The Online Citizen joined the Reform Party at its walkabout in Jurong West last Sunday. The walkabout took place at the Jurong West Market and Food Centre.
By 8am, the market was already bustling with activities. One could hear the familiar haggling between the stallholders and housewives in the wet market, and children pestering their parents over the choice of breakfast at the food centre.
(Left: Kenneth Jeyaretnam leading the RP crew, Photo Credit: TOC)
The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the Reform Party was represented by Kenneth Jeyaretnam (Secretary-General), Edmund Ng (Chairman), James Teo (Treasurer), Tony Tan (Member) and Justin Ong (Youth Wing President). Other party cadres were present to support the effort of the CEC, including Miss Nicole Seah, a recent NUS graduate. She joined the Reform Party a month ago.
Perhaps change was already in the air. The Reform Party was well-received at the Jurong West Market and Food Centre. An elderly chinese lady who declined to be named told The Online Citizen that she is very glad that the legacy of J.B. Jeyaretnam lives on in his son Kenneth Jeyaretnam.
“We need more Opposition such as the Reform Party in Parliament to voice out the concerns of ordinary Singaporeans on coping with the escalating cost of living. My son is struggling to pay my hospital bills while providing for the rest of the family and repaying his HDB mortgage,” she said.
At the wet market, a vegetable stallholder expressed her disapproval with the Jurong Town Council. The ceiling above her stall has been leaking for a few months and the Town Council has yet to take action despite her frequent complaints.
“They [the Jurong Town Council] don’t understand my predicament. When it rains, the ceiling leaks a lot and this contaminates my vegetables. Nobody wants to buy contaminated products,” she said in Teochew.
A 22-year-old Jurong resident said that his heart resonates with the Reform Party’s vision in a democracy backed by transparency, accountability and inclusiveness.
(Right: Reaching out to wet market patrons, Photo Credit: Reform Party)
A society is judged by how it treats its weakest members. “The state should provide a safety net for the most vulnerable members of society. Those in genuine need should not be made to feel grateful for what should be an entitlement,” he said.
The Online Citizen queried the Reform Party whether the Reform Party would participate in a 3-way fight with the People’s Action Party and the National Solidarity Party for Jurong GRC. Jurong GRC is currently a PAP ward while the National Solidarity Party has been conducting community outreach in Jurong GRC every Wednesday. The Reform Party declined to comment. The recent surge in political party activities among PAP and the Opposition has led to many speculating when the next General Election will take place.
More photos of the RP walkabout
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Newly revamped Reform Party aims to secure one GRC in upcoming election
Lianhe Wanbao, Sunday, 11 October 2009
The newly revamped Reform Party aims to secure at least one GRC in the upcoming election.
The party started regular walkabouts at Blk 502 and 503 of Jurong West this morning. Helmed by the party leader Kenneth Jeyaretnam, the party aims to prioritise their energies into such groundwork.
Jeyaretnam said that the party previously headed to Geylang Serai for a Hari Raya walkabout. They will be doing another one for Deepavali. Following that, the party will visit Tampines.
Jeyaretnam added, “As for the GRC we will be targeting, we have not reached a decision on that as of now. However, we feel that it is important to raise awareness of our Party, which is why we have commenced walkabouts at different parts of Singapore.”
One year ago, the party was led by the late JB Jeyaretnam. Kenneth, his son, took over the reins four months ago and commemorated the revival of the party with a one-year anniversary dinner, where he announced plans for economic reform and a new team.
Jeyaretnam said, “Apart from the economy, governmental reforms, we also hope to improve upon civil liberties and human issues. We also hope to reform education and aim to bring the minimum up to at least O Levels.”
The party entourage comprised of 8 people who went into the hustle and bustle of the wet market at block 503-505 of Jurong West Street 52.
The Jurong GRC is currently occupied by Tharman. It was previously contested in 2001 by the Singapore Democratic Party.
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Newly formed Youth Wing attracts 15 members in short span of 3 months
Lianhe Wanbao, Sunday, 11 October 2009
The newly formed youth wing of the party attracted 15 members over the short span of 3 months.
Kenneth Jeyaretnam said, “We believe that young people have strong ideals and want to regain ownership of their country. They are also hungry for change, which explains the increase in membership intake.”
The president of the youth wing is 25-year-old Wong Wei Shi (Justin Ong), who is a banker with DBS. He graduated from NUS.
Jeyaretnam said, “We currently have 30 members in the party. We would like to encourage those who would like to see change in our country to stand up and join the party. Together we can work towards this common dream.”
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Reform-Party/178607321109?ref=search&sid=716353024.2165038655..1&v=wall#/pages/The-Reform-Party/178607321109
Jeyaretnam said that the party previously headed to Geylang Serai for a Hari Raya walkabout. They will be doing another one for Deepavali. Following that, the party will visit Tampines.
Jeyaretnam added, “As for the GRC we will be targeting, we have not reached a decision on that as of now. However, we feel that it is important to raise awareness of our Party, which is why we have commenced walkabouts at different parts of Singapore.”
So long got Opposition Party can get into Parlimament is more than enough. No point asking which opposition win. We just want some opposition voice inside the parlimament.
Good Luck.
Tell the truth. No confident with the SDP. Giving people the impression of messy. Hope that they don’t go and mess up the GRC with 3 party voting it will cause the vote to reduce for the oppsition party. Just my idea.
Thinks Bong Tiok Sai is a pretty cool dude.
Great characteristics for Foreign Service
‘sdp supporter’ is so silly to think that people will actually believe that he is Jufri Salim. Some people are apparently not keen on seeing any unity amongst the opposition.
Dear all,
several comments in this thread have been removed. Please exercise care when posting and keep the discussion to the topic. Impersonators will not be tolerated.
105) sdp suporter. on October 14th, 2009 3.52 pm
You seem bent on trying to discredit the SDP. It would appear that you political masters are particularly scared of the SDP. I must admit that Dr Chee can be a very formidable opponent. He has taken on many of the ruling party’s ministers and put them to shame. I would guess that many of them are holding a grudge against him.
The people of Singapore (except the elites) are 100 per cent behind the opposition. It doesn’t matter which party. There is a place in parliament for all opposition party. The PAPies have really made a mess of things. The don’t know what they are doing. They are so afraid to debate the opposition. To make matters worse, all the top positions in the government and private sectors are held by the Lee family and their relatives and close friends.
We need Change badly and we need it now. All I can say is bring on the elections.
This thread is about the reform party. I would appreciate it if readers can all stay on the same page and edify one another. To be on topic, I would like to congratulate the Reform Party. All the best. Need more young people coming forth! Cheers.
Hi all, much of discussion here about the next election and party. I think the most important point is whether we want a new outlook for s’pore. Not the same way the PAP run this country. Think hard what we want for our kids’ future, what kind of life we can shape for them.
The other issue is if so much of discussion is made here. I will suggest that those who are capable enough should now come out to serve the country in any party that you feel is right for you. No point arguing here and there. Action is more important. Time for the change is here, let’s all works towards the goal.
As Long there is an election and somebody standing….I will vote for the OPPOSITION……YOU KNOW WHY…
I told a taxi driver before the last election GST is going to go up to 8%, he laughed, saying it was already expensive, how will the govt increase somemore….
I had the last laugh…and since I voted opposition, I HAD THE STISFACTION THAT I DID THE CORRECT THING.
(THE Most untimely rise in GST, the last one)
One more thing, not all Pappy Mps are bad….the guy in my constituency is really a gem. Not the rest of the jing bang gang tough,. He is not even my race, but a genuine guy with a good heart to help people from all walks of life. Unfortunatly he stops short at that and doesn’t do the policy stuff.
To many–one issue that will decide their votes: Scholarships, flats and jobs for aliens and 18-50 NS obliations for citizens.
All males that will defend Singapore in time of war will stand up for these great injustices in time of peace.
Vote them out—be a true Singaporean.
I am all for kicking the PAP out.
Having said that, can Singaporean bear the consequences.
Like it or not,
1) There will be funds leaving SIngapore, Asset price will plummet.
2) Even with a very competent group of oppositions taking over, they will face an uncoorporative civil services put in by PAP, thus govt efficiency will go down the drain.
3) The PAP would not sit queitly as oppositions. With the help of the ” Executive President” no new policy can go thru.
The above is just a short list and I am sure come election time, the PAPies will give you a comprehensive list to scare you!
Do you think Singaporean can take this hardship and still support the opposition?
At for myself, I should have migrated by than!
Thank you and Good Luck!
There is noting to fear but fear itself—FDR
Govts need “enemies” to frighten their people with; frightened people being more easy to rule.-Albert Gyorgyi, Nobel Laureate
Wake up Singaporeans
TOC
Regarding the slum of the FW dorm, has the problem been rectified? If not, its a great evidence for opposition to use to accuse them
#103 born in singapore,
…… giving people the impression of messy….. this is because local papers gave a bad report about our oppositions. Many people read zao bao and ST. so people tend to believe the papers not knowing that SPH belong to pap’s mouth piece. Which stupid pro govt papers will say good about oppositions. The more the papers slander you, the better it is your party, remember that.
The ground is ripe for some takings by the opposition. Many folks are angry with pap. This is never been seen and felt by me before. People are talking about Singapore being a nation of foreigners and people are fed up with pap policies. This election is a fierce and keen fight. What you have to do is to vote with your heart! Vote justice and equality. Fight for your rights. Vote with your birth right. Regardless the opposition is less than qualified academically they are still superior to the million dollar ministers who are responsible for many of the failed policies of today. Change? Yes We Can!
FG
#84Fiona CCB, why do you say that about me. Am I a joke ? I just state my views and just need to tell me what is not true ? I have a view and TOC is a place for us to share our thoughts. Yes, I have retired but does that make me useless and I am definitely not a joke having been a professional for more than 30 years. Yes, we have to worked extremely hard and at least WP has a plan how to protect our CPF and yet we do not need to work for long compare to now. What did RP produce ? Nothing. Do you expect the young turks to understand ? Of course not. They have not even got married or have kids yet ! Fiona CCB, though I would say there are exceptions. I know this young guy whom I met. He was saying he wanted to stand for election with WP as he had a plan. I introduced him privately to Mr. Low. He was impressed and he is definitely going to shine in the GE. He would be the star as he had a plan. Having a plan is what matters. Many had wanted to know who he is. Can’t say but I don’t mind sharing his initials…TLP. Fiona CCB, I think you are still a young person. But it is ok, if you do not like my views, to share other thoughts maybe I would suggest that I introduce you to TLP. You can both share some insights.
Come on KJ is good. At least he look delicious
111) Ah Siao on October 14th, 2009 10.28 pm
Do you think Singaporean can take this hardship and still support the opposition?
======================================================
Wake up Ah Siao. Have you buried your head underground all these years? Singaporeans are already suffering under the PAPPies. Many have already lost their jobs to foreign trash. Many are struggling to put food on the table. Some Singaporeans have already resorted to begging for money, on the streets, to buy food for their children. You haven’t seen, meh?
Temasek and GIC lost billions. Suzhou and Batam Industrial Partks lost billions. No CPF left for Singaporeans. Now want to close wet markets so that poor Singaporeans also no job. “If our stall closes, we won’t get to eat”cried a stall holder at Sembawang wet market. Ah Siao, this is good, meh?
If Singaporeans still vote for the PAPPies, GST will increase to 15 per cent!!!
This also good, meh?
Wake up. Wakey, Wakey, Ah Siao.
Time for Change is now. Vote opposition.
Thanks New Era for your advise.
I told you I am all for kicking out the PAP.
I have woken up long ago and planned for my exit.
But unfortunately, I don think Singaporean are able to kick the PAP out in the ballot box. Singaporean are too kiasu and the PAP know this weakness!
We don’t have to wait too long to know the answer. Election should be hold within the next 2 years. I say the best result is 79-5 ( one GRC to the OPPO).
With that kind of result, when do you think the PAP will be KICKED OUT?
All the best to you!
Ah Siao @ 111 has made some points that are quite valid however, to me it is a risk worth taking and a necessary one. I am a business person and have taken some risks (calculated of course) and never regretted them. Any decision making needs to take a certain degree of risk. Remember no risk, no gain. I don’t advocate reckless risk taking, neither do I go for unnecessary risk taking.
Also, sometimes things need to get worse to get better. In the case of Spores state of affairs, there may be a period of chaos initially should there be a freak election resulting in a change of govt but like any change, the chaos won’t be forever. When things are sorted out, it can only get better from there. People must be tolerant for the initial period. At least they can hope. At the moment, do you see any hope of getting better?
@New Era
I got to vote for the first time in 1984. except for 2001 there was a walk -over, I got to vote in every poll. and I am proud to say I have always voted for the opposition regardless of who they are.
Now you see, after 25 years of doing my part, I don see the PAP being moved an inch.
I have given up on Singaporean and decided to leave.
Good luck to you!
….. But I worry Singaporeans will be sweet talked by pap come election time. They keep complaining but in the end ,votes still go to pap.
Change in the air? No way!
Sporeans are a bunch of serial whiners & whingers. When they get the opportunity they just lash out. If Opposition parties take that as affirmation that they will vote for them when GE comes, they will be sorely disappointed. Do NOT misjudge complaints from residents in any walkabouts as voters favoring the Opp parties.
When it comes to D Day, voters equate their living standards with their stomachs. They think who brought them into their current living standard today & with their combined threats from MIW & the threat of no investment from foreign companies, it will always work its magic & hey presto, MIW wins the majority.
Opp parties may stand a slim chance of winning a single constituency. But for GRCs never!
So I am now placing my bet that whoever is contesting MIW in Jurong GRC, the next GE outcome will be:
PAP=65 to 68%, rest is Opp Party. Thus majority win for MIW! Easy peasy! Wish Spore Pools will take bets on election results.
Further to my remarks @No 124, I noticed that there is a lot of venom directed towards MIW, so the logic goes that if you dislike them so much, vote them out.
I think that is a flawed thinking. You need to ask yourself whether Opp parties are a reliable & workable Opposition in Parliament who can push thru mega issues and not municipal issues like lift upgrading which I find very trivial. By mega issues eg, job creation, is relying on foreign investment a good way to further Spore’s growth, then what are the alternatives if we cannot? Population growth speeding away like nobody’s business lagging behind in public housing demand etc.
In short, are Opp parties going to deliver changes on mega issues for you compared to PAP? How are their ideas different & are they workable & what kind of time frames are they working on?
I find the size of our voters’ minds are like small peas, no wait, its even smaller than a pea, so tiny that you cannot see it. Is lift upgrading THAT important and the ONLY issue worth considering? All that education in Spore has never given the voters a more analytical brain to suss out mega issues affecting national agenda. Its always ME, ME & ME.
Get over yourself, yes you, the voter! You need to seriously start thinking now & work it out rationally on how you want your future & your family’s to be. Work out the pros & cons yourself: MIW or Opp with reasons.
And as for Opp Parties, they are simply a reflection of ordinary Sporeans psyche, ME, ME, ME and serial whiners & whingers too. No different. Get a UNITED Opp party to stand for next GE in a GRC, one GRC only and I’m not talking about multiple GRCs, no way! Gosh, if its multiple GRCs, probably fist fights & black eyes will make the front pages of newspapers which MIW will clap their hands in glee! If they cannot get over the ME, ME, ME, there is NO Opp Party win in any constituency or GRC.
Sounds cruel but yes it is. You reap what you sow, seeds of discontent, egoism, intra-party defections made public. Where is the UNITED front for Opposition when voters need you most? Some serious thinking & soul searching among Opp leaders is needed if they are at all listening to what us the Sporeans want.
@125) holdon on October 15th, 2009 10.08 am
Many voters of PAP are ignorant like you.
Opposition parties have given ideas on mega issues time and again. PAP even secretly adopted some of their suggestions without giving them credit.
You need to go dig out the information. It’s all available in the net.
Besides, this is a red herring. Currently, what we need is more opposition MPs in parliament. Not taking over the government…yet.
Whether PAP or opposition becomes the government will depends on the performance of these two when they are equal. Right now, opposition occupies a minuscule percentage of seats in parliament, so there is nothing to talk about ideas and policies yet because all policies come from PAP.
Also, remember, municipal issues or the bread-and-butter issues are really what most voters go for, whether you agree or not.
What is the point of having world class first this and that when people have difficulty keeping up with high standards of living and stressed out all the time?
125) holdon on October 15th, 2009 10.08 am
“….Get over yourself, yes you, the voter! You need to seriously start thinking now & work it out rationally on how you want your future & your family’s to be. Work out the pros & cons yourself: MIW or Opp with reasons…..”
holdon, indeed that’s what I have been doing. That’s why after having seriously started thinking, I conclude that for the future of my family it is time to vote out the self-serving fat cats.
If any of the ah pek or ah ma selling tissue papers were to contest in my constituency at Woodland, I will vote for them without hesitation. Yes, like you say my brain is smaller than a pea but the size of my brain doesn’t bother me.
126) btan on October 15th, 2009 10.58 am
Hello btan are you active in any political party?
What are your personal thoughts on RP and SDP.
Thanks for providing me with the links earlier : )