“Congratulations to Tan Cheng Bock and the Progress Singapore Party. I have known Cheng Bock for many years and he has consistently put the interests of the people first. We are fortunate that he has stepped forward to serve Singapore.
I only recently learned that Cheng Bock had his first clinic at Ama Keng at the far end of Lim Chu Kang Road, a remote and poor area. I didn’t know it at the time, but this was very close to where I used to serve as a young armour officer at Sungei Gedong.
Today, Cheng Bock will groom future Parliamentarians who will serve our country and people before party or self. This is good for the future of Singapore. Cheng Bock is the leader Singapore deserves.”
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Dr Tan Cheng Bock - I’m entering Parliament to hold PAP Govt accountable
A recent video of a short speech by Dr Tan Cheng Bock has been circulating on social media
In the video, he had expressed his wish to re-enter parliament because he wants to seek accountability and transparency over the reserves and the Central Provident Fund (CPF) from the government.
"I go in because I want accountability. I want transparency. What’s happening to our reserves? Are our reserves all gone? Don’t know. What happened to our CPF?" Dr Tan asked.
"Now these things, we all can shout until the cows come home [but it's] no use, if you’re not in the House."
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Pritam Singh & Chee Soon Juan visited Tan Cheng Bock during Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is a time for reunions, gatherings and house-visits.
And opposition politicians are no different.
Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) Chairman Paul Tambyah shared an intriguing photo on Facebook on the second day of Chinese New Year, Feb. 6.
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Opposition members flock to Tan Cheng Bock’s open house on CNY
In one sense, Dr. Tan Cheng Bock seems to be the darling of the opposition—the figure around whom others flock around. This seemed quite obvious during Chinese New Year when the former PAP MP held an open house at his home, and several prominent opposition figures did not just attend but made sure their presence was seen and posted about on social media.
Take Dr. Paul Tambyah as an example. Singapore Democratic Party’s (SDP) chairman was among the first to post a photo of himself with Tan, along with SDP’s Chee Soon Juan and Worker Party’s (WP) Pritam Singh.
Tambyah captioned his post with, “Enjoyed CNY visiting Dr. Tan Cheng Bock with friends and colleagues working for a better Singapore for all of us.” His post has been liked and shared hundreds of times.
related: TAN CHENG BOCK AIMS TO BE “AN ALTERNATIVE VOICE”
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Benjamin Pwee quits DPP for 'bigger' party with 'recognisable and credible senior leader'
Singapore politician Benjamin Pwee has left the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which he led for six years, for another political party that "has a much more longstanding, recognisable and credible senior leader", he said.
Speaking to Channel NewsAsia on Thursday (Feb 7), Mr Pwee, 51, added that the party he will join has a leader with "parliamentary experience and a good strong and wide support base".
He did not reveal the name of the party, saying he would leave it to them to make the official announcement about his membership.
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A 'Tan Cheng Bock & Lee Hsien Yang' Collaboration?
Dr Tan Cheng Bock, Lee Hsien Yang and Dr Ting Choon Meng meet at Teck Ghee Market, Ang Mo Kio GRC
Dr Tan Cheng Bock is seen visiting Teck Ghee Market on Saturday morning and having his breakfast there. While that is hardly anything usual in anyway but he is having his breakfast with Mr Lee Hsien Yang and Dr Ting Choon Meng.
Furthermore, Teck Ghee Market is situated at Ang Mo Kio GRC where Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is based at.
Earlier in Nov last year, the former PAP Member of Parliament and Presidential Candidate in GE2011, also had breakfast with Mr Lee Hsien Yang and Dr Ting at West Coast Food Centre.
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Dear Dr Tan
It has been four months since the 28 July, SDP-initiated discussion to form a new opposition coalition. But there appears to be no progress since. If our past is prologue, the formation of any alliance is dead in the water. The 2001 Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) made no meaningful headway with only Mr Chiam See Tong retaining his pre-SDA Potong Pasir seat while SDA’s chairman Desmond Lim set the “record for the lowest percentage garnered in an election since Singapore’s independence” or 168 votes (0.57%).
There’s already a very well-written analysis of why the “coalition of convenience will not make minor opposition parties electable”.
I would like to add my observations.
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Hope and caution
The news that Dr Tan Cheng Bock had attended a working lunch with 7 of Singapore’s opposition parties has once again raised hopes for supporters.
Dr Tan, a 5-term former People’s Action Party (PAP) Member of Parliament, said he is open to leading an opposition alliance against his former party which has governed the country since Independence.
“If you want me to lead, then we must think of country first,” Dr Tan was reported to have said when he was invited to lead an opposition coalition. “If we go in, we must go in as a team.” This seems to be a change in Dr Tan’s position.
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Dr Tan Cheng Bock July 29 at 5:29 PM
SINGAPORE'S INTEREST MUST ALWAYS COME FIRST
Yesterday I had a meeting with 7 opposition parties (Singapore Democratic Party, the People’s Power Party, the Democratic Progressive Party, the Reform Party, the National Solidarity Party, the Singaporeans First Party and a new, as yet, unregistered People’s Voice Party). These parties have something in common: they are all political veterans without a single seat in parliament for the last decade. They had a frank discussion on their shortcomings and aspirations. I was invited as an Observer.
The 7 parties proposed an opposition coalition and asked me to lead them. They know they have fallen short at the last GE. Wanting to do better, they sought my thoughts. I told them that to do better, Singapore’s interest MUST ALWAYS come first - ahead of self and even their own party’s interest. To be fair, many from the 7 parties stood in past elections because they believed they acted in Singapore’s best interests. But I think some may also need to stand down and serve from the backroom if it is for the good of the country.
One commentator recently said these 7 parties are 3rd, 4th and 5th rate politicians, and that if I mix with them, my reputation will be tarnished. I’m curious what yardstick the commentator has used to measure these men. I know men like Paul Tambayah is a 1st rate human being and doctor who cares for the country. I find it hard to label him otherwise. I believe that the men and women I met yesterday, were more than willing to make way for better men and women who would stand in their place. They have guts. They have put themselves out there. That is sufficient for the moment.
Right now, the 7 parties have asked for my help. They are not the only ones who have spoken to me. I think I must help but in what capacity, I have not decided.
I am now 78 years old. I may only have a short time to mentor a team to work for the good of the nation. This is a small window of opportunity, a moment for ubah (change in Malay). I want to put my last years to good use. I want to pass all that I have acquired and learned in the political arena to the next generation.
I would regret it if I had the chance to make a difference, but did nothing.
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Is Tan Cheng Bock sending a hidden message as he sings “Count on me Singapore”?
Yesterday, former presidential candidate Tan Cheng Bock released a video on his Facebook page. In it, he and his friends sing and play the ukelele to express their “love for Singapore and to celebrate National Day 2018”.
Or so he says.
The song is rather poignant at a time when Dr Tan’s name was thrown out to lead efforts toward an opposition coalition. The lyrics are rather suggestive with a specific message, and as Dr Tan said, put forth a “vision for a better Singapore”.Throughout the song, there are references made about new possibilities in Singapore, such as the opening lines, “We have a vision for tomorrow, just believe, just believe /We have a goal for Singapore, we can achieve, we can achieve”.
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SDP’s Coalition of the Willing
There is strength in numbers and any effort to bring the otherwise fragmented opposition in Singapore under an umbrella organisation must be lauded. But some cynics were out to denounce Dr Chee Soon Juan’s effort to build a coalition with Dr Tan Cheng Bock at the helm.
The naysayers are of the opinion that a coalition of third, fourth and fifth rated political parties will do Cheng Bock no favours. It may very well end up weakening Cheng Bock’s political capital and brand equity, they say.
If one were to take this argument of alliance building to its logical end, then the natural question to ask is, why a coalition and not a merger of sorts?
related:
Tan Jee Say, Goh Meng Seng refute internet memes and naysayers of ‘Pakatan Tan Cheng Bock’
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It seems Tan Cheng Bock has decided to answer the call to politics
After a meeting with several opposition party members yesterday calling Dr Tan Cheng Bock to come and lead efforts an opposition coalition, Dr Tan himself has spoken out.
In a Facebook post earlier today, the former presidential election candidate said, “Right now, the 7 parties have asked for my help. They are not the only ones who have spoken to me. I think I must help but in what capacity, I have not decided”.
The Singapore Democratic Party’s Dr Chee Soon Juan said that, ”With his experience and leadership, the SDP is confident that Dr Tan will be able to lead the effort.” Similarly Mr Lim Tean, leader of unregistered People’s Voice party that while the exact form of such cooperation remains to be worked out, it is important that there be a more centralised form of leadership.
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7 opposition parties discuss forming a new coalition, invite former PAP MP Tan Cheng Bock to be leader
7 Singapore opposition parties have come together to discuss the possibility of forming a coalition to contest the next general election, led by former People's Action Party MP & presidential candidate Tan Cheng Bock.
In a news release, the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) said that six other opposition parties were present at a meeting hosted at the SDP headquarters on Sat (Jul 28).
These were: the People's Power Party (PPP), the Democratic Progressive Party, the Reform Party, the National Solidarity Party, the Singaporeans First Party, & former NSP chief Lim Tean, who has applied to form a new party - the People's Voice Party.
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Derek da Cunha July 28 at 8:01 PM
“Mr Lim Tean, leader of the People's Voice said that while the exact form of such cooperation remains to be worked out, it is important that there be a more centralised form of leadership.
This sentiment was echoed by People's Power Party's Secretary-General Mr Goh Meng Seng who added that without discipline, such a coalition equals trouble.
Mr Ben Pwee, Democratic Progressive Party pointed out that whatever differences parties had in the past must be submerged. "There must not be ego politics within such a framework," he said.
Other parties present were the Reform Party, National Solidarity Party, and Singaporeans First Party.”
All six of these “parties” (here “parties” is used loosely) mentioned, plus the SDP, represent political deadweight.
I respect Dr Tan Cheng Bock. But mixing with this particular crowd – which in the pecking order of non-PAP parties rank as 3rd, 4th and 5th raters -- will not do anything for his reputation. He will simply be tarnishing his reputation. He should display a bit more discernment. If he intends to stand at the next GE, he should do so as an independent or as part of a team of independents contesting a GRC.
I have analysed elections in Singapore long enough to know that you cannot underestimate the Singapore voter’s visceral distaste for a number of opposition personalities. Even a severely underperforming PAP will not move a segment of the electorate to vote against it if the alternative is truly 3rd, 4th and 5th raters.
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Opposition politicians that I met are not '3rd rate': Tan Cheng Bock
The opposition party representatives that he met with have “guts” and have “put themselves out there” because they care for the country, said former presidential candidate Tan Cheng Bock.
In a Facebook post on Sunday (29 July), Dr Tan dismissed political commentator Derek Da Cunha’s remarks that “these 7 parties are 3rd, 4th and 5th rate politicians, and that if I mix with them, my reputation will be tarnished”.
Stressing that opposition figures such as the Singapore Democratic Party’s (SDP) Paul Tambayah is “a 1st rate human being and doctor who cares for the country”, he added, “I believe that the men and women I met yesterday, were more than willing to make way for better men and women who would stand in their place. They have guts. They have put themselves out there. That is sufficient for the moment.”
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Academic dismisses proposed opposition coalition as hopeless
Expectedly, an academic has dismissed a proposed opposition coalition to be led by Dr Tan Cheng Bock as hopeless and not in a position to make any impact in the next General Elections (GE).
In a Facebook post hours after the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) made the announcement of a proposed coalition, political scientist and academic Derek da Cunha (another FT?) commented that should Dr Tan decides to lead the proposed opposition coalition, he would be “tarnishing his reputation” by “mixing with this particular group”.
Dismissing the opposition parties present at the working lunch hosted by SDP as “political deadweights”, Dr da Cunha said: “I respect Dr Tan Cheng Bock. But mixing with this particular crowd – which in the pecking order of non-PAP parties rank as 3rd, 4th and 5th raters — will not do anything for his reputation.”
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7 Opposition Parties May Form Coalition Led By Ex-Presidential Hopeful Tan Cheng Bock
Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) is spearheading ambitious plans to form a coalition led by former presidential candidate Tan Cheng Bock, aged 78 this year.
In a move that will inevitably draw comparisons to Mahathir’s winning strategy in the Malaysian elections, SDP met with 6 other opposition parties to “explore…possibilities” at a working lunch on Saturday (28 Jul).
Here’s what they discussed, and how it may impact the climate of Singapore’s political opposition in the next General Election (GE).
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OPPOSITION PARTIES EXPRESS DESIRE TO COOPERATE
INVITE TAN CHENG BOCK TO LEAD EFFORT
At a working lunch hosted by the SDP this afternoon, several opposition parties came together to explore the possibility of working closer together to present a unified front at the next elections.
The SDP also took the opportunity to propose that presidential candidate Dr Tan Cheng Bock help lead the effort in building such a coalition. Those present welcomed the move.
"With his experience and leadership," Dr Chee Soon Juan said, "the SDP is confident that Dr Tan will be able to lead the effort."
The former PAP MP, who attended the meeting as an observer, said: "If you want me to lead, then we must think of country first. If we go in, we must go in as a team."
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Opposition Coalition could Replace the Workers’ Party in Parliament
Singaporeans always say they want a voice in parliament, but at the same time they always show that they want a voice that doesn’t speak too loudly.
As a result of that, the Workers’ Party has been the only opposition party to meet with some success in the past 3 General Elections (2006 to 2015). During this time, we saw Chiam See Tong’s popularity dip in Potong Pasir and finally collapse under his wife, Lina Chiam.
Which calls to mind the question of whether like the SPP, the WP will crumble without Low Thia Khiang at the helm.
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Tean Lim July 28 at 7:56 PM
***My Statement At The Meeting of Opposition Parties***
This afternoon,at the premises of the SDP, various Opposition parties came together to explore how we can co-operate for the greater interests of serving the People of Singapore. This is the Statement I delivered at the meeting. Statement By Lim Tean:
- On behalf of the Party that I am forming - Peoples Voice, I pledge our total commitment to the greater cooperation of the Opposition parties in Singapore and to our common cause of displacing the PAP, which has been the government for 59 years.
- It is our hope that in the very near future, all the relevant Opposition parties in Singapore will be able to join together in a real partnership and alliance. This would be in line with the fervent wishes of a great many Singaporeans.
- As Politicians, we have the solemn duty to listen to the people whom we ask for the chance to serve.
- On our own, each of our parties may not have the numbers to dislodge the PAP from its present position but if we are joined in a great and common venture, we will have the
- ability to do so.
Conditioned into thinking that disagreements in politics always lead to bad outcomes?
Some have asked the question on whether or not Singapore is too small a country to have so many political parties and this got me thinking. Are disagreements in politics always a bad thing? Does it always lead to deadlocks, chaos and indecision? Is unity the most important ingredient for a happy and prosperous state?
I suppose the issue is one of balance. It isn't so much the disagreement but rather, how conflicting opinions are resolved. At the end of the day, both "two heads are better than one" and "too many cooks spoil the broth" are common sayings of wisdom. Do Singaporeans fear conflict for the sake of it? Are we unable or ill-equipped to deal with differences of opinion?
In life, people often disagree. That is just the way it is. We work through our differences and learn a new perspective and that's just the way life goes. Have we been molded into thinking that conflict is always a bad thing? That order should trump all things? I am not suggesting that total breakdown of government due to chronic tit for tat disagreements for the sake of it is a good thing. All I am wondering is if we are simply fearful of conflict without exploring why we really are. Is this really something we fear or have we been taught to fear it?
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Tan Cheng Bock’s 402-word Facebook post after Chee Soon Juan bromance photo, over-analysed
Is a veteran People’s Action Party (PAP) MP going to join the Opposition? This was the impression many got when they first saw Tan Cheng Bock sitting beside Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan at the opposition party’s headquarters on July 29.
Granted, the 78-year old retired from parliamentary duty in 2006. He is also no longer a PAP member because he resigned in 2011 to run in the Presidential Election of the same year.
But PAP was his party of more than 30 years. In fact, Tan was a member of the PAP Central Executive Committee, its highest decision-making body for nine years from 1987 to 1996.
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S’pore opposition parties okay with ex-PAP MP Tan Cheng Bock as their leader
Members of seven opposition political parties in Singapore are looking to a former People’s Action Party member of parliament of 26 years to lead a coalition to contest the next general election in Singapore.
The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) announced that six other opposition parties attended a meeting hosted at the SDP headquarters on Saturday, July 28. They discussed the possibility of forming a coalition with Tan, who is also a former presidential candidate, as leader.
The six other parties were: The People’s Power Party (PPP), the Democratic Progressive Party, the Reform Party, the National Solidarity Party, the Singaporeans First Party, and the People’s Voice Party, which is in the midst of being set up by former NSP chief Lim Tean.
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Should Tan Cheng Bock lead an opposition alliance?
Ex-presidential candidate Tan Cheng Bock. Yahoo News Singapore file photo
It is an unprecedented development: On Saturday (28 July), former Ayer Rajah Member of Parliament and presidential candidate Tan Cheng Bock said that he was open to leading a coalition of seven opposition parties.
If the 78-year-old agrees to lead the coalition, it would mark the first time since independence that a former People’s Action Party stalwart has defected to the opposition.
Tan’s remarks have drawn a range of responses. Political commentator Derek da Cunha labeled the opposition parties as “3rd, 4th and 5th raters” and that Tan was “tarnishing his reputation” by associating with them. This was swiftly rebuked by Tan.
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Dr Tan Cheng Bock open to role in opposition says he wants to effect political change
The idea of the smaller opposition parties forming a new coalition & having Dr Tan as a leader was mooted on Saturday (July 28) afternoon during a working lunch chaired by SDP secretary-general Chee Soon Juan at his party’s premises.
A day after 7 small opposition parties here proposed that he leads them as part of a new coalition, former presidential candidate Tan Cheng Bock said that he was open to the idea but stopped short of agreeing to take up the offer.
“Right now, the 7 parties have asked for my help. They are not the only ones who have spoken to me. I think I must help but in what capacity, I have not decided,” he said in a Facebook post on Sunday afternoon (July 29).
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Comments on Dr Tan Cheng Bock July 29 at 5:29 PM
Rick Cheong Dr. Tan please form a good team and head for AMK GRC in next GE. When someone don't let you be EP, you can make that someone not a PM.
Henry Lim Dr. Tan, you said you are already 78 years old. But you don't forget Dr. Mahathir is 93, much older than you. And he never hesitate to step out again from his comfort zone when he see something not right going on in his own country.
Emesty Jenggoman Why not merge into one SOLID party. Discuss what should we do as sporean. Not grp A said do this & grp B do otherwise. Its not good. Gang all yr head together & plan what should we do & how. I'm not into politic but I oso feels the heat since late 90's. We need more oppo's in parliament to oppose what is not right.
Charles Chia Dear Dr. TAN, 78 years old is considered young compared to Dr. TUN M. You have another good 10 years and more to contribute although you should be enjoying your retirement and spend more times with your family. But I really hope something can be change in our political landscape. I know nothing about power but absolute power corrupts.
Bao Yu in my opinion better register a party party as like Dr M his party last min cannot be register it might also happen in Singapore too
Eric Lim KJ YOU WOULD HAD BEEN OUR PRESIDENT ! THAT IS THE " PEOPLES PRESIDENT !"
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Yahoo Poll: Should Tan Cheng Bock lead an opposition alliance?
Share your thoughts on the issue in the poll
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Full Coverage:
Tan Cheng Bock open to leading proposed opposition coalition
Opposition politicians that I met are not ‘3rd rate’: Tan Cheng Bock
Singapore Democratic Party held a forum where opposition parties
SDP’s Coalition of the Willing
Academic claims Dr Tan will be tarnishing his reputation by mixing with this crowd
“SOME OPPO LEADERS NEED TO STAND DOWN SERVE FROM BACKROOM”
Tan Cheng Bock led opposition coalition will be an effort to displace PAP rule
A coalition is necessary to “clean-up” the current “pasar malam” opposition scene
Tan Cheng Bock to lead opposition coalition?
Lim Tean calls for Opposition parties to join in an alliance
Tan Cheng Bock yet to decide on role in opposition coalition, says small window
The PAP should get a move on
SDP BRINGS OPPO PARTIES TO HEAR PAKATAN HARAPAN EXPERIENCE
“Pakatan Singapura” could Target These Two Weakest-Link PAP GRCs
Dr Tan Cheng Bock invited to lead opposition coalition
TAN CHENG BOCK SPEAKS OPENLY AFTER OPPOSITION COALITION TALKS
Goh Chok Tong & Tan Cheng Bock ‘do a Mahathir’?
Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong’s latest Facebook post has caused Singaporeans to express their desire to see the former head of government stand against the ruling party in the next election, the same way Malaysian leader Dr Mahathir left his party to unite the opposition across the causeway and topple the government.
This, after ESM Goh posted photos from his 77th birthday bash. Sharing a photo with veteran politician Dr Tan Cheng Bock who attended his exclusive party, Goh alluded to Mahathir’s stunning election victory and said: “Age is just a number, as Mahathir has proven. But it is family and friends who make that number light, meaningful and memorable. Thanks, all my friends out there.”
92-year-old Dr Mahathir Mohamad made history by defeating the incumbent at the polls and ushering in Malaysia’s first transition of power since independence, at the watershed 2018 Malaysian General Election.
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It saddens me to see how Tan Cheng Bock has lost his way
Dawn of a new era in Singapore politics
Launch of Tan Cheng Bock's Progress Singapore Party
Tan Cheng Bock's new party will be 'unifying alternative' for Singapore
A 'Tan Cheng Bock & Lee Hsien Yang' Collaboration?
Top 20 Highest Paid Government Leaders
Is the ground sour?
ESM Goh: "Who are going to clean the tables?"
ESM Goh: "Ministers are not paid enough"
Can Singapore “Do a Malaysia”?
Goh Chok Tong & Tan Cheng Bock ‘do a Mahathir’?
An Opposition alliance under Tan Cheng Bock
ESM Goh wants 4th-Gen PM to be picked this year
Old Mahathir could be frosty with Singapore: New Mahathir?
GST hike: Damned if they do
In perverse fashion, the Malaysians might have done the PAP a favour
A Political Elite Class in Singapore?
The Chan Chun Sing Puzzles
Dawn of a new era, in our own backyard!
The protege toppled by his mentor
Paying high salaries to mitigate corruption
Maintaining Standards of our Civil Service
Singapore’s Corruption Control Framework
Business and Rules of Prudence
3 veteran ministers step down for 4G leaders
Singapore 2018 Cabinet Reshuffle
ESM Goh wants 4th-Gen PM to be picked this year
Next Prime Minister “likely” to be already in the cabinet
Fourth generation of political leadership
Fourth generation political leadership taking shape
ESM Goh Chok Tong in the limelight
GE2015: Nomads, Roosters & "Bits Of Meat"
Singapore “Swiss” Standard of Living
S'pore companies urged to invest in Shandong
Singapore to become hub for Indian diaspora
Silent sit-in protest against PE2017
Elected President: CC vs AGC
PM Lee in Focus
PM Lee the Latest “Victim” of Donald Trump Handshake
The politics of power dressing: Ho Ching
PM Lee Hsien Loong at G20 Leaders' Summit in Hamburg
Singapore must ‘steal other people’s lunches’
Singapore PM draws laughs in US speech
PM Lee on BBC's HARDTalk
A Post-LKY Singapore?
Lee & Lee - The job has changed
Order of Succession And Baton Passing
PM Lee In The Limelight
Former PM Lee Kuan Yew in the limelight
