There has been a lot of talk about "By-Elections Strategy" right after 2015 General Elections and it seems that people are trying to push the blame to the complete contests opposition parties have put up for this GE.
They opined that the National Swing of votes against opposition was the result of the FEAR of PAP losing power. While this may be true but I do not think we should be quick to conclude that it is the fault of other smaller opposition parties for contesting all other seats in this GE.
The By-Elections Strategy is a baseless misguided strategic thinking. From past GE results, there is absolutely no Correlations found in By-Elections Strategy (i.e. contesting less than 50% of the seats) that really helped opposition parties gaining more results or seats.
For GEs held in 1991, 1997 and 2001, less than 50% of seats were contested but only for GE 1991, we saw a more successful campaign whereby SDP and WP together, won 4 seats. Ironically, in GE 2001 which opposition contested the LEAST seats since 1980s, opposition parties as a whole had the WORST results! Thus, there is absolutely no correlation whatsoever between By-Elections Strategy and good opposition results.
For GEs held in 2006, 2011 and 2015, more than half of the seats were contested. But for these GEs, we saw a steady increase of opposition support for 2006 and 2011. In fact, for GE 2011, we contested nearly all seats other than the 6 seats in Tg Pagar which was disqualified on technicality, but we achieved the BEST RESULTS for opposition as a whole, since 1991.
Thus, there is absolutely no basis to claim that By-Elections strategy is vital for opposition electoral success. It is NEITHER the necessary nor sufficient conditions for opposition parties to perform well in elections.
Thus, we should not just believe blindly that we should have By-Elections strategy. In fact,I do not believe in By-election strategy at all. It is a misguided defeatist strategic thinking. It effectively secedes Power to PAP even without a fight and it means giving PAP a BLANK CHEQUE right before GE! How can that be good for Singapore?
The only thing that could possibly keep PAP up on its toes, to keep Singaporeans as its priority and to get it to take care of Singaporeans, is the FEAR of losing power during GE! If we were to submit to By-election strategy, it would mean that we would have taken off that sword over PAP's head right now and PAP would do whatever benefits itself and its cronies without the need to be bothered about Singaporeans' well being!
This is the reason why I am against the By-election strategy. From past statistical results, there is absolutely no basis to think that it could help opposition to win more seats. But at the same time, we are just selling out our only means to keep PAP up on its toes for such misguided myth and belief.
The problem lies with Voters' perception of FEAR. 2001, opposition parties lost badly due to FEAR; right after 911 terrorist attack in US. Similarly, for GE 2015, it was FEAR again, that resulted in a dismay showing overall for opposition. The FEAR of uncertainty if PAP lost power.
But small parties should not be blamed for that FEAR because only bigger opposition parties could effect that FEAR.
Some people say opposition suffered a bad swing because of small parties and we contested all seats. This is because people fear PAP losing power.
One must first look at simple facts of comparison. In 2011, all but 6 seats were contested. You mean to say that PAP won't face the same risk of losing power in 2011 if we simply look at the total number of seats contested?
There must be something more to make voters to fear PAP losing power. There are combined factors:
1. The show of an over confident of WP and SDP winning. This can only be effected when majority of media focus has been put on them, showing the huge crowd size of their rallies and suggestive reporting of potential GREAT victory. This also means that other small parties did not hog the news space and didn't project any negativity to voters as a whole. (The only BAD thing or NEGATIVITY that comes from opposition was the APHETC saga! This has NATIONAL EFFECT on voters' perception but this is not the doing of smaller parties like PPP.)
2. However, the number seats of WP and SDP added up will not Cross the 50% mark. It would be irrational for voters to conclude that PAP will lose power if Both WP and SDP win all the seats they contested. Thus, it also means that in voters' mind, other smaller parties may also win seats! If that was so, it must be the case that voters also think smaller parties have good credible candidates who could potentially win seats as well .
Now, how can people start to say that other smaller parties do not have credible candidates if that was the case?
Thus, please don't put blame on other smaller parties. Opposition as a whole has put up a TOO STRONG showing which Ironically backfired. It was too strong overall to make people frighten of the unthinkable, PAP LOSING POWER.
Contrary to those naysayers, opposition wasn't weak at all and it was Precisely due to this perceived strength, voters begin to worry about PAP losing power.
We need to analyze the factors behind opposition's dismay showing in GE2015 with a balanced mind and not to believe blindly in some illogical and baseless claims or accusations or blame pushing masked behind some "comments".
To address the FEAR of PAP losing power, voters must be told that PAP will still be the dominant party tasked to form the government even if it lost over 50% of the seats. It is so far, the only party that could contest ALL seats alone.
It would most probably look for a COALITION partner and that would be REAL CHECKS and BALANCES kick in. Having a few opposition MPs in parliament may be good but they could not really effect policy direction change but a coalition partner with PAP would be able to do that.
Most likely WP will become PAP's coalition partner. I do not think other parties would want to be PAP's coalition partner other than WP. WP has said that it is open to become coalition partner, most probably a slip of tongue during a political forum. It has also said that it will not form coalition government with other opposition parties.
Thus, as far as I can see, there is really no problem even if PAP lost absolute Power and we should educate voters about that.
Goh Meng Seng
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Monday, October 19, 2015
GE2015: Stop Pushing Blame on Smaller Parties!
I cannot help but wonder why people cannot see through the plain attempt of some political leaders of shifting away blame when they come up with some totally illogical and even contradicting statements.
Half truth is thrown up to mask their flaw argument.
For example, people say opposition suffered a bad swing because of small parties and we contested all seats. This is because people fear PAP losing power.
One must first look at simple facts of comparison. In 2011, all but 6 seats were contested. You mean to say that PAP won't face the same risk of losing power in 2011 if we simply look at the total number of seats contested?
There must be something more to make voters to fear PAP losing power. There are combined factors:
1. The show of an over confident of WP and SDP winning. This can only be effected when majority of media focus has been put on them, showing the huge crowd size of their rallies and suggestive reporting of potential GREAT victory. This also means that other small parties did not hog the news space and didn't project any negativity to voters as a whole. (The only negativity projected by opposition which has NATIONAL influence and implications, is only the doubts thrown on the AHPETC saga but this has nothing to do with the small parties at all!)
2. However, the number seats of WP and SDP added up will not Cross the 50% mark. It would be irrational for voters to conclude that PAP will lose power if Both WP and SDP win all the seats they contested. Thus, it also means that in voters' mind, other smaller parties may also win seats! If that was so, it must be the case that voters also think smaller parties have good credible candidates who could potentially win seats as well .
Now, how can people start to say that other smaller parties do not have credible candidates if that was the case?
Thus, please don't put blame on other smaller parties. Opposition as a whole has put up a TOO STRONG showing which Ironically backfired. It was too strong overall to make people frighten of the unthinkable, PAP LOSING POWER.
Contrary to those naysayers, opposition wasn't weak at all and it was Precisely due to this perceived strength, voters begin to worry about PAP losing power. Period.
Half truth is thrown up to mask their flaw argument.
For example, people say opposition suffered a bad swing because of small parties and we contested all seats. This is because people fear PAP losing power.
One must first look at simple facts of comparison. In 2011, all but 6 seats were contested. You mean to say that PAP won't face the same risk of losing power in 2011 if we simply look at the total number of seats contested?
There must be something more to make voters to fear PAP losing power. There are combined factors:
1. The show of an over confident of WP and SDP winning. This can only be effected when majority of media focus has been put on them, showing the huge crowd size of their rallies and suggestive reporting of potential GREAT victory. This also means that other small parties did not hog the news space and didn't project any negativity to voters as a whole. (The only negativity projected by opposition which has NATIONAL influence and implications, is only the doubts thrown on the AHPETC saga but this has nothing to do with the small parties at all!)
2. However, the number seats of WP and SDP added up will not Cross the 50% mark. It would be irrational for voters to conclude that PAP will lose power if Both WP and SDP win all the seats they contested. Thus, it also means that in voters' mind, other smaller parties may also win seats! If that was so, it must be the case that voters also think smaller parties have good credible candidates who could potentially win seats as well .
Now, how can people start to say that other smaller parties do not have credible candidates if that was the case?
Thus, please don't put blame on other smaller parties. Opposition as a whole has put up a TOO STRONG showing which Ironically backfired. It was too strong overall to make people frighten of the unthinkable, PAP LOSING POWER.
Contrary to those naysayers, opposition wasn't weak at all and it was Precisely due to this perceived strength, voters begin to worry about PAP losing power. Period.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Reflection on earlier predictions of GE2015
Reflection of GE 2015
A couple of months before GE2015, I was sharing with quite a number of people, including editors from TR Emeritus on what I thought would be the outcome of GE2015.
In retrospect, I did make some accurate predictions but also bad judgement as well.
I told them that most probably WP would retain Hougang but lose Punggol East while Aljunied GRC was going to be a 50-50 fight. I was hoping that WP could win East Coast GRC (at that time, the formation of Fengsan SMC was not made public yet.)
The reasons I gave was that those residents who have changed from PAP to WP management (aka Punggol East and Aljunied) would have experienced first hand the vast differences and changes in the management of their town. Particularly for Punggol East which I have quite a number of friends and relatives who stayed there had complained profusely against the drastic drop of cleanliness in their neighbourhood.
Linking this situation to the AHPETC saga would naturally create negativity among the swing voters. Punggol East was thus expected to lose. As for Aljunied GRC, the adverse swing would mainly come from the negativity derived from the FMSS saga.
As for East Coast GRC, I would expect WP to win because I thought that those voters there would not have the bad first hand experience as those voters in Punggol East had. It would just follow the expected upward trending of increasing opposition support nation wide.
I also expected other opposition parties would fair better and we might see non-WP MPs in parliament this time round.
I was proven half right. WP did lose Punggol East and Aljunied GRC did have an extremely close fight. WP nearly lost, only won by a razor thin margin. But I was proven wrong about the isolated effect of the AHPETC saga and the upward trending of opposition support. I have underestimated the combined effect of Pioneer Package and the lost of middle ground voters' confidence.
Of course, some of the people I have spoken to, were practically laughing my predictions of WP losing Punggol East and Aljunied GRC having a close fight. Especially for the editors from TR Emeritus. They thought that it was due to my bias against WP which made me to come up with such predictions of loss of WP in Punggol East.
Some even thought that WP would win Aljunied GRC with INCREASED margin, citing reports that survey done on the ground has shown that very few voters regard AHPETC as important. I told them that it just needed a mere 5% of SWING voters to regard that as important, that will already be a killer.
Well, apart from WP's results, I guess if I have known that there would be a great National swing against opposition, I would have given this GE a big miss and save a lot of money!
Nevertheless, I will learn from this GE2015 that no matter how people want to isolate themselves from other "opposition" parties, all Non-PAP parties will always be viewed as one by Singaporeans.; those middle ground swing voters. It will be a wishful thinking that we could effect a clear differentiation between the different opposition parties.
All for one, one for all? Some of us may not want to think that way, but that's what the middle ground voters think.
Goh Meng Seng
A couple of months before GE2015, I was sharing with quite a number of people, including editors from TR Emeritus on what I thought would be the outcome of GE2015.
In retrospect, I did make some accurate predictions but also bad judgement as well.
I told them that most probably WP would retain Hougang but lose Punggol East while Aljunied GRC was going to be a 50-50 fight. I was hoping that WP could win East Coast GRC (at that time, the formation of Fengsan SMC was not made public yet.)
The reasons I gave was that those residents who have changed from PAP to WP management (aka Punggol East and Aljunied) would have experienced first hand the vast differences and changes in the management of their town. Particularly for Punggol East which I have quite a number of friends and relatives who stayed there had complained profusely against the drastic drop of cleanliness in their neighbourhood.
Linking this situation to the AHPETC saga would naturally create negativity among the swing voters. Punggol East was thus expected to lose. As for Aljunied GRC, the adverse swing would mainly come from the negativity derived from the FMSS saga.
As for East Coast GRC, I would expect WP to win because I thought that those voters there would not have the bad first hand experience as those voters in Punggol East had. It would just follow the expected upward trending of increasing opposition support nation wide.
I also expected other opposition parties would fair better and we might see non-WP MPs in parliament this time round.
I was proven half right. WP did lose Punggol East and Aljunied GRC did have an extremely close fight. WP nearly lost, only won by a razor thin margin. But I was proven wrong about the isolated effect of the AHPETC saga and the upward trending of opposition support. I have underestimated the combined effect of Pioneer Package and the lost of middle ground voters' confidence.
Of course, some of the people I have spoken to, were practically laughing my predictions of WP losing Punggol East and Aljunied GRC having a close fight. Especially for the editors from TR Emeritus. They thought that it was due to my bias against WP which made me to come up with such predictions of loss of WP in Punggol East.
Some even thought that WP would win Aljunied GRC with INCREASED margin, citing reports that survey done on the ground has shown that very few voters regard AHPETC as important. I told them that it just needed a mere 5% of SWING voters to regard that as important, that will already be a killer.
Well, apart from WP's results, I guess if I have known that there would be a great National swing against opposition, I would have given this GE a big miss and save a lot of money!
Nevertheless, I will learn from this GE2015 that no matter how people want to isolate themselves from other "opposition" parties, all Non-PAP parties will always be viewed as one by Singaporeans.; those middle ground swing voters. It will be a wishful thinking that we could effect a clear differentiation between the different opposition parties.
All for one, one for all? Some of us may not want to think that way, but that's what the middle ground voters think.
Goh Meng Seng
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Press Statement on SGH Hepatitis C Mass Infections
Date: 11 Oct 2015
For Immediate Release
Press Statement on SGH Hepatitis C Mass Infections
SGH and MOH Should Take Full Responsibility and Do the Right Things
First and foremost, our deepest condolences to the families of the patients who were dead due to the outbreak of Hepatitis C mass infections in SGH. We also empathize with those families of frustrated patients who are infected and suffered from Hepatitis C infections which may have long term impact and implications on their health.
We are angry with Ministry of Health’s (MOH) and the Health Minister’s, Mr. Gan Kim Yong, obfuscation over this serious incident. MOH and Mr. Gan should take full responsibility for the failure of making public the information on the incident immediately when SGH informed them in late August.
PPP noted SDP commented about the issue. But we would like to look at the issue beyond the political angle --- this issue is so serious and it should be beyond politics. We share the point made by Singapore Democratic Party that there are reasons to believe that such deliberate delay of release of information in late August was based on political consideration of the impending General Elections. We condemn such act as it puts PAP’s party interests on top of public health interests. Such decision is totally irresponsible as it puts public health at risk.
PPP noted that Mr. Gan said he wanted to maintain “transparency” but such 'transparency" of delaying of information release is undesirable as it put patients to SGH in health risk directly, and Singaporeans indirectly. If this is the kind of “transparency” Mr. Gan is trying to maintain, we would be utterly disappointed. We urge Mr. Gan to make a public apology and step down for failing to inform the public in a timely manner. Such low standard of “transparency” would put even more Singaporeans at health risk if there were to be other major mass outbreaks of infectious diseases in the future.
PPP noted that MOH has stated in response to criticism that hospitals are to report on Hepatitis infections only for acute cases. We wish to point out that MOH’s standing order and protocol are totally outdated and show that it has learned nothing from the SARS outbreak in 2003. Any mass outbreak of infectious diseases should be reported and made public as soon as possible regardless of its nature. If there isn’t any standing protocol for immediate reporting of the cluster outbreak of such infectious diseases like Hepatitis C, which may result in serious complications as well as liver cancer, then we question MOH’s competency in its regulatory role.
MOH should review its standing protocols to include mandatory report by hospitals within a stipulated time if there is any suspicion of outbreak of any infectious disease. Such information should be made public immediately to keep patients alert while investigations are carried out concurrently. This is the level of professional standard of transparency we expect from MOH and all hospitals.
The information released by MOH and SGH so far seems to suggest that they are free from any forms of human errors or negligence. We find the report incredible and we hope this is not the standard of “ownself check ownself” logic which was promoted by PAP during the General Elections. 8 lives had been lost, and that has to be investigated by police as they are coroner cases, before one can rule out foul play or negligence.
The report by SGH suggested that the infections were most probably caused by multi-dose vials. As pointed out by SDP, all renal patients would have been screened for hepatitis before their kidney transplant. Thus there must be human error involved either the screening were not done properly, SGH staff has contracted Hepatitis and infected the patients or that there are lapses in the administration of injections of insulin into the patients.
It is incredible for SGH’s report to blame only the outbreak on the use of multi-dose vials without mention of human errors and lapses. We understand that such mention would have implications on SGH’s legal liabilities towards the patients and the families of those who died of the infections but it is important to be upfront and forthcoming on such matters and review its staffs on the safety of their current practices.
Regardless of whether it is due to human negligence or inappropriate protocol set for the administration of injection from multi-dose vials, we feel that it is totally inadequate for SGH to only be responsible of the treatment of Hepatitis C of the patients without mention of any compensation made to those who were affected. Hepatitis C is not just an ordinary infectious disease which can be easily cured. Some may be affected for the rest of their life. Although no amount of money could compensate the grieve of losing one’s love one but at the very least, the government and SGH should demonstrate their sincerity in making amends of their mistakes which have caused death and sufferings to the patients.
What was done cannot be undone and it is totally unfortunate for this outbreak to happen. The very least MOH and SGH could do is to be open and transparent in their handling the aftermath with the aim of reviewing the inadequacy of current protocols and administration so to improve public health safety in future. At the same time, we hope that SGH and MOH would assume all responsibilities of this outbreak and make appropriate compensations to the patients and the families of the dead.
Goh Meng Seng
Secretary General
For Pro-Tem Committee
People’s Power Party.
Wednesday, October 07, 2015
Press Statement on Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
For Immediate Release
Press Statement on Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
1) The conclusion of the negotiation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) has been announced by the President of United States as well as our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 5 Oct 2015. However the negotiation was done in total darkness of a black box operation in which, up till now, there is no formal public revelation of the details of all the 33 Chapters embedded in this agreement.
2) While the Minister of Trade and Industry Mr. Lim Hng Khiang has painted a rosy picture for Singapore SMEs to benefit from this TPPA, but we know that for every Free Trade Agreement, there will always be tradeoffs for every country.
3) It is inadequate for our Prime Minister and Minister to only talk about the potential benefits of TPPA without telling Singaporeans the tradeoffs we are going to make in return.
4) We urge the PAP government to make public all information with regards to TPPA as early as possible so that debate on this extremely important FTA could be carried out rigorously. We note that the government is obliged to make public the details of this agreement within 30 days from the signing. We would expect PAP government to fulfill this obligation.
5) It would be more helpful if an independent panel of academia, economists and experts could be set up to explain the potential implications of all the 33 Chapters.
6) We are particularly concerned over the impact on the income growth as well as job prospects of all Singaporeans, medicine cost, cost of living and population growth.
7) We are also concerned on the social and national impact of TPPA. In particularly, will TPPA give overwhelming powers to big corporations and MNCs to dictate our local legislation based on compliance clauses stated in it?
8) People’s Power Party is against black box operations for any legislation or ratification of any Free Trade Agreement without much transparency, open debate and scrutiny. If TPPA was proven to be overly controversial, we would want a referendum over its final approval.
9) We hope that PAP is more forthcoming and transparent with all the information of TPPA and do not shy away from public debate over this agreement.
Goh Meng Seng
Secretary General
For Pro-tem Committee People’s Power Party
Press Statement on Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
1) The conclusion of the negotiation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) has been announced by the President of United States as well as our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 5 Oct 2015. However the negotiation was done in total darkness of a black box operation in which, up till now, there is no formal public revelation of the details of all the 33 Chapters embedded in this agreement.
2) While the Minister of Trade and Industry Mr. Lim Hng Khiang has painted a rosy picture for Singapore SMEs to benefit from this TPPA, but we know that for every Free Trade Agreement, there will always be tradeoffs for every country.
3) It is inadequate for our Prime Minister and Minister to only talk about the potential benefits of TPPA without telling Singaporeans the tradeoffs we are going to make in return.
4) We urge the PAP government to make public all information with regards to TPPA as early as possible so that debate on this extremely important FTA could be carried out rigorously. We note that the government is obliged to make public the details of this agreement within 30 days from the signing. We would expect PAP government to fulfill this obligation.
5) It would be more helpful if an independent panel of academia, economists and experts could be set up to explain the potential implications of all the 33 Chapters.
6) We are particularly concerned over the impact on the income growth as well as job prospects of all Singaporeans, medicine cost, cost of living and population growth.
7) We are also concerned on the social and national impact of TPPA. In particularly, will TPPA give overwhelming powers to big corporations and MNCs to dictate our local legislation based on compliance clauses stated in it?
8) People’s Power Party is against black box operations for any legislation or ratification of any Free Trade Agreement without much transparency, open debate and scrutiny. If TPPA was proven to be overly controversial, we would want a referendum over its final approval.
9) We hope that PAP is more forthcoming and transparent with all the information of TPPA and do not shy away from public debate over this agreement.
Goh Meng Seng
Secretary General
For Pro-tem Committee People’s Power Party
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
GE2015 Reflections - The Pendulum Swing
There are prominent people who have talked about the unfairness of the electoral system and blame this as the main reason for bad result of opposition in GE2015.
A letter has been sent to UN and a petition has been raised by Gilbert Goh while Dr Chee Soon Chuan has raised the point of the need to revamp the whole electoral system before we could have any meaningful contest.
While I agree that there are a lot of unfair practices within the current system, like PAP was given prior advanced knowledge of where the polling stations would be situated while opposition parties were made to wait. ... etc. , but the fundamental question is, 70% of Singaporeans allowed this to carry on. They didn't view these unfairness as a BIG DEAL.
In fact I think that this is a wakeup call to opposition parties that internet which has been viewed as the important tool for Democratic development is really over rated in Singapore's context.
The Myth that progressive increment of support for opposition from 2006 to 2011 is due to post-65 voters which will peak at 2017 and that will bring about political change for Singapore should be discarded. Even young voters, first time voters might have switched their votes to PAP.
The brutal truth derived from this year's GE is that majority of Singaporeans do not have a strong belief of the need of Democracy or Democratic development for our country. This is the fundamental reason why PAP can go on gerrymandering and vote buying using government funding but yet get away with all these nonsense; because Singaporeans allow it to do all these without repercussion from the poll.
This is why I concluded earlier that for my party, we may have to put in more effort in promoting our belief of Separation of Five Powers as the tenets of Real Democracy. When political education on Democracy is lacking, we will never have enough Singaporeans who really believe in Democracy to help us evolve and develop Democracy for Singapore.
Having said all these, PAP should not be too happy. The reason is that they will be facing an electorate who has no loyalty or political belief of any sort, except of self interests. The swing voters could swing as they like or dislike. They will become more demanding and policies will naturally have to become more populist.
Such a big swing signifies a bigger variance and may become a source of instability for PAP. It will become a big pendulum swinging to and fro. This may just become the biggest source of uncertainty and instability for us all.
Goh Meng Seng
A letter has been sent to UN and a petition has been raised by Gilbert Goh while Dr Chee Soon Chuan has raised the point of the need to revamp the whole electoral system before we could have any meaningful contest.
While I agree that there are a lot of unfair practices within the current system, like PAP was given prior advanced knowledge of where the polling stations would be situated while opposition parties were made to wait. ... etc. , but the fundamental question is, 70% of Singaporeans allowed this to carry on. They didn't view these unfairness as a BIG DEAL.
In fact I think that this is a wakeup call to opposition parties that internet which has been viewed as the important tool for Democratic development is really over rated in Singapore's context.
The Myth that progressive increment of support for opposition from 2006 to 2011 is due to post-65 voters which will peak at 2017 and that will bring about political change for Singapore should be discarded. Even young voters, first time voters might have switched their votes to PAP.
The brutal truth derived from this year's GE is that majority of Singaporeans do not have a strong belief of the need of Democracy or Democratic development for our country. This is the fundamental reason why PAP can go on gerrymandering and vote buying using government funding but yet get away with all these nonsense; because Singaporeans allow it to do all these without repercussion from the poll.
This is why I concluded earlier that for my party, we may have to put in more effort in promoting our belief of Separation of Five Powers as the tenets of Real Democracy. When political education on Democracy is lacking, we will never have enough Singaporeans who really believe in Democracy to help us evolve and develop Democracy for Singapore.
Having said all these, PAP should not be too happy. The reason is that they will be facing an electorate who has no loyalty or political belief of any sort, except of self interests. The swing voters could swing as they like or dislike. They will become more demanding and policies will naturally have to become more populist.
Such a big swing signifies a bigger variance and may become a source of instability for PAP. It will become a big pendulum swinging to and fro. This may just become the biggest source of uncertainty and instability for us all.
Goh Meng Seng
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Loss of Middle Ground's Confidence
Did opposition as a whole lose the confidence and trust of the middle ground voters? If so, what makes them lose confidence?
Following my previous posting on GE2015 reflections, the next pertinent question we need to ask ourselves is why would the middle ground voters abandon opposition parties altogether with that fear of PAP losing power?
Many opposition supporters took potshots at the front page report of PM Lee making the remark that if opposition party took power, Liao Lah (we are finished ) but I find that expression struck the core fear of the middle ground voters.
Whether we like it or not, the AHPETC saga has instilled doubts and even fear into middle ground voters' mind. While those supporters in WP wards were struggling on whether to keep opposition MPs in parliament or not, other middle ground voters were frighten with the prospect of having opposition parties forming the government with the lingering doubts over AHPETC saga.
AHPETC saga at best, will be viewed as an issue of competency. But even at this optimistic level, it is unacceptable to the middle ground voters.
Serangoon Gardens and Kovan area used to be WP strong ground even since GE 2006 and the swing towards a losing ward for WP is really alarming. By right Town Council management only affects HDB dwellers and these private house owners should not be affected at all. However these voters have swung against WP and this can only be explained by the erosion of confidence in WP's Corporate management of AHPETC.
Thus it is a gross understatement to say that AHPETC has little or no impact on GE2015. I believe that the AHPETC saga has in fact created fear and loss of confidence of most middle ground voters throughout Singapore.
Linking this AHPETC saga with the perceived prospect of PAP losing powerdue to reasons as explained in my previous posting, it created a massive swing of votes from the middle ground which leave us with only the base support of hardcore opposition supporters.
In GE2011, the entry of Chen Show Mao has instilled confidence in the middle ground voters and the whole opposition enjoyed a vote swing towards it. But this time round, unfortunately the reverse happened.
It may take us years or even more than a decade before we could restore such confidence again, unless we take pro active measures to win back their confidence during these few years.
Goh Meng Seng
Following my previous posting on GE2015 reflections, the next pertinent question we need to ask ourselves is why would the middle ground voters abandon opposition parties altogether with that fear of PAP losing power?
Many opposition supporters took potshots at the front page report of PM Lee making the remark that if opposition party took power, Liao Lah (we are finished ) but I find that expression struck the core fear of the middle ground voters.
Whether we like it or not, the AHPETC saga has instilled doubts and even fear into middle ground voters' mind. While those supporters in WP wards were struggling on whether to keep opposition MPs in parliament or not, other middle ground voters were frighten with the prospect of having opposition parties forming the government with the lingering doubts over AHPETC saga.
AHPETC saga at best, will be viewed as an issue of competency. But even at this optimistic level, it is unacceptable to the middle ground voters.
Serangoon Gardens and Kovan area used to be WP strong ground even since GE 2006 and the swing towards a losing ward for WP is really alarming. By right Town Council management only affects HDB dwellers and these private house owners should not be affected at all. However these voters have swung against WP and this can only be explained by the erosion of confidence in WP's Corporate management of AHPETC.
Thus it is a gross understatement to say that AHPETC has little or no impact on GE2015. I believe that the AHPETC saga has in fact created fear and loss of confidence of most middle ground voters throughout Singapore.
Linking this AHPETC saga with the perceived prospect of PAP losing powerdue to reasons as explained in my previous posting, it created a massive swing of votes from the middle ground which leave us with only the base support of hardcore opposition supporters.
In GE2011, the entry of Chen Show Mao has instilled confidence in the middle ground voters and the whole opposition enjoyed a vote swing towards it. But this time round, unfortunately the reverse happened.
It may take us years or even more than a decade before we could restore such confidence again, unless we take pro active measures to win back their confidence during these few years.
Goh Meng Seng
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Post- GE2015 reflections
I have been going through my thoughts over the GE results, the implications and what lies ahead for Singapore and opposition parties for these few days.
It is interesting to note a couple of important observations and contradictions:
While many people agree that the FEAR of PAP not forming the government made the middle ground swing their votes towards PAP, but we know PAP has been playing this card for past GEs as well. The most important comment made by Goh Chok Tong was "Freak Elections Result" in 1997.
Strange enough, instead of having that "cry wolf" effect, this time round this "cry wolf" tactic really worked. Was it because of LKY passing and this really made people scared? Was it because there was a coordinated effort by the Mainstream media which really projected that perception of "opposition gonna to win big" and this was echoed by the new media and opposition supporters themselves, coupled with huge turnout for WP and SDP rallies that made this "make belief" really turn out well?
The second strange thing is where everybody talks about the need to have "opposition unity" in terms of merger or alliance... whatever, orr even have shadow cabinet, just to show that opposition ready to take over the government, BUT won't this enhance the FEAR of PAP will lose power in the face of stronger opposition front?
Now, if this "freak election result" was the result of the middle ground voters being frighten off by the thought of PAP losing power, how would the projection of an even BIGGER and STRONGER unified opposition front help to convince them that PAP will not lose power? Can putting up a shadow cabinet help to assure and address these middle ground voters' Fear?
The other reasoning says that we should go back to "by election" strategy. That is a bit absurd. Comparing to GE2011, the only difference now is that Tg Pagar has been contested! But yet in GE2011, opposition as a whole fair pretty well!
Besides, I have said that it is important that we have all seats contested so that all Singaporeans can exercise their voting rights. It is an important process because no matter how the votes turn out to be, everyone will go through the process that empowers them and makes them think hard of the Nation's future. This process alone will enhance our citizenry (especially when we are having a lot of New Citizens since 2000) and make them realize that they have a stake in this country. It is part of building up National Identity. Thus I do not agree to compromise on that in return for "better chance of winning".
Some people opined that opposition must put up strong candidates etc so that we can win. But I believe it is precisely that opposition has spread their talents all over Singapore, creating the perception that there is REAL possibility of opposition parties winning in various wards so much so that it frighten off the middle ground. eg Singfirst Tan Jee Say in Tg Pagar, SDP CSJ and Paul T in Holland Bukit Timah along with the 28 seats of WP and if we add in Mountbatten, Bishan TPY, Tampines and CCK which has decent scores in GE2011, the total number of seats add up will be more than half of the seats.
Although we know that apart from having well known individual politicians in these teams, the overall team formation may not be "fantastic" but I guess it really creates an irrational fear in the middle ground voters. Only this can explain why this "Cry Wolf" tactic has become more "credible" and the fear was really invoked this time round.
My view is that this election is FREAK in every sense because the results were based on irrationality and fear rather than realistic expectation.
The fact that last GE has created quite a number of well known opposition individuals like Tan Jee Say, Dr Ang YG, Jeannette Chong, Gerald Giam, Yee JJ, Lee LL, in addition to Dr Chee and Prof Paul T etc joining the contest, the overwhelming combined effects along with the powerful over-population issues and the over-zealous of political parties and supporters rallying "VICTORY" all over the internet, all these have really helped PAP to create fear successfully into the middle ground voters' mind. In Chinese terminology, 物极必反. When something goes to the extreme, it will reverse and bounce back, backfire totally.
My take for this GE result is, chill. It is an unintended freak election results which were caused by multiple factors. We just have to see clearly that the strategy of putting up "sure win" political posturing will backfire on us. We just need to rethink on the strategy and messaging. Some of the things are out of our control but some of the things we could do better.
Last but not least, one important observation made. PAP has never wanted to debate about THEIR policies because they know they will be cornered into a defensive position. They have avoided all challenge of policy debates but at the same time, they attacked those parties which put up too detailed policy options (i.e. SDP and Singfirst).
I was careful not to put up POLICY manifesto and when the reporters keep asking for it, I felt extremely fishy! I will only put up "Election Manifesto" just like what PAP did (not that PPP does not have any policy stance) but will challenge PAP for policy debates.
In short, winning policy debates is really different from winning elections. PAP has been using this strategy of avoiding policy debates while cherry pick on opposition parties' policy views and attack them ferociously. Just have to fight smart against them.
Goh Meng Seng
It is interesting to note a couple of important observations and contradictions:
While many people agree that the FEAR of PAP not forming the government made the middle ground swing their votes towards PAP, but we know PAP has been playing this card for past GEs as well. The most important comment made by Goh Chok Tong was "Freak Elections Result" in 1997.
Strange enough, instead of having that "cry wolf" effect, this time round this "cry wolf" tactic really worked. Was it because of LKY passing and this really made people scared? Was it because there was a coordinated effort by the Mainstream media which really projected that perception of "opposition gonna to win big" and this was echoed by the new media and opposition supporters themselves, coupled with huge turnout for WP and SDP rallies that made this "make belief" really turn out well?
The second strange thing is where everybody talks about the need to have "opposition unity" in terms of merger or alliance... whatever, orr even have shadow cabinet, just to show that opposition ready to take over the government, BUT won't this enhance the FEAR of PAP will lose power in the face of stronger opposition front?
Now, if this "freak election result" was the result of the middle ground voters being frighten off by the thought of PAP losing power, how would the projection of an even BIGGER and STRONGER unified opposition front help to convince them that PAP will not lose power? Can putting up a shadow cabinet help to assure and address these middle ground voters' Fear?
The other reasoning says that we should go back to "by election" strategy. That is a bit absurd. Comparing to GE2011, the only difference now is that Tg Pagar has been contested! But yet in GE2011, opposition as a whole fair pretty well!
Besides, I have said that it is important that we have all seats contested so that all Singaporeans can exercise their voting rights. It is an important process because no matter how the votes turn out to be, everyone will go through the process that empowers them and makes them think hard of the Nation's future. This process alone will enhance our citizenry (especially when we are having a lot of New Citizens since 2000) and make them realize that they have a stake in this country. It is part of building up National Identity. Thus I do not agree to compromise on that in return for "better chance of winning".
Some people opined that opposition must put up strong candidates etc so that we can win. But I believe it is precisely that opposition has spread their talents all over Singapore, creating the perception that there is REAL possibility of opposition parties winning in various wards so much so that it frighten off the middle ground. eg Singfirst Tan Jee Say in Tg Pagar, SDP CSJ and Paul T in Holland Bukit Timah along with the 28 seats of WP and if we add in Mountbatten, Bishan TPY, Tampines and CCK which has decent scores in GE2011, the total number of seats add up will be more than half of the seats.
Although we know that apart from having well known individual politicians in these teams, the overall team formation may not be "fantastic" but I guess it really creates an irrational fear in the middle ground voters. Only this can explain why this "Cry Wolf" tactic has become more "credible" and the fear was really invoked this time round.
My view is that this election is FREAK in every sense because the results were based on irrationality and fear rather than realistic expectation.
The fact that last GE has created quite a number of well known opposition individuals like Tan Jee Say, Dr Ang YG, Jeannette Chong, Gerald Giam, Yee JJ, Lee LL, in addition to Dr Chee and Prof Paul T etc joining the contest, the overwhelming combined effects along with the powerful over-population issues and the over-zealous of political parties and supporters rallying "VICTORY" all over the internet, all these have really helped PAP to create fear successfully into the middle ground voters' mind. In Chinese terminology, 物极必反. When something goes to the extreme, it will reverse and bounce back, backfire totally.
My take for this GE result is, chill. It is an unintended freak election results which were caused by multiple factors. We just have to see clearly that the strategy of putting up "sure win" political posturing will backfire on us. We just need to rethink on the strategy and messaging. Some of the things are out of our control but some of the things we could do better.
Last but not least, one important observation made. PAP has never wanted to debate about THEIR policies because they know they will be cornered into a defensive position. They have avoided all challenge of policy debates but at the same time, they attacked those parties which put up too detailed policy options (i.e. SDP and Singfirst).
I was careful not to put up POLICY manifesto and when the reporters keep asking for it, I felt extremely fishy! I will only put up "Election Manifesto" just like what PAP did (not that PPP does not have any policy stance) but will challenge PAP for policy debates.
In short, winning policy debates is really different from winning elections. PAP has been using this strategy of avoiding policy debates while cherry pick on opposition parties' policy views and attack them ferociously. Just have to fight smart against them.
Goh Meng Seng
Sunday, September 20, 2015
End of Journey Start from Fresh
End of Journey Start from Fresh
I believe many opposition politicians from my generation feel the same way, we might have come to the end of our political journey in the sense that, in view of the current electoral results, we may not be walking into parliament during our lifetime.
However it doesn't mean we should end here. It would be overly pessimistic that opposition politics will have no more hope. Politics is a long drawn battle.
We may have come to our end of journey but we have to lay the Foundation for the future generations of politicians and activists to take over the baton. We just have to pass it on.
So hang on there my fellow opposition politicians. We still have unfinished business to do a proper handover.
Wednesday, September 02, 2015
Campaign Trail - The Final Count Down
Campaign Trail - The Final Count Down
Needless to say, it is an exciting day as this is it, the Nomination Day.
I have mixed feelings for this Third Electoral Battle of mine.
Frankly speaking, I was a bit hesitant to form a new party in May because we expected GE to be held before end of the year. Likely date was 12 Sept and it was expected to be so.
Nevertheless, the dice was cast and the decision was made. Here we are, People's Power Party - PPP.
Within two months, we scrambled to get things done and we are proud to say that we are doing pretty alright. From flags, flyers to posters, we get it done.
It is not an easy journey and I believe not many would want to go through it again unnecessary without good reasons. It is really a little miracle that we have come so far.
My team may be small but they are passionate in what they are doing. They are passionate to get this contest going, regardless of what it takes. And yes, fortunately, our team is growing.
Nobody believes we can make it this far, but we did. And it seems that we will continue to fight and the momentum is growing.
I was asked by some reporters what do I expect the result would be, I say it out loud here, We Fight To Win.... and Win Shall We!
Many thanks to volunteers and supporters out there. It would have not been possible without your passion and selfless contributions towards our effort. We owe you for our little miracle here and we shall repay you by putting up a good fight!
Goh Meng Seng
Needless to say, it is an exciting day as this is it, the Nomination Day.
I have mixed feelings for this Third Electoral Battle of mine.
Frankly speaking, I was a bit hesitant to form a new party in May because we expected GE to be held before end of the year. Likely date was 12 Sept and it was expected to be so.
Nevertheless, the dice was cast and the decision was made. Here we are, People's Power Party - PPP.
Within two months, we scrambled to get things done and we are proud to say that we are doing pretty alright. From flags, flyers to posters, we get it done.
It is not an easy journey and I believe not many would want to go through it again unnecessary without good reasons. It is really a little miracle that we have come so far.
My team may be small but they are passionate in what they are doing. They are passionate to get this contest going, regardless of what it takes. And yes, fortunately, our team is growing.
Nobody believes we can make it this far, but we did. And it seems that we will continue to fight and the momentum is growing.
I was asked by some reporters what do I expect the result would be, I say it out loud here, We Fight To Win.... and Win Shall We!
Many thanks to volunteers and supporters out there. It would have not been possible without your passion and selfless contributions towards our effort. We owe you for our little miracle here and we shall repay you by putting up a good fight!
Goh Meng Seng
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Campaign Trail - Foreign Labour and Population Policy
Campaign Trail - Foreign Labour and Population Policy
Foreign Labour and Population Policy (FLPP) still remains as the SUPER HOT TOPIC on the ground when we went around CCK.
Interesting enough, I have met FIVE different groups of people so far, putting up their grievances about this FLPP.
1) The first group of people is of course Singaporeans who are EXTREMELY Angry of Singaporeans being displaced by cheaper foreign labour and forced to drive taxi or suffers "underemployment". These people will not show up in government statistics as "unemployed" but the truth is, these PMETs are UNDEREMPLOYED.
2) This group of Singaporeans are angry about the crowding effect of overpopulation and the cultural conflicts caused by excessive foreign population growth. This is a big potential time bomb and it has become BIGGER than a mere problem of "integration".
3) This group of Singaporeans are those with foreign spouses. PAP government has refused citizenship/PRs to their foreign spouses or give long term visit passes to their foreign parents to come to Singapore so that they could take care of their children. This is due to the "low income" criteria that ICA set for such cases. The irony is that while PAP government discriminated against lower income earners in marrying foreign spouses but to the lower income earners, the only option for them to get married is to marry foreign brides!
4) This group of Singaporeans were born in Singapore but they have siblings who are born elsewhere (eg. Malaysia). They wanted to get their siblings to come and live with them, even willing to be their sponsors but ICA has ruled against it! This is basically inhumane!
5) This group consists of SMEs owners who are "victims" of people pressuring PAP government to tighten FLPP. They seems to blame "opposition parties" for it but I have to explain to them that it is PAP's mismanagement of the FLPP and quota system that created their problems.
I also explain to them that they should take active steps to review their company or factories' processes to increase productivity while cutting down dependency on extensive labour. MOM should coordinate and monitor such improvement made to SMEs. SMEs may lack access to technology or expertise which are used in other countries and MOM or SPRING should be playing a more active role in consultancy work to help them to further improve processes. Productivity growth continues to be low because PAP government only throw money after tons of paper work and bureaucracy. If a SME has really reached a high level of automation but still have difficulties in employing local operators, then MOM should allow them to increase their quota. This should be done case by case basis.
MNCs and GLCs hardly have any problems in employing Foreign Labour and some have extremely favourable quota to start with. The irony is that these jobs are mainly PMET jobs which Singaporeans desire and want to do but PAP government has allowed them to be displaced by loose quota.
Ironically, PAP government has set very high workers' levies on jobs which Singaporeans shun away (eg. Construction)
I also find it extremely CRUEL and Inhumanely inconsiderate for ICA to make it extremely difficult for middle-lower income Singaporeans to get PRs or citizenship for their foreign spouses. It is ironic that some of them whom are from lower income household, could not get citizenship for their foreign spouses and ended up paying more for everything just because their PRs or just long term visiting pass status.
I am not entirely against FLPP but I believe, we should do it responsibly and with a right direction. I would want to GROW ORGANIC local families with foreign spouses and would not mind giving citizenship to these foreigners who are married to Singaporeans.
It would be totally ironic to see foreign labour from India or PRCs allowed to bring their whole family to Singapore to reside and getting PRs so easily just because they earn higher income or subject to the liberal FTAs signed with their home countries while our local Singaporeans' foreign spouses were discriminated against, due to the lower earning power.
Foreign spouses of Singaporeans will integrate into our society much easier than those foreign labour who bring in their whole family from foreign land. I really cannot understand the rationale behind such discrimination against our own Singaporeans at all.
Last but not least, we should set up a "Recovery from Underemployment" mechanism to help those who are really underemployed (eg PMETs turn taxi drivers) to get back to work in the field of their expertise again.
Goh Meng Seng
Foreign Labour and Population Policy (FLPP) still remains as the SUPER HOT TOPIC on the ground when we went around CCK.
Interesting enough, I have met FIVE different groups of people so far, putting up their grievances about this FLPP.
1) The first group of people is of course Singaporeans who are EXTREMELY Angry of Singaporeans being displaced by cheaper foreign labour and forced to drive taxi or suffers "underemployment". These people will not show up in government statistics as "unemployed" but the truth is, these PMETs are UNDEREMPLOYED.
2) This group of Singaporeans are angry about the crowding effect of overpopulation and the cultural conflicts caused by excessive foreign population growth. This is a big potential time bomb and it has become BIGGER than a mere problem of "integration".
3) This group of Singaporeans are those with foreign spouses. PAP government has refused citizenship/PRs to their foreign spouses or give long term visit passes to their foreign parents to come to Singapore so that they could take care of their children. This is due to the "low income" criteria that ICA set for such cases. The irony is that while PAP government discriminated against lower income earners in marrying foreign spouses but to the lower income earners, the only option for them to get married is to marry foreign brides!
4) This group of Singaporeans were born in Singapore but they have siblings who are born elsewhere (eg. Malaysia). They wanted to get their siblings to come and live with them, even willing to be their sponsors but ICA has ruled against it! This is basically inhumane!
5) This group consists of SMEs owners who are "victims" of people pressuring PAP government to tighten FLPP. They seems to blame "opposition parties" for it but I have to explain to them that it is PAP's mismanagement of the FLPP and quota system that created their problems.
I also explain to them that they should take active steps to review their company or factories' processes to increase productivity while cutting down dependency on extensive labour. MOM should coordinate and monitor such improvement made to SMEs. SMEs may lack access to technology or expertise which are used in other countries and MOM or SPRING should be playing a more active role in consultancy work to help them to further improve processes. Productivity growth continues to be low because PAP government only throw money after tons of paper work and bureaucracy. If a SME has really reached a high level of automation but still have difficulties in employing local operators, then MOM should allow them to increase their quota. This should be done case by case basis.
MNCs and GLCs hardly have any problems in employing Foreign Labour and some have extremely favourable quota to start with. The irony is that these jobs are mainly PMET jobs which Singaporeans desire and want to do but PAP government has allowed them to be displaced by loose quota.
Ironically, PAP government has set very high workers' levies on jobs which Singaporeans shun away (eg. Construction)
I also find it extremely CRUEL and Inhumanely inconsiderate for ICA to make it extremely difficult for middle-lower income Singaporeans to get PRs or citizenship for their foreign spouses. It is ironic that some of them whom are from lower income household, could not get citizenship for their foreign spouses and ended up paying more for everything just because their PRs or just long term visiting pass status.
I am not entirely against FLPP but I believe, we should do it responsibly and with a right direction. I would want to GROW ORGANIC local families with foreign spouses and would not mind giving citizenship to these foreigners who are married to Singaporeans.
It would be totally ironic to see foreign labour from India or PRCs allowed to bring their whole family to Singapore to reside and getting PRs so easily just because they earn higher income or subject to the liberal FTAs signed with their home countries while our local Singaporeans' foreign spouses were discriminated against, due to the lower earning power.
Foreign spouses of Singaporeans will integrate into our society much easier than those foreign labour who bring in their whole family from foreign land. I really cannot understand the rationale behind such discrimination against our own Singaporeans at all.
Last but not least, we should set up a "Recovery from Underemployment" mechanism to help those who are really underemployed (eg PMETs turn taxi drivers) to get back to work in the field of their expertise again.
Goh Meng Seng
Thursday, August 27, 2015
United We Fight
PAP is really fearful of OPPOSITION UNITY and they have taken unprecedented rule to ban opposition leaders to speak on each other parties' rallies!
I remembered JBJ and Chiam See Tong had stood on the SAME RALLY stage to give speeches!
Why would we, Opposition leaders be BANNED from speaking on any other parties' rallies just because we are opposition party members? Why are our RIGHTS to Freedom of speech be ROBBED away just like that, citing some excuses?
We will challenge PAP to state clearly the rationale of such new rules!
I have told all opposition leaders that I am prepared to speak at any party's rallies as long as they invite me to and it doesn't clash with my own rallies.
In fact someone in the Unity Meeting has suggested that we put up a combined list of Speakers so that we can speak on each other rallies!
It seems that PAP is extremely FEARFUL of OPPOSITION UNITY. The more they are fearful, the more we should stick together and stay UNITED!
Goh Meng Seng
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
民主同路人
道不同不相为谋的说法，恕我无法苟同。我深信各个反对党，无论规模大小，都是在这条新加坡民主路上的同道中人。
我们这个非正式的反对党联合阵线，会秉持海纳百川，有容乃大的宗旨和精神，广结努力争取新加坡真民主的同路人，以团结的力量，突破一党专政的局面。
而且在政治上，我们永不说不合作。合作的大门还是会为真正的民主斗士而开着的。
吴明盛
我们这个非正式的反对党联合阵线，会秉持海纳百川，有容乃大的宗旨和精神，广结努力争取新加坡真民主的同路人，以团结的力量，突破一党专政的局面。
而且在政治上，我们永不说不合作。合作的大门还是会为真正的民主斗士而开着的。
吴明盛
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Campaign Trail - A Clean Gentleman Contest
Campaign Trail - A Clean Gentleman Contest
We were at Nanyang and as usual, PAP's candidate My Yee who was redeployed from Punggol East to CCK Nanyang came to greet us.
After exchanging formal greetings, I was a bit surprised that he took the time and trouble to sit down and has a small chat with me.
I have done a bit of research on Mr Yee after the announcement of his candidacy in CCK Nayang. And as expected, he is indeed an unassuming and down to earth person.
In fact we share some common traits. He jokingly says that although he was from RI but he is just a "farmer", not a scholar or elite.
He started serving Ren Ci after Mingyi left. I told him that I used to serve a Buddhist welfare organization as well in fund raising during Hungry Ghost month. He also shared his visits to the three famous Buddhist temples in Taiwan.
After finishing up the drink he has treated me, it was time to go. But before leaving, he has left his name card with me. I promised him that no matter what is the outcome of this contest, we shall meet again for tea.
This encounter with Mr Yee leaves me thinking. PAP may have numerous MPs or Ministers whom we dislike but there are also some, though few, who are the ones with humility and sincerity to serve the Nation.
Mr Yee may be one of them but unfortunately, we are now opponents doing a face off in this GE.
Nevertheless, as gentlemen, we contest aggressively against each other's political views and ideas but will definitely keep the sparring CLEAN from malicious smearing.
May the better man wins.
Goh Meng Seng
We were at Nanyang and as usual, PAP's candidate My Yee who was redeployed from Punggol East to CCK Nanyang came to greet us.
After exchanging formal greetings, I was a bit surprised that he took the time and trouble to sit down and has a small chat with me.
I have done a bit of research on Mr Yee after the announcement of his candidacy in CCK Nayang. And as expected, he is indeed an unassuming and down to earth person.
In fact we share some common traits. He jokingly says that although he was from RI but he is just a "farmer", not a scholar or elite.
He started serving Ren Ci after Mingyi left. I told him that I used to serve a Buddhist welfare organization as well in fund raising during Hungry Ghost month. He also shared his visits to the three famous Buddhist temples in Taiwan.
After finishing up the drink he has treated me, it was time to go. But before leaving, he has left his name card with me. I promised him that no matter what is the outcome of this contest, we shall meet again for tea.
This encounter with Mr Yee leaves me thinking. PAP may have numerous MPs or Ministers whom we dislike but there are also some, though few, who are the ones with humility and sincerity to serve the Nation.
Mr Yee may be one of them but unfortunately, we are now opponents doing a face off in this GE.
Nevertheless, as gentlemen, we contest aggressively against each other's political views and ideas but will definitely keep the sparring CLEAN from malicious smearing.
May the better man wins.
Goh Meng Seng
Monday, August 24, 2015
The Mother of All Problems - Unchecked Population Growth
Reporter called to ask me on my view of PM Lee's NDR speech. The key point lies on the "sensitive" Foreign Labour-Population growth policy.
I have issued a SERIOUS warning to PM Lee and his PAP team. This "sensitive" issue of unchecked population growth has reached a dangerous social boiling point. It is no longer about simple trade offs but rather, when will there be social uprising against this senseless GDP growth at all cost which resulted in explosive population growth if there is no immediate measures to moderate it.
It will no longer be whether we can have good economic/GDP growth but whether our social fabric will rupture and social disgruntlement will turn ugly, creating instability.
PAP ruling elites should stop running the country by burying themselves in their world of digits and economic theories.
PAP has made two critical mistakes in managing the population growth:
1) Inadequate corresponding infrastructure development to cope with sudden rapid population growth. It is definitely amazing for the supposed top talents who are paid millions every year to make such amateur, common sense mistake. Take hospital beds for example. for the last decade, there is a growth of over 1 million population but there was only an increase of 500 beds. It will take more than another decade before another 2000 beds to be added in the immediate future. However, PAP is planning to have another more than 1 million population growth! This is totally unacceptable.
2) Disastrous management of population growth whereby there is practically no proper checks done on the qualifications of those who wanted to come to Singapore to work. MOM has the gull to say that it is the responsibility of employers to do due diligence on the qualifications of their employees! Furthermore, the FTAs signed with other big third world countries have put in terms of allowing "UNLIMITED NUMBER" of people from these countries to come to Singapore to work! For example, India has over 1 billion people. Singapore, as a tiny little red dot, has actually signed CECA which allows unlimited number of Indians to come to Singapore to work in 127 professions! Can we accommodate even 1% of Indian population of 10 million people? Here again, I do not know why such intelligent breed of PAP leaders could have such simple common sense escape them!
My take is, if PM Lee and his team still continue to ignore all the disturbing signs from the ground while keep talking about "painful trade offs", it will be just a matter of time before social unrest blew up right in front of their faces.
Goh Meng Seng
I have issued a SERIOUS warning to PM Lee and his PAP team. This "sensitive" issue of unchecked population growth has reached a dangerous social boiling point. It is no longer about simple trade offs but rather, when will there be social uprising against this senseless GDP growth at all cost which resulted in explosive population growth if there is no immediate measures to moderate it.
It will no longer be whether we can have good economic/GDP growth but whether our social fabric will rupture and social disgruntlement will turn ugly, creating instability.
PAP ruling elites should stop running the country by burying themselves in their world of digits and economic theories.
PAP has made two critical mistakes in managing the population growth:
1) Inadequate corresponding infrastructure development to cope with sudden rapid population growth. It is definitely amazing for the supposed top talents who are paid millions every year to make such amateur, common sense mistake. Take hospital beds for example. for the last decade, there is a growth of over 1 million population but there was only an increase of 500 beds. It will take more than another decade before another 2000 beds to be added in the immediate future. However, PAP is planning to have another more than 1 million population growth! This is totally unacceptable.
2) Disastrous management of population growth whereby there is practically no proper checks done on the qualifications of those who wanted to come to Singapore to work. MOM has the gull to say that it is the responsibility of employers to do due diligence on the qualifications of their employees! Furthermore, the FTAs signed with other big third world countries have put in terms of allowing "UNLIMITED NUMBER" of people from these countries to come to Singapore to work! For example, India has over 1 billion people. Singapore, as a tiny little red dot, has actually signed CECA which allows unlimited number of Indians to come to Singapore to work in 127 professions! Can we accommodate even 1% of Indian population of 10 million people? Here again, I do not know why such intelligent breed of PAP leaders could have such simple common sense escape them!
My take is, if PM Lee and his team still continue to ignore all the disturbing signs from the ground while keep talking about "painful trade offs", it will be just a matter of time before social unrest blew up right in front of their faces.
Goh Meng Seng
Sunday, August 23, 2015
What am I fighting for Singapore?
What am I fighting for Singapore?
Many concerned supporters have come forward to urge me not to hit on the MOB who go around smearing other opposition political leaders. They are extremely worried that I will lose support of the Mob supporters of certain political party if I continue to criticise them for their dirty underhand tactics.
My response is as follows:
I decided to join opposition politics not just because I want to get elected as MP. It is more of my vision and hope for Singapore, to develop a REAL Democracy for our future generations, breaking out of the current system of authoritarianism.
I hold true to my values of Democracy and I do not believe in MOB RULE. I believe in healthy contest of elections based on contest of ideas, ideals and policy views, instead of dirty underhand smearing tactic. That is not I want for Singapore and my future generations.
In this adverse political landscape manipulated by PAP's Gerrymandering and GRC system, opposition parties may try their best to negotiate and come to consensus of not having multi-corner fights so that we opposition as a whole, can have better chance to break PAP's monopoly of power by holding more than two third of the seats. Our aim is to break the two third majority held by PAP.
But if some of us failed to resolve conflicting interests and claims, then so be it. We should respect the democratic process and allow voters to judge, based on candidates' strength, values and political discourse, instead of going into madness of political assassination via smearing campaign.
Singapore deserves better than that. We have been complaining against PAP of using such smearing tactic each and every elections but we must also be mindful of supporters of opposition party doing exactly what we detest of PAP's deeds.
This mindless smearing campaign will only hinder the development of a healthy Democracy for Singapore. It will also prevent more good people from stepping forward to serve as opposition candidates for fear of being smeared by the MOB.
Thus in my view, if I do not voice out against such destructive MOB rule just for FEAR of losing my elections, then I would rather quit politics altogether. If such MOB Rule is able to convince Singaporeans of not voting me just because I am against them, then so be it. I shall respect the will and decision of Singaporeans, thus not serving the country as a parliamentarian.
I have embarked on this bumpy journey of opposition politics about 15 years ago and I have seen all sorts of madness along the way. But I am determined to stick to what I truly believe in and not sway by such madness of Mob rule.
Vote me if you believe in me and my vision for a truly Democratic Singapore with the functioning system embedded with Separation of Powers. If you believe in such MOB rule, then you have the right not to support nor vote for me.
Goh Meng Seng
Many concerned supporters have come forward to urge me not to hit on the MOB who go around smearing other opposition political leaders. They are extremely worried that I will lose support of the Mob supporters of certain political party if I continue to criticise them for their dirty underhand tactics.
My response is as follows:
I decided to join opposition politics not just because I want to get elected as MP. It is more of my vision and hope for Singapore, to develop a REAL Democracy for our future generations, breaking out of the current system of authoritarianism.
I hold true to my values of Democracy and I do not believe in MOB RULE. I believe in healthy contest of elections based on contest of ideas, ideals and policy views, instead of dirty underhand smearing tactic. That is not I want for Singapore and my future generations.
In this adverse political landscape manipulated by PAP's Gerrymandering and GRC system, opposition parties may try their best to negotiate and come to consensus of not having multi-corner fights so that we opposition as a whole, can have better chance to break PAP's monopoly of power by holding more than two third of the seats. Our aim is to break the two third majority held by PAP.
But if some of us failed to resolve conflicting interests and claims, then so be it. We should respect the democratic process and allow voters to judge, based on candidates' strength, values and political discourse, instead of going into madness of political assassination via smearing campaign.
Singapore deserves better than that. We have been complaining against PAP of using such smearing tactic each and every elections but we must also be mindful of supporters of opposition party doing exactly what we detest of PAP's deeds.
This mindless smearing campaign will only hinder the development of a healthy Democracy for Singapore. It will also prevent more good people from stepping forward to serve as opposition candidates for fear of being smeared by the MOB.
Thus in my view, if I do not voice out against such destructive MOB rule just for FEAR of losing my elections, then I would rather quit politics altogether. If such MOB Rule is able to convince Singaporeans of not voting me just because I am against them, then so be it. I shall respect the will and decision of Singaporeans, thus not serving the country as a parliamentarian.
I have embarked on this bumpy journey of opposition politics about 15 years ago and I have seen all sorts of madness along the way. But I am determined to stick to what I truly believe in and not sway by such madness of Mob rule.
Vote me if you believe in me and my vision for a truly Democratic Singapore with the functioning system embedded with Separation of Powers. If you believe in such MOB rule, then you have the right not to support nor vote for me.
Goh Meng Seng
Say No to Third World Dirty Smearing Politics!
I find it distasteful and downright despicable for supporters of some political party to utilize underhand smearing tactic to attack their opponents.
We won't be able to achieve "First World Parliament" with such Third World despicable dirty politics.
First the mob attack SDA Desmond Lim, harassing him to the max with all kinds of insinuation and smearing. Then they turn against NSP Sebastian Teo and Steve Chia.
We want a CLEAN fight, not dirty smearing Third World politics. We want First World Democracy which we have more debates on policy matters and views, instead of such smearing and mudslinging.
General Elections is about the Contest of ideas, ideals and policy views. It is NOT a smearing or mudslinging contest.
I hereby strongly condemn the mob behind all these dirty smearing which hit under the belt. Opposition politicians have taken the risks and sacrifices to come to the front to contest. Freedom is NOT Free and definitely NOT CHEAP. For every contest, we are spending tens of thousands of dollars and we do not have the whole machinery behind us. Whether you like it or not, opposition politicians deserve respect, not smearing.
Supporters have the freedom to support or not to support any political parties. If there is three corner fight, so be it. Let voters decide in the democratic way.
People who disrespect the rights of others (to contest), do not really believe in democracy. I really fear for Singapore if such a mob really run Singapore.
You just can't achieve First World Parliament with Third World dirty smearing politics!
Goh Meng Seng
We won't be able to achieve "First World Parliament" with such Third World despicable dirty politics.
First the mob attack SDA Desmond Lim, harassing him to the max with all kinds of insinuation and smearing. Then they turn against NSP Sebastian Teo and Steve Chia.
We want a CLEAN fight, not dirty smearing Third World politics. We want First World Democracy which we have more debates on policy matters and views, instead of such smearing and mudslinging.
General Elections is about the Contest of ideas, ideals and policy views. It is NOT a smearing or mudslinging contest.
I hereby strongly condemn the mob behind all these dirty smearing which hit under the belt. Opposition politicians have taken the risks and sacrifices to come to the front to contest. Freedom is NOT Free and definitely NOT CHEAP. For every contest, we are spending tens of thousands of dollars and we do not have the whole machinery behind us. Whether you like it or not, opposition politicians deserve respect, not smearing.
Supporters have the freedom to support or not to support any political parties. If there is three corner fight, so be it. Let voters decide in the democratic way.
People who disrespect the rights of others (to contest), do not really believe in democracy. I really fear for Singapore if such a mob really run Singapore.
You just can't achieve First World Parliament with Third World dirty smearing politics!
Goh Meng Seng
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Do We want Political Elitism?
Do We want Political Elitism?
Are voters supporting Political Elitism? Most of the time, opposition supporters detest the PAP's Elitism and opined that these ruling elites are out of touch of the ground for far too long.
However, when it comes to opposition candidacy, supporters and Singaporeans at large have went back to their nurtured "elitist" mind of looking at opposition candidates' paper qualifications and superficial outlook.
I notice that some people are harassing SDA and its leader, Desmond Lim, even go to the extend of "heckling" him at his company's FB page, to "pressure" him not to contest at Punggol Pasir Ris GRC. These people opined that he is "no good" or lack "caliber" etc. They prefer some other party without even asking what candidates they will field in replacement.
These people laugh at Desmon Lim's spoken English but I can say that most Singaporeans do not speak perfect English as well.
I have known Desmond Lim for quite sometime now. He is definitely not some "elites" whom you will find in PAP. He is just a typical Singaporean. But he is definitely unassuming and his people's skills are definitely above average.
As a matter of fact, Desmond Lim and I had a quarrel back in GE2011 out of some misunderstanding. However he was the one who took the initiative to extend his olive branch when we met at a mutual friend's wedding dinner.
Many people expect opposition candidates to be like super elite scholars like Chen Show Mao before they would swing their votes towards opposition parties. As I say, although Singaporeans dislike those ruling elites very much but somehow, this subconsciousness of wanting "elites" to be their political leaders is very deep rooted.
But I can safely say that "elites" are not necessary desirable. We need elites with the HEART to serve. Chen Show Mao is one of the few we could find.
Having said that, does it mean that any "lesser mortal" is undeserving to be opposition candidates and MPs? Of course not.
Just for example, Desmond Lim has his strength which many so call "elites" do not have.
First of all, People skills. The ability to connect with the people on the ground is very important. Many "elites" whom I have met and seen, lack such basic skills.
Secondly, his experience in running the Potong Town Council. Many elites may be highly qualified lawyers, doctors, scholars etc but they may not know how to run a Town Council efficiently and effectively.
Another important skill Desmond has is his Mandarin capability. He may have some deficiency in his spoken English due to some reasons, but so far, I would say that he is one of the few opposition politicians who can speak fluent Mandarin. Many people thought that this skill is less important but the truth is this, there are many New Citizens who come from China. They feel better connected to politicians who can speak fluent Mandarin. In order to swing these New Citizens' votes, opposition parties will need an extremely strong Mandarin anchor.
Thus my message to opposition supporters, especially those who look down on some other politicians for the reason that they aren't the "elites" they are yearning for, each opposition candidate has made enormous sacrifices to walk to the front line to fight the battle. They don't deserve to be ridiculed in such a rude and hurting way. They are just trying to serve the nation in their own little ways.
We are not looking for elites to contest as opposition candidates. We are looking for people who would put their hearts and souls in serving the people. One thing for sure, everyone should recognize the resolve and determination of people like Desmond Lim. Most people would have broken down in spirit or just given up for good but at the very least, he perseveres.
Let us be more grateful and appreciative of what others have sacrificed to offer Singaporeans the chance to vote and change Singapore for the better.
For the matter of fact, we don't really just need political elitism or "Ministerial caliber". We also need people from different background to represent the voices of people.
As it stands now, we are going into full gear of electoral preparations and I urge those people who are going around to harass SDA and Desmon Lim to stop doing so.
Goh Meng Seng
Are voters supporting Political Elitism? Most of the time, opposition supporters detest the PAP's Elitism and opined that these ruling elites are out of touch of the ground for far too long.
However, when it comes to opposition candidacy, supporters and Singaporeans at large have went back to their nurtured "elitist" mind of looking at opposition candidates' paper qualifications and superficial outlook.
I notice that some people are harassing SDA and its leader, Desmond Lim, even go to the extend of "heckling" him at his company's FB page, to "pressure" him not to contest at Punggol Pasir Ris GRC. These people opined that he is "no good" or lack "caliber" etc. They prefer some other party without even asking what candidates they will field in replacement.
These people laugh at Desmon Lim's spoken English but I can say that most Singaporeans do not speak perfect English as well.
I have known Desmond Lim for quite sometime now. He is definitely not some "elites" whom you will find in PAP. He is just a typical Singaporean. But he is definitely unassuming and his people's skills are definitely above average.
As a matter of fact, Desmond Lim and I had a quarrel back in GE2011 out of some misunderstanding. However he was the one who took the initiative to extend his olive branch when we met at a mutual friend's wedding dinner.
Many people expect opposition candidates to be like super elite scholars like Chen Show Mao before they would swing their votes towards opposition parties. As I say, although Singaporeans dislike those ruling elites very much but somehow, this subconsciousness of wanting "elites" to be their political leaders is very deep rooted.
But I can safely say that "elites" are not necessary desirable. We need elites with the HEART to serve. Chen Show Mao is one of the few we could find.
Having said that, does it mean that any "lesser mortal" is undeserving to be opposition candidates and MPs? Of course not.
Just for example, Desmond Lim has his strength which many so call "elites" do not have.
First of all, People skills. The ability to connect with the people on the ground is very important. Many "elites" whom I have met and seen, lack such basic skills.
Secondly, his experience in running the Potong Town Council. Many elites may be highly qualified lawyers, doctors, scholars etc but they may not know how to run a Town Council efficiently and effectively.
Another important skill Desmond has is his Mandarin capability. He may have some deficiency in his spoken English due to some reasons, but so far, I would say that he is one of the few opposition politicians who can speak fluent Mandarin. Many people thought that this skill is less important but the truth is this, there are many New Citizens who come from China. They feel better connected to politicians who can speak fluent Mandarin. In order to swing these New Citizens' votes, opposition parties will need an extremely strong Mandarin anchor.
Thus my message to opposition supporters, especially those who look down on some other politicians for the reason that they aren't the "elites" they are yearning for, each opposition candidate has made enormous sacrifices to walk to the front line to fight the battle. They don't deserve to be ridiculed in such a rude and hurting way. They are just trying to serve the nation in their own little ways.
We are not looking for elites to contest as opposition candidates. We are looking for people who would put their hearts and souls in serving the people. One thing for sure, everyone should recognize the resolve and determination of people like Desmond Lim. Most people would have broken down in spirit or just given up for good but at the very least, he perseveres.
Let us be more grateful and appreciative of what others have sacrificed to offer Singaporeans the chance to vote and change Singapore for the better.
For the matter of fact, we don't really just need political elitism or "Ministerial caliber". We also need people from different background to represent the voices of people.
As it stands now, we are going into full gear of electoral preparations and I urge those people who are going around to harass SDA and Desmon Lim to stop doing so.
Goh Meng Seng
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
NUSS Forum : Elitism, SAP schools and Singapore Inc.
Elitism, SAP schools and Singapore Inc.
SAP schools should be more inclusive. That's one of the points I have made during the NUSS Forum.
This is not really a "NEW POINT" which I have made, just that it was not emphasized in the past. I have made this point way back in GE2011 during my Tampines Election Rally. I have this view since I was 13 years old when I was enrolled into River Valley High, a SAP (Special Assistant Program) school.
When I first walked in to RV, I was quite disturbed because there was no Malay or Indian students. We are a Multi-Racial, Multi-Ethnic country and it is regrettable that I was not able to grow up in a learning environment together with other races.
Such deficiency has negative impact on the overall outlook and perspective of a SAP school student. Luckily for me, I took extra effort to make more Malay friends and try to understand them, their religion and culture. I even took the effort to read part of the English translated Koran back in secondary school.
I always feel that we should make an effort to include Higher Malay and Higher Tamil (last time we termed it as "First Language") in SAP schools so that our fellow Top Malay and Indian students who have done well could have the opportunities to enjoy the same system with excellent resources which provides good education to our Top Chinese students in Singapore.
The lack of Malay and Indian students will deprive these Top Chinese students the lifetime opportunity to mingle around with other ethnic groups and thus, reduced their ability to integrate and understand these ethnic groups better. If these Top Chinese "elites" were to become future leaders in all fields of the society, including politics, then there could be a problem of disconnection with other ethnic groups. This is totally unhealthy.
I raise this point of SAP school when a participant asked about "Elitism" in Singapore. I feel that the main problem is not "Elitism" but rather how we could form a cohesive leadership generations after generations if our SAP schools lack inclusiveness of the other ethnic groups of the society.
Furthermore, with regards to political leadership, the main problem with PAP government is not just about the ruling elites being disconnected from the ground but rather, they run Singapore like a company instead of a country.
There is a vast difference in perspective here. A company only cares about profits and bottom lines (i.e. GDP growth at all cost) and it could just get rid of people who are unproductive. But for a country like Singapore, there will be people who are unproductive for various reasons but could we as a Nation throw them away into the sea? Of course not! We should just stop this nonsense of Singapore Inc.
Goh Meng Seng
SAP schools should be more inclusive. That's one of the points I have made during the NUSS Forum.
This is not really a "NEW POINT" which I have made, just that it was not emphasized in the past. I have made this point way back in GE2011 during my Tampines Election Rally. I have this view since I was 13 years old when I was enrolled into River Valley High, a SAP (Special Assistant Program) school.
When I first walked in to RV, I was quite disturbed because there was no Malay or Indian students. We are a Multi-Racial, Multi-Ethnic country and it is regrettable that I was not able to grow up in a learning environment together with other races.
Such deficiency has negative impact on the overall outlook and perspective of a SAP school student. Luckily for me, I took extra effort to make more Malay friends and try to understand them, their religion and culture. I even took the effort to read part of the English translated Koran back in secondary school.
I always feel that we should make an effort to include Higher Malay and Higher Tamil (last time we termed it as "First Language") in SAP schools so that our fellow Top Malay and Indian students who have done well could have the opportunities to enjoy the same system with excellent resources which provides good education to our Top Chinese students in Singapore.
The lack of Malay and Indian students will deprive these Top Chinese students the lifetime opportunity to mingle around with other ethnic groups and thus, reduced their ability to integrate and understand these ethnic groups better. If these Top Chinese "elites" were to become future leaders in all fields of the society, including politics, then there could be a problem of disconnection with other ethnic groups. This is totally unhealthy.
I raise this point of SAP school when a participant asked about "Elitism" in Singapore. I feel that the main problem is not "Elitism" but rather how we could form a cohesive leadership generations after generations if our SAP schools lack inclusiveness of the other ethnic groups of the society.
Furthermore, with regards to political leadership, the main problem with PAP government is not just about the ruling elites being disconnected from the ground but rather, they run Singapore like a company instead of a country.
There is a vast difference in perspective here. A company only cares about profits and bottom lines (i.e. GDP growth at all cost) and it could just get rid of people who are unproductive. But for a country like Singapore, there will be people who are unproductive for various reasons but could we as a Nation throw them away into the sea? Of course not! We should just stop this nonsense of Singapore Inc.
Goh Meng Seng
Monday, August 17, 2015
CNA Censored PPP's Challenge to Minister Gan
Since PAP prefer its type of smearing and mudslinging kind of Elections....
I was told CNA actually changed their news title as well as content to leave out my CHALLENGE to Mr Gan to have a public debate on Healthcare issue!Below is the original news report.
It reported that Goh Meng Seng wanted to challenge Gan Kim Yong to a public debate.
http://sgtalk.org/mybb/Thread-Goh-Meng-Seng-challenges-Gan-Kim-Yong-to-come-for-healthcare-debate
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/ppp-s-goh-meng-seng/2054074.html
People's Power Party (PPP) secretary-general Goh Meng Seng on Sunday (Aug 16) said he is open to engaging in a public debate with Health Minister Gan Kim Yong on healthcare issues.
On a walkabout near Teck Whye in Chua Chu Kang GRC, Mr Goh said he was looking forward to taking on the People's Action Party (PAP) team of Mr Gan, MPs Low Yen Ling and Zaqy Mohamad and newcomer Yee Chia Hsing in the coming General Election. "I feel great because basically Mr Gan is staying as contestant in this GRC.
“My strategy is minister-specific in a sense. So I'm going to raise issues on healthcare, MediShield - MediShield Life particularly, as well as the hospital bed crunch. I hope we have a good debate and I would like to invite Mr Gan to a public townhall debate. I am looking forward to having a robust debate over the period."
Mr Goh also said the PAP has fielded “a good slate of candidates” in Chua Chu Kang GRC and is not planning to change his line-up for the constituency. “We expected more or less on that. There are no surprises from them, but hopefully we will have some surprises,” he said, adding that PPP may introduce its candidates for the four-member GRC in the coming week.
Asked if his team is ready to take on the challenge from the PAP, he said: "Yes, gloves off."
This is the MODIFIED News Content:
Below is the changed news report.
There is no mention of Goh Meng Seng challenging Gan Kim Yong for public debate anymore.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/ppp-s-goh-meng-seng-to/2054074.html
People's Power Party (PPP) secretary-general Goh Meng Seng on Sunday (Aug 16) said he would like to tackle healthcare issues in his campaign for the coming General Election.
On a walkabout near Teck Whye in Chua Chu Kang GRC, Mr Goh said he was looking forward to taking on the People's Action Party (PAP) team of Mr Gan, MPs Low Yen Ling and Zaqy Mohamad and newcomer Yee Chia Hsing in the coming General Election. "I feel great because basically Mr Gan is staying as contestant in this GRC.
“My strategy is minister-specific in a sense. So I'm going to raise issues on healthcare, MediShield - MediShield Life particularly, as well as the hospital bed crunch. I am looking forward to having a robust debate."
Mr Goh also said the PAP has fielded “a good slate of candidates” in Chua Chu Kang GRC and is not planning to change his line-up for the constituency. “We expected more or less on that. There are no surprises from them, but hopefully we will have some surprises,” he said, adding that PPP may introduce its candidates for the four-member GRC in the coming week.
Asked if his team is ready to take on the challenge from the PAP, he said: "Yes, gloves off."
I guess this is not the FIRST time local Main Stream Media has censored their own original news posting which may sound "embarrassing" to the PAP govenrment. But I just find that all these censorship is totally unnecessary.
I am pretty sick of the Third World electioneering we have here in Singapore for the past few decades. General Elections are supposed to be a period whereby every political parties will contest based on their political ideas and ideals.
Policy debates should be welcome and the main focus of a First World Democracy but apparently, Singapore is far from being a First World Democracy.
Our past and present Genearl Elections are full of petty political bickering and mudslinging. For the current "Elections Hot Period", ever since the Electoral Boundaries Report has been announced, our main stream media is flooded with sensational smearing and mudslinging news. Even a simple photo of an opposition MP eating food in some constituency can become a spat between politicians!
So far, nobody has talked about any meaningful discourse of policy views or issues. Nobody is interested in Policy Debates which will give voters a clearer picture and information on each party's policy views.
It is really regrettable that PAP Minister Gan has declined to take up my challenge to debate on such an important issue which Singaporeans have indicated having great concerns in various surveys.
I hope PAP should grow up so that Singapore could mature into a First World Democracy.
Goh Meng Seng
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