A Letter to Steve Chia
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Hi Steve,
I hope you don't mind me addressing you by your first name when we do not know each other. Let me cut to the chase and state that I have emailed you to express my appreciation and gratitude for your efforts and blood-and-sweat over the last few years, culminating in the recent Elections 6th May in which you won a 39.6% of votes in CCK.
I have heard that you plan to quit politics if you fail to win a MP seat this time round. Let me first state that I understand your frustrations, pains and distress that might have led you to make such an "all-or-nothing" decision. And that whatever your choice you will still have the sincere support of an ordinary Singaporean like me.
However, I really feel that it would be a huge pity for an established and talented person as yourself to leave the current political scene as it is, after all the efforts that you have put in over the last few years. 5 years ago, you were relatively unknown, even within the circles where express sentiment and sympathy for the Opposition was strong. Today, your name rests on the tips of tongues of people like me and my peers, as a symbol for intellectual and gentlemanly politics.
Who am I, then? What demographic do I represent? Let me introduce myself shortly. We just never had a chance to vote for you as most of us live in GRCs which were never contested.
We understand the sacrifices you have made in the course of politics, including the pain and shame of having your personal and private affairs brought out into public, scrutinised under the microscope, and then riddiculed for it. But let me assure you that I, and many of my peers, feel that such activities of yours do not reflect on your ability and capability to represent and speak for us. What matters to us is your passion, your courage, your commitment and your ability to speak up and argue about meaningful issues and matters which are questionable and dodgey.
And in this respect, Steve, you have excelled. You have done far more than you should have done, paid a heavier price than what many of us will ever have to pay, and we appreciate that. And we would really hate to see you go, to see you leave, and to see a good, courageous and intelligent man like yourself leave the political scence, just right at the moment as the bubbling cauldron that is the Singapore political arena is starting to boil over!
An alternative could be for you to join the Worker Party, for reasons which are obvious. I will leave the reasoning and motivations and benefits of this move to you. Or you could stay in your current party and continue the good fight which you have been fighting and are fighting. It doesn't matters.
What matters is that you are a hero, the unsung hero of ordinary Singaporeans without a voice like myself, by choice, by fear or by circumstances. And know that if we do ever have a chance to vote for you, our voices will be resounding and travel far and wide.
On a parting note, I wish you well in whatever you do and your endeavours ahead. All the best, Mr Chia. You will be remembered whatever you do.
Best Regards,
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All i can say is, the man's got GUTS. I mean, he still stood for election after all the scandal surrounding him. Honestly speaking if it was me, i would have hid at home. The fact so many people voted for him shows that we Singaporeans are maturing. Bravo and well done Mr Chia. Hope to see you in 5 years time under the banner of the WP.
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hmmm
i tink SDA should merge with WP. then have the talents of both. But hor, sad to say except for MP Chiam. i dunno ani other SDA members names. Worker Party more popular
and SDP, pls disband ba. its for ur own good. U are fighting a losing fight. Ur strategy is not working. Singapore dont like to see their mp breaking laws and such. They wan intellengent ppl, who use the law well.
Whats the use of pasting Nkf on ur mouth
it oni give ppl this mentality that u guys are clowns
And lastly its becoz of ur party poor results. We can actually have a chance to get more than 33 percent lor. Todays newspaper saying We gave PM a strong madate coz its better than 97 GE of 65 %.
Beocz of ur Sembawang GRC which is one of the largest GRC in singapore, ur 20+ percentage is a sorry sigh. -
Although WP and SDA have a lot in common in their beliefs, I don't think it's a good idea to merge the parties together. Ever heard of the saying don't put all your eggs in one basket?Originally posted by pierre^^:hmmm
i tink SDA should merge with WP. then have the talents of both. But hor, sad to say except for MP Chiam. i dunno ani other SDA members names. Worker Party more popular
and SDP, pls disband ba. its for ur own good. U are fighting a losing fight. Ur strategy is not working. Singapore dont like to see their mp breaking laws and such. They wan intellengent ppl, who use the law well.
Whats the use of pasting Nkf on ur mouth
it oni give ppl this mentality that u guys are clowns
And lastly its becoz of ur party poor results. We can actually have a chance to get more than 33 percent lor. Todays newspaper saying We gave PM a strong madate coz its better than 97 GE of 65 %.
Beocz of ur Sembawang GRC which is one of the largest GRC in singapore, ur 20+ percentage is a sorry sigh.
This is the same logic why LTK is recruiting a lot of potential (and capable) successors to the WP banner: in case anything happens to him, there is redundancy, and the party survives to fight another day (their party structure is full of organizing secretaries... perfect for when any disaster strikes).
This doesn't mean that WP and SDA can't have an informal network and cooperation as to tactics and strategies, which they demonstrated this GE without any 3 cornered fights.
CST should take a leaf from LTK's book and start the hunt for a successor, as well as new candidates for the next GE.
As for CSJ and SDA, its a lost cause. I thought Khaw was pretty weak and ripe for the picking, and they should've let WP's Team A contest that one. -
did u really send the letter or juz post here for us to read?
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SDA and WP are opposition parties with different motto. Some voted for SDA for the MOTTO or some may flavor particular member/s within. The same goes for WP. A merger may mean a stronger oppo...it may also be our only oppositions parties' demise. I suggest fighting on separate grounds first. Now is not the time to merge. 2 party against one is a better strategy for now.
As for Steve Chia i believe he already has his own plans. I, too, hope he stays but its a choice he has to make for his own. He will understand that serving a constituency (or even a nation) takes many sacrifices yet may not earn all the votes from the residences or the ppl of Singapore. He is after all human and may have his own carrer path to take. -
Hi Steve....let me also write you a letter.......I wanted to write to ST forum page but my friends say forget it....it will never see daylight so here I am.
First I admire you - a simple ordinary citizen of Singapore WITH GUTS. Very few Singaporeans, including myself, would dare to step into the limelight and say things that "Papa" consider disobedient.
The results are out. CONGRATULATIONS for getting such a high percentage of votes despite such incredulously harsh conditions imposed by your rivals. The political climate here is not conducive for people who believe in true democracy but coming down to earth; the society as a whole is doing fine. The common folks are more concerned with their houses and food on their table. Unless we come to a crisis like some countries, where there is little to eat, I dont think many will go for philosophy or principles. These are simply too far fetched.
Continue your social work. Help the less fortunate. Lend your voice to the disadvantaged. Make friends with like minded individuals. However you should consider your future. Get settled down and look after your family first.
Perhaps you may wish to join the Workers Party. Five years from now probably your combined efforts will make history in our political scene.
ALL THE BEST. Once again. Congratulations and Thank You.
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He has done something well above most ordinary S'poreans. Not easy to have someone like him nowadays. Saw him buying food for his helpers during the campaigning.
It would be a pity if he plans to leave the political scene. He's still young. Anyway, I wish him all the best for his future endeavors.
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Do not rule out Steve, he will be back the next time stronger and more matured!
He needs a break and that is all to it or am i wrong? -
steve the maid boy needs to get a job soon. so that he can afford to hire a new maid
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ER... the stupit CSJ is in SDP not SDA frankly speaking, they are gone case mabye they should be charged in court and the punnishment............... pack up sand get lostOriginally posted by lftwgr:Although WP and SDA have a lot in common in their beliefs, I don't think it's a good idea to merge the parties together. Ever heard of the saying don't put all your eggs in one basket?
This is the same logic why LTK is recruiting a lot of potential (and capable) successors to the WP banner: in case anything happens to him, there is redundancy, and the party survives to fight another day (their party structure is full of organizing secretaries... perfect for when any disaster strikes).
This doesn't mean that WP and SDA can't have an informal network and cooperation as to tactics and strategies, which they demonstrated this GE without any 3 cornered fights.
CST should take a leaf from LTK's book and start the hunt for a successor, as well as new candidates for the next GE.
As for CSJ and SDA, its a lost cause. I thought Khaw was pretty weak and ripe for the picking, and they should've let WP's Team A contest that one.
singaporean are smart... we don't need a stupit CSJ to be a MP
SDP a real loser..... they want SDA to give up sembawang (they did) but refuse to give up nee soon east. now we know why SDA and WP are "good friends" and the SDP is an odd one out
i HATE SDP -
look, be kind...let him who has not sinned cast the first stone.....Originally posted by killstyle:steve the maid boy needs to get a job soon. so that he can afford to hire a new maid
chia gave up a seemingly well paid (reported as $100k by papers) job to join politics....at the very least credit him for his zeal which i'm sure he regrets now. -
Wether u are supporter of PAP, SDP, WP......
We are still Singaporean, in fact life is so short. Why don't stretch our hearts
and hand to unfortunate people.
Why always must fight like tat.. From our grandparents time, PAP has done a good job all those/these years... They make sure we have eduction and a job.
Just like u and me, everyone is the same..... -
he should stay and fight on.
the scandal is actually nothing much.
all those talks about a person's character integrity is all bullshIt. -
The opposition fights to win the priviledge to help better civilians lives in Singapore, but needless to say, since the politics here is a monopoly at the moment, oppositions efforts are very difficult and hence I applaud their efforts and courage to stand up to be counted and challenge the monopoly.Originally posted by SEETOHIRENE:Wether u are supporter of PAP, SDP, WP......
We are still Singaporean, in fact life is so short. Why don't stretch our hearts
and hand to unfortunate people.
Why always must fight like tat.. From our grandparents time, PAP has done a good job all those/these years... They make sure we have eduction and a job.
Just like u and me, everyone is the same.....
There are alot of hidden truths and coverups
in PAP so if you knew the truth behind all the masks and hidden facts, then perhaps you wouldn't think so well of the PAPs anymore. But nonetheless, anyone providing services to the country is much respected and appreciated, from the top, to the low profile labourers out there, striving to make our country a better place, my hats off to them. -
Sorry, typoOriginally posted by basilee93:ER... the stupit CSJ is in SDP not SDA frankly speaking, they are gone case mabye they should be charged in court and the punnishment............... pack up sand get lost
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I believe both though seperate parties, do share a common understanding. I think it works well this way as it diversifies the array of view points within the political spectrum. I mean if you look ahead, should the WP and SDA merge and if they do well in the future, it'll mean our political structure evolving from a one party system to a two party system, which will have it's own set of problems.
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yes, Steve you're a courageous man!
Though you may not win, your efforts won't be forgotten by Singaporeans.
We'll support and respect whatever you choose to do next.
Thank you! -
pap should lose CCK and Aljunied!
stupid singaporeans who voted for them. for the next 5 yrs we're gonna experience numerous raise on bus fares, eletricity & water bills.....
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why no one congratulate fellow forumner Goh Meng Seng for his fight at Aljunied?
Steve Chia was at a SDA's rally at Yio Chu Kang, which i attended. he is a good speaker, expressed his points very well. i only remembered one topic he said "White-houres" or those ministers' sons having special treatment for NS
Still, its very hard news for him.. unlike sitoh and eric low, steve chia is quite a ono-man show in an SMC, not to forget the media and PAP always out to dig out his private life