I see this man rallying Singaporeans of all kinds and getting us to work towards a common, inclusive vision.
Dr. Vincent Wijeysingha for PM!
Showing posts with label GE2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GE2011. Show all posts
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Our opposition MPs have already begun to work for us...
It's amazing what a team of strong, credible opposition can do to the once almighty PAP...even before stepping into office.
PM Lee issued at rare "apology" at yesterday's lunch time rally, saying the PAP made mistakes on the floods, Mas Selamat, housing and a range of other issues.
What's so rare about apologies? Governments around the world apologise for wrong-doings all the time. Japanese and Korean lawmakers readily step down when they commit mistakes.
For the benefit of non-Singaporeans or Singaporeans who've been hibernating all this while, it is probably easier to catch a solar eclipse than to hear any PAP minister apologise.
Law and Home Affairs Minister now says that the PAP needs to communicate more with Singaporeans.
Dr Amy Khor, MP in charge of PAP's feedback unit "Reach", previously admitted in parliment that it was useless to give feedback to the government.
Lim Swee Say once claimed that he was deaf to all criticisms.
Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan has finally come out to explain his busting of the YOG budget and the now infamous "three meals" answer he gave to Dr Lily Neo in parliment--- albeit insincerely.
Khaw Boon Wan "cried" when someone asked him about this $8 heart bypass. He admitted to deficiencies in our healthcare system and probably cried because he's worried the voters will kick him out this time.
So you see dear voters, especially those still undecided.... just because we have a real political contest, 82 out of 87 seats, just because we have excellent opposition candidates of equal or better calibre asking the right questions and contributing viable alternative proposals during rallies and campaigning, we are seeing the PAP slowing taking responsibility for their past actions.
Imagine what 20-30 opposition candidates (hopefully more) in Parliment can do. They will absolutely make a difference in policy making and the end result is that our lives can only get better.
Do the right thing. The future is in our hands.
PM Lee issued at rare "apology" at yesterday's lunch time rally, saying the PAP made mistakes on the floods, Mas Selamat, housing and a range of other issues.
What's so rare about apologies? Governments around the world apologise for wrong-doings all the time. Japanese and Korean lawmakers readily step down when they commit mistakes.
For the benefit of non-Singaporeans or Singaporeans who've been hibernating all this while, it is probably easier to catch a solar eclipse than to hear any PAP minister apologise.
Law and Home Affairs Minister now says that the PAP needs to communicate more with Singaporeans.
Dr Amy Khor, MP in charge of PAP's feedback unit "Reach", previously admitted in parliment that it was useless to give feedback to the government.
Lim Swee Say once claimed that he was deaf to all criticisms.
Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan has finally come out to explain his busting of the YOG budget and the now infamous "three meals" answer he gave to Dr Lily Neo in parliment--- albeit insincerely.
Khaw Boon Wan "cried" when someone asked him about this $8 heart bypass. He admitted to deficiencies in our healthcare system and probably cried because he's worried the voters will kick him out this time.
So you see dear voters, especially those still undecided.... just because we have a real political contest, 82 out of 87 seats, just because we have excellent opposition candidates of equal or better calibre asking the right questions and contributing viable alternative proposals during rallies and campaigning, we are seeing the PAP slowing taking responsibility for their past actions.
Imagine what 20-30 opposition candidates (hopefully more) in Parliment can do. They will absolutely make a difference in policy making and the end result is that our lives can only get better.
Do the right thing. The future is in our hands.
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Rally action- May 4
"Are you going to continue letting opposition MPs conduct meet-the-people's-session at HDB void decks"- Pritam Singh takes aim at PM Lee and his "apology"
Choa Chu Kang GRC
Singaporeans of Choa Chu Kang GRC, Minister of Manpower Gan Kim Yong's policies have led to overcrowding of public spaces and facilities and most importantly, unnecessary competition for jobs that Singaporeans want to do.
For mismanagement of immigration, the message is clear:
For mismanagement of immigration, the message is clear:
PS: About 10,000 people braved the rain last night- no one left. If this spirit doesn't translate to votes, I'm not sure what else would. Well done Choa Chu Kang!
GE: Majority not concerned about ministerial pay: SM
SM Goh claims that the majority of Singaporeans aren't concerned about minister salaries.
To me, that's a preposterous claim!
It is well documented that PM Lee earns at least 5 times the salary of President Obama and 10 times that of Hong Kong's Donald Tsang.
When questioned at a forum held at NUS recently, PM Lee's response was that US Presidents earn millions from speaking assignments and writing books!
A handful of my friends are pretty ambivalent about policies and politics but they all have one common grouse with the PAP--- overpaid ministers!
SM Goh, let Singaporeans remind you this GE that politics is about servitude. If you want to make money, go join a bank or GLC!
Most of our opposition parties have pledged not only to donate part of their MP allowance but also quit their full-time jobs to serve their GRCs or SMCs.
That's servitude. That's sacrifice. That's love for Singapore!
This issue may actually sway your swing voters....
To me, that's a preposterous claim!
It is well documented that PM Lee earns at least 5 times the salary of President Obama and 10 times that of Hong Kong's Donald Tsang.
When questioned at a forum held at NUS recently, PM Lee's response was that US Presidents earn millions from speaking assignments and writing books!
A handful of my friends are pretty ambivalent about policies and politics but they all have one common grouse with the PAP--- overpaid ministers!
SM Goh, let Singaporeans remind you this GE that politics is about servitude. If you want to make money, go join a bank or GLC!
Most of our opposition parties have pledged not only to donate part of their MP allowance but also quit their full-time jobs to serve their GRCs or SMCs.
That's servitude. That's sacrifice. That's love for Singapore!
This issue may actually sway your swing voters....
What's wrong with our education system?
From a friend of mine, a dedicated teacher, yes, a civil servant:
On paper, it appears that our education system is the envy of many around the world. The products of the system routinely outscore their peers in internationally renowned mathematics and science tests. But I wonder is that how success is measured? Success is now merely determined by digits, figures and statistics.
One of the greatest problems I feel having taught in one of the top schools in Singapore is that how the pressure of academic success is stifling the pursuit of creativity and joy in learning. More students are fixated with scoring that perfect slate of distinctions rather than the actual process of getting there. Imagine having students break down openly because they only scored 3 distinctions out of 4 A level subjects.
Seriously, these people need a reality check. Such results would give the opportunity to apply to any top university in the world, and here they are feeling despondent over their failure to get a 'perfect' score. Obsession with perfection is a serious poblem especially in schools where stakes are high.
Another problem seems to be the general lack of resilience and gratitude evident in many teenagers today. I also have friends who teach in other schools and they feel that teenagers today are no longer resilient. Many are easily disheartened at setbacks and give up easily at the slightest hint of failure. For one, we had many students asking to switch subject combinations just because 'I cannot cope', 'I don't like my subjects'. I wonder what happened to rational decision-making. Character education is also becoming a pertinent concern in many schools. Tales of students showing open defiance to teachers abound in many schools. I wonder what's the point of having sterling academic achievements when one's character is flawed.
No one is perfect of course, but when such errant behaviour is becoming prevalent, then I worry about the products of the system. I recall one incident in the school cafe which the manager related to me. He asked a girl to move aside to allow others to quickly purchase milk from a fridge explaining to her that her peers might be rushing for class. She retorted, "Rushing for class, what's the big deal?' I was totally flabbergasted at that kind of behaviour. Frankly, I am saddened by this... and this kind of incident is not the first time. My colleagues also point out the general lack of EQ and sense of gratitude and care for others.
The system has indeed created many academically able students but the soft skills are increasingly relegated whether by design or choice because one's worth/fate is still determined by the paper qualifications. Like it or not, that I think still rings true. That's all I can think of now. Will add on in another message if some more stuff strikes me.
On paper, it appears that our education system is the envy of many around the world. The products of the system routinely outscore their peers in internationally renowned mathematics and science tests. But I wonder is that how success is measured? Success is now merely determined by digits, figures and statistics.
One of the greatest problems I feel having taught in one of the top schools in Singapore is that how the pressure of academic success is stifling the pursuit of creativity and joy in learning. More students are fixated with scoring that perfect slate of distinctions rather than the actual process of getting there. Imagine having students break down openly because they only scored 3 distinctions out of 4 A level subjects.
Seriously, these people need a reality check. Such results would give the opportunity to apply to any top university in the world, and here they are feeling despondent over their failure to get a 'perfect' score. Obsession with perfection is a serious poblem especially in schools where stakes are high.
Another problem seems to be the general lack of resilience and gratitude evident in many teenagers today. I also have friends who teach in other schools and they feel that teenagers today are no longer resilient. Many are easily disheartened at setbacks and give up easily at the slightest hint of failure. For one, we had many students asking to switch subject combinations just because 'I cannot cope', 'I don't like my subjects'. I wonder what happened to rational decision-making. Character education is also becoming a pertinent concern in many schools. Tales of students showing open defiance to teachers abound in many schools. I wonder what's the point of having sterling academic achievements when one's character is flawed.
No one is perfect of course, but when such errant behaviour is becoming prevalent, then I worry about the products of the system. I recall one incident in the school cafe which the manager related to me. He asked a girl to move aside to allow others to quickly purchase milk from a fridge explaining to her that her peers might be rushing for class. She retorted, "Rushing for class, what's the big deal?' I was totally flabbergasted at that kind of behaviour. Frankly, I am saddened by this... and this kind of incident is not the first time. My colleagues also point out the general lack of EQ and sense of gratitude and care for others.
The system has indeed created many academically able students but the soft skills are increasingly relegated whether by design or choice because one's worth/fate is still determined by the paper qualifications. Like it or not, that I think still rings true. That's all I can think of now. Will add on in another message if some more stuff strikes me.
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Where Father does not meet son...
'If they choose (the opposition), then I say, good luck to them. They have five years to ruminate and to regret what they did. And I have no doubts they will regret it,' MM Lee
I'm guessing that MM Lee wouldn't be expressing many more of his views this GE.
Rally action- May 2
‘Our home is the centre of our family,’ declared Vincent Wijeysingha. ‘This is my land where I root myself, in spite of the turbulence of life.’
‘But when I am made to feel that the only worth of my home is the amount of dollars it can be converted into, then I know the PAP government has failed.’- Dr Vincent Wijeysingha
Monday, 2 May 2011
Group Representation Conspiracy
Coined by one of the speakers at SPP's rally at Bishan stadium tonight, attended by well over 10,000 people.
The Group Representation Constituency or GRC was apparently created to ensure that there would be minority representation in parliment.
The notion sounds good except that over time, the GRC has been "creatively" reengineered to suit the PAP. Boundaries are redrawn election after election.
Before Obama, there has never been a black president in the United States. In Singapore, of the six Presidents we've had, only two were from the majority Chinese race.
This shows that minority representation in politics is becoming more prevalent around the world. It may also prove that this has never been the main aim of the GRC.
So, what are the effects of GRCs?
1) Placing opposition-leaning blocks into PAP strongholds. GE 2011 is no different with the three stronghold wards of Ang Mo Kio, Marine Parade and Tanjong Pangar redrawing and stretching their boundaries even more significantly.Since when is Farrer Road anywhere near Tanjong Pagar?
Is it coincidental that parts Aljunied GRC, hotly contested in 2006, are now under Ang Mo Kio?
Does the GRC system disadvantage the opposition?
2) PAP has accused the opposition of not turning up until elections. Imagine walking the ground for 5 years in a particular ward only to find that it no longer exists when elections arrive?
3) Neighbourhoods are supposed to foster resident identity and ultimately the Singaporean identity. What is it like to always be thrown around different constituencies each time an election comes around?
Bukit Batok residents, I feel for you. Your town is contested by at least three constituencies- Jurong GRC, Hong Kah North, Choa Chu Kang GRC and even Holland-Bukit Timah if I'm not wrong. But there is no Bukit Batok SMC or GRC.
While Hong Kah GRC is now defunct, a big banner showing Hong Kah GRC MPs is still displayed in Yew Tee.
How do residents feel a sense of belonging for their precinct then, yet alone country?
The Group Representation Constituency or GRC was apparently created to ensure that there would be minority representation in parliment.
The notion sounds good except that over time, the GRC has been "creatively" reengineered to suit the PAP. Boundaries are redrawn election after election.
Before Obama, there has never been a black president in the United States. In Singapore, of the six Presidents we've had, only two were from the majority Chinese race.
This shows that minority representation in politics is becoming more prevalent around the world. It may also prove that this has never been the main aim of the GRC.
So, what are the effects of GRCs?
1) Placing opposition-leaning blocks into PAP strongholds. GE 2011 is no different with the three stronghold wards of Ang Mo Kio, Marine Parade and Tanjong Pangar redrawing and stretching their boundaries even more significantly.Since when is Farrer Road anywhere near Tanjong Pagar?
Is it coincidental that parts Aljunied GRC, hotly contested in 2006, are now under Ang Mo Kio?
Does the GRC system disadvantage the opposition?
2) PAP has accused the opposition of not turning up until elections. Imagine walking the ground for 5 years in a particular ward only to find that it no longer exists when elections arrive?
3) Neighbourhoods are supposed to foster resident identity and ultimately the Singaporean identity. What is it like to always be thrown around different constituencies each time an election comes around?
Bukit Batok residents, I feel for you. Your town is contested by at least three constituencies- Jurong GRC, Hong Kah North, Choa Chu Kang GRC and even Holland-Bukit Timah if I'm not wrong. But there is no Bukit Batok SMC or GRC.
While Hong Kah GRC is now defunct, a big banner showing Hong Kah GRC MPs is still displayed in Yew Tee.
How do residents feel a sense of belonging for their precinct then, yet alone country?
Rally action- May 1st
"PAP is out of step with Singaporeans....three steps behind"- Kenneth Jeyaretnam
Rally action- May 1st
"Losing PAP candidates can stay in parliment as NCMP"- Pritam Singh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6JtcwqrtuU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6JtcwqrtuU
Government is helping to address rising costs: PM Lee?
The PAP's solution is no solution.
No doubt they had spent the last five yeras creating new jobs and attracting quality investments, like what he said in the May Day rally... but to whose benefit?
6 in 10 jobs went to foreigners last year and the year before.
It's clear that the beneficiaries are not Singaporeans.
Also, it is one thing to create jobs and another to create quality jobs.
Would you rather have 30,000 more casino dealers than 30,000 teachers?
PM Lee, your party's policy of mass importation of foreign labour has inevitably depressed the wages of many Singaporeans.
According to the Ministry of Manpower’s Singapore Yearbook of Manpower Statistics 2010 – Active CPF Members By Monthly Wage Level, there were, in 2009:
- 65,141 people earnings less than $400
- 146,080 earning less than $800
- 74,568 less than $1,000
- 128,611 less than $1,500.
Taken together, this means that there were a total of 464,400 or almost 30 per cent of all active CPF members, earning less than $1,500!
That by all accounts, is surely not reflective of a first world government or Swiss standard of living!
With your current policies PM Lee, do you really think ordinary Singaporeans can cope with rising costs?
No doubt they had spent the last five yeras creating new jobs and attracting quality investments, like what he said in the May Day rally... but to whose benefit?
6 in 10 jobs went to foreigners last year and the year before.
It's clear that the beneficiaries are not Singaporeans.
Also, it is one thing to create jobs and another to create quality jobs.
Would you rather have 30,000 more casino dealers than 30,000 teachers?
PM Lee, your party's policy of mass importation of foreign labour has inevitably depressed the wages of many Singaporeans.
According to the Ministry of Manpower’s Singapore Yearbook of Manpower Statistics 2010 – Active CPF Members By Monthly Wage Level, there were, in 2009:
- 65,141 people earnings less than $400
- 146,080 earning less than $800
- 74,568 less than $1,000
- 128,611 less than $1,500.
Taken together, this means that there were a total of 464,400 or almost 30 per cent of all active CPF members, earning less than $1,500!
That by all accounts, is surely not reflective of a first world government or Swiss standard of living!
With your current policies PM Lee, do you really think ordinary Singaporeans can cope with rising costs?
SINGAPORE : Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said Singapore's best long-term response to cope with rising costs is to ensure workers have jobs and enjoy steady increase in real wages.
He added that the government's strategy of creating new jobs and attracting quality investments here has worked.
Mr Lee was speaking to 8,500 participants at the May Day Rally on Sunday.
The increasing cost of living is a concern the government is keeping a close watch on.
That is why Mr Lee said the government will continue to invest in the people and continue to make Singapore attractive to businesses.
He said: "Ensuring good jobs, whether for present or future workers, is the first responsibility of any government, and this is what the PAP (People's Action Party) has delivered and will continue to deliver. And this is what voters must ask any political party seeking your support.
"How will you create growth and jobs for Singaporeans? Do not just say you will have prosperity. The civil servants will know how to do it. Permanent secretaries know what to do. If the ministers do not know what to do, you can be sure things will mess up and with the PAP, we make sure that ministers know what to do and we make sure we have a successful formula which provides good solution, good pay, and good jobs over the long term."
Aside from long-term plans, Mr Lee said the government also has short-term measures to help Singaporeans.
These include keeping the Singapore dollar strong, and targeting help to specific areas for groups who need it.
He added that the government is also making special efforts to help low-income workers through initiatives like Workfare, to top up salaries for older employees.
Mr Lee said: "Nobody knows what the world will be like. It will be a different world, full of challenges but also opportunities. It will be a bright future for us, provided we work hard together. So let us cooperate to strive for better jobs, better pay and better lives for our workers and for all the workers of Singapore."
Prime Minister Lee said Parliament has a significant number of MPs from the labour movement. They make important contributions like looking after the interest of workers and ensuring that government policies are pro-workers and pro-Singapore. He said the current slate of PAP candidates includes a good number from NTUC and he called on participants to support them.
To ensure that NTUC remains relevant and effective, Mr Lee announced the a development fund to raise S$50 million for the NTUC50 Development Fund.
This is to build a three generation membership base of 1 million and to develop future generation leaders in the labour movement.
Mr Lee said the labour movement needs to raise S$12.5 million and the PAP government will give a grant of S$37.5 million.
He added that this shows the government's support for the union movement and Singapore workers.
Meanwhile, in his speech in Malay at the May Day Rally, Prime Minister Lee noted that the Malay-Muslim community is benefiting from the country's success.
He said Malay workers are doing well and many have gone for upgrading.
They have also taken up better-paying jobs.
Mr Lee said growing number of Malay students are going to the university.
Many are in the polytechnics and in the ITEs picking up strong technical skills.
Mr Lee believes they will be able to achieve better lives for themselves and help uplift the community and take Singapore to even greater heights.
- CNA/ms
He added that the government's strategy of creating new jobs and attracting quality investments here has worked.
Mr Lee was speaking to 8,500 participants at the May Day Rally on Sunday.
The increasing cost of living is a concern the government is keeping a close watch on.
That is why Mr Lee said the government will continue to invest in the people and continue to make Singapore attractive to businesses.
He said: "Ensuring good jobs, whether for present or future workers, is the first responsibility of any government, and this is what the PAP (People's Action Party) has delivered and will continue to deliver. And this is what voters must ask any political party seeking your support.
"How will you create growth and jobs for Singaporeans? Do not just say you will have prosperity. The civil servants will know how to do it. Permanent secretaries know what to do. If the ministers do not know what to do, you can be sure things will mess up and with the PAP, we make sure that ministers know what to do and we make sure we have a successful formula which provides good solution, good pay, and good jobs over the long term."
Aside from long-term plans, Mr Lee said the government also has short-term measures to help Singaporeans.
These include keeping the Singapore dollar strong, and targeting help to specific areas for groups who need it.
He added that the government is also making special efforts to help low-income workers through initiatives like Workfare, to top up salaries for older employees.
Mr Lee said: "Nobody knows what the world will be like. It will be a different world, full of challenges but also opportunities. It will be a bright future for us, provided we work hard together. So let us cooperate to strive for better jobs, better pay and better lives for our workers and for all the workers of Singapore."
Prime Minister Lee said Parliament has a significant number of MPs from the labour movement. They make important contributions like looking after the interest of workers and ensuring that government policies are pro-workers and pro-Singapore. He said the current slate of PAP candidates includes a good number from NTUC and he called on participants to support them.
To ensure that NTUC remains relevant and effective, Mr Lee announced the a development fund to raise S$50 million for the NTUC50 Development Fund.
This is to build a three generation membership base of 1 million and to develop future generation leaders in the labour movement.
Mr Lee said the labour movement needs to raise S$12.5 million and the PAP government will give a grant of S$37.5 million.
He added that this shows the government's support for the union movement and Singapore workers.
Meanwhile, in his speech in Malay at the May Day Rally, Prime Minister Lee noted that the Malay-Muslim community is benefiting from the country's success.
He said Malay workers are doing well and many have gone for upgrading.
They have also taken up better-paying jobs.
Mr Lee said growing number of Malay students are going to the university.
Many are in the polytechnics and in the ITEs picking up strong technical skills.
Mr Lee believes they will be able to achieve better lives for themselves and help uplift the community and take Singapore to even greater heights.
- CNA/ms
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