Disclaimer: I, Eric ...Blog Master of www.ak-sg.blogspot.com, am not a member of any political party and no parties' permission has not been sought in the posting of these video.
让全世界起舞 - 黎沸挥
别再保持沉默 快和我跳起舞
全世界已经随着音乐在摆动
别让心情沉重 别站立着不动
留一些空间让你我尽情放松
没有回忆的感动 就让歌声带动节奏
这种感觉从来都没有
全世界跟着我在摇摆
青春的舞邀你我跳起来
爱和希望从心灵天窗 直透你胸怀
Song title : Love Paradise (爱的乐园)
By : Chen Wai Lam (陈慧琳)
You're always on my mind
你总在我脑海
All day just all the time
每一时，每一刻
You're everything to me
你是我的一切
Brightest star to let me see
我所见最闪亮的星辰
You touch me in my dreams
在梦里，你抚慰我
We kiss in every scene
每一景，亲吻我
I pray to be with you
我祈求与你
through rain and shiny days
风雨同舟共患难
I'll love you till I die
我爱你，至死不渝
Deep as sea, wide as sky
比海阔，比天空
The beauty of our love paints rainbows everywhere we go
美丽的爱情绘出彩虹，遍及我们所到之处
Need you all my life
一生需要你
You're my hope You're my pride
你是我的希望，令我自豪
In your arms I find my heaven
在你臂弯里，找到了我的天堂
In your eyes my sea and sky
在你眼里，我的海洋与天空
May life be our love paradise
愿人生是我俩爱的乐园
Friday, April 29, 2011
Turnout @ first day of GE rally
If the outcome for this General Election was based purely on rally attendances, the Opposition would win hands down.
An estimated 2,500 people, many of whom were hardcore party supporters, turned up for the People's Action Party's (PAP) first rally for the 2011 General Election at the field beside Buangkok MRT station on Thursday evening.
That figure pales in comparison to the rallies for the Worker's Party in Hougang (estimated 20,000), in Geylang East for National Solidarity Party (estimated 5,000), in Clementi stadium for Reform Party (estimated 4,000) and near Commonwealth MRT for Singapore Democratic Party (estimated 10,000).
Nicole Seah at National Solidarity Patry's first rally
Over 15,000 people who turned up at the Workers' Party (WP) rally on Thursday night went home impressed after listening to Chen Show Mao's maiden speech.
This is the 1st Workers' Party rally in Hougang, taken at the end of the rally. The open field is totally fill up, which you will never get to see in our main media. The crowd keep streaming in upto the road side, across the road, HDB flat common balcony and even muti story carpark. Simply amazing!
See the Video for huge crowd turn out :
Sylvia Lim at The Workers' Party's first rally
Worker's Party Rally at Hougang [28 Apr 11] - Mr Low's Speech in English :
Workers Party Rally on 28th April 2011 - The Last Moments of the Rally
I was at the hougang site and boy was it breathtaking! It was like a scene from the lord of the rings. Across the plateau, there were people everywhere. We were already more than 20,000 strong, yet people continued to pour in from every direction! It was like the Elves, the Dwarfs and Men all coming for one cause – to destroy Sauron! The morale was fantastic! If we were to go to war right now, nobody can stop us! Why was the turnout so fantastic, that probably WP did not expect too?
~ Darkest Knight
Video credit to :
TODAYdigital
theonlinecitizen
appleorangejuice
An estimated 2,500 people, many of whom were hardcore party supporters, turned up for the People's Action Party's (PAP) first rally for the 2011 General Election at the field beside Buangkok MRT station on Thursday evening.
That figure pales in comparison to the rallies for the Worker's Party in Hougang (estimated 20,000), in Geylang East for National Solidarity Party (estimated 5,000), in Clementi stadium for Reform Party (estimated 4,000) and near Commonwealth MRT for Singapore Democratic Party (estimated 10,000).
Nicole Seah at National Solidarity Patry's first rally
Over 15,000 people who turned up at the Workers' Party (WP) rally on Thursday night went home impressed after listening to Chen Show Mao's maiden speech.
This is the 1st Workers' Party rally in Hougang, taken at the end of the rally. The open field is totally fill up, which you will never get to see in our main media. The crowd keep streaming in upto the road side, across the road, HDB flat common balcony and even muti story carpark. Simply amazing!
See the Video for huge crowd turn out :
Sylvia Lim at The Workers' Party's first rally
Worker's Party Rally at Hougang [28 Apr 11] - Mr Low's Speech in English :
Workers Party Rally on 28th April 2011 - The Last Moments of the Rally
I was at the hougang site and boy was it breathtaking! It was like a scene from the lord of the rings. Across the plateau, there were people everywhere. We were already more than 20,000 strong, yet people continued to pour in from every direction! It was like the Elves, the Dwarfs and Men all coming for one cause – to destroy Sauron! The morale was fantastic! If we were to go to war right now, nobody can stop us! Why was the turnout so fantastic, that probably WP did not expect too?
~ Darkest Knight
Video credit to :
TODAYdigital
theonlinecitizen
appleorangejuice
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Fun General Election 2011 "Movie Stars"
With General Election hustings set to hit fever pitch in the coming week, here's a few tongue-in-cheek movie posters featuring some of Singapore's very own "stars" making the rounds on cyberspace.
Wonder Woman Nicole Seah.
G.I. Nicole
Chiam See Tong in G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra
Low Thia Khiang in The Legend of Chen Zhen.
Chen Show Mao is Thor!
Source:Mrbrown.com
Wonder Woman Nicole Seah.
G.I. Nicole
Chiam See Tong in G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra
Low Thia Khiang in The Legend of Chen Zhen.
Chen Show Mao is Thor!
Source:Mrbrown.com
Opposition mounts strongest challenge
This year's elections will see the opposition challenging 82 seats. (AFP file photo)
A record 82 seats out of 87 will be contested in this year's Singapore General Election.Here is the line-up for Polling Day on 7 May:
Aljunied GRC:
PAP
George Yeo
Lim Hwee Hua
Zainul Abidin Rasheed
Cynthia Phua
Ong Ye Kung
WP
Low Thia Khiang
Chen Show Mao
Faisal Abdul Manap
Pritam Singh
Sylvia Lim
Ang Mo Kio GRC:
PAP
Lee Hsien Loong
Yeo Guat Kwang
Ang Hin Kee
Inderjit Singh
Seng Han Thong
Intan Azura Mokhtar
RP
Tan Zhixiang
Arthero Lim Tung Hee
Vignes Ramachandran
Lim Zi Rui
Mansor Rahman
Osman Sulaiman
Bukit Panjang SMC:
PAP: Teo Ho Pin
SDP: Alec Tok
Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC:
PAP
Wong Kan Seng
Ng Eng Hen
Zainudin Nordin
Hri Kumar Nair
Josephine Teo
SPP
Chiam See Tong
Mohd Hamim Aliyas
Benjamin Pwee
Wilfred Leung
Lee Yeong Wee
Chua Chu Kang GRC:
PAP
Gan Kim Yong
Zaqy Mohamad
Alvin Yeo
Low Yen Ling
Yam Ziming Alex
NSP
Sebastian Teo
Tony Tan Lay Thiam
Hazel Poa
Nor Lella Mohamed
Jeisilan Sivalingam
East Coast GRC:
PAP
Lim Swee Say
Raymond Lim Siang Keat
Lee Yi Shyan
Maliki Osman
Jessica Tan
WP
Glenda Han
Gerald Giam Yean Song
Mohamed Fazli Talip
Eric Tan
Png Eng Huat
Hougang SMC:
PAP: Desmond Choo
WP: Yaw Shin Leong
Hong Kah North SMC:
PAP: Amy Khor
SPP: Sin Kek Tong
Holland-Bukit Timah GRC:
PAP
Vivian Balakrishnan
Christopher De Souza
Liang Eng Hwa
Sim Ann
SDP
Vincent Wijeysingha
Tan Jee Say
Ang Yong Guan
Michelle Lee Juen
Joo Chiat SMC:
PAP: Charles Chong
WP: Yee Jenn Jong
Jurong GRC:
PAP
Ong Kim Huat
Halimah Yacob
Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Ang Wei Neng
Desmond Lee
NSP
Christopher Neo
Elvin Ong
Abdul Rasheed
Noraini Yunus
Ong Hock Siong
Marine Parade GRC:
PAP
Goh Chok Tong
Seah Kian Peng
Fatimah Lateef
Tan Chuan-Jin
Tin Pei Ling
NSP
Yeo Tiong Boon Ivan
Cheo Chai Chen
Nicole Seah
Abdul Salim Harun
Ng Chung Hon
Mountbatten SMC:
PAP: Lim Biow Chuan
NSP: Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss
Moulmein-Kallang GRC:
PAP
Yaacob Ibrahim
Lui Tuck Yew
Denise Phua
Edwin Tong
WP
Mohd Rahizan Ya'acob
Toh Hong Boon
L Somasundaram
Frieda Chan Sio Phing
Nee Soon GRC:
PAP
K Shanmugam
Lee Bee Wah
Lim Wee Kiak
Mohd Faishal Ibrahim
Patrick Tay
WP
Yam Poh Nam
Angela Oon
Sajeev Kamalasanan
Chong Cham Weng
Poh Lee Guan
Punggol East SMC:
PAP: Michael Palmer
SDA: Desmond Lim
WP: Lee Li Lian
Pioneer SMC:
PAP: Cedric Foo
NSP: Steve Chia
Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC:
PAP
Teo Chee Hean
Teo Ser Luck
Penny Low
Zainal Sapari
Gan Thiam Poh
Janil Puthucheary
SDA
Harminder Pal Singh
Sidney Soon
Mohammad Shafni Ahmad
Tan Keng Hong
Lim Peng Yong Jeffrey
Patrick Lee
Potong Pasir SMC:
PAP: Sitoh Yih Pin
SPP: Lina Chiam
Radin Mas SMC:
PAP: Sam Tan Chin Siong
NSP: Yip Yew Weng
Sembawang GRC:
PAP
Khaw Boon Wan
Hawazi Daipi
Ellen Lee
Vikram Nair
Ong Teng Koon
SDP
James Gomez
Sadasivam Veriyah
Mohd Isa Aziz
Tan Liang Joo
Jarrod Luo
Sengkang West SMC:
PAP: Lam Pin Min
WP: Koh Choong Yong
Tampines GRC:
PAP
Mah Bow Tan
Masagos Zulkifli
Heng Swee Keat
Irene Ng
Baey Yam Keng
NSP
Goh Meng Seng
Gilbert Goh
Raymond Lim Peng Ann
Syafarin Sarif
Reno Fong
Tanjong Pagar GRC:
Walkover--PAP: Lee Kuan Yew, Indranee Rajah, Lily Neo, Chia Shi-Lu, Chan Chun Sing
West Coast GRC:
PAP
Lawrence Wong
Foo Mee Har
Arthur Fong
S Iswaran
Lim Hng Kiang
RP
Kenneth Jeyaratnam
Zhu Laicheng
Low Chiak Hun
Kumah Appavoo
Harn Ho
Whampoa SMC:
PAP: Heng Chee How
NSP: Ken Sun
Yuhua SMC:
PAP: Grace Fu
SDP: Teo Soh Lung
source:http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/opposition-mounts-strongest-challenge-133337413.html
GE candidates have their say
Here's what some candidates have to say about the General Elections and their plans on winning the hearts and minds of voters.
"Let this be a contest of ideas, let this be a contest of programs and see who can deliver a better future for Singaporeans, for our residents."
-- Tin Pei Ling, People's Action Party, Marine Parade GRC candidate
"We are really going on "heartware" because to me this election is about my relationship with the people in Potong Pasir, it's about my commitment and my loyalty to them."
-- Sitoh Yih Pin, People's Action Party, Potong Pasir SMC candidate
"I'm very confident, I've been serving the people of Potong Pasir for 27 years... I've been with my husband for six elections, the only difference is that I'm standing as a candidate now."
-- Lina Chiam, Singapore People's Party, Potong Pasir SMC candidate
On why he emphasised humility in his speech:
"That is the premise of the People's Action Party, that we are here to serve to do our best to help our residents improve their lives."
--Lim Biow Chuan, People's Action Party, Mountbatten SMC candidate
"The current policies have caused hardships and anxieties to people and I feel that somebody has to got to stand up and make the changes. The voters of Mountabatten have only seen one way of doing things for the past 20 years and I have got people behind me who are talented, creative. I can use their creativity and ideas. I can do something different in Mountbatten."
-- Jeanette Chong-Aruldoss, National Solidarity Party, Mountbatten SMC candidate
"I will be going on walkabouts every day because I'm new to Bukit Panjang and I want everybody to know that I am well aware of that. I want to meet all the residents, so I will be at the MRTs and the LRTs."
-- Alec Tok, Singapore Democratic Party, Bukit Panjang SMC candidate
"As an entrepreneur for the last 11 years, I've been very used to be able to start something out of nothing. So for Joo Chiat, I would like to champion many ground-up activities,"
-- Yee Jen Jong, Workers' Party, Joo Chiat SMC
"I will walk the ground to win over the residents' mandate."
-- Desmond Lim, Singapore Democratic Alliance secretary general, Punggol East SMC candidate
"The PAP are afraid of us, because the opposition has shown that it can field quality candidates to contest for elections."
-- Eric Tan, Workers' Party, East Coast GRC candidate
"Let this be a contest of ideas, let this be a contest of programs and see who can deliver a better future for Singaporeans, for our residents."
-- Tin Pei Ling, People's Action Party, Marine Parade GRC candidate
"We are really going on "heartware" because to me this election is about my relationship with the people in Potong Pasir, it's about my commitment and my loyalty to them."
-- Sitoh Yih Pin, People's Action Party, Potong Pasir SMC candidate
"I'm very confident, I've been serving the people of Potong Pasir for 27 years... I've been with my husband for six elections, the only difference is that I'm standing as a candidate now."
-- Lina Chiam, Singapore People's Party, Potong Pasir SMC candidate
On why he emphasised humility in his speech:
"That is the premise of the People's Action Party, that we are here to serve to do our best to help our residents improve their lives."
--Lim Biow Chuan, People's Action Party, Mountbatten SMC candidate
"The current policies have caused hardships and anxieties to people and I feel that somebody has to got to stand up and make the changes. The voters of Mountabatten have only seen one way of doing things for the past 20 years and I have got people behind me who are talented, creative. I can use their creativity and ideas. I can do something different in Mountbatten."
-- Jeanette Chong-Aruldoss, National Solidarity Party, Mountbatten SMC candidate
"I will be going on walkabouts every day because I'm new to Bukit Panjang and I want everybody to know that I am well aware of that. I want to meet all the residents, so I will be at the MRTs and the LRTs."
-- Alec Tok, Singapore Democratic Party, Bukit Panjang SMC candidate
"As an entrepreneur for the last 11 years, I've been very used to be able to start something out of nothing. So for Joo Chiat, I would like to champion many ground-up activities,"
-- Yee Jen Jong, Workers' Party, Joo Chiat SMC
"I will walk the ground to win over the residents' mandate."
-- Desmond Lim, Singapore Democratic Alliance secretary general, Punggol East SMC candidate
"The PAP are afraid of us, because the opposition has shown that it can field quality candidates to contest for elections."
-- Eric Tan, Workers' Party, East Coast GRC candidate
Why I’m contesting in Aljunied GRC: WP’s chief
~ WP chief arriving at the Nomination Centre with his team. (Yahoo! photo/ Henry Lim)
Workers' Party (WP) secretary-general Low Thia Khiang says his decision to move out from Hougang was made "quite long ago".
Speaking at a press conference after Nomination Day, Low revealed that he was even more determined to move to Aljunied after the gerrymandering of the People's Action Party (PAP), where changes were made to the electoral boundaries and some of their 29,000 supporters were moved to Ang Mo Kio and Pasir Ris-Punggol GRCs.
Low, who will join party chairman Sylvia Lim, Chen Show Mao, Pritam Singh and Mohd Faisal to form what is dubbed by many as the "A plus" team, will take on PAP's George Yeo, Lim Hwee Hua, Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Cynthia Phua and Ong Ye Kung.
He added that the decision to contest in Aljunied is a calculated risk and it is a risk they are taking "for Singapore".
Using a Mandarin proverb, Low said, "You know that there's a tiger in the mountain, and yet you still move there. So now we are taking this challenge and believe that voters will make the right choice."
WP's 'star catch' Chen added, "Winning a GRC is an important goal for the development of Singapore's political system and we are saying it in our actions."
~ The WP 'A+' team for Aljunied. (Yahoo! photo/Chia)
While admitting that it may be more logical for him to stay in Hougang, where he has 20 years of grassroots experience, Low acknowledged that the stakes are high but felt it that the time was right for WP to make the move.
"Hougang residents understand that I need to do this. The ground is sweet and in fact many people I know are waiting for me to cross over," he said.
Replacing Low at Hougang is party organising secretary Yaw Shin Leong.
Yaw, who led WP's 2006 "suicide squad" against Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Ang Mo Kio GRC, dismissed claims that contesting against PAP candidate Desmond Choo was the reason for his deployment to the SMC.
The 35-year-old, who has been helping at Hougang's grassroots activities after joining the WP in 2001, said, "I don't think age is an issue. What is important is that you have the passion to serve the residents."
~ Yaw Shin Leong will replace Low Thia Khiang at Hougang SMC. (Yahoo! photo/Chia)
Yaw added that he has confidence in Hougang's voters and reiterated that they are "the WP's secret weapon."
Low, also spoke highly of Yaw's connections on the ground. Yaw has been accompanying him on house visits in his ward for the past three years and, making him a familiar face in the estate.
"By now, every resident in the Hougang constituency would have Shin Leong's namecard," said Low.
Analysts told Yahoo! Singapore that they are not overly surprised by Low's decision to contest in Aljunied GRC.
Independent scholar Derek da Cunha explained, "He cannot ask Singaporeans to move out of their comfort zone and vote for credible opposition members if he himself does not move out of his own comfort zone, of Hougang."
"Now that he has led by example, he has the moral standing to make the appeal to Singaporeans to vote for his team. That will carry some weight with voters."
Senior fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies Terence Chong described it as a "make or break time for the WP".
"The stakes are high and one can fully understand Low's decision. He is explicitly asking Singaporeans to decide if they want more Opposition voices in Parliament or not," said Dr Chong.
He continued, "If the WP has a poor showing this GE it will not be because of lack of hard work or credible candidates but that the people prefer PAP dominance of Parliament. If so, so be it."
National University of Singapore professor Tan Ern Ser added, "I reckon he is 'putting his money where his mouth is'. The move is also important symbolically. It shows he is serious about wanting to win a GRC. I reckon he thinks the WP has the best chance of winning that GRC."
Prof Tan also predicted some factors that may contribute to voters' inclination to vote WP: dissatisfaction with PAP over the hot-button issues; desire to have checks and balances and alternative views from a stronger opposition presence in Parliament.
In a separate press conference, PM Lee commented on Low's decision to contest in Aljunied.
He said that it was Low's tactic to win a GRC. "I don't doubt he's entitled to want to win a GRC and he's trying to make an argument so that it sounds good and people will vote for him to win a GRC."
- additional reporting by Alicia Wong
source:http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/why-m-contesting-aljunied-grc-wp-low-thia-161827571.html
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Nomination Day Live Coverage ~ 27/5/2011
146PM:
PAP's Seetoh Yi Pin@Tao Nan school addresses crowd: "This is my third time contesting Potong Pasir... Please give me a chance to serve you."
SPP's Lina Chiam, wife of Chiam See Tong, speaks to crowd: "For 27 years, you have supported my husband... I salute Potong Pasir residents: You have the unbeatable spirit, courage, bravery, pride and patriotism. I salute each one of you... the PAP has tried in vain to tempt you." (cut short by election official because speech over-runs allotted time)
140PM:
PAP candidate Tin Pei Ling @Tao Nan School addresses crowd: "We will continue to fight at Marine Parade even though we face opposition... We'll not let up our efforts."
Nicole Seah, the GE's youngest candidate, from NSP team addresses crowd: "Why is NSP in Marine Parade GRC, a constituency that has not been contested for 19 years? It's because residents, citizens of Singapore, you have a choice. You have a choice to hold the PAP accountable for its policies... you, as a citizen, deserve to be engaged...and deserve to be heard. We will hear what you have to say."
134PM:
MCYS Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan @Greenridge Sec School: "This election is about our homes, our families, our children and our jobs... Majulah PAP, Majulah Singapura."
SDP team led by Dr Vincent Wijeysingha's turn to address the crowd: "We raised an objection regarding the PAP team for Holland Bukit-Timah. We raised two specific points of objection... They told us that objections were over-ruled but did not tell us why... I call upon the Returning Officer at the Elections Department to look into this anomaly."
126PM:
DPM and PAP MP Wong Kan Seng @ Deyi Secondary School addresses crowd on SPP contest at Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC:"You know what we have done for the last five years. I know you will choose wisely." Crowd chants "Mas Selamat... Mas Selamat."
SPP's Chiam See Tong on contesting Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC: "Vote for SPP and the SPP will get the PAP to be more accountable... If you want the credit, you must be able to take the fall."
120PM:
Foreign Minister George Yeo addresses PAP supporters @ Deyi Sec School: "As expected, WP has fielded a strong team at Aljunied GRC... But we will fight hard to win the heart and mind of every voter. We have detailed plans to develop Aljunied in the next five years. This will be a crucial contest...Give us your full support."
WP's Sylvia Lim addresses crowd: "This election, we are determined to make a breakthrough in Aljunied GRC... We believe your lives will improve if PAP government faces a strong WP challenge in Parliament....We promise to serve you... we trust in your judgment. You are our secret weapon."
WP's Low Thia Kiang speaks in Mandarin: "We are confident we can take Aljunied. Vote for us so we can go into Parliament and give the PAP a strong debate."
119PM:
PM Lee Hsien Loong "welcomes contest" by Reform Party in Ang Mo Kio GRC team. He "will work as a team to win people's support".
109PM:
Sengkang West's PAP candidate Lam Pin Min in speech: 'Please vote for me'.
Workers' Party candidate Koh Choon Yong: 'My parents initially objected when I joined politics. That was five years ago...Now they're in the crowd among you supporting me...there's a change in the Singaporean mindset...this is the first step towards a First World parliament."
100PM:
Reports that a PAP supporter faints at Deyi Secondary School. Taken away by ambulance.
1250PM:
MM Lee in victory speech: 'Feeble effort' by opposition team to contest the GRC who were late to submit their papers. I would have welcomed the contest... but I promise I will look after Tanjong Pagar residents for the next five years.
1249PM:
PAP team of Lee Kuan Yew, Indranee Rajah, Chan Chun Sing, Lily Neo and Chia Shi-Lu declared winners of Tanjong Pagar GRC.
1246PM:
SDP team's objection at Holland-Bukit Timah GRC noted but over-ruled by Assistant Returning Officer.
1241PM:
It's confirmed: Tanjong Pagar GRC led by MM Lee is a walkover.
1236PM:
Objection raised by SDP team led by Dr Vincent Wijeysingha at Holland-Bukit GRC. It contests that PAP candidate Miss Sim Ann is listed in her nomination papers as "unemployed" but as she is still serving out her notice of resignation, technically, she is still in the Civil Service, which disqualifies her from the GE. The SDP team objects to her candidacy and strenuously request the Returning Officer to declare her candidacy null and void.
1230PM:
Awaiting confirmation of all nomination papers.
1229PM:
SDA's Ng Teck Siong's last-minute decision to contest Tanjong Pagar GRC falls through after he missies deadline for nomination.
1228PM:
Independent candidate Boon Suan Ban who wanted to run in Mountbatten is disqualified due to nomination form error.
1224PM:
Workers' Party Moulmein-Kallang team: Frieda Chen, Toh Hong Boon, Mohd Rahzan Bin Ya'cob, l. Somasundaram. PAP team led by Minister Yaacob Ibrahim.
1215PM:
Independent candidate for Mounbatten SMC rejected after his forms were not properly filled.
1210PM:
Early reports point to a three-cornered fight in Punggol East SMC. Straight fights expected in all other constituencies except Tanjong Pagar GRC.
1207PM:
Reports that a last-minute opposition team is trying to contest Tanjong Pagar GRC.
1205PM:
Lam Pin Min confirmed as PAP candidate for Sengkang West SMC.
1204PM:
Parties begin checking each other's nomination forms.
1201PM:
Hundreds of PAP fans at Deyi Secondary School awaiting confirmation of nominations (below). Opposition supporters gather on the other side
1200PM:
Deadline for Nomination passes. 82 out of 87 seats to be contested. Only Tanjong Pagar GRC appears to be uncontested. Official confirmation @1230pm.
1156AM:
Independent candidate and acupuncturist Zeng Guoyang tears up nomination papers a few metres from security checks at Tao Nan School.
1150AM:
All 12 SMCs to be contested: Temasek Review
1148AM:
PAP team confirmed at Tanjong Pagar: MM Lee, Lily Neo, Indranee Rajah, Chan Choon Seng and new candidate Chia Shi-Lu. Expected to go up against SDA's hastily-assembled team.
1146AM:
Workers' Party team of John Yam, Angela Oon, Sajeev, Watson Chong, Dr Poh Lee Guan will run against Law Minister K Shanmugam's team in Nee Soon.
1145AM:
WP party candidate Yaw Shin Leong will take over Low Thia Kiang's place in Hougang. He will be up against PAP's Desmond Choo.
1142AM:
IT'S OFFICIAL: Workers' Party 'A-team' of Low Thia Kiang, Sylvia Lim, Chen Show Mao, Pritam Singh and Mohd Faisal Manap will be contesting Aljunied GRC. Will be up against PAP incumbents George Yeo, Ong Ye Kung, Lim Hwee Hua, Zainul Abidin and Cynthia Phua.
1140AM:
Lina Chiam, wife of SPP leader Chiam See Tong, at Tao Nan school. Expected to contest Potong Pasir SMC, taking over her husband.
1138AM:
Internet sensation Nicole Seah (right) and her National Solidarity Party colleague at Tao Nan school. Expected to contest Marine-Parade GRC.
1135AM:
No suprises at Holland-Bukit Timah GRC where PAP's Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and his team have confirmed their candidacy. They will be up against SDP team led by Dr Vincent Wijeysingha, Tan Jee Say, Ang Yong Guan and Michelle Lee Juan.
1133AM:
Three-cornered fight confirmed at Punggol SMC between SDA's Desmond Lim, PAP's Michael Palmer and WP's Lee Li Lian.
1131AM:
Unconfirmed reports that Workers' Party 'A-team' of Low Thia Kiang, Sylvia Lim, Chen Show Mao and Pritam Singh are contesting at Aljunied GRC.
1130AM:
SDP's ALec Tok confirms candidacy for Bukit Panjang SMC.
1117AM:
PAP's Teo Ho Pin confirms candidacy at Bukit Panjang SMC. Huge PAP support at Greenridge Secondary School. Outnumber SDP supporter by 5 to1.
1105AM:
Minister of Foreign Affairs George Yeo (below) and his team at Deyi Secondary School. He's expected to defend Aljunied GRC. Expected to be THE fight of the General Elections if WP chief Low Thia Kiang and his "A"-team contest the ward.
1103AM:
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Minister Wong Kan Seng arrive at Deyi Secondary School.
1100AM:
SPP chief Chiam See Tong and Benjamin Pwee arrive to loud cheers at Deyi Secondary School. Expected to stand in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.
1055AM:
Minister Mah Bow Tan speaks to media, refuses to talk about housing. Also explains that NTUC youth wing leader Steve Tan dropped out of elections due to "personal reasons". Also said no particular reason why his place on the Tampines GRC team is going to Tanjong Pagar's Baey Yam Keng, who he wlecomes to his Tampines team. Rowdy scenes at Dunman Secondary School.
1050AM:
Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan arrives at Greenridge Secondary School. Expected to defend his Holland-Bukit Timah GRC. PAP's Teo Ho Pin also arrives and he's expected to contest Bukit Panjang SMC.
1045AM:
MM Lee arrives at SCGS. Expected to defend his Tanjong Pagar GRC.
1040AM:
Minister Mah Bow Tan and Tanjong Pagar MP Baey Yam Keng turn up at Dunman Secondary School. Baey is expected to be redeployed to Tampines GRC to replace Steve Tan, who earlier dropped out of the GE due to "personal reasons".
~ Minister Mah Bow Tan and Tanjong Pagar MP Baey Yam Keng turn up at Dunman Secondary School.
1037AM:
Reports that SDA assistant secretary-general Nazem Suki is set to step down and contest as an independent candidate at Tanjong Pagar GRC.
1030AM:
Tanjong Pagar PAP MP Baey Yam Keng expected to replace young NTUC executive secretary Steve Tan, in Tampines GRC. Tan dropped a bombshell earlier this morning when he pulled out of plans to contest the elections due to a "personal decision". He was one of 24 new PAP candidates unveiled.
1025AM:
WP chief Low Thia Kiang and his "A-team" consisting of Sylvia Lim and Chen Show Mao turn up at Deyi Secondary School -- the nomination centre for Aljunied GRC. Signs indicate he will not stand in his stronghold of Hougang SMC.
~ WP chief Low Thia Kiang and his 'A'-team turn up at Deyi Secondary School. But where will he contest?
Welcome to our live coverage of Nomination Day. Today, over 160 candidates will file their candidacy papers at 9 nomination centres across Singapore between 11am to noon today.
15 General Representation Constituencies and 12 single-seat wards are up for grabs. A total of 87 Parliamentary seats are at stake.
Among the big questions: Where will Worker's Party chief Low Thia Kiang decide to contest? Will there be any walkovers? Which wards will see three-cornered fights?
Photo credit : (Yahoo! photo)
Source:http://sg.news.yahoo.com/nomination-day-live-coverage.html
PAP's Seetoh Yi Pin@Tao Nan school addresses crowd: "This is my third time contesting Potong Pasir... Please give me a chance to serve you."
SPP's Lina Chiam, wife of Chiam See Tong, speaks to crowd: "For 27 years, you have supported my husband... I salute Potong Pasir residents: You have the unbeatable spirit, courage, bravery, pride and patriotism. I salute each one of you... the PAP has tried in vain to tempt you." (cut short by election official because speech over-runs allotted time)
140PM:
PAP candidate Tin Pei Ling @Tao Nan School addresses crowd: "We will continue to fight at Marine Parade even though we face opposition... We'll not let up our efforts."
Nicole Seah, the GE's youngest candidate, from NSP team addresses crowd: "Why is NSP in Marine Parade GRC, a constituency that has not been contested for 19 years? It's because residents, citizens of Singapore, you have a choice. You have a choice to hold the PAP accountable for its policies... you, as a citizen, deserve to be engaged...and deserve to be heard. We will hear what you have to say."
134PM:
MCYS Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan @Greenridge Sec School: "This election is about our homes, our families, our children and our jobs... Majulah PAP, Majulah Singapura."
SDP team led by Dr Vincent Wijeysingha's turn to address the crowd: "We raised an objection regarding the PAP team for Holland Bukit-Timah. We raised two specific points of objection... They told us that objections were over-ruled but did not tell us why... I call upon the Returning Officer at the Elections Department to look into this anomaly."
126PM:
DPM and PAP MP Wong Kan Seng @ Deyi Secondary School addresses crowd on SPP contest at Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC:"You know what we have done for the last five years. I know you will choose wisely." Crowd chants "Mas Selamat... Mas Selamat."
SPP's Chiam See Tong on contesting Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC: "Vote for SPP and the SPP will get the PAP to be more accountable... If you want the credit, you must be able to take the fall."
120PM:
Foreign Minister George Yeo addresses PAP supporters @ Deyi Sec School: "As expected, WP has fielded a strong team at Aljunied GRC... But we will fight hard to win the heart and mind of every voter. We have detailed plans to develop Aljunied in the next five years. This will be a crucial contest...Give us your full support."
WP's Sylvia Lim addresses crowd: "This election, we are determined to make a breakthrough in Aljunied GRC... We believe your lives will improve if PAP government faces a strong WP challenge in Parliament....We promise to serve you... we trust in your judgment. You are our secret weapon."
WP's Low Thia Kiang speaks in Mandarin: "We are confident we can take Aljunied. Vote for us so we can go into Parliament and give the PAP a strong debate."
119PM:
PM Lee Hsien Loong "welcomes contest" by Reform Party in Ang Mo Kio GRC team. He "will work as a team to win people's support".
109PM:
Sengkang West's PAP candidate Lam Pin Min in speech: 'Please vote for me'.
Workers' Party candidate Koh Choon Yong: 'My parents initially objected when I joined politics. That was five years ago...Now they're in the crowd among you supporting me...there's a change in the Singaporean mindset...this is the first step towards a First World parliament."
100PM:
Reports that a PAP supporter faints at Deyi Secondary School. Taken away by ambulance.
1250PM:
MM Lee in victory speech: 'Feeble effort' by opposition team to contest the GRC who were late to submit their papers. I would have welcomed the contest... but I promise I will look after Tanjong Pagar residents for the next five years.
1249PM:
PAP team of Lee Kuan Yew, Indranee Rajah, Chan Chun Sing, Lily Neo and Chia Shi-Lu declared winners of Tanjong Pagar GRC.
1246PM:
SDP team's objection at Holland-Bukit Timah GRC noted but over-ruled by Assistant Returning Officer.
1241PM:
It's confirmed: Tanjong Pagar GRC led by MM Lee is a walkover.
1236PM:
Objection raised by SDP team led by Dr Vincent Wijeysingha at Holland-Bukit GRC. It contests that PAP candidate Miss Sim Ann is listed in her nomination papers as "unemployed" but as she is still serving out her notice of resignation, technically, she is still in the Civil Service, which disqualifies her from the GE. The SDP team objects to her candidacy and strenuously request the Returning Officer to declare her candidacy null and void.
1230PM:
Awaiting confirmation of all nomination papers.
1229PM:
SDA's Ng Teck Siong's last-minute decision to contest Tanjong Pagar GRC falls through after he missies deadline for nomination.
1228PM:
Independent candidate Boon Suan Ban who wanted to run in Mountbatten is disqualified due to nomination form error.
1224PM:
Workers' Party Moulmein-Kallang team: Frieda Chen, Toh Hong Boon, Mohd Rahzan Bin Ya'cob, l. Somasundaram. PAP team led by Minister Yaacob Ibrahim.
1215PM:
Independent candidate for Mounbatten SMC rejected after his forms were not properly filled.
1210PM:
Early reports point to a three-cornered fight in Punggol East SMC. Straight fights expected in all other constituencies except Tanjong Pagar GRC.
1207PM:
Reports that a last-minute opposition team is trying to contest Tanjong Pagar GRC.
1205PM:
Lam Pin Min confirmed as PAP candidate for Sengkang West SMC.
1204PM:
Parties begin checking each other's nomination forms.
1201PM:
Hundreds of PAP fans at Deyi Secondary School awaiting confirmation of nominations (below). Opposition supporters gather on the other side
1200PM:
Deadline for Nomination passes. 82 out of 87 seats to be contested. Only Tanjong Pagar GRC appears to be uncontested. Official confirmation @1230pm.
1156AM:
Independent candidate and acupuncturist Zeng Guoyang tears up nomination papers a few metres from security checks at Tao Nan School.
1150AM:
All 12 SMCs to be contested: Temasek Review
1148AM:
PAP team confirmed at Tanjong Pagar: MM Lee, Lily Neo, Indranee Rajah, Chan Choon Seng and new candidate Chia Shi-Lu. Expected to go up against SDA's hastily-assembled team.
1146AM:
Workers' Party team of John Yam, Angela Oon, Sajeev, Watson Chong, Dr Poh Lee Guan will run against Law Minister K Shanmugam's team in Nee Soon.
1145AM:
WP party candidate Yaw Shin Leong will take over Low Thia Kiang's place in Hougang. He will be up against PAP's Desmond Choo.
1142AM:
IT'S OFFICIAL: Workers' Party 'A-team' of Low Thia Kiang, Sylvia Lim, Chen Show Mao, Pritam Singh and Mohd Faisal Manap will be contesting Aljunied GRC. Will be up against PAP incumbents George Yeo, Ong Ye Kung, Lim Hwee Hua, Zainul Abidin and Cynthia Phua.
1140AM:
Lina Chiam, wife of SPP leader Chiam See Tong, at Tao Nan school. Expected to contest Potong Pasir SMC, taking over her husband.
1138AM:
Internet sensation Nicole Seah (right) and her National Solidarity Party colleague at Tao Nan school. Expected to contest Marine-Parade GRC.
1135AM:
No suprises at Holland-Bukit Timah GRC where PAP's Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and his team have confirmed their candidacy. They will be up against SDP team led by Dr Vincent Wijeysingha, Tan Jee Say, Ang Yong Guan and Michelle Lee Juan.
1133AM:
Three-cornered fight confirmed at Punggol SMC between SDA's Desmond Lim, PAP's Michael Palmer and WP's Lee Li Lian.
1131AM:
Unconfirmed reports that Workers' Party 'A-team' of Low Thia Kiang, Sylvia Lim, Chen Show Mao and Pritam Singh are contesting at Aljunied GRC.
1130AM:
SDP's ALec Tok confirms candidacy for Bukit Panjang SMC.
1117AM:
PAP's Teo Ho Pin confirms candidacy at Bukit Panjang SMC. Huge PAP support at Greenridge Secondary School. Outnumber SDP supporter by 5 to1.
1105AM:
Minister of Foreign Affairs George Yeo (below) and his team at Deyi Secondary School. He's expected to defend Aljunied GRC. Expected to be THE fight of the General Elections if WP chief Low Thia Kiang and his "A"-team contest the ward.
1103AM:
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Minister Wong Kan Seng arrive at Deyi Secondary School.
1100AM:
SPP chief Chiam See Tong and Benjamin Pwee arrive to loud cheers at Deyi Secondary School. Expected to stand in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.
1055AM:
Minister Mah Bow Tan speaks to media, refuses to talk about housing. Also explains that NTUC youth wing leader Steve Tan dropped out of elections due to "personal reasons". Also said no particular reason why his place on the Tampines GRC team is going to Tanjong Pagar's Baey Yam Keng, who he wlecomes to his Tampines team. Rowdy scenes at Dunman Secondary School.
1050AM:
Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan arrives at Greenridge Secondary School. Expected to defend his Holland-Bukit Timah GRC. PAP's Teo Ho Pin also arrives and he's expected to contest Bukit Panjang SMC.
1045AM:
MM Lee arrives at SCGS. Expected to defend his Tanjong Pagar GRC.
1040AM:
Minister Mah Bow Tan and Tanjong Pagar MP Baey Yam Keng turn up at Dunman Secondary School. Baey is expected to be redeployed to Tampines GRC to replace Steve Tan, who earlier dropped out of the GE due to "personal reasons".
~ Minister Mah Bow Tan and Tanjong Pagar MP Baey Yam Keng turn up at Dunman Secondary School.
1037AM:
Reports that SDA assistant secretary-general Nazem Suki is set to step down and contest as an independent candidate at Tanjong Pagar GRC.
1030AM:
Tanjong Pagar PAP MP Baey Yam Keng expected to replace young NTUC executive secretary Steve Tan, in Tampines GRC. Tan dropped a bombshell earlier this morning when he pulled out of plans to contest the elections due to a "personal decision". He was one of 24 new PAP candidates unveiled.
1025AM:
WP chief Low Thia Kiang and his "A-team" consisting of Sylvia Lim and Chen Show Mao turn up at Deyi Secondary School -- the nomination centre for Aljunied GRC. Signs indicate he will not stand in his stronghold of Hougang SMC.
~ WP chief Low Thia Kiang and his 'A'-team turn up at Deyi Secondary School. But where will he contest?
Welcome to our live coverage of Nomination Day. Today, over 160 candidates will file their candidacy papers at 9 nomination centres across Singapore between 11am to noon today.
15 General Representation Constituencies and 12 single-seat wards are up for grabs. A total of 87 Parliamentary seats are at stake.
Among the big questions: Where will Worker's Party chief Low Thia Kiang decide to contest? Will there be any walkovers? Which wards will see three-cornered fights?
Photo credit : (Yahoo! photo)
Source:http://sg.news.yahoo.com/nomination-day-live-coverage.html
Battle royale expected at Aljunied GRC, PAP vs. WP
Workers' Party fields their "A-team"in Aljunied, led by party chief Low Thia Khiang.
Expect a big fight between the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) and opposition parties come Polling Day on 7 May.
Based on the papers filed at nomination centres on Wednesday, 82 out of 87 Parliamentary seats will be up for grabs with only the five-seat Tanjong Pagar group representation constituency (GRC) the only ward to see no contest.
The PAP team led by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, who has represented Tanjong Pagar GRC for 56 years, have been declared winners for the area.
A five-member team under the Singapore Democratic Alliance and led by Socialist Front chairman Ng Teck Siong attempted to file its candidacy t the Singapore Chinese Girls' School, but they were 35 seconds too late.
The hottest contest is expected to be at Aljunied GRC where Workers' Party chief and MP for Hougang single ward, Low Thia Khiang, and his team will face off against the PAP slate led by Foreign Minister George Yeo.
Low's team includes "star catch" Chen Show Mao, WP party chairman Sylvia Lim, Pritam Singh and Muhamad Faisal bin Abdul. Yeo's team comprises of Lim Hwee Hua, Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Cynthia Phua and Ong Ye Kung.
Ms Lim made no bones about her party's decision to field their best team at Aljunied GRC -- which was fiercely contested in 2006 -- and said, "We are determined to make a breakthrough in Aljunied GRC. We believe your lives will improve if PAP faces a strong challenge in Parliament....We trust you. You are our secret weapon."
George Yeo's team has a tough contest in Aljunied against WP's "A-team"
Minister Yeo, on his part, expects a tough fight and said, "As expected, WP has fielded a strong team at Aljunied GRC... But we will fight hard to win every heart and mind of voters. We have detailed plans to develop Aljunied in the next five years. This will be a crucial contest...Give us your full support."
Another opposition MP to try his hand at a GRC is Singapore People's Party's Chiam See Tong, who has been the MP for Potong Pasir for several terms. He will be contesting the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC against a PAP slate led by DPM Wong Kan Seng.
Chiam said, "Vote for SPP and the SPP will get the PAP to be more accountable... If you want the credit, you must be able to take the fall."
Even as opposition supporters chanted "Mas Selamat, Mas Selamat", Minister Wong, on his part said, "You know what we have done for the last five years. I know you will choose wisely."
All of the contests will be straight one-on-one fights except for Punggol East single member constituency (SMC), where there will be a three-cornered fight involving PAP's Michael Palmer, the WP's Lee Li Lian and the SDA's secretary general, Desmond Lim.
In Ang Mo Kio GRC, the bailiwick of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the Reform Party has fielded a team led by businessman Mansor Rahman.
PM Lee said he "welcomes the contest" and that the PAP candidates "will work as a team to win people's support".
Meanwhile, the Singapore Democratic Party led by Dr Vincent Wijeysingha said his team raised two specific points of objection against the PAP team for the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, but these objections were over-ruled by the Assistant Returning Officer of the Elections Department.
Several of the opposition leaders called on voters to make the PAP "accountable".
Nicole Seah, the GE's youngest candidate, from the National Solidarity Party (NSP) team addressed the crowd: "Why is NSP in Marine Parade GRC, a constituency that has not been contested for 19 years? It's because residents, citizens of Singapore, you have a choice. You have a choice to hold the PAP accountable for its policies."
SPP's Lina Chiam, wife of Chiam See Tong, who will be running in Potong Pasir single ward, said: "For 27 years, you have supported my husband... I salute Potong Pasir residents: You have the unbeatable spirit, courage, bravery, pride and patriotism."
The PAP candidates reminded voters of what was at stake and the PAP's track record.
MCYS Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan at Greenridge Secondary School said: "This election is about our homes, our families, our children and our jobs... Majulah PAP, Majulah Singapura."
Over the next nine days until "Cooling Off" day on Friday May 6th, expect fierce election rhetoric and rallies from all sides to rage across the island as the battle for the hearts and minds of voters begins.
Singapore, how will you vote?
Photo credit:(Yahoo! photo)
Source:http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/battle-royale-expected-aljunied-grc-between-pap-wp-085508973.html
We need to get rid of dead wood.
Election issues to consider:
1. Ministers' pay... who are paying for these?!
2. Ministers' motivation... Is it for the money? If no, are they willing to take pay cut?
3. Ministers' intelligence or arrogance... Are they just too clever that only they can decide what is correct? The rest of us are just too stupid that we need foreign talent to take our jobs.
4. Do we want a materialistic, arrogant society? Leaders play a significant role in moulding the people. Singaporeans are now also known for arrogance!
5. Jobs - So many jobs created - at the casinos, to build HDB flats, cleaners, but where are the jobs for locals? If the jobs created do not match Singaporeans education and expectations, are the Government's plans wrong? Or is the government not creating the right jobs for the locals? Let's not take the easy route and say that there are many jobs available but Singaporeans are not taking it. The government is responsible to create the right jobs for the people, and not jobs that match foreigners.
6. Foreigners with high pay in top positions in DBS, Temasek etc... Singapore does not have enough talent?
7. Education - Is our education system providing education or just for taking exams? Our school system expctes children to learn outside to qualify for school!
8. Is our education depriving our children of living their lives as children? Imagine fourteen year olds (Secondary 2) students studying Genetic Engineering and DNA, not to mention many more irrelevant topics !
9. Housing costs - What are MBT's Housing strategies? The video seems to give credit MBT for Singapore home ownership as though he paid for our houses! I remembered that I have to work doubly hard, partly to pay for the house and partly to pay for his salary which I do not have a choice.
10. Upgrading for Singaporeans - Is it morally correct to threaten that if Public funds will be used to upgrade PAP wards rather than opposition wards, if PAP is in power? What happens if some 'unethical party' (No reference to any specific party) comes to power, will they also continue to hold the National funds hostage to get people's vote? Like tax rebates for people who vote for Party X. This will be legal since the Party is in power, but morally wrong! Sad to say, PAP has set the precendence by being public about it!
11. Accounting for Public funds - YOG overruns? Is this swept under the carpet because we do not have sufficient Non-PAP candidates in parliament? Do Ministers take responsibility? Where did the excess spedning come from? Who and how did it benefit? Are there better ways to spend the money or can cost be controlled with the same benefits achieved?
12. Accounting for Security - Mas Selemat issue - Do Ministers take responsibility? Did he get a pay cut / loss of bonus? How much was spent tracking down the fugitive? Police, Diplomatic channels etc?
13. PA, NTUC and PAP - I thought Peoples Association and NTUC were supposed to be for non-partisan? Isn't NTUC's objecteives meant to be a Cooperative to benefit the people through purchases or other synegies made through economies of scale and bargaining power? Why has it evolved into a politcal mechanism?
Tripartite relationships means Employers, Employees and Giovernment, Not any political party. For an NTUC representative to sya that they can only work with PAP reflects a political biasness that has eroded the intent of a stable labour environment regardless of the party in power. The Older PAP members deserve the recognition and credit for this, but it is disappointing that it has evolved into a partisan orgnization, with bias influence.
14. Peoples Association and 'Community Grassroots' - Is this organization formed to serve the people and not a party? Isn't it to build community spirit rather than promote a political party?
Singaporeans want PAP to account for their actions as we have been paying them!
Hope to get answers!
~ Article by 's , a 47 years old male.
1. Ministers' pay... who are paying for these?!
2. Ministers' motivation... Is it for the money? If no, are they willing to take pay cut?
3. Ministers' intelligence or arrogance... Are they just too clever that only they can decide what is correct? The rest of us are just too stupid that we need foreign talent to take our jobs.
4. Do we want a materialistic, arrogant society? Leaders play a significant role in moulding the people. Singaporeans are now also known for arrogance!
5. Jobs - So many jobs created - at the casinos, to build HDB flats, cleaners, but where are the jobs for locals? If the jobs created do not match Singaporeans education and expectations, are the Government's plans wrong? Or is the government not creating the right jobs for the locals? Let's not take the easy route and say that there are many jobs available but Singaporeans are not taking it. The government is responsible to create the right jobs for the people, and not jobs that match foreigners.
6. Foreigners with high pay in top positions in DBS, Temasek etc... Singapore does not have enough talent?
7. Education - Is our education system providing education or just for taking exams? Our school system expctes children to learn outside to qualify for school!
8. Is our education depriving our children of living their lives as children? Imagine fourteen year olds (Secondary 2) students studying Genetic Engineering and DNA, not to mention many more irrelevant topics !
9. Housing costs - What are MBT's Housing strategies? The video seems to give credit MBT for Singapore home ownership as though he paid for our houses! I remembered that I have to work doubly hard, partly to pay for the house and partly to pay for his salary which I do not have a choice.
10. Upgrading for Singaporeans - Is it morally correct to threaten that if Public funds will be used to upgrade PAP wards rather than opposition wards, if PAP is in power? What happens if some 'unethical party' (No reference to any specific party) comes to power, will they also continue to hold the National funds hostage to get people's vote? Like tax rebates for people who vote for Party X. This will be legal since the Party is in power, but morally wrong! Sad to say, PAP has set the precendence by being public about it!
11. Accounting for Public funds - YOG overruns? Is this swept under the carpet because we do not have sufficient Non-PAP candidates in parliament? Do Ministers take responsibility? Where did the excess spedning come from? Who and how did it benefit? Are there better ways to spend the money or can cost be controlled with the same benefits achieved?
12. Accounting for Security - Mas Selemat issue - Do Ministers take responsibility? Did he get a pay cut / loss of bonus? How much was spent tracking down the fugitive? Police, Diplomatic channels etc?
13. PA, NTUC and PAP - I thought Peoples Association and NTUC were supposed to be for non-partisan? Isn't NTUC's objecteives meant to be a Cooperative to benefit the people through purchases or other synegies made through economies of scale and bargaining power? Why has it evolved into a politcal mechanism?
Tripartite relationships means Employers, Employees and Giovernment, Not any political party. For an NTUC representative to sya that they can only work with PAP reflects a political biasness that has eroded the intent of a stable labour environment regardless of the party in power. The Older PAP members deserve the recognition and credit for this, but it is disappointing that it has evolved into a partisan orgnization, with bias influence.
14. Peoples Association and 'Community Grassroots' - Is this organization formed to serve the people and not a party? Isn't it to build community spirit rather than promote a political party?
Singaporeans want PAP to account for their actions as we have been paying them!
Hope to get answers!
~ Article by 's , a 47 years old male.
GE2011 Story : Should I sack my current maid?
I need your urgent advice about employing a maid. As a busy mother, I need someone reliable to help out at home.
My maid is from Profits Agency Pte (PAP) and she has worked for me for a
long time. Her mother worked for my parents and did an excellent job, so
I had faith in her. For several years her performance has been very
good, but recently she has become arrogant and insensitive, and is
making lots of mistakes.
For example:
1) She flooded my kitchen - she told me that the drain pipe has
blocked (she was supposed to clear it once a month but didn't). Then she
assured me that it is very rare (once in 50 yrs) and won't happen again
in the near future. Guess what? It flooded again within a year!
2) She didn't close a window and my terrier dog escaped. I was so
worried cos he is dangerous and could bite lots of people. After the
incident, she didn't apologise and just shrugged her shoulders saying
"What to do, it has happened." Fortunately my neighbor found the dog and
we locked it up again.
3) Without consulting me, she has been bringing in strangers for
my house's maintenance work. She says they charge low wages and keep
costs down, but they eat my food, make a lot of noise and rest on my
bed. I think they even tried to seduce my husband. It stopped feeling
like my home, more like a cheap hotel, and I don't always want to come
back at the end of the day.
4) When she first came to work for me, I instructed her to clean
the different parts of the house at least once a week. But for some time
she has stopped taking care of the bedrooms of PP and H; they are now
dirty and messy. I asked why and she told me that the kids had been
disobedient, so she was neglecting their bedrooms as a punishment (she
has forgotten that she is paid to clean all the rooms).
Even though my maid has worked for me for many years and I value what
she has done in the past, I think she is now getting complacent. Her
attitude is imperious and dismissive. She ignores my comments and
basically treats my feedback as "noise".
I wrote to the agency about her behavior; they assured me that they are the best agency around and all their maids are "Commited to Serve" - but I think it is just rhetoric and I don't see that in her actions. Her salary is much higher than maids in other countries, but the agency say this is to keep her
honest and stop her moving to another employer. They say there is a limited supply of maids, and isn't big enough for more than one good maid agency, so I should not trust their competitors.
I have to decide whether to renew my maid's 5-year employment contract.
When we discussed this she said that she is now part of a team, and if I
want her I must also accept her friends doing part-time work for me. One
friend is very inexperienced, can't do basic tasks or explain what she
intends to do. I suspect that she is actually underage. When
interviewed, she only seemed interested in her days-off and visiting
Universal Studios. When she couldn't answer my questions she stomped her
foot and exclaimed, "I don't know what to say!" But I am still expected
to pay her a high salary.
Now there happens to be a few other maid agencies - Workhard Pte (WP),
New Solutions Pte (NSP), Super Personnel Pte (SPP) and Star Domestica
Pte (SDP) - that offered me some helpers who seem sincere, genuine and
intelligent. They are keen to work, willing to assist me and have a good
attitude. I know that they may take a bit of time to learn how
everything works, but frankly I am inclined to give them a chance.
People say that the devil you know is better than one you don't. But I
feel that I can't tahan my current maid anymore. Do you think I should
sack my current maid and try out a new one?
~ created by : Sgyoung Ooi
My maid is from Profits Agency Pte (PAP) and she has worked for me for a
long time. Her mother worked for my parents and did an excellent job, so
I had faith in her. For several years her performance has been very
good, but recently she has become arrogant and insensitive, and is
making lots of mistakes.
For example:
1) She flooded my kitchen - she told me that the drain pipe has
blocked (she was supposed to clear it once a month but didn't). Then she
assured me that it is very rare (once in 50 yrs) and won't happen again
in the near future. Guess what? It flooded again within a year!
2) She didn't close a window and my terrier dog escaped. I was so
worried cos he is dangerous and could bite lots of people. After the
incident, she didn't apologise and just shrugged her shoulders saying
"What to do, it has happened." Fortunately my neighbor found the dog and
we locked it up again.
3) Without consulting me, she has been bringing in strangers for
my house's maintenance work. She says they charge low wages and keep
costs down, but they eat my food, make a lot of noise and rest on my
bed. I think they even tried to seduce my husband. It stopped feeling
like my home, more like a cheap hotel, and I don't always want to come
back at the end of the day.
4) When she first came to work for me, I instructed her to clean
the different parts of the house at least once a week. But for some time
she has stopped taking care of the bedrooms of PP and H; they are now
dirty and messy. I asked why and she told me that the kids had been
disobedient, so she was neglecting their bedrooms as a punishment (she
has forgotten that she is paid to clean all the rooms).
Even though my maid has worked for me for many years and I value what
she has done in the past, I think she is now getting complacent. Her
attitude is imperious and dismissive. She ignores my comments and
basically treats my feedback as "noise".
I wrote to the agency about her behavior; they assured me that they are the best agency around and all their maids are "Commited to Serve" - but I think it is just rhetoric and I don't see that in her actions. Her salary is much higher than maids in other countries, but the agency say this is to keep her
honest and stop her moving to another employer. They say there is a limited supply of maids, and isn't big enough for more than one good maid agency, so I should not trust their competitors.
I have to decide whether to renew my maid's 5-year employment contract.
When we discussed this she said that she is now part of a team, and if I
want her I must also accept her friends doing part-time work for me. One
friend is very inexperienced, can't do basic tasks or explain what she
intends to do. I suspect that she is actually underage. When
interviewed, she only seemed interested in her days-off and visiting
Universal Studios. When she couldn't answer my questions she stomped her
foot and exclaimed, "I don't know what to say!" But I am still expected
to pay her a high salary.
Now there happens to be a few other maid agencies - Workhard Pte (WP),
New Solutions Pte (NSP), Super Personnel Pte (SPP) and Star Domestica
Pte (SDP) - that offered me some helpers who seem sincere, genuine and
intelligent. They are keen to work, willing to assist me and have a good
attitude. I know that they may take a bit of time to learn how
everything works, but frankly I am inclined to give them a chance.
People say that the devil you know is better than one you don't. But I
feel that I can't tahan my current maid anymore. Do you think I should
sack my current maid and try out a new one?
~ created by : Sgyoung Ooi
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