<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=msghead><TD class=msgbfr1 width="1%"></TD><TD><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR class=msghead vAlign=top><TD class=msgF width="1%" noWrap align=right>From: </TD><TD class=msgFname width="68%" noWrap>kojakbt_89_ <NOBR></NOBR></TD><TD class=msgDate width="30%" noWrap align=right>9:24 pm </TD></TR><TR class=msghead><TD class=msgT height=20 width="1%" noWrap align=right>To: </TD><TD class=msgTname width="68%" noWrap>ALL <NOBR></NOBR></TD><TD class=msgNum noWrap align=right></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=msgleft rowSpan=4 width="1%"></TD><TD class=wintiny noWrap align=right>50988.1 </TD></TR><TR><TD height=8></TD></TR><TR><TD id=msgtxt_1 class=msgtxt>The SDP Must Grow
May 15th, 2011 |
Author: Contributions |
Edit
I would like to congratulate the SDP on running a very professional election campaign and raising many points that clearly resonated with the ground.
Furthermore the capture of some very talented candidates like Tan JS, Dr And, Ms Teo, Ms Lee, Dr Gomez and my friend Vincent, are all positive steps which if managed well, will make this party even stronger.
I don’t really support 1 particular party, given that all the opposition parties are trying to eke a permanent place in the mainstream, and trying their best to get greater representation in Parliament. But I like the vision and ideals of the Reform, Workers and Singapore Democrat parties, in no particular order. The WP has gained a toehold in the House and look set to grow further, that’s a good thing, but 1 minor electoral success is nothing against the juggernaut of the PAP.
The onus is on the SDP to match the WP’s successes in recent elections and even better it in the long run. They must take steps to improve further. My suggestions which may or may not be workable are as follows:
1) Raise your positive profile.
The party has regularly organised events at HL Park and elsewhere, even before the elections. Although turn-out wasn’t overwhelming, that shouldn’t be taken negatively. Singaporeans, like me, are generally rather lazy about this sort of thing. We tend to follow the crowd, if an event is exceedingly popular attendance wise, we’ll all jump on the band-wagon. But that doesn’t mean we don’t care or don’t follow. The Internet is a great tool and I have watched and listen to many speeches, and read the proposals made from You-tube and the SDP website. In fact the SDP website is probably the best amongst the opposition parties. Maintain it and improve it further for more
interaction with Singaporeans.
2) Play by the rules (even unfair ones).
I understand the frustration some members including Dr Chee feel on the pace and progress of human rights in Singapore. I understand their displeasure and disgust with some PAP policies that cause much hardship for ordinary Singaporeans, I am a victim of it too. But to organise marches, protests, etc is self-defeating because of the harsh public order laws in place.
There is no point in making a point or statement only to sacrifise your political careers – electoral wise. There is no point in going to jail or getting fines that rule yourselves out. I know perhaps, some will say, we must have conviction in our beliefs and be prepared to pay a price for them and not be hypocrites. But you must remember that you are a political party first, and the fundamental rule for all parties is to be able to be elected.
You can’t be elected if you’re disqualified. Furthermore whilst it’s gratifying to note that people are willing to donate to pay your fines, isn’t better that these monies are instead used not to pay fines, but used by the party to grow its outreach?
3) Follow procedure, don’t jump the gun.
I read the High Court judgment pertaining to the TBT. I’m aware that you’ve always had problems with permits, even though the NTUC did the same thing without reprisals. Don’t compare, take note of such events. The judge noted that the SDP did not apply for the permit because a previous one was rejected by the Police, therefore assuming (correctly) that the TBT would also be similarly rejected. However he also said, that the ‘correct procedure’ would be for the party to once again apply and if it was similarly rejected, then make an application to the courts for a review. By not applying at all, it left the judge with no alternative but to rule against the party. I know you’ll say the outcome will be similar, application or review, will still be negative, but that’s the procedure, that’s the Law. I don’t think every single Judge in the High Court is biased against the SDP. In fact, I think with the departures/deaths of certain judges, the newer ones, are more open to ruling favourably, if proper arguments are raised. Whatever it is, even if you have followed this procedure and the judges still deny, you have a record of this on paper, not just a supposition. And you have the ‘moral high ground’ so to speak, and the evidence to back to you up.
Therefore follow procedure, apply for everything, and keep applying, forcing the Police to come up with reasons or excuses to deny you, sooner or later they’ll get it wrong and the Courts will be forced to accede to your request.
4) Dr Chee, his sister and the stalwarts.
Dr Chee, his sister, Gandhi and others have been in the forefront of the battle. Unfortunately, these battles have rightly or wrongly painted a very negative picture of them. I was policeman on duty on that day in 1992, when Dr Chee first contested in MP. I was very impressed with what he had to say and how he delivered it. Dr Chee is
still a very eloquent speaker and remains a very passionate man with strong beliefs for the betterment of Singapore. Much must be done to cultivate this aspect. Be extremely careful when challenged under media glare. Respond calmly. When you listen to Dr Chee talk or even his High Court duel with MM, you can see, that he can hold his argument very well when he’s composed. The problem starts when he allows passion to flow over and he raises his voice or shouts. This image unfortunately is the one that sticks, rather than the message he has to deliver. If you watched Dr Chee and these stalwarts on youtube or in interviews, you’ll be puzzled why they are painted so
negatively. So please try to maintain this image and reinforce it with regular interviews and speeches.
5) Mainstream media
Like it or not, the MSM still holds sway over a large percentage of voters. We all are aware of the bias especially in the Chinese medium. Unfortunately, unless the SDP or any other party has avenue to get a national newspaper or TV channel going, the MSM will still play the dominant role. The challenge is how to manage your relations with them. Be very careful when the Press attends or is invited to any event you hold or take part in. Be conscious in what you say or do. Err on the side of caution. As the saying goes, ‘never let your guard down when the enemy is near’. Challenge the press, whenever something wrong or incorrect is published, eg; ‘the stage incident at your rally’. That was challenged and managed well, after the disinformation published. You didn’t let up and let rip at the New Paper. I would say that incident was a ’score-draw’ rather than the usual press getting away with rubbish and lies. Keep that up. Also keep writing continuously to the forum or online websites, responding to every single article that paints you negatively. They might not publish it, but still respond and keep responding and use social media to highlight your version of events. Never give them a free pass. The moment you show that you won’t back down, they’ll either allow your version to be published, back down or be extremely careful in future.
6) Work with WP and SPP
I don’t know the strength of your relationships with them, but these 2 parties are the only ones with representation the House. So try to work with them to raise issues which they haven’t raised, but what you want them to. Also do your research properly before raising, examining the pros and cons. If possible request for attachment or even employment at WP town-councils, so you’ll have a clear understanding of how it’s run. The PAP will always use your inexperience in such things, so it doesn’t hurt to get some exposure. The same goes with MPS by WP MPs, I don’t know if they will allow you to be present, but it doesn’t hurt to try or ask.
7) Ensure Party Discipline
In every democratic party, there is bound to be disagreements. Learn to manage them within the party without unsavoury arguments reaching the press. If things between individuals really can’t be solved, it’s best to release such members, but always try to end relationships on a positive note. Friends are usually the worst enemies. Ensure early on that party members know they must abide to guiding rule when speaking to the press, whether in a personal or official capacity. The CEC must be aware or kept aware. And if there’s something negative that must or will come out into the open, it’s always better that the Party is the one that raises it first to the media, rather than hope it goes away or becomes subject to rumours and gossip.
Public Complaints Bureau
This is something I’ve raised with Dr Vincent, and I hope you’ll be able to give it some thought.
This is some of the thoughts in my mind at the moment. I hope some of it is relevant and can be used to maximise your party’s growth. I think it’s vital that the SDP becomes a permanent fixture in Singapore politics, a relevant and active player at that.
Regards
.
Nelspruit
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
I would like to congratulate the SDP on running a very professional election campaign and raising many points that clearly resonated with the ground.
Furthermore the capture of some very talented candidates like Tan JS, Dr And, Ms Teo, Ms Lee, Dr Gomez and my friend Vincent, are all positive steps which if managed well, will make this party even stronger.
I don’t really support 1 particular party, given that all the opposition parties are trying to eke a permanent place in the mainstream, and trying their best to get greater representation in Parliament. But I like the vision and ideals of the Reform, Workers and Singapore Democrat parties, in no particular order. The WP has gained a toehold in the House and look set to grow further, that’s a good thing, but 1 minor electoral success is nothing against the juggernaut of the PAP.
The onus is on the SDP to match the WP’s successes in recent elections and even better it in the long run. They must take steps to improve further. My suggestions which may or may not be workable are as follows:
1) Raise your positive profile.
The party has regularly organised events at HL Park and elsewhere, even before the elections. Although turn-out wasn’t overwhelming, that shouldn’t be taken negatively. Singaporeans, like me, are generally rather lazy about this sort of thing. We tend to follow the crowd, if an event is exceedingly popular attendance wise, we’ll all jump on the band-wagon. But that doesn’t mean we don’t care or don’t follow. The Internet is a great tool and I have watched and listen to many speeches, and read the proposals made from You-tube and the SDP website. In fact the SDP website is probably the best amongst the opposition parties. Maintain it and improve it further for more
interaction with Singaporeans.
2) Play by the rules (even unfair ones).
I understand the frustration some members including Dr Chee feel on the pace and progress of human rights in Singapore. I understand their displeasure and disgust with some PAP policies that cause much hardship for ordinary Singaporeans, I am a victim of it too. But to organise marches, protests, etc is self-defeating because of the harsh public order laws in place.
There is no point in making a point or statement only to sacrifise your political careers – electoral wise. There is no point in going to jail or getting fines that rule yourselves out. I know perhaps, some will say, we must have conviction in our beliefs and be prepared to pay a price for them and not be hypocrites. But you must remember that you are a political party first, and the fundamental rule for all parties is to be able to be elected.
You can’t be elected if you’re disqualified. Furthermore whilst it’s gratifying to note that people are willing to donate to pay your fines, isn’t better that these monies are instead used not to pay fines, but used by the party to grow its outreach?
3) Follow procedure, don’t jump the gun.
I read the High Court judgment pertaining to the TBT. I’m aware that you’ve always had problems with permits, even though the NTUC did the same thing without reprisals. Don’t compare, take note of such events. The judge noted that the SDP did not apply for the permit because a previous one was rejected by the Police, therefore assuming (correctly) that the TBT would also be similarly rejected. However he also said, that the ‘correct procedure’ would be for the party to once again apply and if it was similarly rejected, then make an application to the courts for a review. By not applying at all, it left the judge with no alternative but to rule against the party. I know you’ll say the outcome will be similar, application or review, will still be negative, but that’s the procedure, that’s the Law. I don’t think every single Judge in the High Court is biased against the SDP. In fact, I think with the departures/deaths of certain judges, the newer ones, are more open to ruling favourably, if proper arguments are raised. Whatever it is, even if you have followed this procedure and the judges still deny, you have a record of this on paper, not just a supposition. And you have the ‘moral high ground’ so to speak, and the evidence to back to you up.
Therefore follow procedure, apply for everything, and keep applying, forcing the Police to come up with reasons or excuses to deny you, sooner or later they’ll get it wrong and the Courts will be forced to accede to your request.
4) Dr Chee, his sister and the stalwarts.
Dr Chee, his sister, Gandhi and others have been in the forefront of the battle. Unfortunately, these battles have rightly or wrongly painted a very negative picture of them. I was policeman on duty on that day in 1992, when Dr Chee first contested in MP. I was very impressed with what he had to say and how he delivered it. Dr Chee is
still a very eloquent speaker and remains a very passionate man with strong beliefs for the betterment of Singapore. Much must be done to cultivate this aspect. Be extremely careful when challenged under media glare. Respond calmly. When you listen to Dr Chee talk or even his High Court duel with MM, you can see, that he can hold his argument very well when he’s composed. The problem starts when he allows passion to flow over and he raises his voice or shouts. This image unfortunately is the one that sticks, rather than the message he has to deliver. If you watched Dr Chee and these stalwarts on youtube or in interviews, you’ll be puzzled why they are painted so
negatively. So please try to maintain this image and reinforce it with regular interviews and speeches.
5) Mainstream media
Like it or not, the MSM still holds sway over a large percentage of voters. We all are aware of the bias especially in the Chinese medium. Unfortunately, unless the SDP or any other party has avenue to get a national newspaper or TV channel going, the MSM will still play the dominant role. The challenge is how to manage your relations with them. Be very careful when the Press attends or is invited to any event you hold or take part in. Be conscious in what you say or do. Err on the side of caution. As the saying goes, ‘never let your guard down when the enemy is near’. Challenge the press, whenever something wrong or incorrect is published, eg; ‘the stage incident at your rally’. That was challenged and managed well, after the disinformation published. You didn’t let up and let rip at the New Paper. I would say that incident was a ’score-draw’ rather than the usual press getting away with rubbish and lies. Keep that up. Also keep writing continuously to the forum or online websites, responding to every single article that paints you negatively. They might not publish it, but still respond and keep responding and use social media to highlight your version of events. Never give them a free pass. The moment you show that you won’t back down, they’ll either allow your version to be published, back down or be extremely careful in future.
6) Work with WP and SPP
I don’t know the strength of your relationships with them, but these 2 parties are the only ones with representation the House. So try to work with them to raise issues which they haven’t raised, but what you want them to. Also do your research properly before raising, examining the pros and cons. If possible request for attachment or even employment at WP town-councils, so you’ll have a clear understanding of how it’s run. The PAP will always use your inexperience in such things, so it doesn’t hurt to get some exposure. The same goes with MPS by WP MPs, I don’t know if they will allow you to be present, but it doesn’t hurt to try or ask.
7) Ensure Party Discipline
In every democratic party, there is bound to be disagreements. Learn to manage them within the party without unsavoury arguments reaching the press. If things between individuals really can’t be solved, it’s best to release such members, but always try to end relationships on a positive note. Friends are usually the worst enemies. Ensure early on that party members know they must abide to guiding rule when speaking to the press, whether in a personal or official capacity. The CEC must be aware or kept aware. And if there’s something negative that must or will come out into the open, it’s always better that the Party is the one that raises it first to the media, rather than hope it goes away or becomes subject to rumours and gossip.
This is something I’ve raised with Dr Vincent, and I hope you’ll be able to give it some thought.
This is some of the thoughts in my mind at the moment. I hope some of it is relevant and can be used to maximise your party’s growth. I think it’s vital that the SDP becomes a permanent fixture in Singapore politics, a relevant and active player at that.
Regards
.
Nelspruit
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
