Selected speeches on Day 4 - PAP government is a revenue machinery where you pay; Part-time MPs cannot do their jobs well; Uplift the community, not the flats

PAP Raymond Lim speaks to constituents in East Coast

Just in case you didn't know, he was Transport Minister when the amazing revenue machinery that is the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) was implemented.

SDP Michelle Lee blasts flawed national policies, commits to municipal issues

Quote:

"CPF pays us 2.5%, whereas inflation is 5%. This means you pay 2.5% to the CPF to hold your money for you. Perhaps the PAP thinks this is considered fund management fees, except we do not get to change our fund manager."

"Dr Vivian Balakrishnan's ministry MCYS budget doubled from 898 million (2008) to 1.8 billion (2009), which includes $400m for YOG. With such a bloated budget for MCYS, has it benefited you? The poor under the public assistance scheme has their allowance increased by a little over $1 a day since last month."

NSP Steve Chia criticizes incumbent Pioneer PAP MP, says CCTV will not solve the problems of foreign workers littering, urinating at the estate

(The video above by TODAYdigital has been edited. For the full video, please follow this links, Part 1 where he addresses minorities, Part 2 his rally in English, Part 3, Part 4)

Quote:
(In full version Part 2): "Your vote is secret. ... I have been hearing rumours that RC people have been telling residents the PAP know who you vote for.... It is illegal for (grassroots, RCs, MPs) to know who you vote for. If they say (so), tell them 'come with me to the police station, tell the police officer.' "

"To solve this problem, get active citizen patrol, talk to foreign workers to educate them. It is a process that we need to inculcate them. It takes time. Is he (the PAP candidate) willing to spend time to do that?"

"Another solution is to move the (foreign workers') dormitories to Upper Joo Koon where there are no HDB flats. Can they (the PAP) do that?"

WP Pritam Singh lambastes the PAP for linking votes to upgrading, commits to examining issues facing the Malay community

Quote:
"In the next few months, Singapore will hold another election, the Presidential election. I strongly urge George Yeo to contest in the Presidential Election... Maybe the best losing candidate in the PAP can be allowed to stay in parliament as NCMP"

(On why he did not join PAP) "It lies in the PAP's policy in linking votes to upgrading. All this policy does is to divide Singapore and divide Singaporeans. If war comes to Singapore tomorrow, we will all be standing shoulder to shoulder, regardless of race, religion or constituency. How can any self-respecting Singaporean join the ruling party which behaves in such a morally reprehensible manner?"

(On educational performance of Malay community) "My fear is that the Malay community, like the Indian community may be stuck in a trap that we cannot get out of. In spite of tuition grants and bursary, it seems that no one has been brave enough to say, 'This may not be working. Let's relook at things.' We need a comprehensive review of the educational system. To the PAP, I say this 'It cannot be business as usual.' "

Sunday 1 May - NSP, SDP election posters secretly torn down; Debunking the myth of linking property value with voting in PAP

Says a 1000 words:

(Credits to Yawning Bread)
- "Opposition Parties need to focus on swing votes": Alex Au believes Quadrant D is staunchly supportive of the opposition cause. In order to engage the swing voters, they need to address fear of voting against the incumbents and the idealism of creating a better Singapore. (Yawning Bread)


Rally Roundup
- "Rally Roundup: Day 4" PAP: "Opposition providing false hope"; WP: "PAP policies morally reprehensible";   SDP: "Focus on the community"; RP: "Investments, Foreign talent policies slammed", NSP: "Income disparity needs to be addressed" (Full article at Satay Club)


Mudslinging and Other Dirty Tricks (ODTs)
- Leading alternative media Temasek Review site remains inaccessible in Singapore since announcement of elections; DDOS attacks suspected to be the cause of crashing the alternative news website just before it became inaccessible

- "NSP posters torn down in Chai Chee" (Singapore Elections)

- "PAP actively sabotaging SDP posters": Eyewitnesses testify against unknown vehicle pulling down the election posters of opposition parties (Singapore Elections)

- "Are SDP posters being taken down?": SDP posters reportedly taken down at Yuhua, Bukit Panjang and Admiralty constituencies (Your SDP, Singapore Democratic Party's website)


Adding to the discourse and debunking myths
- "Two personalities and the economic debate": Tan Kin Lian weighs in on discourse between Tan Jee Say and Lim Hng Kiang, saying that Mr Lim seem to have put words into Mr Tan's mouth by saying Mr Tan wanted to phase out manufacturing, which is not explicitly suggested in Mr Tan's plan. The strong response by Mr Lim is shocking, uncalled for, and so inaccurately reported on the mainstream media that the blogger felt he needed to help clarify Mr Tan's stance to debunk the MSM's undue influence. (TKL and Associates)

- "Property values and your choice of political party": PAP has taken us on a path of gradual deterioration over the last 5 years. The PAP has the potential to do well. If you support the PAP, you should vote the opposition so as to shock them awake from complacency. On the role of an MP, there are many things an MP does, such as debating national issues, and solve residents' and the community's day-to-day problems. An MP does not have a say in many of the things that will improve your property value. The actual municipal tasks of running the constituency is not difficult at all for most of the candidates. If voting an opposition MP affects housing value, Hougang should be badly affected by Mr Low who was MP for 20 years. (Mr Wang Says So)

Selected speeches on Day 3 - "I am not a brave man. But I love Singapore, and I love Singaporeans," says Chiam; "Lose weight or else get off my boat" says Gan

SPP Chiam See Tong's homecoming at Potong Pasir

Quote:
"The reason why I go to Bishan-Toa Payoh is to promote democracy in Singapore. You cannot have democracy in Singapore with just 2 opposition members in parliament."

"Do you know Mr Lee Kuan Yew said in one election rally one day? 'Who is this man Chiam See Tong?' He took the trouble to go through my O Level results. I am not ashamed of my O Level results. I have 5 O Levels, but I later became a lawyer."

NSP Steve Chia shows the incumbents the unhappiness of the masses, chides PAP for losing its focus 

Quote:
(Hands up on cost of living, escalating housing prices and widening income gap) "This is what we want the media to show. Do you want the media to put it (the video clip) up? Mediacorp, mainstream media will you put it up?"
Steve Chia is former NCMP for NSP. More at Steve4Pioneer channel on Youtube.

PAP Tin Pei Ling wants to install energy saving lightbulbs in Marine Parade

Pei Ling's public speaking style is still far from one of a seasoned politician. Her speech in the first 5 mins reminds me of my own story recital in Primary School. The "energy-saving lightbulb" idea sounds like something taken out of a Pre-U Seminar session. Sorry to say that her political credibility has been completely tarnished.

PAP Gan Kim Yong addresses constituents, defends his Ministry by highlighting Jobs Credit and Workfare programs

Quote:

"It is like a race. One way is to get rid of all those that can run faster than us, so that we are the only ones running. Another way is set rules to disallow others from running faster than us, so that we can win. This are ways to win, but the win is not real. In the global marketplace, we cannot prevent others from running, nor can we set rules to prevent others from running."

The turd Gan Kim Yong's statement actually makes sense, but that is just bad analogy. I prefer another analogy, that the economy is more like a dragon boat race. In our economy, lighter rowers are replacing less stronger workers on the boat. Remember, lighter does not mean better, some are complete duds. The stronger rowers in the original team may have to row harder if many of these new lighter rowers are duds. You can only hope the that lighter rowers become stronger over time.

Even if this is feasible, what do you do with displaced rowers? Your policies have not shown to be particularly effective at integrating displaced workers back into the economy. In fact, it appears to be aggravating structural unemployment in Singapore. 

Here is an abstract thinker, possibly even competent. The minister is convinced of the benefits of competition at the workplace and the righteousness of his policies. He has conveniently failed to notice and deal with the problems and other structural issues that unbridled competition will bring about. 

Mr Gan, don't be daft. Instead of training average rowers to row better in the global economic race, you decide its better to throw them off the boat and let them swim back to shore. I don't mind if you send the FTs packing, but the fact that significant number of Singaporeans are affected should tell you your policies, at best, are subject to poor implementation and misaligned civil service incentives. 

Would more GDP bonuses for your ministry help make it better, Mr Minister sir?

Saturday 30 April - Change in government is not a calamity; Archbishop and Banking Tycoon weigh in

Rally Roundup

- PAP: "Perfect balance" with Chinese PM, Indian President, Malay Speaker; WP: Co-drivers do not fight for the wheel; NSP: Government should be compassionate; SDP: Immigration policy lambasted; SPP: Chiam's emotional homecoming at Potong Pasir; RP: JBJ's democratic legacy (Satay Club)

- "Live updates for Tonight's rallies: Saturday 30th April" (The Online Citizen)

Having the last say:

- "Imagining Electoral Calamity": Alex Au thinks an election upset is unlikely for the incumbents, and explains why in the event that happens, things are not so bad. 1) The current PAP government has just retired several former ministers, therefore should be confident of appointing from within the current pool of candidates, 2) The civil service will stay, and likely provide better solutions, 3) Fleeing FDI and jobs is a simplistic view, as investment decisions are seldom made solely based on a monopoly of political power, 4) Losing out on upgrading is not a big deal as voters will get to decide again in 5 years, furthermore it is a flawed policy because it is taxpayers money. Most importantly the psychology of the PAP and other regulated corporate entities will experience a positive change in mindset that will ultimately benefit all Singaporeans. (Yawning Bread)

- "What the PAP doesn't want you to know": Another commentary from a blogger, chips in on the PAP losing power after polling day. 1) It is likely PAP will still remain in Singapore politics, 2) It is unlikely one opposition party will dominate the parliament, 3) Claim that opposition parties lack quality candidate is fallacious, as the opposition lineup is fairly strong this time round, and specialized expertise can be hired by the government in power, 4) Singapore will continue as usual without the PAP, 5) Foreign investments will not pull out of Singapore overnight because the PAP loses the elections, 6) "Skeletons in the closets" will be uncovered from a change in government. (Brian Bummers)

- "Archbishop Nicholas Chia's Pastoral Letter for 2011 General Elections": The Archbishop weighs in on the General Elections, urging all Catholics to use their free vote to further the common good while remaining true to Christian values, ensuring "the poor, the elderly and the marginalized in our society are cared for". (Catholic News)

- When asked about his opinion on the coming elections, Chairman of UOB Wee Cho Yaw said that there are many exceptional candidates this election. A stable, pro-business is most important to (his business), and that has been the cornerstone of Singapore's success. "Whatever the results of the elections, it will not significantly affect Singapore's business environment." (Lianhe Zaobao)

Selected speeches on Day 1 - Teo Ser Luck dispels all my doubts about him

PAP Teo Ser Luck gives a rousing speech to supporters

Edited: I hear this clip was removed. Pity you can't see it for yourself. It was hilariously bad.
Edited 2: Oops, the post date has changed too. My apologies


WP Low Thia Kiang addresses supporters in Hougang

SDP Vincent Wijeysingha's first rally

NSP Jeanette Chong-Aruldoss at Mountbatten SMC

Singapore Political Party Broadcasts (Recorded on 28 April 2011)

The smallest and largest (incidentally the first and last to speak) political parties in the elections seem to be showering praises to the government's achievements over the last 50 years. Almost like describing Disneyland. Could they be in some way... coordinated?

(edited comment above) 

Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) candidate Harminda Pal Singh

Singapore People's Party (SPP) secretary general Chiam See Tong

Reform Party (RP) secretary general Kenneth Jeyaratnam

Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Tan Jee Say

Workers' Party (WP) candidate Pritam Singh

National Solidarity Party (NSP) candidate Tony Tan

People's Action Party (PAP) secretary general Lee Hsien Loong

Wednesday 27 April - Ng Teck Siong fails to submit nomination papers for Tanjong Pagar; 82 out of 87 seats contested this GE

Tuesday 26 April - Mudslinging goes into third gear; PAP's unspoken track record

Bread and Butter - The CPF and Housing Conundrum:

- "A wrong sense of housing affordability: NSP's Goh": NSP secretary general Goh Meng Seng says zero downpayment on public housing does not imply that prices are affordable if mortgages need to be extended to 30 years. Cash would being depleted from CPF, making retirement expenses difficult. He adds that immigrants of the "migrant" nature is undesirable, proposing that public housing ownership should be viewed as a benefit to citizenship (rather than to facilitate residency in Singapore). He points to a number of municipal issues in Tampines, including aging population, lack of car park spaces and poor estate maintenance, and proposed a community hospital to be built in the constituency. (Today Online)

Manufacturing Consent:

- "Strange bedfellows" in SDP team (abridged article online at Straits Times), TOC's response includes a picture showing the original article with the same title on print copy is much longer than the article available online (The Online Citizen)

Mudslinging:

- "Dr Balakrishnan, please don't panic": SDP's Dr Vincent Wijeysingha responds to PAP's statement that the SDP team being "strange bedfellows" and his suggestion that Dr Ang and Tan Jee Say did not do sufficient due diligence before joining SDP. (Singapore Democratic Party website)

- PAP team for Holland-Bukit Timah undersigned a statement, pointing to the video that Dr Balakrishnan referred to in question. The statement accused Dr Wijeysingha of pursuing the gay agenda, pushing for legislation to lower the age of consent for sex with boys to 14. (Today Online)

- Former NMP Siew Kum Hong speaks out against PAP's attempt to raise the issue of sexual orientation of on one of SDP's candidate, in order to win the votes from a segment of population that will vote based on this issue. The Youtube video (link here) is edited, and Vincent Wijayasingha made no mention of campaigning to "lowing age of consent for sex with boys aged 14". SDP has posted their response to Dr Balakrishnan. While Holland-Bukit Timah constituency has a higher than average number of conservative Christians, the smear campaign will likely result in a backlash for the PAP, as did the last election. (Siew Kum Hong's blog)

- Alex Au commented extensively on the Dr Balakrishnan's accusations in previous posts. In this segment, he gave a blow-by-blow account of the accusations. He has also sleuth work detailing how the video was uploaded on Youtube 10 days before Dr Balakrishnan insinuated in the press regarding Dr Wijeysingha's sexual orientation. (Yawning Bread)

- "Singaporeans outraged by Vivian's dirty tricks", Another excellent account of Dr Vivian Balakrishnan's smear campaign to discredit SDP candidate Dr Vincent Wijeysingha (The Satay Club)

- "Holland-Bukit Timah GRC: Start your engines": Blinkymummy compares the profiles of candidates standing for elections at Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, weighs in on Dr Vivian Balakrishnan's performance as Minister for MCYS, including: 

1) $200m cost overruns on the YOG event, 

2) waste of taxpayers' money on the construction of $25m *SCAPE, 

3) delays on the construction of Sports Hub (first it was "rising construction costs", then it was the financial crisis)

4) his infamous comment to Dr Lily Neo in parliament about public assistance for the poor: "Do you want three meals at a hawker centre, food court or restaurant?" 

On the other hand, SDP faces an uphill task in demonstrating their legitimacy to voters with its activist roots in civil disobedience. Dr Balakrishnan's reference to the video is aimed at swinging votes from conservative population by attacking the candidate's sexual orientation. Voters now need to choose between a candidate with a 9-year track record of proven incompetence and one who is allegedly gay. (Blinkymummy)

- On a lighter note, a mysterious commenter from Vientiene defended Teo Ser Luck on her blog during the Youth Olympic Games. Teo Ser Luck is Senior Parliamentary Secretary and among the many advisors on the YOG panel. Read for yourself the nifty sleuth work and inductive reasoning made by the author and judge for yourself. (Blinkymummy)

Says a 1000 words:

- MM Lee heaped praises upon PAP's new candidates being "of proven character, of high calibre" among other things. He did not mention maturity, or their connections to the nexus of power. Ms Tin is married to the current Principal Private Secretary to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. At age 27, she is the youngest candidate fielded by the PAP this election.

Having the last say:

- MM Lee has urged voters to look at the fundamentals. Do not mistake the past for the present, adds Mr Wang. He opines that Singapore under the PAP has done well in many areas in the past with Goh Keng Swee, Lim Kim San and Rajaratnam. However the PAP today is different from the past. 

In the last 5 years, we had: 

1) stagnant wage growth, 

2) deterioration of public transport, 

3) escalating healthcare, 

4) ballooning public housing, 

5) increasing income gap between the rich and the poor and 

6) increasing GST. 

The PAP government has ample chance but fails to deal with:

a) falling birth rate,

b) unequal opportunities for NSmen,

c) an escaped terrorist from high security prison,

d) failure to account for loss of investments in GIC and Temasek

Has the PAP government achieved anything good at all? (Mr Wang Says So)

NSP's white-collar job idea won't work: Gan (Repost from ST print copy 23 April)

Laying low eh, Mr Minister Gan? 


I would like to remind Singapore voters that you are the Minister responsible for the large influx of white-collar foreign workers.


Lax immigration and PAP labour policy is a hot button issue in this election and yet this article is not available online. I have reposted this article together with the original print version. 

NSP's white-collar job idea won't work: Gan 

By Cai Haoxiang 

RAISING the salary threshold for Employment Pass (EP) applicants to $4,000 from $2,800 now will not protect white-collar workers from global competition they are already facing, Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong said yesterday. 

He was commenting on an argument by the National Solidarity Party (NSP) that such a move would protect the majority of local workers who earn less than $4,000. 
The opposition party's idea is part of a broader strategy in its manifesto to raise local wages by restricting the supply of foreigners. 

Asked for his view during a visit to residents in his Chua Chu Kang ward, Mr Gan said: 'It is important for us to recognise that many better-educated Singaporeans, especially at the higher-income level, are in jobs that don't face local competition, but competition with companies and enterprises around the world. 

'A better way to strengthen their resilience against global competition is to give them training, upgrade their skills so they are competitive not just against EP holders here, but also against millions and millions of highly qualified talent globally.' 
The Government already has a more comprehensive set of policy instruments in place, he added. 

These include a recently introduced skills training programme for white-collar workers, policies to encourage firms to introduce productivity-enhancing measures in the workplace and tightening requirements such as academic and skills qualifications for EP holders. 
The NSP manifesto, released on Thursday, targeted several hot-button issues, including the foreign worker policy. Other than raising salary thresholds, it suggested a foreign worker quota of 25 per cent for jobs that pay below $4,000, except in industries unpopular with Singaporeans. 

Mr Gan, who leads the People's Action Party (PAP) team in Chua Chu Kang GRC, which is being targeted by the NSP, said he hoped the NSP would explain how its plans and programmes will benefit residents at the national level as well as the local level. 
'I think our comprehensive approach will be more effective,' he said.

NSP CEC Spokesperson Hazel Poa responded within the day, quoted in full:

Response to “NSP’s white-collar job idea won’t work: Gan” in the Straits Times, 23 April 2011

(NSP Press Release, also available on Channelnewsasia 23 April)

I refer to the article “NSP’s white-collar job idea won’t work: Gan” in the Straits Times, 23 Apr 2011.

Responding to our proposal to increase the Employment Pass (EP) threshold salary to $4000 from the current $2800, Mr Gan said that “many better educated Singaporeans, especially at the higher-income level, are in jobs that don’t face local competition, but competition with companies and enterprises around the world.”  He seemed to be confused.  It is the companies that face competition with other companies around the world, not the jobs themselves.  Whether Singaporeans face local or global competition in employment is determined purely by our manpower policies on foreign employees.  I shall presume he meant the companies.

Our  proposal to increase the EP threshold affects jobs paying between $2800 to $4000.  It ensures that 75% of the jobs at these salary levels go to Singaporeans.  The Minister implied that by doing so, the competitiveness of the companies would be compromised.  Why would he think that?  Is he implying that Singaporeans are unable to do these jobs as well as foreigners?  If so, he should have a good chat with the Minister for Education.   If it is a matter of not enough Singaporeans wanting to fill those jobs, then we have provided for a higher quota upon application and assessment.   Foreign talents would not be affected since they would presumably be paid above $4000.

Mr Gan reiterated the stand of using training to enhance earnings.  We have had training for blue and white collar workers for many years but have not seen any improvements in our national wage levels.  If we are wrong about this, we would love to see statistics on the number of people trained under the various approved training programmes over the last 10 years, the amount of money spent, and how all their wages have progressed over the past 10 years, not just anecdotes of success cases.

It is our view that the incentives for productivity-enhancement would have limited success and the tightening of EP requirements does not go far enough.  We disagree that our current approach is “comprehensive”, nor is it “more effective”, as stated by Mr Gan.

The pain felt by many Singaporeans is real, and should be taken more seriously.  We cannot hide behind an unemployment rate of 2.2% and adamantly overlook underemployment.  With little social safety net in place, most Singaporeans would be forced to take up any job just to pay bills.  The so-called “full employment” situation could actually be the result of the cost pressures we are facing.  We need to look further into the situation and not be blinded by one single piece of statistics. Only then could we have a truly “comprehensive” approach. The NSP regrets that it is currently unable to do more than raise the issue due to a lack of publicly available data as well as a lack of resources to launch further, comprehensive studies to investigate the extent and severity of the underemployment situation.

Mr Gan, voters are reasonable people. You better have good reasons to justify your liberal labour policy.

Sunday 24 April - The Root of all Evil; APs ready to form government by next election if the people desires it

Says a 1000 words:

- SDP secretary general Chee Soon Juan speaking to voters in Hokkien

Manufacturing consent

- Tharman Shanmugaratnam said that GST will not increase for at least 5 years (ST Online), comment by "bob557" mulls over pressures arising from high oil prices translating to petrol, transportation and electricity price hikes

Bread and Butter - Cost of living, jobs, wages and immigration:

- Cost of living is likely to be the main issue this election. While the problem of mounting inflationary pressures is a global phenomenon, what made it worse for Singapore citizens was the government's liberal immigration policy which depressed wages and productivity. Companies are simply not properly incentivized to improve productivity or increase wages with limitless supply of labour. In other words, wages have not kept pace with costs, and it is largely the fault of the incumbent's liberal immigration policy. (Mr Wang Says So)

- Tan Kin Lian chips in on the minimum wage debate, arguing that the minimum wage suggestion is a well-meaning one that ensures wage earners can earn sufficient to meet daily needs, increase domestic expenditure and give workers the dignity of an honest day work in supporting themselves. Minimum wage is not without drawbacks, but the current rhetorics require further examination. 1) Minimum wage may increase cost of living, but part of the burden will be absorbed by downward pressure on rentals, company profits and govt levies, 2) It will improve the lot for foreign workers in low wage sectors, but such jobs can also be taken up by Singaporeans if the conditions are right. Mr Tan also conceded that while jobs in the service sector, such as cleaning and domestic services will remain in Singapore, low-cost manufacturing that rely on abundant cheap foreign labour will likely shift overseas as a result. Many other countries have debated and decided on implementing minimum wage, while SG has resisted because of the lure of greater benefits accruing to various direct and indirect stakeholders as mentioned in point 1. (TKL and Associates)

- Lim Hng Kiang adds to his discourse on Tan Jee Say's proposal, pointing out that high-tech and low-cost manufacturing sector" accounts for 0.5m jobs, half of which goes to "Singapore citizens and PRs". Furthermore, he believes it is unrealistic to expect the services sector to absorb the job losses of manufacturing sector if his idea is implemented. (Today Online)

Bread and Butter - The CPF and Housing Conundrum:

- Tan Kin Lian acknowledges that housing prices may fall as a result of implementing WP's suggestion of pegging new flats to median income, and that is the result of not arresting the situation earlier. He offers a suggestion for HDB/SLA to build and offer large supply of rental flats to families by pegging them to median income. His remarks also sheds light to the perverse incentives of agencies to maximize profits for their own bureaus [a revelation to some about the inner workings of the civil service] (TKL and Associates)

Potshots, Mudslinging and War of Personalities:

- Chaim See Tong to Ng Eng Hen: "If the people (voters) desire an alternative government, the Opposition will be ready to do so by the next election" (Lianhe Zaobao)

- Wong Kan Seng to Chiam See Tong: Chiam's track record of extracting accountability is lacking, as evident from DPM Wong giving his testimony on Mas Selamat's escape to parliament. Chiam had only posed one question. (ST Online)

- SM Goh takes on NSP's challenge on accountability for national issues such as housing and transportation and welcomes hearing the opposition's view on this. His team has also suggested municipal/constituency level programs such as a marketplace and community outreach program. His suggestion of implementing a "buddy system" of MPs implicitly acknowledges that not all candidates are made equally (some are more equal than others). Hazel Poa noted that it has reinforced the view that the GRC system allows weaker candidates to enter parliament together with a stronger one. (Channelnewsasia)

- A resident recounts her exchange with Lui Tuck Yew during the latter's Walkabout, and was shocked at his reaction to her question posed regarding his candidacy for office. Apparently his reaction was described as one of seething anger and non-response. An email exchange many hours later had also proved unsatisfactory; The resident has expressed disappointment at RAdm Lui, but was construed as/misunderstood to be an apology to the "Great Minister". (The account has likely become viral, also published in full at Mr Wang Says So)

Having the last say:

- Goh Choke Tong posed the rhetorical question to voters: "Which party can solve the (cost of living) problem?" To which Mr Wang said in his blog: "Which party caused the problem? Which party is the problem?"

Saturday 23 April - Is it prudent to link retirement savings to housing? Jobs and immigration debate warming up

Bread and Butter: - The Housing and CPF Conundrum

- Goh Meng Seng responds to Mah Bow Tan's comments on housing issues, argues that 1) public housing costs puts strain on saving sufficiently for retirement, adding that linking asset enhancement scheme to retirement savings is imprudent 2) Land Acquisition Act had been an act of raiding the wealth of citizens, and NSP party proposal merely aims to slow down accumulation of reserves, not to cause a deficit 3) market for new HDB flats will not crash as HDB has monopoly over its supply (Temasek Review)

- "Asset rich cash poor" - Asset enhancement is a flawed policy because on one hand it makes your flat more valuable and hence more expensive, on the other it drains cash from CPF savings which makes it difficult for citizens to afford retirement. (Mr Wang Says So)

Bread and Butter: - Jobs, wages and immigration

- Leong Sze Hian criticized Lee Hsien Loong's claim that foreign workers have helped create good jobs in Singapore, citing that the statistical group "Singaporeans" represents both Singapore citizens and PRs, The department of statistics is clearly able to break down the statistics representing citizens and PRs separately on several occasions, but yet the PM has chosen to use the amorphous statistical group "Singaporean" makes the initial claim largely suspect. Furthermore under current MOM policies, it is possible to hire 100% foreigners, a few examples like of S-pass, SG PRs, employment pass, interns from foreign universities. (The Online Citizen)

- Lim Swee Say opines that minimum wage will threaten jobs, reiterating PAP's stance that Workfare and upgrading is a better long term solution. He cites average security guard pay scale increasing from the "bottom 10%" to "above 20 percentile" of the workforce within the last 5 years. As a parting shot, he also stressed that if companies decide to move out of Singapore, the effects are irreversible and detrimental to local workers. (Today Online)

- Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang takes aim on SDP candidate Tan Jee Say's proposal, stating that the Integrated Resorts have spillover effects to other parts of the economy, adding that the negative social ills of the IRs are far-fetched (Straits Times)

Manufacturing consent

- Sembawang GRC gets S$500m upgrading plan to upgrade homes, parks and cycling tracks (Straits Times)

Mudslinging

- Ng Eng Hen to voters: Vote opposition and you may get weaker government. A weak government will not deliver better healthcare, transportation, housing and it is against voter interests. (ST Online)

Friday 22 April - Housing policy debated with one-liners and several hours' delay, more taunts from the trenches, war of personalities

Says a 1000 words:

- Chen Show Mao spotted on an MRT (iAltair via twitter)


Manufacturing consent

- Forum letter opposing two-party democracy heavily edited (published in Straits Times); original writer responded here, protesting against editing his original letter which suggested reforms towards representative democracy as an alternative (ST Forum); comparison of the letters, original vs published, can be found here (Wend Right)

Potshots and more Mudslinging:

- Lee Hsien Loong shocked at WP's candidate selection process (Straits Times)

- Ng Eng Hen challenges opposition to be bold enough to say they want to form new government (Straits Times)

- "Parliamentary deadlock" is PAP's bogeyman for 2011 elections; not 1, not 2, but 6 mutually exclusive scenarios to illustrate how parliamentary deadlock will unlikely emerge after this election (Yawning Bread)

- Pitting Tin Pei Ling (PAP) vs Nicole Seah (NSP), Tin seems lacklustre (Kent Ridge Common), but with Goh Chok Tong in her team, voters' choice is virtually predictable (Blinkymummy)

Bread and Butter - The Housing Conundrum

- Low Thia Kiang counters to Mah Bow Tan's assertion that WP proposals are dangerous and akin to raiding reserves; opines that lower prices for first time buyers are unlikely to affect the resale market because of the minimum holding period before resale; supports asset enhancement since it is beneficial to homeowners, but disapproves of channeling national reserves selectively to constituents during the election campaign (Today Online)

- Mah Bow Tan's reasons against WP proposals flawed because 1) many transactions in the resale market are second properties for renting out, hence only buyers who bought for commercial purposes would be affected, 2) lowering new flat prices benefits first time buyers and does not contradict with HDB's mission of providing quality affordable housing, 3) claim that WP is "raiding the reserves" is ludicrous (Singapore Recalcitrant)

- WP's idea is not brilliant or exciting, still it is a reasonable alternative given the aim is to keep new flats affordable to new homeowners; Mah's defensive posture on the issue is disappointing, shows insecurity; His defensiveness is understandable given that he has not done a good job in ensuring public housing remains affordable; "raiding" statement unjustified as reserves will still increase, albeit more slowly with WP's policy (Mr Wang Says So)

- PAP's policy of linking public housing to retirement is even more dangerous, as an ever increasing price for housing is unsustainable and is likely to end badly for homeowners (Diary of a Singaporean Mind); also mentioned - means testing, sharp foreigner influx straining existing infrastructure, selective upgrading plans for residents in some constituencies during elections are issues to be addressed


Bread and Butter - Jobs, wages and immigration
- Lee Hsien Loong defends immigration policy, citing S$3.4 billion wafer fab plant as an example of how foreign workers helped to create more jobs in Singapore; 3 in 5 employees are Singapore citizens or PRs, while 2 are foreigners, and foreigners made it possible for the plant to be located in Singapore (Today Online)

Having the last say:

- "Can Singaporeans afford to 'gamble' again by voting for the PAP?"
By taking your chance with the PAP by voting them in, and avalanche of events will unfold; 1) greater influx of immigrants leading to 2) strong economic growth shared disproportionately between businesses and wage earners, 3) intense competitive pressures on wage levels, cost of living, 4) Higher HDB housing prices puts greater strain on CPF and greater reliance on sustained HDB prices for retirement, 5) greater repression of civil liberties and criticisms on PAP policies (Temasek Review), (site is down as of now, google web cache retrieved here)

p.s. Some sites may be inaccessible during these few weeks, so make good use of google's cache function :)

Thursday 21 April - Alternative parties offer housing policy for SG

Manufacturing consent

- S$600m for community hospitals, polyclinics, air-con bus interchange for Shanmugam's team in Nee Soon GRC

Catfight/Mudslinging:

- Shanmugam (PAP) to WP: Explain "first world parliament?"

- Gomez (SDP) to incumbent: PAP track record has been lacklustre, suggests debate; prior to this, George Yeo (PAP) urged WP to show track record in Aljunied (16/4)

The Housing Conundrum

- WP manifesto proposed price of new flats to be pegged to median income of qualifying buyers;
- Mah Bow Tan (PAP) accuses WP of attempting to push down flat prices, raiding reserves;
- Low Thia Kiang (WP) believes WP's stance will have minimal impact on resale flat value, reiterates WP stance that current housing prices is unaffordable for young couples, requests Mah to respond to WP's stance;
- Letter from a resident lends support for WP's stance, questioning HDB's mission for providing "quality, affordable housing" (only available at Today Online)
- NSP unveils manifesto, argues for lower land costs for public housing (NSP website down)

Remaking Singapore
- Temasek, investment maven: On what basis were Temasek's investment profits recorded? What was the transfer price of Singtel to Temasek before public listing?

Having the last say:

- PAP manifesto vague on policies compared to WP, brace yourself for similar surprises after the election