The Opposition Party in Singapore
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This will depend on current KMT chairman Ma-Ying Jeou or former chairman Lien Chan to influence James Soong to continue to ally with KMT. As earlier on there was report on the possibility on DPP ally with PFP but it was being rejected as during the parliamentary elections the Blue Party consist of KMT,PFP,NP and most of the people vote for KMT as they thought that PFP is belong to KMT so they vote KMT. The results were out and PFP have only 30 over seats dropped from the previous one so they are unhappy and reports said that they want to spilt. But the situation now is still confusing whether PFP spilt or merge from KMT.Originally posted by iveco:What about James sung? Will he merge the PFP back with KMT? -
Just to clarify, taiwan kuomintang is not TSU. taiwan kuomintang is a NEW pro independent party just formed couple of days ago. lee teng hui was present when the new party was launched.Originally posted by gorby107:Lee Teng Hui get out of the KMT and set up a new pro-independence party called the Taiwan Solidarity Union(TSU). They are now in the green party together with the DPP led by Ah-Bian is it??? If there is a new faction of PAP, the faction would be crushed by the old PAP within a few days by the help of the police who are loyal to them. So I think that having a new faction of PAP is impossible and risky too. You remember what happened to BS last time a split faction of PAP? Many of their members went to jail and during 1968 they did a silly thing by boycotting the parliament resulting the PAP to sweep all the seats of the parliament. After this it was the downfall for BS and it merged with WP at a later time
Their intention is probably to confuse the general masses, and they manage to register the party Taiwan Kuomintang, ahead of China Kuomintang who still contemplating if they should drop China and replace by Taiwan.
Anyway this topic is on Opposition Party in Singapore. -
Originally posted by davbay:
While your position is true, somehow your highlighted statements in the last two paragraphs seems to contradict yourself.
Do not talk about opposition party when most Singaporeans have "no balls" to vote for a two party system. Everyone hopes that there are some opposition MPs in the parliament but he/she also hopes that the opposite MP be elected in a constituency other than his/hers.
Every Singaporean has been brainwashed to believe that if there is an incompetent government being elected, Singapore will dwindle into a ruin. This is not true. Most of the countries in the world are governed by relatively worse governments than ours but they still thrive. Who dare say that these countries are not progressing. They are not as good as us because they have a much bigger population. If they are not progressing, why is it that Singapore is experiencing competition in economic development?
If only most Singaporean believe that there should be another group of competitors in the political arena, will Singapore see "real opposition" in the parliament. Certainly, people like Chee Soon Juan should not be among the competitor group.
Singaporean must first be prepared for the worst before they can enjoy a more decomcratic political environment. Democracy comes with a price. It may first deliver some confusion and upset before it provides a more liberal environment. Are Singaporean ready ?
If " Democracy comes with a price " and " may first delivery some confusion and upset before it provides a more liberal environment ", why do you see " people like Chee Soon Juan should not be among the competitor group " ?
His " wildcard status " probably make him the best candidate from the Opposition Group that is most capable to deliver " some confusion and upset before it provides a more liberal environment " .
He does not fear the Ruling Elites, and neither does he give them any respect - unlike the existing Opposition Members in Parliament, who seems to be giving too much deference and showed too much accomodation to the Ruling Elite. -
Why do you think that there are no more New Parties formed for the Good of Singapore being lead by younger generations than the Existing old Toots who have been there and failed and there again and beaten again.
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Why, indeed ?Originally posted by OH-FF:Why do you think that there are no more New Parties formed for the Good of Singapore being lead by younger generations than the Existing old Toots who have been there and failed and there again and beaten again.
The Ruling Party a.k.a the Government has been skillful in using the principle of " fill the stomachs, and dull the minds " during the political upheavals of the 1950s through the 1970s.
With the new 'Techno' generations, a change of policy has been evident with all the parties and events held to distract the Young.
We have been having one party after another through the years - Orchard Road Swing, Hong Bao Shows, Moon Cake Light-Up, Singapore Swing, Singapore Idol, Charity Shows with all the "Stars" pulled in to perform stunts that are usually taught and quickly learnt by lesser animals, and the list goes on.
Who else are left that can remain concious to the political events of Singapore except those "Existing old Toots" ? -
I believe that in a democracy, it is the duty of every government to actively promote the opposition. Apart from the obvious benefits of a strong opposition, a populace that is powerless to have its views heard through political means will ultimately have to look for alternative means of engaging in politics. This might be in the form of migration or, in extreme cases, terrorism.
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The question is how can we gather enough Young courageous people to form a New Party and remain interested in the Responsibility for the general people of Singapore.
How do you think these people should face pressure from their "Bosses" at work or will they face the public's scrutiny, if they own their own businesses. -
Wah lao a new pro-independence party being formed in Taiwan and want for independent Taiwan which I strongly object! I prefer Taiwan joining back of the People's Republic of China as Taiwan is part of China since a long time ago............. Are those people who formed the new Taiwan KMT is a breakaway factions from China KMT or other opposition parties? I hope that they can change their name to avoid confusion and they will surely join allies with the green camp which have DPP and TSUOriginally posted by iamgoondu:Just to clarify, taiwan kuomintang is not TSU. taiwan kuomintang is a NEW pro independent party just formed couple of days ago. lee teng hui was present when the new party was launched.
Their intention is probably to confuse the general masses, and they manage to register the party Taiwan Kuomintang, ahead of China Kuomintang who still contemplating if they should drop China and replace by Taiwan.
Anyway this topic is on Opposition Party in Singapore. -
Let those of us who can see beyond this smokescreen of cheap consumerism stay vigiliant.Deny ignorance and educate those around you man..teach them to see things from their own eyes.Originally posted by Atobe:Why, indeed ?
The Ruling Party a.k.a the Government has been skillful in using the principle of " fill the stomachs, and dull the minds " during the political upheavals of the 1950s through the 1970s.
With the new 'Techno' generations, a change of policy has been evident with all the parties and events held to distract the Young.
We have been having one party after another through the years - Orchard Road Swing, Hong Bao Shows, Moon Cake Light-Up, Singapore Swing, Singapore Idol, Charity Shows with all the "Stars" pulled in to perform stunts that are usually taught and quickly learnt by lesser animals, and the list goes on.
Who else are left that can remain concious to the political events of Singapore except those "Existing old Toots" ? -
They are not breakaways from China KMT, just someone who probably feel that they can leverage on KMT, to confuse the people.Originally posted by gorby107:Wah lao a new pro-independence party being formed in Taiwan and want for independent Taiwan which I strongly object! I prefer Taiwan joining back of the People's Republic of China as Taiwan is part of China since a long time ago............. Are those people who formed the new Taiwan KMT is a breakaway factions from China KMT or other opposition parties? I hope that they can change their name to avoid confusion and they will surely join allies with the green camp which have DPP and TSU -
Today the ST newspaper in the Insight section they reported on what are the tatics and targets for the opposition party. After reading I felt that the opposition party are really ready for the next general elections as they had make many house visits in different wards to ask the people to support and vote for them. Like example the WP are concentrating the NE area like Aljunied GRC, Nee Soon East and maybe even Sembawang GRC. While the SDA is on the south-west side like Jalan Besar GRC but also on Tampines GRC and Chua Chu Kang SMC for Steve Chia. While SDP is concentrating on the west side like Hong Kar Grc. So the question now is that when will the next general election will be held it must be lastest by 2007. One thing is that whether the opposition camp can field their members and win the support from Singaporeans to vote for them and this only depends on them whether they can do it a not
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Visiting homes is one thing. I am still waiting for them to put out a credible manifesto...no the usual crap about what they would do but how they are going to fund their programmes. Much as I want to vote for the opposition, I want to see that they are a viable alternative....I want facts and figures...
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Hi,Originally posted by oxford mushroom:Visiting homes is one thing. I am still waiting for them to put out a credible manifesto...no the usual crap about what they would do but how they are going to fund their programmes. Much as I want to vote for the opposition, I want to see that they are a viable alternative....I want facts and figures...
Does the PAP have a credible manifesto?
Regards -
Hi,Originally posted by gorby107:Hi SGLoyalist,
I am sorry and deeply regretted for the posting without interpretating on yours.
Regards
Gorby107
No worries
Regards -
I think it is a yes as they want to have people to vote and support their party and won't lose to the oppositionOriginally posted by SGLoyalist:Hi,
Does the PAP have a credible manifesto?
Regards -
Hi,Originally posted by gorby107:I think it is a yes as they want to have people to vote and support their party and won't lose to the opposition
The following is the PAP manifesto for the last GE:
http://www.pap.org.sg/abt_ge_manifesto.shtml
Perhaps someone can point out to me where it is "credible" in the context of programme funding and figures/facts?
Regards -
Are you not aware of the 'facts' of high Costs of Living in Singapore - which the Ruling Party a.k.a the Government continue to deny, and with the Statistics Department churning out figures to support their position ?Originally posted by oxford mushroom:Visiting homes is one thing. I am still waiting for them to put out a credible manifesto...no the usual crap about what they would do but how they are going to fund their programmes. Much as I want to vote for the opposition, I want to see that they are a viable alternative....I want facts and figures...
It is surprising that the Statistics Department can churn out Consumer Price Index and Inflationary costs at such negligible increments, when costs have increase by leaps and bounds - starting from 20% hike in petrol costs, which has also caused public transportation to increase fares by nearly similar amounts. Education and hospital fees are slated to be increased, at the same time as a review is being conducted to increase electricity and water charges. HDB houses have seen price increases of over 300% since the mid-1970s for similar size units.
When nipah flu, bird flu, and SARS broke out, all kinds of imports of raw primary products from our traditional sources of supply (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, China) were cut off, and new sources were made from further away (Australia, New Zealand).
Surely, Cost of Living have risen ?
Are you not aware that while the COST of Living has gone up, our STANDARD of Living has slowly deteriorated ?
The Singapore Dollar had shrunk from an all time high against the US Dollar at USD1.00 to SGD1.42 during the 1980s through early 1990s.
With the 1997 crash, the Singapore Dollar fell to as low as USD1.00 to SGD1.84; and up till this day, the Singapore Currency hovers around USD1.00 to SGD1.67.
The average salary of Singapore workers have also been drastically reduced, with pay cuts of between 10% to 30% during the 2001 and 2002 crisis, and CPF reduction by as much as 10%.
Are you unaware of the wide disparity in the salary paid to the Elite Rulers and the AVERAGE Middle Income Class ?
Are you unaware that while retrenchments is continue, Pay cuts and CPF cuts are not restored; and yet the Ruling Party a.k.a the Government has already restored the 10% pay cut from the Salary of the Elite and that of the Civil Service ?
Are you unaware that retrenched and unemployed workers remain high at 4.5%, and has fluctuated around this level since the second economic crisis in 2001 - with more retrenchment exercise to be effected ?
While unemployment remains at a high level, and the Salary and CPF cuts have not been fully restored to the Singapore work force, the brilliant Ruling Party a.k.a the Government has decided to give a hefty 3 months bonus to themselves and their loyal Civil Servants.
These are the raw facts that one can read and gather from the daily papers, while such data will never be presented in such stark and threatening manner that will put the embarrassing spotlight on the Ruling Party a.k.a the Government.
What more 'facts and figures' do you need ? -
Is there an alternative that is backed by figures? What will the opposition do differently? Subsidise healthcare costs further? Where is that money coming from? Limit foreign workers by 20% to curb joblessness? How will they ensure Singapore does not lose competitiveness in that case?
Facts and figures on the alternative solutions...we all know about the problems. -
Are you unaware that while retrenchments is continue, Pay cuts and CPF cuts are not restored; and yet the Ruling Party a.k.a the Government has already restored the 10% pay cut from the Salary of the Elite and that of the Civil Service ?
Btw, do you speak on behalf of any opposition party? I would welcome a commitment to restore the CPF cuts in their manifestos....but I haven't seen anything to that effect.
The WP, being the 'strongest' of the opposition party, last issued a manifesto in 1998. In it, there were commitments such as:
"2.3.1.1. The Party proposes to raise personal allowance to a total of $5,000.00 ($3,000.00 personal allowance plus $2,000.00 earned income relief).
2.3.1.2. The Party proposes to raise the allowance for dependent spouses (i.e. not just for wives as at present) to $2,000.00.
2.3.1.3. The Party proposes to raise child allowance to $1,000.00 per child."
But there was no discussion as to the financial impact of those tax cuts and how they intend to balance the budget. It does not inspire confidence.
The opposition will always have to do more than the incumbent, who has 40 years of track record. We know the PAP has managed to balance the budget although I disagree with many of their policies. Will the opposition promise the world and then fail to deliver or worse, bankrupt the country by indiscriminate spending? -
Hi,Originally posted by oxford mushroom:Is there an alternative that is backed by figures? What will the opposition do differently? Subsidise healthcare costs further? Where is that money coming from? Limit foreign workers by 20% to curb joblessness? How will they ensure Singapore does not lose competitiveness in that case?
Facts and figures on the alternative solutions...we all know about the problems.
The PAP manifesto hasn't been seen to carry much figures either. I have pasted the manifesto's URL either.
Apologies, but I do not think you even know what a manifesto is or how a manifesto should look like
Regards -
Workers' Party carried this call for CPF restoration in one of their press releases (it was a Labour Day Release or National Day Release).Originally posted by oxford mushroom:Btw, do you speak on behalf of any opposition party? I would welcome a commitment to restore the CPF cuts in their manifestos....but I haven't seen anything to that effect.
You mean you don't see something in a manifesto, you assume the party has no stand on the matter?
It is akin to saying my house has no toilet just because you don't see a toilet bowl in my living room
Well, I don't speak for any opposition party although I am a "small-fry" member of Workers' Party
The reason why the PAP could have a 40 year track record was because they were elected into the government.Originally posted by oxford mushroom:The opposition will always have to do more than the incumbent, who has 40 years of track record. We know the PAP has managed to balance the budget although I disagree with many of their policies. Will the opposition promise the world and then fail to deliver or worse, bankrupt the country by indiscriminate spending?
Had they not been the ruling party, they would not have established this "40 year track record".
Hence, if you were to ask any opposition party for a government track record without voting them into government, you are asking for a miracle
And perhaps, you are better off voting the PAP
If opposition could produce a government track record, it would have been long due to vote out the PAP
Do you know that PAP's "balancing budget" has also been criticised by international economic studies around the world?
The rationale they give was that the PAP government's overengrossed with national savings did not pump enough money into the economy to stimulate businesses during bad times.
Also, I think you are going into the same argument that you can have only PAP or opposition. Please read my blog: singaporeloyalist.blogspot.com. In it, I said the people could have a PAP government, but there is no need to vote them into every seat.
I think many people here are calling for a more pluralistic Parliament, not a new government yet.
Regards -
Afraid there are frogs in the well who have no idea of what a proper manifesto should look like and yet dare to expose their ignorance. Take a look at one from the UK Conservative Party. They revealed how they were going to fund their policies by cutting back on certain programmes and civil service posts. This is just an abstract:
http://www.conservatives.com/tile.do?def=manifesto.uk.lowertaxes.page
Just saying you will cut taxes will not cut any ice with me. Show me where you are are going to find the money. One reason the Conservatives lost the recent election is that economists looked at their figures and found they don't add up. There is a shortfall that must be made up by raising taxes or other means...
If the opposition in Singapore wants to be credible, it's time to pick your heads out of the sand and properly engage a discerning population. -
I take it that you are calling for a two-party state like those practiced in UK and Australia. However, for that to work, you need a shadow cabinet.Originally posted by SGLoyalist:Also, I think you are going into the same argument that you can have only PAP or opposition. Please read my blog: singaporeloyalist.blogspot.com. In it, I said the people could have a PAP government, but there is no need to vote them into every seat.
I think many people here are calling for a more pluralistic Parliament, not a new government yet.
Regards
Some things to ponder over:- 1. If PAP were to lose its 2/3 majority in Parliament, who will they ally with and who wants to be their junior coalition partner?
2. I feel that the CDC Mayor should be chosen by the people of his district instead of appointed by the central government. How about having local elections alongside the general election? Voting need not be compulsory for the municipal polls. -
I think if the PAP really loses 2/3 of seats in the parliament there would be no parties willing to join them but some people will protest on this as they support the PAP and pro-supporter of it and would hold mass rallies. I think we should vote for CDC members like the PAP field some of their members to let us vote like what is being done in China. Even though like that is not fair we still can vote for our most favoured person better than they put them the person they want and we may don't support that person at all and must have some equalityOriginally posted by iveco:I take it that you are calling for a two-party state like those practiced in UK and Australia. However, for that to work, you need a shadow cabinet.
Some things to ponder over:- 1. If PAP were to lose its 2/3 majority in Parliament, who will they ally with and who wants to be their junior coalition partner?
2. I feel that the CDC Mayor should be chosen by the people of his district instead of appointed by the central government. How about having local elections alongside the general election? Voting need not be compulsory for the municipal polls. -
Yup,our parliament is some sort of like the former Soviet Union or mainland China.This i called it "immature politics".Those who are on the leading role have an "immature mindset",namely too narrow-minded,attention-seekers,too selfish,too greed for power,snobbish,arrogant plus ignorant.......all these factors cost them to be a "totally unwelcome n failure politicians" to the publics.Originally posted by gorby107:Our Paliament is like the China or former Soviet style all pro-PAP. Those MP just say a little can clap hands when the big people speaks like PM LEE, MM LEE, SM GOH etc. Is it just all those big people to speak out and want to let Singaporeans that they are always right. Those PAP MP are just to "challenge" the big people or the government and they will have very little percentage to win one.
Although from time to time,they like to "advertise themselves" on the newspaper n television of how good they are to consolate themselves.But as we all know,it is the easiest thing to "pretend nothing wrong has happen n cheat on ourselves" when we make a mistake n refuse to correct it.But we also know that we will be the one who suffer in the end if we refuse to admit our mistakes n amend our ways.Our dear PAP leaders are a bunch of idiots who seems like "born yesterday"!!!