I was moved to tears
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Listening to Low Thia Khiang's speech at the AMK rally literally moved me to tears. I have always been patriotic, until the age of 16 I never missed a single NDP and I would cry if for some reason I couldn't watch it live. I would record it on tape and watch it again and again. Lee Kuan Yew was my hero. I used to think 'this great man has done so much for Singapore.' My heart swelled with pride whenever I saw them play his life-story on the big screen during NDP, his communist fighting days and independence from Malaysia, etc.
However, as I grew older, I became disillusioned. The turning point for me was the Cheng San incident in 1997. I was shocked that my 'hero' could stoop so low, to attack Tang Liang Hong and Jeyaretnam, and twist the law in their own favour. With my new found curiosity, I started researching on my own, including reading books like 'To Catch a Tartar' by Francis Seow, and 'The Hatchet Man of Singapore' by JBJ. I have an autographed copy of the book, signed by JBJ himself, on his 79th birthday no less. I will always remember buying it from him outside the SIR building at Lavender. He was so humble and obliging when I asked for his autograph.
I was incredibly moved when I heard Mr Low's speech. I truly admire the courage of the Ang Mo Kio 'Suicide Six' and I hope they won't lose their deposits. I feared the worst, but when I saw the pictures of the Ang Mo Kio rally, I now am certain that they won't lose their deposits. For six young first-timers, challenging the Prime Minister with all his heavy machinery, is no small task. They come across as very human, and I think they themselves have felt daunted at times.
But Mr Low said 'daring to die (gan2 si3) is much better than being afraid to die (pa4 si3).' This captured my sentiments exactly.
For too long, Singaporeans have been afraid to stand up for what they believe in. This is typified by the "all talk, no action", risk-averse mindset. All my Singaporean friends are concerned only with their own self interest, their own careers and their own social life. No one cares about their community, society or the nation. When I started my own business some years ago at the age of 21, people sneered at me and laughed. They said I should go and study hard and try to get a government job. That's why Glenda's story is truly an inspiration for me. She was 22 when she started her own business.
Something dawned upon me at 2 am in the morning, as I listened to Mr Low's speech on my headphones. I learnt that COURAGE IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF FEAR. IT IS THE WILL TO ACT IN SPITE OF IT.
The 'Suicide Six' and the whole WP team has shown immense courage, they are a true inspiration to Singaporeans, far more so than the gutless, faceless, anonymous PAP MPs who 'walkover' into Parliament hiding behind the shadows of their anchor Ministers. What's more, all these people had to be PERSUADED to join politics. They had to be invited to tea. And they miss Parliamentary sittings, they miss meet-the-people sessions.
Where is the justice when people like that get to represent us, whereas courageous, lion-hearted, passionate people like the "Suicide Six" and Steve Chia (who pledged FOUR MONTHS of his MP allowance to CCK, swore to move house to CCK if elected, and also GAVE OUT HIS HANDPHONE NUMBER during a rally) are derided as 'troublemakers' and their contributions mocked and scorned?
These 9 days have been life-changing for me.
I think we all know what the results will be tomorrow. In all honesty, I'd like to optimistic, but I truly think the PAP will sweep 83 out of 84 seats. Only Mr Low will be re-elected (with a large majority), with Sylvia and Chiam as NCMPs. But the PAP has been rocked. Their percentage of votes will drop from 75% to 65%, which is a huge decrease. The seeds of democracy have been sown, and in 2011 I am sure the winds of change will blow. Singapore needs people like this to revitalise the nation. I hope that they don't give up, and continue to fight for people like you and me.
I'd also like to thank those of you who courageously took videos and audio clips of the rallies. Without you, people like me (I'm in the UK) will never have gotten a chance to know what REALLY transpired on the ground, with CNA's biased reporting and all.
I would just like to appeal to my fellow Singaporeans, not to let these brave people down. Show a bit of courage yourselves, overcome your fears, and vote WP this election. Every vote counts, because every vote for the WP makes a two-vote difference (1 more for WP, 1 less for PAP). They will read out your NRIC number and your name. They will print serial numbers on the ballot paper. But please, don't let these brave people down and show a bit of courage yourselves.
That is the ONLY way forward for Singapore. -
*clap clap clap*
*sob sob*...
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One thing I hate about whiner is that they tend to degrade Singaporeans or exhibit low confidence for fellow Singaporeans in their argument. A good losers should reflecting clearly on their loses, recuperate, regroup and fight again in another five years time, not by pinpointing at fellow comrades of not being bold enough to vote for the opposition.Originally posted by caramon.:I think we all know what the results will be tomorrow. In all honesty, I'd like to optimistic, but I truly think the PAP will sweep 83 out of 84 seats. Only Mr Low will be re-elected (with a large majority), with Sylvia and Chiam as NCMPs. But the PAP has been rocked. Their percentage of votes will drop from 75% to 65%, which is a huge decrease. The seeds of democracy have been sown, and in 2011 I am sure the winds of change will blow. Singapore needs people like this to revitalise the nation. I hope that they don't give up, and continue to fight for people like you and me.
I'd also like to thank those of you who courageously took videos and audio clips of the rallies. Without you, people like me (I'm in the UK) will never have gotten a chance to know what REALLY transpired on the ground, with CNA's biased reporting and all.
I would just like to appeal to my fellow Singaporeans, not to let these brave people down. Show a bit of courage yourselves, overcome your fears, and vote WP this election. Every vote counts, because every vote for the WP makes a two-vote difference (1 more for WP, 1 less for PAP). They will read out your NRIC number and your name. They will print serial numbers on the ballot paper. But please, don't let these brave people down and show a bit of courage yourselves.
That is the ONLY way forward for Singapore.
I have absolute trust in my fellow men to being mature enough to come to a decision on their vote. Be it the PAP, WP, SDP or SDA wins, the ulitimate outcome is that we Singaporeans stick together and move ahead.
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ur donoghueOriginally posted by caramon.:Listening to Low Thia Khiang's speech at the AMK rally literally moved me to tears. I have always been patriotic, until the age of 16 I never missed a single NDP and I would cry if for some reason I couldn't watch it live. I would record it on tape and watch it again and again. Lee Kuan Yew was my hero. I used to think 'this great man has done so much for Singapore.' My heart swelled with pride whenever I saw them play his life-story on the big screen during NDP, his communist fighting days and independence from Malaysia, etc.
However, as I grew older, I became disillusioned. The turning point for me was the Cheng San incident in 1997. I was shocked that my 'hero' could stoop so low, to attack Tang Liang Hong and Jeyaretnam, and twist the law in their own favour. With my new found curiosity, I started researching on my own, including reading books like 'To Catch a Tartar' by Francis Seow, and 'The Hatchet Man of Singapore' by JBJ. I have an autographed copy of the book, signed by JBJ himself, on his 79th birthday no less. I will always remember buying it from him outside the SIR building at Lavender. He was so humble and obliging when I asked for his autograph.
I was incredibly moved when I heard Mr Low's speech. I truly admire the courage of the Ang Mo Kio 'Suicide Six' and I hope they won't lose their deposits. I feared the worst, but when I saw the pictures of the Ang Mo Kio rally, I now am certain that they won't lose their deposits. For six young first-timers, challenging the Prime Minister with all his heavy machinery, is no small task. They come across as very human, and I think they themselves have felt daunted at times.
But Mr Low said 'daring to die (gan2 si3) is much better than being afraid to die (pa4 si3).' This captured my sentiments exactly.
For too long, Singaporeans have been afraid to stand up for what they believe in. This is typified by the "all talk, no action", risk-averse mindset. All my Singaporean friends are concerned only with their own self interest, their own careers and their own social life. No one cares about their community, society or the nation. When I started my own business some years ago at the age of 21, people sneered at me and laughed. They said I should go and study hard and try to get a government job. That's why Glenda's story is truly an inspiration for me. She was 22 when she started her own business.
Something dawned upon me at 2 am in the morning, as I listened to Mr Low's speech on my headphones. I learnt that COURAGE IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF FEAR. IT IS THE WILL TO ACT IN SPITE OF IT.
The 'Suicide Six' and the whole WP team has shown immense courage, they are a true inspiration to Singaporeans, far more so than the gutless, faceless, anonymous PAP MPs who 'walkover' into Parliament hiding behind the shadows of their anchor Ministers. What's more, all these people had to be PERSUADED to join politics. They had to be invited to tea. And they miss Parliamentary sittings, they miss meet-the-people sessions.
Where is the justice when people like that get to represent us, whereas courageous, lion-hearted, passionate people like the "Suicide Six" and Steve Chia (who pledged FOUR MONTHS of his MP allowance to CCK, swore to move house to CCK if elected, and also GAVE OUT HIS HANDPHONE NUMBER during a rally) are derided as 'troublemakers' and their contributions mocked and scorned?
These 9 days have been life-changing for me.
I think we all know what the results will be tomorrow. In all honesty, I'd like to optimistic, but I truly think the PAP will sweep 83 out of 84 seats. Only Mr Low will be re-elected (with a large majority), with Sylvia and Chiam as NCMPs. But the PAP has been rocked. Their percentage of votes will drop from 75% to 65%, which is a huge decrease. The seeds of democracy have been sown, and in 2011 I am sure the winds of change will blow. Singapore needs people like this to revitalise the nation. I hope that they don't give up, and continue to fight for people like you and me.
I'd also like to thank those of you who courageously took videos and audio clips of the rallies. Without you, people like me (I'm in the UK) will never have gotten a chance to know what REALLY transpired on the ground, with CNA's biased reporting and all.
I would just like to appeal to my fellow Singaporeans, not to let these brave people down. Show a bit of courage yourselves, overcome your fears, and vote WP this election. Every vote counts, because every vote for the WP makes a two-vote difference (1 more for WP, 1 less for PAP). They will read out your NRIC number and your name. They will print serial numbers on the ballot paper. But please, don't let these brave people down and show a bit of courage yourselves.
That is the ONLY way forward for Singapore.
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When you think about it....who has more passion and dedication to serve the people? The PAP? Or the Opposition?
The defacto route of entry for PAP MPs is they will be invited to tea which will be considered by one and all as the ultimate benchmark of having arrived(which will of course also be widely publicised by their relatives in hushed whispers). They decide if asked whether they would be willing to sacrifice some personal time to fulfil MP duties, which is of course handsomely compensated in terms of MP allowance.
Should they choose to, their entry into govt is almost guaranteed by being in a GRC with a big shot minister (unless they as sway as Situ or Eric), they don't have to give up their full time job, and they can easily just drop out of it if it doesn't go well the next term.
For an opposition. The moment they showed interest, they will without doubt be met with opposition from parents and in-laws and the wife.
Lets say they managed to convinced all these immediate kin to accept their decision, i wonder how much support they going to have.
If they stand for election, they immediate stand to lose their deposits. They probably will lose their job too when the boss knows. They are opening themselves to a ridiculous number of defamation suits which has a way of bankrupting people, and of course, have the media make you out to be the evil step-mother of singapore.
And for all of this, they gain a lot of very hard work with very little backing and resources, and a very high likelihood of losing the election.
Wow.
So who makes the more dedicated MP?
The one who arrive in a helicopter? Or the one who climbed a mountain of knives on barefoot to come to you?
I am full of respect for the AMK WP team. RESPECTa!!!!!!
I hope they come stand in my GRC next election. I will vote for them in a heartbeat. -
agree x 2! these days the ruling parties are behaving like a third class government, bombarding oppositions immaturely for over a form case.
ask anyone here, who never committed a mistake before? at least gomez is gracious to admit his mistake for forgetfulness... whereas pap behave like a bunch of crybabies.
all the empty promises for upgrading lifts every floors n doing wayang things like cleaning floor for residents in front of camera, i dun buy their show anymore.
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given the experience and guts to stand against the PM, they can hold their head high at any other of the GRC against any Ministers
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Originally posted by Himbo:
Nah... What you see may not neccessary be what u make out to be. Anyone can disguise themselves and shed their blood or cross mountains to gain sympathy to get to the highest position. Once they are at it, how can one be sure whether they are capable enough to perform the jobs allocated to them? Or how to make sure that they are men or women of the highest honor? It is more important to seek out men or women with calibre and intergrity then to vote for anyone based on the superficial look on the outside.
When you think about it....who has more passion and dedication to serve the people? The PAP? Or the Opposition?
The defacto route of entry for PAP MPs is they will be invited to tea which will be considered by one and all as the ultimate benchmark of having arrived(which will of course also be widely publicised by their relatives in hushed whispers). They decide if asked whether they would be willing to sacrifice some personal time to fulfil MP duties, which is of course handsomely compensated in terms of MP allowance.
Should they choose to, their entry into govt is almost guaranteed by being in a GRC with a big shot minister (unless they as sway as Situ or Eric), they don't have to give up their full time job, and they can easily just drop out of it if it doesn't go well the next term.
For an opposition. The moment they showed interest, they will without doubt be met with opposition from parents and in-laws and the wife.
Lets say they managed to convinced all these immediate kin to accept their decision, i wonder how much support they going to have.
If they stand for election, they immediate stand to lose their deposits. They probably will lose their job too when the boss knows. They are opening themselves to a ridiculous number of defamation suits which has a way of bankrupting people, and of course, have the media make you out to be the evil step-mother of singapore.
And for all of this, they gain a lot of very hard work with very little backing and resources, and a very high likelihood of losing the election.
Wow.
So who makes the more dedicated MP?
The one who arrive in a helicopter? Or the one who climbed a mountain of knives on barefoot to come to you?
I am full of respect for the AMK WP team. [b]RESPECTa!!!!!!
I hope they come stand in my GRC next election. I will vote for them in a heartbeat.[/b] -
Dude, you gotta agree that opposition candidates in Singapore has it A LOT TOUGHER than the PAP ones.Originally posted by TooFree:Nah... What you see may not neccessary be what u make out to be. Anyone can disguise themselves and shed their blood or cross mountains to gain sympathy to get to the highest position. Once they are at it, how can one be sure whether they are capable enough to perform the jobs allocated to them? Or how to make sure that they are men or women of the highest honor? It is more important to seek out men or women with calibre and intergrity then to vote for anyone based on the superficial look on the outside.
You must be ready to put A LOT OF THINGS ON THE LINE. Defamation suits are extraordinarily common during election times. You don't get the kind of respect from the man in the street as your PAP peer. Jobs, family and relationships are definitely put to the test.
DUDE. Think about it. They are putting everything on the line for a very uphill battle. And in the AMK team. They are putting everything up to LOSE.
It doesn't say much about their abilities, granted.
But for passion and dedication, they are 1000%.
Looking it from another angle.
If the PAP candidates have to go thru the same difficulties in order to stand for election, how many of them will still stand?
50%?
Less? -
disappointed at at some sgearn ignorants......
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eh. running oppostion in singapore is plain stupidity.
its either u have too much time to waste, money, or both
period
either that.
or u are asking for a good fcuk. -
See? My point exactly.....Originally posted by killstyle:eh. running oppostion in singapore is plain stupidity.
its either u have too much time to waste, money, or both
period
either that.
or u are asking for a good fcuk.
Everyone and anyone with an average IQ can figure out that being opposition is all work and not returns.
Yet, these obviously not stupid people willing to do it.
What else can it be? PASSION. -
I had always been thinking, "Yes, credibility is important!", but what is more important is do credible people really understand the ground? Many of the candidates from the PAPs are Profs, Drs, ex-Chief and elites. They claimed they know the grounds well. They claimed they can understand the high cost of living standards most Singaporeans are going through.
The point here is, many of them are born with silver spoons. A lot are highly educated, they get highly paid jobs. Those who used to lived in kampongs and HDBs, have long lost touch with life as a struggling Singaporeans who finds life tougher than ever.
Looking at APs, these candidates are the people who really are on the ground and most of them are like us, still feeling the impact of high cost of living standard, effect of globalization and flood of foreign talents. They can better understand people on the ground and object for any price hike that is going to cause more people to suffer, because they too, are a victim.
For example, if I have a son who has congenital heart disease. And If you want to help me, don't tell me you know how I feel, because you don't. I don't need you to tell me you know how I feel, it don't help to get my son better. Find me a good doctor, find me a cure and when I need money for surgery, where can I get them?
This goes the same for those who said they understand the poor, but in fact, they are the rich and was never poor before. What the poor needs are actions, not just words of sympathy. Poor don't need credible people who take out-of-the-world pay to plan policy that solve problem for today's meal. What about the meal for tomorrow?
Therefore, again, credibility is important, however, it doesn't mean just by being highly educated and so-called "Understand what you are going through?", you are credible. You have to earn it. -
Ah.. dude. Have to be consistent in thoughts lah. If you stance is joining opposition is tougher than cannot say WP AMK candidates just join, not much abilities and get norminated as candidate while PAP candidates have to "make it there" and be invited for rounds and rounds of tea (or whatever they drink).Originally posted by Himbo:Dude, you gotta agree that opposition candidates in Singapore has it A LOT TOUGHER than the PAP ones.
You must be ready to put A LOT OF THINGS ON THE LINE. Defamation suits are extraordinarily common during election times. You don't get the kind of respect from the man in the street as your PAP peer. Jobs, family and relationships are definitely put to the test.
DUDE. Think about it. They are putting everything on the line for a very uphill battle. And in the AMK team. They are putting everything up to LOSE.
It doesn't say much about their abilities, granted.
But for passion and dedication, they are 1000%.
Looking it from another angle.
If the PAP candidates have to go thru the same difficulties in order to stand for election, how many of them will still stand?
50%?
Less?
Just duding around
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the only true 'opposition' i forsee, in years to come. will be from withnin. in form of power struggle.
not from outside. not from a people who has been feeding on mediacorspe trash and shittytimes all these donkey years -
How can you be sure based on their looks. Heard of devil in disguise?Originally posted by Himbo:Dude, you gotta agree that opposition candidates in Singapore has it A LOT TOUGHER than the PAP ones.
You must be ready to put A LOT OF THINGS ON THE LINE. Defamation suits are extraordinarily common during election times. You don't get the kind of respect from the man in the street as your PAP peer. Jobs, family and relationships are definitely put to the test.
DUDE. Think about it. They are putting everything on the line for a very uphill battle. And in the AMK team. They are putting everything up to LOSE.
It doesn't say much about their abilities, granted.
But for passion and dedication, they are 1000%.
Looking it from another angle.
If the PAP candidates have to go thru the same difficulties in order to stand for election, how many of them will still stand?
50%?
Less?
In other words, you mean you are voting for someone into office because this person can cry the loudest? Arent we suppose to elected our MPs based on their capability to bring the nation to higher plane. One thing for sure is that the integrity of PAP candidates and their calibre are put through the toughest test by its predecessors to ensure the continuity of the party survival to get the best of the best for the people or for the good of the nation. It is not just getting someone off the street and hoping onto the helicopter as what you think. -
You just proved my point dude....Originally posted by Blue Dolphin:Ah.. dude. Have to be consistent in thoughts lah. If you stance is joining opposition is tougher than cannot say WP AMK candidates just join, not much abilities and get norminated as candidate while PAP candidates have to "make it there" and be invited for rounds and rounds of tea (or whatever they drink).
Just duding around
PAP candidates are mostly responsive. They are just going around, minding their own business, living their high life, and probably doing a little community work, when they get invited to long island tea.
Everything is ZERO risk. Even if they were never invited, they just go on living their very productive and successful lives.
Opposition candidates are ACTIVELY seeking the high risks involved. They probably choose to stand rather than choosen to stand. They have so much more to lose, and with a lot less to gain.
THink about all the new PAP MPs who got into Parliment this time round behind Ministers. How many of them will still step out and say "I want to do something for Singapore!! ROARRRRR....." if they have to take the path of the opposition?
2 or 3 maybe? -
you forget the quote of absolute power brings absolute destruction.......
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wrong. wrong.
absolute power brings absolute greed. greed corrupts. corruption seeds destruction
got it? -
I think the people who cried the loudest (and the longest-windedness) this election were WKS, LKY and NEH. And they've all walkover'd.Originally posted by TooFree:How can you be sure based on their looks. Heard of devil in disguise?
In other words, you mean you are voting for someone into office because this person can cry the loudest? Arent we suppose to elected our MPs based on their capability to bring the nation to higher plane. One thing for sure is that the integrity of PAP candidates and their calibre are put through the toughest test by its predecessors to ensure the continuity of the party survival to get the best of the best for the people or for the good of the nation. It is not just getting someone off the street and hoping onto the helicopter as what you think. -
Read my reply to the dolphine dude dude....Originally posted by TooFree:How can you be sure based on their looks. Heard of devil in disguise?
In other words, you mean you are voting for someone into office because this person can cry the loudest? Arent we suppose to elected our MPs based on their capability to bring the nation to higher plane. One thing for sure is that the integrity of PAP candidates and their calibre are put through the toughest test by its predecessors to ensure the continuity of the party survival to get the best of the best for the people or for the good of the nation. It is not just getting someone off the street and hoping onto the helicopter as what you think.
...and on top of that, yah, i guess you are right, they are put thru the most difficult selection process. Baring the occasional missed que, they should all be very capable individuals.
On the other hand......the opposition candidates are completely untested, although they look very much nicer this time. We have no way of knowing their capabilities in truth from their education. Dr Chee is a great example.
But but but.....they got HEART. And a lot a lot a lot of PASSION. They have to in order to be able to survive this far.
Is having heart enough to make a good MP/Minister? Just coz they got passion? Obviously not. A lot of idiots also got a lot of passion. Dr Chee is a great example (again).
But is having capabilities enough? Probably not.
So IDEALLY, if the PAP candidates can be put thru the tests of the opposition trial, it would be perfect.....
But the question is again, how many PAP candidates will still stand if they have to go thru what the opposition has to go thru?
1? 2? 5?
And my last point is......WAH PIANG EH! WHY I WRITE TILL SO SERIOUS FOR WHAT?!?!? WRITE THESIS AH?!?!
Sorry ah....i'm not going to type any more serious response after this.... -
my letters to ST forum was rejected again nn again, coz i criticise the way other mp talk like My hougang was a old fork home, ugly and third world
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Wah.......you are very optimistic hor? Still can bother to write to ST during these sensitive times about these sensitive targets.....Originally posted by pierre^^:my letters to ST forum was rejected again nn again, coz i criticise the way other mp talk like My hougang was a old fork home, ugly and third world -
I closed my eyes...five years..closed my eyes ...another few five years...closed again..and closed forever..
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Originally posted by TooFree:
Just because PAP says they have honour and integrity, you believe them? If they are not tested in the elections at all, how on earth can you even gauge their abilities before they walked into parliament?
Nah... What you see may not neccessary be what u make out to be. Anyone can disguise themselves and shed their blood or cross mountains to gain sympathy to get to the highest position. Once they are at it, how can one be sure whether they are capable enough to perform the jobs allocated to them? Or how to make sure that they are men or women of the highest honor? It is more important to seek out men or women with [b]calibre and intergrity then to vote for anyone based on the superficial look on the outside. [/b]
Talking about integrity:
PM Lee used the words "fix" the opposition to "buy" his supporters vote.
He also mentioned he cannot concentrate well in parliament if there are 15 to 20 opposition members. Then when an apology came out (due to his use of "fix"), it was from his press secretary instead of his mouth. James Gomez, who is presently not in parliament, at least has the guts and courage to apologise in front of a huge 20k plus crowd.
How about Inderjit Singh disclosing to the media about his conversation with his "good friend" James Gomez? Wonder how his people are going to trust him.
I have not mentioned how the other PAP candidates call the opposition names like donkeys, etc.
Who is more gentleman in this election campaign? I leave it to you to decide.