credit: ST
The front page of Straits Times today quoted PAP’s candidate George Yeo as saying “Workers Party is forcing an “emotional dilemma” on the Aljunied GRC’s voters who have to choose between “enlightened self-interest” and the opposition’s interest. He further added that many people have written on his Facebook saying that they feel uncomfortable about this.
I found what he said incredulous and was incensed to read further that he said in reference to this supposed dilemma: ”I find that it’s against the spirit of democracy”.
What Mr Yeo said and the way he said it was insidiously misleading and it reminded me of the saying “Beware the smiling tiger”. With his gentle style of speech, and the benign way he said those lines above, it is easy to be lulled into thinking he is right to the unthinking and to his supporters.
As a citizen with a stake in my country, I am affronted by what he said. First of all, we are thinking citizens and are not led by the nose by any party. Let’s get this right – the opposition parties’ cause IS OUR cause. We the people of Singapore want accountability and integrity in our government. We want a government who puts the people’s concerns before the GDP.
As for the so called sugar-coated “enlightened self-interest” that Mr Yeo refers to, is he referring to the PAP’s ‘incentive” of estate upgrading or is he implying that without PAP, the people will be bereft of benefits and the country is doomed to ruin? On the latter, it is a fallacy perpetuated by them and their hard-core believers. No one and no party is indispensable so long as there are talented and able people in the country. And to those who ask who replace Mr Yeo will should he get voted out, we need look no further than the amply qualified “dealmaker of the year” Chen Show Mao of Workers Party.
I find it ironic that Mr Yeo says that by giving people choices and getting them to think about the choices, “’it is against the spirit of democracy.” I will like to ask him: “Is it democratic to gerrymander to eliminate the opposition and deprive us of our voting rights? Is it in the spirit of democracy to use upgrading as a tool to scare people into voting for PAP? In a democratic country like ours, why is there a pervasive atmosphere of fear that has muzzled the people from speaking up over the years against the party’s policies and arrogance?”
If we go by what the PAP has been doing and saying all this while, it seems their definition of democracy is akin to a master saying to the servants: “I feed you and clothe you. so you have no right to question me as to what I do. And if you do, you are ungrateful.” Well, we are not servants and they are not our masters. They will do well to remember that Parliament members are elected to do a job.
Many of us are put off by the increasingly arrogance displayed by the ruling party and their lack of transparency and accountability. We are sick of their attempts at brainwashing us into compliance and docility.
We want changes which is why so many people are supporting opposition parties. Without our desire for change, the opposition would not survive, without our call for change, they would not have attempted to contest all constituencies. They are here because they have heeded our call for change.
What Singaporeans are facing now is not an emotional dilemma but a moral one. We need to think carefully if we want Singapore to continue the way it is. Do we continue building a shell of shining towers and gilded walkways which we have plenty already? Or do we now focus on building a soul – a real nation where the people have a true sense of ownership and belonging?
Singapore’s hardware is well in place and should continue to progress well economically and we should not fear change. Now the time is ripe to vote with our conscience in the spirit of democracy. We are not looking to replace PAP but we are seeking to vote in some different alternative voices to provide the needed checks and balance. A vote for change now is a vote for a better government, one that truly represents the views of the people and which will do what is right by the people, for the people.
HELP keep the voice of TOC alive!
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To we the people 30 April 2011
Hi There, yes i know that WP does not have the funds or not in line with the first to secure funds for any upgrading. It is unfair but as a resident for the past 5years in the Aljunied GRC i get upgrading and i get upmost attention from my MP. So why do i want to change that? It is quiet nice to stay in Aljunied, whereas everytime i drive home from my friends place in Sengkang i had to pass by the Hougang SMC…….and
that place is so lousy and dirty compared to Aljuned GRC. What would happened to me if i choose WP.
I dont want to take that risk, my parents are getting older , and in the future i will have childern i have to spare a thought for them as well. I think that is fair.
Agree with CD. Inflation is a worldwide phenomenon. Can’t just blame the government but everyone needs to try find ways to alleviate it esp for lowest 10%. Singapore is an international city and noone owe us a living. They are waiting for us to screw up and adopt polarising politics or socialism so that they could hold on to their own talent. Restricting FTs if taken to the extreme is just playing to their hands.
Just look at our streets… is it safer in Singapore than Jarkarta, KL, Delhi ? Congestion on roads.. is it worse than Bangkok, Taipei, KL.
Vote PAP so that we continue to keep our unique strength and not let populist mode of politics take its root. I really hate to see the democracy in India, Thailand, Taiwan, HK happening here. Endless quarrels, endless squabbles, lots of showmanship but no substance, government basically operate on “make the least mistake approach” – no courage for long term planning.
A question I really love to ask all PAP ministers:
When did you last took the public transport during rush hours?
I wont be surprised if none of them took any during the last decade. Enough to prove that they have lost touch with the ground. At least I know CSM did even though he is easily a millionaire.
To CD and Johnny. The threat of the use of government funds for the PAP’s purposes is an abuse of power. Thats just one of many abuses the PAP is guilty of. It’s an empty threat. Things are changing. If you exercise your vote wisely, the PAP will no longer be able to abuse its power in this way, and your estate will be taken care of.
But most of your life isn’t in your estate anyway. it’s at work. Without a job, and wages that increase at a higher rate than inflation, all the playgrounds in the world, all the sweepers that Bangladesh can provide, will mean nothing.
What has George Yeo done for you and me?
Does G Y know how much is left in the reserves?
If not what has he done to find out?
Not important to find out?
What is the basis for him to support his party?
I mean, maybe he can impress us with his answer?
In 2006 GE, the signal from the electorate has already been sounded by the returns. It was not so good a result. Yet the Minister was happy to be returned to power. He did not do anything to check the slide in votes garnered.Continued to do what he thinks is enough and routine. This is when WP spotted the ground for them.Minister took the electorate for granted.He thinks that lift upgrading and new walkways is enough. He is wrong. The voters now are more well educated.Now he complains that it is a battlefield. Of course, it is a political battlefield.It is a GE.He is expecting pushovers as opponents.Not so. That is why he looked concerned and sad.It is late. There is now talk of the ruling party losing the Aljunied GRC.So vote according to your decision and not be threatened or warned.
Spirits of democracy in your Goverment? That “ghostly” spirit haunted us recently, isn;t it true? The Australians Federal Treasurer, Wayne Swan, did NOT mince his word – it is a “no brainer” easy decision in his rejection of SGX merger with ASX – the “Singapore Government” factor in the takeover equation made the Aussie parliamentarians very uncomfortable with our “reputable” CRASS political institutions and politics.
When the merger idea became public, I knew exactly what the outcome would be immediately. The differential of “spirits of democracy” is STARKLY OBVIOUS OF CONTRAST.
SHAME ON US – IT STINKS ALL THE WAY TO DOWN UNDER!
Johnny,
Inflation is a worldwide phenomenon, agreed.
However, what are people trying to tell the government which is so far not listening to its people?
Incomes of median earners are rising only 1.2 – 2.7% per year over the past 5 years (Read reports at theonelinecitizens) whereas property prices rose 11.1% per year over the same period.
The essential government services like water, electricity, gas, medical, schooling, transportation are all privatised with government collecting the sale profits from privatization leaving the GLC to charge for assets and infrastures paid for out of taxes all over again.
The tax and privatise system is a form of double taxing the people.
Lands were paid for out of people’s taxes and yet the lands were charged all over again for sale of HDB flats at market prices.
So it is not normal worldwide inflation at issue.
It is a system of collecting taxes and holding back taxes and charging essential services all over again that is the problem.
The people cannot retire because at 65 most people have only enough monthly retirement pay-out of S$200-500 pm not enough to pay for utility and transportation not to mention food, childrean schooling expenses.
This is the extent of overcharging the people that is the issue. Worldwide inflation only makes it worse and intolerable.
CD – what you said about Hougang being dirty n lousy is unwarranted. I visited it recently and it looks well maintained and clean. As to why it is not as posh as Aljunied GRC, u shold ask PAP what right do they have to abuse their power and our public funds by withholding upgrading for Hougang. Are u not at all bothered that our government is doing this? Are those who live in their comfortable PAP constituencies going to ignore all this abuse??? what kind of nation and people r we becoming if all we care about is our own kampong so to speak?
Dear Voters
There is only one way for a better future: Give yourself choices.
If voters are still not convinced to vote for alternative parties, one day we may not have a choice. All alternative parties will simply disappear from a battle that cannot be won.
For Aljunied, Holland and Tampines, the alternative parties are sufficiently strong to make it if there is no scare mongering and under-the-belt tactics by the ruling party.
Please exercise your vote wisely. It’s now or maybe never again.
Do you want to see your CPF gone?
Do you want to retire comfortably?
Do you want FTs to flood in and take-over locals?
Do you want to see your children unable to afford HDB flats?
There are endless consequences ans social costs to pay if we maintain status quo.
We must vote wisely.
Vote for change.
It is really tough to debate here.
I am doing my best to explain and type the little pieces to explain the issues on inflation, housing cost, foreign talent etc etc but it is tough for people to understand. Is it true that the more we are educated the more unclear we would become?
I always believe that true democracy is to enable your fellow people to earn the right to work and put food on the table. That is the basic but most goverment in the world cant managed that and looking from where Singapore started, where else can you find such Goverment.
food, electricity, education all has to rise because the richer people pays a much higher sum for it, though you may argue it’s a smaller percentage of their income.. Richer people eat more expensive food, goes to better school and they pay more. So, wouldn’t it be better to take it from them anyway and redistribute it via U-save or other schemes?
FT is a necessary evil, no doubt about that. And indeed, the govt has let them in too fast. But it seems they are already listening and addressing the issue, prior to election. Whenever opposition brings this up, i wonder if they could have foreseen the problem to begin with? Now, they are regurgitating & sensationalizing whatever the people feel. Wouldn’t they have done the same and let FT in, given that it’s for the benefit of the people? If they don’t, then they don’t deserve to be in…obviously, now they claim they would control the rate, but are we even sure they can anticipate right from the start? Do they have the experience? well, they can learn, but are we going to take the chance? what if they make noise for the sake of doing it, slows down policy implementation, and then when policy is out, the environment has changed?
Anw, the problem of poor people are always there regardless of how advance we are. You can be rich in developing country and deemed as poor in developed country, what is the benchmark? does owning a flat and being unemployed qualifies as being poor? what about the homeless and jobless? but in any case, assistance schemes are around, it’s just that these people are usually unaware of the scheme. so why don’t we just let these people know? and yes, opposition definitely can help because they make very good social worker – understanding the needs of the poor.
Democracy? The GRC was a double edged sword – PAP’s weapon to marginalise opposition unable to form a multiracial team, but at the same time, it may cause it’s downfall. With all due respect to GY, the job well done as fm and mp. Feel sorry and understand your desperation facing “worthy opponents”. But this is GRC democracy, so let the best men/women/team win.
@ Johnny: I fully agreed with you that Singapore road is better than Jakarta. But remember one thing? You don’t eat tar or concrete building to feet your stomach, your beatiful house won’t be pretty anymore when you don’t have money to buy food. your good road, no congestion with no house to stay and money to pay all your bills, you just eat the tar and sleep in the road ;-) I fully agree that Indonesia isn’t better than Singapore. Singapore always looks good from out side but rotten from inside. At the end, not better than anybody.
No crime in Singapore? Who said that? My friend died get killed in Singapore, isn’t it crime? But the Singaporean said he was suicided. That was so bad!!! But the fact shown that somebody killed him…!!! Too bad, isn’t it? Not fair for his parents. They couldn’t find any justice for his son.
Just remember this, your flat is worth 99 years only. May last you 1.5 generation before the govt take it back. Well, enbloc will only drive you into another 25-30yrs loan? Or sell to another Singaporean at double the price, which by then who would be able to buy? HDB our assets? Che…
and, Aussies are laughing at Singaporeans, paying over-the-head for public housings, which do not belong to the owners. 99 years only! can’t imagine those who pay millions for 99-years condos, or worst, landed properties. Good luck to you!
http://www.news.com.au/australian-house-prices-to-rise-by-up-to-20-per-cent/story-0-1225734646473
An election should be an expression of democracy. There should be no warnings, threatening of consequences and even teach the electorate on how to vote. Might as well not have an election. Do away with GRCs as the scheme may turn out to be a double-edged sword.Vote wisely according to what you want,what you see and read.Be an informed voter.Cut out all the mud-slinging.
There is a lot of hype on democracy and its good points. Much as I support this system I believe in Singapore, there are some flaws in it due to the uninformed or biased voter and lack of representation for minority views. Here are my thoughts:
http://comrade-jerrie.blogspot.com/2011/05/is-democracy-best-system-for-singapore.html
Smile an everlasting smile, a smile can bring you near to me.
Don’t ever let me find you gone, cause that would bring a tear to me.
This world has lost its glory, let’s start a brand new story now, my love.
Right now, there’ll be no other time and I can show you how, MY LOVE.
Talk in everlasting words, and dedicate them all to me.
And I will give you all my life, I’m here if you should call to me.
You think that I don’t even mean a single word I say.
It’s only words, and words are all I have, to take your heart away
As we draw closer to the voting day, I observe that PAP was either complacent or over-confident in planning their election campaign. Their campaign messages seems to be out-dated and disjointed.
Dishing out goody bags to an increasingly cynical electorate did not work. Mud slinging, did not stick but instead backfired. Bringing LKY to the picture is simply like rubbing salt to the wound. Making apologies at the 11th hour reinforces the opposition position and lend credence to what they have been saying. Lastly, the profoundly biased local media has unwittingly push more Singaporeans to the new media which seems to favor the opposition.
Well said.
GY’s words are simply psychological manipulation of voters by playing with words.
GY said LTK put Aljunied GRC voters in “emotional burden” having to chose between losing an indispensable PAP superman like him or losing the best remaining opposition prospect in parliament, leaving not even a token opposition seat in parliament? The truth is that there is no emotional burden at all. GY is so full of himself, so arrogant, sounds as if residents cannot do without him.
GY went on to say that WP forcing Aljunied GRC voters with “emotional dilemma” having to choose enlightened self-interest and the oppositions interests. The truth is that the GY wants voters to choose between PAP’s estate upgrading bribe, and MM Lee’s promised punishment to ruin Aljunied GRC.
What Georgie Boy is trying to do is psychological manipulation.