LupSup Politics
Vote Wisely
The Cockles of our Hearts
Opposition parties fan out across Singapore to canvass votes on last day of campaign
Candidates from various opposition parties fanned out across Singapore for the last burst of outreach activities early Wednesday (July 8), the final day of the election campaign before a reprieve on Cooling-Off Day.
Thursday is Cooling-Off Day and election campaigning is disallowed. Singaporeans head to the polls on Friday.
Rounding up a nine-day General Election (GE) campaign, the parties again urged the public to vote for the opposition to avoid a one-party parliamentary system and allow other voices to represent them in Parliament.
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Election campaigning without the handshakes
The coronavirus has ended the handshake
For some politicians, campaigning season is one of the few times they have to get up close and personal with the public, as they try to persuade people to vote them into office.
But the global pandemic has turned everything on its head, national elections included. Political rallies held online, socially distanced door-knocking sessions, and fist bumps instead of handshakes would have been unthinkable a few months ago, yet this is what politicians in Singapore are having to contend with as the country gears up for its general election on 10 July.
The election next Friday takes place as Singapore records more than 44,000 cases of the coronavirus, most of which stem from outbreaks in dormitories housing migrant manual labourers.
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Lee Hsien Yang Says GE2020 Return Was To Help S’poreans, Not Due To Family Feud
After the 38 Oxley Road dispute came to light in 2017, it wasn’t clear for awhile where Mr Lee Hsien Yang and his family were. While he had said in a statement that he would be leaving Singapore for the foreseeable future, he was also spotted at Pink Dot last year with his son Huanwu and his in-laws.
Recently, the brother of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has come back to Singapore and into the public consciousness of Singaporeans in a big way, by joining the political fray not as a candidate in the 2020 General Election (GE), but as a member of the opposition Progress Singapore Party (PSP).
However, he says that his actions are not because of his family feud, but because he wants to help Singaporeans during GE2020.
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Residents get vocal with 'shouting match' at Yishun coffee shop; Lee Hsien Yang heckled at Yio Chu Kang
In another video posted by CNA correspondent Amir Yusof on Sunday, Lee Hsien Yang was seen at coffeeshop in Yio Chu Kang but this time, being heckled by a resident. The man could be heard saying to Lee, "family matters settle at home", and "Singaporeans not interested in your family problem".
In a separate video posted online, Lee Hsien Yang could be heard responding with "you are entitled to your own opinion".
PSP and PAP are going head-to-head in nine constituencies this election, including West Coast GRC, Nee Soon GRC, and Yio Chu Kang SMC.
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Amir Yusof @AmirYusofCNA
"Singaporeans not interested in your family problem": A member of the public tells PSP member Lee Hsien Yang at Yio Chu Kang during a morning walkabout.
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Singapore Matters
Xia suay. That's how a resident scolded him. He's not standing for election and he walks ...
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Lee Hsien Yang want put Singapore at risk
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Surge of credible, capable alternative candidates in this election – Lee Hsien Yang
Singapore is seeing a surge of credible and capable alternative candidates at this General Election, said Progress Singapore Party (PSP) member Lee Hsien Yang in a Facebook post on Sunday (5 July).
The younger brother of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong added that many of these candidates, who are not from the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), are caring and authentic, and have impressive qualities and qualifications.
“What matters even more is their preparedness to speak out fearlessly for the needs of their fellow Singaporeans,” he wrote in his Facebook post. “Standing for the opposition needs character and courage in a way that standing on a PAP ticket does not. It demonstrates a willingness to sacrifice for our country.”
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Why Singapore may lose, whatever the final score
Election results are measured not only by the numbers but also by intangibles. When Singaporeans go to the polls on Friday, the final tally is likely to preserve the People’s Action Party’s Parliamentary dominance. But how the subjective quality of its victory will be perceived is less certain.
The 2020 General Election may leave many Singaporeans, including some who end up voting for the PAP, disaffected and doubtful — even as the country enters a post-pandemic era that will require greater solidarity and sacrifice by citizens. The likely victors, meanwhile, are displaying an insecurity and defensiveness that will militate against the openness to new ideas needed for Singapore to remake itself. The opposition won’t be to blame — after all, Singapore must be the only country where the challengers and most of their well-wishers pay the government the ultimate compliment of not wanting to oust it. Instead, the taint on the PAP’s impending victory is largely self-inflicted, with the party acting more petty and punitive than what people expect from leaders focused on the historic challenges facing Singapore.
Of course, it is the numerical results that will engross voters and observers between now and Friday night. Nobody knows how GE2020 will finish. But this unpredictability is, in fact, quite bounded.
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GE2020 has been a question of leadership
l must have read these words by the PM a zillion times: "You have my word — together with my older colleagues like Teo Chee Hean and Tharman Shanmugaratnam, as well as the 4G ministers, I will see this through... I am determined to hand over Singapore intact and in good working order to the next team." What did Lee Hsien Loong mean when he uttered those words during his online rally?
At one level, it can be read as the PM telling his viewers that there is no need to worry. The government is putting all its resources, including the more experienced ministers, into helping the younger team take the country out of the Covid-19 crisis. At another level, the message could be that the task is monumental and it is only proper to send in a group of super substitutes into the field.
At a deeper level, it could be that Lee is signalling to Singaporeans that his young team needs more time and that he might delay the handover of prime ministership that he has promised when he turns 70 in less than two years.
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Now the circus is almost over, how do we vote?
I had great hopes that this election will be different. I mean different in its content, and not how it is being conducted in non-traditional ways during this COVID-19 outbreak. After all, this “downtime’’ in the face of crisis should mean more radical out-of-the-box thinking rather than just more of the same. I thought we’d be bracing ourselves to listen to new strategies for the new normal, beyond going digital and working from home. The COVID-19 outbreak highlighted many of Singapore’s vulnerabilities, like how so many households need help because they don’t have enough money put away if breadwinners lose their jobs.
The People’s Action Party (PAP) had a headstart, beginning its informal campaigning via national broadcasts on ways to get the country out of the COVID-19 troubles that loom ahead. This is one of the privileges of being the government. We can’t fault the Prime Minister for picking what he thinks is the best time to hold an election to benefit his party. That too is one of the privileges of being Prime Minister.
But what was presented as the PAP’s manifesto is four already-announced Budgets put together. It makes you wonder if a vote against the PAP will mean a pull back of all the incentives and support that has been promised. It cannot be.
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WP's Nicole Seah asks voters to be 'mindful' about 'questionable' posts made before Cooling-off Day
In a nine-minute IGTV video, Workers' Party candidate Nicole Seah chatted with followers on the progress of her team's walkabouts and campaigning efforts on the last day before Cooling-off Day.
Seah reminded viewers that the party will stop all activities by July 8. According to the ELD, the period of silence is meant to give voters some time to “reflect rationally on issues raised during the election".
Seah said the Workers' Party has tried their best to put out a "very clean" campaign and discuss issues, as well as let voters get to know them better. She expressed that she hopes for the viewers' support on Friday.
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6 women candidates who have caught our attention
It seems to be a banner year for female politicians. The People’s Action Party (PAP) has doubled the number of women among its new candidates for this year’s General Election (GE) compared to 2015. One of the new women candidates, Gan Siow Huang, is fielded in Marymount Single-Member Constituency (SMC), which pundits say is a spot conventionally saved for potential office holders.
There is a surge of female representation too, among the opposition parties. Many of them hold key roles in their parties’ central executive committees (CEC), such as assistant treasurer of Progress Singapore Party (PSP) Hazel Poa and Michelle Lee, the chairperson of Red Dot United (RDU).
A politician’s gender should not be on the list of deciding factors behind a vote, but as female first-time voters, strong women politicians are a welcome sight. The past week of campaigning has seen candidates putting their best selves forward, framing their achievements and demonstrating political aptitude – with varying success. As Polling Day (10 July) draws near, here are the six female politicians who inspire us:
- Nicole Seah, 33, Workers’ Party
- Raeesah Begum Farid Khan, 26, Workers’ Party
- Gigene Wong, 54, Progress Singapore Party
- Carrie Tan, 38, People’s Action Party
- Gan Siow Huang, 45, People’s Action Party
- Poh Li San, 45, People’s Action Party
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AGC says no offence was committed, following police reports lodged against PAP's Heng Swee Keat for comments at forum
The police on Tuesday (July 7) said that it has consulted with the Attorney-General’s Chambers who deemed that Mr Heng Swee Keat’s remarks at a student’s forum last year had no intent to wound anyone’s racial feelings or promote enmity between different races.
In a statement, the police confirmed that reports had been lodged against Mr Heng, who is contesting in the East Coast Group Representation Constituency, in relation to his response to a question posed to him at a student’s forum at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) on March 28, 2019. Mr Heng had been asked whether Singaporeans were ready for a non-Chinese Prime Minister.
“The police have consulted the Attorney-General’s Chambers, which advised that no offence is disclosed. Mr Heng’s remarks, in the context they were made, do not evidence any intent to wound anyone’s racial feelings or promote enmity between different races,” said the police.
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No offence found in Heng Swee Keat’s comment on minority race as PM, says Police on advise from AGC
No offence has been found in regards to the comments made by Heng Swee Keat made at a student’s forum at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) last March. This was said by the Singapore Police Force on Tuesday (7 July) which is based on the advice of the Attorney-General’s Chambers led by Attorney General Lucien Wong, Lee Hsien Loong’s former private lawyer.
The People’s Action Party candidate in East Coast GRC, who was then Deputy Prime Minister had said that a segment of Singapore’s population is happy to have an individual from a minority race as their prime minister, but the older generation is not ready for that. This was in response to a question by a student by a member of the audience, who noted that Tharman Shanmugaratnam was a popular choice to take on the top job.
Police reports were earlier made against Heng following the two police reports filed against WP candidate, Raeesah Khan on Sunday. “The police have consulted the Attorney-General’s Chambers, which advised that no offence is disclosed,” said SPF on Tuesday. “Mr Heng’s remarks, in the context they were made, do not evidence any intent to wound anyone’s racial feelings or promote enmity between different races.”
related: Police report filed against PAP’s Heng Swee Keat over his past remarks that older generation of S’poreans not ready for non-Chinese PM
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Police confirm reports lodged over PAP statement on WP candidate Raeesah Khan; but no offence found
Police reports were lodged over the contents of the People's Action Party (PAP) statement on the Workers' Party (WP) candidate Raeesah Khan, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) confirmed on Wednesday (Jul 8).
However, no offence has been found after consultation with the Attorney-General's Chambers. The police reports relate to the PAP statement titled The Workers’ Party’s Position On Sengkang Candidate Ms Raeesah Khan, which was released on Monday.
"In consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, it was assessed that no offence was disclosed," said SPF.
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8 Police Reports Lodged Since GE2020 Began
Redditor Compiles 8 Police Reports Since General Election Started. From submitting documents to preparing reports, tons of paperwork have to be done every election. Surprisingly – or unsurprisingly – we now have police reports added to the fray.
Since General Election 2020 (GE2020) started, at least 8 police reports have been lodged against political candidates, parties, and even a blogger. Redditor u/maccaschocosundae shared a compilation of the police reports that have been submitted since GE2020 was called, questioning if the list will ever end.
We break it down for you below why they kena in the first place:
- Raeesah Khan
- Raeesah Khan whistleblower
- DPM Heng Swee Keat
- PAP
- Xiaxue
- Prof Ben Leong
- Ong Ye Kung
- Surya Kumar
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No active plans to go back to Phase 1 after election, says MOH director of medical services
There are no active plans to return to Phase 1 of the post-"circuit breaker" period immediately after the General Election, the Ministry of Health's (MOH) director of medical services Kenneth Mak said on Tuesday (Jul 7).
Singapore exited its circuit breaker period on Jun 1 and moved into Phase 1 of reopening the day after. The country moved into Phase 2 on Jun 19. Under Phase 1, social gatherings were prohibited, as was dining in at F&B establishments. Most retail outlets also remained closed.
"There has been some talk, I understand, on social media about how after elections, we're going to clamp down and go back to Phase 1, we'll lock down again," said Associate Professor Mak.
related:
Symptomatic, unlinked COVID-19 cases in the community a 'greater concern' even as number of daily cases fall: Gan Kim Yong
About half of unlinked COVID-19 community cases detected after circuit breaker were from construction sector: Lawrence Wong
Increase in number of new COVID-19 community cases in Phase 2 ‘not unexpected’: Gan Kim Yong
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PN Balji: Tan Cheng Bock, the Pied Piper of GE2020
There are many ways to describe opposition politician Tan Cheng Bock. Nearly man of the presidential election. Politician with principles. Ah Gong of Singapore politics.
But my preference is for this: Pied Piper of GE2020.
He attracts crowds wherever he goes with people jostling to see him, take selfies and just to wish him success.
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PN Balji: Tambyah, Raeesah and PAP's GE2020 message
Singapore is into the last lap of GE2020 and it has caught fire in unimaginable and unrealistic ways. "The crisis of a generation" ministerial speeches have been pushed into the background with attacks on political personalities taking centre stage.
It is embarrassing to read some of the words being used in these attacks. Falsehoods, baseless, scurrilous, charade... even the word "mendacity" was thrown in. Fear is still being used as a weapon to scare the opposition members. From Chee Soon Juan to Paul Tambyah and now to Raeesah Khan, the People's Action Party (PAP) has stepped on the pedal and turned up the heat.
The message really is to those who want to enter opposition politics: Enter the fray and expect to be pilloried in public.
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PAP calls on WP to state position on Raeesah Khan
The People’s Action Party (PAP) has called on the Workers’ Party (WP) to state its stand on its candidate Raeesah Khan, as well as her social media posts that are the subject of a police probe. On Sunday afternoon, the police said that they had begun investigations after two reports were made over the weekend against the WP candidate.
Ms Khan is part of the four-member WP team contesting Sengkang GRC. The reports lodged were in relation to comments that Ms Khan had made on social media, which allegedly promoted “enmity between different groups on grounds of religion or race”.
“In fairness to voters, both in Sengkang and elsewhere, the WP should state its stand on Ms Raeesah’s posts, since she has admitted to making highly derogatory statements about Chinese and Christians. Why does the WP still consider her worthy of consideration as an MP?” the PAP said in a media statement on Monday (Jul 6).
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Police investigating man who allegedly reported WP candidate Raeesah Khan
Police are investigating a Facebook user using the moniker "Abdul Malik Mohammed Ghazali" for allegedly posting comments on social media with the deliberate intent to wound religious or racial feelings, and for harassment.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) confirmed in a statement on Tuesday (Jul 7) that reports have been lodged against the said individual.
The moniker matches that of a Facebook user who claimed to have shared screenshots of online comments made by Ms Raeesah Khan, a Workers' Party candidate for Sengkang Group Representation Constituency (GRC).
related:
GE2020: PAP calls on WP to state position on Raeesah Khan
AGC says no offence committed, following police reports lodged against DPM Heng
Police investigating Raeesah Khan over alleged online comments on race, religion
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Tan Cheng Bock calls police reports against WP's Raeesah Khan 'gutter politics'
Ms Raeesah, 26, is being investigated after two police reports were made against her for two posts on Facebook in which she suggested that the authorities discriminated against minorities. News of the police reports broke on Sunday, following which Ms Raeesah, who is on the WP's Sengkang GRC team, apologised for making "insensitive" and "improper" remarks.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Dr Tan said he did not want to be involved in politics like that, adding that whoever made the police reports had timed them to coincide with the campaign period.
"(The posts were made) so long ago they should've taken action (earlier). Why wait until now? That's my question," said Dr Tan. "When it comes to politicking of this nature, let us (take the high road), then the world will look at us and regard Singapore as a mature country."
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Lee Hsien Yang 3 hrs
Remy Choo Zheng Xi 20 hrs
On the PAP side, the 4G leadership was supposed to take the reins of a more diverse, confident, open-minded PAP Government. On the side of the parliamentary opposition, Pritam Singh took over as leader of the WP. Pritam staked out a firmly pro-Singapore stance when he affirmed in Parliament during the COVID-19 debates that partisan politics should take a backseat to combatting COVD-19. As recently as June 9, DPM Heng commended Pritam and the WP for their position.
We saw glimmers of what GE2020 could be with the PAP roll out of a slate of PAP candidates from diverse backgrounds, and a promise to keep the campaign focused on the issues of health and jobs. Instead, on Day 6 of this campaign, something much darker is happening.
More than half a dozen POFMA directions have now been issued, and police reports have been filed against a 26 year-old WP candidate for old tweets. A police report has been made, and a public apology has been given. Given that the matter is under investigation, the appropriate thing to do should be to re-focus on the issues and let the electorate be the judge the weight to ascribe to this incident.
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Remy Choo Zheng Xi July 5 at 10:33 PM
Raeesah Khan is 26. She has been an activist since she was 17 years old. In 2018, on twitter, she made comments that are now under police investigation, and which she’s apologised for. Raeesah belongs to a generation that communicates in an unvarnished way. They communicate about racial inequity in ways that might seem taboo to older Singaporeans. Raeesah’s is a generation that’s “woke”, in a way even I, who consider myself an activist, don’t intuitively get. As Pritam explains in his interview below, her’s is a generation that has completely grown up on social media, and he doesn’t expect any candidate to sanitize their past.
Reading about Raeesah, and seeing her apology, here’s what I do get about her. Her’s is a generation that has a fire to do more in their youth than many of us would feel fortunate to accomplish in our lifetimes. What was I doing when I was 26? Certainly not running for Parliament. Raeesah’s is a generation that has the fearless passion to speak up against the system, but also the precociousness to know when to participate in the system to change it. She’s also got the courage and character to look the public in the eye and say sorry when she’s wrong.
Raeesah’s is a generation that won’t let the gravitational rules of politics define them. She could have been more careful to curate her social media accounts before entering the political arena, but she’s left them as they are, because they are a part of her.
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WP's Raeesah Khan apologises for posts which allegedly promoted enmity between different groups
WP's Raeesah Khan apologises for insensitive remarks
Workers' Party (WP) Sengkang candidate Raeesah Khan apologised on Sunday for two Facebook posts said to allege police discrimination against minorities.
At an unplanned press conference the party called on Sunday night, Ms Khan, 26, said she did not mean to cause social division, but had made the remarks as she wanted to raise awareness about minority concerns.
Flanked by WP leaders Pritam Singh, Sylvia Lim and her GRC teammates, Ms Khan, with her head bowed and reading from a piece of paper, said: "I apologise to any racial group or community who have been hurt by my comments.
related:
WP's Raeesah Khan apologises for 'insensitive' remarks
Police investigating Raeesah Khan over alleged online comments on race & religion
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Police investigating WP candidate Raeesah Khan over alleged online comments on race, religion
Police are investigating Ms Raeesah Khan, a Workers' Party candidate contesting in Sengkang GRC in the 2020 General Election, after two reports were lodged against her. The two reports, made on Jul 4 and Jul 5, were in relation to comments allegedly made by Ms Khan on social media, said the Singapore Police Force (SPF) on Sunday (Jul 5).
"She allegedly commented that Singapore law enforcement authorities discriminated against citizens, and that compared to other groups, rich Chinese and white people were treated differently under the law.
"In the context of a news article on the City Harvest Church ruling, Raeesah Khan allegedly commented that Singapore jailed minorities mercilessly, harassed mosque leaders but let corrupt church leaders who stole S$50 million walk free, and questioned who had been paid," said SPF in a statement.
related: WP candidate Raeesah Khan apologises for ‘insensitive’ remarks
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PAP calls for WP to make clear stand on Raeesah Khan’s social media posts
The People’s Action Party (PAP) on Monday (July 6) called for the Workers’ Party (WP) to state its stand on social media posts made by its candidate Raeesah Khan that are the subject of police investigations.
In a statement, the PAP noted that Ms Raeesah, 26, is being investigated for criminal offences, including an offence of promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion or race and that WP chief Mr Pritam Singh had said on Sunday that she would continue with her campaign in Sengkang Group Representation Constituency (GRC) and that the party would review the matter after the July 10 General Election.
“In fairness to voters, both in Sengkang and elsewhere, the WP should state its stand on Ms Raeesah’s posts, since she has admitted to making highly derogatory statements about Chinese and Christians,” the PAP said.
related:
WP’s Raeesah Khan apologises for social media posts under police investigation
Police investigating Raeesah Khan social media posts allegedly promote enmity
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WP stands by Sengkang GRC candidate Raeesah Khan, who apologises for ‘insensitive’ remarks
The Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh said on Sunday night (5 July) that the WP will stand by its General Election 2020 candidate Raeesah Khan following news of two police reports filed over comments on social media allegedly made by her.
Pritam, who was speaking to reporters at a doorstop at Blk 273E Compassvale Link, said the Sengkang GRC candidate is apologetic about the comments made by her when she was younger.
Raeesah appeared briefly before Pritam and read out a statement. She said, “My intention was never to cause social divisions but to raise awareness on minority issues. I apologise to any racial group or community who have been hurt by my comments. My remarks were insensitive and I regret making them. “I feel very passionate about minority issues regardless of race. And in my passion, I made improper remarks. I will fully cooperate with police investigations.”
related: Police investigating Raeesah Khan over alleged comments on race, religion
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Vote for opposition and send a message to PAP that they cannot just do what they want, says WP's Low Thia Kiang
“The government has money, but not the citizens. PAP makes the taxes so high that the citizens are helpless.”
This refrain, adapted from a Teochew rhyme, has been used by former Workers’ Party chief Low Thia Kiang at rallies during previous general elections.
And it is how he kicks off his speech in a video that was posted on the Workers’ Party’s Facebook page this morning (July 8).
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'You can't take Singapore out of the boy', WP's Jamus Lim on returning to serve the country
After watching his lively debate with veteran politicians on TV, Singaporeans have been intrigued by the Workers' Party's (WP) Jamus Lim.
Now, the Sengkang GRC candidate has offered the public a glimpse into his personal life, and also shared why he returned to Singapore after spending many years abroad.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday (July 8), he said: "You can take the boy out of Singapore, but you can't take Singapore out of the boy."
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Pofma issues correction directions to NUSS, CNA, TOC and New Naratif over Tambyah's statements on Covid-19 testing of migrant workers
Five correction directions have been issued to the National University of Singapore Society (NUSS), Channel News Asia (CNA), The Online Citizen Asia (TOC) and New Naratif, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said in a joint statement on Sunday (July 5).
The Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (Pofma) Office was directed to issue these correction directions by the alternate authority for the Minister for Manpower. It is the first time that a mainstream media outlet has been issued a correction direction by the Pofma Office.
The directions were issued for the following:
- A video titled "NUSS Pre-General Election Forum 2020", published by NUSS on July 3 on YouTube
- A Facebook post and video titled "Dr Paul Tambyah reveals MOM's role in outbreak of Covid-19 within dormitories", published by TOC on July 4
- A video titled "TOC GE2020 Livestream - Afternoon session 2 July 2020", published by TOC on July 2
- An online article titled "GE2020: Focus on public health could have been lost in March amid talk of early election, suggests SDP's Paul Tambyah", published by CNA on July 4
- An audio recording titled "An Interview with Dr Paul Tambyah", published by New Naratif on July 5
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POFMA correction directions ‘a complete distraction’, says SDP’s Tambyah
The Singapore Democratic Party wants to focus on issues that matter to Singaporeans, instead of “arguing about who signed a circular”, said party chairman Paul Tambyah on Monday (Jul 6).
“It’s a complete distraction.” Dr Tambyah was referring to the correction directions from the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) Office, which were issued to four organisations - including CNA on Sunday (Jul 5).
The direction was with regard to Dr Tambyah’s statements over the outbreak of COVID-19 in foreign worker dormitories.
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Opp leaders Tan Cheng Bock, Paul Tambyah ask PAP counterparts to hold TV debate on Covid-19 recovery plan
Dr Tambyah, an infectious disease expert, and Dr Tan say they have medical expertise to tackle Covid-19 issues
Opposition figures Tan Cheng Bock and Paul Tambyah on Sunday (July 5) challenged People’s Action Party (PAP) leaders Chan Chun Sing and Gan Kim Yong to a televised debate on managing Covid-19.
The proposal was made a day after Mr Chan said that the opposition parties lack a recovery plan on the pandemic.
In a response on Facebook later on Sunday, Mr Chan neither accepted nor declined the television debate invitation, but pressed the opposition on presenting their Covid-19 recovery plans to the voting public ahead of the July 10 General Election.
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PSP's Tan Cheng Bock proposes televised Covid-19 debate with Chan Chun Sing
Progress Singapore Party (PSP) chief, Dr Tan Cheng Bock, on Sunday (July 5) proposed a televised debate on the Covid-19 response - with him and Singapore Democratic Party chairman Paul Tambyah facing off against Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing and Health Minister Gan Kim Yong.
Speaking to the media during a walkabout in Nee Soon GRC with the PSP team, he said: "Paul and I, we are prepared to go on TV and debate on this. So if he is prepared, Chan Chun Sing can bring the health minister. And I will go along with Paul. Then we go on national TV, and we will debate this thing out."
Dr Tan, who is contesting West Coast GRC, was responding to remarks from Mr Chan that the opposition had thus far left out management of the crisis from their manifestos and discussions.
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SDP made 'false and baseless allegations' on Government’s handling of COVID-19, says Lawrence Wong
Dr Paul Tambyah at the NUSS Pre-General Election Forum 2020. (Photo: Anne-Marie Lim)
The Singapore Democratic Party’s (SDP) comments on how the Government has handled the COVID-19 pandemic are “baseless and false allegations”, said Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong on Sunday (Jul 5).
Mr Wong, who co-chairs a multi-ministry task force on COVID-19, was responding to comments made by SDP chairman Paul Tambyah on Friday during a pre-General Election forum organised by the National University of Singapore Society (NUSS).
Dr Tambyah, an infectious diseases expert, had said that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) issued "a statement telling the employers they were not allowed to bring their workers for testing".
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SDP made 'false and baseless allegations' on Government’s handling of COVID-19, says Lawrence Wong
The Singapore Democratic Party’s (SDP) comments on how the Government has handled the COVID-19 pandemic are “baseless and false allegations”, said Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong on Sunday (Jul 5).
Mr Wong, who co-chairs a multi-ministry task force on COVID-19, was responding to comments made by SDP chairman Paul Tambyah on Friday during a pre-General Election forum organised by the National University of Singapore Society (NUSS).
Dr Tambyah, an infectious diseases expert, had said that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) issued "a statement telling the employers they were not allowed to bring their workers for testing".
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Lawrence Wong refutes SDP chair Paul Tambyah's remarks on Covid-19 task force as 'baseless and false'
National Development Minister Lawrence Wong has rebutted remarks by Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chairman Paul Tambyah that the multi-ministry Covid-19 task force did not rely on the advice of medical experts in its work.
Saying the allegations were "baseless and false", Mr Wong, who co-chairs the task force with Health Minister Gan Kim Yong, said on Sunday (July 5) that it has always relied on scientific evidence and the advice of medical experts in coming up with decisions.
"They are an integral part of the team, we involve them in all our deliberations, and every time Mr Gan Kim Yong and I hold the press conferences we have the director of medical services (Associate Professor Kenneth Mak) with us," he said, adding that this has been the case since the outbreak started.
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Leaked audio clips of conversation with PAP's Chan Chun Sing emerge; Chan says these are 'circulated with ill-intent'
Leaked audio clips of conversations involving Mr Chan Chun Sing have emerged on the final day of campaigning for the General Election, as the People’s Action Party second assistant secretary-general slammed the circulation of the recordings and its timing.
“It has come to my attention that truncated audio clips of one of my conversations, taken out of context, are being circulated with ill-intent,” Mr Chan wrote on Facebook on Wednesday (July 8).
“The timing of the release today is surely not coincidental.”
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Opposition parties lack Covid-19 recovery plan when it should be focus of polls, says PAP’s Chan Chun Sing
A responsible political party or candidate should have a comprehensive plan on the “core issue” of how to get Singapore through the coronavirus crisis, Mr Chan Chun Sing said. The second assistant secretary-general of the People’s Action Party (PAP) noted that there is a “glaring” lack of discussion of such plans among the opposition even at the halfway point of the election campaign.
Candidates and parties should not claim that they are unlikely to form the government and point out the remote chance of government changes in elections elsewhere, he added. He highlighted that the July 10 General Election (GE) is “about the interests of our country”.
“Whoever stands for election must be prepared and must have a plan to take the country forward,” Mr Chan said.
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Kenneth Jeyaretnam calls for POFMA to be issued to Lee Hsien Loong over falsehoods
Kenneth Jeyaretnam from the Reform Party (RP) has called upon the Elections Department (ELD) to issue a “Stop Communication Direction” under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA).
He sent a letter to the ELD on Tuesday (7 July). In his letter, he stated that during the televised national broadcast for Ang Mo Kio Constituency, “Caretaker Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, uttered falsehoods when he said ‘my new GRC team includes two sitting MPs, Gan Thiam Poh and Darryl David’.” Mr Jeyaretnam said that as former Prime Minister, Mr Lee cannot be unaware that parliament has been dissolved and that all former MPs are now candidates.
By “making a distinction between Mr David and Mr Gan and other candidates”, he asserted that it would “suggest to a reasonable person hearing or reading this falsehood” that Mr David and Mr Gan currently hold an office and are “somehow at a higher level with more vested authority than other candidates”.
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Reform Party’s Kenneth Jeyaretnam and Workers’ Party counter PM Lee’s comments on the opposition at lunchtime rally
Mr Kenneth Jeyaretnam, secretary-general of the Reform Party (RP), published a video on Monday (July 6) saying investors would welcome a strong opposition that would "shine a light on accountability and transparency on the workings of government”.
The 61-year-old, who is contesting in Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency (GRC), was responding to People’s Action Party secretary-general Lee Hsien Loong’s lunchtime rally at Fullerton Square on Monday.
The Workers' Party also countered some of the Mr Lee's points made during the rally. On Monday, the Workers’ Party (WP) also released several sets of responses on its Facebook and Instagram accounts in response to Mr Lee’s lunchtime rally. To Mr Lee who said that opposition parties have been “completely silent” on how to tackle Covid-19 in the past six months and in this election campaign, WP highlighted seven policy proposals made in the party’s manifesto related to the ongoing pandemic.
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Day 8 on the campaign trail
With just three days to go until Polling Day, candidates are in the final stretch of campaigning as they seek to reach out to voters both on the ground and online.
Follow our coverage of General Election 2020 as it unfolds:
- "I will always prioritise my residents' interests": PAP's Murali Pillai
- PM Lee to PAP candidates: Residents must know you are there when they need you
- Mediacorp will air 6 more constituency political broadcasts on Tuesday
- Workers' Party revives redundancy insurance proposal amid COVID-19 uncertainty
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Day 7 on the campaign trail
It is the week of the General Election and more walkabouts are expected, although online rallies will continue due to the threat of COVID-19.
Follow our coverage of General Election 2020 as it unfolds:
- "Proper opposition MPs" would better serve voters, PSP's Tan Cheng Bock
- POFMA correction directions "a complete distraction":SDP's Paul Tambyah
- "At this critical moment, Spore needs a capable govt":PAP's Lee Hsien Loong
- "If you think we've delivered made your life better, please vote for us":PM Lee
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Day 6 on the campaign trail
Candidates continue to walk the ground and harness technology to canvass for votes on Sunday (Jul 5) as Singapore prepares for a General Election like no other, set against the uncertain backdrop of COVID-19.
The outbreak, particularly how it has evolved in Singapore and what more needs to be done, has become a focus at hustings, with the retention and creation of jobs and innovation in a post-pandemic world among topics raised during online rallies and televised constituency political broadcasts.
Follow our coverage of General Election 2020 as it unfolds.
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Day 5 on the campaign trail
It is now less than a week until Polling Day, and candidates are kicking off a weekend of campaigning.
This comes after the first constituency political broadcasts were aired last night, with candidates for Ang Mo Kio, Aljunied and Bishan-Toa Payoh Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) and Bukit Panjang and Bukit Batok Single Member Constituencies (SMCs) aiming to win over constituents.
It will be the turn of candidates from Chua Chu Kang, East Coast and Holland-Bukit Timah GRCs, and Hong Kah North and Hougang SMCs on Saturday evening. Follow our coverage of General Election 2020 as it unfolds.
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‘Life and death’ for PAP and opposition
Under normal circumstances, GE2020 would count as one of the more interesting general elections.
With the Covid-19 pandemic, it has become an extraordinary one for the record books.
There is plenty to look out for.
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Why one party dominates Singapore politics
Singaporeans are expected to return the People's Action Party to power in a July 10 general election, extending its unbroken rule since the Southeast Asian island's independence in 1965.
In that time, Singapore has had only three prime ministers: independence leader Lee Kuan Yew, his cabinet colleague Goh Chok Tong and Lee's son, the present prime minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Having overseen rapid economic growth and prosperity, the PAP has become entrenched in power. But there are other factors that have kept rivals at bay:
- UNIQUE MODEL
- CONSTRAINTS
- DISPARATE GROUP
- LEGAL PROBLEMS
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SDP’s Paul Tambyah: “The world has changed, but the PAP have not.”
In a brief creative video, Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chairman Paul Tambyah shared his thoughts on the elections and the nation’s ruling party, the People’s Action Party (PAP). He also encouraged those who support the SDP’s cause for justice and equality in Singapore to continue to do so.
The SDP on Thursday (July 2) shared a video on its Facebook page. Though candid, the video captured Mr Tambyah addressing important topics and issuing a call to support the SDP. He began by sharing his thoughts on the ruling party, the People’s Action Party (PAP)’s decision to hold a General Election during a pandemic. He also cited Singapore’s local transmission cases of Covid-19. “The world has changed as a result of the pandemic, and there is no indication that the PAP have changed,” he said.
Mr Tambyah argued that the reason behind the PAP’s decision is “just to promote their personal political agenda.” He also did not fall short of calling out what he thinks is the PAP’s strategy–“Simply the tired, old, suppression of freedom of expression, freedom of speech, and by extension, the entrepreneurial spirit of Singaporeans,” he argued. In contrast to this, Mr Tambyah referred to the SDP’s key focus on individuals and their freedom of speech and freedom of expression, which he said fosters entrepreneurship and development in Singapore.
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How the 'gloves have come off' in GE2020
In our lunchtime chat series, Mr Warren Fernandez, editor-in-chief of Singapore Press Holdings English/Malay/Tamil Media Group and editor of The Straits Times, talks about how the gloves seem to have come off between the PAP and the opposition parties.
GE2020 Editor's Take is a daily series where senior ST editors share their thoughts on what the top news of the day will be, what's next and why it matters.
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A WhatsApp election? Messaging apps abuzz with political news and discussions among young and old
Leading up to this General Election (GE), WhatsApp and Telegram chat groups are buzzing more than in past elections with copious amounts of news reports, memes and discussions related to the hustings.
One man in his 60s — who wanted to be known only as Mr Tham — said that in GE2015, WhatsApp was a tool his group of friends used to arrange meetups and plan gatherings. Now, it is the place where political discussions and debates take place.
The reasons for this range from the younger generation driving the shift to the online space — and the older generation following suit — as well as the Covid-19 pandemic robbing the population of physical rallies, with most information being posted online.
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The People You Should Care About in Singapore’s Election
Lee Hsien Loong Photographer: Jason Alden/Bloomberg
Singaporeans will cast their ballots on July 10 with the People’s Action Party seeking to continue its unbroken stint in power since independence in 1965. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is seeking a renewed mandate to govern amid the coronavirus pandemic that has pummeled the country’s economy.
While Singapore doesn’t allow opinion polls, most analysts expect the PAP to easily win again in a race that will see all 93 seats contested by at least two parties for just the second time. Still, any narrowing of its victory margin could reflect an erosion of confidence in its new generation of leaders who have largely been responsible for handling the virus response.
Here are four faces each to watch from the ruling party and opposition during this election:
- From the People’s Action Party - Heng Swee Keat, Chan Chun Sing, Lawrence Wong & Josephine Teo
- From the Opposition - Pritam Singh, Tan Cheng Bock, Paul Tambyah & Jamus Lim
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All Singapore Stuff 10 hrs
Err...Masagos u ok anot?
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Dancing around 10 million people
That’s the figure Singapore is all agog over.
The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) said that Deputy Prime Minister – and People’s Action Party’s (PAP) first assistant secretary-general – Heng Swee Keat said it. Heng said no. SDP said Straits Times (ST) reported it. ST said Heng didn’t say 10 million people. The PAP, thinking it has scored a hit, wants the SDP to apologise. The SDP, thinking it has scored a hit, claims victory.
We, the voters, are being led on a merry dance.
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WP chief Pritam Singh says there is room for fair comment on population numbers
Workers' Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh on Friday (July 3) questioned if Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan's comment on population numbers should be labelled a falsehood.
He added that there should be room for fair comment on the population target that Singapore is aiming for, since ministers have alluded in the past to the possibility of a larger population size.
Mr Singh made the remarks during a morning walkabout in Punggol West with the party's candidate Tan Chen Chen, one day after the ruling People's Action Party said a key plank of the SDP's election campaign is based on a false claim that the Government plans to raise the country's population to 10 million.
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PSP's Tan Cheng Bock tells PAP not to 'frighten Singaporeans' by saying opposition will form government
Progress Singapore Party's (PSP) Tan Cheng Bock has urged the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) not to "frighten Singaporeans" by saying that the opposition could form a coalition government after the General Election.
Dr Tan, who was speaking to reporters on Friday (Jul 3) after visiting Housing Board flats at Teck Whye Lane, was asked to comment on PAP's Chan Chun Sing's remarks on how the three biggest opposition parties could form a coalition government if they win enough seats.
In his reply, Dr Tan said: "Tell them, don't frighten the Singaporeans. I think you can fool people once but you can't fool the people all the time. "They tried this strategy before – telling people that when you wake up tomorrow after Polling Day and you find no PAP governing Singapore. But these things, you need not worry, because first and foremost it is very unlikely to happen and to me it's a political ploy again," added Dr Tan
related: 3 biggest opposition parties could be 'replacement for the Government' by coming together, says Chan Chun Sing
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3 biggest opposition parties could be 'replacement for the Government' by coming together, says Chan Chun Sing
The three biggest opposition parties could possibly become a "replacement for the Government" if they join forces, the People's Action Party's (PAP) Chan Chun Sing said at a dialogue session on Thursday evening (Jul 2). Mr Chan, who is contesting Tanjong Pagar GRC this General Election, was speaking during a dialogue organised by Chinese-language news outlet Lianhe Zaobao along with the Progress Singapore Party's (PSP) Hazel Poa and the Workers' Party's (WP) Kenneth Foo.
Ms Poa, who is PSP's vice chairman, is standing in West Coast GRC while Mr Foo is running for election in East Coast GRC. Speaking in Mandarin, Mr Chan said he had scrutinised both the WP and PSP's manifestos, and said that "from the PAP's perspective, we don't view them as the opposition".
"We view them as people who might eventually replace the Government after Jul 10," he said. “The three biggest opposition parties, coming together, can possibly become a replacement for the Government."
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Very unlikely that opposition can form the government, says Tan Cheng Bock
It is very unlikely that Singapore's opposition parties will form the government on July 10, said Progress Singapore Party chief Tan Cheng Bock, saying that the warning of a freak election from Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing was a ploy to scare voters.
Speaking on Friday (July 3) after making door-to-door visits in Chua Chu Kang GRC, Dr Tan said it was "very unlikely" that the opposition parties would be able to win enough seats collectively to replace the PAP.
"Don't frighten the Singaporeans, you know. You can fool people one time, but I don't think you can fool them all the time," said Dr Tan.
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No need to vote opposition as NCMP scheme ensures their voice in Parliament: Indranee Rajah
There is no need for opposition members to be elected to Parliament, given that the enhanced Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) scheme guarantees at least 12 opposition Members of Parliament (MP), said the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) Indranee Rajah on Monday (29 June).
Reminding reporters of the 2016 constitutional amendments which increased the number of NCMPs and gave them equal voting rights as full MPs, Indranee noted, “Even if the PAP took all the elected seats, which we do not take for granted and cannot be a given, you will still have 12 (NCMPs).”
The 57-year-old added, “Then the next question would be, oh, but, you know, can we be as effective in Parliament as NCMPs, for example. And the answer is that if you have full voting rights in Parliament, that is the platform for which you can advocate and do all and say what you want to say with the policies. So, basically, the voice in Parliament, the ability to influence policy in Parliament is there.”
related:
The NCMP scheme is good for who exactly?
NCMP a 'ploy' by PAP to entice voters not to vote for opposition - Tan Cheng Bock
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PSP's Leong Mun Wai will reject NCMP seat if offered, proposes proportional representation
Leong, PSP’s assistant secretary-general, told media during his team’s walkabout at Ayer Rajah Market on Saturday (4 July), “I will not want the NCMP seat. But I will refer to Dr Tan’s judgement and because he’s our mentor, everything we refer to Dr Tan.”
PSP’s secretary-general Dr Tan Cheng Bock had opposed the scheme, which allows for losing opposition candidates with the highest percentage of votes during a General Election (GE) to take up seats in Parliament, during his 26-year term as a PAP MP of then-Ayer Rajah SMC.
First introduced in 1984 to ensure that there would always be a minimum number of opposition members in Parliament, the scheme was expanded in 2016 to allow for a maximum of 12 NCMPS who are given equal voting rights as full MPs.
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Tan Cheng Bock will not take up NCMP seat, calls scheme a 'ploy' to entice voters from opposition
Progress Singapore Party (PSP) secretary-general Tan Cheng Bock said he will not take up a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) seat if the opportunity arises, calling it a “ploy” to entice voters from opposition parties.
Speaking to reporters after a visit to 628 Ang Mo Kio Market on Thursday (Jul 2) where he attended a walkabout with Yio Chu Kang SMC candidate Kayla Low, Dr Tan said he agreed with the Workers’ Party on their views of the NCMP scheme. “I know they (PAP) changed the rules and all the NCMPs actually behave like MPs in the House. But there’s one element missing – there’s no ground for him,” said Dr Tan.
“For us to be able to be a good opposition, we must always have some home or ground ... I look at it as a ploy ... to entice you to all vote the PAP, because they guarantee you have 12 NCMPs.”
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Tan Cheng Bock will not take up NCMP seat if offered, calls scheme a ploy not to vote opposition
PSP Founder and Secretary-General Dr Tan Cheng Bock at a walkabout on July 2, 2020. ST PHOTO:GIN TAY
The expanded Non-Constituency MP (NCMP) scheme is a ploy to entice voters to not vote for the opposition, said Progress Singapore Party (PSP) chief Tan Cheng Bock.
He added that he would decline an NCMP seat if he was offered one, although other party members could take it up if they wished.
Dr Tan was speaking to reporters during a walkabout on Thursday (July 2) with PSP candidate Kayla Low at a market in Yio Chu Kang SMC.
related:
Chan Chun Sing & Indranee: PAP will not have 'blank cheque' bcoz of NCMP scheme
PM Lee: 'Significant opposition presence' in Parliament regardless of election outcome
Voters being asked for blank cheque, says WP on TV debate
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WP chief Pritam Singh questions PAP’s ‘magnanimity' over NCMP scheme
As a debate about the intent of the Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) scheme continues to simmer, Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh on Thursday (Jul 2) questioned the People's Action Party's "magnanimity" in highlighting the scheme.
"Why is the PAP so magnanimous in offering additional NCMP seats? I hope this is something every voter reflects on," said Mr Singh.
"The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Did any PAP MP file a question on the Keppel Marine scandal? Would any of them step up to consider the other perspectives to Bills that pop up?"
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NCMP scheme is a 'poisoned chalice', says Workers' Party's Dennis Tan
A screengrab of Dennis Tan speaking during the Hammer Show livestream by the Workers' Party on Jul 1, 2020
The Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) scheme, which was designed to ensure a minimum number of opposition parliamentarians even if they are not elected, is a "poisoned chalice", said Workers' Party (WP) candidate Dennis Tan on Wednesday (Jul 1).
Speaking during the party's first online session to engage voters during the campaign period, Mr Tan, a former NCMP, said while it was a privilege to be in Parliament, the ultimate aim of the scheme was to make sure that "no other party can lay roots into each constituency".
The NCMP scheme allows the "best-performing losers" from the opposition to enter Parliament after a General Election. Members of the WP have in the past spoken up against the scheme, which has been in place for 36 years.
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Shanmugam calls Bradley Bowyer’s answer on Nee Soon GRC 'dishonest'
Mr K Shanmugam, the People’s Action Party (PAP) treasurer leading its team contesting Nee Soon Group Representation Constituency (GRC), on Thursday (July 2) described the response of Progress Singapore Party’s (PSP) Bradley Bowyer on whether the party has offered to let another party to contest there as “dishonest” and an “avoidance” tactic.
In response, Mr Bowyer said Mr Shanmugam “can have his opinion” about discussions between different opposition parties, but “at no point have we wanted to trade”, a point also made by PSP leaders Tan Cheng Bock and Leong Mun Wai on Thursday morning in response to the PAP candidate.
“There is no horse-trading agreement or negotiation between RP and ourselves with regards to Nee Soon or any other constituencies,” Mr Leong, the PSP assistant secretary-general involved in the discussions with other parties, wrote on Facebook.
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Shanmugam calls for PSP’s candidate to clarify if party offered to let RP contest Nee Soon GRC
Mr K Shanmugam, the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) treasurer leading its Nee Soon Group Representation Constituency (GRC), on Wednesday (July 1) called on Progress Singapore Party’s (PSP) Bradley Bowyer to clarify if the PSP had offered to let the Reform Party (RP) contest in the GRC.
This came after Mr Bowyer had said that there were “rumours being spread online we might have been horse traded”, as he took issue with how Mr Shanmugam had earlier on Wednesday characterised PSP’s electoral bid for the GRC as half-hearted.
In response to Mr Shanmugam, Mr Bowyer told TODAY on Wednesday evening that as far as he knew, PSP never offered Nee Soon to the RP.
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PSP 'half-hearted' about contesting Nee Soon GRC, says Shanmugam
The opposition attempt on Nee Soon GRC this election seems to be a "half-hearted" one, said PAP incumbent K. Shanmugam on Wednesday (July 1).
The Law and Home Affairs Minister said of his opponents, the Progress Singapore Party (PSP): "I don't want to speculate why PSP has come, but it seems to have been very half-hearted about it. As you will recall, a week ago it was offering to trade Nee Soon for some other constituency."
Mr Shanmugam, 61, was speaking in a virtual press conference streamed from the People's Action Party's Nee Soon East branch, along with fellow incumbents Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, 52, and Louis Ng, 41, as well as new faces - charity founder Carrie Tan, 38, and banker Derrick Goh, 51.
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Shanmugam Calls PSP “Half-Hearted,” Says Candidates Must See Every Constituency As Hotspots
Law and Home Minister K Shanmugam has fired the first salvo in the campaign for his Nee Soon Group Representation Constituency (GRC).
He noted that the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), who is contesting the GRC in the 2020 General Election, had wanted to trade it with other opposition parties.
That’s something he described as “half-hearted”, as he’s not sure how strong the PSP’s interest in the GRC is.
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PSP responds after Shanmugam calls their contesting Nee Soon GRC ‘half-hearted’
Progress Singapore Party (PSP) candidate Brad Bowyer said that the People’s Action Party (PAP) had been “trying to delegitimize” the newer party as part of its strategy.
His comments came after the PAP’s K. Shanmugam said that the opposition attempt on Nee Soon GRC this election seems to be a “half-hearted” one.
During a virtual press conference streamed from the People’s Action Party’s Nee Soon East branch, Mr Shanmugam said of his opponents, the Progress Singapore Party (PSP): “I don’t want to speculate why PSP has come, but it seems to have been very half-hearted about it. As you will recall, a week ago it was offering to trade Nee Soon for some other constituency.”
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Brad Bowyer claps back at PAP’s K Shanmugam over comment that PSP is “half-hearted” about contesting in Nee Soon GRC
“Someone is very afraid of our campaign in Nee Soon and is trying to pull the wool over the voters eyes,” said Progress Singapore Party’s (PSP) Bradley Bowyer on his Facebook page on Wednesday (1 July) in response to a comment made by People’s Action Party (PAP) candidate K Shanmugan who said that the PSP is “half-hearted” about contesting in Nee Soon GRC.
Mr Shanmugan, who is leading the PAP’s five-member team against PSP in Nee Soon GRC this election said of his opponents on earlier in the day, “I don’t want to speculate why PSP has come, but it seems to have been very half-hearted about it. As you will recall, a week ago it was offering to trade Nee Soon for some other constituency.”
This was reported in Straits Times in an article titled “Singapore GE2020: PSP ‘half-hearted’ about contesting Nee Soon GRC, Say Shanmugam”, which Mr Bowyer described as an “extremely one-sided article and derogatory headline.”
related: Shanmugam to Brad: “You shouldn’t play with words with voters”
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Brad Bowyer 12 hrs
So, Mr Shanmugam has asked me to be honest with the Nee Soon voters in his FB post which is repeated in this Today article and as I agree with him that honesty is very important, and we shouldn’t play with words, I will put a closing statement on the matter below for the benefit of the Nee Soon voters.
The Straits Times article that Mr Shanmugam referenced in his post from June 25th had, in the paragraph directly below the one that mentions Nee Soon the following statement:
“Last night, a PSP spokesman confirmed that the party will still be contesting Nee Soon GRC, among nine constituencies announced by the party on Tuesday.”And aside from Dr Tan’s usual caginess about final strategy in the rest of the article I think that is pretty clear.
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Number of Indian MPs in Parliament reflects population make-up, says Shanmugam
Though the first goal of the PAP is meritocracy, representing each race in Parliament according to the make-up of the country is also important, said Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam on Saturday (July 4).
Speaking in Tamil on the sidelines of a walkabout in Nee Soon GRC, where he will helm the PAP team at the July 10 polls, Mr Shanmugam said although some of the candidates the party had considered were Indian, others were eventually deemed more appropriate for the final slate.
He said: "The first goal of the PAP is meritocracy. Race, colour or religion aside, it's meritocracy. But at the same time, Parliament has to proportionally represent the people. Chinese, Indians and Malays are represented, but if the percentage changes too much, people will look at that."
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PAP says Chee Soon Juan should admit SDP campaign is based on false claim
SDP chief Chee Soon Juan during a televised debate on July 1, 2020.PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
The People's Action Party (PAP) on Thursday night (July 2) said the election campaign of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) is pointless now that a key plank of its campaign has been proven false.
The "No to 10 million population", which is part of the SDP's Four Yes, One No campaign slogan for the general election, is based on a false claim that the Government plans to raise the country's population to 10 million, the PAP noted.
The ruling party said the honourable thing for SDP chief Chee Soon Juan to do would have been to admit that his party's campaign was based on a falsehood, withdraw it, and apologise to Singaporeans for misleading them.
related:
SDP claims it pressured PAP to assure Singaporeans about population target
Vivian Balakrishnan refutes Chee Soon Juan on SDP's 10m population claim
Heng Swee Keat: I did not say S'pore should plan to increase population to 10 million
No plans to increase population to 10 million: Government
Heng Swee Keat Spore staying open:We don't want a world where people build walls
Vivian calls on SDP to clarify position over 10m population claim
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SDP says it has extracted an assurance from PAP not to increase population to 6.9 or 10 million
The first live debate between four political parties contesting in GE2020 was held on July 1. One of the highlights of the debate was when Singapore Democratic Party's (SDP) Chee Soon Juan challenged People's Action Party's Vivian Balakrishnan to state categorically whether or not the People's Action Party (PAP) wanted to raise the population to 10 million people. Vivian responded that before the debate on the same day, the Prime Minister's Office issued a statement "advising people like [Chee] not to indulge in falsehoods". He said: "The government doesn't have a target for the population."
The day after the debate on July 2, the SDP issued a press release on its Facebook page that it has achieved one of the five calls in their campaign slogan "4 Yeses and 1 No". It said: "Within Day 1 of our campaign, we have already achieved victory on our call for the "no" to a 10-million population."
The post said that the Vivian's confirmation that the PAP will not raise the population to 10 million was a result of Chee's question in the debate. It also denied Vivian's claim that bringing up the 10 million population was a strawman argument.
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Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) 2 July at 4:13 PM
The SDP launched our GE campaign with its slogan of 4 Yeses and 1 No. Within Day 1 of our campaign, we have already achieved victory on our call for the "no" to a 10-million population. At yesterday night's televised debate, Dr Chee Soon Juan pressed PAP candidate Vivian Balakrishnan to categorically state that the government will not raise Singapore's population to 10 million.
Dr Balakrishnan confirmed that the PAP would not raise the population to 10 million, not even 6.9 million. But he said that the SDP had raised a strawman argument because the PAP had never said that it would increase the population to those numbers.
In addition, Mr Heng denied this morning that the government ever targeted a 10-million population.
But the Straits Times reported that: "[Mr Heng] cited former chief planner Liu Thai Ker, who said in 2014 that Singapore should plan for 10 million people for it to remain sustainable in the long term." (https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/sporeans-must-remain-open-to-foreigners-says-heng) The average person reading the report would conclude that Mr Heng was is, indeed, "toying with the idea" of a 10 million population as indicated by dr Chee.
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SDP claims it pressured PAP to assure Singaporeans about population target
The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) said it pressured the PAP into declaring that it does not have a 10 million population target, claiming victory even amid accusations that it had mischaracterised the Government's position.
The SDP, in a statement on Thursday (July 2), said: "Within Day 1 of our campaign, we have already achieved victory on our call for the 'no' to a 10 million population."
This comes after an exchange between SDP chief Chee Soon Juan and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan during a televised debate on Wednesday night, in which Dr Balakrishan had called the SDP's claim a "strawman" and "falsehood".
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Vivian Balakrishnan Says Chee Soon Juan Is Indulging In Falsehoods
There were some fireworks between Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan during Singapore’s first political debate, named “Singapore Votes 2020: The political debate”. Dr Chee asked Dr Balakrishnan a pointed question, rephrased as: Is the Government planning to raise the population to 10 million? Empathically denying this, Dr Balakrishnan then accused Dr Chee of indulging in falsehoods.
In a segment where the candidates were supposed to ask each other questions, Dr Chee said Singapore had been beset by declining labour productivity and gross domestic product (GDP) growth, as well as rising unemployment, even before Covid-19 stuck. However, foreign PMETs, S-Pass holders and Employment Pass holders continue to come in, he added. Then, Dr Chee claimed that Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said during an interview that Singapore’s population should plan to increase to 10 million. This is something that Singaporeans are “deadly worried” about, he said. Thus, he asked Dr Balakrishnan whether he can “categorically tell Singaporeans” that his party has no intention to raise the population by bringing in foreigners to compete with Singaporeans for jobs.
To that, Dr Balakrishnan pointed out that on that same day, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) issued an advisory to “people like you” (referring to Dr Chee) not to indulge in falsehoods. Both men then talked over each other, with Dr Chee accusing Mr Heng of coming up with the idea of a 10 million population during an interview, and offering to send the interview to Dr Balakrishnan, who then replied, "That’s a cheap shot, Dr Chee".
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Vivian Balakrishnan slams Chee Soon Juan over ‘false statement’ of 10m population plan
Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan on Wednesday (1 July) rebuked Singapore Democratic Party chief Chee Soon Juan for his “false statement” that the government plans to increase the country’s population to 10 million during a televised debate.
Speaking during the debate in English between representatives of four political parties ahead of General Election (GE) 2020, Dr Balakrishnan was responding to Dr Chee’s question on whether the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) government has the intention to raise the population to such a level. “Let me state for the record, we will never have 10 million (people). We won't even have 6.9 million. The government doesn't have a target for the population,” Dr Balakrishnan said during the debate broadcast live on TV and online.
Calling Dr Chee’s comments a “false strawman”, Dr Balakrishnan added, “What we want is a Singapore core, that is demographically stable, able to reproduce ourselves, able to create opportunities and jobs for ourselves, and able to stay as a cohesive whole.”
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Chee Soon Juan 徐顺全 12 hrs
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said at the debate that my claim that Mr Heng Swee Keat was toying with the idea of a 10m population was a falsehood. Here's what ST reported on 29 Mar 2019:
"Singapore's population density is not excessive, he said, noting that other cities are a lot more crowded in terms of liveable space.
He cited former chief planner Liu Thai Ker, who said in 2014 that Singapore should plan for 10 million people for it to remain sustainable in the long term."
https://www.straitstimes.com/sporeans-must-remain-open-to-foreigners-says-heng
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Heng Swee Keat on S’pore staying open: We don't want a world where people build walls
On the projected population of 6.9 million by 2030, set out in the Government's 2013 Population White Paper, Mr Heng said the number goes beyond how densely populated Singapore would be. The social space is as important.
Singapore's population density is not excessive, he said, noting that other cities are a lot more crowded in terms of liveable space.
He cited former chief planner Liu Thai Ker, who said in 2014 that Singapore should plan for 10 million people for it to remain sustainable in the long term.
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Not true that Government plans to increase Singapore population to 10 million: NPTD
It is not true that the Government is planning to increase the population in Singapore to 10 million, said the National Population and Talent Division (NPTD) on Wednesday (July 1), adding that there have been statements circulating on various online platforms about the matter.
"The National Population and Talent Division (NPTD), Strategy Group, Prime Minister’s Office, would like to state categorically that these statements are untrue," it said in a media statement. "The Government has not proposed, planned nor targeted for Singapore to increase its population to 10 million."
The media statement pointed to a Factually article in March, which said that Singapore's population size is affected by many factors, including birth rates, life expectancy and global developments.
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I did not say Singapore should plan to increase its population to 10 million, says Heng Swee Keat
He did not say that Singapore should plan to increase its population to 10 million people, nor did he mention the figure. In fact, the Singapore population is likely to be significantly below 6.9 million by 2030, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.
In a Facebook post on Thursday (July 2), Mr Heng clarified that he was asked at a Nanyang Technological University (NTU) student union ministerial forum in 2019 about Singapore's Population White Paper.
"In my response, I mentioned that former chief planner Liu Thai Ker had publicly said that we should go for an even higher number," he said.
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Heng Swee Keat 23 hrs
As the Straits Times clarified this morning, I did not say that Singapore should plan to increase its population to 10 million people, nor did I mention the figure.
I was asked at the NTU Student Union Ministerial Forum in 2019 about the Population White Paper. In my response, I mentioned that former chief planner Liu Thai Ker had publicly said that we should go for an even higher number. Far from endorsing this, I had explained that our population size was not just about physical space, but also about social space and how we can preserve a sense of togetherness.
Let me be clear: The Government has never proposed or targeted for Singapore to increase its population to 10 million. And if we look at today’s situation, our population is likely to be significantly below 6.9 million by 2030.
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Lawyer Teo Soh Lung questions ELD and police on why Ong Ye Kung was given “special treatment” for alleged breaching of election campaign rules
On Sunday (20 July), lawyer and former ISA detainee Teo Soh Lung took to her Facebook to question the authorities on why no further action was taken against Minister Ong Ye Kung who allegedly breached election campaign rules during the recent general election.
In her post, Ms Teo pointed out that Mr Ong has committed an ‘arrestable offence’ under the Parliamentary Elections Act. However, she had read the news report about how the Education Minister was “being let off” by the authorities.
She wrote, “Ong Ye Kung has committed an offence under section 81(1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act. This offence is an ‘arrestable offence’ under section 81 (7) which reads: ‘Every offence under this section for contravening subsection (1), (1A) or (2) shall be an arrestable offence within the meaning of the Criminal Procedure Code 2010 (Act 15 of 2010).’”
related: Teo Soh Lung shaken from police raid by 7-8 officers w/o search warrant
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Police will not be taking further action on Ong Ye Kung over video posted during GE2020
The police "will not be taking any further action” over a Facebook video Education Minister Ong Ye Kung posted during the General Election that was not in line with electoral rules.
The police confirmed that they received a report in relation to Mr Ong's video that was published on Jul 2, the Elections Department (ELD) and Singapore Police Force (SPF) said on Saturday (Jul 18) in response to CNA’s queries. Both agencies said the police will not be taking any further action as the Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) had “looked into the matter”.
“The Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) had issued an advisory to Mr Ong Ye Kung to remind him to comply with the law in relation to all campaigning activities,” ELD and SPF said.
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Ong Ye Kung takes down video showing young boy as it violates election rules
Education Minister Ong Ye Kung has removed a three-minute video from his Facebook page, featuring a young boy living in Sembawang, after he was informed the video violates election rules.
"I had a nice conversation with a boy Jony who lives in Sembawang about how it is a good place to grow up. Jony is a great sport, we had a good chat, and we put up a short (video)," said Mr Ong in a Facebook post on Thursday (July 2).
"However, we have been informed by authorities that this is not in line with electoral rules. We have therefore taken down the video. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused."
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'MOE guy' Ong Ye Kung breaks electoral rules, takes down video on Sembawang hours later
Who knew Minister for Education Ong Ye Kung was the sort to break rules?
Ong — also a Sembawang GRC MP — uploaded a seemingly innocuous video to his Facebook page this afternoon (July 2) titled "The 'MOE guy' vs The Sembawang TripAdvisor". In it, he meets a young boy Jony, who lives in his constituency Sembawang GRC. The two talk about what's good there — wonton mee at Blk 313 Sembawang Crescent, says Ong — the places in Sembawang that Jony likes, and whether Ong gets free food at said coffeeshop, since y'know he's the guy "in charge of that area".
Ong then shares with Jony about the food scheme for lower income residents, and the many changes that have taken place in the GRC. However, when Ong brings up Build-To-Order HDB flats, he loses little Jony. As Ong talks about getting married and moving into a flat, the boy blinks, widens his eyes, and takes a sneaky glance at his watch.
"Erm, you tell me all of these for what?" he asks Ong. "I'm explaining all these to you so that you know if you support us, these are all the things that we will deliver, and make life better for you," Ong says. To which Jony replies: "But, what if you guys don't get elected?"
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Ong Ye Kung's Sembawang video taken down? No worries, here's Edwin Tong's
Earlier today (July 2), Minister of Education Ong Ye Kung uploaded a video to his Facebook page, showing his interactions with a young resident from Sembawang.
While the video gained much positive comment online, it was taken down just after three hours, with Ong citing that it was not in line with electoral rules.
For those who missed the video, here's another one to make your day – featuring the People's Action Party's (PAP) Edwin Tong and a special young guest.
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NSP vice president questions DPM Heng Swee Keat's 'sudden departure' from Tampines to East Coast
Calling Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat's move from Tampines GRC to East Coast GRC a "sudden departure", the vice president of the National Solidarity Party (NSP) questioned the motivations behind the move and said residents' interests should come first.
"I've walked around and there are people who are surprised that Swee Keat actually made a sudden departure from Tampines to East Coast. So my question is, not (to) him, (but) the party: Does the party have the interest of the people? Or it's for their own interest?" Mr Mohd Ridzwan said on Thursday (Jul 2) during a walkabout in Tampines.
Speaking to CNA on the NSP's decision to contest in Tampines GRC, Mr Ridzwan, who is running in a General Election for the first time, said sending a team of candidates to the constituency was like sending a "suicide squad" as they had expected to face up against political heavyweights like Mr Heng and Minister of Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli.
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Murali Pillai criticises attack on his family made 'minutes after' nomination papers filed
PAP MP Murali Pillai has hit out against a "scurrilous attack" made on his family through a post about his son which he linked to the announcement of his standing for re-election.
Mr Murali, who was elected into Parliament in 2016, said the post surfaced "minutes after election has been declared in Bukit Batok SMC" on Tuesday (June 30).
Though he did not go into details, Mr Murali, 52, said in his video message to Bukit Batok residents "my son was a victim, of scandal. He also commited offences"
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PAP candidate Tan See Leng clarifies directorship issue surfaced on social media
Dr Tan See Leng, PAP candidate for Marine Parade GRC. (PHOTO: PAP)
People’s Action Party (PAP) candidate Dr Tan See Leng has addressed online allegations that he holds a large number of directorships in healthcare companies, and thus would not have time to serve residents as a Member of Parliament (MP).
Tan, who is contesting in Marine Parade group representation constituency (GRC), was said in a social media post to be holding 69 positions in various healthcare companies.
The post listed all the positions, and questioned whether the 55-year-old, the former group chief executive officer and managing director of IHH Healthcare – the second-largest listed hospital group in the world by market capitalisation – would have time and energy to even serve as a part-time MP for Marine Parade GRC if elected.
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PAP's Iswaran accuses PSP of 'untrue spin' in West Coast GRC poster takedown issue
Minister for Communications and Information S Iswaran fired a volley at Progress Singapore Party (PSP) and its leader Dr Tan Cheng Bock over an incident that saw election posters taken down in West Coast GRC.
The minister has accused PSP of giving an “untrue spin to this issue” through videos put out by the party.
In a video posted on the PSP West Coast Facebook page late July 2, PSP campaign posters are seen being taken down from a lamp post. The caption noted that 50 posters had to be taken down under orders by Elections Department (ELD) following a complaint by West Coast Town Council.
related: Elections Dept explains why PSP & PAP had to remove West Coast GRC posters
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Police report made over vandalised Progress Singapore Party posters in Chua Chu Kang
Before the first night of campaigning for the General Election (GE) was over on Tuesday (June 30), a number of posters put up for the Progress Singapore Party’s (PSP) were already vandalised.
Addressing it in a Facebook post on Wednesday, party chief Tan Cheng Bock said that a police report has been made and he warned people against getting carried away by emotions in the heat of campaigning, which will take place for the next seven days until July 8.
The posters by PSP were put up at Chua Chu Kang Group Representation Constituency (GRC).
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Netizens said that elderly Woman distributing Flyers look familiar
A man took a video of an elderly woman distributing flyers at a public area, due to wearing of personal protective gear many are not able to identify who she is.
White Vs Blue, who squatted to talk to elderly cardboard collector in wheelchair
A young voter
PM in-waiting Mr Heng Swee Keat after nomination
Alamak Thunder Upside Down Already
Who is this distributing flyers?
A campaign rally. Will support turn to votes?
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