Election battle lines form as opposition increases visibility in constituencies
By Satish Cheney | Posted: 04 April 2010 1817 hrs
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Election battle lines form as opposition increases visibility in constituencies
SINGAPORE : The battle lines are starting to appear, as anticipation of a General Election grows.
They include the group representation constituencies (GRCs), which the opposition parties have started to show interest in.
One likely battle ground is Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.
On Sunday, two opposition parties had their first joint walkabout in one GRC. It is a clear sign that the Reform Party and the Singapore Democratic Alliance are starting to put into action talk of a combined effort in a GRC.
Party members caught the breakfast crowd at the market and shops, to get a better sense of the ground and to introduce themselves to the residents.
Two faces stood out at the walkabout on Sunday. While many recognised MP for Potong Pasir, Chiam See Tong - and many of them came to shake his hand as well - others were realising that the Reform Party's Kenneth Jeyaretnam is the son of the late J B Jeyaretnam.
J B Jeyaretnam was the former secretary-general of The Workers' Party and a former elected MP.
Party members said some of the key issues that will surface during the General Election range from the rising cost of living, to the affordability of HDB flats, and competition from foreigners.
But they acknowledge that the odds are stacked against them.
Kenneth Jeyaretnam, who is the secretary-general of the Reform Party, said: "It is an uphill struggle fighting the PAP (People's Action Party). So more opposition unity is a good thing."
Mr Chiam added: "We cannot be like little ants running all over the place. We should show unity and come with a solid fighting force."
The Reform Party has also been making the rounds in Hong Kah and West Coast.
So what are the chances of both parties campaigning on the same ticket in a GRC?
Kenneth Jeyaretnam said: "We need to see the boundary changes first. It is premature to talk about (this) until the government releases the boundary changes."
As for Mr Chiam, he has indicated that he is prepared to leave his long-time Potong Pasir ward.
He said: "Of course, there is a reluctance. (It is) very sad to leave Potong Pasir, but I think (of) the higher calling of Singapore - Singapore needs the opposition."
In the face of this increased opposition presence, the GRC's MPs maintain they are prepared for any contest and have done all their legwork.
Zainudin Nordin, MP, Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, said: "It is very exciting and interesting to know that there are opposition parties that are interested to see the possibility of contesting in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.
"We are always prepared on the ground since the end of the last election. We have been working the ground and engaging the residents and servicing them to the best of our ability."
Josephine Teo, MP, Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, said: "We will put in our best effort regardless of whether the opposition is eyeing our ward or not.
"Just take my division as an example. Since 2006, we have already completed two rounds of house visits, attending to all the residents' queries and feedback for improvement. We are already well into our third round.
"We will continue to identify projects which we believe, based on the residents' feedback, will significantly improve the quality of their lives, whether it is the installation of a new fitness corner for senior citizens or improving the playground or doing refurbishment.
"These projects will continue, whether or not the opposition takes an interest."
Meanwhile, over at Bukit Panjang, the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) also made its rounds.
Its first stop was the Fajar wet market.
The members, including party leader Chee Soon Juan, wanted to speak to the stallholders affected by the 30 per cent increase in rental after Sheng Siong took over the market.
When contacted by Channel NewsAsia, MP for Bukit Panjang, Teo Ho Pin, said he welcomes the SDP to contest in his ward.
As for the issues on rental, Dr Teo said they should be discussed between the stallholders and the market operator.
Although the next General Election is only due by February 2012, the government has already set in motion various processes to prepare for the coming polls.
Among them are amendments to the Constitution and the Parliamentary Elections Act, which will pave the way for more non-constituency MPs; and a one-day cooling-off period before Singaporeans cast their vote. - CNA/ms
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