ELECTION CARE PACKAGE
*****************************
Two days ago, I talked to a friend about the elections and realized that she was unaware of the concerns facing Singaporeans who can’t afford private housing. She wanted to know more about election issues and how to support the Opposition, so I promised to send her some articles. While I found many excellent articles online, I could not find any good summaries.
With one week to the elections, there are too many long articles online for her to sort through and read, so I decided to compile a convenient and easy-to-understand summary for her, and include links for more in-depth discussion, and some suggestions on how she can make a difference.
I realized also that there are still many people, especially in the older generation, who do not use the internet or social media regularly, and do not look up alternative news unless someone sends it to them. They need a clear, from-the-basics introduction that they can read at one go and quickly update themselves on current issues.
As such, I have decided to update this package and share it here. You are most welcome to copy and paste this and share it with friends. I have probably missed many points, so if you can add to it before you forward, this care package letter will just get better!
PAP POLICIES
*****************************
PAP policies since the last general election have led to the following issues: are any of these affecting you?
1) The cost of living keeps increasing.
- The PAP government is responsible for managing the economy, taxes and growth.
- The prices of food, transport, utilities and necessities have been hiked repeatedly
- Inflation is rising, and is now at 5% per annum, GST has been increased to 7%
- Our salaries are not increasing to cope with this. Median wages are stagnant at $2.5K
http://theonlinecitizen.com/2010/10/the-relentless-rising-cost-of-living-in-singapore/
2) Foreigners are taking over our country.
- The PAP government is responsible for freely granting citizenships and PR to foreigners
- 40% of our population is now foreign
- We are being outcompeted for jobs because foreigners are cheap while we have CPF and NS liabilities
http://www.sgpolitics.net/?p=5980
3) Housing has become unaffordable.
- The PAP government is responsible for the availability of public housing.
- HDB flats have doubled in price up to 500K, while our median monthly wages remain below 3K.
- To afford a HDB flat, we may need to spend the next 30 years paying off a housing loan.
http://furrybrowndog.wordpress.com/...housing-prices-in-singapore-are-unaffordable/
PAP MISTAKES AND ACCOUNTABILITY
*****************************
Our PAP ministers are the highest paid in the world and they are increasing their salary again based on their claimed performance and capability.
http://yoursdp.org/index.php/truth-about/ministers-pay
However, there are many examples of the mishaps that have occurred while they were in charge, and they have responded with minimal accountability or self-reflection.
1) Response to $40 billion losses of state funds by Temasek Holdings
http://singaporemind.blogspot.com/2008/11/what-is-worrying-about-gic-temasek.html
2) Response to repeated, large scale flooding incidents.
http://siewkumhong.blogspot.com/2010/07/more-on-50-year-floods.html
3) Response to suspected terrorist Mas Selamat’s escape
http://catherinelim.sg/2008/04/27/more-comments-on-the-mas-selamat-scandal/
Also, they promised us the following during the last general election in 2006. How many of these promises have been delivered?
http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/04/pap-2006-election-manifesto-promise-–-success-or-failure/
PAP HOLDS TOO MUCH POWER
*****************************
Right now, the PAP’s leaders dominate parliament and can impose whatever law, rule or policy it wants on ordinary Singaporeans, leading to those issues mentioned above.
When debating policies in parliament
1) Opposition MPs are outnumbered 82-2 by PAP MPs in parliament
2) NMPs and NCMPs cannot vote on policies
3) PAP MPs cannot vote against their party
http://kentridgecommon.com/opinions/6838
When PAP leaders make bad decisions, no one can stop them. PAP MPs are forced to support them, and with the current PAP majority, protests in parliament can be ignored, protests in the street are illegal, and there is nothing we can do if we are unhappy with their policies for Singapore. But it does not have to be this way.
VOTE FOR THE OPPOSITION
*****************************
We can vote for the Opposition to:
1) Send a strong signal to the government to remind them not to ignore our concerns
2) Increase the number of Opposition members in parliament to check on the PAP
3) Encourage the growth of alternative views in the government
If we vote for the PAP, their system and policies will continue, and they will retain complete power and can justify bad policies by saying that we have voted for them and that we like what they are doing. They will prevent their policies from being questioned by making it hard for any Opposition to emerge in parliament, while only allowing elites who agree with them into parliament.
If we vote for the Opposition, there will be a check and balance on the excesses of the PAP, and Singaporeans can have more say in how our country is governed. We need more Opposition MPs because 2 against 82 will always get outvoted.
Some question individual opposition candidates, but the fact is that the PAP controls 97% of the voting parliament. Right now, the numbers matter. Any opposition representation is better than no opposition presence.
If the Opposition can grow during this election, many more humble and capable people will be inspired and encouraged to step forward to serve Singapore. The Opposition will get better. Government decisions will be examined more carefully, and policies towards us will be kinder and more balanced. We are not just voting for the Opposition of today: we are voting for the Opposition of the future, for GE2016 and beyond.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
*****************************
1) Will I get into trouble for supporting the Opposition?
a) No, your vote is secret. The PAP will never know who you voted for.
http://wp.sg/your-vote-is-secret/
b) No, because you are not alone. There are hundreds of thousands of Opposition supporters and the PAP has no way to track all of us.
c) No, because many people have voted for and volunteered with the Opposition in the last election, and nothing has happened to them.
http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/04/three-local-myths/
2) Will Singapore fall into chaos if the PAP loses the elections?
a) No, because the civil service is politically neutral: water, electricity, public transport, hospitals, emergency services will continue to run regardless of who is in power.
http://www.temasekreview.com/2011/0...he-opposition-wins-the-next-general-election/
b) No, because the PAP will not lose the elections completely or disappear overnight. It has ruled Singapore for 46 years and controls 97% of parliament and has heavily entrenched itself in the system.
c) There is no shortage of votes for the PAP, due to gerrymandering, the GRC system, the PAP grassroots associations. The PAP does not need your vote to stay in power.
http://singaporemind.blogspot.com/2011/04/spreading-fear-of-freak-results-and.html
d) Opposition views will improve parliament debate, and lead to deadlocks as the PAP has threatened.
http://yawningbread.wordpress.com/2011/04/21/deadlock-bogeyman/
3) Can I be confident of the Opposition compared to the PAP’s track record in the past?
a) The old PAP team from the 60s has retired and the new PAP team from 2006 is made up of many new people. The new PAP team faces a different set of problems, and their track record at handling new problems in the last five years is worse than the old PAP. Their new candidates are drawn mainly from elites in the civil service and are not representative of Singapore’s population today.
http://singaporeelection.blogspot.com/2011/04/pap-in-1950s-is-not-same-as-pap-now.html
b) The PAP has abused its dominance to deny the Opposition a track record, and prevent them from accessing resources for upgrading programmes to improve the lives of constituents.
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/sing...grading-pay-less-tax-20110405-231901-526.html
c) The quality of the Opposition has improved greatly since the last election. Opposition candidates for this election are well qualified and hail from diverse backgrounds, better representing Singapore today.
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=580728
d) The Opposition is contesting the greatest number of the seats in parliament than ever before in Singapore’s history
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704099704576288353006346000.html
e) Opposition candidates face many risks and make great personal sacrifices in stepping forward to serve Singapore. They have not been drawn by the lure of money or an easy route into parliament. They have demonstrated courage and conviction, and if we give them our support, the Opposition will grow in strength and contribute to better governance that will improve our lives in the next five years and beyond.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
*****************************
What can I do to make a difference?
1) Cast your vote for an Opposition party
a) Find out your constituency and get to know who the Opposition candidates in your area are
http://sgmaps.blogspot.com/p/electoral-map.html
b) Familiarize yourself with voting procedures
http://www.elections.gov.sg/voters_how.html
c) Do not spoil your vote
http://yeejj.wordpress.com/2011/04/23/spoiling-your-vote-think-carefully/
d) If you are too young to vote, you can still persuade others around you to vote!
2) Tell your relatives, friends and neighbors
a) Forward this message via email, forums, Facebook or any other means
b) Pledge to talk to one person every day about voting for change
c) Help spread the message to those who have no access to the internet.
d) You can use a hand-phone or laptop to show others videos and broadcasts, or print copies of articles and pass them around.
3) Connect with Opposition parties and candidates in person
a) Write in to express your support, and share your writings with others online or in person.
b) Attend opposition rallies to know more about what the opposition offers, and bring your friends
http://www.spf.gov.sg/mic/2011/110427_election_meeting_for_28Apr.htm
c) Remind others of the date, time and venue of Opposition rallies
d) Volunteer to help with the Opposition campaign on the ground
http://thereformparty.net/getting-involved/
http://yoursdp.org/index.php/act-now/contact-us
http://www.spp.org.sg/?p=103
http://www.facebook.com/workersparty
http://www.facebook.com/nspsg
4) Help translate this summary into other languages to help it reach more people.
RESOURCES
*****************************
In helping to spread the word, you may find the following resources useful:
(Please add to this list if you feel it is incomplete)
Opposition party websites:
http://www.wp.sg/
http://www.nsp.sg/
http://www.singaporedemocrat.org/
http://www.spp.org.sg/
http://thereformparty.net/
Alternative news sites:
http://singaporedaily.net/
http://theonlinecitizen.com/
http://www.temasekreview.com/
Videos:
GE2011 media repository: http://ge2011media.com/
WP Election message in English: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uGrX86R2vM
WP Election message in Chinese: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80Y13RIEdbE
WP Election message in Malay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmBg6OKgo98
WP Election message in Tamil: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r94o93Gz42U
SDP Election message in Hokkien: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVcXYYcWjtI
(If you have a hand-phone or laptop in a coffee-shop or public area, you can play the above links for the benefit of non-English speakers. Please check links before you play them.)
Al Jazeera on Singapore inflation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BygOYrP722Y
Sylvia Lim on ministerial salaries: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mufeBJSLhms
Low Thia Khiang on Budget 2011: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpn4yVrcb0M
SDP Videos: http://yoursdp.org/videos
WP Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/wpsingapore
RP Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/SGReformPartyTV
154Media: http://www.youtube.com/user/154media
Project2O11: http://www.youtube.com/user/project2O11
Wendy Neo: http://www.youtube.com/user/wendyneo
*****************************
Two days ago, I talked to a friend about the elections and realized that she was unaware of the concerns facing Singaporeans who can’t afford private housing. She wanted to know more about election issues and how to support the Opposition, so I promised to send her some articles. While I found many excellent articles online, I could not find any good summaries.
With one week to the elections, there are too many long articles online for her to sort through and read, so I decided to compile a convenient and easy-to-understand summary for her, and include links for more in-depth discussion, and some suggestions on how she can make a difference.
I realized also that there are still many people, especially in the older generation, who do not use the internet or social media regularly, and do not look up alternative news unless someone sends it to them. They need a clear, from-the-basics introduction that they can read at one go and quickly update themselves on current issues.
As such, I have decided to update this package and share it here. You are most welcome to copy and paste this and share it with friends. I have probably missed many points, so if you can add to it before you forward, this care package letter will just get better!
PAP POLICIES
*****************************
PAP policies since the last general election have led to the following issues: are any of these affecting you?
1) The cost of living keeps increasing.
- The PAP government is responsible for managing the economy, taxes and growth.
- The prices of food, transport, utilities and necessities have been hiked repeatedly
- Inflation is rising, and is now at 5% per annum, GST has been increased to 7%
- Our salaries are not increasing to cope with this. Median wages are stagnant at $2.5K
http://theonlinecitizen.com/2010/10/the-relentless-rising-cost-of-living-in-singapore/
2) Foreigners are taking over our country.
- The PAP government is responsible for freely granting citizenships and PR to foreigners
- 40% of our population is now foreign
- We are being outcompeted for jobs because foreigners are cheap while we have CPF and NS liabilities
http://www.sgpolitics.net/?p=5980
3) Housing has become unaffordable.
- The PAP government is responsible for the availability of public housing.
- HDB flats have doubled in price up to 500K, while our median monthly wages remain below 3K.
- To afford a HDB flat, we may need to spend the next 30 years paying off a housing loan.
http://furrybrowndog.wordpress.com/...housing-prices-in-singapore-are-unaffordable/
PAP MISTAKES AND ACCOUNTABILITY
*****************************
Our PAP ministers are the highest paid in the world and they are increasing their salary again based on their claimed performance and capability.
http://yoursdp.org/index.php/truth-about/ministers-pay
However, there are many examples of the mishaps that have occurred while they were in charge, and they have responded with minimal accountability or self-reflection.
1) Response to $40 billion losses of state funds by Temasek Holdings
http://singaporemind.blogspot.com/2008/11/what-is-worrying-about-gic-temasek.html
2) Response to repeated, large scale flooding incidents.
http://siewkumhong.blogspot.com/2010/07/more-on-50-year-floods.html
3) Response to suspected terrorist Mas Selamat’s escape
http://catherinelim.sg/2008/04/27/more-comments-on-the-mas-selamat-scandal/
Also, they promised us the following during the last general election in 2006. How many of these promises have been delivered?
http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/04/pap-2006-election-manifesto-promise-–-success-or-failure/
PAP HOLDS TOO MUCH POWER
*****************************
Right now, the PAP’s leaders dominate parliament and can impose whatever law, rule or policy it wants on ordinary Singaporeans, leading to those issues mentioned above.
When debating policies in parliament
1) Opposition MPs are outnumbered 82-2 by PAP MPs in parliament
2) NMPs and NCMPs cannot vote on policies
3) PAP MPs cannot vote against their party
http://kentridgecommon.com/opinions/6838
When PAP leaders make bad decisions, no one can stop them. PAP MPs are forced to support them, and with the current PAP majority, protests in parliament can be ignored, protests in the street are illegal, and there is nothing we can do if we are unhappy with their policies for Singapore. But it does not have to be this way.
VOTE FOR THE OPPOSITION
*****************************
We can vote for the Opposition to:
1) Send a strong signal to the government to remind them not to ignore our concerns
2) Increase the number of Opposition members in parliament to check on the PAP
3) Encourage the growth of alternative views in the government
If we vote for the PAP, their system and policies will continue, and they will retain complete power and can justify bad policies by saying that we have voted for them and that we like what they are doing. They will prevent their policies from being questioned by making it hard for any Opposition to emerge in parliament, while only allowing elites who agree with them into parliament.
If we vote for the Opposition, there will be a check and balance on the excesses of the PAP, and Singaporeans can have more say in how our country is governed. We need more Opposition MPs because 2 against 82 will always get outvoted.
Some question individual opposition candidates, but the fact is that the PAP controls 97% of the voting parliament. Right now, the numbers matter. Any opposition representation is better than no opposition presence.
If the Opposition can grow during this election, many more humble and capable people will be inspired and encouraged to step forward to serve Singapore. The Opposition will get better. Government decisions will be examined more carefully, and policies towards us will be kinder and more balanced. We are not just voting for the Opposition of today: we are voting for the Opposition of the future, for GE2016 and beyond.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
*****************************
1) Will I get into trouble for supporting the Opposition?
a) No, your vote is secret. The PAP will never know who you voted for.
http://wp.sg/your-vote-is-secret/
b) No, because you are not alone. There are hundreds of thousands of Opposition supporters and the PAP has no way to track all of us.
c) No, because many people have voted for and volunteered with the Opposition in the last election, and nothing has happened to them.
http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/04/three-local-myths/
2) Will Singapore fall into chaos if the PAP loses the elections?
a) No, because the civil service is politically neutral: water, electricity, public transport, hospitals, emergency services will continue to run regardless of who is in power.
http://www.temasekreview.com/2011/0...he-opposition-wins-the-next-general-election/
b) No, because the PAP will not lose the elections completely or disappear overnight. It has ruled Singapore for 46 years and controls 97% of parliament and has heavily entrenched itself in the system.
c) There is no shortage of votes for the PAP, due to gerrymandering, the GRC system, the PAP grassroots associations. The PAP does not need your vote to stay in power.
http://singaporemind.blogspot.com/2011/04/spreading-fear-of-freak-results-and.html
d) Opposition views will improve parliament debate, and lead to deadlocks as the PAP has threatened.
http://yawningbread.wordpress.com/2011/04/21/deadlock-bogeyman/
3) Can I be confident of the Opposition compared to the PAP’s track record in the past?
a) The old PAP team from the 60s has retired and the new PAP team from 2006 is made up of many new people. The new PAP team faces a different set of problems, and their track record at handling new problems in the last five years is worse than the old PAP. Their new candidates are drawn mainly from elites in the civil service and are not representative of Singapore’s population today.
http://singaporeelection.blogspot.com/2011/04/pap-in-1950s-is-not-same-as-pap-now.html
b) The PAP has abused its dominance to deny the Opposition a track record, and prevent them from accessing resources for upgrading programmes to improve the lives of constituents.
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/sing...grading-pay-less-tax-20110405-231901-526.html
c) The quality of the Opposition has improved greatly since the last election. Opposition candidates for this election are well qualified and hail from diverse backgrounds, better representing Singapore today.
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=580728
d) The Opposition is contesting the greatest number of the seats in parliament than ever before in Singapore’s history
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704099704576288353006346000.html
e) Opposition candidates face many risks and make great personal sacrifices in stepping forward to serve Singapore. They have not been drawn by the lure of money or an easy route into parliament. They have demonstrated courage and conviction, and if we give them our support, the Opposition will grow in strength and contribute to better governance that will improve our lives in the next five years and beyond.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
*****************************
What can I do to make a difference?
1) Cast your vote for an Opposition party
a) Find out your constituency and get to know who the Opposition candidates in your area are
http://sgmaps.blogspot.com/p/electoral-map.html
b) Familiarize yourself with voting procedures
http://www.elections.gov.sg/voters_how.html
c) Do not spoil your vote
http://yeejj.wordpress.com/2011/04/23/spoiling-your-vote-think-carefully/
d) If you are too young to vote, you can still persuade others around you to vote!
2) Tell your relatives, friends and neighbors
a) Forward this message via email, forums, Facebook or any other means
b) Pledge to talk to one person every day about voting for change
c) Help spread the message to those who have no access to the internet.
d) You can use a hand-phone or laptop to show others videos and broadcasts, or print copies of articles and pass them around.
3) Connect with Opposition parties and candidates in person
a) Write in to express your support, and share your writings with others online or in person.
b) Attend opposition rallies to know more about what the opposition offers, and bring your friends
http://www.spf.gov.sg/mic/2011/110427_election_meeting_for_28Apr.htm
c) Remind others of the date, time and venue of Opposition rallies
d) Volunteer to help with the Opposition campaign on the ground
http://thereformparty.net/getting-involved/
http://yoursdp.org/index.php/act-now/contact-us
http://www.spp.org.sg/?p=103
http://www.facebook.com/workersparty
http://www.facebook.com/nspsg
4) Help translate this summary into other languages to help it reach more people.
RESOURCES
*****************************
In helping to spread the word, you may find the following resources useful:
(Please add to this list if you feel it is incomplete)
Opposition party websites:
http://www.wp.sg/
http://www.nsp.sg/
http://www.singaporedemocrat.org/
http://www.spp.org.sg/
http://thereformparty.net/
Alternative news sites:
http://singaporedaily.net/
http://theonlinecitizen.com/
http://www.temasekreview.com/
Videos:
GE2011 media repository: http://ge2011media.com/
WP Election message in English: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uGrX86R2vM
WP Election message in Chinese: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80Y13RIEdbE
WP Election message in Malay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmBg6OKgo98
WP Election message in Tamil: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r94o93Gz42U
SDP Election message in Hokkien: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVcXYYcWjtI
(If you have a hand-phone or laptop in a coffee-shop or public area, you can play the above links for the benefit of non-English speakers. Please check links before you play them.)
Al Jazeera on Singapore inflation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BygOYrP722Y
Sylvia Lim on ministerial salaries: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mufeBJSLhms
Low Thia Khiang on Budget 2011: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpn4yVrcb0M
SDP Videos: http://yoursdp.org/videos
WP Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/wpsingapore
RP Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/SGReformPartyTV
154Media: http://www.youtube.com/user/154media
Project2O11: http://www.youtube.com/user/project2O11
Wendy Neo: http://www.youtube.com/user/wendyneo
