How times have changed. A new generation of political leaders braved the rain at the Hougang field facing Block 837 on 22 May 2012. Their supporters were not deterred by the downpour, taking in the speeches with the showers from the heavens, with strangers sharing their umbrellas or makeshift rain coats.
But where are Lee's modern day storm troopers? After one pathetic rally on Sunday, they retreated to the mainstream media, taking potshots ad nauseam like Wong Kan Seng did at the integrity of James Gomez over the filing of his minority candidate papers at GE 2006. Which provided inspiration for the brilliant persistently non-political podcast no. 6 of Mr Brown, same guy Denise Phua credited for a check on the government. DPM Teo Chee Hean should pay heed to what the younger Lee used to say in 1956 about steering the press:
"If we attempt to use the whole machinery of state, while we are in office, to bias things our way, then we cannot complain when somebody else, after assuming office, does exactly the same to us." - Hansard, 5 Sept 1956
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After a cosmetic revamp, a much ado about nothing, and with Warren Fernandez back at the helm, instead of new wine in new bottle, it has gone from bad wine in cracked bottle.
ReplyDeleteThe best part, they now claimed the internet is more balanced...that is after they slip in a few notable pro-establishment sites they support, presumably to drive mass traffic. Anyone with discerning eyes will know how to spot the real fake news online and should regard them as trash. They think they got it all figured out.
Expect 2012 Freedom press index to drop to 145th ranking this time.
http://www.economist.com/node/21552242
DeleteJournalists in South Korea walked out of their stations in protest of their govt.'s interference and illegal surveillance. This is the difference between REAL journalists and those who call themselves journalists here. The Backbones vs the Wishbones. They will get their comeuppance.
The similarities between old PAP and new PAP exceed their differences. There is no need to lionize kuan yew and put down the leaders who followed him. The tone maybe different but the mentality is the same, and the deeply embedded thuggishness of this ruling party surfaces when their eltist interests are threatened.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that PAP never win is that opp party has good EQ and IQ , whereas PAP has just IQ of paper qualification . In this age of internet, EQ is just as important as IQ. Desmond Choo may have won some votes if his senior clowns just "shutup and sit down", but no, they continue their old ways with Desmond happily endorse them, allowing the people in internet to dig their shits, and now the shits are there for all the world to see and smell. PAP really live in their make-believe world, and Hougang voters will need to wake them up again.
ReplyDeleteWell, when you used to have a leader who once said he believed in democracy and its framework, no repression and pursuasion not coercion.
ReplyDeleteNow the leader has changed into one that says he ignores polling as a form method of government and threatens opponents with lawsuits and knuckle dusters, what do you think?
Truly, you either die as a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become a villain, or at least Caesar.
All the claims that he is independent has gone down the drain. DC is relying on his masters to garner support for more votes. HG voters should ask the same question - are you trithful when you claim you are not influenced by the party?
ReplyDeletehaha..right on. Headlined that he steers clear of NCMP issue proves he is not in charge of steering his own campaign, let alone his own man. He won't even speak out against his leaders, let alone speak with independent voice. Is all very "convincing" now. Face palm.
DeleteTypical MIW. Say one thing, do another.
DeleteTheir style in this campaign shows their desperation. They know the losing margin is going to be worse.
The WP and their supporters have braved the rain during their rally.
ReplyDeleteI am sure Hougang voters will brave this storm in a tea cup that has been playing like a broken record - thanks to the big-hearted Teo and Shitty Times.
PAP media team is spinning the brave face of Desmond and showering praises on his ability to get a royal flush of $100k to retrofit aging toilets. All because of his "business connections" and a generous donation from a particular Mr Tapan Rao of Rotary club who hailed from small town in India who has made it good here, courtesy of our generous immigration law. Just like how money laundering is done, this donations is cleaned and come from Individual Clubs/persons instead of PAP's coffers, thus you can't accuse them of bribing residents with carrots. But here's the crux. Why won't Mr Tapan donate it directly to the folks who are actually running the Town Council?
ReplyDeleteHere's another crux. Why should HG residents accept donation from a foreign body when they can and they should demand their government CCC to pony up with the upgrading funds since they are a taxpaying residents? Apparently when 2 million of foreigners can come through Singapore's wide open immigration door and lynch on and enjoy all the modern facilities and benefits that comes on this island, our poor 23,000 HG residents aren't even worse than them, ranking as 3rd class citizen in this 1st class world by 3rd class politicians who run this country. This time the carrot is imported from India - just dispensed via PAP that's all. How brave those MIW has become when it comes to shitty pork barrel tactics.
The 'Adopt a Grandparent' scheme is a good one, but is an idea stolen from Australia. So is not like it is original even. Actually can I say it plagiarism?
Delete"Desmond and showering praises on his ability to get a royal flush of $100k to retrofit aging toilets."
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of toilet quality ?
So will this happen ? Instead of toilet flushing down the shit, you have the toilet flushing up the shit.
The elderlies will welcome these. From old fashioned squat toilet to the sitting toilets.
DeleteThe bright side of it is - whenever they take a piss or shit, they will think of DC ;-). Very positive connotations, don't you think?
So what does this all mean?
ReplyDeleteVote Desmond Choo/PAP for a $100,000 toilet upgrading programme?
Vote PEH/WP if we want to ask questions about how Singapore is being managed?
If yes, then the choice is clear.
Vote WP to slap the sleeping driver.
HG voters should send a clear and loud message to PM Lee and his Party, to send in the Upgrading programs regardless who they vote, to improve their conscience. They were the ones we campaign on 'inclusive society'. Time he walks the walk.
ReplyDelete"Inclusive" is only good for rhetoric.
DeleteIn practice, PAP acted to be divisive as they brought in more foreigners to further divide our society.
Incidentally, maybe we should ask DPM Teo whether they are genuinely for "inclusive society" or they are just talk? Perhaps we can say they are dishonest if it's just talk?
Show us you meant by "inclusive society". Do it by including all programs for all opposition wards.
May be inclusive on something like NS, income tax, GST, COE, HDB pricing, PUB rates but exclusive on upgrading and transportation facilities.
DeleteIn other words, in PAP-eyes, Hougang voters is not an electorate, but a selectorate. They are 'selectively' singled out for not toe-ing the party line. Anon 1:45pm is right. They are 3rd class citizens, after 1st Foreigners & 2nd Rest of Singaporeans.
DeleteActually upgrading or no upgrading, it's no big deal. I stay in Marine Terrace under Goh's constituency and I don't see much benefits from the upgrading with the exception of installing a lift that can stop at every floor, which is of a great help to old people. The materials that had been used for the upgrading are usually of inferior quality and mind you, this is not free, you still have to pay for it. In fact, some upgrading projects got stopped halfway as some contractors ran into cash flow problems.
ReplyDeleteSo,for Hougang voters, when you vote on this Saturday, you ask yourself - are you happy with what PAP have done recently?
I am staying at clementi ave.6 under the bukit timah GRC, if i cross a street and walk over to ave 5, its is west coast GRC. This part of west coast GRC are relatively run down compare to ave 6. So, even if you vote for PAP, your estate may also be run down and neglected. As long as ST doesnt report, no body knows.
ReplyDeleteThat is beside the point. In fact, in a way i prefer ave .5 as there is a more relax atmosphere. The coffee shops there provide better range of food choices, much better services and cost lesser. Mainly because the rent are keep low since the coffee shops are not taken over by the biggies yet. The store holders have been there for a long time, so there is a certain kampong spirit there.
My points is, not every thing is about upgrading and looking nice outwardly. Its the soul that really makes the difference.
Besides when i was at the Zurich airport, i dont see them fuss over marble floor or what not but their efficiency and timeliness in transport are world class !!
Concur. Not everything spanking new means is better. In Sweden, they have a famous" old town" which very much still remain as a charming, quaint historic part of Sweden that people/tourist love to visit. Who knows,maybe one day HG can be that sort of quaint, charming town like you won't be able to find it anywhere else on this island. Coz they all look new and soulless.
DeleteDon't remind us of Swiss Standard. We were made to believe that Singapore will achieve Swiss Standard by GCT. By the look of it, 3rd class is more likely. Have they lied? Is this more serious than DPM's accusation of Png's remark on NMP?
DeleteOh, Swiss Standard of living has been achieved - for Goh Chok Tong and his kind. When Lee Hsien Loong talked about an inclusive society, he included only his fellow elites, not the rest of us lesser mortals. That's why roads are widened so that Ferraris can save 5 minutes on the road. Ditto maintenance is neglected for the trains - peasants are expected to use that mode of transportation (when it's not breaking down).
Deletereally pitiful old man.
ReplyDeletehe is kept alive for only one reason and that is just to watch the passing of his offsprings one by one. i joke not and please don't ask me how i knew. when everything has come to pass, and it must surely come to pass, then we talk. deal?
I hope you post it exclusively on this blog. Good endings like this is worth waiting for, even braving the weather.
DeleteIf any of the WP dare say the same about Desmond Choo or DPM Teo, what would happen?
ReplyDeleteSue him until he tng kor (take off his pants)!