Singapore may see its 15th by-election with the expulsion of Hougang MP Yaw Shin Leong from the Workers' Party (WP).
Workers' Party (WP) chief Low Thia Khiang has rebutted statements made by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and People's Action Party (PAP) chairman Khaw Boon Wan, who accused his party of “misleading” and “letting down” voters in Hougang single member constituency (SMC).
Speaking at Wednesday evening’s Meet-the-People session at Hougang Avenue 5, where WP chairman Sylvia Lim was "filling in" for former Member of Parliament (MP) Yaw Shin Leong, Low said, "The Workers' Party has not let the people down. Whatever is wrong, we've put it right."
His appearance in his former constituency, where he was MP for 20 years before moving to Aljunied GRC, was greeted celebrity-style, with more-than-50 residents gathered outside the block shaking his hand and cheering.
In response to the positive reception, Low added, “Perhaps the PM should look at the sentiment (on the ground) and not drag too long for the by-election if he has a national agenda and wants to move on.”
“That is my advice," he said, amid loud cheers of "Workers' Party!" and applause from residents gathered in the background.
Watch a video of what Low said at the MPS here:
PM Lee had earlier commented that he “will consider carefully” whether to hold a by-election in Hougang, following news of Yaw’s expulsion by the WP.
Channel NewsAsia (CNA) reported that PM Lee also said there is no fixed time within which he must call a by-election, adding that "there are many other issues on the national agenda right now".
Noting that an election – which the country just had less than a year ago – should be taken seriously, Lee added "the Hougang SMC is vacant (now), as a result of what Mr Yaw Shin Leong has done, and the way the WP has handled the matter".
"The WP has let down the voters of Hougang," he said.
Khaw, who is also Singapore’s national development minister, echoed PM Lee’s views, saying, “Voters in Hougang have been misled by WP.”
Also addressing reporters in the wake of Yaw’s dismissal from the party, CNA reported Khaw saying that it was a sad development to learn that an MP’s character was deemed insufficient by his own party.
"The Workers' Party needs to come clean with the people what information have they got about Mr Yaw and in particular, what did they know about him prior to the May election. And if they know, why did they field Mr Yaw. I think it is sad that the voters have been misled by the Workers Party," Khaw said, as quoted by CNA.
Khaw reminded voters to consider a person's character when they go to the polls, adding that there is no difference between a person's personal and professional life once he or she enters politics, according to CNA.
Khaw also addressed concerns arising over Hougang's by-election after Yaw's dismissal, saying that the PAP has never forsaken its supporters and voters and that the ruling party will try their best to win back the Hougang seat.
When asked if Desmond Choo -- who contested against Yaw in last May's general election -- will contest again, Khaw said that the party will take one step at a time, CNA reported.
Reporting By Kai Fong ,Jeanette Tan and Melissa Aw
Showing posts with label General Election 2011 (SG) ~ Not AK related. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General Election 2011 (SG) ~ Not AK related. Show all posts
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Hougang MP Yaw Shin Leong stays silent
Member of Parliament for Hougang Yaw Shin Leong has gone dark.
The Worker's Party member has reportedly disappeared under the radar after being embroiled in an online storm over rumours of an extra-marital affair with a married female opposition party member.
According to The Straits Times, Yaw could not be contacted by phone, email or at his home. His weekly Meet-the-People session (MPS) earlier this week was also cancelled.
"You said yourself that these are rumours, why are you still asking me?" WP party chief Low Thia Kiang told the paper.
Repeated attempts by Yahoo! Singapore attempted to contact Yaw and other members of the WP also failed to yield results.
Yaw’s alleged affair was made public in a report by socio-political blog site TR Emeritus, which said it received several tip-offs by reliable informants, some of whom attend the same church as Yaw. TRE said it ran the report after thorough research and verification.
When asked by The New Paper earlier this week about the allegations, Yaw, 35, would only say: “I do not wish to comment on rumours.”
Yaw’s wife Madam Lau Wang Lin, though, posted a comment on her Facebook page earlier on Thursday morning, which appeared to refer to the incident.
“What’s the role of a journalist/editor? To sensationalise so as to create readership? Putting together piecemeal comments taken out of context such that it creates a picture of ‘reality’? Gutter journalism out on a prowl to create maximum damages. May God bless them,” she wrote.
According to TNP, the woman Yaw is alleged to have had an affair with said, “I hope you will not identify me or the other woman involved.”
It is unclear who “the other woman” mentioned was.
Yaw’s Facebook page has since been bombarded with comments from followers, calling for him to face the issue and apologise instead of deleting the offending comments. Others insist that the incident is a “PAP smear” campaign designed to kill support for the opposition.
He has also been compared to U.S. President Bill Clinton, who later admitted to having an “improper physical relationship” with 25-year-old White House intern Monica Lewinsky in 1998
By Chua Yini
The Worker's Party member has reportedly disappeared under the radar after being embroiled in an online storm over rumours of an extra-marital affair with a married female opposition party member.
According to The Straits Times, Yaw could not be contacted by phone, email or at his home. His weekly Meet-the-People session (MPS) earlier this week was also cancelled.
"You said yourself that these are rumours, why are you still asking me?" WP party chief Low Thia Kiang told the paper.
Repeated attempts by Yahoo! Singapore attempted to contact Yaw and other members of the WP also failed to yield results.
Yaw’s alleged affair was made public in a report by socio-political blog site TR Emeritus, which said it received several tip-offs by reliable informants, some of whom attend the same church as Yaw. TRE said it ran the report after thorough research and verification.
When asked by The New Paper earlier this week about the allegations, Yaw, 35, would only say: “I do not wish to comment on rumours.”
Yaw’s wife Madam Lau Wang Lin, though, posted a comment on her Facebook page earlier on Thursday morning, which appeared to refer to the incident.
“What’s the role of a journalist/editor? To sensationalise so as to create readership? Putting together piecemeal comments taken out of context such that it creates a picture of ‘reality’? Gutter journalism out on a prowl to create maximum damages. May God bless them,” she wrote.
According to TNP, the woman Yaw is alleged to have had an affair with said, “I hope you will not identify me or the other woman involved.”
It is unclear who “the other woman” mentioned was.
Yaw’s Facebook page has since been bombarded with comments from followers, calling for him to face the issue and apologise instead of deleting the offending comments. Others insist that the incident is a “PAP smear” campaign designed to kill support for the opposition.
He has also been compared to U.S. President Bill Clinton, who later admitted to having an “improper physical relationship” with 25-year-old White House intern Monica Lewinsky in 1998
By Chua Yini
'No surprise if WP wins by-election’
“A shrewd political move.”
That was the response by Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Eugene Tan on the Workers’ Party’s (WP) call for a by-election at Hougang SMC.
“WP has taken, boldly, the moral high ground,” he said of the party expelling Hougang MP Yaw Shin Leong who served in the party leadership for close to ten years.
“The party will reap dividends from this first-mover advantage action – in the short-term and in the long-term. They are setting high standards for themselves, and the move will go down well with the ground, and with Hougang voters,” added Tan, who is an assistant law professor at Singapore Management University.
Under the Constitution, once an elected Member of Parliament ceases to be a member of, or is expelled or resigned from the political party for which he stood in an election, the seat shall become vacant.
Media consultant P N Balji called this a “big blow’ for the party secretary-general Low Thia Khiang in particular. “Yaw was his political prodigy, having been with Mr Low for 11 years.”
“It also calls into question how the Workers' Party picks its members and grooms them for political contest. Yaw's "personal discretion" does not seem to have been a one-off affair. A married China woman had spoken publicly of her affair with him.”
But he was quick to highlight WP’s immediate task: to identify a replacement and “take the party out of this crisis quickly”.
Speaking on the next by-election, Balji said that the focus of the next by-election will most probably be revolve around “issues of character” and banking on how WP handles this crisis. He added, “Although it did finally take the decisive step of sacking Yaw, its long silence on Yaw will come under scrutiny during the hustings.”
The Prime Minister will now have to advise President Tony Tan to issue a writ for a by-election in Hougang SMC.
Tan speculates that Desmond Choo, who was pitted against WP in the previous May 2011 election, will be the front-runner to contest. He points out that Choo is the grassroots organisation's adviser there.
“He would have familiarity with issues in Hougang and is known to voters there.”
Tan added that, “The PAP is likely to be worse-off if it sends another candidate other than Choo.”
He admits that it will be an “uphill battle” for the PAP to win back Hougang SMC. “Hougang has been a WP stronghold since 1991…We shouldn’t be surprised if the WP wins Hougang with a larger majority in the by-election.”
Goh Meng Seng, former secretary-general of the National Solidarity Party also expects WP to win the by-election.
“I hope this by-election will not be a multi-cornered fight and other opposition parties won’t come in because this will affect the chances of the opposition holding onto the Hougang SMC seat,” he said.
Regina Chua, 34, an auditor who has lived in Hougang SMC for six years, said, “The party did well to sack him. It was a brave move and it shows they are willing to choose morals over power.”
She added, “Regardless of who stands in the by-election, I will still pick the WP because it has done a good job for residents here.”
Another resident of 15 years, Desmond Chin, 31, systems engineer said: “To me, it is a long overdue move. But at least they have done it now. By sacking Yaw, the WP is showing Singapore that it expects its MPs to not just be passionate about serving constituents but also be morally upright. “
But he said he will only decide who to vote for in the by-election after the candidates from both sides have been confirmed.
Pamy Tan, a research writer, thinks that this shows well on WP in “preserving a good image”. However, she remains skeptical if it will truly benefit the residents in the case of a by-election.
But the scrutiny is undoubtedly on WP and their upcoming performance. Tan said that she will choose where to place her vote carefully in the upcoming election “based on what WP says in rallies. I’d hear what they have to say and based on my assessment, I’d see who I’d vote for”.
The last elections saw People’s Action Party candidate Desmond Choo contest the single-seat ward against Yaw. At press time, Choo could not be reached for comment on whether he will contest in a by-election.
However, his supporters are already geared up to vote him in.
Facebook user Kwek Kah Heong posted on Choo’s wall: “Get ready for another fight!”
Another user Chong Yao Yang encouraged Choo to contest in this by-election, saying, “Don't Worry this time round if you contest in Hougang’s by-Election, you will win because Yaw Shin Leong have been sacked from the Workers’ Party.”
Reporting by Lin Wenjian Melissa Aw & Deborah Choo
That was the response by Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Eugene Tan on the Workers’ Party’s (WP) call for a by-election at Hougang SMC.
“WP has taken, boldly, the moral high ground,” he said of the party expelling Hougang MP Yaw Shin Leong who served in the party leadership for close to ten years.
“The party will reap dividends from this first-mover advantage action – in the short-term and in the long-term. They are setting high standards for themselves, and the move will go down well with the ground, and with Hougang voters,” added Tan, who is an assistant law professor at Singapore Management University.
Under the Constitution, once an elected Member of Parliament ceases to be a member of, or is expelled or resigned from the political party for which he stood in an election, the seat shall become vacant.
Media consultant P N Balji called this a “big blow’ for the party secretary-general Low Thia Khiang in particular. “Yaw was his political prodigy, having been with Mr Low for 11 years.”
“It also calls into question how the Workers' Party picks its members and grooms them for political contest. Yaw's "personal discretion" does not seem to have been a one-off affair. A married China woman had spoken publicly of her affair with him.”
But he was quick to highlight WP’s immediate task: to identify a replacement and “take the party out of this crisis quickly”.
Speaking on the next by-election, Balji said that the focus of the next by-election will most probably be revolve around “issues of character” and banking on how WP handles this crisis. He added, “Although it did finally take the decisive step of sacking Yaw, its long silence on Yaw will come under scrutiny during the hustings.”
The Prime Minister will now have to advise President Tony Tan to issue a writ for a by-election in Hougang SMC.
Tan speculates that Desmond Choo, who was pitted against WP in the previous May 2011 election, will be the front-runner to contest. He points out that Choo is the grassroots organisation's adviser there.
“He would have familiarity with issues in Hougang and is known to voters there.”
Tan added that, “The PAP is likely to be worse-off if it sends another candidate other than Choo.”
He admits that it will be an “uphill battle” for the PAP to win back Hougang SMC. “Hougang has been a WP stronghold since 1991…We shouldn’t be surprised if the WP wins Hougang with a larger majority in the by-election.”
Goh Meng Seng, former secretary-general of the National Solidarity Party also expects WP to win the by-election.
“I hope this by-election will not be a multi-cornered fight and other opposition parties won’t come in because this will affect the chances of the opposition holding onto the Hougang SMC seat,” he said.
Regina Chua, 34, an auditor who has lived in Hougang SMC for six years, said, “The party did well to sack him. It was a brave move and it shows they are willing to choose morals over power.”
She added, “Regardless of who stands in the by-election, I will still pick the WP because it has done a good job for residents here.”
Another resident of 15 years, Desmond Chin, 31, systems engineer said: “To me, it is a long overdue move. But at least they have done it now. By sacking Yaw, the WP is showing Singapore that it expects its MPs to not just be passionate about serving constituents but also be morally upright. “
But he said he will only decide who to vote for in the by-election after the candidates from both sides have been confirmed.
Pamy Tan, a research writer, thinks that this shows well on WP in “preserving a good image”. However, she remains skeptical if it will truly benefit the residents in the case of a by-election.
But the scrutiny is undoubtedly on WP and their upcoming performance. Tan said that she will choose where to place her vote carefully in the upcoming election “based on what WP says in rallies. I’d hear what they have to say and based on my assessment, I’d see who I’d vote for”.
The last elections saw People’s Action Party candidate Desmond Choo contest the single-seat ward against Yaw. At press time, Choo could not be reached for comment on whether he will contest in a by-election.
However, his supporters are already geared up to vote him in.
Facebook user Kwek Kah Heong posted on Choo’s wall: “Get ready for another fight!”
Another user Chong Yao Yang encouraged Choo to contest in this by-election, saying, “Don't Worry this time round if you contest in Hougang’s by-Election, you will win because Yaw Shin Leong have been sacked from the Workers’ Party.”
Reporting by Lin Wenjian Melissa Aw & Deborah Choo
Hougang set for by-election after Workers' Party expels Yaw Shin Leong
Workers' Party's (WP) has expelled Yaw Shin Leong from the party with immediate effect, paving the way for a by-election in the single member constituency of Hougang.
Party chairman Sylvia Lim said Yaw was expelled "because he has not addressed allegations” in his private life.
Yaw was alleged to have had an extra-marital affair with a married female opposition party member.
At a media conference at its Syed Alwi headquarters on Wednesday evening, the WP said the decision, while not unanimous, was made collectively after the Central Executive Council (CEC) met for a group vote the night before.
“The party believes in transparency and accountability," said WP chief Low Thia Khiang. It was a difficult decision to make but it was a necessary one so that Workers’ Party’s MPs can stand tall and hold their heads up to take the PAP government to account [sic].”
Low added that to his knowledge of the party's 55-year history, this is the first time a member of the party has been expelled in this manner.
“It may sound drastic but we feel it is necessary and in the public interest to do so, to show that we are serious in our commitment to maintain high standards," said Lim.
Lim added the CEC had invited Yaw to come forward and explain himself several times but he failed to attend the meetings. The 35-year-old Yaw also failed to show up for a meeting scheduled on Tuesday.
Lim said that from the time news of the allegations broke, there was nothing stopping him from approaching the council to speak to them.
"He has fallen short of the standards we expect in terms of responsible behaviour," she said.
"In the face of these allegations, we would expect, especially our elected members, to come forward to address the allegations, not only to the party leadership but also to the public. And that is the reason why we feel that he has not met what we expect."
When asked why the party took so long to break its silence, Lim said they were not privy to many facts and hence were not in a position to address the substance of the allegations.
Lim also said that she spoke with Yaw's wife on Wednesday morning, after failed attempts to reach Yaw himself, and was told that they were both aware of the decision that the CEC had made the night before.
Should Hougang residents be worried?
Lim maintained that Yaw's weekly Meet-the-People Sessions will continue as usual, except that other Workers' Party MPs will be "filling in" in the interim.
With the Hougang seat vacant, a by-election is set to be held under the Consititution. The exact date, expected to be within three to six months, will be set by Prime Minister Lee Hsieng Loong who will advise President Tony Tan to issue a writ for a by-election in Hougang SMC.
When asked if one of the WP NCMPs might step forward to the slate, Lim said they would not rule out the possibility but will only confirm the selected candidate come nomination day for the by-election.
Even though the party has enjoyed a more-than 20-year reign over the constituency, Lim emphasised that they "will not be resting on (their) laurels", and will be preparing for the expected by-election as they do for any other.
Lim also added that there is a possibility for Yaw to appeal the decision to the party's cadre conference, but whether or not he should do so is entirely up to him.
STATEMENT FROM THE WORKERS' PARTY, 15 FEBRUARY
The Workers’ Party has expelled Yaw Shin Leong from the party with immediate effect.
WP believes strongly in transparency and accountability, and expects no less from our party members, especially our Members of Parliament.
Shin Leong has been accused of several indiscretions in his private life. By continuing not to account to the Party and the people, especially the residents of Hougang, he has broken the faith, trust and expectations of the Party and People.
This is a difficult and painful decision for us. Shin Leong has been a core member of the Party leadership for more than 10 years, and has made significant and unique contributions towards WP’s growth. He has also served the residents of Hougang diligently. However, the Council has decided that it is in the public interest to take this step.
We also believe it is only fair to the Hougang residents that they have another opportunity to elect their Member of Parliament.
We apologise for having to put them through a by-election.
We wish to assure Hougang residents that they will continue to be served by the Party until the by-election is called.
The Meet the People sessions in Hougang will continue, with the other MPs covering. Residents are free to contact any WP MP for assistance. In addition, town council services will continue to be provided under the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council.
Finally, we wish to thank the public for their concern towards the Party and for walking with us through this difficult period.
Sylvia Lim
Chairman
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Over at Hougang on Wednesday evening, a quiet tension seemed to grip residents who were shocked by the news announced mere hours before.
More than 60 curious onlookers were spotted outside Block 310, Hougang Avenue 5, where Lim filled in for former MP Yaw's weekly MPS at its void deck. Some were eager to see who was there in Yaw's place, some were looking for more information about when the by-election will be and who will be fielded for it, and others were simply wondering if--perhaps even hoping-- something dramatic would happen.
Appearing between 8:30 and 8:45pm was NCMP Yee Jenn Jong, who recently took over Yaw's treasurer position in the WP's central executive committee. He told the circle of gathered reporters who flocked round that he was simply there on a routine basis to help Lim out. He also helped clear the air for residents who were puzzled or misinformed about the latest developments regarding their former MP.
The biggest surprise, however, came from WP chief Low, who arrived at the MPS to cheers and applause after concluding his own MPS in Aljunied slightly earlier than usual. Residents gathered there certainly seemed to reinforce their constituency's majority support for the WP, though, but it remains to be seen who the party will elect to field in the long-WP-held SMC, given that its residents' longtime favourite is no longer available to stand for by-elecion.
Reporting by Jeanette Tan
Party chairman Sylvia Lim said Yaw was expelled "because he has not addressed allegations” in his private life.
Yaw was alleged to have had an extra-marital affair with a married female opposition party member.
At a media conference at its Syed Alwi headquarters on Wednesday evening, the WP said the decision, while not unanimous, was made collectively after the Central Executive Council (CEC) met for a group vote the night before.
“The party believes in transparency and accountability," said WP chief Low Thia Khiang. It was a difficult decision to make but it was a necessary one so that Workers’ Party’s MPs can stand tall and hold their heads up to take the PAP government to account [sic].”
Low added that to his knowledge of the party's 55-year history, this is the first time a member of the party has been expelled in this manner.
“It may sound drastic but we feel it is necessary and in the public interest to do so, to show that we are serious in our commitment to maintain high standards," said Lim.
Lim added the CEC had invited Yaw to come forward and explain himself several times but he failed to attend the meetings. The 35-year-old Yaw also failed to show up for a meeting scheduled on Tuesday.
Lim said that from the time news of the allegations broke, there was nothing stopping him from approaching the council to speak to them.
"He has fallen short of the standards we expect in terms of responsible behaviour," she said.
"In the face of these allegations, we would expect, especially our elected members, to come forward to address the allegations, not only to the party leadership but also to the public. And that is the reason why we feel that he has not met what we expect."
When asked why the party took so long to break its silence, Lim said they were not privy to many facts and hence were not in a position to address the substance of the allegations.
Lim also said that she spoke with Yaw's wife on Wednesday morning, after failed attempts to reach Yaw himself, and was told that they were both aware of the decision that the CEC had made the night before.
Should Hougang residents be worried?
Lim maintained that Yaw's weekly Meet-the-People Sessions will continue as usual, except that other Workers' Party MPs will be "filling in" in the interim.
With the Hougang seat vacant, a by-election is set to be held under the Consititution. The exact date, expected to be within three to six months, will be set by Prime Minister Lee Hsieng Loong who will advise President Tony Tan to issue a writ for a by-election in Hougang SMC.
When asked if one of the WP NCMPs might step forward to the slate, Lim said they would not rule out the possibility but will only confirm the selected candidate come nomination day for the by-election.
Even though the party has enjoyed a more-than 20-year reign over the constituency, Lim emphasised that they "will not be resting on (their) laurels", and will be preparing for the expected by-election as they do for any other.
Lim also added that there is a possibility for Yaw to appeal the decision to the party's cadre conference, but whether or not he should do so is entirely up to him.
STATEMENT FROM THE WORKERS' PARTY, 15 FEBRUARY
The Workers’ Party has expelled Yaw Shin Leong from the party with immediate effect.
WP believes strongly in transparency and accountability, and expects no less from our party members, especially our Members of Parliament.
Shin Leong has been accused of several indiscretions in his private life. By continuing not to account to the Party and the people, especially the residents of Hougang, he has broken the faith, trust and expectations of the Party and People.
This is a difficult and painful decision for us. Shin Leong has been a core member of the Party leadership for more than 10 years, and has made significant and unique contributions towards WP’s growth. He has also served the residents of Hougang diligently. However, the Council has decided that it is in the public interest to take this step.
We also believe it is only fair to the Hougang residents that they have another opportunity to elect their Member of Parliament.
We apologise for having to put them through a by-election.
We wish to assure Hougang residents that they will continue to be served by the Party until the by-election is called.
The Meet the People sessions in Hougang will continue, with the other MPs covering. Residents are free to contact any WP MP for assistance. In addition, town council services will continue to be provided under the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council.
Finally, we wish to thank the public for their concern towards the Party and for walking with us through this difficult period.
Sylvia Lim
Chairman
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Over at Hougang on Wednesday evening, a quiet tension seemed to grip residents who were shocked by the news announced mere hours before.
More than 60 curious onlookers were spotted outside Block 310, Hougang Avenue 5, where Lim filled in for former MP Yaw's weekly MPS at its void deck. Some were eager to see who was there in Yaw's place, some were looking for more information about when the by-election will be and who will be fielded for it, and others were simply wondering if--perhaps even hoping-- something dramatic would happen.
Appearing between 8:30 and 8:45pm was NCMP Yee Jenn Jong, who recently took over Yaw's treasurer position in the WP's central executive committee. He told the circle of gathered reporters who flocked round that he was simply there on a routine basis to help Lim out. He also helped clear the air for residents who were puzzled or misinformed about the latest developments regarding their former MP.
The biggest surprise, however, came from WP chief Low, who arrived at the MPS to cheers and applause after concluding his own MPS in Aljunied slightly earlier than usual. Residents gathered there certainly seemed to reinforce their constituency's majority support for the WP, though, but it remains to be seen who the party will elect to field in the long-WP-held SMC, given that its residents' longtime favourite is no longer available to stand for by-elecion.
Reporting by Jeanette Tan
Monday, May 9, 2011
bak chor mee stall (Representing the PAP government)..
Blog Master: This is our LAST reporting of Singapore's GE 2011 since this meaningful event is now ended. Thank you for all readers' continuous support to our blog..
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2011 bak chor mee :
Video credit:mistabrown
2007 bak chor mee :
Video Credit:123Singapore123
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2011 bak chor mee :
Video credit:mistabrown
2007 bak chor mee :
Video Credit:123Singapore123
General Election 2011 warp up....conclusion
A new page for Singapore history. Hooray!!
Thank you PAP for giving Singaporean the freedom to vote .Singaporean should treasure this. Look at what is happening in the middle east and some countries. There is a lot that PAP can improve on however, majorities still find having a stable govt body is vitally important hence majorities still vote for PAP.
Having more oppositions is not a bad thing. However, I hope they work hand in hand with the govt to steer Singapore to a more prosperous and democratic society. The pay of the ministers should be reviewed as this has caused alot of concerns among Singaporean. The govt should bench mark other countries's ministres' salaries and set a reasonable level for their ministers. You can't bench mark their salaries to the private sectors as being part of the govt is not about money but also a sense of duty and pride which alot of Elite Singaporean will do it for a nominal pay (out of LOVE for Singapore) !!!
I LOVE Singapore !!!!!
~ Darling Hon
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Topic : Singapore opposition makes election breakthrough
Article by : Philip Lim
Singapore's ruling People's Action Party (PAP) was returned to power on Sunday with a huge majority but suffered a drop in popularity and lost a key district to a resurgent opposition.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 59, acknowledged that Saturday's parliamentary election marked a "distinct shift" in the political landscape of the city-state, which has been ruled by the PAP for the past 52 years.
The opposition's win in six seats may be modest by international standards but is their best performance since Singapore became independent from the Malaysian federation in 1965.
The PAP won 81 of the 87 parliament seats, down slightly from its victory in 82 out of 84 seats when Singapore last voted in 2006, and its share of all votes cast fell to 60 percent from 67 percent in the same period.
"This is a watershed general election. It is taking place after five very eventful years. This is a very different world in 2011 as compared to 2006, and a very different Singapore," Lee said in a televised post-election address.
He said the PAP will undergo "soul searching" and expressed willingness to work with lawmakers from the opposition, which won a record six seats and gave the PAP a tough fight across the island.
Four days before the election, Lee apologised in public for the government's shortcomings after voters slammed the PAP for the rising cost of living, competition from immigrants and foreign workers, and other grievances.
Compulsory voting ensured a high turnout on Saturday, with close to 2.06 million people -- 93 percent of the electorate -- casting ballots.
In the most intensely fought contest, Foreign Minister George Yeo and four other PAP candidates lost to the Workers' Party in a group constituency, forcing him out of the cabinet.
A single-seat ward also voted for the Workers' Party, a pro-poor group of lawyers and professionals. The opposition's previous best result was four seats in 1991.
Bridget Welsh, a political science professor at the Singapore Management University, stressed the significance of the opposition's first ever win in a group representation constituency (GRC), a setup widely seen as favouring the ruling party but now shown to be vulnerable.
"The GRCs have been a cornerstone of one-party dominance in the Singapore state, and the breaking of its GRCs is really allowing a diversity of political views in the country," Welsh said.
Six opposition parties took part in the election with the modest goal of winning more seats from the PAP -- resigned to the dominance of the party that led Singapore to political independence and economic prosperity.
They divided electoral districts among themselves to fight the PAP on several fronts.
"The opposition has come together in terms of not contesting against each other. When push came to shove, they put aside personal differences for the larger cause of opening up political space," Welsh said.
The PAP was co-founded by the prime minister's father Lee Kuan Yew, who governed Singapore for 31 years and was re-elected to parliament unopposed on Saturday at the age of 87.
Tens of thousands of supporters attended opposition rallies held over the past week, far greater than the PAP's crowds.
The opposition also relied heavily on the Internet, particularly social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, because the mainstream local media are widely regarded as PAP mouthpieces.
The PAP has long touted its economic record to convince Singaporeans to return it to power and kept the opposition in check by imposing curbs on political activity except during elections.
The economy grew a record 14.5 percent in 2010 and per capita gross domestic product stood at Sg$59,813 ($48,271), according to the statistics department, making Singaporeans the second wealthiest Asians after the Japanese.
But the prosperity has not been spread evenly, and inflation this year is forecast at 3.0-4.0 percent, high by Singapore standards
Thank you PAP for giving Singaporean the freedom to vote .Singaporean should treasure this. Look at what is happening in the middle east and some countries. There is a lot that PAP can improve on however, majorities still find having a stable govt body is vitally important hence majorities still vote for PAP.
Having more oppositions is not a bad thing. However, I hope they work hand in hand with the govt to steer Singapore to a more prosperous and democratic society. The pay of the ministers should be reviewed as this has caused alot of concerns among Singaporean. The govt should bench mark other countries's ministres' salaries and set a reasonable level for their ministers. You can't bench mark their salaries to the private sectors as being part of the govt is not about money but also a sense of duty and pride which alot of Elite Singaporean will do it for a nominal pay (out of LOVE for Singapore) !!!
I LOVE Singapore !!!!!
~ Darling Hon
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Topic : Singapore opposition makes election breakthrough
Article by : Philip Lim
Singapore's ruling People's Action Party (PAP) was returned to power on Sunday with a huge majority but suffered a drop in popularity and lost a key district to a resurgent opposition.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 59, acknowledged that Saturday's parliamentary election marked a "distinct shift" in the political landscape of the city-state, which has been ruled by the PAP for the past 52 years.
The opposition's win in six seats may be modest by international standards but is their best performance since Singapore became independent from the Malaysian federation in 1965.
The PAP won 81 of the 87 parliament seats, down slightly from its victory in 82 out of 84 seats when Singapore last voted in 2006, and its share of all votes cast fell to 60 percent from 67 percent in the same period.
"This is a watershed general election. It is taking place after five very eventful years. This is a very different world in 2011 as compared to 2006, and a very different Singapore," Lee said in a televised post-election address.
He said the PAP will undergo "soul searching" and expressed willingness to work with lawmakers from the opposition, which won a record six seats and gave the PAP a tough fight across the island.
Four days before the election, Lee apologised in public for the government's shortcomings after voters slammed the PAP for the rising cost of living, competition from immigrants and foreign workers, and other grievances.
Compulsory voting ensured a high turnout on Saturday, with close to 2.06 million people -- 93 percent of the electorate -- casting ballots.
In the most intensely fought contest, Foreign Minister George Yeo and four other PAP candidates lost to the Workers' Party in a group constituency, forcing him out of the cabinet.
A single-seat ward also voted for the Workers' Party, a pro-poor group of lawyers and professionals. The opposition's previous best result was four seats in 1991.
Bridget Welsh, a political science professor at the Singapore Management University, stressed the significance of the opposition's first ever win in a group representation constituency (GRC), a setup widely seen as favouring the ruling party but now shown to be vulnerable.
"The GRCs have been a cornerstone of one-party dominance in the Singapore state, and the breaking of its GRCs is really allowing a diversity of political views in the country," Welsh said.
Six opposition parties took part in the election with the modest goal of winning more seats from the PAP -- resigned to the dominance of the party that led Singapore to political independence and economic prosperity.
They divided electoral districts among themselves to fight the PAP on several fronts.
"The opposition has come together in terms of not contesting against each other. When push came to shove, they put aside personal differences for the larger cause of opening up political space," Welsh said.
The PAP was co-founded by the prime minister's father Lee Kuan Yew, who governed Singapore for 31 years and was re-elected to parliament unopposed on Saturday at the age of 87.
Tens of thousands of supporters attended opposition rallies held over the past week, far greater than the PAP's crowds.
The opposition also relied heavily on the Internet, particularly social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, because the mainstream local media are widely regarded as PAP mouthpieces.
The PAP has long touted its economic record to convince Singaporeans to return it to power and kept the opposition in check by imposing curbs on political activity except during elections.
The economy grew a record 14.5 percent in 2010 and per capita gross domestic product stood at Sg$59,813 ($48,271), according to the statistics department, making Singaporeans the second wealthiest Asians after the Japanese.
But the prosperity has not been spread evenly, and inflation this year is forecast at 3.0-4.0 percent, high by Singapore standards
May it its time to remove GRC for next election 2016 ?
Freak Results of Singapore GE2011:
Rookie ImmatureTin Pei Ling won in Marine Parade GRC.
Veteran Chiam See Tong lost in Bishan-TP GRC (after 27 years service as Opposition MP)
Ex-FM George Yeo lost in Aljunied GRC
Tan Jee Say lost in Holland-BT GRC
Dr.Ang Yong Guan lost in Holland-BT GRC
Based on international standards,Singapore is one of the most undemocratic country in the world.
The GRC system must be scrapped !
~ Ben Ong
************
Now that Workers' Party has established itself as a genuine opposition party, their credibility can only grow stronger. It will be a matter of time before they win more GRCs.
Perhaps they can exploit the "By Election" mentality at the next GE by targeting only a small handful of GRCs. Good chance that they can win another 1 or 2 GRCs at the next round. If PAP persists in keeping the ridiculous GRC system, which minister will they want to lose at the next election? Teo Chee Hean? Tharman?
Think carefully, PAP !
~ Debong
************
I believe most of us will have complex and confusing emotions right now.Very sad to lose the foreign minister Mr George Yeo as this was a big blow to Singapore. He is one of the ministers that the nation loves. We need the modest, capable, caring government like him!
However it was difficult choice that made by the Aljunied residents. To me, both Mr George Yeo and Mr Low Thia Khiang are good candidates. I do hope Mr Yeo can still carry on as Foreign Minister and Mr Low to be in the parliament, for a more representative democracy.
If the talents from PAP and Opposite party join force and move forward as a nation in the future,for a better Singapore. Afterall, we are all Singaporeans. We should more focus on the talents of the candidates, rather than than which political parties, should in the parliament. We lose good candidates because of that GRC system, this GRC system also caused some immature and unsuitable candidates to get in to the parliament, because they were lucky to be in the stronger political party. It is time to remove the GRC system. =(
~ CHEE
************
Yes, the GRC system must go. Nobody is allow to coattail into parliament. If you are up for the job, fight it on fair ground to prove your worth. If you can get the blessing from your voters, you had earned the every rights to voice with your head held high.
Tin Pei Ling is a good indicator and GCT should be happy that he is not voted out because of her, only had his GRC votes count dropped drastically.
~ Chew
************
I respect some of the honest comments coming from George Yeo and PM Lee during the election campaign.
On the other hand, it's so obvious to the entire Nation that TPL is a big liability to the future of Singapore. Even to the last minute during cooling off period, she had the cheeks to go against the rule of engagement only to come back with simple statement that it was an honest mistake. We're dealing with the stake of the nation and not "masak masak" game.
The GRC system really shows clearly its flaws. The people of Singapore is raising its voice and volume even after the election about the negative outcome of the GRC system. The nation needs to review the GRC system before it's too late and too little...and when the times come, it's not about losing a constituency anymore, it's about losing an entire Nation.
I hope that PM Lee really listen to us on TPL's incompetency and not go down the path about the robust interviewing process that PAP has adopted in identifying potential MPs as 2011 election had demonstrated the big flaws in the PAP interviewing process that includes a last minute PAP candidate dropout as well.
Lastly, as says in the national pledge:- "to build a democratic society, based on justice and equality so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation", let's hope that PM Lee is able to find mid ground in easing the frustrations of the people wrt to the GRC system that resulted in having an incompetent TPL marching in as MP and losing a good foreign Minister.
It's really time to end the GRC system altogether and go back to the fundamentals of politics of wining vote by individual standing and credential.
~ Samuel Tan
************
There are good reasons to end the GRC system:
1. Let us have a better sense of belonging. Many in say Aljunied could not relate to Aljunied as it is made up of 5 constituencies.
2. Let us vote for our own MP for our constituency. Good MPs will be voted in. Of course win or lose depends on the relative strength of the 2 contending cndidates. PAP wants to avoid having the weakest link being attacked by a strong opposition. But this result at Aljunied shows that it cuts both ways. You carry the weaker ones in but risk losing the really good ones. is ti worth it just to try and win all?
3. Every MP representing the people must be the better of the 2 contending candidates, regardless of the party they are in. I am sepaking as an idealistic citizen. This way, each MP will work extra hard to take care of his / her own constituency. Otherwise, in the next election, another person will take over. No one can take a back seat and hope to be carried into Parliament jsut because there is a few strong anchor team members.
4. By having all SMCs, we will truly get people's representation in the govt. Every single good PAP should be voted in. New PAP people will have a good chance if they can carry themselves. Weak opposition will not get into the govt.
5. On the minority issues, perhaps every party has to have minority reps in their slate in order to contest. I recognize if this is the true reason, it is a challenging one. On the other hand, if the minority rep is strong enough, race is never an issue in Sg. Even if I am a "minority" rep, I must be confident enough to lead Sg, regardless of race. Thus, this in its own way, should never be a consideration for election.
Note to PAP: change the GRC to SMc before more unexpected outcomes unfold. Then people will see the change as political driven. There will always be that perception. But if you do it at the right time when people are calling for the change, you will have a win-win situation. Get a referendum if you must - but pls do it.
~ T T
Rookie ImmatureTin Pei Ling won in Marine Parade GRC.
Veteran Chiam See Tong lost in Bishan-TP GRC (after 27 years service as Opposition MP)
Ex-FM George Yeo lost in Aljunied GRC
Tan Jee Say lost in Holland-BT GRC
Dr.Ang Yong Guan lost in Holland-BT GRC
Based on international standards,Singapore is one of the most undemocratic country in the world.
The GRC system must be scrapped !
~ Ben Ong
************
Now that Workers' Party has established itself as a genuine opposition party, their credibility can only grow stronger. It will be a matter of time before they win more GRCs.
Perhaps they can exploit the "By Election" mentality at the next GE by targeting only a small handful of GRCs. Good chance that they can win another 1 or 2 GRCs at the next round. If PAP persists in keeping the ridiculous GRC system, which minister will they want to lose at the next election? Teo Chee Hean? Tharman?
Think carefully, PAP !
~ Debong
************
I believe most of us will have complex and confusing emotions right now.Very sad to lose the foreign minister Mr George Yeo as this was a big blow to Singapore. He is one of the ministers that the nation loves. We need the modest, capable, caring government like him!
However it was difficult choice that made by the Aljunied residents. To me, both Mr George Yeo and Mr Low Thia Khiang are good candidates. I do hope Mr Yeo can still carry on as Foreign Minister and Mr Low to be in the parliament, for a more representative democracy.
If the talents from PAP and Opposite party join force and move forward as a nation in the future,for a better Singapore. Afterall, we are all Singaporeans. We should more focus on the talents of the candidates, rather than than which political parties, should in the parliament. We lose good candidates because of that GRC system, this GRC system also caused some immature and unsuitable candidates to get in to the parliament, because they were lucky to be in the stronger political party. It is time to remove the GRC system. =(
~ CHEE
************
Yes, the GRC system must go. Nobody is allow to coattail into parliament. If you are up for the job, fight it on fair ground to prove your worth. If you can get the blessing from your voters, you had earned the every rights to voice with your head held high.
Tin Pei Ling is a good indicator and GCT should be happy that he is not voted out because of her, only had his GRC votes count dropped drastically.
~ Chew
************
I respect some of the honest comments coming from George Yeo and PM Lee during the election campaign.
On the other hand, it's so obvious to the entire Nation that TPL is a big liability to the future of Singapore. Even to the last minute during cooling off period, she had the cheeks to go against the rule of engagement only to come back with simple statement that it was an honest mistake. We're dealing with the stake of the nation and not "masak masak" game.
The GRC system really shows clearly its flaws. The people of Singapore is raising its voice and volume even after the election about the negative outcome of the GRC system. The nation needs to review the GRC system before it's too late and too little...and when the times come, it's not about losing a constituency anymore, it's about losing an entire Nation.
I hope that PM Lee really listen to us on TPL's incompetency and not go down the path about the robust interviewing process that PAP has adopted in identifying potential MPs as 2011 election had demonstrated the big flaws in the PAP interviewing process that includes a last minute PAP candidate dropout as well.
Lastly, as says in the national pledge:- "to build a democratic society, based on justice and equality so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation", let's hope that PM Lee is able to find mid ground in easing the frustrations of the people wrt to the GRC system that resulted in having an incompetent TPL marching in as MP and losing a good foreign Minister.
It's really time to end the GRC system altogether and go back to the fundamentals of politics of wining vote by individual standing and credential.
~ Samuel Tan
************
There are good reasons to end the GRC system:
1. Let us have a better sense of belonging. Many in say Aljunied could not relate to Aljunied as it is made up of 5 constituencies.
2. Let us vote for our own MP for our constituency. Good MPs will be voted in. Of course win or lose depends on the relative strength of the 2 contending cndidates. PAP wants to avoid having the weakest link being attacked by a strong opposition. But this result at Aljunied shows that it cuts both ways. You carry the weaker ones in but risk losing the really good ones. is ti worth it just to try and win all?
3. Every MP representing the people must be the better of the 2 contending candidates, regardless of the party they are in. I am sepaking as an idealistic citizen. This way, each MP will work extra hard to take care of his / her own constituency. Otherwise, in the next election, another person will take over. No one can take a back seat and hope to be carried into Parliament jsut because there is a few strong anchor team members.
4. By having all SMCs, we will truly get people's representation in the govt. Every single good PAP should be voted in. New PAP people will have a good chance if they can carry themselves. Weak opposition will not get into the govt.
5. On the minority issues, perhaps every party has to have minority reps in their slate in order to contest. I recognize if this is the true reason, it is a challenging one. On the other hand, if the minority rep is strong enough, race is never an issue in Sg. Even if I am a "minority" rep, I must be confident enough to lead Sg, regardless of race. Thus, this in its own way, should never be a consideration for election.
Note to PAP: change the GRC to SMc before more unexpected outcomes unfold. Then people will see the change as political driven. There will always be that perception. But if you do it at the right time when people are calling for the change, you will have a win-win situation. Get a referendum if you must - but pls do it.
~ T T
27 ........
"In sad irony, one of the real winners in all this is Tin Pei Ling. At 27, she is the youngest in the PAP's lineup this election. Compare that with Chiam See Tong, who has been in service to the nation for the same 27 years. Talk about a freak election." - I totally agreed!!!! Salute to Uncle Chiam. TIN PEI LING you are a joke to the nation! Try contesting one on one with Nicole in 2016!
~ Corgikoh Koh
Miss Tin Pei Ling :
Mr Chiam See Tong :
~ Corgikoh Koh
Miss Tin Pei Ling :
Mr Chiam See Tong :
What I feel about this GE2011 ......
I am not for the ruling party neither for the opposition party. I just want to voice my five cents' worth of thots.
Please do not treat the Aljunied opposition team as if they are like the gods in this election. Let them walk their talk first. They are the A team - please do show us results especially the top lawyer in the team. Talk about the foreign talent in the parliament.
There is always a price to pay being an opposition party. Do not forget that a nation is not built in a day. The WP also needs to start to groom new and young ones to take over the parliament if this current government is not up to your satisfaction or to everyone's satisfaction.
There are faults, definitely in this current government. I seriously hope that the ruling party would go down to their feet and listen to the people if they want to keep their wards in the next GE. I also hope the ruling party seriously take note of many issues that the people are unhappy with. Opposition parties, give us serious good credible and qualified people to run the nation.
For this GE, I am saddened that we have lost a good, caring and competent foreign minister in BG George Yeo. A good foreign minister is very important to a country. I hope that the ruling party has another competent one to take over BG Yeo.
~Sad
Please do not treat the Aljunied opposition team as if they are like the gods in this election. Let them walk their talk first. They are the A team - please do show us results especially the top lawyer in the team. Talk about the foreign talent in the parliament.
There is always a price to pay being an opposition party. Do not forget that a nation is not built in a day. The WP also needs to start to groom new and young ones to take over the parliament if this current government is not up to your satisfaction or to everyone's satisfaction.
There are faults, definitely in this current government. I seriously hope that the ruling party would go down to their feet and listen to the people if they want to keep their wards in the next GE. I also hope the ruling party seriously take note of many issues that the people are unhappy with. Opposition parties, give us serious good credible and qualified people to run the nation.
For this GE, I am saddened that we have lost a good, caring and competent foreign minister in BG George Yeo. A good foreign minister is very important to a country. I hope that the ruling party has another competent one to take over BG Yeo.
~Sad
In this ‘watershed’ GE2011, who will rise or fall in the history books of Singapore?
On 7th May, the GE result sent big guns Foreign Minister George Yeo, State Minister Lim Hwee Hua and next-to-be Speaker of Parliament, Zainual Abidin Rasheed of the PAP crashing and down the tube into the lower depth of the history books of Singapore. It was a giant three-in-one ministerial killing stroke. The electorate took the bold move to remove ministers from Cabinet with their votes in the Aljunied GRC ignoring MM Lee Kuan Yew’s dire warning and challenge. MM Lee also defied them to vote against the PAP in Aljunied.
Total national-wide votes for PAP was 60.14 percent compared with 66.6% in 2006, a drop of 6.6 percentage point in popularity. The sole opposition party, the WP has won 6 seats , leaving the PAP with the remaining 81 seats to form the next Govt.
The result is a very telling message to all with the swing in votes coming from many disenfranchised Singaporeans who were deprived the chance to vote in many past elections due to walkovers.
How MM Lee Kuan Yew will craft his final legacy over the next five years will depend on whether he has accepted the GE result with indignation and dismay or with jubilation, elation and ecstasy in winning 81 seats.
What will be MM Lee’s advice to the Cabinet on:
The electorate’s message that the PAP could apply to put spurs into their hides, their behind, to get their act together in governing Singapore with fewer complaints and disgruntles from Singaporeans.
Some people said that MM Lee is out of depth in today Gen-Y politics. I hope he will prove to his Cabinet that he is not really over the hill yet.
~ tan kok tim
Total national-wide votes for PAP was 60.14 percent compared with 66.6% in 2006, a drop of 6.6 percentage point in popularity. The sole opposition party, the WP has won 6 seats , leaving the PAP with the remaining 81 seats to form the next Govt.
The result is a very telling message to all with the swing in votes coming from many disenfranchised Singaporeans who were deprived the chance to vote in many past elections due to walkovers.
How MM Lee Kuan Yew will craft his final legacy over the next five years will depend on whether he has accepted the GE result with indignation and dismay or with jubilation, elation and ecstasy in winning 81 seats.
What will be MM Lee’s advice to the Cabinet on:
The electorate’s message that the PAP could apply to put spurs into their hides, their behind, to get their act together in governing Singapore with fewer complaints and disgruntles from Singaporeans.
Some people said that MM Lee is out of depth in today Gen-Y politics. I hope he will prove to his Cabinet that he is not really over the hill yet.
~ tan kok tim
A Message about Singapore's Gereral Election 2011 ~ 新加坡大选感言2011
人民行动党过去五十年的成就大家都有目共睹。它把新加坡从无人知晓的荒岛，打造发展成为现在的世界闻名的小红点。一个少过五百万人口的小国即然能拥有千亿的储备金，不知有多少国家的领导人嫉妒它的本领。
我认为这就是人民行动党的过人之处。
1997的亚洲金融危机，许多的邻里的国家在都一一的遭受到巨大的冲击，金融业几乎崩溃，为独新加坡屹立不到。继续发展为区域的金融中心，深受投资者信赖。
2008年的美国金融危机，有许多中东国家都一一的被牵连，导致他们损失惨大。
人民行动党的政级，从这几年的打Formula One 和综合度假村到惊人的经济成长，不知献慕死多少邻里国家，也成为他国的典范。
如此之外，新加坡也得到世界多个世界级的肯定和荣耀。从机场，码头和组屋（被认同为最集密和最省地的建筑物）
虽然如此，在过去的新加坡2011大选，人民行动党还是面对反对党的猛烈攻击。
最近的民生课题例如组屋高涨，外来人才，人民行动党自满和独断的决策行事的作风，的确令人怀疑是否忘记它的根本，“为民服务”和“富民强国” 。
人民行动党对人民的怨声作出了道歉，最终在这场大选再输掉了Aljunied 集选区，痛失了三个部长级的人才。
在这人民富足的新加坡，每个人的要求和期望也有所改变。这也说明了以前30-50 年代的政策已过时，无法行的通。
人民行动党是时候大刀阔斧的听取民意作出改变。要做到
“治国为民”这一点，还有非常远的一断路。得“天下民心者，得天下”这就是它们的方向和目标。
~ Andrew
我认为这就是人民行动党的过人之处。
1997的亚洲金融危机，许多的邻里的国家在都一一的遭受到巨大的冲击，金融业几乎崩溃，为独新加坡屹立不到。继续发展为区域的金融中心，深受投资者信赖。
2008年的美国金融危机，有许多中东国家都一一的被牵连，导致他们损失惨大。
人民行动党的政级，从这几年的打Formula One 和综合度假村到惊人的经济成长，不知献慕死多少邻里国家，也成为他国的典范。
如此之外，新加坡也得到世界多个世界级的肯定和荣耀。从机场，码头和组屋（被认同为最集密和最省地的建筑物）
虽然如此，在过去的新加坡2011大选，人民行动党还是面对反对党的猛烈攻击。
最近的民生课题例如组屋高涨，外来人才，人民行动党自满和独断的决策行事的作风，的确令人怀疑是否忘记它的根本，“为民服务”和“富民强国” 。
人民行动党对人民的怨声作出了道歉，最终在这场大选再输掉了Aljunied 集选区，痛失了三个部长级的人才。
在这人民富足的新加坡，每个人的要求和期望也有所改变。这也说明了以前30-50 年代的政策已过时，无法行的通。
人民行动党是时候大刀阔斧的听取民意作出改变。要做到
“治国为民”这一点，还有非常远的一断路。得“天下民心者，得天下”这就是它们的方向和目标。
~ Andrew
2 messages to People's Action Party (PAP)
Dear MM, PM & all Ministers,
A wise man not only gives instruction, he also listens. All of you are lucky to have been given another 5 years to rule Spore. I was praying that PAP will loose this 2011 elections. I now see there are many good oppositions candidates for this 2011 elections campagin. Some of the opp candidates got much higher qualifications than PAP candidates. It is time for you to reconsider carefully to remover some of your cocky ministers like MBT,WKS & others mention on the internet.
If you do not listen, comes 2016 elections, Sporeans will ensure that PAP to receive 46% overall votes. We are already very fed -up with so many of your PAP policies. Importantly please stop the influx of FT. Many FT have brought shame and disgrace to pur country, especially the PRC, which belongs to the worst group. This is our country, this is our nation for Sporeans.
If you insist on Foreign Talent(FT), than set a high standard entry level for them, like countries in Australia and some european countries which has high standarad entry level. They protect their countries and citizens. Spore is peacefull now, with the high influx of FT, when Sporeans loose their jobs and go hungry, they will not protest peacefully thru elections. They may go to the streets to protest like E----pt and some of the Arab countries. Im very sure, we do not want this to happen.
As for George boy, ask one of your less capable MP to step down and have a by election at a SMC.
We are sure George boy will win. Did you ever think , the opp may one of these days, request George boy do join them. MM please don't think you are so smart. The new generation is even smarter than you and me, and don't live in the past like the 50 & early 60. This is 2011, I seen you as a PM when i was a very young boy. I am aware of the riots and the difficulities during the early days. I do not wish to live in the past, we have to move on. This is life na !.
My advise to you retired in grace and respect!
Thank you!
~ Francis Xavier
*********************************************************************
This is 2nd message to share:
Dear MM Lee,
With the deepest utmost respect for your past work to Singapore, I do remember what you and your 1st and 2nd generation of PAP leaders have done for the country. I do believe that all Singaporeans will nod in agreement with me on that statement. We respect you, we know you are the father of Singapore. We know you and your 1st and 2nd generation of leaders whom you picked, have given selflessly to the growth of Singapore. I do people remembered that clearly.
And we all do thank you and appreciate your legacy you have left us with. So we all remembered. But people at my age group (in our 50s') also remembered a few more things.
I am in my 50's and I remembered that when I did not received any help from MoM during my unemployment. I remembered as a Single, I paid income tax as with everyone else but were denied public housing (before rules were relaxed to allow Singles above a certain age to buy 2nd hand flats..) I remembered because of that, I had used my hard-earned savings, to buy a private apartment to live in. I remembered as a singaporean, I accepted CPF cuts, whilst cost of living rose. I accepted the policy administered to DELAY the age of withdrawal of my CPF, whilst I watched and see Ministerial pay skyrocket into the Millionaire club, as I looked at my monthly pay where an average Minister earns in 2 hours. But enough of this reminiscing.
What's more important is that you need to reconcile that Singaporeans have grown up too. It is time that the PAP understands and accepts this. What this means is that Singaporeans do not appreciate being talked down to. We do not appreciate being threatened with fear. We do not appreciate that we are viewed as "we don't know what is best for us" and I can go on.. but I hope you know that this is the general feeling that Singaporeans feel now.
What's even more important is that PAP needs to ACCEPT that the election IS A FAIR, LEGAL and TRANSPARENT motion. And that the WP has earned its place in Parliament through this means. Coming off the press and news that PAP will sought for internal reflection and reviews are good, but Singaporeans will remember and will see what PAP will do as the new Govt moves forward. And that 2 key terms are the NEW GOVERNMENT and MOVING FORWARD.
The Govt which has been duly elected now consists of PAP and WP. And hence, we all expect that the WP has EQUAL Access to Public Funds, EQUAL Access to infrastructre and assets needed to build the nation together. And that means, no shutting of and denying WP of any means to build/maintain their wards etc... To do so would only secure PAP's path towards self-implosion and decay in the eyes of Singaporeans who will regard PAP as nothing but a big bully. Whatever was remembered of your good work will have been forgotten.
As Low Thia Khiang and his team moves forward, the PAP should not move backward into dragging their feet. I look forward to fast and cooperative handover of the Town Council at ALjuined. I look forward to he and his team having EQUAL ACCESS to support and funds that the MPs have in Parliament, because those funds BELONG TO THE PEOPLE OF SINGAPORE.
We MUST REMEMBER that.
~ One-Leg-Kick
A wise man not only gives instruction, he also listens. All of you are lucky to have been given another 5 years to rule Spore. I was praying that PAP will loose this 2011 elections. I now see there are many good oppositions candidates for this 2011 elections campagin. Some of the opp candidates got much higher qualifications than PAP candidates. It is time for you to reconsider carefully to remover some of your cocky ministers like MBT,WKS & others mention on the internet.
If you do not listen, comes 2016 elections, Sporeans will ensure that PAP to receive 46% overall votes. We are already very fed -up with so many of your PAP policies. Importantly please stop the influx of FT. Many FT have brought shame and disgrace to pur country, especially the PRC, which belongs to the worst group. This is our country, this is our nation for Sporeans.
If you insist on Foreign Talent(FT), than set a high standard entry level for them, like countries in Australia and some european countries which has high standarad entry level. They protect their countries and citizens. Spore is peacefull now, with the high influx of FT, when Sporeans loose their jobs and go hungry, they will not protest peacefully thru elections. They may go to the streets to protest like E----pt and some of the Arab countries. Im very sure, we do not want this to happen.
As for George boy, ask one of your less capable MP to step down and have a by election at a SMC.
We are sure George boy will win. Did you ever think , the opp may one of these days, request George boy do join them. MM please don't think you are so smart. The new generation is even smarter than you and me, and don't live in the past like the 50 & early 60. This is 2011, I seen you as a PM when i was a very young boy. I am aware of the riots and the difficulities during the early days. I do not wish to live in the past, we have to move on. This is life na !.
My advise to you retired in grace and respect!
Thank you!
~ Francis Xavier
*********************************************************************
This is 2nd message to share:
Dear MM Lee,
With the deepest utmost respect for your past work to Singapore, I do remember what you and your 1st and 2nd generation of PAP leaders have done for the country. I do believe that all Singaporeans will nod in agreement with me on that statement. We respect you, we know you are the father of Singapore. We know you and your 1st and 2nd generation of leaders whom you picked, have given selflessly to the growth of Singapore. I do people remembered that clearly.
And we all do thank you and appreciate your legacy you have left us with. So we all remembered. But people at my age group (in our 50s') also remembered a few more things.
I am in my 50's and I remembered that when I did not received any help from MoM during my unemployment. I remembered as a Single, I paid income tax as with everyone else but were denied public housing (before rules were relaxed to allow Singles above a certain age to buy 2nd hand flats..) I remembered because of that, I had used my hard-earned savings, to buy a private apartment to live in. I remembered as a singaporean, I accepted CPF cuts, whilst cost of living rose. I accepted the policy administered to DELAY the age of withdrawal of my CPF, whilst I watched and see Ministerial pay skyrocket into the Millionaire club, as I looked at my monthly pay where an average Minister earns in 2 hours. But enough of this reminiscing.
What's more important is that you need to reconcile that Singaporeans have grown up too. It is time that the PAP understands and accepts this. What this means is that Singaporeans do not appreciate being talked down to. We do not appreciate being threatened with fear. We do not appreciate that we are viewed as "we don't know what is best for us" and I can go on.. but I hope you know that this is the general feeling that Singaporeans feel now.
What's even more important is that PAP needs to ACCEPT that the election IS A FAIR, LEGAL and TRANSPARENT motion. And that the WP has earned its place in Parliament through this means. Coming off the press and news that PAP will sought for internal reflection and reviews are good, but Singaporeans will remember and will see what PAP will do as the new Govt moves forward. And that 2 key terms are the NEW GOVERNMENT and MOVING FORWARD.
The Govt which has been duly elected now consists of PAP and WP. And hence, we all expect that the WP has EQUAL Access to Public Funds, EQUAL Access to infrastructre and assets needed to build the nation together. And that means, no shutting of and denying WP of any means to build/maintain their wards etc... To do so would only secure PAP's path towards self-implosion and decay in the eyes of Singaporeans who will regard PAP as nothing but a big bully. Whatever was remembered of your good work will have been forgotten.
As Low Thia Khiang and his team moves forward, the PAP should not move backward into dragging their feet. I look forward to fast and cooperative handover of the Town Council at ALjuined. I look forward to he and his team having EQUAL ACCESS to support and funds that the MPs have in Parliament, because those funds BELONG TO THE PEOPLE OF SINGAPORE.
We MUST REMEMBER that.
~ One-Leg-Kick
2 messages to Worker Party (WD)
Well done WP and Congratulations!
This prove to the rest of Singapore that residents in Hougang and Aljunied GRC believes in fighting for our rights and beliefs.As for other parts of Singapore, hope those that did not push for more voices in parliament, I wish you good luck and hope that the PAP will deliver to you what they had promised. I would like to suggest to Mr Low to embark on an all out effort to win over more voters and also to form an alliance with other opposition parties with good potential to strengthen itself further and prepare to take on more GRCs and SMCs in the next election.
From the elections results, we can clearly see that the number of voters that wanted alternative voices are increasing at a very steady but alarming rate. This coming 5 years will be very crucial for PAP and if they do not listen and deliver this time around, the next election will open up the flood gates for more oppositions and their winning percentage will drop even further. Thus, WP needs to be all ready and prepared. Let WP be our voices and it will be a strong voice as well as a strong force to reckon with. Cheers!
~ TimeTo Act
############################################################
This is 2nd message :
Congratulations to Mr Low Thia Khiang and members of Workers Party. This has been a watershed GE for all Singaporeans especially for residents in Hougang and Aljunied GRC.
The fact that the Opposition is able to garner a GRC without the financial muscles and media coverage alike of PAP shows:
1. Bread and Butter Issues(GST, food prices,etc..) faced by the Commoners(aka Singaporean) are ignored by the ruling parliamentary;
2. Sheer arrogance of PAP shown in offensive* speech by our respectable MM and despised view of Opposition members as "good for nothing";
3. Elected ministers and MPs whom are hugely unpopular remain in PAP;
4. Singapore PRs are more recognised than Singapore Citizens - ie there is no pride being a citizen. We have nothing distinctive to be proud of compared to some countries whereby citizens was given land or free utilities. Another example is we have to be a school volunteer in order to secure a place for primary school kids and that is not guranteed;
5. Singaporeans need participative ministers / MPs to give any opposing views for consideration in Parliament - Credos to Dr Amy Khor who was able to give different views in Parliament compared to the sleeping / quiet / obedient / submissive Ministers / MPs;
6. Some of the MPs / Ministers has lost touch with the people around them. If you cant feel their pulse compared to the Opposition, how do you diagnose and recommends / solves their problems. Mr Teo Chee Hean, Ms Penny Low and Mr Teo Ser Luck are good examples from PAP who were seen in events held in their GRC and worked very hard to gain confidence with the people around them;
7. Pay issue of Ministers and President. The current pay of the President is over $3 million a year after adjustment. There are many commoners and old folks here who dont have $1000 per month.
8. COEs, ERPs - the price is higher than the car itself and limited use of 10 years. Gantries coming up everywhere and getting more expensive with heavy traffic flows.
9. HDB flat - The flat is leased from HDB even though fully paid up. We are not the Owner of the flat but a lessee. If the HDB wants to take back your flat even though it is fully paid up, they can do so even if you objected. We cant rent the flat without paying and seek approval from HDB because we do not possess the right of Ownership. Singapore Citizen cant even buy another flat even if we want to.
10. Education System - Focused on pure regurgitation. A university graduate who cannot enter our NUS / NTU but studied in overseas university in America / England or Australia will draw a higher pay compared with our local graduates;
11. Most important issue - Lack of Compassion of PAP - there is no ground checks / internal audits to find out the people feelings of certain issues. Readings and Bills were passed in Parliament as a formality.
Workers Party will have a uphill task for the next 5 years. However, I believe with the dedications and compassion of the present group of members in WP, they will gather more support in the next GE.
Well done! Workers Party..you have given a good slap to the driver. Hopefully, the driver will wake up to steer it right....
~ Done Done
A message to Singapore Democratic Party (SDP)
Since 2006 till this day in 2011, we see a dramatic metamorphosis of SDP. It was once dismissed as a ragtag band of radicals led by Dr Chee and was villainised in mainstream media for being a radical party. But fast forward to today, it has changed its image, so much so that it managed to recruit more good people into its rank and file: Mr Tan Jee Say, Dr Ang Yong Guan, Dr Vincent Wijeysingha, Dr James Gomez and it had won the support from highly-qualified professionals such as Prof. Tambyah to lend support for SDP's healthcare policies. Despite SDP's longstanding existence, it must still be said that such achievements since 2006 are considered a baby step towards transforming its image as a credible party, and SDP this time has made it despite not winning any wards contested.
Dr Chee and folks, you all are heroes. You had changed the game the other way round. In the past, you folks were accused of using smear and character assassinations. But this time round, the role was reversed: it was the MIWs who are using smear and all that, including TNP's coverage of SDP's 'protest march' to discredit you. On the contrary, you folks in SDP stood firm and steadfast, refusing to be drawn into the same smear shop as MIWs. That's why, by all virtues, I personally agree wholeheartedly that SDP has indeed fought a principled fight, with integrity and for the just cause you had been championing. In that, despite your defeat, your defeat is glorious and honorable.
Please continue to keep up the good work, and not waste the foundation you had created for yourselves this GE. There're still much work to do. Please continue your outreach and if possible, walk the ground to build up rapport so that you can win over more people's heart with your sincerity. Also, take this 5-year hiatus as an opportunity to evaluate your electoral strate----, and also, recruit more heavyweights and maintain and expand your A-team formations. The key word here is continuity and sustainability. Don't be criticised by people for 'disappearing' after the elections. The work has only started since nomination day, and it has not ended yet. This is forever a work in progress.
As amateurish my above suggestions are, I hope they can be useful because they come from my own observation as a third-party in this election using a citizens' perspective. I'm sure SDP is capable of rejuvenating itself further and by 2016, will emerge as a stronger party which is credible. Like the Energizer battery commercial: never say die
~ Criticise
Dr Chee and folks, you all are heroes. You had changed the game the other way round. In the past, you folks were accused of using smear and character assassinations. But this time round, the role was reversed: it was the MIWs who are using smear and all that, including TNP's coverage of SDP's 'protest march' to discredit you. On the contrary, you folks in SDP stood firm and steadfast, refusing to be drawn into the same smear shop as MIWs. That's why, by all virtues, I personally agree wholeheartedly that SDP has indeed fought a principled fight, with integrity and for the just cause you had been championing. In that, despite your defeat, your defeat is glorious and honorable.
Please continue to keep up the good work, and not waste the foundation you had created for yourselves this GE. There're still much work to do. Please continue your outreach and if possible, walk the ground to build up rapport so that you can win over more people's heart with your sincerity. Also, take this 5-year hiatus as an opportunity to evaluate your electoral strate----, and also, recruit more heavyweights and maintain and expand your A-team formations. The key word here is continuity and sustainability. Don't be criticised by people for 'disappearing' after the elections. The work has only started since nomination day, and it has not ended yet. This is forever a work in progress.
As amateurish my above suggestions are, I hope they can be useful because they come from my own observation as a third-party in this election using a citizens' perspective. I'm sure SDP is capable of rejuvenating itself further and by 2016, will emerge as a stronger party which is credible. Like the Energizer battery commercial: never say die
~ Criticise
A message to National Solidarity Party (NSP)
Dear NSP,
I must salute you folks for putting up a good fight. Most notable is Marine Parade, the NSP 'rookie' team went up against an experienced statesman of GCT and shaved his margins to only 56.65% - a dismal score considering GCT is a highly influential figure and should have been expected to score higher. 'TPL effect' no doubt dragged down his score, but it is also true that NSP supporters in Marine Parade had been impressed with NSP team, with particular reference to Ms Nicole Seah who had held her own in comparison to TPL. It's Singaporeans' loss to not have NSP candidates in parliament, only to win themselves a Kate Spade, feet-stomping TPL who coasted in not so much by her own merit than being sheltered by GCT.
Though of course there're some issues to ponder about regarding your electoral strate----, nonetheless it's a good fight which is all worth the time and effort put in by you folks, and your supporters had not supported you in vain. It's a good cause that they supported, and you didn't fail them because you did all your best considering your constraints as a resurgent party. But as an amateur, I've the following suggestions for you, as amateurish these suggestions might be, hopefully they can be useful for your future endeavour in 2016:
1. Concentrate 'firepower': if Mr Goh Meng Seng, Mr Tony Tan, Ms Hazel Phoa, Mr Steve Chia and Ms Nicole Seah for instance can be grouped into one or two heavyweight A-teams, and concentrate such firepower into strategically selected wards, the chances of victory will be higher. There's no need to field so many candidates because it's better to husband precious resources and focus on those which stand a higher chance of winning.
2. Hide your 'cards' until the last minute: Mr Low Thia Khiang did a correct thing by not revealing the slate for Aljunied until the last minute. This is an asymmetrical tactic used by a weaker party against a stronger party, allowing the former to spring a surprise and giving no time to the latter to react. Therefore, perhaps NSP can consider such a tactic in future.
3. Continue the work left and prove the critics wrong: there were criticisms that oppies after losing in the wards tend to disappear. My suggestion is to prove the critics wrong by continuing to walk the ground in those wards, if possible. This will show your sincerity despite your defeat, and anyways, rapport with the residents need to be built up overtime. Outreach in all sorts - traditional or new media - needs to be continued at all times leading up to 2016.
4. Start a niche in parliament to showcase capability: I hope NSP can be offered a chance to field an NCMP. Yes, of course, this NCMP system is flawed and no doubts about it. But I observed that indeed, Ms Sylvia Lim from WP who was previously an unknown back in 2006 proved herself as an articulate NCMP who, despite her constraints, spoke up agianst vital national issues such as SWF and for the needy. After 5 years of hard work, she now made it. I suggest for instance Ms Nicole Seah, who is articulate and champions for the less fortunate people, be placed as an NCMP should such a slot be open to NSP.
5. Aggressive recruitment and start early: this election has shown that highly qualified candidates are still in vogue. NSP should attempt to recruit more qualified candidates as possible to bolster your rank and file, and thereafter start to form the A-teams starting from now, not only when elections come calling in 2016.
I'm sure with NSP's evaluation of 2011 electoral strate----, I'm sure you'll have a higher chance. I thank you for fighting for us Singaporeans and hope that you continue your work starting from now. No break at all! Cheers!
~ Criticise
I must salute you folks for putting up a good fight. Most notable is Marine Parade, the NSP 'rookie' team went up against an experienced statesman of GCT and shaved his margins to only 56.65% - a dismal score considering GCT is a highly influential figure and should have been expected to score higher. 'TPL effect' no doubt dragged down his score, but it is also true that NSP supporters in Marine Parade had been impressed with NSP team, with particular reference to Ms Nicole Seah who had held her own in comparison to TPL. It's Singaporeans' loss to not have NSP candidates in parliament, only to win themselves a Kate Spade, feet-stomping TPL who coasted in not so much by her own merit than being sheltered by GCT.
Though of course there're some issues to ponder about regarding your electoral strate----, nonetheless it's a good fight which is all worth the time and effort put in by you folks, and your supporters had not supported you in vain. It's a good cause that they supported, and you didn't fail them because you did all your best considering your constraints as a resurgent party. But as an amateur, I've the following suggestions for you, as amateurish these suggestions might be, hopefully they can be useful for your future endeavour in 2016:
1. Concentrate 'firepower': if Mr Goh Meng Seng, Mr Tony Tan, Ms Hazel Phoa, Mr Steve Chia and Ms Nicole Seah for instance can be grouped into one or two heavyweight A-teams, and concentrate such firepower into strategically selected wards, the chances of victory will be higher. There's no need to field so many candidates because it's better to husband precious resources and focus on those which stand a higher chance of winning.
2. Hide your 'cards' until the last minute: Mr Low Thia Khiang did a correct thing by not revealing the slate for Aljunied until the last minute. This is an asymmetrical tactic used by a weaker party against a stronger party, allowing the former to spring a surprise and giving no time to the latter to react. Therefore, perhaps NSP can consider such a tactic in future.
3. Continue the work left and prove the critics wrong: there were criticisms that oppies after losing in the wards tend to disappear. My suggestion is to prove the critics wrong by continuing to walk the ground in those wards, if possible. This will show your sincerity despite your defeat, and anyways, rapport with the residents need to be built up overtime. Outreach in all sorts - traditional or new media - needs to be continued at all times leading up to 2016.
4. Start a niche in parliament to showcase capability: I hope NSP can be offered a chance to field an NCMP. Yes, of course, this NCMP system is flawed and no doubts about it. But I observed that indeed, Ms Sylvia Lim from WP who was previously an unknown back in 2006 proved herself as an articulate NCMP who, despite her constraints, spoke up agianst vital national issues such as SWF and for the needy. After 5 years of hard work, she now made it. I suggest for instance Ms Nicole Seah, who is articulate and champions for the less fortunate people, be placed as an NCMP should such a slot be open to NSP.
5. Aggressive recruitment and start early: this election has shown that highly qualified candidates are still in vogue. NSP should attempt to recruit more qualified candidates as possible to bolster your rank and file, and thereafter start to form the A-teams starting from now, not only when elections come calling in 2016.
I'm sure with NSP's evaluation of 2011 electoral strate----, I'm sure you'll have a higher chance. I thank you for fighting for us Singaporeans and hope that you continue your work starting from now. No break at all! Cheers!
~ Criticise
A message to Singapore People's Party (SPP)
Hello SPP
Take it the lost in Potong Pasir as a blessing in disguise. Everyone in Singapore pay taxes so do the people in Potong Pasir. Let PAP do the upgrading work, improve the town etc. Take it back in 5 years time and say thank you for the work done. That's the only way to get all the fund and work done. You do not know who will have the last laugh in the next election. I believe the people in Potong Pasir is smart enough to go back to SPP again. Just carry on working hard, I believe you CAN! Enlarge your credible team and I have confident that you will win back Potong Pasir but also Toa Payoh- Bishan GRC.
~ Sim
Well wishes to Mr Chiam See Tong :
Thank you Mr Chiam See tong for being the opposition for Potong Pasir over the 27 years. Your courageous willpower to fight is well-admired by us, Singaporeans.
I, therefore, wish that you could be in the pink of health and stay happy with your family members.
Long live Mr Chiam, may god bless you.!
~ Singaporean
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Official results of GE 2011
The PAP has taken 81 out of 87 seats in Parliament in this year's General Election, while the Workers' Party has picked up the balance of six seats, their best showing ever.
Here are the latest official results of Singapore's 2011 General Election so far:
Bukit Panjang SMC
PAP's Teo Ho Pin - 20,349 votes (winner)
SDP's Alec Tok - 10,362 votes
Hong Kah North SMC
PAP's Amy Khor Lean Suan - 18,149 (winner)
SPP's Sin Kek Tong - 7,553
Hougang SMC
WP's Yaw Shin Leong - 14,833 (winner)
PAP's Desmond Choo Pey Ching - 8,053
Joo Chiat SMC
PAP's Charles Chong You Fook - 9,630 (winner)
WP's Yee Jenn Jong - 9,248
Mountbatten SMC
PAP's Lim Biow Chuan - 11,965 (winner)
NSP's Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss - 8,436
Pioneer SMC
PAP's Cedric Foo Chee Keng - 14,581 (winner)
NSP's Steve Chia - 9,430
Potong Pasir SMC
PAP's Sitoh Yih Pin - 7,973 (winner)
SPP's Lina Loh Woon Lee - 7,859
Punggol East SMC
PAP's Michael Palmer - 16,969 (winner)
WP's Lee Li Lian - 12,765
SDA's Desmond Lim Bak Chuan - 1,386
Radin Mas SMC
PAP's Sam Tan Chin Siong - 18,591 (winner)
NSP's Yip Yew Weng - 9,110
Sengkang West SMC
PAP's Lam Pin Min - 14,667 (winner)
WP's Koh Choong Yong - 10,585
Whampoa SMC
PAP's Heng Chee How - 13,015 (winner)
NSP's Ken Sun - 6,672
Yuhua SMC
PAP's Grace Fu Hai Yien - 14,081 (winner)
SDP's Teo Soh Lung - 6,977
Aljunied GRC (5 seats)
WP's Chen Show Mao, Sylvia Lim, Low Thia Khiang, Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap, Pritam Singh - 72,165 (winners)
PAP's Lim Hwee Hua, Ong Ye Kung, Cynthia Phua, George Yong-Boon Yeo, Zainul Abidin Rasheed - 59,732
Ang Mo Kio GRC (6 seats)
PAP's Ang Hin Kee, Inderjit Singh, Intan Azura Binte Mokhtar, Lee Hsien Loong, Seng Han Thong, Yeo Guat Kwang - 112,544 (winners)
RP's Lim Tung Hee Arthero, Lim Zirui, Mohamed Mansor Bin Abdul Rahman, Osman Bin Sulaiman, Tan Zhi Xiang - 49,779
Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC (5 seats)
PAP's Hri Kumar Nair, Ng Eng Hen, Josephine Teo, Wong Kan Seng, Zainudin Nordin - 62,282 (winners)
SPP's Chiam See Tong, Lee Yeong Wee, Wilfred Leung, Mohamad Hamim Aliyas, Benjamin Pwee - 47,092
Chua Chu Kang GRC (5 seats)
PAP's Gan Kim Yong, Low Yen Ling, Alex Yam Ziming, Yeo Khirn Hai Alvin, Zaqy Bin Mohamad - 89,605 (winners)
NSP's Jeisilan Sivalingam, Nor Lella Mardiiah Bte Mohamed, Hazel Poa Koon Koon, Tony Tan Lay Thiam, Sebastian Teo Kway Huang - 56,817
East Coast GRC (5 seats)
PAP's Lee Yi Shyan, Lim Siang Keat Raymond, Lim Swee Say, Mohd Maliki Bin Osman, Tan Soon Neo Jessica - 59,895 (winners)
WP's Gerald Giam Yean Song, Glenda Han Su May, Mohamed Fazli Bin Talip, Png Eng Huat, Eric Tan Heng Chong - 49342
Holland-Bukit Timah GRC (4 seats)
PAP's Christopher James de Souza, Liang Eng Hwa, Sim Ann, Vivian Balakrishnan - 48,682 (winners)
SDP's Ang Yong Guan, Michelle Lee Juen, Tan Jee Say, Vincent Rene Wijeysingha - 32,322
Jurong GRC(5 seats)
PAP's Ang Wei Neng, Halimah Binte Yacob, Desmond Lee Ti-Seng, ong Kim Huat, Tharman Shanmugaratnam - 76,489 (winners)
NSP's Abdul Rasheed, Christopher Neo Ting Wei, Noraini Yunus, Ong Beng Soon Elvin, ong Hock Siong - 37,734
Marine Parade GRC (5 seats)
PAP's Fatimah Binte Abdul Lateef, Goh Chok Tong, Seah Kian Peng, Tan Chuan-Jin, Tin Pei Ling - 78,182 (winners)
NSP's Abdul Salim Bin Harun, Cheo Chai Chen, Ng Chung Hon, Nicole Rebecca Seah Xue Ling, yeo Tiong Boon - 59,833
Interview of Nicole Seah
Moulmein-Kallang GRC (4 seats)
PAP's Yaacob Bin Ibrahim, Lui Tuck Yew, Denise Phua Lay Peng, Edwin Tong Chun Fai - 44,828 (winners)
WP's Mohd Rahizan Bin Ya'acob, Toh Hong Boon, L Somasundaram, Frieda Chan Sio Phing - 31,721
Nee Soon GRC (5 seats)
PAP's K Shanmugam, Lee Bee Wah, Lim Wee Kiak, Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Patrick Tay Teck Guan - 80,659 (winners)
WP's Chong Cham Weng, Angela Oon Kheng Faye, Poh Lee Guan, Sajeev S/O Kunju Raman Kamalasanan, Yam Poh Nam - 57,482
Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC (6 seats)
PAP's Gan Thiam Poh, Janil Arusha puthucheary, Penny Low, Teo Chee Hean, Teo Ser Luck, Zainal Bin Sapari - 100,382 (winnesr)
SDA's Harminder Pal Singh, lee Song Juan, Jeffrey Lim, Mohd Shafni, Sidney Soon, Tan Keng Hong - 54,546
Sembawang GRC (5 seats)
PAP's Hawazi Daipi, Khaw Boon Wan, Ellen Lee Geck Hoon, Ong Teng Koon, Vikram Nair - 84,185 (winners)
SDP's James Gomez, Luo Jie Jarrod, Mohd Isa, Sadasivam V, John Tan Liang Joo - 47,578
Tampines GRC (5 seats)
PAP's Baey Yam Keng, Heng Swee Keat, Mah Bow Tan, Masagos Zulkifli BMM, Irene Ng Phek Hoong - 72,664 (winner)
NSP's Fong Chin Leong, Goh Keow Wah, Goh Meng Seng, Raymond Lim Peng Ann, Syafarin Bin Sarif - 54,337
Tanjong Pagar GRC (5 seats)
PAP's Chan Chun sing, Chia Shi-lu, Indranee Thurai Rajah, Lee Kuan Yew, Lily Tirtasana Neo - uncontested (winners)
West Coast GRC(5 seats)
PAP's Arthur Fong, Foo Mee Har, Lim Hng Kiang, S Iswaran, Lawrence Wong - 72,465 (winners)
RP's Ho Soak Harn, Kenneth Andrew Jeyaretnam, Kumar S/O Appavoo, Low Chiak Huan, Zhu Laicheng - 36,395
Here are the latest official results of Singapore's 2011 General Election so far:
Bukit Panjang SMC
PAP's Teo Ho Pin - 20,349 votes (winner)
SDP's Alec Tok - 10,362 votes
Hong Kah North SMC
PAP's Amy Khor Lean Suan - 18,149 (winner)
SPP's Sin Kek Tong - 7,553
Hougang SMC
WP's Yaw Shin Leong - 14,833 (winner)
PAP's Desmond Choo Pey Ching - 8,053
Joo Chiat SMC
PAP's Charles Chong You Fook - 9,630 (winner)
WP's Yee Jenn Jong - 9,248
Mountbatten SMC
PAP's Lim Biow Chuan - 11,965 (winner)
NSP's Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss - 8,436
Pioneer SMC
PAP's Cedric Foo Chee Keng - 14,581 (winner)
NSP's Steve Chia - 9,430
Potong Pasir SMC
PAP's Sitoh Yih Pin - 7,973 (winner)
SPP's Lina Loh Woon Lee - 7,859
Punggol East SMC
PAP's Michael Palmer - 16,969 (winner)
WP's Lee Li Lian - 12,765
SDA's Desmond Lim Bak Chuan - 1,386
Radin Mas SMC
PAP's Sam Tan Chin Siong - 18,591 (winner)
NSP's Yip Yew Weng - 9,110
Sengkang West SMC
PAP's Lam Pin Min - 14,667 (winner)
WP's Koh Choong Yong - 10,585
Whampoa SMC
PAP's Heng Chee How - 13,015 (winner)
NSP's Ken Sun - 6,672
Yuhua SMC
PAP's Grace Fu Hai Yien - 14,081 (winner)
SDP's Teo Soh Lung - 6,977
Aljunied GRC (5 seats)
WP's Chen Show Mao, Sylvia Lim, Low Thia Khiang, Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap, Pritam Singh - 72,165 (winners)
PAP's Lim Hwee Hua, Ong Ye Kung, Cynthia Phua, George Yong-Boon Yeo, Zainul Abidin Rasheed - 59,732
Ang Mo Kio GRC (6 seats)
PAP's Ang Hin Kee, Inderjit Singh, Intan Azura Binte Mokhtar, Lee Hsien Loong, Seng Han Thong, Yeo Guat Kwang - 112,544 (winners)
RP's Lim Tung Hee Arthero, Lim Zirui, Mohamed Mansor Bin Abdul Rahman, Osman Bin Sulaiman, Tan Zhi Xiang - 49,779
Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC (5 seats)
PAP's Hri Kumar Nair, Ng Eng Hen, Josephine Teo, Wong Kan Seng, Zainudin Nordin - 62,282 (winners)
SPP's Chiam See Tong, Lee Yeong Wee, Wilfred Leung, Mohamad Hamim Aliyas, Benjamin Pwee - 47,092
Chua Chu Kang GRC (5 seats)
PAP's Gan Kim Yong, Low Yen Ling, Alex Yam Ziming, Yeo Khirn Hai Alvin, Zaqy Bin Mohamad - 89,605 (winners)
NSP's Jeisilan Sivalingam, Nor Lella Mardiiah Bte Mohamed, Hazel Poa Koon Koon, Tony Tan Lay Thiam, Sebastian Teo Kway Huang - 56,817
East Coast GRC (5 seats)
PAP's Lee Yi Shyan, Lim Siang Keat Raymond, Lim Swee Say, Mohd Maliki Bin Osman, Tan Soon Neo Jessica - 59,895 (winners)
WP's Gerald Giam Yean Song, Glenda Han Su May, Mohamed Fazli Bin Talip, Png Eng Huat, Eric Tan Heng Chong - 49342
Holland-Bukit Timah GRC (4 seats)
PAP's Christopher James de Souza, Liang Eng Hwa, Sim Ann, Vivian Balakrishnan - 48,682 (winners)
SDP's Ang Yong Guan, Michelle Lee Juen, Tan Jee Say, Vincent Rene Wijeysingha - 32,322
Jurong GRC(5 seats)
PAP's Ang Wei Neng, Halimah Binte Yacob, Desmond Lee Ti-Seng, ong Kim Huat, Tharman Shanmugaratnam - 76,489 (winners)
NSP's Abdul Rasheed, Christopher Neo Ting Wei, Noraini Yunus, Ong Beng Soon Elvin, ong Hock Siong - 37,734
Marine Parade GRC (5 seats)
PAP's Fatimah Binte Abdul Lateef, Goh Chok Tong, Seah Kian Peng, Tan Chuan-Jin, Tin Pei Ling - 78,182 (winners)
NSP's Abdul Salim Bin Harun, Cheo Chai Chen, Ng Chung Hon, Nicole Rebecca Seah Xue Ling, yeo Tiong Boon - 59,833
Interview of Nicole Seah
Moulmein-Kallang GRC (4 seats)
PAP's Yaacob Bin Ibrahim, Lui Tuck Yew, Denise Phua Lay Peng, Edwin Tong Chun Fai - 44,828 (winners)
WP's Mohd Rahizan Bin Ya'acob, Toh Hong Boon, L Somasundaram, Frieda Chan Sio Phing - 31,721
Nee Soon GRC (5 seats)
PAP's K Shanmugam, Lee Bee Wah, Lim Wee Kiak, Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Patrick Tay Teck Guan - 80,659 (winners)
WP's Chong Cham Weng, Angela Oon Kheng Faye, Poh Lee Guan, Sajeev S/O Kunju Raman Kamalasanan, Yam Poh Nam - 57,482
Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC (6 seats)
PAP's Gan Thiam Poh, Janil Arusha puthucheary, Penny Low, Teo Chee Hean, Teo Ser Luck, Zainal Bin Sapari - 100,382 (winnesr)
SDA's Harminder Pal Singh, lee Song Juan, Jeffrey Lim, Mohd Shafni, Sidney Soon, Tan Keng Hong - 54,546
Sembawang GRC (5 seats)
PAP's Hawazi Daipi, Khaw Boon Wan, Ellen Lee Geck Hoon, Ong Teng Koon, Vikram Nair - 84,185 (winners)
SDP's James Gomez, Luo Jie Jarrod, Mohd Isa, Sadasivam V, John Tan Liang Joo - 47,578
Tampines GRC (5 seats)
PAP's Baey Yam Keng, Heng Swee Keat, Mah Bow Tan, Masagos Zulkifli BMM, Irene Ng Phek Hoong - 72,664 (winner)
NSP's Fong Chin Leong, Goh Keow Wah, Goh Meng Seng, Raymond Lim Peng Ann, Syafarin Bin Sarif - 54,337
Tanjong Pagar GRC (5 seats)
PAP's Chan Chun sing, Chia Shi-lu, Indranee Thurai Rajah, Lee Kuan Yew, Lily Tirtasana Neo - uncontested (winners)
West Coast GRC(5 seats)
PAP's Arthur Fong, Foo Mee Har, Lim Hng Kiang, S Iswaran, Lawrence Wong - 72,465 (winners)
RP's Ho Soak Harn, Kenneth Andrew Jeyaretnam, Kumar S/O Appavoo, Low Chiak Huan, Zhu Laicheng - 36,395
WP wins Aljunied GRC, makes key breakthrough
~ The Workers' Party 'A' team win Aljunied GRC
Aljunied has fallen.
The Workers' Party won the key GRC battleground, beating the PAP team led by Foreign Minister George Yeo. It is the first time an Opposition party has won a GRC in Singapore's political history.
The WP team led by secretary general Low Thia Kiang won by a majority of 54 percent to 45 percent of votes -- by a surprisingly big margin of over 9 per cent.
In his victory speech to supporters in Hougang stadium, Low said "history has been made tonight", calling it "a political landmark in modern Singapore."
For Foreign Minister Yeo, questions will arise over his future now that he is not an elected Member of Parliament.
Gracious in defeat, he congratulated Low and his team and hoped the WP "would look after the people of Aljunied well."
He said, "It was a great campaign and we fought hard, we had no regrets and we respect the decision of the people of Aljunied... A new chapter has opened in Singapore's history and this is a tide we were not able to overcome."
~ Workers' Party's Yaw Shin Leong wins Hougang SMC.
Besides Aljunied GRC, the only other seat that went to the Opposition was won by WP's Yaw Shin Leong, who retained the Hougang SMC. He beat PAP new face Desmond Choo by a healthy margin of 64 percent to 35 per cent.
"This is a very humbling moment for me," said Yaw, who thanked his "mentor" Low Thia Kiang in his victory speech.
"Because the people of Hougang have voted not just with their hearts but with their minds because they they know that in Hougang, we have a role to play. And this role is a role that has nationalistic importance," he said.
The losing Choo congratulated Yaw on his victory and said, "There is little joy in defeat but we have seen the needs of residents in Hougang. I will continue my work in Hougang and we will be back to fight a better fight!"
Overall, the PAP was returned to power by winning 81 of 87 seats in Parliament but its overall winning margin of votes -- 60.1 per cent -- was the lowest since the country's independence
~ PM Lee's PAP party is returned to power by 60.1 per cent of votes -- the lowest winning margin since independence. …
CHIAM SEE TONG LOSES
In one of the more hotly contested wards of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, the PAP team led by DPM Wong Kan Seng beat the SPP party led by opposition veteran MP Chiam See Tong.
DPM Wong later said, "My team and I are grateful for your support and humbled. For those who did not vote for us, we will continue to serve you well and earn your trust...after the results, we should put aside our differences... the government has heard you and what you are telling us."
But it was a big blow to Singapore's longest-serving opposition member Chiam, whose wife Lina also lost in Potong Pasir SMC.
It was third time lucky for PAP candidate of Seetoh Yi Pin, who secured victory by the slimmest margin of less than 100 votes.
In his victory speech, Seetoh thanked Chiam for his "27 years of dedicated service" to Potong Pasir residents and wished the couple good health and a good life.
However, Lina Chiam could take up one of the Nominated Member of Parliament (NCMP) seats reserved for the closest losers.
In Ang Mo Kio GRC, the six-member PAP team helmed by PM Lee Hsien Loong defeated the RP team led by Mansor Rahman.
PM Lee said in victory speech, "Thank you very much for your support and confidence in my team...and with a bigger majority than last time. All of us pledge our efforts to make Ang Mo Kio a better community to work and to play."
TIN PEI LING BECOMES YOUNGEST MP
~ Tin Pei Ling became the youngest elected MP at the age of 27
Elsewhere, in Marine Parade GRC, Tin Pei Ling became the youngest elected MP at the age of 27 after her PAP team led by SM Goh Chok Tong beat the NSP team by 56 per cent of votes to 43 percent.
The GRC was seen as the battle between the PAP's Tin Pei Ling and the party's Nicole Seah.
PAP's SM Goh Chok Tong thanked his supporters and later said, "My team and I have listened to you and will work with you to address the issues raised. We will work harder after the election... and we will deliver on all our promises in the next five years."
In Tampines GRC, the PAP team led by Mah Bow Tan beat the NSP team led by Goh Meng Seng by 57 percent to 42 percent of votes.
In Pasir-Ris Punggol GRC, the PAP team led by DPM Teo Chee Hean beat the WP by a healthy 64 per cent to 35 per cent of votes.
In West Coast GRC, the PAP team led by Minister Lim Hng Kiang defeated the Reform Party led by Kenneth Jeyaretnam by a big margin of 66 per cent to 33 per cent.
"We will continue to serve you, West Coast" said Minister Lim in his victory speech, thanking his party aides and supporters."
Despite losing, RP party leader Jeyaretnam said he was encouraged by the results.
"We have learned a lot. We are the first new party to be set up in over 20 years. We are very happy with our 33 percent. The second time round we will do better," he said.
In Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, the PAP team led by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan beat the SDP party led by Dr Vincent Wijeysingha.
In East Coast GRC, the PAP team led by Minister Lim Swee Say beat the WP team led by Eric Tan by 54 per cent of votes to 45 per cent of votes.
Minister Lim thanked voters for "standing by" his team and to those that did not vote for his team, he said, "We are sorry that our best is not good enough for you but we will work harder in the next five years. There is a a lot we want to achieve for East Coast and for Singapore."
In Sembawang GRC, the PAP team led by Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan beat the SDP team led by the SDP's James Gomez by a strong mandate of 63 percent of votes
PAP wins SMCs
In the only three-cornered fight in Punggol SMC, PAP's Michael Palmer beat WP's Lee Li Lian and Singapore Democratic Alliance's Desmond Lim.
Palmer is the first minority race candidate to win an SMC.
SDA's Lim blamed the three-cornered fight that diluted the number of votes for the opposition.
In Mountbatten SMC, the PAP's Lim Biow Chuan beat National Solidarity Party's J Chong Aruldoss. Lim took 11,965 votes compared to Aruldoss' 8,436, just over 41 per cent of the votes.
In Bukit Panjang SMC, PAP's Teo Ho Pin beat the SDP's Alec Tok by 66 percent to 33 per cent of votes.
In Radin Mas SMC , PAP's Tan Chin Siong beat NSP's Yip Yew Weng by 67 per cent to 32 per cent of votes.
In Whampoa SMC, PAP's Heng Chee How beat the NSP's Ken Sun by 66 per cent to 33 per cent of votes.
In Joo Chiat SMC, PAP's Charles Chong narrowly beat the WP candidate of Yee Jenn Jong by less than 400 votes.
He later thanked his voters and said the result was encouraging because he was new to the ward, having moved from Pasir Ris to contest in Joo Chiat. He told his voters to rest and "work will start on Monday."
In Yuhua SMC, PAP's Grace Fu beat the SDP's Teo Soh Lung by 66 per cent to 33 percent of votes.
In Seng Kang West, PAP's Lam Pin Min beat the WP's Koh Choong Yong 58 per cent to 41 of votes.
source:Yahoo! Newsroom – Sat, May 7, 2011
Chiam’s loss marks end of an era
~ Chiam See Tong's 27-year-long parliamentary career comes to an end
It was a risky gamble that was expected by some to pay off, but didn't.
Singapore People's Party secretary-general Chiam See Tong, who chose to leave his stronghold ward Potong Pasir single member constituency (SMC) to lead a five-member team to contest in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, lost to the People's Action Party team led by Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng in the General Election on Saturday.
The defeat marked not only the failure of the SPP to capture a GRC, but also the end to Chiam's 27-year-era as a member of parliament (MP).
He was first elected into parliament in 1984 through his first win at Potong Pasir, and he subsequently stood for and won five consecutive General Elections, demonstrating time and time again that he had the strong support and loyalty of residents in the single ward.
His supporters' faith in him, however, could not be extended effectively towards his wife, Lina Chiam, who stood in Potong Pasir in his place after his decision to try "to spread love and compassion" to the Bishan-Toa Payoh community.
When Chiam took his first steps out of Deyi Secondary School, the principal counting centre for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC where he and his team were awaiting the result of the election, he was particularly hesitant in his answers.
After not saying anything for more than a minute, Chiam addressed Bishan-Toa Payoh residents, thanking the 43 percent of the voters there who picked him and his party.
Sources close to him said, however, that he felt "shattered" and "miserable" from the loss, and SPP supporters present teared and cried upon witnessing his long pauses between answers.
He told Yahoo! Singapore, "Thank you, residents of Bishan-Toa Payoh, for voting for us... Getting 43 percent is very good."
His wife sat through a very tight vote count.
Potong Pasir was the last constituency to have its result announced early on Sunday morning, and Mrs Chiam eventually lost to Sitoh Yih Pin by just 114 votes, pending another 62 overseas votes that have not arrived.
"I take it in my stride," she told reporters after she and the rest of the SPP candidates returned together to a coffee shop in Potong Pasir, where her supporters and residents were waiting.
"It was a tough fight, and I think I did very well, considering it is my first time entering politics," she added.
"The supporters waited all the way til 4 am just to greet, support and console me, and to ask me to come and fight again... I still feel like a winner."
Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC candidate Benjamin Pwee said winning 43 per cent of votes "is a good showing, considering what we've achieved in one short month... it's amazing, really."
"I congratulate Mr Wong and his team for having won, and I respect the decision of voters, but I am thankful for the 43 percent of residents who did vote for us, and five years later, we will come again," he added.
Pwee also saw the loss as an opportunity to develop deeper relationships with Bishan-Toa Payoh residents, and said that in spite of losing, he and his team will continue to work the ground towards this.
~ Potong Pasir residents and Chiam supporter didn't get the result they wished for.
SADNESS, ANGER
Ardent supporters of SPP candidates in both Bishan-Toa Payoh and Potong Pasir were left reeling in a mixture of shock, anger and disappointment after the official result was announced.
A woman from Bishan-Toa Payoh who had turned up at Deyi Secondary School to hear the result announced first-hand broke down at the news.
Her husband, Joseph De Bruin, 38, said, "I was really shocked. My wife and I had a good feeling that the SPP would win... but it didn't turn out that way."
"He will always be in our hearts," he added.
Another resident, Ivy Qieu, 26, said that her whole family had voted for the SPP in Bishan-Toa Payoh and she expressed her disappointment at the result.
"I really was hoping they would win... so many young people came up to me telling me they wanted to vote for him but couldn't because they were not of age -- I find it so unfair," she said.
Back at Potong Pasir, residents and supporters who had assembled at a previously-agreed-upon coffee shop exploded into loud, angry calls for recounts, re-votes, and shouts of "Kelong!" as well as cheers of Mr and Mrs Chiam's names, upon the announcement of the official final count of the vote that revealed Sitoh Yih Pin as the winner.
Many residents shared with Yahoo! Singapore that they felt very angry for him and very sad for Mrs Chiam, and that their enthusiastic mood had all but fizzled out.
Said Potong Pasir resident Jed Senthil, 25, a tutor, "She (Mrs Chiam) has put on a good fight, and she's just started -- I hope she'll come back again."
Another resident, Daniel Tay, 31, said he was bit upset about the outcome of the election, but felt that Sitoh Yih Pin did well.
"He had the courage to try again, and was rewarded," he said.
"I hope that our voices will still be heard in parliament, and that upgrading will actually happen," administrative officer Stella Tay, 24, added.
On the victorious Sitoh, Senthil said, "I hope he will fulfill his promises to us. Our main purpose was to vote in a town councillor, so I hope he will take care of us."
By : Jeanette Tan
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