The following article was first published on 25 March 2011.
The makeshift cubicle that served as the office for Mr Chiam's Meet The People sessions for the past 27 years
Andrew Loh /
Seeing Mr Chiam See Tong up close is inspiring. Anyone who thinks that age or the two strokes he suffered in recent years have dented his spirit would be highly mistaken. The veteran opposition politician is as stout-hearted as he has always been.
As I waited for him to end his Meet-The-People session on Thursday at Block 108 in Potong Pasir, I was struck by the sight of what must now be legend – that singular table sited at a corner of the void deck, partitioned for privacy by aluminium panels into a makeshift cubicle.
That’s where Mr Chiam has conducted his MPS for 27 years.
The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) – that is, the Government – has refused to provide offices for opposition Members of Parliament (MP). PAP MPs conduct their MPS’s at the air-conditioned offices of its PAP Community Foundation (PCF) kindergartens premises. And since opposition parties do not have their own chain of kindergartens and their MPs are not of the PAP, the PAP would say it is thus not appropriate to have opposition MPs use the PCF spaces.
Mr Chiam’s void deck cubicle is truly a symbol of how utterly petty our politics is, as played out by the ruling PAP.
As a Singaporean, I am ashamed that we would treat an elected Member of Parliament this way.
But Mr Chiam is unfazed.
“If a person … really wants to be an MP,” Mr Chiam says, “he can work the ground and he can show himself to the people – that he is hardworking and he is for the people. I think he will get elected that way and show that he is a true representative of the people.”
And as such, Mr Chiam does not believe in the Non-constituency MP (NCMP) scheme. “I don’t believe in going into Parliament by the back door,” he says. “[The] NCMP is not really elected by the majority of Singaporeans. It is a token of the PAP.”
I was curious about what the veteran politician thought of the six new PAP candidates unveiled so far. “They look very impressive on paper,” Mr Chiam says. “They have to win the hearts and minds of the voters, isn’t it? And that is a difficult task because it takes time. You can’t [befriend] a person overnight.”
Turning to his health, I asked if he is able to withstand the rigour and stress of an election. “Well, you must remember I was a sportsman in my early days,” Mr Chiam says. “I was a school swimmer. And when I say school swimmer, I mean school swimmer,” he says with evident pride in his voice, “because I’m from ACS (Anglo-Chinese School). It’s somebody to be a school swimmer in ACS. You must be strong and fit.”
Those who still doubt his physical ability should visit Bishan-Toa Payoh on Sunday where he will be conducting his walkabout, Mr Chiam says. “Then you see whether I am fit or not,” he added. He is expected to lead a team to contest the area in the elections in his bid to win a Group Representation Constituency (GRC) – something which no opposition party has achieved so far.
Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC is helmed by Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng. Mr Wong on Wednesday had questioned the opposition’s intention in wanting to win a GRC. He asked if this was to satisfy personal ambitions and questioned if the opposition winning a GRC has anything to do with benefiting Singaporeans.
“Is it about the interest and missions of political parties or an individual’s interest to create a legacy or to make history?” Mr Wong asked. Mr Wong also challenged the opposition to reveal their candidates early so voters can scrutinize them.
“Most of Singapore already know the candidates of the opposition,” Mr Chiam says. “Opposition like to talk a lot. They inadvertently reveal the names of their candidates. I think everybody knows who is standing at Bishan Toa Payoh. In fact I announced my candidacy about a year ago. How can you say that we did not reveal?”
Mr Wong seems to have alluded particularly to Mr Chiam when he asked if the opposition’s reasons for wanting to win a GRC was so that its candidates could leave a legacy – a personal ego trip rather than out of consideration for the future of Singapore.
“We are not so small-minded,” Mr Chiam says. “Our purpose is mainly to expand the opposition. At the moment as you know opposition only has two MPs in Parliament. PAP has 82. If the opposition captures a GRC, that will be a big psychological blow to the PAP. It’s no longer an impregnable fortress.”
And Mr Chiam added: “Any step that the opposition does that dents the PAP is one step forward for the voters.”
Mr Chiam remains just as sharp as he ever was.
Perhaps Mr Wong should be more concerned about his own legacy. Besides going down in history as the minister who let a limping suspected terrorist escape – not once, but twice – Mr Wong has only won in one election, despite having contested six General Elections in total so far.
His first and only victory was at his very first election – in Kuo Chuan SMC in 1984. After the Government introduced the GRC system in 1988, Mr Wong has had five walkovers.
What a contrast to Mr Chiam’s six consecutive contests and victories!
History indeed will remember Mr Chiam as one who went about quietly in his work in serving the people, in spite of the odds and the mountains he has had to climb, put in his way by a ruling party which apparently holds an elected representative of the people in little regard – if he is not of their ilk.
Mr Chiam’s legacy is, really, that of humility and steely determination. He has contested in eight General Elections. Won six of them – and going on his ninth. As far as I know, no other MP in Singapore’s post-independence history has such a record of six consecutive outright wins. Not even Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew (five).
So, Mr Chiam has nothing else to prove to anyone, least of all to Mr Wong.
He does not need to win a GRC, in my opinion, for his name to be remembered. Indeed, his 27 years of service is testament enough. Yet he continues to serve despite his physical condition.
But perhaps what is most inspiring to me is that Mr Chiam’s example shows that serving the people does not have to include multi-million dollar paychecks and posh or ostentatious surroundings.
All it takes, really, is a bit of heart.
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On top of that, when one makes a choice against the ruling party, one needs to consider both (i) the push (PAP sucks); and (ii) the pull (opposition policies are good, not radical, feasible, and well thought out) factors.
At this point in time, the opposition spends far too much time on (i), and much less on (ii). More needs to be done on (ii) and on voter education to convert voters currently on the white side to the light side, instead of on (i), which is time spent on voters already seeing the light.
singapore school history books should be written by independent people with no fear of taking sides. Their only mission should be to educate singapore youth about our progress and mistakes. Let singaporeans know about the milestone in our collective journey. So as to build a better nation that we call home.
We are probably at a important milestone now.
Mr Chaim See Tong
- Hero, Champion, Patriot. Son of Singapore.
Dear all, everytime when I heard, read or see new about our beloved Mr Chiam’s. I couldn’t control myself as my tear drop and heart sour. He will always remember by Singaporean. Once again, THANKS Mr Chaim’s for all the small thing u had done for us, kindly take note why I said ” Small Thing’ because Thunder will not listen to ur small thing compare to Mr Chiam’s. The voices from a normal Sibgaporean.
I wonder if any one who read this article will have a way to share this truth with the UN Secretariat and bring this to their attention and people around the world, so that they understand how Singapore tax-payer been treated in this so-called “First world Country”!!
I cried when I read what he said:
“….. I am actually not a brave man. But I love Singapore and I love Singaporeans……”
Both Mr Chiam See Tong n Mr Low Thia Khiang will go down into Singapore history as Man Of Honor! We appreciate your perseverance n sacrifice for the people! We pledge to you our utmost support, Sirs!!
Chiam See Tong : he is friendly, willing to hear us and share our frustration and we can always take photo with him when he was doing his campaign walkabout ! Such a nice angel.
Lee Kuan Yew : so high up, don’t even can anyhow go close to him, his body guards will come face to face with you first !, do you know he ignore you silently !, and I heard alots of his dirty trick n how he made his opponents bankrupt ! Not a friendly guy., he never really care.
Desmond Choo in Hougang got his office in the CC and started off straight away with an office. How come?
LTK still using the void deck in Hougang also?
HOw much Desmond Choo paid PA for the office in the CC? Who funded the office space?
“I just met a friend over the weekend (working for civil service) that said there are many rumors that if you vote opposition, you will have poor performance review, less bonus, slower promotion etc etc etc. ”
Just tell your friend that do he prefers rumour or do he prefers reality that he will be replaced and degraded when by foreigners. Where do he think the jobs of 1.5 millions of new foreigners will be ? Construction workers ? Prostitute ? You don’t need a degree to think that his job will be replaced and that is not even a rumour with that number !
• Votng is 100% secret. We follow the UK style of having a number on the voting paper to prevent fraud or immitation copies that might be difficult to trace, even if it is to be investigate under any circumstances, it must go through many formalities to debate for court appproval and witnessess to be present to open the box. After our votepaper were being counted and results declared, the votepaper will be packed and put back into the ballot box sealed and with the candidates involved personally inspecting it and with their signature signed on the seal. Six months later if there were no case to be brought up for investigation then the votepapers will be send to be burnt, even that, the candidates involved will be call to check on the box and confirmed that it is intact in orginal seal and also had to witness the opening of the box and burning process
Singapore belongs to Singaporeans. This is fact. We cannot a PAP who behaved in every way similar to Maynmar Junta. This is totally unaccetapble. Now that we have the opportunity to nip the problems at its bud by voting out PAP, we must not hesitate nor lack any presumed obstacles fight for true independence. Nation cannot be building without voters support for the opposition, our pledge must not be forever an aspirations. This is the real issue. Change only come once in 50 years, come 7th May 2011 Singaporeans must live up to their rights and not return it to PAP to traumatise Singaporeans again.
Andrew Loh,
What a beautiful article!
First class in every aspect.
I have not read your other articles, but , if this is a standard to go by… compared to the NST line-up, you will have a following!
Believer 4 May 2011
Andrew Loh,
What a beautiful article!
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hi iwant to echo your sentiments on thsi great article.
indeed,by NOT GRACIOUSLY ALLOWING old mr chiam TO USE ‘THEIR’ facilities,the PAPies show INCONSIDERATION to residents of PP who are also SINGAPOREAN TAXPAYERS and who are seeking help from the GOVT MP there who happen to be MR CHIAM.
I FEEL SHY WE HAVE SMALL-MINDED AND NARROW-HEARTED SINGAPOREASN from amongts our ELITES,how could they embark on BIGGER ISSUES?
SMALL WONDER,so many among us have been rendered jobless,homeless and HELPLESS!
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.106856842735749.19929.100002343026215
Check this out….
The same table used for 27 years…..
If the MIW had treated Chiam and Low with respect during the last 20 years providing them with at least the minimum standard expected of a MP position, I would have respected them for their magnanimity and grace to their opponents.
Although Desmond (and a few others) come across as nice guys (not Eric) once they don the white uniform, they become someone different.
Just a suggestion, when all else fails. The best way to ensure our elderly folks do not vote the PAP in out of fear is to tell them this:
“Mum and Dad, as much as I love you and want to take care of you, if you vote the PAP and they come into power again, they are going to make me pay more and more. As such, I have no option but to cut your allowance to finance these blood suckers. So please vote for the opposition so I can gladly take good care of you and continue to furnish you with whatever I can. It’s better for you to live in luxury than those undeserving crooks right?”
I guarantee the fear of losing your monthly contribution will outweigh the fear of the PAP! Try it and let’s celebrate on the 7th May!
Hi Singaporeans
I am very excited for you. I’ve went through this in Msia GE2008. My government brushed the power of new media aside, and they paid the price and lost 2/3 majority in parliament. Have to tell you, i see more improvement this 3 years alone compared to the last 10 years before the GE.
I wish you all the best in sending your best oppositions into the parliament, to protect your ride and like one of your oppo leader say “slap the driver when he go off course”.
Gd night
your neighbour
p.s, Mr Chiam you are better than superman. you are PAP’s kryptonite!
YES, ALL MANUFACTURING COMPANIES ARE GIVEN SUBSIDIES FROM DAY ONE TO COME HERE, TAX FREE HOLIDYAS TOO, WHO IS PAYING, TAX PAYERS OF COURSE, IT CANNOT BE FROM LKY’S POCKET OR LSS’S POCKET,
BUT DOES THE TAX PAYERS BENEFIT, THINK……
DID YOU,THE TAX PAYER GET THE GOOD JOBS ?
WHY ARE THESE COMPANIES IN ALL KINDS, CALLED FDI, NEEDING SO MUCH OF SUBSIDIES OF ALL KINDS AND TAX FREE STATUS FOR 10 YEARS, WHY,16% NOT GOOD ENOUGH, MORE, GREEDY PIGS
THINK THE CEO’S ARE DOING THEIR JOB, HELL NO, MILKING THE ISLAND NATION, AND THEY CLAIM THEY DON’T HAVE A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD, HOW CAN THEY SAY THAT WHEN SO MUCH OF SUBSIDIES ARE GIVEN, IT JUST SHOWS THEY ARE NOT “UP TO IT” AND THEY WANT HIGH CEO PAYOUT, CHEAPEST OF LABOR, NOT SINGAPOREANS BUT CHEAPEST.
TRY SLAVES !!!
IT JUST SHOW, THAT THESE COMPANIES WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE IT ANYWHERE IN S.E.A, WITH STRICT LABOR LAWS IN INDONESIA, THAILAND, WHY NOT TRY CHINA, INDIA, CEO’S…
IT JUST SHOWS OUR MINSTERS ARE DUDS, PLAYING ALONG THIS LINE, USING TAX PAYERS MONEY AND CPF FUNDS TO FUND THEIR HIGH WAGES, VIA HIGH GDP !
NO MW FOR YOU.
SLAVE TRADING IS THE NORM HERE, AS LEVIES ARE COLLECTED AND COMING IN BY THE MILLIONS AND BILLIONS, FOREIGN LEVY OF ALL KINDS, INCLUDING MAIDS….
900K AFTER ELECTION AT THE GATES, IS SHOWS, SLAVE TRADING IS GOOD BUSINESS FOR PAP.
AND YOU BLAME PARENTS FOR NO BABIES, YOU MEAN YOU WANT YOUR BABIES TO BE SLAVES..?
DID YOU VOTE FOR THESE DUDS ???
I SURE DID NOT SINCE 1986………..
AND I SURE WILL NOT ……….!!!!!!!!!!!
DUDS=DAFTS
DAFTS=DUDS
Thank you for the tiny tribute and recognition of a true hero of Singapore. Mr Chiam is truly one man who has loved Singapore and truly wants what is best for us, without a thought for himself. I salute him! Respect!
Mr Chiam, you are very special indeed! An inspiration to many. Bless your heart.
Channel News Asia : SPP’s Chiam See Tong wants to make Bishan-Toa Payoh “his kind of town”. I was at the rally. Mr Chiam said “Let US make Bishan-Toa Payoh MY kind of town” to a thunderous applause from the crowd. His MY is referring to US. Pathatic CNA. And knowing CNA forum has a large amound of opposition followers, CNA closed the forum today for maintenance. cooling day indeed.
What the PAP does not seem to remember is that when they mistreat an elected member of Parliament in such a way, they are mistreating a member officially chosen by the people to represent them. Therefore, they are mistreating the people of Singapore. Time to speak.
You guys I believe will
allow any Tom Dick and Harry or Foreigners to use your cozy apartment.
Mr Chiam See Tong – You are the Son of Singapore !!!!
Peoples Autocratic Party under LKY, CGT, LHL has violated every democratic principles of running an election and country so that they do not know gerrymandering is cheating by cowardly ruling party while upon victory, your speech should not only include working for ALL CITIZENS but with the Opposition whether it is 1 or 49% for the future of ALL TAXPAYERS!!! Shame To PAP!!!!
Mr Chiam, you have earned my utmost respect and admiration. Thank you for your perseverance. We are sorry to have taken too long – 27 years. But yes, we are awake now. Thank you.