Wong Chun Han / Andrew Loh
He had been contemplating taking his interest in politics beyond the Internet for a while.
One and a half years ago, after much thinking and discussion with his wife, he signed up as a member of The Workers’ Party (WP) and has been involved in the party’s activities, including its weekly door-to-door visits to homes in housing estates. And just this month, he was elected into the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), one of four new faces doing so.
To observers of socio-political blogs and websites, Mr Gerald Giam, 33, is no stranger. Indeed, his original blog – Singapore Patriot – was one of the most recognised on the Internet. And he was seen as a sensible blogger with well-reasoned stands on issues. His blogsite has been renamed and can be found at http://geraldgiam.sg .
Mr Giam, a senior consultant with a global technology consulting firm, graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He has a 20-month old daughter and his wife is expecting their second child in August.
Mr Giam has written on Singapore society and politics since 2006. He recently penned his thoughts on these in a new book, “Singapore version2.0” (with a foreword by party chairman, Ms Sylvia Lim). And, as he tells The Online Citizen, he is open to running for political office to further his ideas.
In an exclusive interview with TOC, Mr Giam shares his thoughts and views on Singapore society, the Workers’ Party and its leadership, his personal journey in politics, the potential effect of new media in the next General Election, and his book.
The Workers’ Party characterises itself as a social democratic, left of centre political party. Would also you characterise your political beliefs as such?
I tend to be conservative on some issues and liberal on others. So it’s hard to categorise me neatly into left, right or centre. I am committed to freedom and democracy, and I believe strongly in social justice. I also believe that morally upright leadership is critically important in order for our country to progress and prosper.
Related to the above, how homogenous are the political convictions held by WP members?
I think we all share a vision of a more caring, compassionate and democratic Singapore. However we have different views on various issues and we do voice out our views within the party. I see that as a good thing because we help to sharpen each others’ ideas.
Can you tell us a little about how Mr Low Thia Khiang or Ms Sylvia Lim manages the party in terms of style or philosophy?
They always encourage committed members to take on more responsibilities and leadership roles within the party. They are also very consultative in their approach. I remember within days of joining the party, I found myself sitting in the party headquarters with the party leaders and other ordinary members to discuss what issues the two members of Parliament were going to raise at the upcoming Parliamentary session.
Opposition parties here seem to have problems with leadership succession. How is the WP or Mr Low planning for this (keeping in mind that Mr Low has been in politics for more than 20 years and served as WP Secretary-General for about 10 years)?
The WP is not run by just one man or woman, but a team of leaders who leverage off each others’ strengths to chart the direction of the party. Mr Low has made a deliberate effort to ensure that the WP is not a “one man show”.
The party is fully committed to leadership renewal, as evidenced by the recent CEC elections, where four new Council members were elected by the cadres, two of whom had joined only within the last year-and-a-half (I am one of the two newbies).
You were elected to the WP Central Executive Committee (CEC) on Sunday (4 July). Could you explain the role of the CEC in the running of the party, and tell us why you decided to run for a position in it?
In the WP, the CEC sets the direction for the party. Decisions are made collectively, not just by one or two leaders.
I decided to stand for election because firstly, I was nominated by several of my fellow cadres, and secondly, I wanted to play a part in setting the direction for the party.
Members of the WP CEC have in the past been fielded as election candidates, including the three outgoing members. Do you have plans to contest the next General Election?
I will leave that to the party to decide.
You wrote that your interest in politics and current affairs was first piqued during your years of undergraduate study in the United States, when you were exposed to campus politics. What about your political beliefs – who or what has influenced you the most?
Just being in an environment where people around me believed that change is possible from the ground up made me think differently about politics. I also realised the impact politics had on the lives of ordinary people, and was determined to make a positive impact when I got back to Singapore.
You have a book – “Singapore version 2.0” – coming off the presses, and its blurb on your website describes it as “a comprehensive take on the important public issues of the day.” What are the issues you consider to be most important?
It’s already off the presses and is available on my website (http://geraldgiam.sg/book). I have compiled about 90 of my best articles written over the last four years in this 384-page book. It covers a range of issues including politics, democracy, the economy, education, healthcare, transport, housing, the media, values and race relations.
All of them are important issues that Singaporeans face. I have devoted more articles discussing Singapore’s political situation, economy and race relations, so you could say those are the issues I am more passionate about.
Could you provide a sampling of the proposals you offer in the book for approaching these issues?
In my first chapter on politics as well as in the last chapter about my political journey, I shared about why it is important to build up a capable alternative political party led by upright leaders. This is not just to “check” the ruling party or oppose for its own sake, but to grow to become a party that is ready to lead the Government if the voters choose us.
On the education front, I have proposed boosting access to higher education as a means of providing for better social mobility. As a regular commuter, I have suggested several ideas on how to improve the public transport system. I have also discussed how I hope Singapore would move more towards a “melting pot” model of race relations, whereby people see themselves as Singaporeans first rather than their individual races.
What sort of expertise or specialist knowledge did you draw upon in putting together the ideas featured in the book?
Most of my ideas in the book came from reading widely and talking to different people to understand issues from their perspective. My varied experiences, from being a university student in California, to my experience in the Singapore Civil Service and even my conversations with my wife, who grew up in a Teochew-speaking working class home, have shaped my thinking greatly. These are reflected in my writings.
Is this selection of issues based on your own personal judgement, or can we expect to see the WP putting effort into tackling these problems as well? What issues can we expect the WP to champion going into the next GE?
Most of the articles in the book were written before I joined the WP and definitely before I was elected to the CEC. They are entirely my personal perspectives on things. However, if I think certain issues are important to Singaporeans, I will of course persuade the party to place more emphasis on them.
In general, I think you can expect WP to continue to champion issues that affect ordinary Singaporeans, like the cost of living, job security and narrowing the income gap. It is important for political parties to focus on issues that bring tangible improvements to the lives of Singaporeans.
You have been blogging on local politics and current affairs for several years (since June 2006). How has this experience shaped your political and personal beliefs? Do you think it offers you any unique insight into issues, which other political figures may not have?
The past four years of political blogging have given me a lot of practice in thinking through issues carefully, putting my thoughts together in words, listening to different reactions to my ideas, and having my views corrected at times. I think this is an important part of a politician’s job – to be able to understand the issues and articulate the views of his constituents well.
As both a member of a political party and an active socio-political blogger, you have direct experience of both spheres. What is your take on the role of the new media in Singapore politics? How might it influence the next GE?
I think social media will have a big impact in the next GE. Only a small proportion of the population currently get their political news from the Internet. But come the GE, I think many more will be seeking alternative viewpoints on the Web. Many of those who read news on the Internet will forward it to their friends or talk to them about it.
This is why it is important for political parties to have an efficient way to push out their messages through the Internet. It is also important for sites like TOC to continue to build up their credibility so that you can be a trusted source of news and commentary come the elections.
How well do you think the various political parties (PAP and opposition alike) have embraced the new media as a medium of political engagement? How have the WP in particular tried to harness the potential of the Web?
Social media is just one component of the overall media strategy. It is important that what we as a party say on the Internet is consistent with our message in the mainstream media and on the ground.
As a newly appointed assistant webmaster in the party, I will make it one of my priorities to help the party better engage with citizens through the Internet. In fact the party already had some new Internet initiatives in the pipeline before I came on board. We will be rolling them out in due time. So keep an eye out for WP on the Net!
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“While everyone is prone to have pet peeves about Singapore, Gerald has set himself apart by writing regularly, backed up by references and figures, despite holding down a full-time job and being a family man as well. In his pieces, my sense is that he deliberately reminds himself to be constructive, suggesting some alternatives to approaching the issues.”
- Sylvia Lim, Chairman, Workers’ Party, in her Foreword to Singapore Version 2.0.
You can purchase a copy of the book here.
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Hi, TOC,
It’s great that in addition to books by ISA detainees and about death penalty issues, you are also introducing more about opposition members and their books.
How about a book review on one of Dr Chee Soon Juan’s books? Maybe A Nation Cheated which I heard it’s quite popular.
And what does Mr Gerald Giam think about Dr Chee’s latest book A Nation Cheated? His views on the election process, GRC, Lee Kuan Yew’s immigration policy of “maintaining racial balance” in our multi-racial, multi-cultural, meritocratic Singapore??
WP internet strategy better gear up fast, they are already late in the game. PAP has kicked into 3rd gear
TOC is doing the right thing in the right time. The signal sent is: If WP can, why can’t NSP? Does that mean that WP is a approved party that some cited? I wondered is it becos today’s NSP is more vocal compared to WP.
TOC is actually putting the pressure on NEA and PAP before they considering whether to sue NSP members and whether they applied double standard.
It’s truly heartening to see another individual who is willing to come forward to serve as an alternative voice for Singaporean. As for WP, the need to fully utilize all the media channels available is a necessity as to reach all levels of the society and to bring forward their visions, opinions and messages for the Singaporean.
all the best Gerald Giam .. and WP.
It is disppointing when RP and NSP have come together to rise up against the PAP, rising up issue and suggestion concerning all Singaporean (even without MP in parliament), and WP is sitting down there to lay golden egg and talking about their TC ranking issue. I am very sure I will not vote for WP again and I swear to that. To those who support the opposition and those who want to make a change in Singapore, let us stand together to boycott WP and PAP. They seem to be in alliance. WP is form by a pool of opportunist like the PAP, who take credit for all civil servent or other opposition for their own benefit and kick you far away when you a useless to them.
Too sad to said all this but I have to say the truth to prevent more Singaporean to fall into their trap. Do not join them as your might fall into their trap or become on of them.
Just like to give our Gerald some encouragement.
We know the path you have taken is one least travelled by native citizens.
But have no fear, there are people like me supporting you. If got chance will sure vote for you and your party.
Maintain and grow your confidence.
Many are behind you knowing how difficult it is to have talents like you willing to step forward. Many are just KIA . Nevertheless, we support you because you are doing the community a big favor and service!
You are our champion.
How well do you think the various political parties (PAP and opposition alike) have embraced the new media as a medium of political engagement? How have the WP in particular tried to harness the potential of the Web?
A: the WP can try banning films as well. if they succeed in doing that, they will raise their esteem in the public’s eye by resorting to banning films rather than explaining them in this day and age in the 21st Century of the 3rd Millenium.
we have developed such an intelligent society.
My encouragement is not only for Gerald but for all young guys and gals Singaporean to join the opposition party.
But if there are any WP members and supportors viewing my comment, my advice is that you are ready lagging behind from the public aspectation. We hope to see more involvement in debate and media publicity on issue concern us just like NSP do. We sincerely hope to see a more vocal and impactful WP.
One thing stands out for me in the whole interview and Mr Giam has hit it right on its head. My sincere hope is that eventually when Mr Giam becomes an MP, he will bring this to S’pore.
In my opinion, this is what is lacking in S’pore right now. We see the poor having to beg for a few dollars more while the elites get all the goodies.
Mr Giam, thank you for stepping up to the plate. You will have detractors, as all politicians do. But take them in your stride but most important, and I hope you won’t mind me giving you a little advice, please be magnanimous and sincere in accepting criticisms.
Please do not be like the current batch of pseudo-legitimate PAP “leaders”.
Going back to what I was referring to, I am talking about this sentence in the interview. You said:
” I am committed to freedom and democracy, and I believe strongly in social justice.”
Kudos! Social justice is more important now than ever!
Thank you for stepping up.
Mr Giam
Congrads on being in the CEC and kudos to you stepping up to the plate. While you have written opinions on many issues would you also consider suggesting to the WP setting up a shadow cabinet? This gives voters more confidence in the stated goals you have mentioned, which is to form the government one day. At present moment i’m sure that the WP or any of the opposition would struggle to form a Cabinet. Who will be the Minister for Education, Health, Defence? Unless there is a plan there can be no outcome.
why, why can’t the word ALTernative be used to describe other (non-PAP) political parties?
are we still in the old days where the ruling see themselves as always right & the others as a challenge? hence, the need to be fixed? the strong man approach to governing the country may appeal to some, but that model has its fair share of flaws, dictators being 1 of them…
maybe, as time goes by, more people will warm up to the more positive term- ALTernative parties, online?
it may take time for MSM to catch up & they are more likely to resist putting other political parties in positive light.
I think Gerald is impressive!
Here’s why.
I know of a citizen who likes to wayang infront of colleagues that he is martial arts expert. Likes to show his fist to intimidate people.
He has tattoo all over his back.
He talks big and likes to sell his martial arts lessons to colleagues especially foreigner lady colleagues.
He says singapore has underground pai kia. He says it like he knows them or is one of them.
But the joke is when it comes to complaining policies he becomes a mouse.
Gerald is different. He walks the talk.
All I can say that regardless how good show that WP put up, they themselve are already an obstacle to the growth of the oppositions. According to track records and activities, they are the only opposition that do not believe in working toward oppositions unity. With the current CEC leaders of WP, they will contiune to affect other oppositions to progress / break through and causes them to contiune to be weak for more years to come.
It is really very different for my many years experience of WP when compare with what Gerald mention in the interview above. It may be too early for him to see now as he is not tested yet. I sincerely hope to see a different WP after new members comes into the CEC. But still I do not expect high hope on them as I have already have many years of disappointment on them
Good Luck WP & Gerald
I seldom hear much from WP championing on issues that affect ordinary people unless it affect his Town Council. I do also seldom see WP doing outreach when other oppositions are working harder. I can only spot the difference of them from other oppositions parties is they have MPs. That might be the only reason why they attract more “new members”. Are they really performing as what Singaporean expects? I will rather vote PAP when they can perform better in many senses.
Hi everyone,
Thank you for all your comments. They are all very useful feedback. I agree that there are many areas that we can improve in. Every organisation is only as good as its people. I would therefore like to appeal to all those who have a passion for politics, and have a desire to make things better for Singaporeans, to consider joining WP, or any other political party in Singapore. I would be most happy to share more with you. I can be contacted through my blog, http:/geraldgiam.sg.
Regards,
Gerald
First of all, congrats to Gerald. You have finally made your first step into politics. All the best.
I thank all NSP supporters but I think it is a bit unfair to criticise WP based on what NSP is doing.
NSP has no MP in parliament and that is why we need to work just that little extra hard to make our voices heard. WP has MPs in parliament so most of the time, they raise their issues in parliament. However, their voices in parliament are seldom publicised by the MSM.
We are all contributing towards the whole opposition movement through our own ways.
I am only disappointed that some young WP members do not understand politics well enough to make unwarranted comments against other parties like NSP. All of us choose our own paths and there is no need to impose our own thinking and paths unto others.
As much as many people want to see “opposition unity”, I guess in these WP members’ eyes, WP is a league of its own. It is alright for it to choose its own unique path while we choose our own. But rest assure that our direction is the same, for a better Singapore with a more mature political development.
Goh Meng Seng
Goh Meng Seng says: However, their voices in parliament are seldom publicised by the MSM.
Why blame the MSM for your shortcomings? Don’t you know that the MSM is a mere propaganda tool of the PAP? Why can’t the WP have an active Internet presence to spread the speeches of its members in Parliament?
Opposition unity can’t materialise as long as selfish members are in parliament caring only for their $14,000 monthly salary and life-long pension.
To hide their greed for wealth and protect their little turf, these so-called opposition leaders talk about being “credible” and “watchdog” on the PAP. What a load of bullshit.
george, 14 July 2010
quote: “Why blame the MSM for your shortcomings?”
err, who’s shortcoming? you like soo confused. that i blame MSM. hahaa…
time to change…