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Where were The SDP and SDA contesting?
- Thread starter fivestars
- Start date
the lead actor and actress of sdp are already condemned in cold storage. what else can they do?
their presence is only to ruin votes for other opp parties to the benefit of the paps.
PRESS RELEASE
CERTIFICATION OF REGISTERS OF ELECTORS, 2010
The Registers of Electors for all 23 electoral divisions have been
certified on 31 March 2010. There are 2,311,582 names of electors listed in
the Registers.
2 The Registers of Electors are open for inspection at the Elections
Department and the 105 Inspection Centres listed in Annex A. Singaporeans
may also check their names in the Registers via the Elections Department
website (http://www.elections.gov.sg).
3 Registration of overseas electors will remain open. Overseas
Singaporeans who wish to be registered as an overseas elector may submit
their application online via the Elections Department website. Alternatively,
they may print the “Application to be Overseas Elector” form from the
Elections Department website and submit the completed form by hand or
post to the Elections Department or any of the Overseas Registration Centres
listed in Annex B.
ISSUED BY:
ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT
DATE: 31 March 2010
CERTIFICATION OF REGISTERS OF ELECTORS, 2010
The Registers of Electors for all 23 electoral divisions have been
certified on 31 March 2010. There are 2,311,582 names of electors listed in
the Registers.
2 The Registers of Electors are open for inspection at the Elections
Department and the 105 Inspection Centres listed in Annex A. Singaporeans
may also check their names in the Registers via the Elections Department
website (http://www.elections.gov.sg).
3 Registration of overseas electors will remain open. Overseas
Singaporeans who wish to be registered as an overseas elector may submit
their application online via the Elections Department website. Alternatively,
they may print the “Application to be Overseas Elector” form from the
Elections Department website and submit the completed form by hand or
post to the Elections Department or any of the Overseas Registration Centres
listed in Annex B.
ISSUED BY:
ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT
DATE: 31 March 2010
The Reform Party Sunday's Walkabout- (not house to house) will be in Toa Payoh- Bishan. We will conduct this walkabout in concert with the SDA. Mrs Chiam will be joining us. Members and supporters will get an email with directions. (Those wishing to be included in email updates please send us your email address via the party website.)
The Reform Party and SDA
The Reform Party and SDA
Yes, the PAP is out to taint him. So are Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao. Add PAP supporters if you will. While we're at it, don't forget Mrs Chiam. Finally, add that dog that just peed at his front door too. Yep, they're all out to get Dr Chee, the sole hero of today's opposition who dares to fight the nasty PAP with hunger strikes and walkabouts that bring shame to the PAP.
These are all the causes of his image being tainted. They're all to be blamed. Everyone is to be blamed - except Chee himself. Really? Let's walk through history and see if that is so.
Factor #1 - 1992 Marine Parade By-Election
In this instance, Chee was part of the SDP team that contested in the By Elections. This is the start of the decay of the opposition.
If you are old enough, you would recall that the then newly appointed PM Goh Chok Tong, promised to have a by-election after the 1991 GE. JB Jeyaratnam was disqualified from the 1991 GE. It was an early GE, noting that the previous GE was 1988. Although Goh's excuse to hold an early GE was that he wanted a mandate from the people, because he just became PM, everyone knew that the real reason was to hold the GE before Jeya completed serving his suspension from contesting in elections. Had the GE been held in a year later, JBJ would have been able to stand for elections.
To quell the disquiet, Goh CT promised a by election - specially for JBJ. So in 1992, a by-election was held in Marine Parade to allow JBJ to stand for elections. However, this calculated move by PAP was actually one that was carefully planned and it was designed to break the opposition. I have commented on this event in this blog before. Here is the relevant excerpt.
Chiam and Kenneth Jeya tie up is political suicide
The Decay of the Opposition, starting with the SDP -
I really do not know, but somehow, within a short time, Chiam seemed to be intoxicated with the new power he had. All along since JBJ's 1981's by election win at Anson, it was JBJ who was seen as the leader of the opposition. Suddenly, in 1991, Chiam was hailed as the "new opposition leader" - by the PAP!
After the 1991 GE, PAP promised to have a By Elections to allow JBJ to make a comeback, having completed serving his disqualification period, due to the fine by the court. At the same time, the PAP hinted that Chiam was the one voters could be comfortable with. The idea was to create a rift amongst the opposition camp.
Chiam could have ignored it. However, he appeared to have suddenly become interested in holding onto power. The final showdown and collapse of the SDP was being played out.
1992 By Elections: The final nail in SDP's coffin which broke up the opposition -
By now, the PM was Goh CT. It was Goh who promised on behalf of the PAP, a by-election after 1991. This was a brilliant calculated move on the part of the PAP to weaken WP's influence and at the same time, effectively destroying the SDP.
Goh "sacrificed" his own Marine Parade GRC (a 3-seat ward then) to be set as the by election show down. He said that since he made the promise, he would take the responsibility.
The promise by GCT was actually to quell the disquiet that PAP was afraid of JBJ. JBJ was fined and disqualified from being an MP and was prevented from contesting in 1988 and 1991. The Privy Council later found that JBJ did no wrong, but was not in a position to undo all the wrongs PAP did.
Hence, the intention of the By Election in 1992, was actually meant for JBJ to make a comeback, after he had served out his disqualification period.
At this stage, I am going to risk putting up on my blog some info which was privy at that point of time. I was one of many who were invited to have lunch with then Dep PM LHL, just before that By Election was to be held. It was arranged that I was seated next to him at the table.
LHL, upon being seated, made a comment (jokingly) and said that he would love to take any questions, but not about the coming By Elections, because for the last few days, he was bombarded with that and hence, now needed a "rest" from the topic. Oh well, I was a little disappointed.
The lunch meeting carried on as per normal and when it reached its closing stages, I couldn't help myself. I finally asked him, "Mr Lee, I hate to ask this, but really, how is the By Elections?"
As usual, he let off his hearty ha-ha-ha-ha laugh which nearly burst my eardrums. I was seated next to him, remember? Anyway, he said, "I leave that to the Prime Minister (GCT). Don't worry, Chiam is not very clever."
I left thinking...Chiam not clever? Why mention Chiam? What about JBJ? Isn't this by election meant for JBJ to make a comeback, having served out his disqualification period?
That was the brilliant tactic of the PAP. Had they put up a single ward for the by election, even if WP had won, it would be 3 SDP MPs with with 2 WP MPs. Chiam would still be the unofficial leader of the opposition, which the PAP has hailed.
Now that it was a GRC, if WP won, it would be 4 WP MPs to Chiam's 3. Chiam would have lost that leadership.
PAP had actually put up a very smart and slick move, pitting Chiam against JBJ, and at the same time, come out smelling sweet, keeping to the promise of by elections to have JBJ to have a shot.
The Confusion and Aftermath within the Opposition -
There was talk from the ground that Chiam should have stayed out, giving way to JBJ and team to allow a very strong opposition to tackle one to one with the PAP. Chiam simply could not accept that if JBJ had won, his unofficial status as leader of opposition would be lost. And that title was given to him by non other than PAP itself!
WP, sensing it was a lost cause, did not submit their nomination, citing a technicality. It was then a straight fight between SDP and PAP. PAP won - as expected. (2 other opposition parties were just minnows.)
Note that although Chiam was the one who blocked JBJ from returning to politics, it was Chee Soon Juan who was the head of the SDP team that contested in the 1992 Marine Parade By Election.
This was the first sign that Chee was in for a power grab, and does not really care about the opposition. If he truly believed the opposition cause, he would have declined, talked to Chiam to get SDP out of the from the by elections, and allowed JBJ, the definitely much better qualified opposition candidate, to make a comeback.
Unfortunately, that was not so. Chee was himself crazy for that opportunity to grab power.
Factor 2 - Chee's Hunger Strike. Who does he think he is? Mahatma Ghandi?
Chee must be in dreamland to think he could swing anyone to pity him by going on a hunger strike. I am not going into the details of the background because there is enough on the internet already.
The fact that he even dared to stage this hunger strike is laughable. Many knew it was just a publicity stunt. Some even felt that if he did die, he would go down in history as the opposition man who committed suicide.
Putting it plainly, the hunger strike lowered his credibility because no one took him seriously.
Factor 3 - Chiam's Ouster from SDP
Chee claims that he did not want Chiam out. Good try, Chee. I have two questions for him then.
1. Why was Chee so eager to take over the Sec Gen's post? Why could he not have left that position vacant until a viable settlement between Chiam and Chee was reached? Isn't this an indication Chee wanted Chiam out as soon as possible, so that he could assume the Sec Gen's post?
2. Chee could have opposed to Chiam's expulsion. He did not. Speaks volumes, doesn't it?
Factor 4 - Chee gets jailed regularly. Who does he think he is? Nelson Mandela? Aung Sung Suu Kyi?
Has it ever occurred to Chee that if he keeps getting jailed and bankrupted, he wont' be able to stand for elections? I would say so. In fact, I would say that is what he is trying to do. He wants to be disqualified, so that he can't stand for elections, so that he could say that he is oppressed.
Factor 5 - Chee spoke to Lianhe Zaobao about Chiam's ouster, then blames Mrs Chiam when she spoke up
This has to be a no-brainer. He opens his mouth to Lianhe Zaoboa about Chiam's departure from SDP. What does he expect? Silence from the Chiam camp? Is he that daft?
You can feel free to add more factors in the comments section if you wish. To me, he is wasting everyone's time, and is not worthy even to be considered a serious candidate for the opposition.
If Chee Soon Juan keeps blaming everyone for his failures (except himself) at this stage, when his party has not even won a single seat, you can imagine what it would be like if he does win a seat, not to mention a full GRC.
These are all the causes of his image being tainted. They're all to be blamed. Everyone is to be blamed - except Chee himself. Really? Let's walk through history and see if that is so.
Factor #1 - 1992 Marine Parade By-Election
In this instance, Chee was part of the SDP team that contested in the By Elections. This is the start of the decay of the opposition.
If you are old enough, you would recall that the then newly appointed PM Goh Chok Tong, promised to have a by-election after the 1991 GE. JB Jeyaratnam was disqualified from the 1991 GE. It was an early GE, noting that the previous GE was 1988. Although Goh's excuse to hold an early GE was that he wanted a mandate from the people, because he just became PM, everyone knew that the real reason was to hold the GE before Jeya completed serving his suspension from contesting in elections. Had the GE been held in a year later, JBJ would have been able to stand for elections.
To quell the disquiet, Goh CT promised a by election - specially for JBJ. So in 1992, a by-election was held in Marine Parade to allow JBJ to stand for elections. However, this calculated move by PAP was actually one that was carefully planned and it was designed to break the opposition. I have commented on this event in this blog before. Here is the relevant excerpt.
Chiam and Kenneth Jeya tie up is political suicide
The Decay of the Opposition, starting with the SDP -
I really do not know, but somehow, within a short time, Chiam seemed to be intoxicated with the new power he had. All along since JBJ's 1981's by election win at Anson, it was JBJ who was seen as the leader of the opposition. Suddenly, in 1991, Chiam was hailed as the "new opposition leader" - by the PAP!
After the 1991 GE, PAP promised to have a By Elections to allow JBJ to make a comeback, having completed serving his disqualification period, due to the fine by the court. At the same time, the PAP hinted that Chiam was the one voters could be comfortable with. The idea was to create a rift amongst the opposition camp.
Chiam could have ignored it. However, he appeared to have suddenly become interested in holding onto power. The final showdown and collapse of the SDP was being played out.
1992 By Elections: The final nail in SDP's coffin which broke up the opposition -
By now, the PM was Goh CT. It was Goh who promised on behalf of the PAP, a by-election after 1991. This was a brilliant calculated move on the part of the PAP to weaken WP's influence and at the same time, effectively destroying the SDP.
Goh "sacrificed" his own Marine Parade GRC (a 3-seat ward then) to be set as the by election show down. He said that since he made the promise, he would take the responsibility.
The promise by GCT was actually to quell the disquiet that PAP was afraid of JBJ. JBJ was fined and disqualified from being an MP and was prevented from contesting in 1988 and 1991. The Privy Council later found that JBJ did no wrong, but was not in a position to undo all the wrongs PAP did.
Hence, the intention of the By Election in 1992, was actually meant for JBJ to make a comeback, after he had served out his disqualification period.
At this stage, I am going to risk putting up on my blog some info which was privy at that point of time. I was one of many who were invited to have lunch with then Dep PM LHL, just before that By Election was to be held. It was arranged that I was seated next to him at the table.
LHL, upon being seated, made a comment (jokingly) and said that he would love to take any questions, but not about the coming By Elections, because for the last few days, he was bombarded with that and hence, now needed a "rest" from the topic. Oh well, I was a little disappointed.
The lunch meeting carried on as per normal and when it reached its closing stages, I couldn't help myself. I finally asked him, "Mr Lee, I hate to ask this, but really, how is the By Elections?"
As usual, he let off his hearty ha-ha-ha-ha laugh which nearly burst my eardrums. I was seated next to him, remember? Anyway, he said, "I leave that to the Prime Minister (GCT). Don't worry, Chiam is not very clever."
I left thinking...Chiam not clever? Why mention Chiam? What about JBJ? Isn't this by election meant for JBJ to make a comeback, having served out his disqualification period?
That was the brilliant tactic of the PAP. Had they put up a single ward for the by election, even if WP had won, it would be 3 SDP MPs with with 2 WP MPs. Chiam would still be the unofficial leader of the opposition, which the PAP has hailed.
Now that it was a GRC, if WP won, it would be 4 WP MPs to Chiam's 3. Chiam would have lost that leadership.
PAP had actually put up a very smart and slick move, pitting Chiam against JBJ, and at the same time, come out smelling sweet, keeping to the promise of by elections to have JBJ to have a shot.
The Confusion and Aftermath within the Opposition -
There was talk from the ground that Chiam should have stayed out, giving way to JBJ and team to allow a very strong opposition to tackle one to one with the PAP. Chiam simply could not accept that if JBJ had won, his unofficial status as leader of opposition would be lost. And that title was given to him by non other than PAP itself!
WP, sensing it was a lost cause, did not submit their nomination, citing a technicality. It was then a straight fight between SDP and PAP. PAP won - as expected. (2 other opposition parties were just minnows.)
Note that although Chiam was the one who blocked JBJ from returning to politics, it was Chee Soon Juan who was the head of the SDP team that contested in the 1992 Marine Parade By Election.
This was the first sign that Chee was in for a power grab, and does not really care about the opposition. If he truly believed the opposition cause, he would have declined, talked to Chiam to get SDP out of the from the by elections, and allowed JBJ, the definitely much better qualified opposition candidate, to make a comeback.
Unfortunately, that was not so. Chee was himself crazy for that opportunity to grab power.
Factor 2 - Chee's Hunger Strike. Who does he think he is? Mahatma Ghandi?
Chee must be in dreamland to think he could swing anyone to pity him by going on a hunger strike. I am not going into the details of the background because there is enough on the internet already.
The fact that he even dared to stage this hunger strike is laughable. Many knew it was just a publicity stunt. Some even felt that if he did die, he would go down in history as the opposition man who committed suicide.
Putting it plainly, the hunger strike lowered his credibility because no one took him seriously.
Factor 3 - Chiam's Ouster from SDP
Chee claims that he did not want Chiam out. Good try, Chee. I have two questions for him then.
1. Why was Chee so eager to take over the Sec Gen's post? Why could he not have left that position vacant until a viable settlement between Chiam and Chee was reached? Isn't this an indication Chee wanted Chiam out as soon as possible, so that he could assume the Sec Gen's post?
2. Chee could have opposed to Chiam's expulsion. He did not. Speaks volumes, doesn't it?
Factor 4 - Chee gets jailed regularly. Who does he think he is? Nelson Mandela? Aung Sung Suu Kyi?
Has it ever occurred to Chee that if he keeps getting jailed and bankrupted, he wont' be able to stand for elections? I would say so. In fact, I would say that is what he is trying to do. He wants to be disqualified, so that he can't stand for elections, so that he could say that he is oppressed.
Factor 5 - Chee spoke to Lianhe Zaobao about Chiam's ouster, then blames Mrs Chiam when she spoke up
This has to be a no-brainer. He opens his mouth to Lianhe Zaoboa about Chiam's departure from SDP. What does he expect? Silence from the Chiam camp? Is he that daft?
You can feel free to add more factors in the comments section if you wish. To me, he is wasting everyone's time, and is not worthy even to be considered a serious candidate for the opposition.
If Chee Soon Juan keeps blaming everyone for his failures (except himself) at this stage, when his party has not even won a single seat, you can imagine what it would be like if he does win a seat, not to mention a full GRC.
Dr Chee Soon Juan has made a challenge to Old Man Lee to forgive his debts, so that he can contest next Elections. Chee's idea is of course to portray that LKY is afraid of Chee.
Heck, I have a better idea. If Chee really has the support of the people, I challenge his supporters to pay off Chee's debts, so that Chee can now contest next Elections. After all, if he is able to gather that kind of support, that would certainly show that he is worthy of our time to even bother to consider him a serious Election Candidate. However, if he cannot even get his own supporters to do that, what makes him think that the electorate sees Chee is a worthy Election Candidate?
I am not going into the morbid details how and why PAP tries to prevent Chee from contesting. We all know that. PAP has been known to do that to opposition candidates regularly. My point is that of late, there has been a lot of very aggressive campaigning, especially by TOC, to raise the awareness of "SDP's contributions"....to (an unworthy cause called) Human Rights. Even more stealthily done, is the covert introduction of gay agenda into society.
Again, I find nothing wrong if Chee wants to depend on external funds to help tide over his difficult personal financial situation (as opposed to funding SDP, which is external interference). I also find nothing wrong that if these external parties are really sincere and believe that Chee would be a good candidate, they can always offer to pay off his personal debts (but not funding SDP), so that he can stand for elections.
So why are these so-called supporters not willing to back Chee up? Why are they not willing to put their money where their mouth is? Now if these so called supporters themselves are in financial difficulty, it goes to show that Chee truly does not have enough number of supporters with him. All he has are a handful of people who talk big and are themselves in financial doodoo. If the number of supporters are big enough, and if everyone contributes a small sum, that sum would be enough to pay at least a significant portion of the debts, wouldn't it?
Alternatively, these supporters can lobby for support to get funds raised to clear Chee's debts. So why is that not done? No confidence to get enough public support for that?
Another point I would like to make is Chee's habit of getting himself sued. Now he knows for sure that would lead to bankruptcy. Yet he does it over and over? Doesn't it look like he deliberately gets sued, so that he can claim he has been prevented from contesting? A case of no confidence to contest, yet try to act as if he has been blocked? Then talk big and look as if he has been oppressed under the name of Human Rights - so that he can get external funds?
So, supporters of SDP, I suggest you either put your money where your mouth is, that is raise those funds to clear Chee's debts, or admit that even you yourselves don't have the confidence that the public would be willing to support Chee or SDP - which means Chee doesn't even have the ground support with him.
Yes, that is also a not so subtle hint to TOC that they would be better off backing other opposition parties like WP, Reform Party or NSP.
Or is it TOC is hanging onto SDP because that is the only Opposition Party in Singapore that is so involved in Human Rights and Gay Issues?
Heck, I have a better idea. If Chee really has the support of the people, I challenge his supporters to pay off Chee's debts, so that Chee can now contest next Elections. After all, if he is able to gather that kind of support, that would certainly show that he is worthy of our time to even bother to consider him a serious Election Candidate. However, if he cannot even get his own supporters to do that, what makes him think that the electorate sees Chee is a worthy Election Candidate?
I am not going into the morbid details how and why PAP tries to prevent Chee from contesting. We all know that. PAP has been known to do that to opposition candidates regularly. My point is that of late, there has been a lot of very aggressive campaigning, especially by TOC, to raise the awareness of "SDP's contributions"....to (an unworthy cause called) Human Rights. Even more stealthily done, is the covert introduction of gay agenda into society.
Again, I find nothing wrong if Chee wants to depend on external funds to help tide over his difficult personal financial situation (as opposed to funding SDP, which is external interference). I also find nothing wrong that if these external parties are really sincere and believe that Chee would be a good candidate, they can always offer to pay off his personal debts (but not funding SDP), so that he can stand for elections.
So why are these so-called supporters not willing to back Chee up? Why are they not willing to put their money where their mouth is? Now if these so called supporters themselves are in financial difficulty, it goes to show that Chee truly does not have enough number of supporters with him. All he has are a handful of people who talk big and are themselves in financial doodoo. If the number of supporters are big enough, and if everyone contributes a small sum, that sum would be enough to pay at least a significant portion of the debts, wouldn't it?
Alternatively, these supporters can lobby for support to get funds raised to clear Chee's debts. So why is that not done? No confidence to get enough public support for that?
Another point I would like to make is Chee's habit of getting himself sued. Now he knows for sure that would lead to bankruptcy. Yet he does it over and over? Doesn't it look like he deliberately gets sued, so that he can claim he has been prevented from contesting? A case of no confidence to contest, yet try to act as if he has been blocked? Then talk big and look as if he has been oppressed under the name of Human Rights - so that he can get external funds?
So, supporters of SDP, I suggest you either put your money where your mouth is, that is raise those funds to clear Chee's debts, or admit that even you yourselves don't have the confidence that the public would be willing to support Chee or SDP - which means Chee doesn't even have the ground support with him.
Yes, that is also a not so subtle hint to TOC that they would be better off backing other opposition parties like WP, Reform Party or NSP.
Or is it TOC is hanging onto SDP because that is the only Opposition Party in Singapore that is so involved in Human Rights and Gay Issues?
ST Forum
Home > ST Forum > Story
Apr 2, 2010
No one forced Chiam out: SDP chief
MRS Chiam See Tong's comments in Monday's report ('Chiam's SDP exit: Wife speaks up') is regrettable. It is a fact, recorded even in court documents, that Mr Chiam See Tong resigned as Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) secretary-general in 1993 when no central executive committee (CEC) members supported a motion he proposed. No one forced him out.
It is also a fact that the SDP did not announce his resignation for about a month, during which several CEC members, including me, had visited Mr Chiam repeatedly to persuade him to change his mind but to no avail.
Former SDP MP Cheo Chai Chen confirmed this when he told Shin Min Daily News that he and other members tried to persuade Mr Chiam several times but Mr Chiam 'didn't want to listen to what we had to say'. Even the present chairman of his Singapore People's Party, Mr Sin Kek Tong, said he had reminded Mr Chiam to be watchful of his language and behaviour, but Mr Chiam 'didn't think he should listen to my suggestions'.
Mr Chiam insisted he would return as secretary-general only if we gave him sole power to appoint and dismiss CEC and cadre members. This was clearly undemocratic and, more important, against the party's Constitution. It would have landed the SDP in legal trouble.
After it was decided that the CEC could not accede to his demands and his resignation became public, Mr Chiam spoke at a Singapore Press Club gathering where he attacked his own party. He did so although he, when he was still secretary-general, had made party leaders sign an oath not to criticise the SDP after they left office.
It was only after Mr Chiam's serious attack in his press club speech that the CEC acted and voted overwhelmingly to expel him.
All these are facts recorded in court documents that happened nearly 20 years ago. Since then, the People's Action Party has capitalised on this matter to hit out at the SDP and, in particular, me. My only wish is to record that it was not I who forced Mr Chiam out.
After Mr Chiam's departure, I had a responsibility as assistant secretary-general to do one of two things: pick up the pieces and lead the SDP in a new direction or to let it flounder and die. I chose the former.
We bear Mr Chiam no ill will and wish him well. The SDP has moved on.
Dr Chee Soon Juan
Secretary-General
Singapore Democratic Party
Home > ST Forum > Story
Apr 2, 2010
No one forced Chiam out: SDP chief
MRS Chiam See Tong's comments in Monday's report ('Chiam's SDP exit: Wife speaks up') is regrettable. It is a fact, recorded even in court documents, that Mr Chiam See Tong resigned as Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) secretary-general in 1993 when no central executive committee (CEC) members supported a motion he proposed. No one forced him out.
It is also a fact that the SDP did not announce his resignation for about a month, during which several CEC members, including me, had visited Mr Chiam repeatedly to persuade him to change his mind but to no avail.
Former SDP MP Cheo Chai Chen confirmed this when he told Shin Min Daily News that he and other members tried to persuade Mr Chiam several times but Mr Chiam 'didn't want to listen to what we had to say'. Even the present chairman of his Singapore People's Party, Mr Sin Kek Tong, said he had reminded Mr Chiam to be watchful of his language and behaviour, but Mr Chiam 'didn't think he should listen to my suggestions'.
Mr Chiam insisted he would return as secretary-general only if we gave him sole power to appoint and dismiss CEC and cadre members. This was clearly undemocratic and, more important, against the party's Constitution. It would have landed the SDP in legal trouble.
After it was decided that the CEC could not accede to his demands and his resignation became public, Mr Chiam spoke at a Singapore Press Club gathering where he attacked his own party. He did so although he, when he was still secretary-general, had made party leaders sign an oath not to criticise the SDP after they left office.
It was only after Mr Chiam's serious attack in his press club speech that the CEC acted and voted overwhelmingly to expel him.
All these are facts recorded in court documents that happened nearly 20 years ago. Since then, the People's Action Party has capitalised on this matter to hit out at the SDP and, in particular, me. My only wish is to record that it was not I who forced Mr Chiam out.
After Mr Chiam's departure, I had a responsibility as assistant secretary-general to do one of two things: pick up the pieces and lead the SDP in a new direction or to let it flounder and die. I chose the former.
We bear Mr Chiam no ill will and wish him well. The SDP has moved on.
Dr Chee Soon Juan
Secretary-General
Singapore Democratic Party
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