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Survey finds 30% of Singapore secondary school students claim they have been bulliedSurvey finds 30% of Singapore secondary school students claim... I refer to the CNA report, “An underreported problem? Survey finds 30% of Singapore secondary school students claim they have been bullied.” (May 30) and “Jail for man who punched taxi driver for overtaking him” (June 05). Most of us don’t like to see the occurrences of bullying in schools, as it reflects where...

Trump blinked again on tariffs, but China isn't in the clearTrump blinked again on tariffs, but China isn't in the clear I refer to the CNA’s Commentary: Trump blinked again on tariffs, but China isn't in the clear. (May 15) One deniable fact: There are no winners on either side (between China and the United States) in the trade and tariff war. Yet, Trump still persists to do it. It is not surprising that Trump has increased China's...

Podcasts didn't decide GE2025Podcasts didn't decide GE2025 I refer to the CNA’s Commentary: Podcasts didn't decide GE2025, but they changed how Singaporeans engage with politics (May 9). The 2025 General Election has several features/characteristics that deserve our attention, discussion and reflection: In today era, technological revolution, innovation and advancement...

GE2025: Stunning victory for PAPGE2025: Stunning victory for PAP I refer to the CNA’s report, “GE2025: Stunning victory for PAP, winning 87 of 97 seats with higher national vote share in PM Wong's first electoral test” (May 4). GE2025 has clearly delivered the following key messages/notes from the vast majority of voters: The Workers’ Party (WP) has done a fantastic good...

This is not a game of cardsThis is not a game of cards I can appreciate parties wanting to hold their cards close to their chest, but the smoke and mirrors games on nominations day, the shuffling of the DPM from a seat he had openly been declared to be defending, and other ministers shuffling constituencies leaves one feeling the PAP thinks it is playing a game of cards. Constituency...

Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans?Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans? I refer to The Online Citizen GE2025 news report, “Lee Hsien Yang: Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans?” - (April 14), and “The Straits Times’ report, “GE2025: Singaporeans will go to the polls on May 3, Nomination Day on April 23” (April 15), and The Online Citizen GE2025 report,...

𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝... Is the PAP of today exceptional, with unmatched competence and delivery? Afterall, that is their justification for the highest salaries in the world. Let’s look at its more recent track record. Large numbers of NRIC numbers were recently unmasked, leaving Singaporeans exposed to identity theft, fraud, abuse and scams....

GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit TimahGE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit Timah I refer to the CNA news, “GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC but may make way for Singapore Democratic Party” (April 10), “More opposition 'star catches' are emerging. Is Singapore's political scene maturing?” (April 10) and “PSP says government response to Trump tariffs 'overblown',...

GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are recruited into politicsGE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are recruited... I refer to CNA’s news, “GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are recruited into politics” (Mar 28). It is not surprised to notice that in recent weeks, two NMPs and top ministry officials have resigned, fuelling speculation they could be fielded as potential candidates for the ruling People's Action...

More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote in GE2025More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote in GE2025 I refer to The CNA’s News, “GE2025: More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote” (Mar 25). As Singapore’s General Election is due to be held within this year, the following factors will more or less influence the election situation this year: A)The general mentality of voters Voters are generally...

How the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with waning US supportHow the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with waning... I refer to the CNA’s commentaries, “How the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with waning US support” (Mar 4), “Lessons from the Trump-Zelenskyy meltdown- for friends and foes” (Mar 1) and “Will Trump tariffs push China to change economic tack?” (Mar 3). Foremost, we need to recognise the reality...

Singapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum WageSingapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum Wage Singapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum Wage: National Service Should Not Come at the Expense of Opportunity Costs Singapore’s National Service (NS) has long been a cornerstone of the nation’s defense, requiring young men to dedicate two years of their lives to military, civil defense, or police service. While...

Trump-Putin deal on Ukraine will be Europe’s moment of reckoningTrump-Putin deal on Ukraine will be Europe’s moment of... I refer to the CNA’s Commentaries, “Trump-Putin deal on Ukraine will be Europe’s moment of reckoning” (Feb 20) and “Ukraine can survive with the ‘least worst’ peace” (Feb 22). Now, In the eyes of European Union, they have lost trust and confidence in the United States, it is solely due to the flip flop...

From Deepseek to Huawei, US tech restrictions on China are backfiringFrom Deepseek to Huawei, US tech restrictions on China are... I refer to the CNA’s Commentary, “From Deepseek to Huawei, US tech restrictions on China are backfiring” (Jan 31). Would it be practical, useful and effective for the United States to continually pursue an aggressive containment strategy to hobble China’s tech push? Undoubtedly, the answer is obviously not. There...

Don't get distracted by Trump's outlandish Cabinet picksDon't get distracted by Trump's outlandish Cabinet picks I refer to the CNA’s Commentary: “Don't get distracted by Trump's outlandish Cabinet picks” (Nov 25), and “'No one will win a trade war’, China says after Trump tariff threat” (Nov 26). As everyone knows, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will return to power on January 20, 2025. Trump has dismissed...

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Editorials
Iran’s 'Terrifying' New Arsenal Brings Israel To...

Iran’s 'Terrifying' New Arsenal Brings Israel To...

Iran’s military might continues to keep the world guessing. No one truly knows the full extent of its...
Iran unleashes

Iran unleashes "Doomsday Weapon" the Khorramshahr

After firing 'Fattah 1' hypersonic missiles toward Israel, Iran has now reportedly unleashed the "Doomsday...
Pakistan to nuke Israel if...

Pakistan to nuke Israel if...

Pakistan has conveyed to Iran that if Israel nukes Tehran, Islamabad will launch a nuclear weapon against...
Iran rejects ceasefire, vows retaliation that would...

Iran rejects ceasefire, vows retaliation that would...

Tensions in the Middle East have reached a boiling point as Iran firmly rejects ceasefire negotiations...
Iran burns Tel Aviv with fresh barrage of missiles

Iran burns Tel Aviv with fresh barrage of missiles

In a dramatic escalation, Iran launched a fresh barrage of over 100 missiles targeting the Israeli city...
Iran targets multiple cities in Israel after pounding...

Iran targets multiple cities in Israel after pounding...

Iran dealt a severe blow on Israel for the second straight night on June 14-15. Israel was hit by a barrage...
Iran targets Israel's Dimona Nuclear Power Plant

Iran targets Israel's Dimona Nuclear Power Plant

In a dramatic and unverified claim, Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen news outlet reports that Iran has launched...
Iran's pulverises Tel Aviv with barrage of Hypersonic...

Iran's pulverises Tel Aviv with barrage of Hypersonic...

Iran launched a powerful third wave of overnight missile strikes on Tel Aviv, targeting military bases...
Israel's air defenses breached by Iran's missile barrage

Israel's air defenses breached by Iran's missile barrage

Operation True Promise III intensifies as Iran launches multiple waves of missile attacks targeting major...
Iran launches major retaliatory missile strikes at...

Iran launches major retaliatory missile strikes at...

Iran has launched a significant ballistic missile attack on Israel, with hundreds of missiles raining...
Iran launches hundreds of drones at Israel

Iran launches hundreds of drones at Israel

Following the unprovoked air strikes by Israel on Iran's nuclear facilities, Iran has retaliated by launching...
Israel launches air strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities

Israel launches air strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities

Explosions have been reported northeast of Iran’s capital Tehran, according to the state-run news agency...
Real Footage of China's 2025 Flood Crisis in Yunnan...

Real Footage of China's 2025 Flood Crisis in Yunnan...

Devastating floods and geological disasters have struck Gongshan County, Nujiang Prefecture in Yunnan...
Strong hailstorm strikes China's Xi'an causing airport...

Strong hailstorm strikes China's Xi'an causing airport...

On the evening of May 8, Xi’an, the capital city of China’s Shaanxi Province, was struck by a powerful...
Four parties lost their election deposits in GE2025

Four parties lost their election deposits in GE2025

A total of four opposition parties, the Singapore United Party (SUP), People's Power Party (PPP), People’s...
Level 16 super typhoon devastates multiple cities in...

Level 16 super typhoon devastates multiple cities in...

Northern China was hit by an extreme weather event on Thursday as a massive cold front swept south, colliding...
Level 15 winds destroy buildings rooftops and cause...

Level 15 winds destroy buildings rooftops and cause...

On April 30, northern China was struck by an extreme weather event as a massive cold vortex surged southward,...
TR Emeritus to 'shut-up' on 2nd May 2025

TR Emeritus to 'shut-up' on 2nd May 2025

Please be informed that TR Emeritus (TRE) will shut down its comment function site-wide at 0000 hours...
Opinions
Don’t Rock The Boat

Don’t Rock The Boat

Singaporeans are, by and large, practical people, being mainly immigrant stock. They value security,...
Trump and his ilk are at it again

Trump and his ilk are at it again

Trump and his ilk are at it again. They are not going to back down. Yes, it’s Harvard, his eyesore,...
我们是否该重新思考国防开支的优先顺序?

我们是否该重新思考国防开支的优先顺序?

新加坡政府近日宣布将采购两艘额外的“无畏级”潜艇,引发了一个重要问题:我们的国防力量,到底需要多强? 毫无疑问,一个强大且可信的军队对于保障国家主权与威慑潜在威胁是不可或缺的。新加坡地处战略要冲,国土面积有限,因此需要一支现代化的武装部队。然而,当我们对比邻国——马来西亚拥有两艘潜艇、印尼正逐步扩展至十二艘——新加坡在水下战力上已处于领先地位。这不禁让人质疑,我们是否正引领着一场无声的区域军备竞赛? 问题在于:当威慑的需求被满足后,继续扩军是否已经超出必要? 一艘“无畏级”潜艇的估价超过十亿新元,还不包括长期的运营与维护成本。这两艘新潜艇的资金,若能转用于迫切的民生需求,例如医疗保健、老龄化支援、教育及弱势群体扶助,或许对社会的整体韧性更具意义。 政府一再强调国防开支是经过审慎规划的,但当生活成本日益上升,政府却仍需将消费税(Gst)提高至9%甚至更多,这种矛盾不禁令人困惑。如果某些战略性国防项目能够延后或循序推进,节省下来的资源是否可以用于社会发展呢? “全面防卫”不仅仅是硬件实力,更是要赢得人民的心与信任。让人民感到安心、有保障、受到重视,这种安全感无法靠潜艇来衡量,而是通过每一位国人的生活实感体现出来。 这并非是在呼吁削弱我们的国防,而是呼吁我们重新思考国家的优先事项。当我们继续推进军事现代化的同时,也不要忽视同样重要的任务——巩固社会契约、增强国民凝聚力。   Cwc-Ai  
The three of threes about DPM Heng Swee Kiat

The three of threes about DPM Heng Swee Kiat

The first part of the threes is about the when, the how and the why? And it is about his retirement...
我们是否该重新思考国防开支的优先顺序?

我们是否该重新思考国防开支的优先顺序?

新加坡政府近日宣布将采购两艘额外的“无畏级”潜艇,引发了一个重要问题:我们的国防力量,到底需要多强? 毫无疑问,一个强大且可信的军队对于保障国家主权与威慑潜在威胁是不可或缺的。新加坡地处战略要冲,国土面积有限,因此需要一支现代化的武装部队。然而,当我们对比邻国——马来西亚拥有两艘潜艇、印尼正逐步扩展至十二艘——新加坡在水下战力上已处于领先地位。这不禁让人质疑,我们是否正引领着一场无声的区域军备竞赛? 问题在于:当威慑的需求被满足后,继续扩军是否已经超出必要? 一艘“无畏级”潜艇的估价超过十亿新元,还不包括长期的运营与维护成本。这两艘新潜艇的资金,若能转用于迫切的民生需求,例如医疗保健、老龄化支援、教育及弱势群体扶助,或许对社会的整体韧性更具意义。 政府一再强调国防开支是经过审慎规划的,但当生活成本日益上升,政府却仍需将消费税(Gst)提高至9%甚至更多,这种矛盾不禁令人困惑。如果某些战略性国防项目能够延后或循序推进,节省下来的资源是否可以用于社会发展呢? “全面防卫”不仅仅是硬件实力,更是要赢得人民的心与信任。让人民感到安心、有保障、受到重视,这种安全感无法靠潜艇来衡量,而是通过每一位国人的生活实感体现出来。 这并非是在呼吁削弱我们的国防,而是呼吁我们重新思考国家的优先事项。当我们继续推进军事现代化的同时,也不要忽视同样重要的任务——巩固社会契约、增强国民凝聚力。   Cwc-Ai  
Cutting down reliance on US military equipment

Cutting down reliance on US military equipment

There is a rampant rumor going around that claims Egypt has ordered 48 J10C with a price tag of USD$25B...
2025大选—明确授权,变化中的政治格局

2025大选—明确授权,变化中的政治格局

2025年大选结果无可争议,政府再次赢得了强有力的授权,稳固了其在新加坡政治格局中的主导地位。尽管选举结果并不令人意外,但胜利的过程却并非没有争议和复杂性。 值得注意的是,选区划分的变化在本次选战中发挥了重要作用。陈清木医生与徐顺全医生等资深反对派人物,因选区重划而受到显著影响——传统支持基础被分割或并入他区,无疑左右了某些关键选区的最终结果。虽然选区调整在新加坡选举历史上并不罕见,但其公平性与透明度仍持续引发讨论。 工人党虽稳守东北区的传统堡垒,但未能在本届大选中攻下新的选区。不过,该党仍获得两个非选区议员(Ncmp)席位,虽属安慰性质,却在象征意义上维持了国会内多元声音的存在。 更值得关注的是,本届大选所处的人口背景正经历剧烈变化。新加坡人口从2000年的约300万增长至2025年的超过500万。考虑到多年来出生率持续偏低,这一增长几乎可以肯定主要归因于移民流入,尤其可能在华人群体中增长显著。这一趋势对国家的社会结构和政治生态产生了深远影响。 展望2030年大选,各政党不仅要面对一如既往的选区调整与突发的全球事件,更需正视一个不断演变的社会结构。随着越来越多新移民成为国民,选民构成日益多元,政党在政策制定与信息传递上必须更具包容性与前瞻性。他们必须同时争取老一代公民与新加坡新公民的认同,回应共同关切,并跨越代际与文化差异的鸿沟。 在新加坡持续向前迈进的过程中,其政治也必须与时俱进——反映日益多元的人口现实,同时坚守国家的核心价值观:团结、韧性与务实。 Cwc-Ai
A jaw-dropping election

A jaw-dropping election

This is a jaw-dropping election. For the opposition. SDP’s Dr Chee and PSP’s Leong were deeply disappointed....
The Nation has rejected multi-party Parliamentary representation

The Nation has rejected multi-party Parliamentary representation

Our party suffered great losses and I personally have suffered the greatest hit. But these personal losses...
A False Analogy That Insults the Intelligence of Singaporeans

A False Analogy That Insults the Intelligence of Singaporeans

Minister Ong Ye Kung’s recent assertion that a “co-driver” bears no responsibility if a car crashes...
There is a cost to losing

There is a cost to losing

There is a cost to losing. At least in PAP’s books. And one of the costs is a policy of priority. That...
Hougang Belongs to the People

Hougang Belongs to the People

Thank You for the Reminder, Mr Marshall Lim. It is with no small measure of amusement that one reads...
Its all about trust

Its all about trust

Dr Ng Eng Hen from PAP has pointed out the most important key point about this General Elections, it...
Misunderstanding What Singaporeans Truly Expect from...

Misunderstanding What Singaporeans Truly Expect from...

The government's repeated assertion that it is "easy for the opposition to ask the government to give...
Punggol GRC

Punggol GRC

Punggol GRC is without question one of the most hotly watched, followed and contested constituency in...
Should Singapore Be Concerned About David Neo’s “Action-Takers,...

Should Singapore Be Concerned About David Neo’s “Action-Takers,...

Singaporeans should pause and reflect on the recent remark by PAP candidate David Neo, who said that...
Why Singaporeans Must Reconsider the Dismissal of SDP’s...

Why Singaporeans Must Reconsider the Dismissal of SDP’s...

The Singapore government’s blunt assertion that the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP)’s proposals...
Expect the exchange of barbs in politics

Expect the exchange of barbs in politics

In a political contest, expect the exchange of barbs. And we do not lack any of it in the rallies held...
Letters
Survey finds 30% of Singapore secondary school students...

Survey finds 30% of Singapore secondary school students...

I refer to the CNA report, “An underreported problem? Survey finds 30% of Singapore secondary school...
Trump blinked again on tariffs, but China isn't in...

Trump blinked again on tariffs, but China isn't in...

I refer to the CNA’s Commentary: Trump blinked again on tariffs, but China isn't in the clear. (May...
Podcasts didn't decide GE2025

Podcasts didn't decide GE2025

I refer to the CNA’s Commentary: Podcasts didn't decide GE2025, but they changed how Singaporeans engage...
GE2025: Stunning victory for PAP

GE2025: Stunning victory for PAP

I refer to the CNA’s report, “GE2025: Stunning victory for PAP, winning 87 of 97 seats with higher...
Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans?

Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans?

I refer to The Online Citizen GE2025 news report, “Lee Hsien Yang: Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs...
GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit...

GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit...

I refer to the CNA news, “GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC but may make...
GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are...

GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are...

I refer to CNA’s news, “GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are recruited into politics”...
More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote...

More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote...

I refer to The CNA’s News, “GE2025: More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote” (Mar...
Snippets
Risk and Bonus Management | Strategies at 1Win Casino

Risk and Bonus Management | Strategies at 1Win Casino

Top Casino Strategies Singaporean Players Use on 1Win Users of the 1win platform are increasingly...
Why More Singaporeans Want to Stay Single and Child-Free

Why More Singaporeans Want to Stay Single and Child-Free

Singapore is full of individuals living life in this fast-paced world. The social shift of many individuals...
Singapore’s Sports Industry: A Rising Powerhouse...

Singapore’s Sports Industry: A Rising Powerhouse...

Singapore’s sports industry is on the cusp of greatness, leveraging cutting-edge infrastructure and...
What are the most popular hobbies in Singapore in 2025?

What are the most popular hobbies in Singapore in 2025?

As work-life balance remains a constant talking point in the fast-paced city-state of Singapore, residents...
10 Most Popular Mobile Games in Singapore

10 Most Popular Mobile Games in Singapore

Singaporeans can't get enough of their phones these days, spending tons of time battling opponents, building...
Langkawi to Koh Lipe Ferry: Complete Travel Guide

Langkawi to Koh Lipe Ferry: Complete Travel Guide

Planning a tropical escape from Malaysia to Thailand? The journey from Langkawi to Koh Lipe offers a...
This is not a game of cards

This is not a game of cards

I can appreciate parties wanting to hold their cards close to their chest, but the smoke and mirrors...
𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝...

𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝...

Is the PAP of today exceptional, with unmatched competence and delivery? Afterall, that is their justification...
Sticky & Recent Articles

More space sought for professionals in Singapore

More space sought for professionals in Singapore

The Economic Times, 18 April 2010 India will seek greater access for its professionals in Singapore in areas such as IT, health, education and finance in the upcomingFive highest-paying professions “Although we managed to get access for some of our professionals in Singapore as part of the CECA, we will try to get more in the review,” a commerce ministry official said. Commerce department is holding consultations with the industry and other ministries to finalise how much more it could offer Singapore in exchange for greater access in services. Singapore has already got a lot of concessions as part of India’s free trade agreement with the ten member Asean countries. Read rest of article here.  Read More →

Teo Ho Pin rejects proposal by SDP to stop Sheng Siong

Teo Ho Pin rejects proposal by SDP to stop Sheng Siong

PAP MP for Bukit Panjang Teo Ho Pin has rejected a proposal by the Singapore Democratic Party to stop Sheng Siong from raising the rents at Fajar market by 30 percent. A team led by SDP Chairman met Dr Teo at his Meet-the-People sessions last week to relay their intentions to him. Dr Teo reportedly dismissed their proposal and said: "The government can't interfere. Let the market forces decide whether the increased rentals by Sheng Siong were steep or not." There are no other wet markets in Bukit Panjang except the Fajar market which was acquired by Sheng Siong. Since the rental hike, some stallholders have indicated that they have no choice but to move out. Despite repeated appeals from the stallholders, Sheng Siong said it is unable to reverse its decision after considering all factors, such as long-term and short-term costs and sustainability of the business model.” It claimed that the outcome is “inevitable” and sought the “understanding” of stallholders. There are unverified rumors circulating in some internet forums that the son of one of Sheng Siong’s founder had just tied the knot with a daughter of a senior government leader. Dr Teo won Bukit Panjang with 77 percent of the valid votes in the 2006 election against SDP's Ling How Doong. Judging from Dr Teo's handling of the crisis so far, he appears to be confident of another overwhelming victory again at the next election due to be called soon.   Please join our Facebook discussion on this article here and invite your friends to do so as well to raise awareness among fellow Singaporeans.   Related articles: >> Sheng Siong seeks "understanding" from stallholders >> SDP takes Dr Teo Ho Pin to task over Sheng Siong rental hike >> Sheng Siong increased rental by 30 per cent in the 5 wet markets it bought >> SDP calls off planned speech at Fajar after being denied a permit by police >> SDP requests for a meeting with Sheng Siong >> Teo Ho Pin replies to SDP without addressing them >> Teo Ho Pin to SDP: “You didn’t do your homework!” >> SDP stops Sheng Siong from converting wet markets into supermarkets >> SDP writes to Dr Teo Ho Pin to oppose sale of Fajar wet market  Read More →

Five Reasons Why It Is Difficult To Dislodge The PAP From Power (Part 1)

Five Reasons Why It Is Difficult To Dislodge The PAP From Power (Part 1)

By Gilbert Goh I have read from many online blogs that the government may lose its grip on power with some even predicting it’s downfall during the next election. Many also forecasted that the foreigner influx will be a serious enough issue to push many voters who are sitting on the fences all along to vote for the opposition. I beg to differ here. Bread and butter issues have all along figure hugely on how the pragmatic Singaporean voters will vote. Voters will vote for the government if it can provide enough work for the whole population and the people feel well taken care of. Many have even exchanged some of their basic citizens’ right for the assurance of a comfortable living lifestyle. And why not? Many older married Singaporeans – the traditional voting base of the PAP - have pragmatically reasoned that having a good job and a decent roof over one’s head is definitely better than getting all the democratic goodies that younger educated Singaporeans are craving for right now. It is foreseeable that the post-65s voters will split down the line on who they will vote for during an election. The average older Singaporeans and stay-at-home housewives will likely vote for the PAP. However, the current anti-foreigner sentiments have indeed weigh adversely against the ruling party. No one though will dare to predict that this will cause a vote swing large enough to allow the opposition to win any seats in the next elections let alone topple the ruling party from power. Many Singaporeans, especially those in the vulnerable age group of between 40 – 60, have found themselves displaced by cheaper younger foreigners. From blue collared service staff in eateries to IT executives of multi national corporations, many Singaporeans have found themselves been made jobless by foreigners. Though globalization is always there and our country has welcomed foreigners all along, this is the first time that the invasion has been so massive and destructive. Incoming foreigner migrants have also caused public housing prices to shoot through the roof angering many Singaporeans in the process. Employers will be merciless here and will not hesitate to fire our local workers if they can find cheaper better foreign alternatives. Professionals, managers, engineers and technicians (PMETS) now found that they have to compete with cheaper foreigners for jobs that normally belonged to the local workforce. If the opposition parties could shrewdly exploit this major grievance, the advantage is theirs to seize. It is true that the foreigner worker factor will figure hugely on how the ruling party will fare in the next elections. Of course, on the other hand, the huge plus point for the ruling party will be the extra votes that it can anticipate to reap from the foreign-citizens. New foreign-born citizens will not want to bite the hand that feeds them and moreover all they have now is just thanks-giving for the ruling party who have given them a new lease of life in a first-world country. The statistics of the most recent general elections in 2006 were summarized as follows: The 2006 Singapore parliamentary general election was held on 6 May 2006. 1.22 million out of the 2.16 million eligible Singaporeans voted for Members of Parliament and elected their next government.[1] The People's Action Party (PAP), in its first election under Lee Hsien Loong, won 66.6% of the overall votes and gained 82 out of 84 seats. The PAP returned for a twelfth consecutive term in office under the Prime Minister.[2] The general election was held under the first-past-the-post system. The parliament was dissolved by President S R Nathan on 20 April, three weeks before the election. On Nomination Day, the PAP gained 37 seats in divisions which were uncontested by other parties.[3] The main election issues included employment, cost of living, housing, transport, education, the need for an effective opposition voice in parliament, and the quality of the candidates. (Source:wikipedia) I have listed five reasons why the PAP will continue to hang on in power even though it seems to have mess up a abit these days. A Weak Opposition Our opposition parties have now aggressively tried to recruit candidates for the next election. Some Singaporeans are also hoping that at least one GRC will fall to the opposition which is also unprecedented. I believe that winning at least a GRC for the opposition is possible with the current sentiments right now. The Worker’s Party had the best show in a GRC constituency with the hotly-contested  Aljunied GRC (145.141 voters) during the last election four years ago. For the record, the PAP won 74,843 votes (56.09%) whereas the Worker’s Party won 58,593 votes (43.91%) – not really a close call here. The Prime Minister’s Ang Mo Kio-Yio Chu Kang GRC was also contested in 2006 and received a rude shock when the opposition Workers’ Party young team polled a comforting 33% votes despite its’ lack of political experience. Moreover, the WP must be commended for winning a respectable 38% of the overall votes making it the next opposition party to watch in the next elections. More importantly, the PAP’s winning margin for the 2006 GE was greatly reduced from the 2001 elections’ 75% to 66.6%. It showed that within five years, the PAP’s popularity vote has slipped a shocking 8.4% and revealed that voters can change course if given the right circumstances. The after effects of globilisation and rising cost of living were the main topics for debate during that period. People were also also generally unhappy that the ruling party monopolized in parliament – a familiar key topic during elections campaigning. During the 2006 elections, PAP used a slew of budget goodies and threats of not upgrading future opposition wards to win over votes. The result went to show, through the reduced majority votes, that this strategy may not go down well with the general voting population. So, can the opposition seizes the advantage now given the hot button issue in foreign workers? Our opposition political parties could be the only one in the world that is incapable of forming a coalition government even if a freak result does occurs and the ruling party is being voted out through majority votes. Many voters simply just want them to win one or two more seats in addition to the two existing opposition members’ seats in Parliament. This is a sad phenomenon that needs to be changed. Our opposition parties need to convince the voters that they can do a good job when they are being voted amass into parliament. They can’t be seen as second-rate opposition hoping to only win one or two seats in the elections. They have to think big and more importantly act that they can do it. So far, they have not being able to generate enough confidence in the voters to cause them to vote otherwise. Many voters, I believe, have voted for the PAP grudgingly as they could not see that there is a better alternative choice. Too many seats were also left uncontested during past elections giving the feeling that the opposition is insipid and incapable. The elections are already lost when many voters do not have the chance to vote at all even though certain constituencies may be seen as sure-lose contest. By targetting certain selected constituencies for election contest and sending the ruling party into governance even before a vote is cast, the opposition is already admitting defeat before polling day. The ruling party needs to at least earn the right to form the next government even if it means sure defeat for many opposition candidates. The election experience will also do opposition candidates a world of good when they decide to stand for general elections in future. Our opposition needs to pull up their socks and unite together so that they can be a strong viable force to be reckoned with. As of now, they are merely splinter political groups that try to scrap for a win or two in Parliament. So, has our opposition political parties manage to create real confidence in the people’s heart to vote for them? I don’t think so. Our opposition parties’ performance have remained sublime at best. With only Chiam See Tong and Low Thia Khiang winning the elections so far, unfortunately, Singaporeans could not really see what the opposition can do in parliament. Of course, a controlled press is also not helping them very much in their cause. Our press has in fact done them much damage by publishing a lot of the opposition parties’ infighting and this has clouded their credibility in the eyes of the public. How this will affect their performance in the forthcoming elections remain unclear but it is certainly not helping them at all. Our opposition parties clearly could not work together and in-fighting is still there. I do not want to elaborate more on this here. All the publicized baggage has hurt them in the credibility compartment. If they could not get their act together as a team what confidence can Singaporeans have when they are voted into Parliament? Many Singaporeans tend to compare the ruling party’s scholarly-type squeaky clean candidates with those that the opposition parties paraded during elections. Abled well-educated Singaporeans need to stand up and join the opposition politics if they want to see changes in the country’s political climate. However, we all know that being a scholar does not mean that you can connect with the ground well and able to help the common folks. It takes a lot of heart and walking the talk to be a people’s leader. I rather have a taxi driver MP who can speak out for the people than someone who is well educated but could not really understand the issues that affect the common people. Singaporeans will want to feel that they have voted in the right candidates during an election even if they have hated the ruling party. They may prefer to spoil their votes if they feel that the opposition candidates are not up to the mark. Thus, the performance of a candidate during election campaigning is extremely crucial as if he can inspire confidence and speaks eloquently, he has every chance of winning his constituencies’ votes. Of course, there will be voters who will vote for any opposition party candidate that stands for elections in his ward. They are the die-hard anti-PAP voters and I believe that this group represents at least a massive 35% of the population. The real challenge is how can he win over the remaining 16% of the voters to ensure that he will win the elections at his constituency? Personally, I still feel that the opposition political parties need to tighten up and improve on its act. They need to find other innovative ways to let Singaporeans know what they have done and can do for Singapore. Many Singaporeans are clueless as to what the few opposition parties have being up to and what alternative strategies they can bring to the people. Many political parties now, fortunately, have harness the internet to publicise their activities and causes. This is a big step forward and hopefully Singaporeans will get to know more about the opposition parties from their websites and over time the voting public can feel confident enough to vote for the opposition. The latest parliamentary representation is summarized as follows and provided a snapshot how much ground the opposition has to cover in order to narrow the gap:   Leader Lee Hsien Loong Low Thia Khiang Chiam See Tong Party PAP WP SDA Leader since 2004 2001 2001 Leader's seat Ang Mo Kio GRC Hougang SMC Potong Pasir SMC Last election 82 seats, 75.3% 1 seat, 16.34% 1 seat + NCMP, 12.00% Seats won 82 1 + NCMP 1 Seat change ±0 ±0 ±0 Popular vote 747,860 183,604 145,902 Percentage 66.60% 16.34% 12.99% Swing -8.69% +13.30% +0.96%  Source: Wikipedia  To be continued in Part 2....   Other articles by Gilbert Goh: >> Upgrading out of employment: Is it possible? >> Eight reasons why foreign workers will be preferred over local ones   About the Author: Gilbert Goh blogs at transitioning.org, a support site for the unemployed and retrenched in Singapore. It is a non-profit registered societyproviding counselling and group activities free of charge to Singaporeans who need them. The above article was sent to us for publication and was initially published on Gilbert’s site.   EDITORS’ NOTE: Please join our Facebook discussion on this article here and invite your friends to do so as well to raise awareness among fellow Singaporeans.   Copyright © 2009 – 2010 The Temasek Review (If you are going to reproduce this article on your blog or forum, please provide a link back to ours)   Related articles: >> The scourge of personality-driven politics within the Singapore opposition >> Triggering the Singapore political tsunami with a highly motivated minority >> Singaporeans think highly of opposition’s chances in next general election >> What will happen to Singapore if the opposition wins the next general election >> Dr Ng Eng Hen welcomes greater contest from opposition >> Chee slammed again for introducing confrontational politics in Singapore >> Lim Hwee Hua: opposition “trying” to work the ground for next GE >> Let the next GE be a primer for Singapore’s own political tsunami >> Are opposition MPs becoming redundant in Singapore ? >> Why do we need so many strawberry PAP MPs in Parliament? >> PAP MPs complain of fast-pace of parliamentary debates >> Why PAP MPs are no more but a “wayang” >> A disaster in the making: PAP’s “instant tree” mentality >> Yes-men PAP MPs embarrassed themselves by saying instinctively “yes” to wrongly reduce budget  Read More →

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