yeah, in meantime TDH and TFG have collected some discarded bricks. . .

Pity that Mr. Low didn’t actively engaged alternative media sites (e.g. TOC) to help spread/canvass his views. If a lion can’t even defend its own turf vigorously, what would its cubs and others think? Still I hope the 2 affected opp. MPs would push for a reply from HDB, etc.. After all, any MP is supposed to have the mandate of his/her constituency, right?

Otherwise, I guess I would have to vote for my cat/dog in the next election… if I am privileged to get to vote in first place.. Black or white cat, it doesn’t matter.

To Naninews 50.

Don’t just generalise, give specific points that was brought up by the PAP MPs that a WP did not. Please remember there are 82 MIW as compare to 2 WPs so time and opportunity counts.

And may I ask what have PAP MPs done after the election for their own constituncy.If you compare then just compare with Houngang alone. Why ? Most sinkies like you do not give a damn to the opposition that why.

I have met the WP during their walkabout and buy their Hammer mag, that is what they can do till they are elected into paliament.

Whoever opposition come to my 5 members GRC will get my vote. Just like Japan who the citizens chooses the opposition to lead Japan by giving them the chance to change. Will you?

This incident tells us that all the statutory boards must not be placed under the command and control of a politically motivated leader.

They should be placed under the Chief of the Civil Service who should be appointed by the truly-elected President, both of whom should be independent bodies and entities, with their own independent powers to decide and take actions based on the interests of the people instead of the interest of the single ruling political party.

The present situation is far from achieving any checks-and-balance.

Everything and every organisation of importance is controlled either directly or indirectly by the one single ruling political party for its own selfish interests instead of for the interests of ALL Singaporeans, regardless of creed, race, religion and political affiliation, inclination and views.

Serious change is required. The wind of change must blow now even stronger than before. The whole whole for the last five years has experienced serious changes to the fundamental political systems and political leaderships. Singapore is too slow in this effort. Perhaps, it is because majority of Singaporeans are gutless and ignorant.

However, Singaporeans wake up their courage to dare to change, for better or for worst. We must not continue to be like the people of Burma or North Korea who are so docile and powerless that they have continued to be intimidated and bullied by their ruthless and selfish Military Dictators.

A One-Party rule is also a form of political dictatorship. The members of that party is ruled by the ‘whip’, and the ‘whip’ is controlled by the leader of the party. Therefore, the party dictatorship is actually a hidden form of a one-man dictatorship.

The earlier we can steer away from this dictatorship system, the brighter will be the future for all of us and our children, and children’s children, and so on. Rome is not built in one day, but the first day is NOW.

Oh man, Mr Low, that’s a really good one! What you say is true…

I mean, from what I perceive…if :

“Gahmen/ HDB the HDB assume that the elected Member of Parliament, who has the support of the electorate in the constituency, is unable to do the same thing and is therefore not appropriate to play the same role as the adviser?”

Then they are really insulting the people of the constituency as they choose the 2 honorable MPs to represent them…and they bypass these people’s choices and instead go through 2 losers who is suppose to be:

“adviser gathers input from residents, thereby ensuring that the programme’s plans meet residents’ needs”. The HDB further states that the adviser can propose changes based on residents’ feedback, and seek residents’ support”

Now this brings to mind, if these 2 adviser really gather input from residents, then why do they behave in that ‘L’ manner after GE2006? Eric “decided that he would stop being taken for granted by Hougang residents.” and Sitoh “had “no immediate plans” to resume his activities, including meet-the-people sessions, in Potong Pasir.”

Sorry, to me, i don’ think the 2 of them are doing what HDb has describe…in fact, i heard that Mr Chiam and Mr Low are doing just that…and sorry dear MIW, the way you behave in this fiasco just show your true colours and the true colours of those two person

fischerman,

As plopp said, go read Parliamentary reports.

As for the WP not being able to do much until they are elected into parliament, isn’t Low TK elected? Isn’t Sylvia Lim elected by 44 % in Aljunied? What are you saying? Stop making excuses. Even bloggers are doing more than WP. At least they are speaking up – AND THEY DON’T NEED TO BE IN PARLIAMENT TO DO SO!!

The excuse that the opposition must first be elected into parliament before they speak up is a POOR and PATHETIC excuse for sitting on their asses. If this were so, maybe the opposition should all close shop since it is very unlikely that they will ever be elected into parliament, given how people like Low TK’s mouth seems to be made of gold which he declines to use.

As for your remarks about people not getting involved, please lar. How lame can you be? We are not the ones seeking election. It is the WP members and candidates who are. They have proclaimed that they wish to be THE GOVERNMENT! Not us!

Also, your remarks sounds so much like what the PAP says: Don’t just complain, join us. Not surprising because Low TK has said he is proud of being compared to the PAP.

Remember: IT IS LOW TK’S WP WHICH SAYS IT WANTS TO BE THE GOVERNMENT

Errata:

Paragraph 5, 3rd sentence “whole whole” should read as “whole world”.

Paragraph 6, 1st sentence “Singaporeans wake up” should read as “Singaporeans should wake up”

Apologies.

56) One Party Rule Is Really Bad on October 11th, 2009 8.53 pm

Errata:

Paragraph 5, 3rd sentence “whole whole” should read as “whole world”.

This is a reproduction of the offical press release by Worker’s Party. You can see the original letter here. The mistakes such as LTK’s name being mis-spelled and the grammatical error originated from there. TOC editors are in no position to edit / rectify the official press release of the Worker’s Party.

fischerman,

And don’t forget what the WP promised in the last elections – to be a voice for the people. And it is named “WORKERS” Party. What has WP done for workers? Tell me. Name me just one instance in the last 3 years.

You also said: ” Most sinkies like you do not give a damn to the opposition that why.
I have met the WP during their walkabout and buy their Hammer mag, that is what they can do till they are elected into paliament.”

“Sinkies”?? Referring to who? Losers like yourself? Or useless opposition like the WP? And buying their Hammer is WAHHHHHHH so great ah? Have you ever asked Low TK how much the WP collects from the sale of their newspaper and what the money and how the money is used?

Are you another blind opposition supporter???

Naninews,

I think you are so lame, as what you stated, plopp say read their hansard, isn’t what the 2 WP MPs have spoken but sad is not published in the papers so nobody know.

Bloggers can say anything and don’t be resposible for it, the 2 WP MPs are politician so they have to be responsible what they write, don’t you get it, just like what you and I write.

Chicken and egg stories, last election the opposition have put up 40+ candidates, what happen 66% don’t vote for them so what you want them to do, create A REVOLT TO GET INTO PALIAMENT.

You want to quote LTK, then let me quote LKY, if a freak result happen in Singapore, he will SEND IN THE ARMY. So what you say about that

Name me one opposition party in the entire planet which says:

“I have to be in Parliament before I open my mouth”.

And what do you mean bloggers don’t have to be “responsible”? You sound just like the typical PAP apologist.

No wonder WP is called PAP-approved.

So now the list of excuses is getting longer:

1. “I have to be in Parliament before I open my mouth.”

2. “I have to be responsible before I open my mouth. Other people are not responsible.”

I wonder what other excuses you’re going to make on behalf of the WP.

Like I said, may as well close shop if opening your mouth is so difficult. How to be an alternative govt? How to be a “WORKERS” party?

Lets update the excuses WP apologists like fischerman make on behalf of the WP:

1. “I have to be in Parliament before I open my mouth.”

2. “I have to be responsible before I open my mouth. Other people are not responsible.”

3. “The media is biased so I cannot open my mouth.”

4.

5.

fischerman,

“I think you are so lame, as what you stated, plopp say read their hansard, isn’t what the 2 WP MPs have spoken but sad is not published in the papers so nobody know.”

I think you’re the lame and blind one. I the Wp doesn’t trust the media and uses it as an excuse not to speak up, then why did Low TK make the press release about the lift upgrading??????????

Stupid, don’t you think??

Naninews,

I don’t know whether to call you stupid or not, what can Workers do if they are not the government, why don’t you go ask what the government did for our workers for the past 4 years, you may say the NTUC have done alot but in the end all FT are getting the jobs not singaporeans. Understand

Have you question what the govt have done with your tax monies, oh you don’t pay tax. Have you question what the town council did for your GRC, sorry you stay in the ivory tower like the MIW

fischerman,

I question the govt and I question the opposition, particularly WP since it is the only one which declared it wants to be the govt. You find that unreasonable?????

So funny and lame.

Even if I do not question the PAP, does that mean I cannot question the WP??

Another lame excuse.

Your logic is one of the blind following the blind – much like PAP supporters.

If I were Low Thia Khiang, I would send a big thank you card to the PA, HDB and MBT.

“Thanks to your short-sightedness, I am pretty much assured of another term in Hougang. Now I can spend more time to help my comrades secure a GRC. If we do succeed there, we have you to thank for it as well.”

Naninews,

Your logic is argue for the sake of arguing.

I am not a WP supporter or sympathiser but I am a Opposition Supporter well you can support the PAP for all you want, but don’t blast what LTK or CST or SL cos they are what we have in parliament NOW.

Like president Obama, nobody notice him when he was a senator, till he make his bid for presidency in US. Malaysian take notice of the alternate parties when they are elected into parliament. It work the same in Singapore, give the Opp the time, space, do get things done, like LTK say another 10 to 20 years for WP to be the government. You are rushing it and harping on it now

62) Naninews

Don’t mean to argue with you or whatsoever…but have you ever hard of this phrase

“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”

Mr Low,

With all due respect Sir, may I know what are you going to do if HDB dun play ball with you?

Well done Mr LTK.

I expected you to voice up on this issue and you did.

Keep up the good work.

Incorrect: Worker’s Party

What it should be: Workers’ Party

Thanks TOC for providing this forum for discussion!

This is indeed the victory of Hougang and Potong Pasir constituents, and all the rest of Singaporeans who are really concerned about the future of Singapore.

So what the threat of denying upgrading elections after elections?

It’s government’s duty to take care of every single citizen’s needs, regardless of race, language or religion. It’s government’s duty to give back the money that essentially belongs to the people. Without the people of Singapore, government has no money, not a single cent!

Hougang and Potong Pasir constituents have done all Singaporeans proud by nullifying PAP’s upgrading denial threat.

PAP is now admittedly saying that they are indeed using the people’s money; your money and my money!!!

Vote more oppositions into the Parliament!

Surely, upgrading and the rightful benefits for people will come and come sooner when we have more opposition voices in the Parliament!!!

Fear not, vote more oppositions into the Parliament!

We can see the victory of more oppositions being voted in even now…. this is a prelude of the outcome of GE2009/2010!

## 58) Naninews on October 11th, 2009 8.59 pm

“Are you another blind opposition supporter??”

Let me guess….

Are you another blind PAP supporter???

We must continue to let the govt make mistakes and hopefully the opposition will be able to use it forcefully in the next GE.

We need to continue let singaporeans know by whatever media what wrongs the govt did to help opp to strengthen their chances in the next GE.

This is the time to do right if not it will be another 5 to 7 years PAP majority rule and suffering and our next generation will be even tougher to stay in Singapore.

Naninews

post #64 on October 11th, 2009 9.23 pm

////I think you’re the lame and blind one. I the Wp doesn’t trust the media and uses it as an excuse not to speak up, then why did Low TK make the press release about the lift upgrading??????????////

there is a reason why WP would rather err on the side of caution, simply because they are out numbered in palia… the fact that the odds are against them. to remain silent so that less will be used against them

“deny your enemy weapons, when you throw less.”

also, going by your reasoning, why didn’t MIWs speak up about their record making blunders since i truely believe MIWs trust (their “mouthpiece”) MSM…

Very good letter by Mr Low TK. People should not rule out that opp can make good or useful noise if they don’t read about them in the media. I won’t be surprised that countless letters had been written to the ‘Lords’ and also released to the press or public by opposition but never got to see the light before internet days. I make no apologies for my speculation because we could never see such opposition statements before and it is not wrong to state such speculation so that people are aware.

I don’t know if the opp MPs post copies of their written statements in public areas of their wards. If not, they must do it so that residents of their wards know about it even if there is no publicity in the mainstream media.

This episode is so typical of PAP, it makes me very sick of them. Thanks TOC, for your reporting the ‘minority’ news, this is what I call fair coverage.

58) Naninews on October 11th, 2009 8.59 pm fischerman,

And don’t forget what the WP promised in the last elections – to be a voice for the people. And it is named “WORKERS” Party. What has WP done for workers? Tell me. Name me just one instance in the last 3 years.

Naninews

Pls name us
1) How many PAP MP attends parliamentary session, in any one day
2) How many of them spoke for people or against the ministers
3) How many of them table a bill
4) How many of them simply echoed what the ministers said

and
5) How many of them are voted in stand-alone, and not through back-door GRC

If u can rationally answer the above, then u are fit to question WP MP.

“And don’t forget what the WP promised in the last elections – to be a voice for the people. And it is named “WORKERS” Party. What has WP done for workers? Tell me. Name me just one instance in the last 3 years.” – Naninews @58

With the playing field so obviously non-level (big mountain in front of the goal post, not a little hill, one must be blind not to see it) how can anyone with a brain ask this question – What has WP done for workers?!

Can a couple of oppo members in parliament really fight the whole gin gang to get their way? Can a couple of oppo members really make the States Times sing their tune (so we can hear their voice)? Where are their financial resources or any other aids to do anything for the workers? If the mega salaried ministers with their huge financial resources and easy access to it cannot do anything, you think the 2 oppos can? And if they will not rather than can not, do you think they will not obstruct the oppos, by witholding everything from them, including the media?

Dear Mr. Low, show us that you are capable respresent as an oppositioin. The Mas Selamant’s incident is a failure to you. You dare not not to stand up to challenge the PM to get Wong KS to step down. You are too soft. You have to show us that you are worth to be become an opposition MP.

hey guys, i havnt been home for awhile. Just curious about how well the general public know about this issue and how “well” it has been reported by the MSM?

[53] One Party Rule Is Really Bad

Good points.

All of which can be summarised in a few words: Singaporeans have a dire need to vote for opposition parties if they are concerned about their future.

another fiasco from papies……

people nowaday just got sick of their excuses and justifications. it has been years now that people are no longer like before (i used to believe in them) the way they behave and now it time that we are all ready for change be it worst or better.

afterall, the papies have creadted so many mistakes, screwed up, greedy and make life so difficult for singaporean. ONE WORD – CHANGE.

Well done Mr Low,
as a People’s Representative, you have certainly Represented the People, your residents by voicing up to them. I am sure many like me , resident in your ward, felt a sense of injustice also. Thanks for representing us.
Will support you all the way .

To the Ministar: don’t hide behind a GRC and talk big…

To the two losers time and again: have some self respect and decency please, it is so embarassing and painful to read….

I see a lot of comments questioning the achievement of the two opposition. There were also accusations of them not taking on or debating national issues or policies. Let me just put it this way, both a doing a extremely good job of serving the people who voted them. The magical word is the people who voted for them and the PAP in this instance is trying unethically to prevent them from doing the job. Despite all the threats and bribes offered, the people of these two constituencies have kept faith in them and re-elected them and that speaks volumes for their leadership and capability. I do not know whether the ruling party is free from corruption(but I agree that a million dollar salary keeps temptation away) but as far as I’m concerned in my books they are morally corrupted.

And people say there are no credible opposition figures.

Standing here is one opposition MP that is more fit to be a minister or even PM than any of the current ministers who can only give lame replies and ignore all the people’s problem.

If you are an Hougang resident, and if you are in trouble, you can look for LTK and he will try his best to solve your problems. If it is another PAP MP, they will merely ask you to suck it up and go clean toilet. No wonder their MPs get burnt or received death threats.

Voters need to open their eyes when it comes to the next election and vote in opposition candidates who have a much higher HUMAN QUALITY than any of those PAP candidates.

And should opposition become ministers, I am sure they won’t ask for million dollar salary.

To the PAP:
Your behaviour towards the opposition MP who is also serving the people showed your arrogant beyond belief. Are you aware that the whole world are watching what you are doing especially your immediate neighbours in Asean? If you can behaviour this way to your people’s representative and your people (how you rid rough-shod in your policies without caring how it is going to affect them), they would conclude that you would do the same to them if Singapore is in the upper hand. Your policies and behaviour towards others determine the type of hearts you have. A leader must lead by example to gain respect and trust not only from your people but also your neighbours.
Looks like there is a real need to replace the leadership to gain trust and respect from not only your people but other countries so that Singapore can co-operate with them on a win-win basis for the survival of this nation (a little red dot).

They got no respected of opposition party & Residents of Hougang & Potong Pasir . Why r they so arrogant! get sick & disgusted to see them, esp. the shorty horse M.

With all that has been happening with the town councils, people are seeing how capable the opposition leaders are and are seeing their estates as benchmarks. The prove that they doing such a wonderful job, despite the many unethical hurdles placed before them by the ruling party is being re-elected. Indirectly this exposes how the other town councils are managed with its deep pockets and an army of workers to support the PAP MPs, who are basically part-timers.

The basic question that people should ask is why do we need 6 part-timers, when the job can be more efficiently done by 3 full-timers. Why are we wasting so much of the tax-payers money to have part timers gamble with the millions and lose millions (strangely this not considered their core-function and this non accountable). We the people should have a say and that is through the ballot box. Its time for a change.

To 90) Realist on October 12th, 2009 3.02 pm

With the introduction of new citizen into the equation, the outcome is fuzzy. I believe the world leaders and academics will be closely watching the outcome of our election. It’s a case study you rarely gets to see…

In my opinion, this coming election, by itself, will be a true test to our rights after so many years of tweaking the electorate system irregardless of the outcome.

Does the opposition parties publish annual reports for citizens to get to know their work and the problems faced. Maybe they can also sell their newspapers online for others to get to know them.

#91, well said!

As some have voiced up, the Opposition has still not fully make use of the space available to them even when we consider the constraints.

Why they sell only hardcopy newsletters?
Would singaporeans dare to walk up to them and buy it?
If via internet, more singaporeans may find the courage.
We are talking about singaporeans you know?
I mean we very kuai wan.

WP newsletter “The hammer” can be subscribed and sent directly to your home. You need to check with them.

Send your enquiries to : hammer@wp.sg

SDP’s publications (primarily books by Chee Soon Juan) can be ordered via internet. I am not sure about their newsletter which only recently they restarted.

http://yoursdp.org/index.php/gallery/publications/255-publications-delivery-to-singapore

NSP’s newsletter can also be subscribed. Form can be found here.

http://www.nsp.sg/nspnews/NSP_News_1/NSP%20Flyer%202006.pdf

They also have lots of free articles online and mailing list.

http://www.nsp.sg/articles.php

I have no information on SPP and RP. RP is too new anyway, give them time.

You can read online versions of past issues of The Hammer (WP’s newsletter) here.

http://www.wp.sg/wp/hammer/0602/index.php
http://www.wp.sg/wp/hammer/0701/index.php
http://www.wp.sg/wp/hammer/0702/index.php

I can’t post more than 3 links per posting but you can get the other issues from the “The Hammer” link on top. The latest one is 09/01 early this year which they use a new format.

At Secret Politics Blog
How can the PaP so sure that their grassroot advisors can do a better job than a MP, Why is the MP sitting in the office or do they have much better potfolio so they let the grass root to patch up on be half their job. in this way the salary should be given to the grassroot or we just engage a Public supervisor & cheaper FW , Why we should spend million of $ to paid for their salary. Call this unwanted MP to get loss. Just look at the recent issue Town Council loss million $ in investment, turn around the table U have to thank them for not losing all the monies.

93) btan on October 12th, 2009 5.31 pm WP newsletter “The hammer” can be subscribed and sent directly to your home. You need to check with them.

Send your enquiries to : hammer@wp.sg

TOC should do likewise so as to get to as many home owners as possible.

43) Naninews

Whatever your opinion may be, I respect it, but, hey, do give LTK a break.
I pesonally think he is one hell of a good OPP MP.
His presence in parliament is good for Singapore, however restricted, curtailed, gagged, overwhelmed, kelonged or whatever the situation he may be in, I salute his resolve and perserverence. Try being a in meeting whereby everyone is not on your side, the lone voice, ostracised each and every time,

[#86 Realist]

“I do not know whether the ruling party is free from corruption(but I agree that a million dollar salary keeps temptation away) but as far as I’m concerned in my books they are morally corrupted.”

Excellent point, Realist.

I have no doubt that this is a morally bankrupt government.

They have FAILED the citizen – period !

1) Approving the increase in public transport to benefit a few but cause hardships to thousands – where is the HEART ?

2) How to reconcile earning thousands per day ( cutting ribbons ) to those who earned below $1000 a month ( slaves to employers ) – where is the LOGIC ?

3) They are voted in to take care of the people and not only think of the material
aspect of a few – where is the COMPASSION ?

Blatant profiteering from citizens in their daily lives !
Mountains of greviences ignored and later forgotten !
WORDS ARE CHEAP – Where is our RIGHTS !

I say PAP should keep their pork-barrel politics.
That way enough people would be pissed off to effect
a real change at the next GE
A PR disaster for the PAP is a PR coup for the opposition

To Lim Yuin Chien [Press Secretary for Ministry of National Development],

Your letter [ST Forum, 13 Oct] is not a satisfactory explanation, as it misses completely the crux of the argument put forward by from Muhammad Yusuf Osman [ST 7Oct] which is that the elected MPs for Potong Pasir and Hougang should be the persons to announce the lift upgrading exercise for these constituencies.

Messrs Sitoh Yih Pin and Eric Low are the outcasts where these two constituencies are concerned and if there is anything to be announced affecting their residential estate the people would rather hear it from the MP they elected, rather than from an individual they officially rejected.

The response initiated jointly by HDB and PA is another example of an attempt that has evidently missed out on the broad picture, presumably because partisan politics is an inherent practice of PAP-controlled institutions.

Your letter states, inter alia, “The joint letter last Friday by the Housing and Development Board [HDB] and the People’s Association [‘Why grassroots advisers announce lift upgrading’] should be read in conjunction with the Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan’s explanation to the media last Wednesday.” Why should the letter from HDB and PA be read in conjunction with MBT’s comments? If HDB and PA had wanted their letter to be read this way why didn’t they state so in the letter? MBT’s explanation was made two-three days earlier, on the same day that Osman’s letter was published.

Your assertion “Opposition MPs are not answerable to the Government, nor are they obliged to carry out and explain the Government’s policies” is only partially true. While opposition MPs may not be obliged to carry out certain Government’s policies, as MPs they are expected to explain, if necessary, to their electorate any public policy that affects them.

It is not a matter of dispute that cost of lift upgrading for HDB blocks is funded principally by money from public coffers. And such money – being public funds – is to be spent for the common benefit or good of Singaporeans. Do you agree? And do you agree that it was wrong of the Government to say, as it did some time ago, that priority for lift upgrading for HDB blocks should be accorded to those with PAP MPs? The people of Singapore may have voted the PAP into power but they expect the Government to treat all Singaporeans with fairness.

Your assertion “The will of the people expressed in general elections is to elect a government for the country as a whole, and not to elect separate local governments for each constituency” is clearly a strawman, and therefore useless as an argument point. Nobody who is rational would think that by having ten opposition MPs in ten constituencies we are having ten separate local governments. Maybe, you are an exception?

This government is morally bankrupt and its days will undoubtedly come to an end.

[a modified version has been sent to The Straits Times Forum, 14 Oct]

I think Singapore has a lot of similarities with China: -

China is the best disguised capitalist society in the world whereas Singapore is the best disguised communist society in the world.

AGAIN!, there IS only 1 way out.

Many Singaporeans were upset with the fact that Mr Sitoh Yoh-Pin and Mr Eric Low were the ones who announced HDB’s decision to upgrade lifts in Potong Pasir and Hougang instead of Mr Chiam See Tong and Mr Low Thia Khiang who are the respective MPs for the wards.

I think the fault lies in mis-reporting by rookie reporters. Here are the sequence of events to the best of my knowledge to let everyone know that Mr Sitoh, the advisor to Potong Pasir CCC, is merely carrying out his duty as the PAP representative in Potong Pasir acting as the messenger. The groundwork prior to his announcement was very much carried out by the Potong Pasir Town Council.

June 09- Members from Potong Pasir Town Council ( Town Council Board Committee members including Chairman Chiam See Tong, 3 grassroot residents, SPP members and TC Senior Management) met up with HDB senior officers regarding the LUP at the HDB Hub. HDB management shared the plans with us and listened to some of the Council’s views.

Mid July 09 – Minister of State Ms Grace Foo announced that Potong Pasir and Hougang will be included in LUP.

August 09 – Potong Pasir Town Council deliberated on which blocks to be nominated for the first phase of the lift upgrading. Priority was given to blocks 101-110 as the other blocks have already gone through some inconvenience with last year’s R& R and the council felt that these blocks should be given a break from any construction work for the time being.

The selected blocks were then submitted to Potong Pasir CCC for their “endorsement”.

By this time, most residents of Potong Pasir already know about the impending upgrading.

So when Mr Sitoh announced the plans last week, it was almost a non-event for most of the residents. In fact its nice of him to administrate the rest of the process. Representatives from PPTC will be involved in the committee that is set up by Mr Sitoh’s team to administrate the upgrading.

Wilfred Leung
SPP, Office of Chiam See Tong
Town Councillor, PPTC

Wilfred,
Your letter makes it sound like PAP and HDB have been magnanimous
and accomodating.
There was no misreporting by reporters,and what make you think they
were ‘rookies”?
I suggest you reread and analyse the letters and remarks by
LTK, MBT, HDB and the PS to MND recently and by GCT during
the last GE
That wasn’t the impression most netters felt.

Hi Wilfred,

Your reply makes my heart glad. This shows opposition parties like SPP can be magnanimous and work for the people and not care who gets the credit. Unlike PAP who tries to squeeze every political credit out of every action.

However, credit must be given when credit is due and this credit should be given to Mr Chiam See Tong for his unrelentless championing for the improvement of the estate of Potong Pasir. I am glad that the residents of PP knows about this.

Kudos to your party and all the best to Mr Chiam’s health.

Thank you Mr. Low! Most of our grassroots leaders’ are under PAP, and PAP has all rights to use their pawns, agree?

The lifts are working. MPs are still pawns. Nothing changed. May I suggest we turn our attention to more urgent issues please?

Like, emergency evacuation plans for high-rise and HDB buildings in the event of a quake or something? Why are they not planned out? HDB – what say you? Town council – what say you? MP – what say you?

I say this because I was the only one in the whole HDB building to feel the floor shake on Sept 30th. I came outta my house and asked my neighbours. None felt anything! I tweeted my experience:
http://twitter.com/qutequte/status/4494067160
http://twitter.com/qutequte/status/4494054882

4 hours later the news reported about the quake in Indonesia. What and where are our evacuation plans? Will the lifts be of any use for emergencies? What should we do? How do we communicate evacuation plans to our neighbours?

I learned that WP did a FREE lift adding to 5 HDB blocks in 2005.

There were appilication to add new lift without charges to 22 more blocks when 2006 GE was called. HDB left these application stuck in KIV tray, pending for election result.

Eric Low lost again to Low Thia Khiang and MA Bow Tan changed the game rule right after the 2006 GE, he said that all town council must maintian proper fund minimum margin and therefore all life adding must be charged to resident.

Once again, PAP changed rules in the middle of the games, especially when they failed to accomplish their belittled opposition rivals could do.

This is less than a level play and hence, PAP has lost its credibility in the hearts of HG residents。

The main stream Straits Times, did not run the story on this…. 无耻！