A question regarding Mrs Joy Balakrishnan

[CPT (NS) BRANDON]

Mrs Joy Balakrishnan is the wife of Dr Vivian Balakrishnan

What is her job?

On what basis is she serving as the President of the Singapore Girl Guides' Association?

http://www.girlguides.org.sg/cos/o.x?c=/ggs/pagetree&func=view&rid=4718

What are her credentials? What has she achieved? It's one thing for ministers or ex-ministers to be parachuted into such positions, but their wives?? That's just taking it too far.

Oh and Joy Balakrishnan conferred an award on yet another Minister's wife... Christine Dhanabalan

http://www.girlguides.org.sg/cos/o.x?c=/ggs/pagetree&func=view&rid=5458

This in-breeding within the PAP elite circles has simply got to stop!

And guess who Joy Balakrishnan took over her position from? The wife of Teo Chee Hean!!

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/277198/1/.html

I think Singaporeans deserve to know what's going on. Are these positions paid?

 

[Sperminator]

TIME TO TAKE ACTIONS, VOTE FOR OPPOSITION!!! WITH OPPOSITION in PARLIAMENT, ALL THESE QUESTIONS WILL AND HAVE TO BE ANSWERED!!! VOTE FOR OPPOSITION!!!

 

[CPT (NS) BRANDON]

I think this is a serious manner. I have raised these queries because I believe they ought to be taken seriously.

Whether I vote for the PAP or the opposition is irrelevant. I will make that choice based on what the candidates in my constituency have to offer.

However, the issue of minister's wives being appointed as heads of public charitable organisations like the Girl Guides Association is puzzling. Surely it cannot be that they were all Girl Guides. There seems to be some kind of hidden shenanigans going on. This is particularly true if they get paid honorariums, allowances, stipends or fees for these so-called "jobs".

While this does not mean I will automatically vote for the opposition, I think this raises serious questions.

 

[Papsmearer]

I think this is a serious manner. I have raised these queries because I believe they ought to be taken seriously.

Whether I vote for the PAP or the opposition is irrelevant. I will make that choice based on what the candidates in my constituency have to offer.

However, the issue of minister's wives being appointed as heads of public charitable organisations like the Girl Guides Association is puzzling. Surely it cannot be that they were all Girl Guides. There seems to be some kind of hidden shenanigans going on. This is particularly true if they get paid honorariums, allowances, stipends or fees for these so-called "jobs".

While this does not mean I will automatically vote for the opposition, I think this raises serious questions.

Are u some sort of retard, Cpt.? U see all these shenanigans going on (and trust me when I tell u its just the very small tip of a giant iceberg), and you are still saying whether u vote PAP or oppo is irrelevant? The only answer available is yes, there is alot of this shit going on, and more will continue to go on as long as the PAP is in power. If you want even a chance of stopping it, u have to vote oppo. Simple as that.

 

[CPT (NS) BRANDON]

Are u some sort of retard, Cpt.? U see all these shenanigans going on (and trust me when I tell u its just the very small tip of a giant iceberg), and you are still saying whether u vote PAP or oppo is irrelevant? The only answer available is yes, there is alot of this shit going on, and more will continue to go on as long as the PAP is in power. If you want even a chance of stopping it, u have to vote oppo. Simple as that.

It looks like the guy contesting in my ward is Desmond Lim from SDA.

I do not think that Desmond Lim will take up my concerns and air these in Parliament. If it was Vincent Wijeysingha, Chen Show Mao, Sylvia Lim, Tan Jee Say, Benjamin Pwee, Hazel Poa, Alec Tok or James Gomez, I would happily vote for them.

But I am not convinced that Desmond Lim has what it takes to be a good MP. I mean, I'm sorry to say, but he doesn't even look the part. Plus he betrayed Mr Chiam, a man who I respect. I want to hear him come clean on that before I make my choice. If Desmond comes to my home to pay me a visit, I will ask him to come clean on the whole issue with Mr Chiam and SDA. I'll give him a chance to explain before I decide.

Anyway, it's just 3 votes (me, my wife and mother in law). Not going to make a big difference.

This is my personal choice and isn't relevant to the topic being discussed. I want to know why the ministers' wives are involved in the Girl Guides Association and whether the Association also has "links" to the PAP, like NTUC.

 

[GoldenDragon]

Anyway, it's just 3 votes (me, my wife and mother in law). Not going to make a big difference.

Bro, do not underestimate the 3 votes. It can and will make a difference.

 

[CPT (NS) BRANDON]

That isn't the point. The point is that I am not prepared to give my vote to Desmond Lim because I take it seriously.

However I will give him a chance to convince me otherwise. I would like to hear him come clean on why he turned his back on Mr Chiam and booted him out of SDA.

I would also like to know what issues he intends to raise in Parliament. At this point, I don't think he has the calibre to raise the issue that I brought up in this thread.

 

[Charlie99]

Re: Voting for the Opposition

It looks like the guy contesting in my ward is Desmond Lim from SDA.

I do not think that Desmond Lim will take up my concerns and air these in Parliament. If it was Vincent Wijeysingha, Chen Show Mao, Sylvia Lim, Tan Jee Say, Benjamin Pwee, Hazel Poa, Alec Tok or James Gomez, I would happily vote for them.

But I am not convinced that Desmond Lim has what it takes to be a good MP. I mean, I'm sorry to say, but he doesn't even look the part. Plus he betrayed Mr Chiam, a man who I respect. I want to hear him come clean on that before I make my choice. If Desmond comes to my home to pay me a visit, I will ask him to come clean on the whole issue with Mr Chiam and SDA. I'll give him a chance to explain before I decide.

Anyway, it's just 3 votes (me, my wife and mother in law). Not going to make a big difference. * [emphasis added by Charlie] *

This is my personal choice and isn't relevant to the topic being discussed. I want to know why the ministers' wives are involved in the Girl Guides Association and whether the Association also has "links" to the PAP, like NTUC.

Sir,
Your 3 votes is equivalent to 6 for the opposition if you vote for the opposition rather than the PAP. It is 3 for the Opposition rather than 3 for the PAP, +3 rather than -3.
Your 3 votes could result in 50.5 per cent for the Opposition and 49.5 per cent for the PAP candidates.
Just imagine, if more than half the individuals in your constituency who are eligible to vote, were to vote for the opposition because they subscribe to my logic above, then Singaporeans will be able to register a POWERFUL "NO" to all the irrelevant, unnecessary and inappropriate policies and legislation implemented by the PAP.
GO FOR IT, please consider the opposition candidates, for the future of Singapore.
Thank you.

 

[CPT (NS) BRANDON]

Re: Voting for the Opposition

I don't really get all this "ANYONE BUT PAP" argument. It is irrational. Although I most certainly want to see more opposition in Parliament, and although I am deeply concerned with many issues, I am unconvinced as to Desmond Lim as a candidate and what he can offer.

On the same note I would not vote for the likes of the parrot man or the slipper man or the hopeless PKMS guy who made a fool of himself on TV. They are simply not credible, and if a PAP candidate can offer more, then he deserves to be voted in!

This is ESPECIALLY the case for PAP candidates who are able to effect change from within the system. I believe we have seen in the past that people like Dr Tan Cheng Bock, Dr Lily Neo, Mr Tan Soo Khoon etc have really spoken up for us in Parliament, so why should a good candidate be punished just because of party affiliation?

Would you vote for the parrot man (I think his name is Zeng Guoyuan and he is a former WP candidate) over Dr Lily Neo?

On the same note, I am not convinced by Desmond Lim. I'm not saying I will definitely not vote for him. I've already said I am prepared to let him convince me. But I think he needs to explain the entire debacle involving Mr Chiam and his ouster from the SDA, which if I am not mistaken, he founded.

 

[Charlie99]

Re: Voting for the Opposition

In case you are unaware that at another thread under the Folder "Election Fever at the Coffee Shop", I have indicated that I have been a non-resident for almost 30 years, and that I have no vested interest in the outcome of the forthcoming Singapore General Elections, I better post it here.

Perhaps, you will allow me to direct you to read the thread started by [scroobal] regarding the reason(s) that Singaporeans should vote for the Opposition, because the PAP will form the government, but by voting for a sufficient number of Opposition MP's, it will serve as a check and balance, as well as hold the PAP accountable for its policies, make the PAP consider a broader and deeper perspective(s) before implementing the policies.

 

[Papsmearer]

It looks like the guy contesting in my ward is Desmond Lim from SDA.

I do not think that Desmond Lim will take up my concerns and air these in Parliament. If it was Vincent Wijeysingha, Chen Show Mao, Sylvia Lim, Tan Jee Say, Benjamin Pwee, Hazel Poa, Alec Tok or James Gomez, I would happily vote for them.

But I am not convinced that Desmond Lim has what it takes to be a good MP. I mean, I'm sorry to say, but he doesn't even look the part. Plus he betrayed Mr Chiam, a man who I respect. I want to hear him come clean on that before I make my choice. If Desmond comes to my home to pay me a visit, I will ask him to come clean on the whole issue with Mr Chiam and SDA. I'll give him a chance to explain before I decide.

Anyway, it's just 3 votes (me, my wife and mother in law). Not going to make a big difference.

This is my personal choice and isn't relevant to the topic being discussed. I want to know why the ministers' wives are involved in the Girl Guides Association and whether the Association also has "links" to the PAP, like NTUC.

Again, I am trying to fathom your logic here, and its sadly lacking. Are u of a lower IQ than normal? U are saying that Desmond Lim does not look the part? Are u basing your voting decision on his looks? Exactly what is an MP supposed to look like? Does Tin Pei Ling look like an MP or a schoolgirl? Does JBJ look like an MP or a madhatter?

The issue of the minister's wives is directly tied in to the elections, only a blind person can't see that. As people have tried to explain to you, these are patronage appointments, only reserved for the priveleged few. No qualifications needed other than being well connected politically. If you like this system, than you will continue to see many ministers' wives, children, relatives, etc. accorded this privilege. If you don't like this system, than vote for a change by voting someone other than PAP. Simple as that.

No oppo party is perfect. Chiam is not perfect regardless of how much u respect him, and neither is Desmond Lim. I preface this by saying I do not know these 2 individuals personally. If you want to wait for an oppo to come and explain everything to you until your comfort level is reached, good luck to you, That is not what being a voter is. As for the 3 votes, if everyone think their votes make no difference, than the world will never change. Sad to say, u are a pathetic excuse for a voter, but fortunately, I think you are the minority in singapore.

 

[CPT (NS) BRANDON]

Wow, it seems like it is impossible to have a frank exchange of views with people without them resorting to flaming and personal attacks. You are behaving just like Vivian Balakrishnan here.

My opinion of Desmond Lim is not based on looks. He simply does not appear to be a credible candidate for the following reasons:

1) He has not taken a leading role (despite being a party Sec-Gen) on policy issues. We hear Dr Vincent Wijeysingha and Mr Tan Jee Say talking about economic issues. The SDP has released a Shadow Budget. The WP has released a 65-page manifesto and several of its candidates have made very detailed criticisms (backed up by alternative suggestions) on issues such as public housing, immigration and so on. Desmond Lim has not taken a stand on such matters. He is just saying vote me in because I am not PAP. That is not good enough.

2) He has not been forthcoming about his background and professional experience. All I know is that he was a longtime supporter of Mr Chiam and worked in SDA grassroots. How do we know he can handle a town council? How do we know he can articulate issues in Parliament credibly?

3) Talking about holding PAP to account - in order to do so effectively, one has to be able to construct cogent arguments based on detailed analysis of (flawed) policies. Desmond Lim hasn't shown that he can do that.

4) With regards to the issue of Mr Chiam and his ouster. I do not want an MP who is disloyal. Dr Chee has clarified his past conflicts with Mr Chiam and given his side of the story, which I accept at face value. Tony Tan and Hazel Poa have given reasons for leaving the RP and joining the NSP, which I accept at face value. Desmond Lim has given no valid explanation as to why he turned his back on Mr Chiam despite the latter having been his mentor for many years. I want to hear him come clean on the issue.


I also wish to add that I did NOT say that I would definitely not be voting for Desmond Lim.

I said that I want to evaluate and assess his sincerity and capability first. This is what being a voter is about, contrary to what you have said.

Also, just because someone is a PAP candidate does not automatically make them a demon. BG Tan is not a demon, I have served under him and I know what kind of person he is. Dr Lily Neo is not a demon. She took Vivian Balakrishnan to task in Parliament over public assistance for the needy. Dr Tan Cheng Bock and Mr Tan Soo Khoon frequently criticised the PAP. To the extent that Dr Tan Cheng Bock was hammered by LKY himself in Parliament. Do you deny that these PAP candidates spoke up for the people?

Do you think that Desmond Lim can do a better job than Dr Tan Cheng Bock?

And to give you a more extreme example, do you think that the parrot man (Zeng Guoyuan) or the slipper man (Tan Lead Shake) should be voted in just because they are not from the PAP?

Do you really think that such individuals have what it takes to provide a check and balance against the PAP?

If I find that both the PAP and opposition candidates in my ward are unimpressive, there is always the option of spoiling my vote. You have that option too.

 

[CPT (NS) BRANDON]

Anyway, to add further to my original point in this thread.

You said that the "solution" to the issue of patronage appointments is to vote for the opposition.

I don't think it's that simple. Why have Mr Chiam, Mr Low, Ms Sylvia Lim and others (including Dr Chee etc) not even made any mention of this issue? Or the broader issue of patronage appointments that are based on political connections, which you yourself pointed out? Why did no one even suggest that Ho Ching should resign and that the only reason she still has a job is because of her family connections, which is what you are implying based on your logic??

Do Dr Chee, Dr Wijeysingha, Goh Meng Seng, Steve Chia need to be elected in order to comment on this issue?

 

[karmabear]

Oi captain, since no need to elected, why don't you raise the issue har? You captain wor plus buddy with BG Tan... Are you honestly a captain and living in Singapore? You really feel that Joy Balakrishnan's appointment is a big deal, Girl Guides... Wtf.... How to describe you... Too early lost for words. Please open your eyes big big and see the world for what it is. As said, this is a tip of a giant iceberg. If the ruling family said they will give up power and leave the country for US$20bn CASH, we are getting a good deal. This just refers to GIC and Temasek. Who really knows how big the iceberg is... Sometimes dun think is better...

 

[dankos]

Wow, it seems like it is impossible to have a frank exchange of views with people without them resorting to flaming and personal attacks. You are behaving just like Vivian Balakrishnan here.

My opinion of Desmond Lim is not based on looks. He simply does not appear to be a credible candidate for the following reasons:

. He


Do you think that Desmond Lim can do a better job than Dr Tan Cheng Bock?


If I find that both the PAP and opposition candidates in my ward are unimpressive, there is always the option of spoiling my vote. You have that option too.

wow. write so long. gotta give u some attention. another char_azn wannabe?

i reserve my judgement on you. anymore of these nonsense asking ppl NOT to vote for oppo will make u seen like another pap dog. as for now, u r a potential pap dog.

 

[tanwahtiu]

When you have a small brain wonder how you going to ask Desmond Lim to verfify?

When every single vote counts so small brain like you think that your vote doesn't play much in election wonder how you going to decide who to vote for?

It looks like the guy contesting in my ward is Desmond Lim from SDA.

I do not think that Desmond Lim will take up my concerns and air these in Parliament. If it was Vincent Wijeysingha, Chen Show Mao, Sylvia Lim, Tan Jee Say, Benjamin Pwee, Hazel Poa, Alec Tok or James Gomez, I would happily vote for them.

But I am not convinced that Desmond Lim has what it takes to be a good MP. I mean, I'm sorry to say, but he doesn't even look the part. Plus he betrayed Mr Chiam, a man who I respect. I want to hear him come clean on that before I make my choice. If Desmond comes to my home to pay me a visit, I will ask him to come clean on the whole issue with Mr Chiam and SDA. I'll give him a chance to explain before I decide.

Anyway, it's just 3 votes (me, my wife and mother in law). Not going to make a big difference.

This is my personal choice and isn't relevant to the topic being discussed. I want to know why the ministers' wives are involved in the Girl Guides Association and whether the Association also has "links" to the PAP, like NTUC.

 

[dankos]

When you have a small brain wonder how you going to ask Desmond Lim to verfify?

When every single vote counts so small brain like you think that your vote doesn't play much in election wonder how you going to decide who to vote for?

ppl now fighting GE war, pap started smear gay campaign and all this cpt can do is to question why mrs bala is the president of some girl guide association

wtf? girl guide association very powerful? dun ask this type of kachang puteh question. no impact.

 

[CPT (NS) BRANDON]

Now Desmond Lim gets himself involved in a 3 cornered fight. Well done. There was another thread on here asking whether Desmond Lim was the stupidest person on earth. Now I hope you can see why I have my reservations about him. What is he really trying to do? What's the point of getting involved in a 3 cornered fight, and at the same time threatening to sack any of his party members who want to contest in Tanjong Pagar? If Desmond Lim was more supportive, or even considered going to Tanjong Pagar himself, this would not have happened.

I will most likely be giving my vote to WP's Lee Lilian. I am not that impressed by Michael Palmer although I think he is one of the better PAP MPs.

 

[Silent88scope]

Now Desmond Lim gets himself involved in a 3 cornered fight. Well done. There was another thread on here asking whether Desmond Lim was the stupidest person on earth. Now I hope you can see why I have my reservations about him. What is he really trying to do? What's the point of getting involved in a 3 cornered fight, and at the same time threatening to sack any of his party members who want to contest in Tanjong Pagar? If Desmond Lim was more supportive, or even considered going to Tanjong Pagar himself, this would not have happened.

I will most likely be giving my vote to WP's Lee Lilian. I am not that impressed by Michael Palmer although I think he is one of the better PAP MPs.

Captain, when it comes to voting is your rational thinking based on micro or macro perspectives?

You will find the answers who to vote if you can answer honestly the following simple questions:
1) What makes you favor the PAP for having a MM, SM and PM? Do you see this kind of political scenarios in other parts of the world?
2) Each Ms cost us (tax payers) at least $3mil per year to maintain their lifestyle. Is it really true that each of these Ms are much capable, efficient and smarter than the president and prime minister of other countries? Do you think they deserve to have the "highest maintenance cost" in the world?
3) Remove both the MM and SM, is the PM capable of thinking and executing policy by himself?
4) Is it true that the MM, SM and PM's close friends and relatives are found in every GLCs and organizations?

Think about it as they are all related to this thread of yours.

 

[ivebert]

Anyway, to add further to my original point in this thread.

You said that the "solution" to the issue of patronage appointments is to vote for the opposition.

I don't think it's that simple. Why have Mr Chiam, Mr Low, Ms Sylvia Lim and others (including Dr Chee etc) not even made any mention of this issue? Or the broader issue of patronage appointments that are based on political connections, which you yourself pointed out? Why did no one even suggest that Ho Ching should resign and that the only reason she still has a job is because of her family connections, which is what you are implying based on your logic??

Do Dr Chee, Dr Wijeysingha, Goh Meng Seng, Steve Chia need to be elected in order to comment on this issue?

Don't bother writing so long

The peasants here only have the patience and intelligence to digest 1-3 sentences
If you add a few vulgarities, it makes your pointer more exciting to them