By Cheong Poh Kwan
OPPOSITION stalwart Low Thia Khiang made little attempt to defend his party chairman Sylvia Lim's statement that Workers' Party is not ready to form a government yet.
Ms Lim gave the frank assessment of her party at a recent forum held by the National University of Singapore's Political Science Alumni Association. She later told RazorTV that while the Workers' Party has made progress in terms of membership volume, it is not ready to form a shadow cabinet as yet, especially one that is made up of experienced professionals who can look after public policies in all areas.
Such seemingly self-defeating remarks may have dampened voter's confidence in the Workers' Party (WP), but Mr Low said he agreed with Ms Lim that it is more important to be honest with voters than to over-promise.
'I am against all kinds of empty promises,' said Mr Low, adding that he does not want to mislead the public into thinking that his party can deliver what it actually cannot.
Speaking to reporters during his walkabout at the Bendemeer Market and Food Centre, Mr Low stressed that Workers' Party will definitely contest in the new Moulmein-Kallang GRC, which includes precincts in the former Jalan Besar GRC and Tanjong Pagar GRC.
The National Solidarity Party is also eyeing the new GRC, but will only make way to avoid a three-cornered fight if WP fields an A-team comprising of either Mr Low or Ms Lim.
at least the guy is honest with his no bullshit assessment.
We must support WP and vote for WP to gain a GRC so that they can boost their strength and morale and attract capable people into the party.
Support WP, Vote for WP, Spread WP propaganda.
He may be right....probably never looked at how to govern the country yet. Then again, I will vote whatever opposition that comes by. WHY? Because I want change. Sick of all pappies bullshit.
Sylvia i being realistic. Assuming that WP will to win all seats contested in the GE2011, they are still not able to make up a majority of 45 seats. So forming a government is not possible.
What is more realistic now is to gain as many seats as possible for more alternative voices in the present white elephants parliament and rid PAP of all parsites within its party
They may not be majority if they win all but if PAP fell below 45 seats, the chance of an opposition coalition may be a reality.
Like it or not any party that goes to form a coalition with PAP will fall next round.
get rid of freaking prataman first. What has he done as president of singapore the past ten years? If ST were to write of him as a great president when he makes way, I will churn the same way LKY would rise from his grave.
I will vote for WP if I got chance, but my current GRC(used to be Hong Kah now CCK) always walkover as WP always contest area at northern or eastern part of SG. I hope for next election as I will be moving to punggol. Their priority is to get more opp in parliment to curb $ sucking policies from papayans......
Originally posted by Rock^Star:get rid of freaking prataman first. What has he done as president of singapore the past ten years? If ST were to write of him as a great president when he makes way, I will churn the same way LKY would rise from his grave.
His role is important as he need to shake hands with foreign delegates and leaders and give them free frozen pratas......
Originally posted by SevenEleven:Sylvia i being realistic. Assuming that WP will to win all seats contested in the GE2011, they are still not able to make up a majority of 45 seats. So forming a government is not possible.
What is more realistic now is to gain as many seats as possible for more alternative voices in the present white elephants parliament and rid PAP of all parsites within its party
Agreed. They need to have at least a GRC mandate for them this election to truely know how to run a govt properly before the next next GE.
They were never ever ready to govern. However come to think of it, having too much opposition in parliament really slows things down. Its like when a policy is put up for action, half the time its always vetoed off and then reassessed, by the time its put in place, god knows when man.
Originally posted by ditzy:They were never ever ready to govern. However come to think of it, having too much opposition in parliament really slows things down. Its like when a policy is put up for action, half the time its always vetoed off and then reassessed, by the time its put in place, god knows when man.
having things shaft into our throats or bulldozing is neither good
Originally posted by GOD is my dog:at least the guy is honest with his no bullshit assessment.
Unfortunately some people may interpret as a sign of weakness on his part.
I agree with ditzy. Look at Hong Kong. It's hilarious if you get to catch one of their parliament meetings on TV. They just end up insulting each other and calling each other names for 4 hours without getting anything done. No new proposed policy will be implemented until at least 1 year later because of all the nonsense the opposition sprouts.
Originally posted by nfshp253:I agree with ditzy. Look at Hong Kong. It's hilarious if you get to catch one of their parliament meetings on TV. They just end up insulting each other and calling each other names for 4 hours without getting anything done. No new proposed policy will be implemented until at least 1 year later because of all the nonsense the opposition sprouts.
But without any opposition, there is 'group-think'. Bills get passed through without much intervention, be it whether the policy is good or bad.
Originally posted by Junyang700:But without any opposition, there is 'group-think'. Bills get passed through without much intervention, be it whether the policy is good or bad.
Especially when you owe your job to the boss.
Originally posted by ditzy:They were never ever ready to govern. However come to think of it, having too much opposition in parliament really slows things down. Its like when a policy is put up for action, half the time its always vetoed off and then reassessed, by the time its put in place, god knows when man.
Like when after elections, PAP will increase GST to 10%. Opposition will surely block and slow the process down.
Forming a govt is abit too early.
Why not gain popularity among the pple from all over spore?
The more pple know you, the more you are heading in the right direction.
Originally posted by Clivebenss:Like it or not any party that goes to form a coalition with PAP will fall next round.
Are you referring to the PAP ruling as a minority government?
LOL, not ready to govern = not ready to run for elections.
Originally posted by Siliconchip:LOL, not ready to govern = not ready to run for elections.
At least bring down PAP's absolute majority so they can only govern as part of a coalition.
Originally posted by iveco:Are you referring to the PAP ruling as a minority government?
coalition with another party.
It is good that WP stated that they cannot form a government.
If the opposition wins big and life continues to be shit (because all the PRs are already here or PAP refuses to build more flats) or PAP deliberately let the economy go to shit, PAP will gladly lay the blame at the opposition's door. Fortunately PAP will still be in charge. At most, LKY can say he was distracted trying to "fix the opposition" but nobody is going to believe him.
They (opp should try to ask mps to join them.....
That is the only way to kick pap out.