4/29/2011

Time to ask the PAP questions

The PAP has been asking the opposition parties many pertinent questions, like are they ready to form the next govt. Looking at the number of seats contested, this is a reality that can happen. And it is not only patronizing but insulting to the electorate to call it a freak election if it does happened. Freak election can only be held for freaks. So, are the voters freaks? Now is the moment for the opposition to ask the PAP if they will accept the choice of the people if the opposition is elected to power, by a coalition? Would the PAP accept the fate if they were voted out of power? Don’t evade this question by saying it is impossible. Laughing at such a possibility is OK. Laughing has always been a weapon in parliament. I remember someone saying that tanks would be rolling down the streets when there is a freak election or something like that. Can't remember who, I got dementia. Would there really be tanks rolling in the streets? Why is it called freak? Is it because the PAP believes that the people will definitely vote them to power? And if they did not, it is not because the people did not want them but because of a miscalculation. So the election tak pakai, and the army boys and tanks will be rolled out to prevent the opposition from assuming leadership of the country? Is this what a democratic election supposed to be, where a party can claimed that it is the choice of the people, and if not elected, they can quash the election result, calls it freak, and continue to rule? A very convenient argument. Is this a likely scenario? These are very pertinent questions that the opposition parties should ask the PAP, and demand an answer. Would they accept the verdict of the people? Or would they freak out?

4/28/2011

Some pics of the SDP Rally at Commonwealth Ave

Pictures showing sections of the crowd that filled more than half the football field at about 8pm, and growing. SDP also had a store selling souvenirs and the party's election literature.

My affordable housing scheme

Sure affordable, and the lessee can choose the number of years he wishes to repay the lease, or loan, or whatever. Buyers or lessees can choose to pay in 30 years, 60 years or 90 years. The repayment period will be so flexible that the lessee can pay in one generation, two generations or three generations, with two incomes, 4 incomes or 6 incomes as long as the monthly repayment sum is affordable. Now would this be a better way to sell affordable housing? Can raise the price higher some more. I was thinking of extending the repayment period to 200 years, but unfortunately the lease will expire in 99 years. And all lessees can still call themselves property owners. Actually owning a 30 year lease or 99 lease or freehold property is all the same, property owners.

The Good and Bad on Nomination Day

Several controversies on the first day of the GE. There were complaints and protests, some were resolved amicably and gentlemanly, some were questionables. The first complaint raised was the occupational status of Sim Ann, a PAP candidate in the Holland Bukit Timah GRC. She stated in the form that she was unemployed. The SDP quickly pointed out that she was a civil servant. Then there was drama and suspense for about an hour before the Returning Officer made a press statement that she had paid in lieu of notice period, and PSC had confirmed that she was no longer a civil servant. The SDP was gracious enough not to pursue the matter further. One up for sportsmanship to the SDP. The second controversy involved Ng Teck Siong and his independent team of candidates contesting in Tanjong Pagar. They were late but not really late to miss the deadline of 12 noon. Uncle Yap was there to witness the event and has a video circulating in cyberspace. What happened was that the team was held up a bit too long with the Commissioner of Oath and the swearing protocol. Ng Teck Siong was still able to submit his papers to the Returning Officer way before 12 noon while his team mates were still stuck with the Commissioner of Oath. Just a few minutes before 12 noon, the Commissioner of Oath corner shouted for him, probably to clarify on some matters. He asked the Returning Officer for permission to answer to the call and permission was granted. But the few precious minutes passed by quickly and they heard the Returning Officer announced that all nominations were closed, to their horror. He went back to the Returning Officer who duly returned him the papers that he accepted earlier. Get the picture? This is Uncle Yap’s version and he had recommended that the case be brought before the court of law for a hearing and judgement. There are definitely many ambiguities and doubtful areas that Ng Teck Siong’s team could raise. Anyone wanted to be a gentleman and be gracious in this case? Looks like it is a forgone conclusion and already cast in iron. One down on sportsmanship and the technicalities. Heard that there were two cases of irregularities in the forms, one for an opposition party and one on the side of the PAP. Both were rectified and put to rest, gentlemanly. One up for both sides. The pre Nomination hustlings between Vivian and Vincent on the issue of video clips and gay agenda have come to an amicably ending. Both sides agreed to put the issue to rest. One up for each side. Yes, it is possible to raise the conduct of the election to a more respectable manner with all sides playing above board instead of lurking in the corners trying to trip each other. So far so good and looking promising. But the internet mole brigades are still on the loose. Will they be reined in and stop their nonsense? The big guns of the parties are all calling for a fair and clean fight. They better live up to it. And that will be nice. For whatever smear campaign or acts committed, it will be hanged on their necks forever. No way to hide. There is not only the main media to account to, there is a more vicious and brutally forthright new media watching the election like a hawk.

4/27/2011

82 seats to be contested out of 87

LKY is making history again by walking into Parliament as the oldest MP and will serve till 92 years of age. Can you believe it? And his feat was made easy when his opponents led by Ng Teck Siong was late in submitting their nominations paper. Can you believe it? Chia Ti Lik did the right thing. And Sim Ann, President’s scholar and a potential ministerial material, could face disqualification as technically it was reported that she was serving notice and still a civil servant. Looks like another slip, and from the PAP! Can you believe it? Heard that one candidate did not file his papers fully and could have been disqualified. No details of who or which party he is from. Can you believe it? Luckily the main opposition teams are in the race. And hopefully no more disqualifications on some technical grounds. The four big battles to be fought with the two girls in Marine Parade, Tan Jee Say/Ang Yong Guan/Vincent versus Vivian at Bukit Timah, the battle between Goh Meng Seng and Mah Bow Tan in Tampines, and in Aljunid where people are asking if George Yeo will stand a chance against Low Thia Khiang/Sylvia and Chen Show Mao. And the ministers that could bade goodbye are Chok Tong, Hwee Hua, George Yeo, Vivian and Mah Bow Tan. Could there be any other mishaps? Oh, I nearly forgot, Chiam See Tong, the man who was expected to be only standing by, is taking on two ministers in Eng Hen and Kan Seng. And another kamikazi squad of brave young men/woman taking on Hsien Loong in Ang Mo Kio. There is a high possibility that LKY could be the PM once more if there is a freak result and both Chok Tong and Hsien Loong lost. Another wet dream scenario. Singaporeans would be shouting, 'Huat ah!'