PAP accepts challenge to debate on live TV - come la see who win

[†††††]

GE: S'pore's main political parties take part in TV forum
Posted: 29 March 2011 1756 hrs

SINGAPORE: Five of Singapore's main political parties have taken part in a pre-election television forum, organised by Channel NewsAsia, in the run up to the General Election due by February 2012.

The hour long programme, in English, which will be broadcast unedited, is entitled "A political forum on Singapore's future".

It brought together representatives from the People's Action Party, the Singapore People's Party, the Workers' Party, the Singapore Democratic Alliance and the Singapore Democratic Party.

It is the first such programme to be recorded since 1988 and adopted a structured format with allotted times for representatives to present their party's position and perspectives.

Opposition members were given half the air time during the structured segments, and the ruling PAP given the other half of the time.

There were also discussion segments, where participants freely argued and articulated their views to give voters an insight into their thinking.

Executive Producer, Lee Siew Hoon, said: "We have decided on this hybrid approach of a structured deliberation and discussion which we think works better for our viewers, and they will find it easier to understand the respective party's position on how they see Singapore's future.

"This ultimately is a platform to allow voters to hear views of the respective parties and an opportunity to hear from some candidates standing in the coming GE who want to represent them in parliament."

The programme participants were Finance Minister and PAP Treasurer, Tharman Shanmugaratnam and MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh Josephine Teo.

The Singapore People's Party was represented by its Second Vice-Chairperson, Lina Chiam. The Workers' Party sent Gerald Giam, an Assistant webmaster and an executive council member.

The Singapore Democratic Alliance had Mohd Nazem Suki, who is the Assistant Secretary-General of the SDA and also PKMS Secretary-General. While the Singapore Democratic Party was represented by its Assistant Treasurer, Dr Vincent Wijeysingha.

The programme was recorded at MediaCorp's Andrew Road studios and will be broadcast on Channel NewsAsia on Saturday at 10pm.

Encore telecasts are scheduled for Sunday at 6pm and Monday at 1pm and 6pm. Channel 5 will also air the programme on Monday at 10pm.

A mandarin programme will also be recorded and is currently scheduled for broadcast on Channel 8 on Sunday at 9pm.

-CNA/ac

 

[Jade Rabbit]

Sounds good until you realise that it is the PAP who will have the last word.

 

[po2wq]

... The programme was recorded at MediaCorp's Andrew Road studios and will be broadcast on Channel NewsAsia on Saturday at 10pm.

Encore telecasts are scheduled for Sunday at 6pm and Monday at 1pm and 6pm. Channel 5 will also air the programme on Monday at 10pm ...

walan eh! ...

haven even performed ... oredi got encore! ...

 

[ray_of_hope]

My question: Why is it that NSP and RP do not appear to be represented ?

 

[shOUTloud]

As long as it is live, I am ok with PAP having the last word.

 

[Sideswipe]

My question: Why is it that NSP and RP do not appear to be represented ?

4 opposition parties are represented, fair enough.
maybe NSP and RP will appear in the Chinese debate.

 

[Airlib]

Finally Ah Seng's wish is fulfilled.... But then... Where is Ah Seng??

 

[ray_of_hope]

4 opposition parties are represented, fair enough.
maybe NSP and RP will appear in the Chinese debate.

To me (and probably most others), the SDA (especially after SPP withdrew from it) is not a credible political force.
The NSP is clearly a few notches above the SDA in terms of credibility. And the RP should also be thinking along the same lines.
These parties do not get many chances to get TV exposure before an audience of thousands. That the NSP and RP are not
represented is very telling. This may fuel unnecessary speculation.

The Chinese debate is a separate issue altogether. The English and Chinese debates appeal to completely different demographics,
i.e., segments of voters.

It seems to me that the WP is the only oppo party ahead of the curve. It is taking its opportunities where they are available, and
at the same time showcasing the fact that it has both the organizational structure and range of personalities to front its campaign.

 

[Sideswipe]

These parties do not get many chances to get TV exposure before an audience of thousands. That the NSP and RP are not
represented is very telling. This may fuel unnecessary speculation.

The Chinese debate is a separate issue altogether. The English and Chinese debates appeal to completely different demographics,
i.e., segments of voters.

can't have 6 or 7 opposition parties all represented in just 1hr time slot, lack of airtime for them all.

just guessing Mediacorp probably tell the opposition parties to choose or draw lots, English or Chinese debates, draw lots win appear in both debates.

 

[ray_of_hope]

can't have 6 or 7 opposition parties all represented in just 1hr time slot, lack of airtime for them all.

just guessing Mediacorp probably tell the opposition parties to choose or draw lots, English or Chinese debates, draw lots win appear in both debates.

Yes, it could have been the case of drawing lots, which is a very unsatisfactory way to do things,
especially when the various parties are clearly not on an unequal footing.

Nevertheless, I look forward to watching Lina Chiam, Gerald Giam, and Dr Wijey.

 

[Forvendet]

Yes, it could have been the case of drawing lots, which is a very unsatisfactory way to do things,
especially when the various parties are clearly not on an unequal footing.

Nevertheless, I look forward to watching Lina Chiam, Gerald Giam, and Dr Wijey.

Many people have been calling for TV debate. Now Mediacorp has organized it and so it's not their fault. The fault is with people starting so many opposition parties in Singapore, such a small country. There's an old joke about how many lawyers it take to change a light bulb. Here the question is, how many different ways are there run a little red dot?

 

[aangsc]

Many people have been calling for TV debate. Now Mediacorp has organized it and so it's not their fault. The fault is with people starting so many opposition parties in Singapore, such a small country. There's an old joke about how many lawyers it take to change a light bulb. Here the question is, how many different ways are there run a little red dot?

Two ways to run. 1. As it is . 2. Any other way but not 'as it is'.