WP Launching Manifesto on 14 Jan
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WP will be launching its new Manifesto on 14 Jan 2006.
Public could buy a copy of the Manifesto for $5 each.
The initial launch will be in English. The Chinese version of the Manifesto will be launched later in due course. -
Pardon me for my ignorance, what is Manifesto?
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man·i·fes·to Pronunciation Key (mn-fst)
n. pl. man·i·fes·toes or man·i·fes··tos
A public declaration of principles, policies, or intentions, especially of a political nature. -
Should launch an online version too so that those overseas can access itOriginally posted by goh meng seng:WP will be launching its new Manifesto on 14 Jan 2006.
Public could buy a copy of the Manifesto for $5 each.
The initial launch will be in English. The Chinese version of the Manifesto will be launched later in due course. -
Suggestion to WP: add one agenda item :
"To establish a national agency to fight moral corruption e.g. wrong doings among boards of directors, CEOs, company management and bosses of public organizations working in collusions to increase their own salary increments, share options, bonuses and other benefits at the expense of the public or shareholders." -
I see. But I am a student. I don't have money to buy such things. All my savings are spent on books for studies. Can't they have a free version?Originally posted by abao:man·i·fes·to Pronunciation Key (mn-fst)
n. pl. man·i·fes·toes or man·i·fes··tos
A public declaration of principles, policies, or intentions, especially of a political nature. -
hmn...$5 you also cant afford? save on the Mac meal lah..then will have 5 bucks for it..Originally posted by ndmmxiaomayi:I see. But I am a student. I don't have money to buy such things. All my savings are spent on books for studies. Can't they have a free version?
i haven seen it leh....where are they selling it? -
You think I very rich ar. Eat Mac meal. I eat mixed vegetables rice, so can save a lot of money.Originally posted by darknessfall:hmn...$5 you also cant afford? save on the Mac meal lah..then will have 5 bucks for it..
i haven seen it leh....where are they selling it?
Can save $5 for the magazine, but hor my parents will kill me. They don't approve me of buying such magazines. They shut me up if I talk about politics. Now, even better. No more newspapers to read liao.
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Dear All,
For those who want to buy a copy of WP manifesto, please email me at [email protected] to order.
Goh Meng Seng
Singapore News »
Time is GMT + 8 hours
Posted: 14 January 2006 2039 hrs
Workers' Party unveils manifesto, plans to contest 3 single wards & 4 GRCs
By Farah Abdul Rahim, Channel NewsAsia
The Workers' Party has unveiled its party manifesto and in the process also said it is going to contest in three single wards and four Group Representative Constituencies in the next General Election.
It is the first opposition party to release its manifesto ahead of the next General Election due by the middle of next year.
The party document details its policies from healthcare to labour, and contains proposals like unemployment insurance for those out of a job.
It also calls for the office of president to be reverted to its former ceremonial position and for one central agency to provide public transport for all.
The manifesto has not been updated since 1994.
Workers' Party Secretary-General, Low Thia Khiang, said: "Time for the renewal, that's the main reason and certainly the elections, that's another reason. We look at the issues seriously, explore policy options on many issues, state our positions and give our policy statements on certain government issues."
The Workers' Party said that in the next election, it is targeting the single wards of Hougang, Nee Soon East and Joo Chiat as well as 4 GRCs - Sembawang, East Coast, Ang Mo Kio and Aljunied.
Foreign Minister George Yeo, who is leading the PAP team in Aljunied, says he welcomes the challenge.
He said: "They wanted to compete in Aljunied the last time, although there were some problems with forms. I expect them to come back. They have been canvassing the ground sporadically. I think they will come back and I am not surprised."
The Workers' Party said it is aware the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) also has its eyes set on East Coast GRC.
Mr Low said he intends to talk to the DPP to prevent a three-cornered fight. - CNA/ir -
Good for the WP.
Thats a good start for a political process.
Let the people know what you stand for but just make sure you know how to contrast with what PAP is already doing or stand for. -
I have been looking forward to this for a long time.
I hope this new manifesto will also set out in some detail the feasibility of their plans. In the 1994 Manifesto, there were commitments to reduce taxes and raise tax allowances. However, there were no figures on the impact on revenue loss and how the WP will make up for it. It is no good to say that tuition fees for universities should be kept to a minimum without explaining how they would pay the salaries required to attract top academicians.
In a word, I am looking for credibility. The other ideas in the previous manifesto are pretty decent but I cannot quite believe that they have carefully thought through the ones involving the economy.
The Conservatives lost the recent election in the UK (in which I voted) despite promising tax cuts and more funding for services. One main reason is because the figures don't add up....we cannot see how they can deliver better services with less revenue. The new Conservative leader has apparently learnt from his mistake. Having written the Conservative manifesto opposing University tuition fees, David Cameron is now in favour of tuition fees. Let this be a lession for the WP as well... -
This is the same problem with a lot of political oppositions all over the world.
They say they will do all those wonderful things but are short on practics. Many of such proposals as you said just don't tot up and it obvious they were not properly thought up.
Its the same with people who criticise the govt here, I don't respect them cos I know from their lists of to dos that they don't know what they are talking about. How can we trust them if they don't know how Sinagpore works? They will only create more problems for Singapore. -
Originally posted by Salman:
It is amusing to read some who are so gullible as to salivate blindly all the simplistic lines from the Ruling Party a.k.a the Singapore Government, and then regurgitate those lines towards all who dare to speak out and criticize the Ruling Party a.k.a the Singapore Government.
This is the same problem with a lot of political oppositions all over the world.
They say they will do all those wonderful things but are short on practics. Many of such proposals as you said just don't tot up and it obvious they were not properly thought up.
Its the same with people who criticise the govt here, I don't respect them cos I know from their lists of to dos that they don't know what they are talking about. How can we trust them if they don't know how Sinagpore works? They will only create more problems for Singapore.
"... I know from their lists of to dos that they don't know what they are talking about. How can we trust them if they don't know how Singapore works ? They will only create more problems for Singapore "
Amazing that this statement could be made from someone who is supposed to be tertiary educated.
For the last FORTY YEARS, the Ruling Party a.ka. the Singapore Government DID NOT LISTEN to any ALTERNATIVE VIEWS, and had clamped down on all kinds of potential and potent opposition, resulting in a TOTALY FREE HAND in a POLITICAL MONOPOLY to govern Singapore as they pleased.
We have today a situation where the Ruling Party is lamenting the fact that there is a LACK of talent, of initiative, of creativity, of entrepreneurship, of birth numbers, of leadership - ALL OF WHICH HAD BEEN CREATED BY THE RULING PARTY.
This is the RESULT of how Singapore WAS worked for the last FORTY YEARS - and you dare to claim that those who criticize in this forum DO NOT UNDERSTAND "how Singapore works" ?
Your impertinence and HOLLOW arrogance surely reveal the depth of your own ignorance ! -
Good for Goh Meng Seng ...
this chap is not afraid to show the whole world where he stands ... that he's working for the opposition
and he's got the conviction to walk the talk ...
even if i don't always agree with WP's politics ... kudos to you, for walking the talk ... it takes a lot more courage than just sniping from the anonymity of the net eh ...
good luck ! ... -
Originally posted by goh meng seng:
Wait. If i order from you then you will deliver to my house or i have to go and get it myself?
Dear All,
For those who want to buy a copy of WP manifesto, please email me at [email protected] to order.
Goh Meng Seng -
Got extra charges?Originally posted by abao:Wait. If i order from you then you will deliver to my house or i have to go and get it myself? -
Mr Goh can the Manifesto be placed in a website for download, easier for the public to read them.
Just a suggestion -
To add to the point made by the last Ahtansh, I would think that manifesto will be effective only when communicated in placard or point form easily understood by all the people during election campaign.
There should be one copy of placard displayed at every corner like the speaker corner at Hong Lim.
It might be a mistake in keeping the manifesto under wrap or book binding as that kind of manifesto will be read only by a few intellectuals. -
Oh hahaOriginally posted by Salman:This is the same problem with a lot of political oppositions all over the world.
They say they will do all those wonderful things but are short on practics. Many of such proposals as you said just don't tot up and it obvious they were not properly thought up.
Its the same with people who criticise the govt here, I don't respect them cos I know from their lists of to dos that they don't know what they are talking about. How can we trust them if they don't know how Sinagpore works? They will only create more problems for Singapore.
Do I happen to be one of those in your "government critics I don't believe" list?
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Originally posted by Atobe:
Its amusisng to me too to see someone as guillible as you as to listen to these govt critics. Its simply shows that you too do not know singapore and the issues confronting this country.
It is amusing to read some who are so gullible as to salivate blindly all the simplistic lines from the Ruling Party a.k.a the Singapore Government, and then regurgitate those lines towards all who dare to speak out and criticize the Ruling Party a.k.a the Singapore Government.
Not true, the govt does listen to the people, thats why they keep winning elections all the time.
For the last FORTY YEARS, the Ruling Party a.ka. the Singapore Government DID NOT LISTEN to any ALTERNATIVE VIEWS, and had clamped down on all kinds of potential and potent opposition, resulting in a TOTALY FREE HAND in a POLITICAL MONOPOLY to govern Singapore as they pleased.
The problem with you pseudo intellectuals is that you cannot admit that you are actually the minority and most people disagree with your crap.
Sounds like you mister. And not only do you not have any talent, initialtive, entrepreneurial spirt, or creativity, worst, you have a bad attitude.
We have today a situation where the Ruling Party is lamenting the fact that there is a LACK of talent, of initiative, of creativity, of entrepreneurship, of birth numbers, of leadership - ALL OF WHICH HAD BEEN CREATED BY THE RULING PARTY.
Yes indeed, you people have no idea how Singapore works. Thats why I get to run circles around you during debates on issues.
This is the RESULT of how Singapore WAS worked for the last FORTY YEARS - and you dare to claim that those who criticize in this forum DO NOT UNDERSTAND "how Singapore works" ? -
You know something? I found out from my teacher that this is not true. The government doesn't really listen to people. He's a PAP supporter, but whenever he raises suggestions, the suggestions get turn down. Never mind then. He wrote a letter to them, and no replies come back. Either that, they say they will consider his suggestions but none of them are ever implemented. And I don't think just listening alone will help them win elections. When PAP just started, it won people's hearts because it was multi-racial and leaders were more willing to listen. As the years progress, multi-racial is still the factors (I believe), but listening doesn't seem to. My teacher's experience is one example.Originally posted by Salman:Not true, the govt does listen to the people, thats why they keep winning elections all the time.
The problem with you pseudo intellectuals is that you cannot admit that you are actually the minority and most people disagree with your crap.
Pseudo intellectuals? I don't think so. Many forumers have been making meaningful posts. -
Speaking from a student's point of view, I don't really understand how Singapore works. What seems to be good isn't really good when it is implemented. Take the increase in GST for example. Financial experts believe it will help Singapore's economy, but it is worsening Singaporeans' financial situations. In the short term, I have definitely seen the results. But in the long term, I don't quite see anything. Newspapers have been reporting of Singaporeans' financial woes and make worse by outsourcing and retrenchment due to relocation to cheaper places like China and India.Originally posted by Salman:Yes indeed, you people have no idea how Singapore works. Thats why I get to run circles around you during debates on issues.
While it's true that some of them don't spend their money wisely, how about those who already have financial problems even when money is spent wisely? -
When the government has refused to listen to the people's feedbacks such as posted in the "20 major problems" thread, it will continue to experience general unhappiness of the people such as the following:-
(1) collecting the highest fees e.g. profiteering in sale of HDB flats (double charge on land already paid for by the taxpayers) and oppressive triple taxation on vehicles (excise, COE and ERP) and medicare, utility and transport costs.
(2) investing people's monies in shares and businesses overseas without any specific criteria to use reserve for job creations the citizens or generating profits to lower people' high costs of living etc,
The underlying cause of unhappiness should be addressed not the symptoms.
Because the government keeps practising denial of problems and only seems to be only nterested in self-righteousness and egotism, the 20 major problems as posted have today remained unsolved.
Particularly serious is its narrow-minded method of government - without creativity or entrepreneurhsip but only resorted to sucking monies from the people thereby stifling the growth and vibrancy of the economy.
Fundamental problems of such nature is a matter of poor and incorrect attitude. As long as it is not willing to listen to people and change these past erroneous policies and attitude and as long as it continue to engage in self-justifications and grossing over problems or blaming them on the people for being too demanding or without ideas of how government works or such like excuses, there will be white elephants in Buangkok and all kinds of silent protests and general unhappiness regarded as "ungratefulness"
People will not be happy until undamental problems and issues are objectively and openly and accountably settled. This kind of problem can only be solved by fundamental solutions and elimination of roots of the problems - bad attitude. -
Pls make this thread sticky.
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Dear oxford mushroom,
You remind me about the reporter from New Paper who wrote quite sarcastically on this perspective but he did not raise his doubts or questions during the press conference.
First of all, we are not in the position to have all the financial data of the govt to do a simulation on the impact on the proposal we have made. However, I could assure you that the Manifesto when looks in totality, is sustainable.
There are "subtle" suggestions on cutting spending in Defence and be prudent on this particularly, not to initiate arm race in this region. Defence spending alone in Singapore's budget takes up about 20% or more. The second biggest spending I think is education.
For Healthcare portion, the newspaper only highlighted "subsidies" but did not mention or emphasize about the medical insurance or hospital insurance that we proposed to help finance the healthcare cost. On top of that, we actually suggested that private hospitals should be included in the scheme as well, so that citizens could use their Medisave on private healthcare providers.
As for the transport cost section, New Paper reporter did not mention the most important part of our proposal: Public Transport provider should not be profit orientated but they should cover their cost and depreciation cost. Thus we are not asking the govt to subsidize the whole operation of the public transport system but merely on the initial set up cost of infrastructure and equipment. In fact we have suggested that transport companies should be allowed to utilize the land they own to generate rental income to cross subsidize operation costs.
I guess you will need to read the whole Manifesto to get the whole idea. We are responsible and prudent enough to put up ideas that are not about all spending and tax cuts. GST, whether you like it or not, is a regressive taxation on the population; basically it means that it put a heavier burden on the lower income group. To take away GST from daily necessity would dampen such tendency. We are prudent enough not to suggest the total abolishment of the GST but takes balance approach in this issue.
Thus I think you will have to get a copy of our Manifesto, read it in totality before you can come to the conclusion whether we are irresponsible in our approach.
Goh Meng SengOriginally posted by oxford mushroom:I have been looking forward to this for a long time.
I hope this new manifesto will also set out in some detail the feasibility of their plans. In the 1994 Manifesto, there were commitments to reduce taxes and raise tax allowances. However, there were no figures on the impact on revenue loss and how the WP will make up for it. It is no good to say that tuition fees for universities should be kept to a minimum without explaining how they would pay the salaries required to attract top academicians.
In a word, I am looking for credibility. The other ideas in the previous manifesto are pretty decent but I cannot quite believe that they have carefully thought through the ones involving the economy.
The Conservatives lost the recent election in the UK (in which I voted) despite promising tax cuts and more funding for services. One main reason is because the figures don't add up....we cannot see how they can deliver better services with less revenue. The new Conservative leader has apparently learnt from his mistake. Having written the Conservative manifesto opposing University tuition fees, David Cameron is now in favour of tuition fees. Let this be a lession for the WP as well...