Anti casino MP told to go ?

• Dr Who

  11 Apr 06, 00:06

  veteran MP Loh Meng See also announced his retirement from politics. Mr Loh, 57, who took over the Kampong Glam ward from the late Mr S Rajaratnam in 1988, had dubbed himself “one of the last Mohicans” during an earlier interview with TODAY. The MP had asked to step down and will be replaced by newbie Denise Phua, 46, acting principal for Pathlight School.
  
  “Obviously, along the way, because of my principles and unyielding position in some of the areas — well, I make no apologies — I could have upset some people in the process … Politics is about always sticking to your fundamental beliefs,” aid Mr Loh, who had previously spoken out against having a casino here, even after the decision was made.
  
  http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/202426/1/.html
• LazerLordz

  11 Apr 06, 00:10

  He should join the WP.
• stellazio

  11 Apr 06, 00:12

  haiz..where is the democracy..
• M©+square

  11 Apr 06, 00:13

  Originally posted by stellazio:

  haiz..where is the democracy..

  What's that?
  
  Can eat
• latterrain

  11 Apr 06, 01:25

  Mr Loh says he wants to step down. There are many MP who oppose the casino also
• oxford mushroom

  11 Apr 06, 02:51

  Originally posted by LazerLordz:

  He should join the WP.

  In that case, he would not have been able to speak against it in Parliament.
• Pitot

  11 Apr 06, 03:59

  Dun generalise la, theres a new PAP candidate who opposes the casino oso, wads his name again?
• gerrykoh

  11 Apr 06, 10:10

  David Lim also stepping down. Reason - too busy running NOL.
  Wonder whether those new PAP candidates holding CEO positions will also step down after 1 to 2 term?
• BillyBong

  11 Apr 06, 10:30

  The stepping down of a significant number of ex-MPs makes me wonder if the concept of drawing 'strength' from these elite club of high-flyers is in the country's best interest.
  
  Unlike US and european nations, where being a minister, member of parliament or congress member is a lifetime committment, these recruits are treating MP status as some kind of 'tour of duty' which acts like a prerequisite to greater things.
  
  
• king108

  11 Apr 06, 11:59

  Originally posted by oxford mushroom:

  In that case, he would not have been able to speak against it in Parliament.

  he will be labelled as betrayer in our history book only..if he joined WP
• robertteh

  11 Apr 06, 13:38

  Do we need to condemn MPs who spoke against the casino proposal.
  
  Which is more important, having more yesmen produced by the whip to serve party interest or objective and accountable MPs who could speak up for us in parliament.
  
  What do you think will happen to our country if we continue to allow our ministers to utter and present only one-sided policies which serve on the narrow interests of increasing surpluses or elitism based on broad-brushed assumptions.
  
  Even today, if we are going to consider the casino issue again, it may be found that those who spoke against casino proposal might not be wrong.
  
  So why do we want to banish them to siberia so young. Having a casino may not necessarily be a correct decision unless more is done to convince the people that definitely the impact is positive - job creation and overwhelming benefits in spinning all other sectors of the economy and not just tourism.
  
  I have not seen any economic master plan being put forward to justify casino to show such impact. All that we are told is that casino will create jobs based on assumptions not really carefully planned master plan to use casino to bolster the whole economy throughout all sectors.
  
  Given the marginal benefits of some tourism job creation it may not be worth all the social problems and moral degradation that will happen to the whole society thereafter. If Mr. Loh Meng See has his convictions about such issue, it is good to take the cue from the people and go and join the opposition to serve the citizens on this matter of conscience. If we can do away with casino and grow the economy on real talented management of the economy we should try harder especially if our economy can do without one.
• NewAge

  11 Apr 06, 17:30

  I think u all got the idea wrong its not about speaking against the casino its all about not yielding to the party wip. U can be against but not outright oppose the party policy.
• BillyBong

  11 Apr 06, 18:18

  Originally posted by NewAge:

  I think u all got the idea wrong its not about speaking against the casino its all about not yielding to the party wip. U can be against but not outright oppose the party policy.

  Then what conditions are defined to enforce the party whip?
  
  Who's to say that a PAP MP cannot 'say this' and cannot 'say that'?
  
  Why are ministers like Goh CT suggesting abot raising party whips to allow party members to speak freely?
  
  That is an outright implication that existing PAP MPs have been kept in check and 'whipped' in line to ensure that certain Obscure OB markers are not violated.
  
  
• RaTtY81

  11 Apr 06, 18:23

  personally i think an MP should fully focus on serving his ppl only. hes paid thousands a month n if he still has other commitment outside, how can he serve ppl 100%. wat if his commitments clashes with the ppl's commitment? will he choose self or the public?
  i think either u b a MP fulltime or jus get out of the parliament if u got outside commitment aka jobs.
• miongisback

  12 Apr 06, 13:54

  Billy Bong
  
  True enough, there are many perks afforded to MPs if they tow the line.
  
  Its all there for everyone to see. Many MPs are big time directors in GLCs ....and most enjoying 7 figure perks.
  
  So what is truly, honestly - with no pretence, motivating CEOs to become MPs?
  It cant be devotion to the people, that's for sure, because I never ever felt their presence anytime !