yo TOC u didnt ask if nicole is married…. u need to think about your male readers also :)

Good Good, young graduates with the guts to go into Singapore politics. There is hope for us all.

Both of them looks good and can speak well, they attracts the new generation of voters. We need more and more to step forward.

Lim Swee Say and Lee Bee Wah never look so good in their prime and they definitely cannot speak as well.

LSS and LBW have what we call, “Guan Xi”.

I was impressed by the articulate, thoughtful, sensible and well-balanced replies / points made by these 2 fine, young Singaporeans.

No comparison is needed, but what a refreshing Team / Party this is going to be.

Get more of the same to join you at the Reform Party and you will be on your way to break the 44 year old monopoly of the PAP. It will be for the good of all Singaporeans.

We can identify with you and, needless to say, will gladly support you..

I look forward to RP’s new website and programs. I hope Justin and Nicole can contribute more articles and speeches in future.

Justin you wrote that “the Reform Party’s strength is its strong economic perspective.”

It’s definitely a plus point for any party. But that’s the thing, every opposition party in Singapore has a strong economic perspective, from WP to SDP.

And just because one’s economic perspective is strong, doesn’t mean that it’s good, because it is not tried and tested in the Singapore context.

To convince Singaporeans, it’s how you say it as much as what you say. Because if they just wanted a technocrat (even with alternative ideas), they can get many from the PAP itself.

Please take my comment constructively.

Who cares about Justin, is Nicole available? :)

On a more serious note, it’s heartening to see more young Singaporeans stepping forward and taking an active role in the country. They sound so idealistic, but perhaps that and their youthful enthusiasm is what this country needs.

Now the next step is to attract more of their peers to join in!

Good luck to both of them.

That was a great interview, Shi Han!

Had originally wanted to develop a current article with a youth angle, but you guys beat me to it. So, I have to tweak my angle a little.

But it’s a great interview! Congrats!

8) Cao An on October 17th, 2009 9.54 am

“And just because one’s economic perspective is strong, doesn’t mean that it’s good, because it is not tried and tested in the Singapore context.”

Definitely true. Therefore, the Reform Party must be given a chance in parliament for them to test their policies!

So much has been emphasised about KJ’s degree and fund management background.

It would be good to see some of KJ’s wisdom and expertise and his thoughts on RP’s future plans etc. Is he trying to keep a low profile until election day.

finnally..!~ but still not enuff pics of them.. with justin and nicole + the rest of the youth wing around, the ypap will be given a run for their money & our friend should change his name to teo ser luck-less!

Maybe they can write blogs and put up pictures of themselves, and some Men’s and Women’s magazine can do a feature of them. It can give them publicity and boost their star qualities.

will look out for these young men and women in the coming years.

my take to these folks: be brave and run for elections. don’t win in the first round nevermind! just get some experience as an ncmp and fight to win in round two. but never be content with simply being an ncmp! get elected legitimately as an mp and make the necessary changes in parliament. good luck!

Good interview by Shihan.

As a 27 year old, I am not much older than Justin and Nicole. As a corporate executive, my path is no different. But after reading the responses from both of them, I am actually concerned. Knowing that Justin did political science and yet unaware of some of the current policies and situation are somewhat disapppointing. Disapppointed that our education system in NUS, in this instance political science, did not instil some realities and practicalities in its graduates. Won’t blame Justin, I would blame his lecturers and NUS as a whole. Afterall, Justin’s poor reading and understanding of the policies and political situation must be a result of the ineffective undergraduate progamme in NUS. As for Nicole, she probably need time to adapt and find out the basic of politics. It is ok, she just graduated from a course unrelated to politics and lacking in experience like Justin. She would need time to pick up along the way. It is like OJT. But she might want to learn fast if not, she may not even be able to answer to the common man in the streets like her unconvincing(unconvincing that she understands what is happening) response in this interview.

Both need to be given time.

Reading this quote from Justin “I would reduce defence spending and place more emphasis on education. All Singaporeans need to have a safety net in place that they can fall back on. I believe that all Singaporeans should be encouraged to have a minimum of secondary school education funded by the state. It is a political right of citizens to be protected by the government.”

Justin’s comment on both defence and education are uncompelling and lack thought. Think Justin needs to read up more to update himself of the current state of these policies(e.g. sec education is done for different abilities for different streams and national statistic showed this si the minimum) and what can be done. Whether PAP rolls out good or bad policies, one thing you have give it to them is that they meticulously and intensely review all angles and details before implementing the policies. We very easily blamed it on their mass resources available. Come on, if you are willing to put in the hardwork, you would be as good. You have to do the same and be at the level and possess the ability to communicate at ease, clearly and simply for the common masses to understand, not just for netizens or the graduates or just your friends.

Both members are still young. But they do come across as more form than susbstance now. I think more sharing across the other parties are is good as i think there are some young WP youth wing members that have impressed at least with their experience. I may not like PAP, but i have engaged their Youth PAP recently and thought they have changed their strategies of engagement which i also find refeshing and atttractive. The political landscape for the youth arena is changing and more exciting, but more competitive. Both Nicole and Justin must learn and do are, not just say, esepcially without a good understanding. Long way to go. Like the other comment, don’t take this personally, take it as a criticism to help both of you learn.

I think RP is Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and maybe use Drunken Fists.

i am thankful for the keen insights by both nicole and justin. i thought that justin and nicole were absolutely on point and showed a deep and measured understanding of the realities and practicalities of the local economy.

i myself am a father or three and i agree that the government needs to cut back on defence spending and place more emphasis on education. i see the point of moving away from a mass-based education to one which is individualised. thank you justin for raising this. the government needs to be pressured into implementing more quickly. no time to lose. otherwise, it will be all talk no action as usual..

Different strokes for different folks.

I see nothing wrong with their views, attitude and idealism.

They are a breath of fresh air, long needed in Singapore’s stale politics.

Let’s give them our support and encouragement instead of lecturing-type advise or I-know better-than-you type comments.

## 16) Lim Han Mian on October 17th, 2009 11.44 am

“Both members are still young”

“As a 27 year old, I am not much older than Justin and Nicole”

Gotta agree on this point, though.

To 16) Lim Han Mian on October 17th, 2009 11.44 am

“Justin’s comment on both defence and education are uncompelling and lack thought. Think Justin needs to read up more to update himself of the current state of these policies(e.g. sec education is done for different abilities for different streams and national statistic showed this si the minimum) and what can be done.”

I can’t say that Justin’s arguments are uncompelling. I take Justin’s point of cutting back on military spending and agree that they are better ways to prioritise and allocate resources. We can’t fault him for that here. It is just a matter of perspective and I appreciate him looking into this area.

About cutting back on military spending, I think the young man has a deep point. We spend way too much on accumulating military equipment, and maintaining a defence force, to the tune of $37.5 billion a year. I think the underlying argument is that the ideology of critical vulnerability is in some sense oversold as a rhetorical device to instill national solidarity. My personal perspective is that Singapore is located in a region of relative peace and goodwill. It is a fact that the political climate in South-East Asia is a relative calm, and quite unlike the North-East Asia, the Middle East or the Balkans.

Consequently, the problem with education is that our mass-based system is really not bearing any real fruits. Although Singapore produces top overseas graduates and are disproportionately over-represented in the ivy leagues, many still slip through the net. A large number of citizens are without tertiary education and I believe this is because our education system leaves many behind while still in their formative years. The streaming system that we have in place encourages such a divide and is unnecessarily harsh. We need a system of education where the priority is placed upon the individual and not simply on maximising resources through mass-education. I agree that critical thinking needs to be emphasized through personalised tutoring. I feel that the current education system is really quite archaic and I thank Justin for raising his point of allocating more resources to education instead of defence spending. We don’t need an arms race on our hands.

I would like to congratulate the Young Reformers for their good start. Couldn’t have been better really. With that, I hope to see more national policies being debated. It is truly a fresh breath of air for me that alternative policies are being discussed instead of merely municipal issues such as lift-upgrading. The Reform Party is moving in the right direction of addressing critical policy issues and in attracting bright young people on their side. Good that the Reform Party are with viable and constructive policies on hand. I wish you all the best. Hope to see a real reform soon!

Marvellous — this refreshing stand by two young Singaporeans. So young and already so perceptive of many things, from the need for a better education system to the very urgent need for political reform. My only fear is that as bright smart leaders-to-be, they may be seduced by the inducements offered by the ruling party and cross over.
My wish is that they will stay true to their convictions. The future of our nation leads more people like Justin and Nicole to come forward and take the lead.
I, for, one offer you my humble and ardent support.

So much had been said. I think the most important hing is give the young our support. Without them coming out to serve the country, S’pore will have no future. So some of you out there, don’t just know how to throw cold on them. Guide them and they will become our next good leaders with kind hearts ready to lead S’pore.

proud to learn that we have young people who are taking an active role in politics. hope they will continue with their idealism and not be corrupted.
well done, nicole and justin for taking a stand!

These younster want to be a good leader, first study the ground & curlture.
Still a long way to go. Made sure your Ape-Man don’t drive U into the drain.

I have seen some engagement of YPAP and I find them sucks big time. What is YPAP doing to have this kind of members? Are all the good ones hibernating, waiting for the right time to strike? And these few suckers who clamour for limelight are doing it IN THEIR OWN CAPACITY?

I would like to applaud TOC for taking the initiatives to cover such news covering the opposition parties in Singapore. Many has been covered on the PAP but very few would cover what the other political parties have been doing. Like justin, I am keenly aware of the “politics” in Singapore but at even a younger age than him- in the Polytechnic and this further conviction and learning was re-inforced in NS and NUS.

Politics is not the dominance of only PAP elite. It is the work of the People in Singapore. It is time that the people in Singapore wake up from their sleep and knew who have been controlling their lives through subtle measure in this country. The PAP are playing the law like they would in their own squash court. Just read the latest MND’s reply to LUPS regarding their abuse of power.

I would join a political party after my studies and getting a career. For now, my academic studies is a priority. I wish RP all the best.

My intention is only for you all to learn. Well and good that Justin and Nicole are in politics but right now they know nothing. Their ideas are not as convincing as the ruling party’s. You will see how difficult things are and lose steam within weeks. Although I am non-partisan, I think that you must have the protection of a large machinery like the PAP have or otherwise you cannot control policies in Singapore. Things will get out of hand if the PAP loses power as the PAP have done Singapore proud for fifty years and the only tried and tested as government.

I think that there is little point for Justin and Nicole in sacrificing their time for politics in Singapore as there is little that needs changing. Already we know that the ruling party has most of the answers and are much more sophisticated in their policies. You must understand that the government machinery has spent alot of time implementing the policies and we don’t much of a luxury for an opposition. Although competition may be good for economics, this is not so in the Singapore example. The PAP has proven to be uncorrupted regime and will be good for Singapore in the next fifty years. Although we want more liberalisation, we have to accept that the PAP is the country’ legacy and we owe our national well-being to them.

among the opposition parties, they have talked to synchronize their steps.

They can use different tactics againist pap in different areas but they should use one strategy with a goal that deny PAP from winning all GRC and snatch a few more single wards from them.

Time is running short, pap have started forming team closest to new GRC boundaries as the leaks say.

Form some think tank policies study group, invite the youth and PMET too.

Form a new alternative internet press to lay policies out, we notice that TOC is one good channel but they may want to stay above partisan fray.

I sam Chee Soon Juan and his ary team in Sim Drive today at 1pm, they sold new democrates, i asked one of his cadre if SDP has any policies, he replied that it is in a 1994 book written by Dr Chee,

My thinking is that
1) A book written in 15 years ago will have many aspects outdated
2) PAP have copied many ideas from opposition so being static in thinking will not help opposition
3) Tell the young that Singapore belongs to them, not LHL, not Wilson Li’s
4) Tell singaporean that a Parliament with 21 opposition seats is only 1/4 of the total but the people’s trye voice will be heard

Then we can se ewhat the rest of 63 PAP MPS can do to draw MP allowance without representing people.

The time for concerted action among opposition is NOW !

Salute the vanguards of our society! Such youthful enthusiasm is hope for the future of our community. Youths were vanguards of many great social movements in the world. I have a couple of suggestions with regards to the kind of activities that the Young Reformer could be engaged in besides “debate competition” – regular public forums on Singapore social, economic and political issues, and community engagement.

Youth forums should not be restricted in the campuses where the PAP has monopolized. Youth forums must have participations of other stratas of the society and not just students, academics and PAP politicians. This is an era of competition of ideas.

“cultivating a movement for youths to participate in politics” must necessary engaged the various communities which the politics hope to serve. Online engagement though important is a virtual community. They are usually the digital presentation of the real issues which are found in the real communities. Keyboarding action alone will not solve or serve anything.

The world is too caught up with consumeristic and materialistic pursuit in the last two decades. This has suited PAP’s extollment of its politics. It’s time for the youth to revisit other ideals and the ideal society it want for the future.

To 29) Lim Han Mian on October 17th, 2009 4.07 pm

“My intention is only for you all to learn. Well and good that Justin and Nicole are in politics but right now they know nothing.”

If you know so much about politics, why don’t you come out and make a difference instead of being an armchair critic and hiding behind your computer screen?

Well said, Bacarat!

Also, don’t appear to alienate or side any group. Eg, don’t say will fight hard hard for gay rights or will die die maintain conservative stronghold. Also don’t keep slammimg the rich because need their votes and subsequently their taxes to take care of the poor.

Good job in putting your money where your mouth is guys. Stand for elections – you’ll get my vote :)

Congrats, Justin and Nicole. The opposition parties more people like you. The wind of change is certainly blowing our way. Given the current scenario, you guys certainly stand a good chance of winning in the coming GE. You will certainly get my vote and I think the votes of many many more frustrated Sporeans, both young and old.

Good luck to Justin and Nicole! :)

#29:

I am almost twice your age. So i think i qualified myself to said that I know more than you when it come to politics in Singapore. Politics is an important dynamic of a community development and progress as a nation. The issue confronting us today is not a change in government but the democratization of our nation. This is the era of competition of ideas. PAP does not have all the answers and solutions, although as a governing party for so long they are certainly expected to have greater depth in their policies development. If oppositions are not allow to grow and compete again the dominant party then that is beginning of the downward slope of the nation. We are beginning to see signs of this because we have been handicapped in our political development for the last few decades.

The question i would like to post to you and people with your views is: Do you want to be ruled and to be governed?

oh…he sure want to be ruled lah….so the opposition will rule him but govern the others :)

@ 29) Lim Han Mian on October 17th, 2009 4.07 pm

Brudder, you are a joker! :D

If little needs to be changed, why bother with considering change of any sort? Because that’s the belief we’ll have if we believe everything propaganded by the MSM. It’s only though sites like TOC, TR and others that I’m even reminded we have opposition parties people by Singapore patriots too. Only difference is that they didn’t follow the ideology of the PAP…which namely appears to be ‘follow MM Lee’s way or its the lawsuit highway/pariah land’.

I’m really tired of not being allowed to become an adult in the Singapore nation building context. Sure, I can help people and grow that way. Sure, I can raise my kids well and ensure they’ll be good people. But I want to do more! I want to help my people grow. We are a small country and when all its resources are not being used as effectively as the potential we hold, we are committing a crime in wasting our talents. This is reflected in the idea that ‘I have to join the PAP otherwise I cannot succeed in Singapore’. Whether this is actually true or not, enough people believe it to be scared about joining the Opposition parties if they are not happy with the PAP.

Change is the only constant. When we are not stimulated anymore, we don’t continue to grow and excel…instead, we start to stagnate and turn our solid fortress into a house of cards waiting for the first national crisis to bring about our downfall. I’m not interested in waiting for such an event. Being proactive means either the PAP has to grow (which it’s not really managed to as an organization in the last 8 years) or the Opposition must be allowed to grow, despite impediments in place meant to discourage dissent and other forms of opposing expression to the incumbents in the Singapore government.

If I had my way, first thing I would do is to do away with the useless GRC platforms and bring down the salaries of our part-time MPs.I’ve never seen so many part-timers get paid for just showing their faces at public events as PAP reps and not actually say anything useful in parliament. This many yes-men are only going to hurt our country…oh wait, too late!

A new vision and governing approach are needed to induce changes.

Under PAP, we are all suffocated by the SPH press which blasted us with all the PAP themes

PAP brought in the ‘experienced” ” professors” and say they are the good quality candidates, in fact many are in NTUC or DSO or Stat boards, so-called super grade G civil servants.

By the way, the term civil servant is laughable, just see how Singapore power replied in utility price hikes, how HDB replied on housing affordability and how Transport minister defended the bus fare hike ( when oil price increase ) and no reduction of fares when oil price plunged…

Their mentality is as if they control the people and we are all naive and stupid.

They are not seeing the volatility of private sectors, and I doubt they can survive in private sectors, there are a few PAP back bencher came from private sectors but they are sleeping lots for they are kept out of the ruling inner circle.

These super grade civil “master” don’t have to worry whether bus fare is 90 cents to start with, noodle is now $3.50 a bowl.

Reform Party could go deeper into changing governing principles, making sure civil servants serve us and not what we have been enslaved by some of these supre grades parasites

[ To be fair, majority of civil servants are as frustrated as us, they draw much lower salary and have to face the masses, while their super grades bosses hide in the bunkers.

RP, if we elect you into Parliament, please do you best to demolish the self defeating governing principles of PAP.

##29) Lim Han Mian on October 17th, 2009 4.07 pm

“My intention is only for you all to learn”

“we have to accept that the PAP is the country’ legacy and we owe our national well-being to them.”

Are you a kindergarten teacher ??

29) Lim Han Mian on October 17th, 2009 4.07 pm

Although we want more liberalisation, we have to accept that the PAP is the country’ legacy and we owe our national well-being to them.
===========================================================

Mr Lim, you seem a little ‘wet behind the ears”. I don’t know where you have been but you are certainly clueless about the reality on the ground. I would suppose that you are one of those self-centred young people who has joined the Young PAP to further their own selfish interest.

The fact is that local Singaporeans are suffering under the policies of the PAP. Back when GCT was PM, we were promised a ‘Swiss standard of living’. In reality, we are closer to Somalia’s standard of living minus the political instability. None of the MIW now ever mention that political slogan.

Our million dollar leaders have turned Singapore into a hotel with Singaporeans doing the menial work and the foreigners being the guest. These foreigners come here for work or pleasure and enjoy all the benefits. If you could spend a minute of your precious time away from you Ivory Tower, you will see your fellow Singaporeans struggling to eke out a living and put food on the table for their children. Many thousands more are homeless or on the verge of being kicked out from the homes because they have lost their jobs to foreigners. Our shopping malls are filled with foreigners because many locals don’t have any cash to spend anymore.

While trying to give the impression of impartiality, you tendency to spout the ruling party propoganda reveals your sinister motives. The current electorate are wise to the dirty tricks of the MIW. Their inability to accept that and alter their policies will result in heavy losses for the PAP in the coming elections.

Being an opportunist , I suppose you will then leave YPAP to join the Reform Party.

40) Online Shmonline on October 17th, 2009 6.50 pm

If I had my way, first thing I would do is to do away with the useless GRC platforms and bring down the salaries of our part-time MPs.
=========================================================

You can’t fault our PAP MPs for being part-timers. They all hold directorships in at least 10 public listed companies. They need to supplement their salaries and MP allowance.

MM Lee says the PAP will win big for at least 2 more elections.

At the rate things are going (both quantity and quality), I think MM Lee is very right.

Actually to be frank and seriously speaking, no choice lah.

I got a feeling that RP and SDP are fast catching up with WP and it could be a matter of time that these 2 opps will surpass the Hammer since the men in blue only want to be a watchdog which is no longer a threat to MIWs.

So what if RP and SDP catch up with WP? What difference will it make for PAP?

It is silly to assume WP can take on PAP without RP, SDP, SDA or RP and likewise SDP or RP can take on PAP without WP and the rest. So far no one supporting WP have said ‘vote WP and not SDP’ or ‘vote WP and not RP’ but I keep hearing people say ‘vote SDP or RP and not WP’

After the last election, Opposition teams have been growing and getting more lively. Singaporean perception of the atlernative parties is no longer the same as in the past. Somehow, it has became a prestique while pap are viewed as crook, it is a good sign, a positive sign and something is telling. Singaporeans must know the climate is very different and if we don’t grab the chance for change, we never will.

46) Weirdo on October 17th, 2009 9.53 pm
So what if RP and SDP catch up with WP? What difference will it make for PAP?

Well it won’t make any difference. The opposition parites will work together like they have been doing before. They will avoid a three way fight. They wil win more seats than they have ever won before and with some luck, they might even formed the next coalition government.

People are very fed up of the MIW. We want change and we want it now.

If not now, when?
It not us, who?

Remember that for every dollar that the PAPPies throw at you before the elections, the will take it back MORE than 10 times over. You and your family will be much poorer after the elections.

Remember 2006 when the threw money at us on May 1, just 5 days befoe elections. They froze the PUB bills, taxi fares, bus and MRT fares, food prices and just about everything else. This lasted only about a month after elections.
Prices of everything skyrocketed after that and the money that was given to us evaporated into thin air. We were also forced to dig deep into our pockets till most of us had nothing left.

For the next elections, when they throw money at you again, which they surely will, vote for the opposition and you will get to keep what they gave you. Vote for the PAPies and you will suffer in misery.

Every party got their own supporters and i think most of the 33.3 will want more opp members in the parliament, regardless which party he/she belongs to. In reality, it’s difficult to expect all opp parties to unite and work as one since every opp party position themselves differently, e.g. WP just want to be a watchdog; RP want to see themselves as alternative party and SDP is more confrontational.
To me, it’s “vote for all opps, especially RP, except WP”.

Lim Han Mian>
“You must understand that the government machinery has spent a lot of time implementing the policies and we don’t much of a luxury for an opposition. Although competition may be good for economics, this is not so in the Singapore example. The PAP has proven to be uncorrupted regime and will be good for Singapore in the next fifty years.”
=========================================================
I used to believe that kind of logic. Many countries in asia have been ruled by one party or dictatorship for a long time. The trend now is towards a more open political playing field and the practicing of a real democracy. How is it possible for a civil servant to be paying himself extravagant salaries and justify that as a reimbursement for being in politics. How many countries in this world can you name where 1/3 of the people are foreigners and a growing number of it’s own citizens feeling marginalise? The very reason that the PAP is entrenched in all sphere of our life is the reason why we need to disentangle it now before Singapore sinks to an irreversible situation. The opposition parties are made up of Singaporeans too and they have every right to govern Singapore if they are ever elected. The value of political competition is simply priceless. Unfortunately, we don’t have that luxury now. We have to change for Singapore’s sake. The PAP have got to go.

50) ZL on October 17th, 2009 10.14 pm
To me, it’s “vote for all opps, especially RP, except WP”.
=============================================

Is the current tactic of the stooges of the PAP to sow disuniy amongst the opposition? I can tell you now not to waste your time. There will be no 3 corned fight in any fo the seats contested in the coming GE, so it is not a matter of WP or RP or SDP for that matter. It is just opposition against PAP and looking at how the PAP stooges have been working overtime, I can only guess that they are very fearful of the people kicking them out of power. But what do you expect. They trampled on the rights of the very people who put them in power.

I say enough is enough. It is now time for a coalition of opposition to take over.

To 44) Not very hopeful on October 17th, 2009 9.02 pm

“MM Lee says the PAP will win big for at least 2 more elections.”

The old man is trying to remind everybody that without him around, the PAP will falter. LKY is saying in a nice way (without discrediting his son) that the PAP’s political longevity is pegged to his!

Though I am not a supporter of any party, I do agree with 29)Lim Han Mian that it is indeed PAP that help build this country. I do not like the way they win election through the GRC system but this credit should not be taken away from them.

Both Justin and Nicole are promising but reading their responses from above, I just don’t think I am ready to be led by them. I have read on those issues and didn’t think they have a good grasp of the issues. With respect to both, I maybe wrong. I am bizad grad and not in political science so I stand corrected. Have spoken to one of them and I just didn’t feel I would join a group to be led by them. Their direction is vague. Still looking out for a party to join as I am interested in speaking my views and learn from good young leaders. Looking forward to find out more about WP during their dialogue. Please let me know anyone of you have insights.

i think it is fair that some people will vote pap, others rp or wp. what is most important is that people have the freedom to choose and to elect their party of choice as government. right now, we don’t have that choice.. so we need somebody to lead the charge and change things as the pap will never liberalise the political space. we need change! we need reform! support opposition!

I wish the both of you , all the best ,do well, hope more will follow you .
You have my full support,
MAXIMUM FULL ENGINES AHEAD!!

Is the current tactic of the stooges of the PAP to sow disuniy amongst the opposition? I can tell you now not to waste your time.
============
I think it’s because WP stand a chance to win a GRC. WP right now is the only party that many people say they would vote for any opposition except them. When SDP or RP or NSP reach that stage, they will suddenly become “unpopular” also. We don’t realize how many MIW agents are lurking around.

54) June Tan on October 17th, 2009 11.05 pm

Those who are interested in furthering their career should join Young PAP. All you have to do is say ‘Yes’ and follow order to climb up the party ranks.

I cannot hold back.
Nicole is simply stunningly beautiful.
Period.

lovely pair. they look quite compatible actually.. I wonder why did justin side-step the final question. his answer was quite humourous actually.. is it because he is attached to nicole and doesn’t want anybody to know? tee hee!

I have been trying to find out why people like me dare not join RP when talents like these 2 young citizens have done it. They joined as RP members.

I suppose these people Walk the Talk – they are not ArmChair Critics which is one of the easiest thing in this world, and some say the milky way, to do.

I suppose these talents are more Confident about themselves, their beliefs, the value system, the purpose in life. They have escaped the mental jail created by fear. They are not the usual singaporean youths. They are in a class of their own.
A cut above the rest in this respect.

Singapore needs these types of talents. Our long term survivability depends on pillars of our nation who dare to stand up and voice up and question. A robust democracy depends on having a credible opposition parties who can offer an Alternative and at least able to REPRESENT our people especially the REAL Humans called the 33.3%. Yes, these people EXIST , have 2 eyes, a nose, etc and are flesh and blood of their parents. More importantly, they are the Citizens and Pillars of Singapore.

Last but not least, RP is a party whose aspiration is to Reform Singapore.
There are good reasons for reform, to many.
The Party’s existence should be for this purpose and not for glorification of any one single person. So, i mean leaders can come and go. Reform Party should be here to stay to bring singapore to the next level of democracy.

Happy Deepavali to all our Indian, Hindi, Buddhist, Sikh or Jain Readers.

Let there be Light.

“However, when I came to university, I took a couple of classes in politics and it was from there that I discovered alternative opinions and views. They may be more complex and sometimes convoluted, but they make more sense than the simplistic rhetoric the current government tells us.”

I would like to invite singaporean youths to try watching a few weeks of TW channel “2100″ which is a program found on SCV channel 54 where political commentators share with viewers their views on issues of the day. These are able to criticise both parties where necessary and we can learn from them how they present their idea across and how they debate. Intellectually stimulating!

Surprisingly or not there is no such level of debate program in singapore altho there are talk shows on current affairs. and thats about it.

Cheers

27) Huh on October 17th, 2009 3.47 pm
I have seen some engagement of YPAP and I find them sucks big time.

you may not know this… but YPAP stands for “Yes PAP”. They are learning how to say ‘yes’….

29) Lim Han Mian on October 17th, 2009 4.07 pm
I think that there is little point for Justin and Nicole in sacrificing their time for politics in Singapore as there is little that needs changing.

To be frank, I think you are 1 reason that J and N is doing politics. i.e. you need changing.

About ‘changing’ in general, have you heard the saying, ‘when you are not moving forward, you are moving backwards’? Basically, change is ALWAYS needed. It may be the one absolute thing in life… the only unchanging thing is change itself.

54) June Tan on October 17th, 2009 11.05 pm
Though I am not a supporter of any party, I do agree with 29)Lim Han Mian that it is indeed PAP that help build this country.

I think there is a distinction to be made here. PAP did build the nation, but PAP is a organisation made up of PEOPLE. The PEOPLE who built the nation have almost all gone from the current PAP (except for 1 …). What have the current PAP done that we own it to them?

Do you not know of any food store which used to serve delicious food or have generous servings? If the standard of the food drop and the serving decrease in size, would you still go to that store?

60) regina de cruz on October 18th, 2009 12.05 am
lovely pair. they look quite compatible actually.. I wonder why did justin side-step the final question. his answer was quite humourous actually.. is it because he is attached to nicole and doesn’t want anybody to know? tee hee!

hmmm… my ‘theory’ is Shihan is the one attached to Nicole so he skipped the question!

After 50 years in power, everything thing is unravelling for the PAPies. Truth is things started going downhill after LHL took over. The situation has turned so bad that even our soccer players are leaving for greener pastures. Despite MIW boasting that Singapore has one of the highest per capita income, many of the soccer leagues in the region are paying their footballers much more. The exodus of our footballers will be a great loss to this country.

Does the ruling party feel it is a loss as well? I seriously doubt it. The PAPies have never taken sports seriously. That is because sports in their opinion doesn’t contribute to GDP. The needed all hands on deck. They wanted all Singaporeans on the treadmill working non-stop to increase the revenure and consequently their salaries. Sports was a distraction until recently. In the past, most athletes stopped sports after finishing school. They reached a dead end after that. For me the it appears that the MIW were placed in charge of our sports association to make sure that they failed.. It appears that they have done their job well. To appease the people hunger for success in the sporting field, they brought it ‘foreign talent.’ Millions of dollars were spent on these so called ‘foreign talent’.

Our local athletes were neglected so that professional sports was not a viable option for them. Most had to get on the ‘treadmill’ after the left school like the rest before them.

It is only now that the ruing party is opening up to the idea of Singaporean taking up sports as a professional career. This move, like bar-top dancing was done to make Singapore more attractive to forieigners.

If Singapore fans want to see fellow Singaporeans on the world stage for sports, then we have to vote in the opposition. Otherwise it is back to the ‘treadmill’ for all of us.

I read ‘The great public housing debate’ by Tan Hui Yee in the Shitty Times and vomitted halfway through reading it.

I’m glad I stopped subsribing. We really need a free press.

Is it wiser to look at what the govt could do good/harm in the next 50 yrs than keep looking on past 50 yrs? Recent economic crisis has proven that a well perform hundred yrs old company could go bankrupt overnight in wall st.

54) June Tan on October 17th, 2009 11.05 pm,

I share a common ground with you by not being a supporter of any party. In all my posts, I have never denied that the ruling party did helped to build the country in part. However, we all must realise that the past does not represent the present, and certainly does not represent the future. This is exactly how they ran the country for years, relying on their familiar pasts (to the point of over-emphasizing the ‘nostalgic’), drawing fresh pays, and hoping for different results in the future. This is clearly not how things work.
In this entire forum, one would have discovered that the issues are not just about having a GRC system. It is about having multiple chinks in the entire armour right now, and the people affected most are the citizens.
It is not far-fetched to even put an argument to say they do not admit grave blunders they made :
wrong population control + increasingly huge deviations in housing pricing vs salaries + utilization of mainstream media to over-glorify idea of housing as asset ownership + inability to attract and retain sufficient businesses and equitable employment opportunities to raise/ maintain standards of living + increasing tax payers’ burden through huge salaries vs world standards
=> falling TFR + prolonged and ineffective population policies
=> massive and poorly-controlled importation of foreigners + pro-foreigners vs locals measures + overly-compliant ruling party leaders
=> marginalised Singaporeans
There are of course other areas, where many others here are quick to point out, which includes lack of accountability over investments, culture that frowns on dissensions, lack of heart for people including over small disbursements for the most needy in Singapore etc.
So I encourage you to examine the premise that ‘the ruling party has built the country up’ more closely, without an equivalent critical look at the blunders created.

I have read the above article twice, and do not think it is possible to gauge entirely if the duo have a good grasp of the issues (assuming our ’standards’ are similar). You may have a benefit over me since you have spoken to them, so perhaps, you can share how you arrive at the conclusion. There are a myriad of reasons why directions are vague, and we need to examine on a case by case basis whether it was due to their incompetence/ lack of capacity to handle the issues.
The fact remains that whichever party or non party we support, there are tradeoffs, and we just need to understand them when going forward.

49) Time for Change on October 17th, 2009 10.13 pm
For the next elections, when they throw money at you again, which they surely will, vote for the opposition and you will get to keep what they gave you. Vote for the PAPies and you will suffer in misery.

No matter how much they throw at you, just kick them out and not only that you people will be safe but also singapore will be a better place to live on then.

Dear Lim Han Mian:

I read your comments about Justin with interest, especially on the part in the commentary on reduced defense spending.

I am not sure if you are aware of the implications of “increased defense spending” in foreign diplomatic parlance. For example, imagine you are a foreign diplomat, say an ambassador to Indonesia. Just yesterday, your defense minister and Prime Minister approved a 10% increase in defense expenditure. How are you as a foreign diplomat going to relate this to your Indonesian counterpart. The fact remains that if we want to engage our ASEAN region, our increasing defense expenditure isn’t going to do the diplomatic game any good.

And secondly, there are ways to cut corners in order to reduce defense spending. I have written an article suggesting that SAF implement stay-out for personnel who are not on operational stand-by. They will save on meal provisions, logistics and general utilities. That is one way to reduce defense costs. And staying out actually has a beneficial effect on the mood and morale of our servicemen.

I have written an article that suggested the above way to cut defense costs on the Kent Ridge Common. However, I don’t think it is appropriate for me to link there. Because it sounds like a shameless plug! hahaha!

Sincerely yours

Justin and Nicole, you have set the benchmark! I hope there will be more JustinS and NicoleS emerging! It is time for a change. We are really tired of the mundane and nanny status quo!

I would like to offer another perspective of the often heard argument that the “ruling party has build this city state to what it is today” – the exacted cost on our society. The years of continued persecution of political dissents has created a debilitated parliament. The lack of robust debate has led to many blunders as mentioned by #70 kf. In the 70s and 80s when manufacturing was a key driver of our economy, a docile population was marketed as an advantage to fill the lines in the factory. Political stability and tripartism were often touted as the necessary pillars of growth – which translated to intolerance of political dissent and a compliant population. However, from the mid 80s our competitions such as Taiwan and South Korea were already moving ahead with political liberalisation as the demand of a knowledge base economy needed a greater engagement of a more creative and innovative society. Singapore did not keep up with the changes and chose to rely on elitist system. We are now seeing the cost of such blunder – we have many of best talents who opted out of this place because they find this place too suffocating so much so that we now have to be completely reliance on attracting foreign talents.

While we basked in the glory of the past 50 years of developments – history will be rewritten in the next 50 years. This is a time for transformative changes for our future. If PAP were to be allowed to be the monopoly of ideas then we will be a nation bankrupt of ideals.

I’ve always known that people like these 2 exist, just that there are too few of them. Even if you count all the TOC readers and informed youth who partake their knowledge of current affairs online, they still constitute a minority of sinkees.

If the PAP is still in power after the next elections, there will be a hellish future for sinkees. The PAP wants to turn sinkapore into a Monaco, with trappings for the rich from all over the world, and the economy will be geared to serve these rich investors, residents and capitalists. Why, sinkees won’t even have a place because even the jobs of serving these people will be outsourced to cheaper foreigners.

Hi All,

I have to say this is a refreshing and interesting political article, with a tinge of humour at the end! Keep up the good work!

It would be great for TOC to interview more youths from other parties. Why not interview the PAP Youth Wing too, so that we can have a good comparison? Of course provided Teo Ser Luck has to get approval from Lee Hsien Loong first.

Singapore need more articulate youths and middle-aged people to be in the Opposition.

Definitely these two are much more attractive than Lim Swee Say and Lee Bee Wah in terms of image and packaging.

.

Yea talk is cheap, let’s see some actions then.

So many other parties have youth wings, why is the TOC just publishing RP? What about WP Youth Wing and SDP Young Democrats? Is TOC promoting a trend of ‘Come support RP’? What about the parties that have been on the scene for so long? Never seen so much continuous support for them in the past.

So sick of the ‘Come support RP’ movement when no work has been done thus far!

Teo’s former colleagues in DHL were not impressed by his performance or any leadership at all.

But Teo was a p/t model during his undergrad days in NUS, this is lilely the reason that PAP uses his look as poster boy to attract youth.

Other parties should better recruit some Mr Singapore runner-ups :)

77) Denny Tze on October 18th, 2009 3.03 pm
“Yea talk is cheap, let’s see some actions then.”

Err….are you referring to the labour movement’s chief, Lim Swee Say, who has called on workers and employers to play their part in making the economy and workforce cheaper, better and faster.

But I don’t think this talk is cheaper lor, I guess it costs tax payer million dollars.

Yes, cut defence spending.

Channel the money into education and help for the poor.

I was a regular in SAF and I saw so much waste of manpower etc.

A could not be bothered approach.

I saw how the SAF officers work, only waiting for pension.
Saw many not so smart fellows in army.

I did not meet any scholar when I was in SAF. They were all promoted to the top.

No I think that all the talk from the RP fellows is cheap and so much promotion for them when they have yet done anything! We hear their talk and assume that great things is to come… wooohoooo.

So many youth wings from other parties doing so many things, how come lately it has all been RP RP and more RP? I don’t mind TOC promoting RP, but the sort of attention given to other parties hasn’t been as balanced. That is all I am lamenting about actually lar. Maybe you know, TOC can also write about the youth wings of other parties as well. I know that they might not come in ‘poster pin up’ quality but they have done so many things so far. WP Youthwing with their Youth Quake and SDP Young Democrats just beginning to strengthen. Maybe NSP also has a youth wing… you know all of these should also be given their share of limelight and TOC being TOC, should help to bring what these other groups are doing to our knowledge. You see, some people don’t know at all. Must help us understand what the other groups are doing mah.

Not right meh?

All I can say is both Justin and nicole has step up on the plate…and will be under public scrutiny from here on…beside the ISD of course.

Being a politician comes with the glare of the media lights…that’s the real test when you come under the limelight and not buckle under the pressure.

Nice interview…and yes it good to see young singaporeans sacrificing their time to try to make a difference in our homeland.

They won’t be under the radar of ISD lah, what have they done to ‘deserve’ that ‘badge of honour’ yet? Maybe in years to come if they take on an activist approach to things. Right now they have all been flaunting their qualifications and their ideals. Interesting to know, but the actions are more important.

Hi all,

rest assured that TOC has already contacted all relevant youth wings from the different political parties for interviews. As stated in the beginning of the article: In this first installment of our “Youth in Politics” series, we speak to Justin Ong and Nicole Seah from the Young Reformers, the youth wing of the Reform Party.

It is another matter if the youth wings want to be interviewed by us.

Being in a party youth wing doesn’t mean they will stand for elections in future… a party needs many people contributing in all fronts, not just the aspiring MPs. On a larger scale, every concerned citizen should be doing his part in small ways too, like telling friends about real sg problems, voting the right person, giving funds, volunteering etc.

[...] and Singaporeans – The Temasek Review: The LOWest point of LUP: A mere storm in the tea-cup? – TOC: Youth in Politics – The Young Reformers – The Kent Ridge Common: Upfront with NCMP Miss Sylvia [...]

70)kf, thank you for your comments. I would reexamine.

For sharing my encounter with one of them, I don’t think it is appropriate to discuss it in detail. I think they are both trying to do something. We should give them time. Only thing I could share is that the response from one of them to my questions was just not convincing for me to join RP. Its not that I expect them to know the details of policies. I am not well versed and don’t expect them to. But I just wanted them to share a view. However, I didn’t think their views were well-thought through and seems to have flaws even to a layman like me. I guess this comes with more knowledge, reading and experience. At this time, I am just not convinced they have got the leadership

87# June Tan,
You have to give them time to mature, they are part of RP and it is a team work. No doubt they have no experience because RP is new, it takes a few elections before they can become MPs unless you go by back door by joining pap in a walkover GRC.

81) Denny Tze on October 19th, 2009 12.32 am
No I think that all the talk from the RP fellows is cheap and so much promotion for them when they have yet done anything! We hear their talk and assume that great things is to come… wooohoooo.

well, I can say the same for Obama winning the Nobel PEACE prize. What peace has he achieved? Many people thinks the Prize was given to him to ‘pressure’ him to adopt less confrontational approaches.

If we were to use the same rational, we could say that TOC is helping these Youths to stay active. After all, it is easy to be fired up and lose all the heat in 5 mins (五分钟热度). But with an interview done, I think they have gained some ‘fuel’ to keep burning for a while yet.

I have just one question for everybody here who is rather anti-establishment. Should the opposition in Singapore start promotin how they can run Singapore rather than only be one of those coffeeshop uncle and complain about the PAP but offer nothing constructive in comparison?

I don’t see any semblance of workable long term policies being suggested by these opposition members. Sure it sounds great when you announce that you want to kick all the foreign workers out. But the question is, who then will take over the jobs of these foreign workers? And has anybody considered the long term financial implications if we impose a minimum wage system that many people want to implement?

So until I see viable policy solutions being offered by the opposition, then I have no choice but to continue supporting the current party that has some sort of solution and can run an entire country properly.

Non Partisan:
1. In an ideal democratice system, the oppostions should be a part of the establishment and the Parliament is one of avenues for robust debates on government policies. The role of the oppositions is to check the government and represent the voices of its constituents. They are in no position to provide policies because they are not the government and do not have the mean to effect any policies. Before PAP became the government, they did not spelled out their economic policies, they were busy shouting down David Marshall’s government and bringing the voices of the people, demanding for self governing.

2. Our current establishment is a travesty democracy found mainly in the third world countries. We have a dominant power bent on demolishing its opponents and even sabotaging elected oppositions in the proper running of their wards – refer to saga in Anson (formerly), Potong Pasir and Hougang over

3. Political parties broadcast their political ideals and beliefs via their Parties manifesto. This is a guideline to the kind of polcies they will be making if any of them would become the government. However, In an mature democratic election, we are not justing choosing the government but also oppositions – a MP that can best represent our voice.

Like to say that me feels comforted to see our youths coming in to involve themselves with the wellbeings of the Country and its’ people.

May more of our youngs come to participate in the Nation Building.

patriot

RP, WP and SDP, pls put your steps in sync…

and do some public forum, Justin and Nicole may be young, let them go through scrutiny and toughened.

Obama was confronted by a voter “Plumber Joe” Obama was cool and steady in his reply though he did not get the data right, still that built up trust in him in voters’ eyes

PAP have been recruting single minded grads who joined Young PAP for opportunities, they have no space for personal thinking cos they boss want a tightly controlled mindset and theme.

U can see that LKY is not confident that LHL can survive free competition in PAP, so he makes sure all recruited candidates share his mindset, we can see that many parrots PAP MPs are molded that way

RP, SDP and WP must allow your people to have brains and souls.

Come out to meet aunties, uncles , ah beh, ah sor early,

90) Non-partisan on October 19th, 2009 2.02 pm

Your post is mainly about long term planning… and nothing I see of current PAP policies show that they do the same.

HDB price rise is not sustainable.
Influx of FW will have huge social implications.
Cheaper workers decreases the need for improving productivity.

You think these 3 are examples of long term planning? In fact, your focus on having replacement for FW shows how short term you really are.

Baccarat, yes, opposition need to be in syn. It is best to come into some alliance. Right now, everyone is going in different directions. YOu can’t divide and conquer because the base is too small for opposition. No choice, you need to combine forces. RP’s membership is still low and it would be sometime before they become formidable. But if they combine with two or three others, it would certainly strengthen their base. Don’t do it half-hearted like SDA, giove full commitment.
I also notice your comment about TSL in DHL. I happen to be his staff about two rungs below. Not sure who you spoke to but he is a good leader that took care of us in the middle level. That’s only the good thing I would say of PAP people since I know.

Lim Han Mian want to be mentor for Justin Ong and Nicole Seah ???

it is a great and relief sign of these 2 young and coming politician. keep it up and all the way not just for us, it is also for your loved one as well and more importantly for the beloved singaporean fellows.

bravo, RP!

Re: (94)

Dear Lenny,
My colleague’s husband used to work in DHL ( perhaps he was your colleague too)
His comment was that TSL were very active in community activities, much budget allocated to that, remember the DHL ballo near Beach Road ?

But his business direction is simply follow the HQ and EDB, any creativities during his tenure, probably not

It is true that he was nice to staff, you can see that PAP is using him as a PRO to young people.

Can TSL being a nice man does any difference to PAP’s many failed policies even if he wanted to do ? we got the answer in heart.

97) Political Salesman on October 19th, 2009 5.47 pm Ape-Man Where are U. your Right Hand Man get arrested in the Tamil Tiger Plot, …. those people with shit on their eye came to support & join Rubbish Party.

Hello
let’s agree to disagree, why scold others as such, we all went thru same education system and born in this island, don’t have to be so vulgar !

Will you be rewarded by PAP of writing this attack ? The queue is long for claiming rewards, you better starting lining up over night.

Or u can join PAP grassroot !

I commend both of you for stepping out of your comfort zones. But why RP? I hate to see you waste your talent. The strength of a political setup is as good as the conviction of its top leader.

Perhaps you are too young to know that your KJ has never been seen alongside his father in all the years of his struggles against the PAP. He was never around during the numerous battles that his father fought. Neither in Anson nor in Cheng San.Not even the the court rooms.He spent most of his life overseas, enjoying the good life of a hedge fund operator. He didn’t care two hoots about what was hapenning to us lesser mortals.

If at all, he should have at least emerged when his poor daddy were still alive and kicking. He should have under studied his daddy. He was not even present when the old man launched the RP. If he had’ the media would not have missed reporting it .

Politics, especially in Singapore’s context, demands more than just being the son of his father. It is definitely not enough by just going round telling people that “I am the son of JBJ and I have a double degree in economics.” Many politically concious Singaporeans would in turn ask him “so what?”

But don’t get me wrong Justin and Nicole. I fully support the opposition and have been doing my part in my own way to promote alternative views. I have been around long enough to witness the political goings on. I just want you both to put these questions to him. You can then size him up and decide whether you want to be led by this ‘Johnny Come Lately.’

Baccarat,

obviously you have not been following the opposition news. WP Youth Wing has been holding public forums since last year (Youth Quake). SDP Youth Wing are starting to strengthen with younger faces coming forward, and they are going out to meet people already with the sales of the party papers. You can follow the news on their websites.

Hang Jebat,

I agree with you.

If JBJ is alive right now, he will never allow for some things to happen, some people to be kicked out of the party and some people to flaunt their qualifications first before any actions have been seen. This RP, the way it has become, is a mockery to the legend of JBJ.

Justin: “I was attracted to both Kenneth Jeyaretnam’s academic credentials and technocratic clout”

Justin, PAP has let us down because of those qualifications of their candidates so far. Those scholars knows nothing about grassroots, thats why so many bad policies.

Hope Kenneth is different and as good as his father, more down to earth.

We have to look for people who are really committed to our people our country like the first generation leaders except……

The only meaningful public appearance he made along side his old man was during the senior’s funeral. Period.

To Non-partisan on October 19th, 2009 2.02 pm:

Let’s begin where you ended, shall we?

1. Re: “So until I see viable policy solutions being offered by the opposition, then I have no choice but to continue supporting the current party that has some sort of solution and can run an entire country properly.?

I know it is a very trendy thing among some Singaporeans to declare themselves to be ‘non-partisan’ and other suc descriptors to justify their spinelessness. This group wants others to believe that they supposedly have inedpendent minds, but everything else they say invariably betrays the fact that they in fact *can be* and *are* being led by the nose by the PAP.

So why do you think of yourself as ‘non-partisan’ when you are clearly already biased towards the PAP?

2. Re: “I don’t see any semblance of workable long term policies being suggested by these opposition members.”

I suggest to you that that may be because YOU are unable to recognize the long-term worth of policy already proposed by several political parties currently in opposition. It is quite likely that, like the PAP you are being led around by your nose, you have the gambler mentality that they have that recognizes only those policies that result in “instant gratification” (ie. short term gain) as the only viable option/s.

3. Re: “Sure it sounds great when you announce that you want to kick all the foreign workers out. But the question is, who then will take over the jobs of these foreign workers?”

Can I find out which opposition political party has claimed to want to ‘kick out all forereigners’? I am expecting documentary evidence with this answer.

4. Re: “And has anybody considered the long term financial implications if we impose a minimum wage system that many people want to implement?”

I have.

Would you like to engage in a debate over this issue with me?

Number 84, Terrence,

Good to know that but you see ah, I felt that TOC has been covering all things RP continuously for a few weeks already. Never seen such continuous coverage for the rest of the parties as well so I feel, not fair. You can go take a look at your past articles and the dates and tell me if I am wrong.

On top of that you all went walk about with KJ. Other parties no walk abouts ah? WP always have and NSP sell their papers all the time around my area. Also that SDP has been hitting the streets and I am very impressed to read about them from Lianhe Wanbao. Other parties also have young members in politics, so many of them so many years. There are also activists from NUS, SDP and other civil societies who are as young as the two above and who have proven that they are not only talk but action too. Lucky I don’t only read TOC but I am not saying that TOC has anything wrong.

Then, anyway, nevermind. Hope we see more coverage of other parties soon.

Hoped that this will be a start in getting rid of the far of voting for opposition especially for those in civil service. They have this mind set that this big brother can know who they voted for. No PAP, there goes the promotions!

The people especially the civil service must know that PAP is not the government. Its the strongest party will form the government. If PAP lost most of its seats thru a “freak” election then PAP will be come opposition.

The government must have people’s mandate to rule. 66.6% is not a mandate. Walk over is also not a mandate!

98) Baccarat, yes pap policies only benefit themselves and the subject is about rp not tsl. But it is only right for me to make a correction on what you wrote. The DHL balloon is not a community strategy, it is a marketing tactic. i was in marketing. Maybe i knew your colleague’s husband, maybe not. To be fair and with due respect, in the short time tsl was there, he earned our respect at least the level i was in. I thought he handled the bureacracy in the HQ well to drive change locally. I will work for him again if he returns to private sector. He has a heart for people and should not have joined PAP. wtf, i saying good things again about PAP cb people. This will be the last time !

#99Baccarat, how could you dismiss a common language of our common people in kopi shop where more than 50% of our population frequent. How to ask RP to talk to ah pek when you are not doing it, you lcb. You are obviously a spoiled brat mf and you better don’t associate me with PAP. No matter how educated you are, you are either a cb or a lc, thats the kopitiam language if you like. To engage, you better know and prepare, if not, dont mouth kon, lp song.

This is a commendable quote by Justin Ong:

Re: “I think the word “apathy” is incorrectly used. A more applicable word to suit our context is the word “anomie”, which denotes a certain helplessness against the system. This helplessness which occurs on a systemic level is reinforced when results does not correlate to effort.”

To: Robox on October 19th, 2009 11.08 pm

Hi, you mentioned you have looked into the minimum wage suggestion. Can you share your thoughts on this matter?
A number of opposition parties have been advocating minimum wage, but I feel a bit uncertain about it.
I am not an economist, so would really appreciate having someone who have thought about this to argue out the pros and cons of such an approach.

The way I see it is this: If we implement minimum wage, those currently earning below the minimum wage would benefit from this, but as wages increase, cost of goods and services increase. As this affects those earning minimum wages, it is probably the cheaper goods and services that are affected more than the luxury goods/services, so the people feeling the most impact from rising cost would be those earning just above the minimum wage. This group does not benefit from the minimum wage, but will now have to pay more for goods and services – resulting in a decline in living standards. It seemed like shifting the burden from the lowest 10-15% say, to the next lowest 10-15%. Which really is not a solution at all. Right? Would really appreciate your views.

To TOC: Not sure if it is proper etiquette for me to discuss this matter here when it is not directly related to the above article, so if, my apologies. I can create a post on my blog for further discussion if you prefer.

” The current model of economic growth founded on cheap labour is obsolete and has not benefited the vast mass of our people.

We can raise living standards by reducing taxation and charges on the less well-off while maintaining a low overall taxation burden that supports investment and growth.

We can focus on raising productivity and real incomes through a minimum wage and greater investment in education while improving the environment and playing our part in policies to combat climate change.

We can reduce the unnecessarily high level of saving that is channelled into unproductive overseas investments and increase our domestic consumption and standard of living without sacrificing our future.

We can give ordinary Singaporeans a direct stake in the growth in value of our foreign assets and government-linked companies.”

- RP http://www.thereformparty.net/?page_id=2

Great job TOC. More young people need to step up to fight for our future. If so, our country still has hope.

Hope to read more interviews with other opposition parties as well.

Most voters are still clueless about what opposition candidates stand for and who they are.

To: Opposition is not anti-establishment on October 19th, 2009 3.16 pm

Non Partisan:
1. In an ideal democratice system, the oppostions should be a part of the establishment and the Parliament is one of avenues for robust debates on government policies. The role of the oppositions is to check the government and represent the voices of its constituents. They are in no position to provide policies because they are not the government and do not have the mean to effect any policies. Before PAP became the government, they did not spelled out their economic policies, they were busy shouting down David Marshall’s government and bringing the voices of the people, demanding for self governing.
—–

If the opposition continue to only view themselves as going to be a check on the current government, then they will never earn the support and respect of people on the fence like me. Yes, it is difficult to effect any policy because of the huge majority that the PAP have in Parliament, but as you said, before they become the government, they had 1 stand which was to demand for self-governance. At the very least, they had a position. AND they were building a team that could take over and run the government, which they did.

Now let’s turn the tables to the current opposition. Each party has a different platform, each has their own strengths and weaknesses. But do you see any 1 party being able to win the majority seats and take over and run Singapore? How many members of the opposition parties can you name besides the same few faces? How many of these people actually only appear once every 5 years? Who do you think can take up the Ministry posts? I’m not saying the PAP have credible or the best choices, but it is the lack of an alternative that leaves us with no choice at all.

100) Hang Jebat on October 19th, 2009 10.40 pm

“I commend both of you for stepping out of your comfort zones. But why RP? I hate to see you waste your talent. The strength of a political setup is as good as the conviction of its top leader.”

I don’t see the point in bashing KJ just because of his recent emergence. Nothing wrong that KJ had stayed out of politics and came out only when the time was right. I think that here is a virtue in leading a quiet life and not attracting unnecessary attention to oneself. He could have been full of fury and lashed out at the government for what they had done to his father, but instead, KJ displayed temperence. Unlike many others, he had not marginalised himself politically even before the game is played. I think that KJ has been wise so far in making his punches count. To me, it is of exceeding importance for a politican to know when and how to throw his punches in order to stay in the fight.

I appreciate that KJ has been away overseas accumulating the necessary technical and managerial experience that is necessary to operate on a ministerial level. We should be proud of him for being one of Singapore’s finest sons; being global yet staying rooted to the country. Although he had been unlucky in finding a job in Singapore, he did not just turn his back on the country and migrate for good.

Just because he has been successful in his career doesn’t make him an elitist disconnected with the ground. If it is indeed that KJ is only now climbing down his “ivory tower”, we should congratulate him for stepping out of his comfort zone. He could have easily continued living the good life quietly, but instead, he has entered the fray and muddied his hands for his political ideals.

For me, there are many ways to contribute to Singapore. Some may start earlier than others, but that is not to say that they will be better politicians. We should just let KJ prove himself at the polls eventually and have a proper baptism of fire before we judge. Let us be fair men of reason and allow KJ’s policies to do the talking instead of us simply equating him to be nothing more than just JBJ’s son. Let allow Kenneth Jeyaretnam to be his own man.

@112) Non-partisan on October 20th, 2009 1.25 pm

After a job interview, if you don’t get the job offer, do you still appear to work for the company that rejected you for free?

If you want opposition candidate to appear to you, vote them into parliament. You can then see them EVERY WEEK in meet-the-people’s session if you like.

You can’t eat your cake without buying first. Want opposition to come up with policies? Vote them in first.

“Lack of alternative” is said by people who are still sleeping. Wake up and you will get to see plenty of alternatives.

Stop giving yourself excuses. If you think PAP is doing a bad job, then vote for the opposition. Keep voting for PAP when you don’t think they are doing a good job is just hurting yourself and others and being blind.

Vote in the opposition, give them one or two term and if they don’t do a good job, then vote them out. It’s that easy. It won’t kill you.

Keep saying opposition has no experience or ideas is like saying we don’t hire fresh grad and only experience workers. If every one don’t hire fresh grad, where are you going to get experienced workers?

If everyone don’t vote the “no experience” opposition, how are we going to get experienced opposition?

To 11) joker93:

Yes you are right, and that’s why I tell some of you to ‘hold your horses’ before going on a campaign to make RP seem like some sort of savior.

Politics in Singapore is a long battle, and personally I hope more of you be patient and see whether the RP can connect with Singaporeans at all, or become another WP (I dont want to elaborate)

“I started the youth wing with a vision to cultivate a movement that I thought had been lacking in Singapore.” (Mentioned Justin)

Justin boy, may I remind you ah that there are many movements initiated by youths in Singapore from civil society and opposition political parties. From NUS to independent young activists. I have always read about them although I myself am too old to be part of their youthful activities but I have signed their petitions, attended their functions quietly when I can lah. Those youths are getting more united and younger and have been doing things for a few years. What kind of movement are you interested in cultivating and do you actually think that people will actually be supporting you more than the ones who have been actively doing things over the past few years?

Economic strength can never gain as much support as sincerity to reach out to fellow Singaporeans, even the lao kok kok ones like myself. Chiam has reached out to us, JBJ did too in his fiery never say die ah spirit, Low Khia Thiang was ok but now going abit bo lak and Chee Soon Juan (he has a PHD hor) is going and going every day no matter how hard they want to bury him. All of them have shown their potential and reached out to us in their own pattern, the young and old and the educated and uneducated ones. They never only talk about economy but also about human rights, equality and many more things lah. You want to talk only about economy, ok can but where are the other things that are important to Singaporeans? We are not happy you know, because we cannot express ourselves. Before 1990, maybe still can a little bit but after that all no balls because scared of being arrested. Will you come to address that?

Go and watch the JBJ speeches when he was in the parliament lah and learn. You want support, long way to go man.

Also ah, don’t talk atas lah we are all layman. Use simple language because not every one of us go to university. Eh zai bo? Young people… aiyoh I also have Permanent Head Damage hearing young people talk sometimes.

108) Political Salesman on October 20th, 2009

Baccarat, how could you dismiss a common language of our common people in kopi shop … you lcb. You are obviously a spoiled brat mf and you better don’t associate me with PAP. No matter how educated you are, you are either a cb or a lc, thats the kopitiam language if you like. To engage, you better know and prepare, if not, dont mouth

My reply
Scold as you like, u r simply showing your ugly face, pls don’t waste the space here, if you like to show your sub-sub culture, go write another blog

You are certainly a low end tactics pap supporters.

Your next msg is not worthy of any reply… go attend BEST class. lol.

To 116) Denny Tze on October 21st, 2009 1.29 am

“What kind of movement are you interested in cultivating and do you actually think that people will actually be supporting you more than the ones who have been actively doing things over the past few years?”

hee hee. dei, u answered your own question la. the existing kind of movement of student activism getting no support la. good that rp trying something new by create value-adding activities for youths.

I like rp plans and will get my kids to join when they are older. at least make give them safe opportunities to refine their political opinions. for what always protest, kena arrested by police and shame yourself by looking like hooligans on the news? and insult court judges for what? of course they not happy, jail u as they must protect their image..

agree with rp that the “opposition needs to progress in a proactive manner and not through a reactionary engine.” good start rp. don’t let us down.. we are all hoping for a reform through u.

117) Baccarat

who are you to tell him to write another blog? you sound more pap than that salesman will ever be.

Hazel Poa on October 20th, 2009 10.45 am:

Thanks for your post. I will write my comments in your blog shortly, probably starting tomorow.

GP,

I don’t wish to argue with you, as I don’t know u and seen no views from u

all i asked is for bloggers shoudl respect one another and NOT to use vulgarity,

The ability and tendency to use vulgarity does not indicate a person’ understanding of the common people in the streets.

This page is about Young RP, it is not abt you againsit me or I against another, let’s be matured and polite ( well, including me ), I reiterate that if any one like to discuss with vulgarity abd deviate from the subject, it is better to start anothjer subject in this or other blog, this request DOES NOT make me a PAPpy.

MOVE ON …. please

One point to add on.

If one uses vulgarity and claims that is pap supporters, stoning by others here is expected

If one uses vulgarity and claims that “he is an oppsoition supporters”, PAPpies will us ethis to paint black on opposition parties, actually many proud pappies think supporters of oppositions is a bunch of lowly educated folks.

How we behave may paint a bigger pictures than we wish to.

[[actually many proud pappies think supporters of oppositions is a bunch of lowly educated folks. How we behave may paint a bigger pictures than we wish to]]

Good let them think so. The more PAP looks down on opposition and supporters, the more likely and the more surprised they will be when they lose in the next general election to a few opposition members.

The key for opposition winning in the ballot box now is for PAP to keep performing sepukku on itself and look down on its opponents and citizens.

Btan,

Not only PAPpies may look down on opposition supporters, some swing voters are deterred from voting opposition party ( parties ) if they perceive that oppositions are a rowdy lot.

You can see from the GE results in 2006 and 2001, votes for WP > NSP > SDP.

It is better to beat PAP by conviction and pursuaion to voters and not by “surprises” due to certain behaviours.

120) Nhandakumar

Wow boy, I didn’t think that I mentioned that youths who are actively doing things now are not getting support and going nowhere. Who say everyone of them needs to go protest to be an activist leh? Anyone who takes up an issue, works on something (for migrant workers or social issues), who does advocacy work, who conducts events based on a causes or causes are activists. Wah check the dictionary lah. In fact anyone who seeks to form a movement or something like that can also be considered an activist. Not only politicians create movements boy.

Also who says protests are bad? If the government opens things for discussions and engagement, them no need to protest lah but they don’t, you see. It is very authoritarian like here, we have no voice. So by protesting, people exercise their rights speak. Finland is one of the happiest countries in the world and their government just lets people protest, sometimes also takes the messages of protests into consideration and do something about it. Here in Singapore? Pui ah, they never will one lah (and never have).

RP has not even started anything, we should wait and see before going hooray hooray. You think they will start something value added just because they talk about money and doing things ‘proper’ ah? Well then WP Youth Wing is even more value added lor. Comeon lah, progressiveness is to push for change, ‘value added’ or not, if it doesn’t work, it is of no use. Being proactive in a progressive manner doesn’t rule out demonstrating unhappiness and challenging the system. If the blacks did not protest and demonstrate, they will still be sitting at the back of buses now in America. If Gandhi and followers did not demonstrate unhappiness towards their British colonial masters, then India will still be under the British rule. Our government is so hardline on giving citizens no freedom and also continuing with their racist racial quota in everything. Eh you know even the imigration policy has racial quota or not? People have been letting them get away with it for so long time. I tell you, if this is happening in India, Hong Kong or Taiwan, the government will be overthrown long long time ago already. We are always so obedient and backward.

Even when shit has been thrown in our faces and it concerns us, no one stands up and say NO. Please lah, I cannot believe it man. Sit lah and talk about issues but when no actions have been done, all the talk is only empty chatter lor. Correct?

To RP, good luck playing ‘catch up’.

@126) Baccarat on October 22nd, 2009 8.31 pm

[[Btan,

Not only PAPpies may look down on opposition supporters, some swing voters are deterred from voting opposition party ( parties ) if they perceive that oppositions are a rowdy lot.

You can see from the GE results in 2006 and 2001, votes for WP > NSP > SDP.

It is better to beat PAP by conviction and pursuaion to voters and not by “surprises” due to certain behaviours. ]]

That is why we have alternative news sites like TOC and TR. So these swing voters can see for themselves the “good” PAP had done, wake up and vote for the opposition.

Already I have seen a few voters claiming they regret voting for PAP and will vote for opposition in future.

We need more of these former PAP voters to wake up to swing the votes. in GE 2006, we didn’t have sites like TOC and TR. Hopefully in the next GE, these sites don’t suddenly get DOS attacks and get shut down. (TR already received some attacks but unknown where these attacks are)

TOC itself also have former YPAP members who now are more aware of the bad things PAP done and the good work that opposition did.

Look at it this way. Why PAP launch operation coldstore and did the things they did to Francis Seow and Tang Liang Hong is because these people pose credible threat to them. Even people like Chee Soon Juan was a pretty credible threat, hence they fixed him as well. Those that do not pose a credible threat (credible as defined by PAP) do not get fixed.

So at this moment, best is not get under their radar. A surprise victory is still best. Let those million dollars sleep more in their tower. When the next GE comes and oppos win at least one GRC…ho ho ho say liao… (best is two GRCs)

Once oppos win 2 GRCs + 2 SMC (thats 12 MPs) it will be success beyond imagination, and those fence sitters will definitely take note. Even such a “small” setback to PAP will galvanise them to do something either positive. If positive, good, we have achieved our objective and confirmed that we are right, i.e. vote in opposition wakes PAP up to work for us instead of for them.

If voting in more oppos makes PAP even worse, fixing even more oppos, we vote in even MORE opposition members. Maybe 24 or 30 this time. Until PAP wakes up or they get changed.

This is power of the people. If only we all act in a united fashion.

BTW, looking at many opposition supporters here in TOC and TR, I see many who are coherent, smart, able to think critically and passionate. Not a unruly mob. If others chose to see us in a less than flattering light, its their prerogative and all I can say is that they are still burying their heads in the sand. In any case, we can’t convince everyone anyway. Just like there is a group of hardcore opposition supporters, there is also a group of hardcore PAP supporters. That’s just the way it is.

Yes, we are in force and we should be united as one. Long for the day when we could step out in force and walk in those markets in a larger force than them. We just need to get our acts together. There must also be one identified leader to lead us. Someone that has sacrifice for us and did much to bring the awareness of the good things that opposition has done. Dr. Chee has sacrifice much and we should support him to lead us through this. There is no better time than to do it now and for him to bring us forward to the next GE. Let’s support Dr. Chee and KJ can assist him to form this formidable team. SDP is in fact ready to make things happen. Here is the team I think would really make that diffrerence we have waiting for so long :

LTK and Chiam as advisors.

Dr. Chee Soon Juan as leader of the alliance, Sylvia as 1st deputy leader and KJ as 2nd deputy leader, Chee Siok Ching as organising sec, Edmund Ng as treasurer

130) Jomin, you are bloody joker. Chee is a loser. We can take him on with one finger in any election. He has no grounds at all. To lead the opposition ? Better queue behind. The undisputed leader of the opposition and OFFICIALLY is Mr. Low Thia Khiang. Please get that straight in your head, you bloody joker

Low Thia Khiang is the undisputed leader of opposition ah? Then how come he is getting so bo lak leh? Chee not bad lah still going even though they try to bury him. He has the spirit and strong believe in the opposition cause. Low Thia Khiang cannot lead the opposition to strength lah, if so then how come he takes so long leh? Never see him try to unite the opposition people leh just always hear him being so big headed. Ask if Wong Can’t Sing should resign, his system suddenly went into shock and he didn’t say anything. Mockery lah.

Aiyoh if only JBJ is still alive. That man ah, steady steady one. That one is the real deal and is what opposition have to be. Low ah, aiyah, what to say leh? Maybe he plays safe safe politics but then hor, does not seem to work so far. Not for us lah but maybe for himself and his party only lah.

[...] Rather it is the unfortunate consequence of a nanny I saw how the SAF officers work only…… continue to politics young youth »source: [...]

Saw the Young Reformers in action at Tampines Round Market(Tampines St 11) on 8th Nov 09. Like to suggest to the young reformers to interact with the crowd. Standing around together to talk amongst yourselves can be done during mealbreaks and like to see enthusiasm in your distribution of the party flyers.

It was hot and humid, however using the party flyers to fan and cool down instead of distributing them may not leave a good impression.

As i had commented, it’s very consoling to see our youngs coming in to participate in the affairs of the CITY, do show your dedications and sincerities in your mission.

Take my comment as feedback, i meant well and hope to see some of You as our good future leaders.

Yourstruly: patriot

What is the Reform party’s stance on the racist, xenophobic views expressed on forum or blogs like TR?

Whyso, dun be a joker lah. No politician in the right mind would claim to be racist, xenophobic lah.

I think TR is wonderful and nothing as u alleged.
You need to prove beyond reasonable doubt. Else, you technically can be sued.