Damage control from WP

[wikiphile]

http://wp.sg/2012/02/changes-in-workers-party-leadership/

The Workers’ Party wishes to inform the public that at the monthly meeting of the Executive Council on Tuesday, 7 February 2012, the Council accepted the resignation of Yaw Shin Leong from the party leadership. Yaw Shin Leong will cease to be Treasurer of the Party with immediate effect.

The Council has also decided to appoint the Deputy Treasurer, Yee Jenn Jong, as the Party’s Treasurer.

Yaw Shin Leong will focus on his responsibilities as Member of Parliament for Hougang.

The Workers’ Party assures residents of Hougang of the Party’s commitment to the constituency and to supporting the work of their Member of Parliament.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WORKERS’ PARTY
7 February 2012

Happy now Insect King Goh Meng Seng?

 

[Perspective]

I don't think the chap is the sole person and WP would have known there were murmurs of various sources.

But I think now both YSL and WP has to explain why. It's an admission of guilt, cannot be no reason then resign, but it would be odd not to make it a silent resignation and not say it in words.

 

[Thick Face Black Heart]

The Workers’ Party assures residents of Hougang of the Party’s commitment to the constituency and to supporting the work of their Member of Parliament.


Happy now Insect King Goh Meng Seng?

Basically reassuring the public they will devote resources to Hougang and not leave it entirely in the hands of YSL.

That's what I like about WP's statements. No innuendo about never trusting YSL anymore or frantic struggle to cover him the next 5 years. You can't read between the lines as there's nothing between the lines.

Cool.

 

[Thick Face Black Heart]

I don't think the chap is the sole person and WP would have known there were murmurs of various sources.

But I think now both YSL and WP has to explain why. It's an admission of guilt, cannot be no reason then resign, but it would be odd not to make it a silent resignation and not say it in words.

I agree that the chap is not the sole person, but disagree that its admission of guilt. YSL's basically has no choice but to resign from leadership portfolios since he cannot affirm or deny the allegations and it would affect his CEC work as long as the matter is unresolved. WP is basically saying, we know there is a problem, but YSL's resignation is all we are prepared to offer the public at this pt in time.

 

[Perspective]

Correction: but it would be odd <s>not</s> to make it a silent resignation and not say it in words.

 

[Perspective]

I agree that the chap is not the sole person, but disagree that its admission of guilt. YSL's basically has no choice but to resign from leadership portfolios since he cannot affirm or deny the allegations and it would affect his CEC work as long as the matter is unresolved. WP is basically saying, we know there is a problem, but YSL's resignation is all we are prepared to offer the public at this pt in time.

Can't really understand what you are saying here. The rumours were rather black and white and even if grey, his resignation would mean it would at least be partly true. WP can only take either one of 2 stands - everything of such nature is personal whether rumour or not and life goes on as per normal, or do something about it based on the reason.

The appearance as it is now is appears to be neither here nor there - that YSL is resigning for fun or maybe his mum is sick but nothing to do with the rumour, and timing of resignation simply coincides with the rumour.

 

[Thick Face Black Heart]

Can't really understand what you are saying here. The rumours were rather black and white and even if grey, his resignation would mean it would at least be partly true. WP can only take either one of 2 stands - everything of such nature is personal whether rumour or not and life goes on as per normal, or do something about it based on the reason.

The appearance as it is now is appears to be that YSL is resigning for fun or maybe his mum is sick but nothing to do with the rumour, and timing of resignation simply coincides with the rumour.

No, what I meant was, WP doesn't seem to care about the exact nature of the rumours, but it acknowledges since there is a now a problem with how the public perceives YSL, his resignation is what can be offered at this pt in time. How the public reads into the resignation, whether as an admission of guilt or not, or for some other reason unbeknownst, is not important.

 

[kingrant]

Is there something I am missing here? How does resigning from the Treasurership and leadership from CEC make his recent behaviour any less wrong? Wasnt he supposed to observe his decorum as an MP rather than as a Treasurer? Even if he is now an ordinary member of WP, the fact is that he is still an MP, and it wont change anything, right?

 

[HTOLAS]

I've got to admire WP. Some other parties would have done nothing at all, murmurs or otherwise, and even elevate their less than pristine members to international positions.

 

[Clone]

I bet my last dollar that YSL will not contest as a WP candidate in 2016.

挥泪斩马谡! Good one WP!

 

[Perspective]

No, what I meant was, WP doesn't seem to care about the exact nature of the rumours, but it acknowledges since there is a now a problem with how the public perceives YSL, his resignation is what can be offered at this pt in time. How the public reads into the resignation, whether as an admission of guilt or not, or for some other reason unbeknownst, is not important.

I see.

But I think that position is rather hard to comprehend. When the rumour surfaced, people said it is either true, true but none of their business or not true. The position of being not any of the 3 but because the way it affected YSL may pop blur question marks above people's heads if they read your reasoning. People are just going to stick to the remaining 2 premises - so it's true (and good that he has stepped down or should even step down as MP or I will never vote him again) or so it's true but why should he step down since it is a personal matter - and not a 3rd premise as what you stated.

Also, if the rumours are not true, then WP will be seen as stupid. The next thing TRE will say is that LTK and Toh Hong Boon are having an uncle-nephew gay relation and LTK has to step down as SG too if public perception alters about him.

 

[Thick Face Black Heart]

I bet my last dollar that YSL will not contest as a WP candidate in 2016.

挥泪斩马谡! Good one WP!

You should bet your KKJ.

If you lose that bet, meet me outside after GE2016, I will bring a sterilized equipment to help you honour your bet.

 

[Goh Meng Seng]

You are right, the culprit is the Insect King but I am not that Insect King. The Insect King is laughing and sneering away!

Goh Meng Seng

http://wp.sg/2012/02/changes-in-workers-party-leadership/

The Workers’ Party wishes to inform the public that at the monthly meeting of the Executive Council on Tuesday, 7 February 2012, the Council accepted the resignation of Yaw Shin Leong from the party leadership. Yaw Shin Leong will cease to be Treasurer of the Party with immediate effect.

The Council has also decided to appoint the Deputy Treasurer, Yee Jenn Jong, as the Party’s Treasurer.

Yaw Shin Leong will focus on his responsibilities as Member of Parliament for Hougang.

The Workers’ Party assures residents of Hougang of the Party’s commitment to the constituency and to supporting the work of their Member of Parliament.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WORKERS’ PARTY
7 February 2012

Happy now Insect King Goh Meng Seng?

 

[Goh Meng Seng]

It is the most stupid thing to do politically. It would be seen as an admission of guilt but wait, you mean WP CEC position is more important than MP? Resigning from WP CEC position but not as MP? Such management will raise even more questions rather than answers or put a closure to the saga.

The only thing needed is just a public apology, beg for forgiveness and promise not to commit the mistakes again. Then use the PAP's favourite words, let's move on. Full stop and give a closure to the saga. There is no necessity to do such ineffective, unnecessary thing here. Faint.


Goh Meng Seng

Is there something I am missing here? How does resigning from the Treasurership and leadership from CEC make his recent behaviour any less wrong? Wasnt he supposed to observe his decorum as an MP rather than as a Treasurer? Even if he is now an ordinary member of WP, the fact is that he is still an MP, and it wont change anything, right?

 

[Alladin]

That's what I like about WP's statements. No innuendo about never trusting YSL anymore or frantic struggle to cover him the next 5 years. You can't read between the lines as there's nothing between the lines.

..... How the public reads into the resignation, whether as an admission of guilt or not, or for some other reason unbeknownst, is not important.

I disagree that we can't read between the lines of their statement. In fact, it's as clear as day.... guilty.

That's exactly the crux of how WP sees the voting public isn't it? Not Important.... suckers! Kinda sad that the WP is still trying so hard to save face at this moment. If face was all they are after, they should've just continue with their "no comments". By taking this type of "no three no four" measure, it simply presents a lack of sincerity to deal with the issue. Or are they trying to test water to see what else the dark hand is going to surface?

 

[myfoot123]

It is the most stupid thing to do politically. It would be seen as an admission of guilt but wait, you mean WP CEC position is more important than MP? Resigning from WP CEC position but not as MP? Such management will raise even more questions rather than answers or put a closure to the saga.
[Goh Meng Seng

Though I see the timing of his resignation from treasurer is too soon and coincidental to the rumor, I bet it is the best gesture WP can offer - a light slap on the wrist. WP see no necessity of any apology or stone him in public over a rumor. WP wanted YSL to concentrate and focus on doing a good work in Hougang and win back the residents heart for all the saga surrounding their MP, sort of personal atonement. If he done his work well, he deserved to be voted in again and legitimately washed clean what rumors have had on him in the past. If he didn't do his job, he will not be voted even if he is squeaky clean. WP card has played out very well. Everyone is happy.

 

[Goh Meng Seng]

After his stupid move of resigning from WP CEC, it will no longer be a rumor but in people's perception, TRUTH. i.e. basically there is nothing to wash clean already.

Yes, he could try to do his best as MP of Hougang but the next question is, will WP field him again come next GE? Especially so when WP is expected to have even more qualified people joining them, why would the party field a proven lemon again when it has better choices?

Basically, the whole thing has been screwed up by bad management of the crisis. The golden window of opportunity of solving the problem has been missed. It is just too little just too late for this to happen. The worst thing to happen is to allow crisis of such to drag on which will open people's to speculations and doubts to grow by the day. Just too bad. So be it.

Goh Meng Seng

Though I see the timing of his resignation from treasurer is too soon and coincidental to the rumor, I bet it is the best gesture WP can offer - a light slap on the wrisp. So there is no necessity to apologise or stone him in public over a rumor. WP wanted YSL to concentrate and focus on doing a good work in Hougang and win back the residents heart for all the saga surrounding, sort of personal atonement. If he done his work well, he deserved to be voted in again and legitimately washed clean what rumors have had on him in the past. If he didn't do his job, he will not be voted even if he is squeaky clean. WP card has played out very well. Everyone is happy.

 

[Fook Seng]

Viewed in the context of present day sexual morality, if it was between willing adults and between forgiving adults, I don't think many people will be bothered except for the most conservative in their thinking.

 

[Goh Meng Seng]

It is NOT just about morality. I have explained it on my blog post, it is about risk factor in putting up people with such sexual tendency which will result in corruption of power. This in turn may compromise national interests and security.

What he needs to address is just to reassure voters that he is of low risk factor, that's all. The way they handle this crisis is flat F, fail.

Goh Meng Seng

Viewed in the context of present day sexual morality, if it was between willing adults and between forgiving adults, I don't think many people will be bothered except for the most conservative in their thinking.

 

[scroobal]

Frankly the position of treasurer and CEC is pretty much hollow in the scheme of things and is remotely attached to one's morality. He probably has less responsibility as admin work is not something people clamour for. More a reward.

They should have issued a warning letter or censured his conduct internally and kept it private. Politically it serves no purpose. In fact it demeans the position of MP. It would have been better to apologise if they wanted to make it public.

I suspect that the party is divided with a one faction wanting blood and this is the only compromise.

I always felt that this guy is a liability - an idiot.