WP counters PAP's charges of dishonesty
			By Imelda Saad |   			Posted: 24 May 2012 2236 hrs 
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			Attendees at Workers' Party's rally on Thursday (photo by channelnewsasia.com's Siti Bazilah)[/TD]
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 		 		SINGAPORE: The Workers' Party (WP) leadership has countered the  PAP's criticism that it has been dishonest, flip flopping on policies  and taking voters for granted.
At the WP's final rally for the  Hougang by-election on Thursday, several WP members spoke of the party's  candidate Png Eng Huat's integrity and his track record in Hougang.
They also said that as an opposition party, the WP does not oppose for the sake of opposing. 
Mr Chen Show Mao, an MP for Aljunied GRC, spoke about what he described as "political honesty".
Mr Chen said what the party tries to do is: be an honest critic. He added that may be difficult for some to understand.
Mr  Chen said: "How could the Workers' Party criticise government policies  and pass this year's Budget? He (DPM Teo Chee Hean) said we're flip  flopping and he called us 'dishonest'... 
"The WP MPs voted to  pass this year's Budget because we believe the government had taken a  good first step towards forging an inclusive society, which has always  been the Workers' Party's platform. 
"When the driver is starting  to make a U-turn to go in the direction suggested by the co-driver, we  say 'pass', but you must keep going!"
Mr Pritam Singh, another MP for Aljunied GRC, also rejected criticisms that the Workers' Party has been contradicting itself.
He  said: "We agreed with the Budget, because there were elements in the  Budget which were inclusive. Singaporeans, you know the track record of  the Workers' Party. We do not oppose for the sake of opposing. If a  policy benefits Singaporeans, how can we in good conscience oppose it?"
Workers'  Party chairman Sylvia Lim addressed voters who may still be on the  fence, and gave reasons why Mr Png would be a good MP at a local level.
She  said: "As for being a representative in Parliament, Png is also an  excellent choice; he is thoughtful, mature and extremely hardworking. He  was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth but a self-made man who  fought his way through life. Png will not hesitate to raise the concerns  of people in Parliament; he will be a bold yet sensible opposition  voice."
Workers' Party secretary-general Low Thia Khiang accused the PAP of unwarranted personal attacks on the WP MPs.
"During  the PAP's rally, MP Denise Phua criticised the Workers' Party for  always saying the bad things about the government. But in fact, I rose  to thank the government for giving better focus to the welfare of the  people in the same Budget debate, where totally unwarranted attacks were  made on the Workers' Party MPs. The Workers' Party is very clear that  our core mission is the welfare and the well being of our people," said  Mr Low.
Mr Low added that opposition MPs can only do so much to  suggest policy changes. He refuted criticism that the Workers' Party had  no suggestions or only criticised the government.
Mr Low said:  "Policies are not always perfect and groups of people may be adversely  affected. We can provide feedback from the ground, make recommendations,  but it is almost impossible to challenge the technicality of these  policies without the resources that the ministries have.
"Opposition  MPs cannot, neither can the PAP MPs. Let's see what Desmond Choo, or  any other PAP MPs for that matter, can propose alternative policies to  solve the problems of high COE prices or high water and electricity  charges."
Like he did at his previous rallies, Mr Png again  shared his plans for Hougang residents. Among these are upgrading for  flats and the construction of amenities like covered walkways as well as  elderly fitness corners.
Mr Png again explained why the Hougang  vote is important. "When Hougang goes to the polls on Saturday, the  whole of Singapore will be watching. A vote for the PAP will be a vote  in the wrong direction in our march towards a First World Parliament. A  vote for the PAP will be a step backwards for justice, democracy and  equality."
- CNA/ir