Originally posted by BillyBong:WTF..?? Mama had told me never to tell lies since I was young... Guess everybody just ignore their mama on that...??
Here is the response from Ms Irene Ng:
25 March 2006
Straits Times Forum
[b]S'pore political system far better than many others
In his letter, 'Politics in S'pore suffers from an image problem' (ST, March 23), Mr David Cai claims that the 'image problem' is due to the ruling party's 'hardline management of political dissent' that results in a 'deep-seated mentality that speaking out against the Government is analogous to treading on a minefield - one miscalculated step and you could be joining the ranks of J.B. Jeyaretnam or Chee Soon Juan'.
I am glad he felt free to speak up on this at length for The Straits Times. But the key issue is not the right to voice our views, which all of us enjoy, but the quality of the political system, the substance of the political debate and how decisions made can improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
Singapore has a hard-won international reputation for its high standard of integrity and competence in its politics. [color=blue]The PAP ensures this by insisting on honest, capable political leaders who fulfil their promises to the people. This has served Singapore and Singaporeans well.
In such a clean and transparent system, all allegations are investigated and lies refuted. Politicians who make scurrilous remarks must be able to back them up with facts. This applies both to the PAP as well as the opposition. This way, voters can decide better to whom they can entrust their future. Mr Cai forgets that Mr Chiam See Tong and Mr Low Thia Khiang have been in politics for over 20 years without suffering any consequences.
Our system is not perfect, but it is far better than the chaotic and dirty politics found in many other countries. Would Mr Cai prefer the political ferment in Thailand and the Philippines, where distrust of the ruling party's action and public conflict are ever present? Or the corruption of so many Asian countries, which have 'freer' political systems and media than Singapore?
The PAP Government and its MPs have gained the respect and trust of the people over the years. This is something special. In the United States and Britain - where political debates and scandals dominate - cynicism with the political system has become widespread, resulting in declining voter turn-outs in their general elections. Politicians rank lower than used-car salesmen in public esteem.
According to the book, The Vanishing Voter, by Mr Thomas Patterson, a key reason for the voters' cynicism in the US is that political campaigns seem more like theatre or entertainment than something to be taken seriously. In Singapore, we take our politics seriously.
The PAP is not afraid of different views and, in fact, encourages this. When I was interviewed to be a PAP candidate for the last general election, I made it clear that I disagreed with some of the PAP's policies. Still, I was selected, and I still maintain these views.
Indeed, if the PAP wants to silence dissent, why should it introduce the Non-Constituency MP scheme to give opposition members at least three seats in Parliament? Because of this scheme, Mr Steve Chia, who lost in the last general election, could still enter Parliament as the 'best loser'.
All Singaporeans are free to voice their opinions and form associations and, indeed, are encouraged to engage actively in politics if they feel so inclined. However, we all have to play by the same rules and be held accountable for our words and actions.
If Mr Cai has specific laws that he would like changed, he should put forward his suggestions, and get either the PAP or opposition politicians to raise them in Parliament. Mr Cai could even consider putting these ideas to the people by contesting in the forthcoming elections himself. After all, this is a democracy.
Irene Ng (Miss)
Member of Parliament [/color]
Reference: Yawning Bread[/b]
If you haven't realised by now, David Cai has an OPINION which IRENE NG not only put to the sword but aggressively chided him for being short-sighted and critical.Originally posted by hiphop2009:aiyah, dunnoe larh, everybody got different view de ma right?...Miss Irene Ng has her point while Mr Cai has his own point...
haha
Irene Ng also challenged WP chairman Sylvia Lim asking her what is her vision in the ST Forum not lomg ago. If Irene Ng were to challege Sylvia Lim one to one, I think Ng will lose because, she dont have her own idea and opinion, hers is a borrowed one from the PAP, that means all PAP wear the same trousers, what vision does Ng have, she hides behind the minister in the GRC, that was a walk over if i am not wrong, Sylvia is a lawyer and i think she can win if there is a contest between this 2 ladiesOriginally posted by BillyBong:If you haven't realised by now, David Cai has an OPINION which IRENE NG not only put to the sword but aggressively chided him for being short-sighted and critical.
Irene Ng on the other hand had NO OPINION, merely the same old rhetoric which we have heard once too often.
It seems this 'iron lady' will not accept nor permit 'non-conformist' views and criticisms from the people, yet they actively promote pseudo-alternative PAP candidates to provide the well-rehearsed impression that the Ruling party themselves will provide the alternative views; thus in short, if you're not a politician, screw you and your comments.
In such a clean and transparent system, all allegations are investigated and lies refuted.20 or 15 yrs ago, YES, one of the cleanest.... but now....
Originally posted by dotaro:The fall of Hougang & Potong Pasir will be the crumbling of democracy in Singapore.
We must not let that happen.
FREEDOM PREVAILS!
Personally, what I have to say?Originally posted by BillyBong:If you haven't realised by now, David Cai has an OPINION which IRENE NG not only put to the sword but aggressively chided him for being short-sighted and critical.
Irene Ng on the other hand had NO OPINION, merely the same old rhetoric which we have heard once too often.
It seems this 'iron lady' will not accept nor permit 'non-conformist' views and criticisms from the people, yet they actively promote pseudo-alternative PAP candidates to provide the well-rehearsed impression that the Ruling party themselves will provide the alternative views; thus in short, if you're not a politician, screw you and your comments.
Well, David Cai was not the first, Catherine and others had tasted the bitter medicine. You can talk for all you want but keep the opinion to yourself if it does not conform to their ideas.Originally posted by BillyBong:If you haven't realised by now, David Cai has an OPINION which IRENE NG not only put to the sword but aggressively chided him for being short-sighted and critical.
Irene Ng on the other hand had NO OPINION, merely the same old rhetoric which we have heard once too often.
It seems this 'iron lady' will not accept nor permit 'non-conformist' views and criticisms from the people, yet they actively promote pseudo-alternative PAP candidates to provide the well-rehearsed impression that the Ruling party themselves will provide the alternative views; thus in short, if you're not a politician, screw you and your comments.