Suspect betrayal of the original purpose of the GRC system of elections.

[bic_cherry]

Suspect betrayal of the original purpose of the GRC system of elections.
What the numbers show ([link]/ see below) in the line "(projected) 2010/11(GE): 14/84 = 16.667% | 16.667 / 25.8 = 64.599% | 09 / 84 = 10.714%" is that whilst the GRC system was dismal 64.6% effective (a decreasing trend since 1991 (83.0%)) at ensuring minority representation in parliament, it was (100.00 - 10.7)% = 89.3% effective (increasing trend since inception from 51.9%) at minimizing independents and opposition-candidates from contesting in SMCs.

The exceedingly high ability of GRCs to reduce SMCs (by currently 89.3%) compounded by the increasingly poorer ability of GRCs to uphold its original purpose- that of safeguarding minority representation (currently= 64.6%), arouses suspicion about the PAP's true intentions in implementing the GRC system of elections.

As the figures suggests, it seems the outcome of the GRC system (in its current form), to more so reduce SMCs; with ensuring minority representation being the excuse rather then norm. Thus making suspect if the original purpose of the GRC system of elections was really what it was proffered to be: "The GRC system was established in 1988 to ensure that the minority racial communities in Singapore will always be represented in Parliament."

References:
- [ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT OF SINGAPORE]: 'Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs)': "The GRC system was established in 1988 to ensure that the minority racial communities in Singapore will always be represented in Parliament. To ensure this, the Parliamentary Elections Act requires that at least one-quarter of the total number of MPs must be representatives of GRCs." [link](- last accessed 2Aug2010)

Additional references:
[ST 1stAug2008]: 'By-election: Pragmatism or Principle?': ".. But there are two scenarios where the incumbent Government could lose political credibility by not calling a by-election, say legal scholars. One is if an MP from a minority race in a GRC dies or resigns - which has so far not happened. ..." [link]

 

[Sideswipe]

A possible way to ensure minority representation in parliament is to reserve seats for them in parliament. Many countries do that, why not us. Let face it, minorities will struggle to win elections. Not everybody is JBJ. Reserving seats for minorities in parliament are guaranteeing their rights in the constitutions, the GRC method are just for PAP election benefits and nothing else.

Party Block Vote (PBV)
http://aceproject.org/ace-en/topics/es/esd/esd01/esd01c
Under Party Block Vote, unlike FPTP, there are multi-member districts. Voters have a single vote, and choose between party lists of candidates rather than between individuals. The party which wins most votes takes all the seats in the district, and its entire list of candidates is duly elected. As in FPTP, there is no requirement for the winner to have an absolute majority of the votes. As of 2004, PBV was used as the only system or the major component of the system in four countries—Cameroon, Chad, Djibouti and Singapore.

This Party Block is a useless election method which we shared along with those 3 corrupt and useless African countries.

 

[tanwahtiu]

The problem with Sinkies is that during the proposal of GRC no one stand up against it. There is no hero in Singapore but only greedy Sinkies waiting for PAP big mega projects for biz survival. When the rich line up to grab PAP for mega projects were got heros to stand up for Sinkies. Sinkies is just going to sink further and the Orchard Rd flood is just he beigining of God wrath on Sinkies.

 

[neddy]

"The GRC system was established in 1988 to ensure that the minority racial communities in Singapore will always be represented in Parliament."

It is easier to set up a government department for Multicultural Interests to ensure that minorities are represented.

 

[bic_cherry]

Question about Integrity of the GRC system of elections.

Question about Integrity of the GRC system of elections.

Although the 'ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT OF SINGAPORE'[link] states: 'Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs)': "The GRC system was established in 1988 to ensure that the minority racial communities in Singapore will always be represented in Parliament. .." (link last accessed 2Aug2010)

Simple calculations show the trend in efficiency of the GRC system in ensuring minority representation to be decreasing - currently 64.6%, whilst the efficiency (due to individually bloated GRCs) in reducing the the proportion of SMC available, to be increasing- currently 89.3%.

As a multiple of 'minority representation efficiency', the 'efficiency of reducing SMCs' is [(89.3 - 64.6) / 64.6] = 38.214% MORE effective in reducing SMCs then it is at ensuring minority representation.

The calculations for 'Ensured Min. Minority Rep (% of tot)'; ' Ensured Min. Minority Rep As a % of Pop. Minority Popln %. (%)'; 'GRC as % of All Seats Available', are listed as follows:

Ensured Minimum` ` ` ` | Previous, as a % of ` ` ` | GRC as % of All
Minority Rep.(% of tot)` `| Popn. Minority %. (%) ``| Seats Available.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1984: NA or = 00.0000% | 00.000 / 21.7 = 00.000% | 00 / 79 = 00.000%
1988: 13/81 = 16.0494% | 16.049 / 21.7 = 73.960% | 39 / 81 = 48.148%
1991: 15/81 = 18.5185% | 18.519 / 22.3 = 83.043% | 60 / 81 = 74.074%
1997: 15/83 = 18.0723% | 18.072 / 22.3 = 81.042% | 74 / 83 = 89.157%
2001: 14/84 = 16.6667% | 16.667 / 23.2 = 71.839% | 75 / 84 = 89.286%
2011: 14/84 = 16.6667% | 16.667 / 25.8 = 64.599% | 75 / 84 = 89.286%

Caveats:
1) It is understood that no requirement of minimum minority representation exists before 1988 (Full SMC system).
2) It understood that since inception in 1988 GE a minimum of one minority rep. per GRC is necessary to form a GRC team. [PARL ELECTIONS ACT Cap. 218]
3) It is assumed that the Wikipedia 'ethnic composition' chart is reasonably accurate and the corresponding figure used it the latest figure preceding that election year. (checked with june2009- 'singstat' for accuracy- [link])
4) 2006 is not shown for brevity of presentation but its figures exactly duplicate that of 2001 in this context.
5) The figures for 2010/11 GE are derived based upon GE 2006 and are subject review prior to the coming GE.
6) Note: 'SMC' = 'SMD' (Single Member Districts)- 'Table 1'


Conclusion:
The overwhelming and excessive ability of the GRC system of elections to reduce SMC seats in excess of its effectiveness in upholding its intended aim of ensuring minority representation calls for a return to the original objective for which the GRC system of elections was introduced and the downsizing of all GRCs to a max of 3 members each.

In fact, judging by the ability of just 14 GRCs in the last election (2006) to return 22 minority members: AMK(2), Bi-TP(2), EC(2), Holland-B.Timah(2), Jur(2), M.Parade(2), P.Ris(2), Semb(2), perhaps with the current 14 GRCs achieving in excess of ideal minimum guaranteed, 2006 having turned in a bumper of 22 minority MPs (26.19%- in excess of the population they represent); some being ministers or popular MPs, perhaps a spread of 14 x 3memb GRCs (42persons) and 42 SMCs would make GE 2011 a fairer one to all; without the need for any NCMPs, (but for the unlikely case where the total number of minority MPs dips below 21 etc- even then its 7 NCMPs max).

These calculations prove that current government, whilst never having fully expanded the GRC system's effectiveness at ensuring minority rep. (that peaked in 1991, then dwindled)- has been deviating since 1991 from its original objective of minority representation with its excessive exploitation of the side effect of the GRC system- that of diminishing the number of SMCs available for contest (plateau at 10.7% since 2001).


References/ Source:
- 'ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT OF SINGAPORE' states: "The GRC system was established in 1988 to ensure that the minority racial communities in Singapore will always be represented in Parliament. .. ": 'Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs)': [link] (last accessed 2Aug2010)
- [Table1]: Yeo Lay Hwee. “Electoral Politics in Singapore”*Electoral Politics in Southeast And East Asia, eds. Aurel Croissant, Gabriele Bruns & Marei John (Singapore: Friedrich Ebert Stiftung - Office for Regional Cooperation, 2002). [link]
- [Constituencies of Singapore]: [wiki]
- [Chart: Ethnic composition (%) of resident population]: [wiki]
- [PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS ACT Cap. 218]: [link]
- [CNA 26 April 2010]: 'Parliament amends Constitution to change NCMP & NMP schemes': [link]

 

[bic_cherry]

12 the optimum number of GRCs for Singapore.

12 the optimum number of GRCs for Singapore.
Ans: 12.2164 (3men GRCs, min 1 minority each).
i.e. 12 - if U round to nearest whole number.

Accepting that i) Singapore is indeed a multiracial country where non-Chinese are a minority; ii) Singaporeans want to have more say in government-
to achieve this both these objectives, the effort to ensure that minorities are represented adequately in parliament should be balanced with the side effect of GRCs reducing the numbers of SMCs up for contest.

What is the optimum number of GRCs for Singapore that yields this objective?
Calc as follows:
- Where x is the number of GRCs; (84 - 3x) being the number of SMCs.
- Where the total number of seats in parliament is 84 (yr 2001- current).
- Where the minimum number of seats per GRC is 3 and the minimum number of minority MPs per GRC is one.
- Where no GRCs with more then 3 seats exists to keep the maths simple- i.e. 5mem GRCs w min 2 minority MPs only serve to complicate matters unnecessarily.
- Where the % minority population in Singapore is 25.8% (dtd 2009- Sing-stat).
- Where the efficiency of ensuring minority population is = [x / (84 x 0.258)]
- Where the 'efficiency' of upholding SMCs (unmolested) is defined by [(84 - 3x) / 84].

Solving for x:
[x / (84 X 0.258)] = [(84 - 3x) / 84]
84x = (84 - 3x) X (84 x 0.258) = (84 - 3x) X (21.672) = 1820.440 - 65.016x
84x + 65.016x = 1820.440
x = 1820.440 / 149.016 = 12.2164

Where the efficiency of maintain minority rep. = efficiency of maintaining SMCs= [x / (84 X 0.258)] = [(84 - 3x) / 84] = 56.3700%.

And the number of SMCs= [84 - 3(12.2164)]= 47.3508.
= 48 (rounded to the nearest multiple of 3).

Postscript:
Since at par, 12 GRCs only ensures [x / (84 X 0.258)] = 55.3710% minority representation, there remains a short fall of up to 9 minority MPs, an this is where PM Lee's good foresight comes to play- see: [CNA 26 April 2010]: 'Parliament amends Constitution to change NCMP & NMP schemes': [link] - giving PM Lee the honour of very appropriately upping the max number of NCMPs from 6 to 9 in response to the number of GRCs being reduced to 12.

References:
- [A1news, 2Aug2010]: "Singaporeans want greater say when it comes to political activities like policy making as compared to ten years ago.": 'Singaporeans want more say' [link]
- [SG Elections.com]: "an award-winning website that houses the most comprehensive archive of Singapore election results available." [link]
- ['aceproject']: 'Singapore: Drawing Districts to Ensure Super-Majorities in the Parliament' [link]
- [ST, 4Feb2010]: 'Having more single seats will help the PAP': [link]
- [CNA 26 April 2010]: 'Parliament amends Constitution to change NCMP & NMP schemes' “The NCMP position is a unique feature of Singapore politics. … With the changes, Parliament can have up to nine NCMPs, up from six.” [link]
- [Other facts and figures from]: 'Question about Integrity of the GRC system of elections Singapore.'~B.C.: [link]
- [CNA, 24 April 2006]: "We want to have a First World parliament for Singapore, so we need to have a First World government and a First World opposition. If you want us to treat you as gentlemen, argue on the merits of your policy and our policy. Take it to a higher level and we will treat you accordingly and respond accordingly," Lee Kuan Yew,. 'All eyes on whether PAP will stay in power on Nomination Day' [link]
- [AP 29Apr2006] Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew describes political opposition as 'riffraff' "I want a world-class opposition, not this riffraff," said Lee Kuan Yew, [link]

Post-postscript:
At 12x GRC (3memb), 48x SMC, the efficiencies of assurance of minority rep vs SMC integrity are 55.3710% vs 57.1429% respectively .

 

[kiwibird7]

The problem with Sinkies is that during the proposal of GRC no one stand up against it. There is no hero in Singapore but only greedy Sinkies waiting for PAP big mega projects for biz survival. When the rich line up to grab PAP for mega projects were got heros to stand up for Sinkies. Sinkies is just going to sink further and the Orchard Rd flood is just he beigining of God wrath on Sinkies.

In other democratic countries, the govt has to go to the people with a REFERENDUM if it wishes to tinker or change the electoral system.

Setting up SUPER GRCs is changing the electoral system without a REFERENDUM from the people.

 

[Watchman]

GRC electoral politics election

 

[scroobal]

You sure picked an interesting article. Dr Yeo is very well connected to the PAP in more ways than one. These articles are meant to give the impression that genuine neutral work is done but the audience is limited and things like these never appear elsewhere. The very people who criticise the system in high brow articles are also helping to prop it. The organisation she heads was founded and run by the PAP and its associates. Its the front that they use to impress foreigners.

 

[tanwahtiu]

In other democratic countries, the govt has to go to the people with a REFERENDUM if it wishes to tinker or change the electoral system.

Setting up SUPER GRCs is changing the electoral system without a REFERENDUM from the people.

Not too late to ask for one, only that who wants to stand up for this?

 

[scroobal]

His point is that they have avoided a referendum on purpose not that they forgot about it. Kenya had one this month because it involved the constitution.

Not too late to ask for one, only that who wants to stand up for this?

 

[bic_cherry]

[Straits Times - 28 May 2009]- GRCs to shrink, but they will stay

Suspect betrayal of the original purpose of the GRC system of elections....

News: The Straits Times - 28 May 2009
GRCs to shrink, but they will stay
By Zakir Hussain
IN A concession to often-made calls for smaller GRCs, the average size of these multiple-member constituencies will shrink to no more than five MPs.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told Parliament yesterday there should not be too many six-member GRCs, as this makes it harder for voters to identify with the whole slate of MPs.
Currently, the average number of MPs in a group representation constituency is 5.4, as there are five six-member GRCs and nine five-member GRCs.
There will therefore be fewer six-member GRCs by the next election, he promised.
There will also be at least 12 single-member constituencies, or SMCs, up from the current nine.
Mr Lee said he would make these requirements part of the terms of reference for the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee, which determines the shape and size of electoral constituencies prior to every election.
He hastened to add that he has not appointed the committee yet.
Former Non-Constituency MP Steve Chia of the National Solidarity Party told The Straits Times the move was 'a first step in the right direction'.
'From 1988 till now, it's been bad news for the opposition, but finally there's some loosening up,' he said, referring to how GRCs had expanded in size since they first came about 20 years ago.
'We hope the GRCs will be much smaller, and there will be more SMCs.'
In his speech, PM Lee defended the present system of having most MPs elected in GRCs. This was a sound system that ensured multiracial representation, the reason GRCs were first formed in 1988, he said.
'They encourage political parties to appeal to all races with moderate policies and not to one race or another with chauvinist or extremist policies,' said Mr Lee.
'They also put a premium on parties which can field credible teams and therefore demonstrate that they are fit not just to become MPs but also to form the government,' he added.
Mr Lee, however, said single seats should also remain, so that small parties and independent candidates can still contest in general elections.
He noted that there were both advantages and drawbacks to having bigger GRCs.
On the one hand, they allow stronger multiracial teams to be formed which include MPs with different backgrounds and skills 'to serve voters more comprehensively and effectively'. Resources can also be pooled to run town councils better.
They also require a challenger to field a strong team that offers a serious alternative, and so 'encourage responsible and credible opposition parties to emerge'.
On the other hand, having too big a GRC makes it harder for voters to identify with the whole team of MPs.
'In the light of our experience, we have concluded that on balance, smaller GRCs, that means less than six members, have the edge over larger GRCs,' he said.
However, he did not think six-member GRCs should be ruled out entirely, as 'sometimes the configuration of constituencies on the ground makes this the most practical option'.
'The changes to smaller GRCs and more SMCs may or may not result in more seats being contested or more opposition MPs being elected,' he stressed.
'That is not their purpose. Ultimately, it's up to the opposition MPs to field candidates to contest the elections and up to the voters to decide who they want to represent them in Parliament.'
When Mr Lee concluded his speech, Mr Low Thia Khiang (Hougang) promptly rose to ask the PM if he would ask the boundaries review committee to keep existing constituency boundaries as far as possible, and not gerrymander.
He also asked Mr Lee to consider appointing the committee earlier before an election so that the opposition will have more time to look at the changes.
Mr Lee said how boundaries were drawn was up to the committee members. 'I think it's best to leave them to decide in accordance with the situation on the ground. They do not disturb boundaries unnecessarily, but when the population has changed, boundaries have to recognise these electorate changes,' he said.
As for appointing the committee earlier, he said he would appoint it in good time.
'It is not our intention to do it at the last minute and spring surprises on either our own members or on opposition members,' he said.
'I will not tell you how many months' notice I give you, otherwise when I appoint the committee and its results are published, you will calculate forward and determine the election date.'
-end of ST article
http://www.pmo.gov.sg/News/Transcripts/Prime+Minister/GRCs+to+shrink+but+they+will+stay.htm

 

[bic_cherry]

'12' the correct number of (3-Memb) GRCs for Singapore.

12 the optimum number of GRCs for Singapore.....

Updated version:

'12' the correct number of (3-Memb) GRCs for Singapore.
Ans: 12.2164 (3men GRCs, min 1 minority each).
i.e. 12 - if U round to nearest whole number.

Accepting that i) Singapore is indeed a multiracial country where non-Chinese are a minority; ii) Singaporeans want to have more say in government-
to achieve this both these objectives, the effort to ensure that minorities are represented adequately in parliament should be balanced with the side effect, of GRCs reducing the numbers of SMCs up for contest.

What is the optimum number of GRCs for Singapore that yields this objective?
Calc as follows:
- Where x is the number of GRCs; (84 - 3x) being the number of SMCs.
- Where the total number of seats in parliament is 84 (yr 2001- current).
- Where the minimum number of seats per GRC is 3 and the minimum number of minority MPs per GRC is one.
- Where no GRCs with more then 3 seats exists to keep the maths simple- i.e. 5mem GRCs w min 2 minority MPs only serve to complicate matters unnecessarily.
- Where the % minority population in Singapore is 25.8% (dtd 2009- Sing-stat).
- Where the efficiency of ensuring minority population is = [x / (84 x 0.258)]
- Where the 'efficiency' of upholding SMCs (unmolested) is defined by [(84 - 3x) / 84].

Solving for x:
[x / (84 X 0.258)] = [(84 - 3x) / 84]
84x = (84 - 3x) X (84 x 0.258) = (84 - 3x) X (21.672) = 1820.440 - 65.016x
84x + 65.016x = 1820.440
x = 1820.440 / 149.016 = 12.2164

Where the efficiency of maintain minority rep. = efficiency of maintaining SMCs= [x / (84 X 0.258)] = [(84 - 3x) / 84] = 56.3700%.

And the number of SMCs= [84 - 3(12.2164)]= 47.3508.
= 48 (rounded to the nearest multiple of 3/ based on optimal no. of GRCs).

Postscript:
Since at par, 12 GRCs only ensures [x / (84 X 0.258)] = 55.3710% minority representation, there remains a short fall of up to 9 minority MPs, an this is where PM Lee's good foresight comes to play- see: "With the changes, Parliament can have up to nine NCMPs, up from six.”: [CNA 26 April 2010]- giving PM Lee the honour of very coincidentally upping the max number of NCMPs from 6 to 9 in response to the number of GRCs being reduced to 12- to benefit racial balance, not partisan prejudices.

References:
- 'Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs)': "The GRC system was established in 1988 to ensure that the minority racial communities in Singapore will always be represented in Parliament. .. " [Elections Department Singapore](last accessed 23Aug2010).
- 'GRCs to shrink, but they will stay': "Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told Parliament yesterday there should not be too many six-member GRCs, as this makes it harder for voters to identify with the whole slate of MPs." [ST, 28May2009].
- 'Singaporeans want more say': "Singaporeans want greater say when it comes to political activities like policy making as compared to ten years ago." [AsiaOne, 02Aug2010]
- 'Parliament amends Constitution to change NCMP & NMP schemes' “The NCMP position is a unique feature of Singapore politics. … With the changes, Parliament can have up to nine NCMPs, up from six.”: [CNA 26 April 2010]
- 'Singapore: Drawing Districts to Ensure Super-Majorities in the Parliament': [aceproject (?date?)]
- 'Question about Integrity of the GRC system of elections Singapore.' Facts and figures from (Table1) Yeo Lay Hwee. “Electoral Politics in Singapore”, [Chart wiki: Constituencies of Singapore], [Chart wiki: Ethnic composition (%) of resident population], ~B.C.: [A1forums, 1Aug2010]
- 'The Malays in Singapore – no crutch mentality': "Berita Harian Singapore editor Guntor Sadali: 'We do not believe in being spoon-fed or being too dependent on government help. In other words, we do not have a crutch mentality.'" [LKSblog, 28Jul2010]:

Additional References:
- 'Having more single seats will help the PAP': "The PAP should consider having more SMCs so that more of their fresh candidates can prove their worth by winning a seat on their own steam.": [ST, 4Feb2010]
- 'SG Elections.com': "an award-winning website that houses the most comprehensive archive of Singapore election results available." [link]
- 'All eyes on whether PAP will stay in power on Nomination Day' : "We want to have a First World parliament for Singapore, so we need to have a First World government and a First World opposition. If you want us to treat you as gentlemen, argue on the merits of your policy and our policy. Take it to a higher level and we will treat you accordingly and respond accordingly," Lee Kuan Yew,. [CNA, 24 April 2006]
- 'Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew describes political opposition as 'riffraff': "'I want a world-class opposition, not this riffraff,' said Lee Kuan Yew." [AP 29Apr2006]

Post-postscript:
At 12x GRC (3memb), 48x SMC, the efficiencies of assurance of minority rep vs SMC integrity are 55.3710% vs 57.1429% respectively .

This article update version may be quoted as:
- ''12' the correct number of (3-Memb) GRCs for Singapore.': [SBF, 25Aug2010]

 

[bic_cherry]

Betrayal of the original intent of the GRC system of elections. (Version update)

Question about Integrity of the GRC system of elections.
...

(Version update)

(Version update)
Betrayal of the original intent of the GRC system of elections.

"The GRC system was established in 1988 to ensure that the minority racial communities in Singapore will always be represented in Parliament..."~ Source: [ElectionsDeptSingapore].

This paper, using simple performance indicators, seeks to determine the DEGREE to which democracy, not withstanding the original goals of implementing the GRC system of elections in Singapore, has been harmed by other PAP interest, since its inception in 1988; briefly seeks to explain why this might be the case and proposes solutions towards a more fair and EQUITABLE means of ensuring MINORITY RACE REPRESENTATION in parliament.

The indicators (and their corresponding calculations), are (starting left column):
(a) Ensured Minimum Minority Rep. (EMMR) (as a % of all parl. seats available).
(b) EMMR as a % of true Popn. Minority (%) - pls note that the most recent figure preceding the year referenced is used from the chart '(Wiki) ethnic composition'- this measures the degree to which the 'original intent of the GRC system of elections' is met- the key measure of 'policy effectiveness'
(c) GRC seats as % of All parliamentary seats (a reflection of the proportion of parliamentary seats the GRC system consumes)- a key measure of 'policy harm' in achieving (b).
(d) Comparative Effectiveness [(c) as a fraction of (b)]: denotes relative effect of (c) as compared to (b)- any value above 100% is bad policy as it shows that policy benefits being exceeded by the excessive harm such policy incurs.

. . . . . . (a) . . . . . . . . .| . . . . . . . (b) . . . . . . . | . . . . . . (c) . . . . .| . . (d) . . . . . . . .
Ensured Minimum Minority | EMMR as a fraction of `| GRC seats as % of `|Comparative Effectiveness
Rep.(EMMR) (% of t.seats)| True Popn.Minority (%) | All Parliament Seats | (c) as a fraction of (b)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1984: NA or = 00.0000% | 00.000/21.7 = 00.000% | 00 / 79 = 00.000% | NA (pre GRC era.)
1988: 13/81 = 16.0494% | 16.049/21.7 = 73.960% | 39 / 81 = 48.148% | 065.100%
1991: 15/81 = 18.5185% | 18.519/22.3 = 83.043% | 60 / 81 = 74.074% | 089.200%
1997: 15/83 = 18.0723% | 18.072/22.3 = 81.042% | 74 / 83 = 89.157% | 110.013%
2001: 14/84 = 16.6667% | 16.667/23.2 = 71.839% | 75 / 84 = 89.286% | 124.286%
2011: 14/84 = 16.6667% | 16.667/25.8 = 64.599% | 75 / 84 = 89.286% | 138.214%

Chart notes:
i) Since inception in 1988 GE a minimum of one minority rep. per GRC is necessary to form a GRC team. [PARL ELECTIONS ACT Cap. 218]
ii) 2006 is not shown for brevity of presentation but its figures exactly duplicate that of 2001 in this context.
iii) The figure of 84 parl. seats and 14 GRCs for 2010/11 GE is an approximation based upon GE 2006 and are subject to confirmation prior to the coming GE2010/11.
iv) Note: 'SMC' = 'SMD' (Single Member Districts)- 'Table 1'


Observations:
Whilst the effort to "ensure that the minority racial communities in Singapore will always be represented in Parliament" might be a pertinent one, This cause must be balanced up with ground realities such as:
- "Singaporeans want greater say when it comes to political activities like policy making as compared to ten years ago." [AsiaOne, 02Aug2010]
- The rising Gini Coefficient [wiki] that the GRC system probably contributes little but widen: "The Gini coefficient - a statistical measure of income inequality - has risen from 0.41 in 1990 to 0.48 currently. It is lowered to 0.45 after the various Government assistance schemes to help the less well off" [TDY 31Jul2010]
- "Singapore’s history has shown that, in the past, minority candidates stood and won single seats. PAP MPs such as Mr Dhanabalan, Mr Rajaratnam, Mr Sidek Saniff and Mr Zulkifli Mohd have done so; so have opposition leaders like Mr Jeyaretnam in Anson, a predominantly Chinese constituency. This was so even in the 1984 GE." ['sgpolitics', 28Aug2008]
- In response to Dr Mahathir Mohamad's casual reminder to Malaysian Malays "not to become like Singaporean Malays", Berita Harian Singapore editor Guntor Sadali's response was: "We do not believe in being spoon-fed or being too dependent on government help. In other words, we do not have a crutch mentality." [LKSblog, 28Jul2010]

Conclusion:
Perhaps as mentioned, the original good intentions of the GRC system of elections have been betrayed by obtuse manipulation for party political interest such that "GRCs serve the PAP’s interest rather than the people’s interest: When Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong spoke of the PAP’s recruitment challenge in 2006, he said: 'Without some assurance of a good chance of winning at least their first election, many able and successful young Singaporeans may not risk their careers to join politics.'" ['sgpolitics', 28Aug2008]

That said, not all is lost for the GRC system of elections and its sister act- the NCMP scheme, though a complete reconsideration of the intentions behind each need be publicly discussed and revealed. ''12' the correct number of (3-Memb) GRCs for Singapore.'[A1forums, 6Aug2010] - I hope, might be helpful in this regard as it tries to balance equitably, the need to 'ensure minority representation' whilst minimizing the harm caused by GRCs depriving the electorate of "say when it comes to political activities like policy making" [AsiaOne, 02Aug2010]
After all, if we "allow vicious falsehoods to perversely masquerade itself as the truth, we will eventually lose our moral authority and with it, our effectiveness to achieve our mission.." [CNA, 3Aug2010]- (different context, same meaning)

May the Singapore electorate not be hoodwinked by the secret political doings of the PAP: "I'm going to spend all my time thinking what's the right way to fix them, to buy my supporters votes, how can I solve this week's problem and forget about next year's challenges?" [CNA:03May2006] [YouTube/@1m10s]

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.': [Matthew 25:40]

Have a happy National Day Singapore.
Majulah Singapura.


Key References:
- 'Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs)': "The GRC system was established in 1988 to ensure that the minority racial communities in Singapore will always be represented in Parliament. .. " [Elections Department Singapore](last accessed 23Aug2010).-
- 'Singaporeans want more say': "Singaporeans want greater say when it comes to political activities like policy making as compared to ten years ago." [AsiaOne, 02Aug2010]
- 'An activist Government focused on helping the poor: Tharman': "The Gini coefficient[wiki] - a statistical measure of income inequality - has risen from 0.41 in 1990 to 0.48 currently. It is lowered to 0.45 after the various Government assistance schemes to help the less well off" [TDY 31Jul2010]
- 'Sylvia Lim opposed motion to revise Parliamentary Elections Act because the motion sought to entrench GRCs': "Singapore’s history has shown that, in the past, minority candidates stood and won single seats. PAP MPs such as Mr Dhanabalan, Mr Rajaratnam, Mr Sidek Saniff and Mr Zulkifli Mohd have done so; so have opposition leaders like Mr Jeyaretnam in Anson, a predominantly Chinese constituency. This was so even in the 1984 GE." ['sgpolitics', 28Aug2008]
- 'The Malays in Singapore – no crutch mentality': "Berita Harian Singapore editor Guntor Sadali: 'We do not believe in being spoon-fed or being too dependent on government help. In other words, we do not have a crutch mentality.'" [LKSblog, 28Jul2010]
- 'Sylvia Lim opposed motion to revise Parliamentary Elections Act because the motion sought to entrench GRCs': "GRCs serve the PAP’s interest rather than the people’s interest: When Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong spoke of the PAP’s recruitment challenge in 2006, he said: “Without some assurance of a good chance of winning at least their first election, many able and successful young Singaporeans may not risk their careers to join politics.” Are we to infer that the PAP candidates these days are not what they used to be? It also seems that the GRC is a recruitment and training tool for the ruling party."['sgpolitics', 28Aug2008]
- ''12' the correct number of (3-Memb) GRCs for Singapore.': [A1forums, 6Aug2010]
- 'Parliament amends Constitution to change NCMP & NMP schemes': “The NCMP position is a unique feature of Singapore politics. … With the changes, Parliament can have up to nine NCMPs, up from six.” [CNA 26 April 2010]
- 'GRCs make it easier to find top talent: SM': "Without good chance of winning at polls, they might not be willing to risk careers for politics" ; with hosting site footnote: "In Singapore, a Group Representation Constituency is a super-sized constituency where 5 or 6 candidates from the same party have to stand for election as a team. Voters vote for the party, not for individuals, thus weak candidates can still win a seat in Parliament by riding the coattails of stronger candidates."- [ST 26June2006]
- 'S'pore must defend integrity of institutions of justice & law enforcement: DPM Wong': ""If we do not do so and allow vicious falsehoods to perversely masquerade itself as the truth, we will eventually lose our moral authority and with it, our effectiveness to achieve our mission to keep Singapore safe and secure. " [CNA, 3Aug2010]
- 'PM Lee says countries worldwide respect and admire Singapore's proven system': "...I'm going to spend all my time thinking what's the right way to fix them, to buy my supporters votes, how can I solve this week's problem and forget about next year's challenges?"..." [CNA:03May2006][YouTube/@1m10s]
- 'Holy Bible': "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' [Matthew 25:40]

Other references:
- 'GRCs to shrink, but they will stay': "Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told Parliament yesterday there should not be too many six-member GRCs, as this makes it harder for voters to identify with the whole slate of MPs." [ST, 28May2009]
- 'Singapore: Drawing Districts to Ensure Super-Majorities in the Parliament': [aceproject (?date?)]
- 'Question about Integrity of the GRC system of elections Singapore.' Facts and figures from (Table1) Yeo Lay Hwee. “Electoral Politics in Singapore”, [Chart wiki: Constituencies of Singapore], [Chart wiki: Ethnic composition (%) of resident population], ~B.C.: [A1forums, 1Aug2010]
- 'All eyes on whether PAP will stay in power on Nomination Day' : "We want to have a First World parliament for Singapore, so we need to have a First World government and a First World opposition. If you want us to treat you as gentlemen, argue on the merits of your policy and our policy. Take it to a higher level and we will treat you accordingly and respond accordingly," Lee Kuan Yew,. [CNA, 24 April 2006]