Update: 10 Aug 2015
No More 3-Cornered Fights! SingFirst Pulls out of Ang Mo Kio, NSP Won’t Contest Marine Parade, MacPherson
There was worry over opposition unity following the second round of opposition solidarity talks, as discussions weren’t able to make headway on 3-cornered fights.
But those fears have been quelled with the announcements that SingFirst will not be contesting in Ang Mo Kio GRC, and the National Solidarity Party has pulled out of Marine Parade GRC and MacPherson SMC.
In another surprise development, the NSP said it will focus on standing for elections in Tampines GRC, Sembawang GRC and Pioneer SMC. It will relinquish challenges in Marine Parade GRC and MacPherson SMC, which would have put it on a collision course with the Workers’ Party.
read more
SINGFIRST WILL NOT CONTEST AMK GRC, ALL MULTI-CORNERED FIGHTS RESOLVED
The Singaporeans First party said it will not contest Ang Mo Kio GRC in the coming General Election, and will leave the Reform Party to take on the People's Action Party team there.
"To avoid a 3-corner fight, SingFirst will hereby withdraw its interest to contest AMK GRC and focus its resources on Tanjong Pagar and Jurong GRCs," said Mr Tan Jee Say, the party's Secretary-General, in a press statement on Monday (Aug 10).
In a post on his Facebook page, RP Secretary-General Kenneth Jeyaretnam thanked SingFirst for "graciously deciding" not to contest Ang Mo Kio.
read more
NSP acknowledges Workers’ Party and avoid 3-corner fights
The National Solidarity Party (NSP) today (August 10) announced that they will give up contests in Macpherson SMC and Marine Parade GRC to avoid a 3-corner fight with the Workers’ Party in the spirit of Opposition unity.
NSP also thanked the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) for giving up Sembawang GRC and letting NSP contest the area.
All 3-corner fights have been resolved with the exception of Ang Mo Kio GRC which will be contested by both Reform Party, featuring CPF blogger Roy Ngerng, and Singaporean First Party.
related:
| Single-Member Constituencies (SMCs) | Party / Parties likely to contest |
| Bukit Batok | Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) |
| Bukit Panjang | SDP |
| Fengshan | Workers’ Party (WP) |
| Hong Kah North | Singapore People’s Party (SPP) |
| Hougang | WP |
| MacPherson | WP |
| Mountbatten | SPP |
| Pioneer | NSP |
| Potong Pasir | SPP |
| Punggol East | WP |
| Radin Mas | Reform Party (RP) |
| Sengkang West | WP |
| Yuhua | SDP |
| Four-MP Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) | Party likely to contest |
| Chua Chu Kang | People’s Power Party (PPP) |
| East Coast | WP |
| Holland-Bukit Timah | SDP |
| Jalan Besar | WP |
| Marsiling-Yew Tee | SDP |
| West Coast | RP |
| Five-MP GRCs | Party / Parties likely to contest |
| Aljunied | WP |
| Bishan-Toa Payoh | Joint team from SPP and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) |
| Jurong | Singaporeans First (SingFirst) |
| Marine Parade | WP |
| Nee Soon | WP |
| Sembawang | NSP |
| Tampines | NSP |
| Tanjong Pagar | SingFirst |
| Six-MP GRCs | Party / Parties likely to contest |
| Ang Mo Kio | RP |
| Pasir Ris-Punggol | Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) |
| Single-Member (SMCs) | Four-MP GRCs | Five-MP GRCs | Six-MP GRCs | |
| WP | Fengshan | East Coast | Aljunied | |
| Hougang | Jalan Besar | Marine Parade | ||
| MacPherson | Nee Soon | |||
| Punggol East | ||||
| Sengkang West | ||||
| SDP | Bukit Batok | Holland-Bukit Timah | ||
| Bukit Panjang | Marsiling-Yew Tee | |||
| Yuhua | ||||
| NSP | Pioneer | Sembawang | ||
| Tampines | ||||
| SPP | Hong Kah North | Bishan-Toa Payoh | ||
| Mountbatten | * Joint SPP/DPP | |||
| Potong Pasir | ||||
| RP | Radin Mas | West Coast | Ang Mo Kio | |
| SFP | Jurong | |||
| Tanjong Pagar | ||||
| PPP | Chua Chu Kang | |||
| DPP | Bishan-Toa Payoh * | |||
| SDA | Pasir Ris-Punggol | |||
| Total 89 Mps | 13 SMCs – 13 | 6 Four MP GRC – 24 | 8 Five MP GRC – 40 | 2 Six MP GRC – 12 |
No More 3-Cornered Fights! SingFirst Pulls out of Ang Mo Kio, NSP Won’t Contest Marine Parade, MacPherson
There was worry over opposition unity following the second round of opposition solidarity talks, as discussions weren’t able to make headway on 3-cornered fights.
But those fears have been quelled with the announcements that SingFirst will not be contesting in Ang Mo Kio GRC, and the National Solidarity Party has pulled out of Marine Parade GRC and MacPherson SMC.
In another surprise development, the NSP said it will focus on standing for elections in Tampines GRC, Sembawang GRC and Pioneer SMC. It will relinquish challenges in Marine Parade GRC and MacPherson SMC, which would have put it on a collision course with the Workers’ Party.
read more
SINGFIRST WILL NOT CONTEST AMK GRC, ALL MULTI-CORNERED FIGHTS RESOLVED
The Singaporeans First party said it will not contest Ang Mo Kio GRC in the coming General Election, and will leave the Reform Party to take on the People's Action Party team there.
"To avoid a 3-corner fight, SingFirst will hereby withdraw its interest to contest AMK GRC and focus its resources on Tanjong Pagar and Jurong GRCs," said Mr Tan Jee Say, the party's Secretary-General, in a press statement on Monday (Aug 10).
In a post on his Facebook page, RP Secretary-General Kenneth Jeyaretnam thanked SingFirst for "graciously deciding" not to contest Ang Mo Kio.
read more
NSP acknowledges Workers’ Party and avoid 3-corner fights
The National Solidarity Party (NSP) today (August 10) announced that they will give up contests in Macpherson SMC and Marine Parade GRC to avoid a 3-corner fight with the Workers’ Party in the spirit of Opposition unity.
NSP also thanked the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) for giving up Sembawang GRC and letting NSP contest the area.
All 3-corner fights have been resolved with the exception of Ang Mo Kio GRC which will be contested by both Reform Party, featuring CPF blogger Roy Ngerng, and Singaporean First Party.
related:
PAP Minister Lee Yi Shyan: The Workers’ Party comes to Bedok only once every 5 years
Latest: SFP gives up AMK GRC. All 3-corner fights resolved.
read more
Lawyer M Ravi might join Reform Party to contest Ang Mo Kio GRC against PM Lee Hsien Loong
Lawyer M Ravi was seen at the Reform Party walkabout in Ang Mo Kio on Monday, Aug. 10, 2015, fuelling speculation that he could be part of the party’s six-man team to contest in Ang Mo Kio GRC against PAP’s team helmed by PAP’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
According to Yahoo Singapore, Ravi said he has decided not to contest in the election with a team of independent candidates — that included blogger Han Hui Hui and two of his legal interns — as he initially planned.
He told Yahoo Singapore: “I’m considering joining the Reform Party but I haven’t made up my decision yet. I’m keeping my options open.”
read more
Almost all three-cornered fights resolved at opposition parties talk despite Workers’ Party no-show
The second round of opposition party talks concluded on Aug. 6, 2015, without the Workers’ Party being present.
Nine other parties at the meeting unveiled the constituencies they will be contesting in the coming General Election.
Constituencies facing potential three-cornered fights include MacPherson, Marine Parade, Ang Mo Kio and Potong Pasir.
read more
WP reaffirms plans to run in Marine Parade, Macpherson, says NSP rejected its proposal
Workers' Party chairman Sylvia Lim speaks to the media during a walkabout at Macpherson Market and Food Centre on Aug 7, 2015.ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Among the WP members and volunteers were Non-Constituency MP Yee Jenn Jong, who is expected to lead the WP's team in Marine Parade GRC, and lawyer Terrence Tan, 43, who has been doing house visits in the five-member GRC with Mr Yee.
Medical social worker Frieda Chan, 39, who gave birth to a boy six months ago, was also present. The former candidate stood in Moulmein-Kallang GRC in 2011.
A number of new faces were also spotted. They include holding company chief executive Luke Koh, 40; wealth manager Dylan Ng, 40; corporate lawyer He Ting Ru, 32; and sales consultant Cheryl Denise Loh, 32.
read more
Opposition horse-trading concludes with multiple-cornered fights possible
*Potong Pasir will also likely to have a three-corner fight with independent candidate Tan Lam Siong bent on contesting the SMC with SPP
The second round of meeting between the opposition parties concluded with three possible head-on collisions between contesting parties in the upcoming general election.
The meeting which was held at the headquarters of the National Solidarity Party (NSP) was met with a few setbacks at the very start with the absence of Workers’ Party (WP) and a walkout of Reform Party’s Secretary General, Kenneth Jeyaretnam.
It is unclear why the Workers’ Party did not attend the meeting but it is believed that WP chairman Sylvia Lim had emailed NSP earlier to say it would not be attending.
related: Sylvia Lim says WP “have to proceed” on plans to contest
read more
Result of Opposition Meeting: 3 areas in three-corner fights
The result of the second electoral strategy meeting by Singapore’s Opposition parties is out. There will be 3 areas with three-corner fights, namely:
For Macpherson SMC and Marine Parade GRC, the Workers’ Party appear not worried about going into three corner fights with NSP as they have successfully won against the ruling PAP in previous three corner fights at Punggol East SMC.
The Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC will be fielded with candidates from both Singapore People’s Party and Democratic Progress Party. All other constituencies are amicably resolved.
read more
Last night at the Crazy Horse Club….
AT THE Crazy Horse Club last night, dealers in horse flesh gathered to trade. They didn’t want the mares which had already gone under the hammer. They wanted to try their hand at lassoing other thoroughbreds roaming the white pastures.
There was plenty of bronco bucking and some got thrown off the saddle. One dealer couldn’t be reined in and he bolted from the scene even before the stable door had scarcely closed. Some people were upset that the hammer dealer wanted to be tied to his post. The hammer dealer said he had a right to as he had put cart before horse way, way before, staking his claim on 28 animals.
Neigh way was he going to be led away. In fact, stallion-like, he didn’t even turn up at the club. He sent a smoke signal instead.
read more
Some headway made to avoid 3-way fights but hurdles remain
Representatives from the various opposition parties gather for a meeting at National Solidarity Party's headquarters on August 3 2015. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Members of nine opposition parties who met last night made some headway in their bid to avoid three-cornered fights.
But with more than one party still set on contesting one-third of the constituencies, the parties plan to meet again on Thursday evening.
National Solidarity Party (NSP) acting secretary-general Hazel Poa told reporters after the meeting at her party headquarters in Jalan Besar: "We have decided to keep the outcome of today's discussion confidential for the time being."
related: Opposition parties to meet again on Thursday
read more
Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew to leave politics; PM Lee "reluctantly accepts" decision
Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew has chosen not to stand for re-election in the next General Election, a decision which Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Tuesday that he reluctantly accepted.
In an exchange of letters between Mr Lui and PM Lee released on Tuesday, Mr Lui said he had broached the subject early this year, but PM Lee and senior Cabinet members tried hard to persuade him to change his mind.
"You reminded me that the responsibility of Government was a collective one, and no minister carried difficult problems like public transport alone," wrote Mr Lui. "I deeply appreciate the reassurance and support. But having thought the matter over carefully, I have decided that I should stand by my original decision."
read more
S'pore now in election season, says Ng Eng Hen
Singapore has entered “election season”, said the ruling People’s Action Party’s organising secretary Ng Eng Hen today (Aug 10), sending perhaps the clearest sign that the Republic could go to the polls just weeks after celebrating her Golden Jubilee.
Over the next two weeks, leading up to around the National Day Rally on Aug 23, the PAP will make announcements on its retiring MPs, new candidates as well as the slate for all 89 seats to be contested, said Dr Ng, who was speaking to the media after making house visits at Jalan Dusun in Balestier.
In what he described as a “radical change”, Dr Ng reiterated that the PAP will make known who it is fielding for the General Election in all the 16 Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) and 13 Single Member Constituencies (SMCs) before Nomination Day.
read more
SENIOR MINISTER GOH UNVEILS PAP TEAM FOR MARINE PARADE GRC:
Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong unveiled the PAP team that could contest Marine Parade GRC in the upcoming General Elections.
In his Facebook update, the likely members include Mr Goh Chok Tong, MSF Minister Tan Chuan-Jin, Associate Professor Fatimah Lateef and Mr Seah Kian Peng. MP of the soon to be dissolved Moulmein-Kallang GRC Edwin Tong is expected to replace Tin Pei Ling.
Mr Goh shared that it was at his request that the party send Edwin Tong to be tested in Joo Chiat and said that this is most likely to be the Marine Parade team.
read more
Heng shrugs off possibility of multi-party contest in Tampines
Education Minister and Tampines GRC's anchor minister Heng Swee Keat at a Meet the People Session on Aug 3, 2015. (Photo: TODAY/Toh Ee Ming)
Shrugging off the prospect of a multi-cornered fight in Tampines Group Representation Constituency (GRC), the constituency’s anchor minister Heng Swee Keat said the guiding principle of his People’s Action Party (PAP) team has been to serve their residents well.
“We take every election seriously. We are never complacent,” said the Education Minister, speaking to TODAY before his Meet the People Session. “Whether it is one party or two parties, (it) does not make a difference to us because it does not affect our work in any way,” he added.
Opposition parties Singaporeans First, National Solidarity Party and People’s Power Party (PPP) had previously indicated their intention in contesting in the GRC, but the PPP has since dropped its interest. Horse-trading talks last night between the Opposition parties failed to yield a complete resolution on possible multi-cornered fights. The parties, which will meet again on Thursday, remain deadlocked on some constituencies.
related:
People’s Power Party intends to contest Choa Chu Kang GRC
Opposition parties to meet: Here’s what to expect
Opposition parties could join forces for upcoming General Election: Goh Meng Seng
Opposition parties gather for horse-trading talks
read more
Opposition Parties crushed PAP’s hopes for 3-corner fights
According to a reliable anonymous source present at the meeting last night, opposition parties have resolved 3-corner fights and will be meeting again this Thursday (August 6) to finalise the talks and pick the best Opposition candidates to contest the ruling People’s Action Party.
The Singapore People’s Party (SPP) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) were revealed to have avoided 3-corner fights in Potong Pasir SMC, Mountbatten SMC, Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC and Hong Kah SMC. The People’s Power Party Goh Meng Seng has also revealed that they will go to Chua Chu Kang GRC and leave Tampines GRC to the National Solidarity Party (NSP). For SPP and DPP, they will even join forces to contest Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC. On Thursday, the Reform Party (RP) and DPP will resolve Tanjong Pagar GRC, and the Singaporeans First Party will resolve with NSP over Tampines GRC.
The resolution of all 3-corner fights is seen as a major development for Opposition parties but this news have been blacked out by the government-controlled media. Disunity has always been a problem with Singapore Opposition but it appears this time round they have made things right.
related: Singapore People’s Party to work with DPP to avoid three-corner fights
read more
Largest-Ever Opposition Solidarity Talks Held as All 9 Parties Send Representatives
It’s one for the history books today, as representatives from 9 opposition political parties turned up for talks to carve out their competition space in the coming General Election.
This marks the biggest-ever gathering of opposition parties for such talks – aimed at avoiding 3-cornered fights in the elections, which is widely believed to be held in September this year.
Representatives met at the National Solidarity Party’s headquarters in Jalan Besar, with president Sebastian Tan on hand to welcome the representatives.
related:
Oppo Parties United in Condemnation of EBRC Formation Without Their Knowledge
Changes to Boundaries of Polling Districts Within 8 GRCS
Changes to EBRC! New GRCs and SMCs Carved Out, 16.7 Percent of Voters Affected
Mountbatten SMC: Jeannette’s for the Taking?
Inderjit Singh to Ang Mo Kio Residents: Support the Kwek!
Lina Chiam: “I May be ‘Old and Less Educated’, but I’ll Never Forsake Potong Pasir!”
Labour Crunch for PAP Team in Bishan-Toa Payoh: Hri Kumar Latest to Want Out!
Tan Chuan-Jin: NSP Not Very Active, but Still More Active than WP in Marine Parade
read more
Multi-cornered fights will be few and far between: Analysts
Representatives of the Opposition parties in Singapore at the Inter Party Conference for GE 2011 at the PKMS Building. (TODAY file photo)
Latest: SFP gives up AMK GRC. All 3-corner fights resolved.
read more
Lawyer M Ravi might join Reform Party to contest Ang Mo Kio GRC against PM Lee Hsien Loong
Lawyer M Ravi was seen at the Reform Party walkabout in Ang Mo Kio on Monday, Aug. 10, 2015, fuelling speculation that he could be part of the party’s six-man team to contest in Ang Mo Kio GRC against PAP’s team helmed by PAP’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
According to Yahoo Singapore, Ravi said he has decided not to contest in the election with a team of independent candidates — that included blogger Han Hui Hui and two of his legal interns — as he initially planned.
He told Yahoo Singapore: “I’m considering joining the Reform Party but I haven’t made up my decision yet. I’m keeping my options open.”
read more
Almost all three-cornered fights resolved at opposition parties talk despite Workers’ Party no-show
The second round of opposition party talks concluded on Aug. 6, 2015, without the Workers’ Party being present.
Nine other parties at the meeting unveiled the constituencies they will be contesting in the coming General Election.
Constituencies facing potential three-cornered fights include MacPherson, Marine Parade, Ang Mo Kio and Potong Pasir.
read more
WP reaffirms plans to run in Marine Parade, Macpherson, says NSP rejected its proposal
Among the WP members and volunteers were Non-Constituency MP Yee Jenn Jong, who is expected to lead the WP's team in Marine Parade GRC, and lawyer Terrence Tan, 43, who has been doing house visits in the five-member GRC with Mr Yee.
Medical social worker Frieda Chan, 39, who gave birth to a boy six months ago, was also present. The former candidate stood in Moulmein-Kallang GRC in 2011.
A number of new faces were also spotted. They include holding company chief executive Luke Koh, 40; wealth manager Dylan Ng, 40; corporate lawyer He Ting Ru, 32; and sales consultant Cheryl Denise Loh, 32.
read more
Opposition horse-trading concludes with multiple-cornered fights possible
The second round of meeting between the opposition parties concluded with three possible head-on collisions between contesting parties in the upcoming general election.
The meeting which was held at the headquarters of the National Solidarity Party (NSP) was met with a few setbacks at the very start with the absence of Workers’ Party (WP) and a walkout of Reform Party’s Secretary General, Kenneth Jeyaretnam.
It is unclear why the Workers’ Party did not attend the meeting but it is believed that WP chairman Sylvia Lim had emailed NSP earlier to say it would not be attending.
related: Sylvia Lim says WP “have to proceed” on plans to contest
read more
Result of Opposition Meeting: 3 areas in three-corner fights
The result of the second electoral strategy meeting by Singapore’s Opposition parties is out. There will be 3 areas with three-corner fights, namely:
- Ang Mo Kio GRC: Reform Party and Singaporeans First Party
- Macpherson SMC: Workers’ Party and National Solidarity Party
- Marine Parade GRC: Workers’ Party and National Solidarity Party
For Macpherson SMC and Marine Parade GRC, the Workers’ Party appear not worried about going into three corner fights with NSP as they have successfully won against the ruling PAP in previous three corner fights at Punggol East SMC.
The Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC will be fielded with candidates from both Singapore People’s Party and Democratic Progress Party. All other constituencies are amicably resolved.
read more
Last night at the Crazy Horse Club….
AT THE Crazy Horse Club last night, dealers in horse flesh gathered to trade. They didn’t want the mares which had already gone under the hammer. They wanted to try their hand at lassoing other thoroughbreds roaming the white pastures.
There was plenty of bronco bucking and some got thrown off the saddle. One dealer couldn’t be reined in and he bolted from the scene even before the stable door had scarcely closed. Some people were upset that the hammer dealer wanted to be tied to his post. The hammer dealer said he had a right to as he had put cart before horse way, way before, staking his claim on 28 animals.
Neigh way was he going to be led away. In fact, stallion-like, he didn’t even turn up at the club. He sent a smoke signal instead.
read more
Some headway made to avoid 3-way fights but hurdles remain
Members of nine opposition parties who met last night made some headway in their bid to avoid three-cornered fights.
But with more than one party still set on contesting one-third of the constituencies, the parties plan to meet again on Thursday evening.
National Solidarity Party (NSP) acting secretary-general Hazel Poa told reporters after the meeting at her party headquarters in Jalan Besar: "We have decided to keep the outcome of today's discussion confidential for the time being."
related: Opposition parties to meet again on Thursday
read more
Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew to leave politics; PM Lee "reluctantly accepts" decision
Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew has chosen not to stand for re-election in the next General Election, a decision which Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Tuesday that he reluctantly accepted.
In an exchange of letters between Mr Lui and PM Lee released on Tuesday, Mr Lui said he had broached the subject early this year, but PM Lee and senior Cabinet members tried hard to persuade him to change his mind.
"You reminded me that the responsibility of Government was a collective one, and no minister carried difficult problems like public transport alone," wrote Mr Lui. "I deeply appreciate the reassurance and support. But having thought the matter over carefully, I have decided that I should stand by my original decision."
read more
S'pore now in election season, says Ng Eng Hen
Singapore has entered “election season”, said the ruling People’s Action Party’s organising secretary Ng Eng Hen today (Aug 10), sending perhaps the clearest sign that the Republic could go to the polls just weeks after celebrating her Golden Jubilee.
Over the next two weeks, leading up to around the National Day Rally on Aug 23, the PAP will make announcements on its retiring MPs, new candidates as well as the slate for all 89 seats to be contested, said Dr Ng, who was speaking to the media after making house visits at Jalan Dusun in Balestier.
In what he described as a “radical change”, Dr Ng reiterated that the PAP will make known who it is fielding for the General Election in all the 16 Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) and 13 Single Member Constituencies (SMCs) before Nomination Day.
read more
SENIOR MINISTER GOH UNVEILS PAP TEAM FOR MARINE PARADE GRC:
Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong unveiled the PAP team that could contest Marine Parade GRC in the upcoming General Elections.
In his Facebook update, the likely members include Mr Goh Chok Tong, MSF Minister Tan Chuan-Jin, Associate Professor Fatimah Lateef and Mr Seah Kian Peng. MP of the soon to be dissolved Moulmein-Kallang GRC Edwin Tong is expected to replace Tin Pei Ling.
Mr Goh shared that it was at his request that the party send Edwin Tong to be tested in Joo Chiat and said that this is most likely to be the Marine Parade team.
read more
Heng shrugs off possibility of multi-party contest in Tampines
Education Minister and Tampines GRC's anchor minister Heng Swee Keat at a Meet the People Session on Aug 3, 2015. (Photo: TODAY/Toh Ee Ming)Shrugging off the prospect of a multi-cornered fight in Tampines Group Representation Constituency (GRC), the constituency’s anchor minister Heng Swee Keat said the guiding principle of his People’s Action Party (PAP) team has been to serve their residents well.
“We take every election seriously. We are never complacent,” said the Education Minister, speaking to TODAY before his Meet the People Session. “Whether it is one party or two parties, (it) does not make a difference to us because it does not affect our work in any way,” he added.
Opposition parties Singaporeans First, National Solidarity Party and People’s Power Party (PPP) had previously indicated their intention in contesting in the GRC, but the PPP has since dropped its interest. Horse-trading talks last night between the Opposition parties failed to yield a complete resolution on possible multi-cornered fights. The parties, which will meet again on Thursday, remain deadlocked on some constituencies.
related:
People’s Power Party intends to contest Choa Chu Kang GRC
Opposition parties to meet: Here’s what to expect
Opposition parties could join forces for upcoming General Election: Goh Meng Seng
Opposition parties gather for horse-trading talks
read more
Opposition Parties crushed PAP’s hopes for 3-corner fights
The Singapore People’s Party (SPP) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) were revealed to have avoided 3-corner fights in Potong Pasir SMC, Mountbatten SMC, Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC and Hong Kah SMC. The People’s Power Party Goh Meng Seng has also revealed that they will go to Chua Chu Kang GRC and leave Tampines GRC to the National Solidarity Party (NSP). For SPP and DPP, they will even join forces to contest Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC. On Thursday, the Reform Party (RP) and DPP will resolve Tanjong Pagar GRC, and the Singaporeans First Party will resolve with NSP over Tampines GRC.
The resolution of all 3-corner fights is seen as a major development for Opposition parties but this news have been blacked out by the government-controlled media. Disunity has always been a problem with Singapore Opposition but it appears this time round they have made things right.
related: Singapore People’s Party to work with DPP to avoid three-corner fights
read more
Largest-Ever Opposition Solidarity Talks Held as All 9 Parties Send Representatives
It’s one for the history books today, as representatives from 9 opposition political parties turned up for talks to carve out their competition space in the coming General Election.
This marks the biggest-ever gathering of opposition parties for such talks – aimed at avoiding 3-cornered fights in the elections, which is widely believed to be held in September this year.
Representatives met at the National Solidarity Party’s headquarters in Jalan Besar, with president Sebastian Tan on hand to welcome the representatives.
related:
Oppo Parties United in Condemnation of EBRC Formation Without Their Knowledge
Changes to Boundaries of Polling Districts Within 8 GRCS
Changes to EBRC! New GRCs and SMCs Carved Out, 16.7 Percent of Voters Affected
Mountbatten SMC: Jeannette’s for the Taking?
Inderjit Singh to Ang Mo Kio Residents: Support the Kwek!
Lina Chiam: “I May be ‘Old and Less Educated’, but I’ll Never Forsake Potong Pasir!”
Labour Crunch for PAP Team in Bishan-Toa Payoh: Hri Kumar Latest to Want Out!
Tan Chuan-Jin: NSP Not Very Active, but Still More Active than WP in Marine Parade
read more
Multi-cornered fights will be few and far between: Analysts
Representatives of the Opposition parties in Singapore at the Inter Party Conference for GE 2011 at the PKMS Building. (TODAY file photo)
Although several opposition parties have staked their claims to the same constituencies, the political analysts TODAY spoke to said multi-cornered fights are likely to prevail only in constituencies the Workers’ Party (WP) does not gun for. Multi-cornered fights, they said, hold “grave consequences” for other opposition parties that do not have a branding as strong as the WP’s.
Singapore Management University law don, associate professor Eugene Tan, said the WP is in a “healthy bargaining position”, and unlikely to concede the places it staked a claim to.
“In a case where there is nothing much to differentiate between the two or more opposition parties, voters may not know where or on whom to pool their votes. And this is where we are likely to see votes being split,” he said.
read more
read more
WP reaches out to fellow opposition parties to avoid 3-cornered battles
Once friends on the same side, now competitors on different sides. Will the twain ever meet?
For the Worker’s Party (WP), this is a question they will attempt to answer during a meet-up with Mr Seow Khee Leng, a former party member who has indicated his interest to represent the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the Fengshan SMC for the upcoming general election.
Mr Seow is a personal acquaintance of Ms Sylvia Lim and Mr Low Thia Khiang, The chairman and the secretary general of the WP, respectively.
read more
Eye on the GE, August 2
A lot has happened over the weekend. Here’s everything you need to get up-to-date:
- Potong Pasir faces a potential multi-cornered fight with the latest announcement of contest by former National Solidarity Party secretary-general Mr Tan Lam Siong to run as an independent candidate. The Singapore People’s Party’s (SPP) Ms Lina Chiam declared on Facebook that she will stand her ground and “never forsake Potong Pasir”.
- Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secretary-general Mr Benjamin Pwee was reported to say that he hoped to propose an alliance with Singaporeans First (SingFirst) but later called the report as “inaccurate”.
- People’s Power Party (PPP) chief, Mr Goh Meng Seng, told reporters after an informal gathering at the home of Singaporeans First secretary-general Mr Tan Jee Say on Saturday evening that having two Opposition parties join forces to contest constituencies is a “possibility”. PPP will contest Chua Chu Kang GRC.
- Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Mr Lawrence Wong has left his Boon Lay ward in West Coast GRC to stand in the Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, being the first minister who entered politics in 2011 to leave his original seat and head a team in another. Meanwhile, the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) field of potential candidates for the GRC is taking shape.
- Manpower Minister Mr Lim Swee Say has confirmed that he will continue to contest in the East Coast GRC and secured PM Lee Hsien Loong’s agreement to remain in his current ward of Bedok.
- Veteran MP Mr Charles Chong is a likely candidate for the Punggol East SMC, describing his return to the ward as a “homecoming” at a National Day dinner yesterday, but would not confirm or deny his move from Joo Chiat SMC to Punggol East.
12 General Election Happenings That You Missed Over The Weekend
We are 5 weeks to September (the projected month of General Election), political updates are coming in at such a fast rate, the average human being can’t possibly be expected to absorb everything. For starters, we have 10 political parties (People’s Action Party, Workers’ Party, Singapore Democratic Party, Singapore People’s Party, National Solidarity Party, Reform Party, SingFirst, Singapore Democratic Alliance, Democratic Progressive Party, and People’s Power Party) to choose from and even an independent candidate.
- Chief of Defence, Ng Chee Meng retires, not ruling out politics
- Charles Chong to face Lee Li Lian in the Punggol East SMC?
- New face spotted in Pasir Ris – Punggol: Sun Xueling
- Opposition had an ad-hoc Meeting; NSP says not really
- Potong Pasir set for 4-way contest?
- Lawrence Wong given role of anchor Minister in new GRC
- 3 MPs may be stepping down at Bishan – Toa Payoh GRC
- Kahar Hassan of Kaki Bukit ward in Aljunied GRC replaced with a teacher
- Goh Meng Seng reveals his party strategy
- Nicole Seah will not be contesting in the coming General Election
- Democratic Progressive Party not in alliance with SingFirst
- MP Edwin Tong most likely to parachute into Marine Parade GRC
OPPOSITION OUTREACH EFFORTS FACES UPHILL BATTLE AGAINST HUGE GRASSROOTS RESOURCES
I cannot recall exactly how long it has been since I was involved in conducting our weekly house visits.
In that time when I have been really busy, my fellow members and volunteers have been tirelessly turning up without fail for months to visit the residents of the constituencies that we intend to contest in.
Coming from all parts of Singapore, with some as far as Pasir Ris, they travel sometimes for more than an hour to the residential blocks in the west that are not always easily accessible by public transport.
related: NICOLE SEAH WILL NOT BE REJOINING NSP AND CONTESTING THIS GE
read more
Opposition meeting to discuss GE strategy postponed to Monday
The meeting among opposition parties to negotiate where each will field candidates for the coming elections has been postponed to Monday instead, National Solidarity Party’s (NSP) acting secretary-general Hazel Poa said yesterday.
Two opposition parties — Reform Party and the Singapore Democratic Alliance — had earlier called for the meeting, originally scheduled for tomorrow evening, to be moved, partly because some of their key party members would be unavailable then.
The NSP had called for the meeting after the past weekend saw political parties moving swiftly to stake claims on the constituencies they wished to contest, following the release of the report on the redrawn electoral boundaries last Friday. So far, 12 out of the 29 constituencies to be filled have attracted the attention of more than one contender to the incumbents.
read more
Plan for meeting to avoid split in opposition vote
The meeting among opposition parties to negotiate where each will field candidates for the coming elections has been postponed to Monday instead, National Solidarity Party’s (NSP) acting secretary-general Hazel Poa said yesterday.
Two opposition parties — Reform Party and the Singapore Democratic Alliance — had earlier called for the meeting, originally scheduled for tomorrow evening, to be moved, partly because some of their key party members would be unavailable then.
The NSP had called for the meeting after the past weekend saw political parties moving swiftly to stake claims on the constituencies they wished to contest, following the release of the report on the redrawn electoral boundaries last Friday. So far, 12 out of the 29 constituencies to be filled have attracted the attention of more than one contender to the incumbents.
read more
Plan for meeting to avoid split in opposition vote
Mr Sebastian Teo, (center, standing) 68, President of National Solidarity Party, interacting with a resident during a walkabout around Tampines Street 81 on July 26 2015. PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI FOR THE STRAITS TIMES
Opposition parties will meet on Friday to try and hammer out a deal on where they will field their respective candidates at the next general election.
The aim of the meeting is to avoid multi-cornered contests that will likely split the opposition vote in favour of the ruling People's Action Party, said Mr Sebastian Teo, president of the National Solidarity Party (NSP).
He told reporters at a party walkabout in Tampines GRC yesterday that the NSP is hosting the meeting this year, and will officially invite the other parties today.
PAP MP Tin Pei Ling gives birth; will be fielded in MacPherson SMC in next GE
The People’s Action Party’s (PAP) youngest MP, Ms Tin Pei Ling, gave birth to her first child early Wednesday morning (Aug 5).
She announced the good news on Facebook hours later, writing: "I'm happy to share that I've 'popped'! It's a healthy baby boy."
But hard work lies ahead for the new mother, who will be fielded in MacPherson SMC in the coming polls. Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who has been MP at Marine Parade GRC for close to 40 years, put the news up on Facebook on Wednesday.
read more
ESM Goh Chok Tong to stand in Marine Parade for next election; reveals 'likely' team
Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who has been an MP in Marine Parade since 1976, said on Tuesday (Aug 4) that he will likely stand in the next election.
In a post on the Marine Parade Facebook page, he revealed the People's Action Party (PAP)'s likely line-up in his five-member GRC for the next election.
Four of the five members of the current team will remain, except Ms Tin Pei Ling, whose MacPherson ward will be carved out as a single seat in the next General Election (GE).
read more
Madam Halimah's move to new GRC confirmed; Arthur Fong stepping down
Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Saturday announced changes to the People's Action Party's slate in western Singapore, with a senior MP leaving for a newly-created GRC and another long-serving legislator stepping down.
Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob will leave her Bukit Batok East ward in Jurong GRC and join the new Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC.
Separately, three-term MP Arthur Fong, who has been the MP for Clementi ward in West Coast GRC since 2001, is stepping down at the next general election.
read more
GE 2015: PAP’s new faces
It happened last Friday (July 24). The changes to the boundaries of electoral constituencies were announced by the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee, signalling that the General Elections are around the corner.
Since then, the mainstream media has been awash with stories speculating the date of the election (sometime in September is likely, said experts). Reports on the likely new faces to be fielded by the ruling party have also surfaced.
So, what do the heartlanders make of these “new” faces, some of whom have contested and lost in previous elections?
read more
New pro-business PAP candidate introduced
A new PAP candidate for Ang Mo Kio GRC has been introduced by retiring MP Inderjit Singh, which the latter touted him as “passionate in helping SMEs”:
“He’s quite passionate about some things, including helping SMEs like I have been, and I’m glad there’s someone who will be able to play that role.”39 year-old Henry Kwek is an executive director of a private investment and trading company Foodtraco Supplies. He is also the vice-chairman of MP Inderjit’s Citizens’ Consultative Committee at Kebun Baru.
Henry Kwek will likely join the elite rank of PAP MPs who are pro-business to the point where Minimum Wage are opposed. The employment rights in Singapore pales in comparison to other first world countries and the Singapore employees work the longest hours, at 2,389.4 hours in a year, in the world.
related:
Retiring Army General wants to join the PAP
PAP MP Charles Chong to be sacrificial lamb for PAP
PM Lee Hsien Loong talks about Singapore-Singapore ahead of elections
Minister Lim Swee Say: I don’t want to contest in Aljunied GRC
DPM Teo Chee Hean talks abt integrity & interests for residents ahead of elections
STR: Opposition will only win maximum 19 seats in GE2015
Expression of Interest by Political Parties
GE2015 – Expression of Interest by Political Parties
PAP Minister Vivian Balakrishnan to Hawker: Rental is cheap
Minister Ng Eng Hen mock AMK PAP MP Inderjit Singh
Prime Minister’s AMK GRC Team in political turmoil
Workers’ Party to contest for 28 seats in coming GE
read more
Lina Chiam: “I May be ‘Old and Less Educated’, but I’ll Never Forsake Potong Pasir!”
Inderjit Singh to Ang Mo Kio Residents: Support the Kwek!
Which of these PAP MPs Best Represent Us Singaporeans?
Raymond Lim gives strongest hint he is retiring
Raymond Lim gives a speech at the Fengshan National Day Dinner, held at Fengshan Community Club on Sunday, Aug 2, 2015. ST PHOTO: SEAH KWANG PENG
Former transport minister Raymond Lim thanked grassroots volunteers and residents in Fengshan ward of East Coast GRC for their support, in the strongest hint that he could be retiring from politics.
Speaking at a National Day dinner at Fengshan Community Club, Mr Lim, 56, said: "It has been a great privilege and honour for me to have served as your MP these past 14 years."
It gave him "happiness and fulfilment" to be able to work with them to serve residents, he added.
read more
5 possible reasons for WP chief Low Thia Khiang’s choice to stay in Aljunied GRC
The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) can now heave a sigh of relief — the popularity of Workers’ Party Secretary-General Low Thia Khiang will not spread beyond Aljunied GRC.
The leading opposition party chief told the media before his Meet-the-People Session on Wednesday that he “will not move” and he “appreciate (Aljunied residents) who have given us a chance to serve.”
Here are 5 possible reasons WP Chief Low Thia Khiang chose to stay in Aljunied GRC:
Low to stay in Aljunied, defends stance on multi-party fights
Workers' Party chief Low Thia Khiang speaks to reporters on Aug 5, 2015. Photo: Robin Choo
Workers’ Party (WP) chief Low Thia Khiang said today (Aug 5) that he will stay put and defend the Aljunied Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in the coming General Election (GE), putting to rest speculation that he could lead another WP team to make new inroads into the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) turf. “I will not move,” said Mr Low. “I appreciate (Aljunied residents) who have given us a chance to serve.”
Speaking to reporters before his Meet-the-People Session, Mr Low also explained his party’s stance on multi-cornered fights and why it is insisting on contesting Marine Parade GRC despite the interest of the National Solidarity Party (NSP), which had fielded a team there in the 2011 GE.
Pointing out that the WP lost by only 388 votes in Joo Chiat single-seat ward, which has been absorbed into Marine Parade GRC, Mr Low said: “Are we going to say, sorry Joo Chiat residents, because you are now being drawn into Marine Parade, we back off?”
related:
read more
Where Each Opposition Party Will Contest In The Coming General Elections
Preliminary analysis:
Worker’s Party:
Full Coverage:
Channel News Asia: Heng shrugs off possibility of multi-party contest in Tampines
Straits Times: Some headway made to avoid 3-way fights but hurdles remain
TODAYonline: Opposition meeting on multi-cornered fights ends in stalemate
Channel News Asia: Opposition parties gather for horse-trading talks
Straits Times: Opposition parties say some 3-cornered fights resolved; to meet again
BUSINESS TIMES: Opposition parties meet on Monday night to discuss strategy
AsiaOne: PPP eyes Chua Chu Kang GRC
Channel News Asia: Opposition parties to meet: Here's what to expect
Online Citizen: The lines in the sand – redefining the GRC system
Channel News Asia: PPP pulls out of Tampines and MacPherson contests
Channel News Asia: People's Power Party intends to contest Chua Chu Kang GRC
Straits Times: People's Power Party wants to contest Chua Chu Kang GRC
Straits Times: Edwin Tong may move to Marine Parade GRC
TODAYonline: Moulmein-Kallang MP Edwin Tong could contest in Marine Parade
Channel News Asia: Residents, not opponents, remain our focus in MP:Tan Chuan-Jin
Straits Times: Moulmein-Kallang GRC MP Edwin Tong attends Marine Parade national
Straits Times: Marine Parade GRC MPs hope ESM Goh will stay on
Straits Times: Jalan Besar GRC: Historic area an electoral hot spot
AsiaOne: Marine Parade MPs hope ESM Goh stays
TODAYonline: Moulmein-Kallang MP Edwin Tong could contest in Marine Parade
Straits Times: Jalan Besar GRC: Historic area an electoral hot spot
Straits Times: Workers' Party to contest 5 GRCs and 5 SMCs in general election
AsiaOne: GE after baby? Bring it on
Straits Times: WP eyes 5 GRCs and 5 single wards
Straits Times: Joo Chiat a natural fit for Marine Parade: ESM Goh
Straits Times: MPs must meet residents' future needs: Tan Chuan-Jin
Straits Times: Tin Pei Ling eager to stand in MacPherson
TODAYonline: Opposition parties begin stake claims; WP intends to contest 28 seats
TODAYonline: More 'options' if opposition joins Marine Parade GRC fight
TODAYonline: Joo Chiat 'natural fit' for Marine Parade GRC
Channel News Asia: Tin Pei Ling hopes to contest MacPherson SMC
Online Citizen: Workers' Party to contest in 5 GRCs, 5 SMCs in coming elections
Online Citizen: Eye on Politics – walkabouts after EBRC report
Channel News Asia: Joo Chiat 'a natural fit' for Marine Parade GRC: ESM Goh
AsiaOne: Workers' Party to contest in Marine Parade GRC, MacPherson SMC
TODAYonline: Possible contest in Marine Parade GRC: Having 'options' is good for
TODAYonline: WP interested in contesting Marine Parade GRC, MacPherson SMC
Straits Times: WP to contest Marine Parade and MacPherson; NSP to host Friday
Straits Times: Election should be 'soon',says Tan Chuan-Jin at MacPherson walkabout
Hindustan Times:India-born Singaporean politician calls it quits
AsiaOne: PAP may unveil candidates after Aug 9
The Star Online: Retiring MPs to introduce successors
Straits Times: PAP, opposition gear up for general election
Straits Times: PAP, opposition get into gear for general election
Straits Times: Politics no game of chance
Channel News Asia: Upcoming GE will be 'watershed election': Ng Eng Hen
TODAYonline: PAP may unveil new candidates after Aug 9
TODAYonline: Retiring MPs to 'play a part in ensuring smooth succession'
A Vote for Change
– The Middle Ground: Three reasons I don’t want an early GE
– All Spore Stuff: The PAP Has Its Hands Full This General Elections, Is This The End?
– Canvasing Light: Speculation Escalation of the Impending General Election
– Spore Beacon: Singapore Horror Story – What If The Opposition Win The Election?
– My Singapore News: GE2015 – The opposition camp shaping up
– Thoughts of a Cynical Investor: Where Roy will stand/ No more $1m fight PAP fund
– Anyhow Hantam: Are We Electing Estate Managers or MPs?
– Blogging for Myself: What Rubbish: Hotties in this Elections
– Singapore Notes: Who’s The Boss?
– Zhun Bo, Singapore?!: Infatuation with the West
– Fresh Grads: Kopitiam Election Talk
– Mothership: 5 possible reasons for WP chief LTK’s choice to stay in Aljunied GRC
– All Singapore Stuff: Opposition Parties Must Have One United Voice To Be Useful
– TR Emeritus: Will you vote blindly at the next election?
– TOC: A “very big disadvantage”, says PAP MP of no-contest in Tanjong Pagar in 2011
– New Nation: S’poreans apologise to Tanjong Pagar GRC parachute MP
– Anyhow Hantam: 3 Corner Fights – New and Smaller Parties Must Act Wisely.
– Thoughts of a Cynical Investor: The state of the Oppo parties
– Ravi Philemon: PAP will form the next Government, Vote Opposition without fear
– Catherine Lim: Some Thoughts On The Coming General Election
– Blinkymummy: Character Attributes of Election Candidates
– 2econdsight: Your Next Clever PAP MP
– SG Hard Truth: Netizen Alarmed By The Extreme Hatred On PAP
– My Singapore News: GE2015 – A hand with no aces
– The Yishus: This time round…
– Think For Me, Singapore: NOT an open letter to the Prime Minister
– Five Stars and a Moon: Lowering The Voting Age
– cogitASIA: Singapore Faces Watershed Elections as it Marks 50th Jubilee
– TOC: New electoral boundaries breaking down the numbers,a need for transparency
PAP Minister Vivian Balakrishnan to Hawker: Rental is cheap
Minister Ng Eng Hen mock AMK PAP MP Inderjit Singh
Prime Minister’s AMK GRC Team in political turmoil
Workers’ Party to contest for 28 seats in coming GE
read more
Culture Minister Lawrence Wong to Contest in Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC
Lawrence Wong, the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, will form part of the PAP team mounting a challenge for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC in the coming General Election.
42-year-old Wong is currently the MP for West Coast GRC.
The move will make Wong the first batch of PAP ministers who entered politics in General Election 2011 to first to move on from his original constituency and to contest in another ward.
related:
Ah Pwee to the Opposition: If You’re Weaker than the DPP, Pull Out of 3-Cornered Fights!Lina Chiam: “I May be ‘Old and Less Educated’, but I’ll Never Forsake Potong Pasir!”
Inderjit Singh to Ang Mo Kio Residents: Support the Kwek!
Which of these PAP MPs Best Represent Us Singaporeans?
PAP Punggol East chair may stand in Chua Chu Kang GRC
Banking executive Yee Chia Hsing, the People’s Action Party’s current point man in the Punggol East constituency, could move to Chua Chu Kang Group Representation Constituency (GRC) after he was spotted making house visits there yesterday afternoon.
Mr Yee, 44, told TODAY that he was appointed vice-chairman of the Nanyang Citizens’ Consultative Committee late last month, and has since been shadowing current Member of Parliament Alvin Yeo at community events and at walkabouts, including yesterday’s in Jurong West Street 91.
Mr Yeo, 53, a lawyer and two-term Member of Parliament, was coy when asked whether he was retiring from politics and making way for Mr Yee, who is head of Catalist at CIMB Bank.
PAP to reveal its new candiates after NDP long weekend
Speaking to reporters during a SG50 funpack distribution at Toa Payoh on Sunday, PAP Organising Secretary Ng Eng Hen shared that the Peoples’ Action Party (PAP) will announce new candidates for the upcoming General Election after the National Day weekend.
Dr Ng, who is also Singapore’s Defence Minister and an MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC said that he did not want to reveal which new faces will be fielded in the General Election as he did not want to “increase the temperature”.
Dr Ng also said that he will contest in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, “unless you know something I don’t know”.
Sorry Aljunied GRC residents, an anchor Minister will probably not be leading the PAP team
Is the PAP Aljunied suicide squad committing hara kiri?
Never before has a resident’s dream been dashed so quickly.
Less than 24 hours ago, potential PAP Aljunied GRC candidate Kahar Hassan revealed on Facebook that he was asked by party leaders to step down as Chairman of PAP Kaki Bukit Branch. This is after Kahar had been toiling the ground for 16 months.
Claiming “insider sources”, The Straits Times speculated that the PAP may be fielding bigger names to replace Kahar:
- Insiders say a factor behind the shake-ups is the urging from the party rank-and-file for bigger names to be fielded in WP-held territory to show that the PAP is serious about winning the wards back.
- “We lost two ministers and one senior minister of state,” said one Aljunied activist, referring to former Foreign Minister George Yeo, former Second Minister for Transport and Finance Lim Hwee Hua and former Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed, three of the five losing candidates in 2011. “It’s only right that politicians of the same stature come to replace them.”
Interview: Nicole Seah confirms she is not running for upcoming General Election
Minister Lawrence Wong’s move frm West Coast to anchor Marsiling-Yew Tee
Minister Lawrence Wong’s move frm West Coast to anchor Marsiling-Yew Tee
Veteran MPs step down to make way for new blood
From left: Sembawang GRC anchor minister Khaw Boon Wan, Mr Hawazi Daipi, Culture, Community and Youth Minister Lawrence Wong, Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob and Mr Hawazi's wife, Madam Essah Hussain, at the Marsiling National Day dinner yesterday.ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN
Three long-serving MPs, including former minister Mah Bow Tan, are retiring to make way for new blood at the next general election.
Announcements that the veterans will not contest came separately at events where they were lauded for their contributions to the country and the constituencies and residents they had served.
The two making way in Tampines GRC are Mr Mah Bow Tan, 66, who has been an MP since 1988, and Ms Irene Ng, 51, an MP since 2001. The other is Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower and Education Hawazi Daipi, 61, an MP for Sembawang GRC.
3 Members of Parliament to step down ahead of GE
Three Members of Parliament (MPs) from the People's Action Party will be stepping down ahead of the next General Election.
Mr Hawazi Daipi, who is also Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Manpower, will retire after 19 years as a Sembawang GRC MP, his fellow MP and National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan announced at a National Day dinner celebration organised by Marsiling constituency.
Mr Khaw said that Mr Hawazi had asked Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to let him retire from politics.
Ex-minister Mah becomes highest-profile MP to retire
MP of Tampines GRC and former cabinet minister Mah Bow Tan arrives at the Tampines East National Day Dinner 2015 on 7 Aug 2015. Mr Mah announced that he will not be contesting in the next electionPhoto: Ooi Boon Keong
Tampines Group Representation Constituency (GRC) Member of Parliament (MP) Mah Bow Tan, who has helmed three ministries in his 27-year political career, said today he will not contest at the coming General Election — the most high-profile retirement so far.
His announcement at a Tampines East National Day dinner capped a day that saw two of his colleagues from the People’s Action Party (PAP) saying they will similarly step out of politics: Fellow Tampines GRC MP Irene Ng and Sembawang GRC MP Hawazi Daipi, who is Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Manpower.
Last month, Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Inderjit Singh announced on Facebook he will not be standing in the next polls, which must be held by January 2017 but is widely tipped to happen next month.
Tampines MP Irene Ng won’t run in this coming General Election, making way for Desmond ‘Always Here for You’ Choo
Irene Ng, three-term MP for Tampines GRC, announced on Friday that she will not be running in the coming general election.
The MP for the Tampines Changkat ward said she had asked Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong some time last year if she could step down to make way for new blood, reported The Straits Times.
During a speech at the National Day Family Carnival, Ng who has been in office since 2001, said: “It was not an easy decision to make as I have come to be very close to this community, and all of you have become like family.”
MP Hri Kumar Nair wants to step down from politics
Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Hri Kumar Nair
ST reported today (30 Jul) that Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Hri Kumar Nair wants to step down from politics.
“Mr Nair, a two-term MP and senior counsel in a law firm, serves the Thomson-Toa Payoh ward. Activists said he has asked to leave politics,” ST reported.
“That will make him the third in the GRC to leave, along with former deputy prime minister Wong Kan Seng and former Central Singapore District mayor Zainudin Nordin,” it added.
Raymond Lim gives strongest hint he is retiring
Former transport minister Raymond Lim thanked grassroots volunteers and residents in Fengshan ward of East Coast GRC for their support, in the strongest hint that he could be retiring from politics.
Speaking at a National Day dinner at Fengshan Community Club, Mr Lim, 56, said: "It has been a great privilege and honour for me to have served as your MP these past 14 years."
It gave him "happiness and fulfilment" to be able to work with them to serve residents, he added.
read more
5 possible reasons for WP chief Low Thia Khiang’s choice to stay in Aljunied GRC
The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) can now heave a sigh of relief — the popularity of Workers’ Party Secretary-General Low Thia Khiang will not spread beyond Aljunied GRC.
The leading opposition party chief told the media before his Meet-the-People Session on Wednesday that he “will not move” and he “appreciate (Aljunied residents) who have given us a chance to serve.”
Here are 5 possible reasons WP Chief Low Thia Khiang chose to stay in Aljunied GRC:
- To protect Aljunied GRC from 3-cornered fights
- To issue a warning to opposition parties about the consequences of a multi-cornered fight
- To create a friendly contrast to PAP candidates
- To take the political heat off WP chairman Sylvia Lim
- To make the case for the importance of Aljunied GRC remaining in Opposition hands
Low to stay in Aljunied, defends stance on multi-party fights
Workers' Party chief Low Thia Khiang speaks to reporters on Aug 5, 2015. Photo: Robin Choo
Workers’ Party (WP) chief Low Thia Khiang said today (Aug 5) that he will stay put and defend the Aljunied Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in the coming General Election (GE), putting to rest speculation that he could lead another WP team to make new inroads into the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) turf. “I will not move,” said Mr Low. “I appreciate (Aljunied residents) who have given us a chance to serve.”
Speaking to reporters before his Meet-the-People Session, Mr Low also explained his party’s stance on multi-cornered fights and why it is insisting on contesting Marine Parade GRC despite the interest of the National Solidarity Party (NSP), which had fielded a team there in the 2011 GE.
Pointing out that the WP lost by only 388 votes in Joo Chiat single-seat ward, which has been absorbed into Marine Parade GRC, Mr Low said: “Are we going to say, sorry Joo Chiat residents, because you are now being drawn into Marine Parade, we back off?”
related:
read more
DPP wants a joint team with SingFirst for TP GRC
Secretary-General of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Benjamin Pwee earlier told the media that the party has enough potential candidates to gun for 5 constituencies, even though it has only 15 members. He had earlier staked claim to (‘DPP to enter 3-cornered fights with other oppo parties‘):
- Fengshan SMC
- Potong Pasir SMC
- Hong Kah North SMC
- Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC
- Tanjong Pagar GRC
In his earlier announcement, Mr Pwee said that DPP’s founder, 75-year-old Seow Khee Leng, will be fielded in Fengshan SMC, to “fulfill Mr Seow’s desire to run there”.
Singapore Democratic Party’s Professor Paul Ananth Tambyah Speaks With MustShareNews
Earlier this week, MustShareNews presented you with an interview of Kevryn Lim from the National Solidarity Party (NSP). Today, we present to you up-and-coming potential candidate from the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Paul Ananth Tambyah.
Dr Tambyah was interviewed by the media last night (30 July) after a SDP’s walkabout at the Bukit Panjang area.
It was interesting to note Dr Chee Soon Juan, Secretary-General of the SDP, staying silent throughout the interview, and allowing Dr Tambyah to run the show.
WP’s zipped lips
I GIVE Workers’ Party the prize for having best stiff upper lip. Do you realise that while everyone else is up and about talking about this and that, the WP has just said one thing? That it would contest 28 seats.
- Five GRCs: Aljunied, Marine Parade, East Coast, Jalan Besar and Nee Soon,
- Five SMCs: Hougang, Punggol East, Fengshan, MacPherson and Sengkang West.
This is unlike the case of Singapore People’s Party’s poor Mrs Lina Chiam, who wants to re-contest Potong Pasir, a seat which seems to be eyed by all-comers. Looks like while opposition politicians will give face to Mr Low Thia Kiang of the WP, they won’t do the same for the wife of Mr Chiam See Tong, one of Singapore’s “original” opposition MPs.
SingFirst says candidates for TP GRC identified
The media reported today (1 Aug) that SingFirst Party revealed that it has identified a slate of candidates to contest Tanjong Pagar GRC in the upcoming GE, speculated to be held on 12 Sep. However, SingFirst declined to name them at this point, when asked by mainstream media reporters.
SingFirst Secretary-General Tan Jee Say would only reveal that they are from 30 to 60 years of age. He added that some of them were with him and his team of volunteers in Tiong Bahru this morning, at their walkabouts in the five-member constituency.
“We have a diversified and balanced slate of candidates, of various ages and various backgrounds,” Mr Tan said. “For nearly 27 years since 1988, the voters of Tanjong Pagar have not had the opportunity to vote for their members of parliament, to represent their interests. So we’re coming in to give them this opportunity to elect their own Members of Parliament,” he added.
PPP to contest in Chua Chu Kang, Goh Meng Seng apologises to Tampines voters
The People’s Power Party (PPP), founded by former National Solidarity Party (NSP) Secretary-General Goh Meng Seng, has indicated that they will contest Chua Chu Kang GRC in the upcoming general election.
The NSP had contested that constituency in the last elections, but was defeated by the People’s Action Party (PAP), who received over 60 per cent of the vote.
Following the review of electoral boundaries, the constituency has been redrawn from a five-member to four-member GRC.
Where Each Opposition Party Will Contest In The Coming General Elections
Preliminary analysis:
Worker’s Party:
- 5 GRCs — Aljunied GRC (5 seats), Marine Parade GRC (5 seats), Nee Soon GRC (5 seats), East Coast GRC (4 seats), Jalan Besar GRC (4 seats).
- 5 SMCs — Hougang SMC (1 seat), Punggol East SMC (1 seat), Sengkang West SMC (1 seat), MacPherson SMC (1 seat), Fengshan SMC (1 seat).
- 2 GRCs — Sembawang GRC (5 seats), Holland-Bukit Timah GRC (4 seats).
- 3 SMCs — Bukit Batok SMC (1 seat), Yuhua SMC (1 seat), Bukit Panjang SMC (1 seat).
- 1 GRC — Bishan – Toa Payoh GRC (5 seats).
- 3 SMCs — Hong Kah SMC (1 seat), Mountbatten SMC (1 seat), Potong Pasir SMC (1 seat).
- 2 GRCs — Ang Mo Kio GRC (6 seats), West Coast GRC (4 seats)
- 1 SMC — Radin Mas SMC (1 seat).
- 2 GRCs — Tampines GRC (5 seats), and Marine Parade GRC (5 seats)
- 1 GRC — Bishan – Toa Payoh GRC (5 seats)
- 2 SMCs — Bukit Batok SMC (1 seat), and Fengshan SMC (1 seat)
- 1 GRC — Pasir Ris – Punggol GRC (6 seats)
Full Coverage:
Channel News Asia: Heng shrugs off possibility of multi-party contest in Tampines
Straits Times: Some headway made to avoid 3-way fights but hurdles remain
TODAYonline: Opposition meeting on multi-cornered fights ends in stalemate
Channel News Asia: Opposition parties gather for horse-trading talks
Straits Times: Opposition parties say some 3-cornered fights resolved; to meet again
BUSINESS TIMES: Opposition parties meet on Monday night to discuss strategy
AsiaOne: PPP eyes Chua Chu Kang GRC
Channel News Asia: Opposition parties to meet: Here's what to expect
Online Citizen: The lines in the sand – redefining the GRC system
Channel News Asia: PPP pulls out of Tampines and MacPherson contests
Channel News Asia: People's Power Party intends to contest Chua Chu Kang GRC
Straits Times: People's Power Party wants to contest Chua Chu Kang GRC
Straits Times: Edwin Tong may move to Marine Parade GRC
TODAYonline: Moulmein-Kallang MP Edwin Tong could contest in Marine Parade
Channel News Asia: Residents, not opponents, remain our focus in MP:Tan Chuan-Jin
Straits Times: Moulmein-Kallang GRC MP Edwin Tong attends Marine Parade national
Straits Times: Marine Parade GRC MPs hope ESM Goh will stay on
Straits Times: Jalan Besar GRC: Historic area an electoral hot spot
AsiaOne: Marine Parade MPs hope ESM Goh stays
TODAYonline: Moulmein-Kallang MP Edwin Tong could contest in Marine Parade
Straits Times: Jalan Besar GRC: Historic area an electoral hot spot
Straits Times: Workers' Party to contest 5 GRCs and 5 SMCs in general election
AsiaOne: GE after baby? Bring it on
Straits Times: WP eyes 5 GRCs and 5 single wards
Straits Times: Joo Chiat a natural fit for Marine Parade: ESM Goh
Straits Times: MPs must meet residents' future needs: Tan Chuan-Jin
Straits Times: Tin Pei Ling eager to stand in MacPherson
TODAYonline: Opposition parties begin stake claims; WP intends to contest 28 seats
TODAYonline: More 'options' if opposition joins Marine Parade GRC fight
TODAYonline: Joo Chiat 'natural fit' for Marine Parade GRC
Channel News Asia: Tin Pei Ling hopes to contest MacPherson SMC
Online Citizen: Workers' Party to contest in 5 GRCs, 5 SMCs in coming elections
Online Citizen: Eye on Politics – walkabouts after EBRC report
Channel News Asia: Joo Chiat 'a natural fit' for Marine Parade GRC: ESM Goh
AsiaOne: Workers' Party to contest in Marine Parade GRC, MacPherson SMC
TODAYonline: Possible contest in Marine Parade GRC: Having 'options' is good for
TODAYonline: WP interested in contesting Marine Parade GRC, MacPherson SMC
Straits Times: WP to contest Marine Parade and MacPherson; NSP to host Friday
Straits Times: Election should be 'soon',says Tan Chuan-Jin at MacPherson walkabout
Hindustan Times:India-born Singaporean politician calls it quits
AsiaOne: PAP may unveil candidates after Aug 9
The Star Online: Retiring MPs to introduce successors
Straits Times: PAP, opposition gear up for general election
Straits Times: PAP, opposition get into gear for general election
Straits Times: Politics no game of chance
Channel News Asia: Upcoming GE will be 'watershed election': Ng Eng Hen
TODAYonline: PAP may unveil new candidates after Aug 9
TODAYonline: Retiring MPs to 'play a part in ensuring smooth succession'
A Vote for Change
– The Middle Ground: Three reasons I don’t want an early GE
– All Spore Stuff: The PAP Has Its Hands Full This General Elections, Is This The End?
– Canvasing Light: Speculation Escalation of the Impending General Election
– Spore Beacon: Singapore Horror Story – What If The Opposition Win The Election?
– My Singapore News: GE2015 – The opposition camp shaping up
– Thoughts of a Cynical Investor: Where Roy will stand/ No more $1m fight PAP fund
– Anyhow Hantam: Are We Electing Estate Managers or MPs?
– Blogging for Myself: What Rubbish: Hotties in this Elections
– Singapore Notes: Who’s The Boss?
– Zhun Bo, Singapore?!: Infatuation with the West
– Fresh Grads: Kopitiam Election Talk
– Mothership: 5 possible reasons for WP chief LTK’s choice to stay in Aljunied GRC
– All Singapore Stuff: Opposition Parties Must Have One United Voice To Be Useful
– TR Emeritus: Will you vote blindly at the next election?
– TOC: A “very big disadvantage”, says PAP MP of no-contest in Tanjong Pagar in 2011
– New Nation: S’poreans apologise to Tanjong Pagar GRC parachute MP
– Anyhow Hantam: 3 Corner Fights – New and Smaller Parties Must Act Wisely.
– Thoughts of a Cynical Investor: The state of the Oppo parties
– Ravi Philemon: PAP will form the next Government, Vote Opposition without fear
– Catherine Lim: Some Thoughts On The Coming General Election
– Blinkymummy: Character Attributes of Election Candidates
– 2econdsight: Your Next Clever PAP MP
– SG Hard Truth: Netizen Alarmed By The Extreme Hatred On PAP
– My Singapore News: GE2015 – A hand with no aces
– The Yishus: This time round…
– Think For Me, Singapore: NOT an open letter to the Prime Minister
– Five Stars and a Moon: Lowering The Voting Age
– cogitASIA: Singapore Faces Watershed Elections as it Marks 50th Jubilee
– TOC: New electoral boundaries breaking down the numbers,a need for transparency
– The Middle Ground: A social media election? Time to engage, not contain
– Singapore GE 2016: SG GE2015: Social Media Misinformation – Lan Jiao Whey #ljw
– Anyhow Hantam: The Importance of Having An Opposition
– Musings From the Lion City: The Myth Of Unity
– nofearSingapore: #butilovesingaporemore : why i press on
– Thoughts of a Cynical Investor: Time for the Chiams to step back?
– Dewdrop Notes 露语: Your Hearts Must Be Pure
– Singapore 2B: Sept 2015?
– SG Hard Truth: WP Walkabout - Netizen thought ST purposely smear WP with video clip
– My Spore News: Issues for the voters to consider – Voting for more subsidies?
– 2econdsight: It’s The Aristocrats, Stupid!
– The Heart Truths: What Kind of Gov Do You Want and How Do You Vote for It?
– 否极泰来 Piji Tailai: PAP Election Strategy and the Asian Thought Behind Voters
– A collection of tots: Shld we support to PAP’s ‘new’ programmes elections are coming?
– Likedatosocanmeh: PAP in panic mode, loss of power inevitable
– Five Stars and a Moon: Of Hammer and Lightning: Vote-winning Strategies
– TOC: Maybe we do need in-fighting within the PAP
– Think For Me, Singapore: A Tale of Two Standards (the Singh/Ng version)
– Singapore Notes: Hiccups At The Starting Line
– Mothership: PAP may be sending a first-time candidate to compete in Fengshan SMC
– NewNation: Voters across S’pore give rally speeches of what they want from next gov
– Rayner’s Thoughts: Let’s start a conversation about Singapore’s electoral system
– Spore General Elections 2016: Spore General Election 2015: Electoral Boundaries
– Yoursfaithfullysg: Opposition parties whine over changes, say they were expected.
– Reflections on SG: Redrawing Electoral Boundaries: The Singapore Experience
– Everything Also Complain: EBRC not transparent about boundary changes
– Zhun Bo, Singapore?!: Did the PAPpies goof it up with the new boundaries?
– Kirsten Han: The electoral system will never be an election issue
– Dewdrop Notes 露语: Between The Lines Of GE2015
– Singapore National Service: PAP shows desperation by redrawing electoral lines
– Singapore Lighthouse: Singapore Election 2015 Vocabulary – Gerrymandering
– SG Hard Truth: GE 2015: Ah Beng Asked Bookie Why PM Play 5-4-1 Game
– 否极泰来 Piji Tailai: EBRC objectives: Stop “Out of Aljunied”, Stop SDP Breakthru
– Singapore Notes: Battle Enjoined
– The Heart Truths: How Should You Vote at the Next Singapore General Election 2015
– Blogging for Myself: GE: What LKY dividend?
– Thoughts of a Cynical Investor: Victor Lye: junior minister material?
– Blinkymummy: TPL & Her Women-Demeaning Rhetoric
– Seksi Matashutyrmouf : Four elections
– My Singapore News: Marine Parade the first GRC likely to go to the opposition
– A collection of tots: A distinct possiblity to look foward to: PAP fallign down in the East
– 2econdsight: Opposition Unity: A Thought Experiment
– Investment Stab: Singapore GE effect on STI
– TR Emeritus: An appeal to fellow taxi drivers this coming GE
– The Middle Ground: Pre-GE with some atas coffee
– Popspoken: Five Burning Questions for the Upcoming Singapore General Elections
– PublicOpinion: Spreading lies during election should police look into “Rommel Tan”?
– Singapore GE 2016: SG GE2015: Social Media Misinformation – Lan Jiao Whey #ljw
– Anyhow Hantam: The Importance of Having An Opposition
– Musings From the Lion City: The Myth Of Unity
– nofearSingapore: #butilovesingaporemore : why i press on
– Thoughts of a Cynical Investor: Time for the Chiams to step back?
– Dewdrop Notes 露语: Your Hearts Must Be Pure
– Singapore 2B: Sept 2015?
– SG Hard Truth: WP Walkabout - Netizen thought ST purposely smear WP with video clip
– My Spore News: Issues for the voters to consider – Voting for more subsidies?
– 2econdsight: It’s The Aristocrats, Stupid!
– The Heart Truths: What Kind of Gov Do You Want and How Do You Vote for It?
– 否极泰来 Piji Tailai: PAP Election Strategy and the Asian Thought Behind Voters
– A collection of tots: Shld we support to PAP’s ‘new’ programmes elections are coming?
– Likedatosocanmeh: PAP in panic mode, loss of power inevitable
– Five Stars and a Moon: Of Hammer and Lightning: Vote-winning Strategies
– TOC: Maybe we do need in-fighting within the PAP
– Think For Me, Singapore: A Tale of Two Standards (the Singh/Ng version)
– Singapore Notes: Hiccups At The Starting Line
– Mothership: PAP may be sending a first-time candidate to compete in Fengshan SMC
– NewNation: Voters across S’pore give rally speeches of what they want from next gov
– Rayner’s Thoughts: Let’s start a conversation about Singapore’s electoral system
– Spore General Elections 2016: Spore General Election 2015: Electoral Boundaries
– Yoursfaithfullysg: Opposition parties whine over changes, say they were expected.
– Reflections on SG: Redrawing Electoral Boundaries: The Singapore Experience
– Everything Also Complain: EBRC not transparent about boundary changes
– Zhun Bo, Singapore?!: Did the PAPpies goof it up with the new boundaries?
– Kirsten Han: The electoral system will never be an election issue
– Dewdrop Notes 露语: Between The Lines Of GE2015
– Singapore National Service: PAP shows desperation by redrawing electoral lines
– Singapore Lighthouse: Singapore Election 2015 Vocabulary – Gerrymandering
– SG Hard Truth: GE 2015: Ah Beng Asked Bookie Why PM Play 5-4-1 Game
– 否极泰来 Piji Tailai: EBRC objectives: Stop “Out of Aljunied”, Stop SDP Breakthru
– Singapore Notes: Battle Enjoined
– The Heart Truths: How Should You Vote at the Next Singapore General Election 2015
– Blogging for Myself: GE: What LKY dividend?
– Thoughts of a Cynical Investor: Victor Lye: junior minister material?
– Blinkymummy: TPL & Her Women-Demeaning Rhetoric
– Seksi Matashutyrmouf : Four elections
– My Singapore News: Marine Parade the first GRC likely to go to the opposition
– A collection of tots: A distinct possiblity to look foward to: PAP fallign down in the East
– 2econdsight: Opposition Unity: A Thought Experiment
– Investment Stab: Singapore GE effect on STI
– TR Emeritus: An appeal to fellow taxi drivers this coming GE
– The Middle Ground: Pre-GE with some atas coffee
– Popspoken: Five Burning Questions for the Upcoming Singapore General Elections
– PublicOpinion: Spreading lies during election should police look into “Rommel Tan”?
– My Singapore News: Getting use to a new face as the PM
– Tots of a Cynical Investor: Real Oppo politicians/ Creating the grounds for a revolution
– Singapore Notes: Drawn And Quartered
– Likedatosocanmeh: Pure Aristocratic Party indispensable to Sporeans, clarification
– New Nation: Totally acceptable PAP incumbent to treat Tanjong Pagar as ‘trophy GRC’
– Inconvenient Questions: EBRC: Does trust override the need for transparency?
– Yahoo! SG: Heartlanders talk politics
– All Sg Stuff: S’pore Elected Politicians are Just Like My Useless Uncaring Boyfriend
– Shih Tung: Kremlinology Spore-style: Reading tea-leaves of polling district changes
– Spore GE 2016: Spore GE2015: The Real Truth about Gerrymandering
– All Spore Stuff: Both the WP & PAP’s Victor Lye Incapable of Improving my Welfare
– Mothership: Pritam Singh article on gerrymandering, ends post with a cheeky wink
– Tots of a Cynical Investor: Real Oppo politicians/ Creating the grounds for a revolution
– Singapore Notes: Drawn And Quartered
– Likedatosocanmeh: Pure Aristocratic Party indispensable to Sporeans, clarification
– New Nation: Totally acceptable PAP incumbent to treat Tanjong Pagar as ‘trophy GRC’
– Inconvenient Questions: EBRC: Does trust override the need for transparency?
– Yahoo! SG: Heartlanders talk politics
– All Sg Stuff: S’pore Elected Politicians are Just Like My Useless Uncaring Boyfriend
– Shih Tung: Kremlinology Spore-style: Reading tea-leaves of polling district changes
– Spore GE 2016: Spore GE2015: The Real Truth about Gerrymandering
– All Spore Stuff: Both the WP & PAP’s Victor Lye Incapable of Improving my Welfare
– Mothership: Pritam Singh article on gerrymandering, ends post with a cheeky wink
related:
EBRC 2015 Report: What's next
EBRC 2015 Report: Battle's Begun
EBRC Report 2015: Staking Claims
EBRC 2015 Report: Who's Where
Countdown to the GE begins
Snap General Elections in 2015?
Fourth generation political leadership taking shape
Order of Succession And Baton Passing
Snap General Elections in 2014/2015?
Snap General Election in Sep 2015?
