Straits Times: WP names young duo as webmasters

BY KEN KWEK

TWO young members of the Workers' Party (WP) leadership have been tasked to take charge of the party's website, following the recent resignation of two senior members, including its former webmaster Goh Meng Seng.

Mr Brandon Siow, 31, who stood as a candidate in East Coast GRC in the last General Election, is now the party's webmaster.

Miss Glenda Han, 30, secretary of the party's youth wing, has been appointed deputy webmaster, taking over from Mr Siow.

The new appointments, which were announced on the party's website, came after Mr Goh resigned from the WP last month.

The reason he gave was that he had given the party a "bad image" in a disagreement he had with WP critics on an online forum.

Earlier this month, lawyer Chia Ti Lik, who was deputy organising secretary and member of the party's central executive council (CEC), also quit the party. He said he was unhappy with the rules the party imposed on CEC members when using the Internet.

IT consultant Yaw Shin Leong, 30, the party's organising secretary told The Straits Times yesterday that there were no immediate plans to replace Mr Chia.

"The department is running well, so we're keeping that position vacant at the moment," he said.

After the two resignations, party chief Low Thia Khiang and chairman Sylvia Lim said the WP's leadership had issued a set of Internet guidelines disallowing CEC members from participating in online forums using their real names.

This was to keep the forums non-partisan, they explained.

Yesterday, Miss Han, a WP candidate in Ang Mo Kio GRC during the May elections, said she and Mr Siow would be in charge of updating information on the party's website.

But they would not be monitoring the Internet to ensure party members adhered to the new guidelines, she added.

"I think the new rule preventing CEC members from joining Internet forums in their real name is not unreasonable. The party must have a unified stand without contradicting statements from individuals," she said.

"But that is distinct from my new role as deputy webmaster, which is technical, not regulatory," she said.

Sunday Times: What's the story?

The Workers' Party was recently hit by the resignation of two senior members. Does it hint of trouble in the party? Peh Shing Huei and Ken Kwek investigate.


PREVIOUSLY SEEN AS RISING STARS in the Workers' Party, lawyer Chia Ti Lik (left) and businessman Goh Meng Seng's recent departures have sparked comments that there has been jockeying among younger party members for bigger roles in the party's activities. Others say some members are trying to draw closer to the senior leadership which decides who works in which area.

WHEN Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan launched a three-day stand-off with the police at the Speakers' Corner two months ago, Mr Abdul Salim Harun became a little curious.

It was during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings here, and Dr Chee had wanted to march from the Speakers' Corner to Parliament House.

"I had never seen such a demonstration, and wanted to experience what it was like," said the 25-year-old Workers' Party (WP) central executive council (CEC) member.

But Mr Abdul Salim, a WP candidate in Ang Mo Kio GRC during the May General Election, did more than just look.

Along with some other young WP members, he bought some cold cheng tng for Dr Chee and comrades, a gesture that was highlighted, with thanks, on the SDP website.

The cheng tng overture received an icy reception from the WP leaders.

Sources told The Sunday Times that WP secretary-general Low Thia Khiang was displeased. He has always eschewed Dr Chee's aggressive approach to politics, and was loath to have his party's name linked to the SDP's latest stunt.

Mr Low's own brand of leadership has been regarded as a key reason for the WP's rise. But, less than six months after its strong election showing, the Hougang MP is finding his tight WP outfit fraying at the edges.

During the elections, the opposition party had impressed the public and observers with its discipline and unity.

Its team of young, educated candidates burnished the 49-year-old party's reputation, allowing it to retain the Hougang seat with an increased vote share, and garner the Non-Constituency MP position for being the best-performing loser in the opposition camp.

But since the hustings, the WP leadership has found it trickier to rein in young members eager to flex their political muscles.

They want to participate in Internet forums; they want to engage the media more pro-actively; and they are not afraid to show their support for another opposition party.

Said Mr Abdul Salim about the party leaders: "In terms of allowing different voices and criticisms within the party, I do feel they are a little conservative. But at the same time, I think they know there is a need to open up. It's just that the process takes time."

That process may be moving too slowly for some.

Last week, two young CEC members told The Straits Times they had quit the party.

Lawyer Chia Ti Lik, 32, resigned on Thursday in protest over the party's new regulations curtailing CEC members' Internet activities.

Computer retail businessman Goh Meng Seng, 36, left because he felt his harsh online postings had created a bad image for the party.

Both were rising stars in the party, with Mr Chia leading the East Coast GRC team to score 36.1 per cent of the votes in the General Election, and Mr Goh a part of the WP "A Team" which garnered 43.9 per cent in Aljunied GRC.

Nanyang Technological University Associate Professor Ho Khai Leong, an observer of opposition politics here, did not find their reasons for resignation convincing.

He said: "It seems trivial and petty, to the point of being laughable. Would a party member in Parliament resign because there is a party whip imposed? That is the rule of the game, which members have to accept."

But besides the Internet regulations, members also point to other instances of unhappiness.

Sources close to the party say there has recently been jockeying among younger members for a bigger role in party activities in Aljunied GRC. After the departure of candidates James Gomez and Tan Wui-Hua for overseas job postings, party members have been vying for places in the next "A Team".

One source said: "After the GE, there was a sudden change in the alignment of some people. People seemed to want to draw closer to the senior leadership which decides who is assigned to work in which area."

There have also been certain apprehensions about Mr Low's style of leadership. He may be recognised as the unofficial leader of the opposition in the new Parliament, but he is not above criticism within his own ranks.

"I think the party leadership is overly conservative," said Mr Chia. "Some might say that it's about being cautious. But I think sometimes you can be too cautious, shy away from important issues, and you don't perform as an opposition should."

He added: "When we're discussing issues among ourselves, there is less tolerance for differences of opinion."

Mr Low disagreed. He told The Sunday Times yesterday: "It's the same as managing any organisation. You can't please everybody. But we give everyone a stake, let them say what they want to say at meetings, then set a direction and course of action."

Regarding the "slow and tedious process of clearance" that Mr Chia claimed CEC members are subjected to if they want to respond to any public issue, Mr Low believes it is a trade-off the party has to accept if it wants to arrive at consensus within a "collective leadership".

Caution must also be exercised by party members to avoid libel suits, he said. "If a party member issues a public statement and is sued for defamation, everyone is implicated, not just the one person."

But Mr Chia, who recently posted a statement online attacking People's Action Party MP Wee Siew Kim's defence of his daughter, said that being too cautious amounted to paying "lip service" to the call for alternative views, and for checks and balances.

He argued: "The opposition at the moment does not live up to its role. It is too silent or too restrained in its criticism of the Government."

WP chairman Sylvia Lim yesterday told The Sunday Times there was no restriction on members issuing critical statements on personal blogs.

The only restriction imposed on CEC members was that they should not participate in online forums, which she felt should be kept non-partisan.

Observers are divided on how these rumblings of discontent and the recent resignations will affect the WP. Prof Ho said that unless damage control is done soon, it would "cast a long shadow on the credibility of the party".

But Dr Terence Chong, a fellow with the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, did not think there will be a major impact.

"The reasons for resignation are not scandalous or criminal, but of personal differences and expectations. Most Singaporeans understand this," he said.

Both Mr Low and Ms Lim are sanguine about the recent turn of events, saying they are merely "teething problems" of a growing party.

But the unavoidable fact for the leadership is that if the WP wants to expand beyond its two parliamentary seats, it must find a way to accommodate an increasing number of contending personalities.

Party leaders will have to figure out how to cater to different modes of expression, while containing the internal tussles for influence and public exposure.

shpeh@sph.com.sg
kenkwek@sph.com.sg

---

WP leaders: It's part and parcel of the growing process

An interview with Workers' Party secretary-general Low Thia Khiang and chairman Sylvia Lim yesterday


MS LIM is confident of the party pushing forward despite losing two members recently.


MR LOW says the WP isn't based on individuals but on collective leadership.

Q: Can you give your comments on the recent resignations of Mr Goh Meng Seng and Mr Chia Ti Lik from your party?

Ms Sylvia Lim: I think this is part and parcel of the growing process. As any organisation grows, there will be some teething problems. Generally, although the members may feel a bit sad, I think they're still committed to pushing forward.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: I don't think we should expect any person who stands as a candidate to always be with the party.

Q: Mr Chia had a certain following in East Coast GRC and among the young, while Mr Goh had a certain appeal among the Mandarin-speaking crowd. How do you intend to recover some of the lost ground?

Mr Low: You will know when the next election comes. We do have younger members and many of them are pretty active. It's premature at this time to say who will replace them, or how to replace them. The party is a whole, an organisation, and isn't based on individuals. We believe in collective leadership, and we hope people will look at us as the Workers' Party rather than as different individuals.

Q: Some WP members have said they feel the leadership is a little conservative, a little too controlling of dissenting views within the party.

Mr Low: It's the same as managing any organisation. You can't please everybody. But we give everyone a stake, we let them say what they want to say in whatever discussions we hold, we set a direction and decide on a course of actions.

Ms Lim: We have said that members should be free within the party to bring out whatever views they want. But when you engage outside as an organisation, there should be a unified stand.

Q: Mr Chia felt that he needed to be able to legitimise his statements (on the Internet) by using his own name?

Ms Lim: We have been thinking about this issue for a number of weeks. The other side we see from people who take part in these forums is that they value the anonymity, because they can say what they want. And the presence of WP office holders there makes them feel very uncomfortable. We have to respect people who are not in political parties, give them that space, let them go and debate things. It shouldn't be partisan.

---

Party's dos and don'ts on the Internet

INTERNET guidelines for Workers' Party Central Executive Council (CEC) members, as told to The Sunday Times by party chief Low Thia Khiang and party chairman Sylvia Lim:

• CEC members should not participate in online forums in their own names as partisan postings can make others "feel uncomfortable".

• CEC members are allowed to have their own personal blogs.

• CEC members are allowed to write letters to the media in their personal capacities or to post them on their own blogs.

• If CEC members wish to make any public statement on behalf of the party, whether to the mainstream media or on the Internet, they must first clear it with the party leadership.

Weekend TODAY: Frustrations under the whip

Decision to quit Workers' Party was not taken at the last minute, says Chia

ANSLEY NG
ansley@mediacorp.com.sg

THE resignation of Mr Chia Ti Lik from the Workers' Party (WP) was the result of months of "frustration", and not one that was made suddenly, according to the lawyer once dubbed the rising star of the Opposition party.

On Thursday, Mr Chia - a member of WP's Central Executive Council (CEC) - quit in apparent protest of a party ban on members speaking freely on the Internet. His resignation was the second in three days; WP member Goh Meng Seng had quit after his harsh postings on online forums.

But according to a source close to the party, Mr Chia's unhappiness had begun festering after the General Election (GE), apparently over how the party was not "active" in engaging the Government on issues.

"There were frustrations. There was a process and it wasn't a last-minute thing," Mr Chia told TODAY but declined to elaborate.

On Tuesday night, 13 CEC members - including party chief Low Thia Khiang and chairman Sylvia Lim - had, in a meeting, agreed to stop WP members posting messages online using their real names.

Two days later, Mr Chia, who was not at the meeting, quit. Ms Lim told TODAY, "While we are always sad to lose people, we respect their decision. They have made important contributions to the party.

"However, I believe that it is healthy for organisations to go through norming processes. The WP will remain focused and continue to work to earn the people's support."

The resignations surprised many, including political watcher Dr Ho Khai Leong, who said: "You don't join a political party without deep thought, nor do you quit so easily. The WP is imposing a party whip, in a sense, on members."

Calling the CEC's decision "disappointing", Mr Chia said: "I do not try to force them to go my way, but if I cannot accept a certain restriction, it's time for me to leave rather than stay and break (the rules)."

During the GE, Mr Chia had led his East Coast GRC team to win 36.15 per cent of the votes against a People's Action Party team helmed by Deputy Prime Minister S Jayakumar.

Over the months, Mr Chia and Mr Goh had engaged in online forum discussions on social and political issues. But two weeks ago, Netizens complained to the WP about Mr Goh. WP member Perry Tong also made a police report when someone posted a message in his name.

Mr Chia said his aim had been to get talk going and "not to attack people".

"It's not: 'I have my way, you cannot have yours'. It's more like: 'I have this view, what's yours?' Once you have more minds speaking on a problem, who knows, you might have a very creative solution," he added.

Straits Times: Workers' Party hit by another resignation

Rising star opposed to new party curbs on Internet postings

BY KEN KWEK & PEH SHING HUEI

A RISING star in the Workers' Party quit the party yesterday in protest over members' right to speak freely on the Internet.

Lawyer and central executive council (CEC) member Chia Ti Lik, who led the WP's East Coast GRC team at the May General Election, said that he was opposed to a new resolution on Internet conduct passed by the party leadership.

The new ruling prevents CEC members from posting comments or statements on the Internet in their own name.

"This is about freedom of expression. Opposition members must be allowed to voice their criticism of the Government's policies and engage in any issue or debate that is of public interest," said Mr Chia.

One of the WP's youngest leaders, Mr Chia, 32, is the second member in as many weeks to resign from the party.

On Tuesday, another CEC member, Mr Goh Meng Seng, said he quit the WP two weeks ago after creating what he called "a bad image" for the party with his harsh online postings.

Party leaders met on Tuesday night at WP's Jalan Besar headquarters and passed the Internet resolution.

Mr Chia, who was not at the meeting, was dismayed by the move, saying it further limited the WP's "scope and pace" of communication with the public.

"Since we often face problems getting our views across in the mainstream press, our only fallback is the Internet. This is a step backwards in public engagement," he said.

He added that CEC members were now subject to a "slow and tedious process of clearance" if they wanted to respond to any public issue.

Mr Chia joined the WP in 2004, becoming its assistant organising secretary a year later.

He revealed yesterday that the Internet restrictions were among other frustrations he had with the party leadership over the last six months, including during the polls.

One other issue was manpower. He said: "During the General Election, we were very short-handed. Many supporters who helped out in East Coast GRC were not even party members. They were our friends and family."

He added that he did not intend to join another political party any time soon.

Mr Perry Tong, a CEC member and the WP's youth wing president, told The Straits Times he was surprised by Mr Chia's resignation.

As for the WP's new Internet regulation, Mr Tong said he was "comfortable" with it as the party needed to be cautious about participating in discussions that were "not always responsible".

Both the party's secretary-general Low Thia Khiang and chairman Sylvia Lim could not be reached for comment last night.

kenkwek@sph.com.sg
shpeh@sph.com.sg

Straits Times: Senior WP member quits over Net fracas

BY PEH SHING HUEI & KEN KWEK


HIS DECISION: Mr Goh stressed that he was not pushed out of the party.

SENIOR Workers' Party member Goh Meng Seng has quit the party, taking responsibility for Internet postings he said had tarnished the WP's reputation.

"I need to be accountable for it," said the 36-year-old, who was part of the WP's Aljunied team in the last polls.

However, sources say he was also unhappy with impending party guidelines to curtail members' postings on the Internet, a claim he denied.

Mr Goh, an active netizen, had attracted brickbats recently on online forums for harsh language, calling a forum participant "scheming" and "lacking in integrity".

A netizen even fired a letter to party chairman Sylvia Lim, complaining about WP members' online behaviour.

Mr Goh told The Straits Times yesterday: "It has created a bad image for the party and the party must come first. Someone must be accountable."

He stressed that he was not pushed out of the party and that his comrades had asked him to stay.

His resignation two weeks ago came as a shock to party members. He was a central executive committee (CEC) member and part of the WP's "A team" led by Ms Lim, which claimed 43.9 per cent of the valid votes in Aljunied GRC during May's General Election.

Mr Goh, who joined the WP in 2001, said it was not an easy decision to quit. "I may not be a veteran who has been with the party for over 40 years. But there is still an emotional attachment," he said.

"I have no regrets," he said repeatedly, adding in Mandarin: "Tian xia mei you bu san zhi yan xi." The Chinese proverb he quoted states that there is no banquet in this world that lasts forever.

He said he has not thought of joining another opposition party and will still help out with WP activities.

Ms Lim told The Straits Times last night the party is "always sad to lose people".

Added WP secretary-general Low Thia Khiang: "I have to respect his choice. I respect the individual's choice, and he has made his contributions to the party in the past." He did not want to elaborate on the reasons behind Mr Goh's departure.

On the party's Internet guidelines, he said: "There was some feedback from younger members of the party who are active on the Internet, that perhaps we should have certain 'netiquette'.

"Since it's something from the ground that younger members would like to see, the CEC will take it up and see what is the best we can come up with."

Straits Times: Net user apologises for taking WP youth chief's ID

THE Internet user who used the name of opposition politician Perry Tong two weeks ago in a popular online forum, has apologised to the Workers' Party (WP) Youth Wing president for doing so.

Mr Bernard Soh sent an e-mail to the media on Thursday, identifying himself as the person who had used the nickname "Perry Tong" on the popular Sammyboy website.

He also attached his letter of apology to Mr Tong, which Mr Soh said he had sent to the politician and posted online on the Sammyboy website as well.

Mr Soh said he was "very traumatised" that a police report had been filed earlier this week by Mr Tong for the fraudulent use of his name on the Internet.

He wrote to Mr Tong: "I would like to offer my sincere apologies to you if my action has caused you any distress or unhappiness in any way."

Calling himself a fervent supporter of the WP for the past 10 years, he told the youth leader he used his name because he was disappointed at the "mudslinging" between WP members on the Sammyboy website.

He wanted to use the "authority" of someone like Mr Tong to get them to stop, he said.

Mr Tong had earlier posted a statement on the party's Youth Wing website saying someone had used his e-mail address as a sign-on to the forum.

But Mr Soh denied he had hacked into Mr Tong's account. He said he had used a fictitious e-mail address to register with the website.

"I registered the nickname 'Perry Tong' using a fictitious e-mail that doesn't exist and not your e-mail," he wrote to Mr Tong.

In his e-mail to the media, Mr Soh said: "It is most unfortunate that Mr Tong chose to report this incident to the police, and the irony of it is I am a WP supporter."

No personal details of Mr Soh are available because he did not reply to The Straits Times' e-mail message.

When contacted yesterday, the police said they have been informed of Mr Soh's letter but the investigation is still ongoing.

Mr Tong was in the Philippines yesterday and could not be reached for comment.

KEN KWEK

TODAY: Workers' Party netiquette comes under fire

TOR CHING LI
chingli@mediacorp.com.sg

SOME Workers' Party members have recently become entangled in an Internet forum "brawl", with mudslinging and namecalling aplenty - to the extent of sparking a thread on the Young People's Action Party online forum entitled "WP members being complained (sic) on internet forums". This has garnered more than 80 postings since Oct 14.

One netizen, Mohammad Razari - who claims to be a third-year Singapore Polytechnic electrical engineering student residing in Hougang Ave 1 and says he is a former participant in WP's outreach programmes - sent a complaint letter to WP chairman Sylvia Lim and secretary-general Low Thia Khiang, citing what he thought to be unacceptable online conduct by WP members such as party webmaster Goh Meng Seng.

He said Mr Goh, a computer retail businessman, was narrow-minded to have called a forum participant "scheming" and "lacking in integrity" after "losing an argument". He also thought Mr Goh had threatened to sue another forum participant for implying that Mr Goh visited the www.sggirls.com forum.

In general, WP members were accused of being "argumentative", attempting to "sow discord" between various party supporters and even of taking the guise of online "clones" - or posting replies under alternative usernames - to "influence perception".

These online rumblings are reflected on Sammyboy threads called "Complaint letter to WP Central Executive Committee" and "Any respond (sic), follow up from Sylvia and WP?" with more than 40 and nearly 200 postings respectively.

When approached by TODAY for a response, Mr Goh clarified he had "categorically said (he) will not sue" the forum participant for his misinformed statement. He explained the SG Girls forum shared the same database as www.sgforums.com, and that he does not frequent the former site.

As for his harsh words used on the forum participant, Mr Goh said: "What I said could have been harsh but you have to look at it in context. People who argue with me will find me argumentative. But since his agenda is questionable, I am not going to engage him in discussions any more."

Mr Goh, who has been active in the forum scene since 2003, said he still thinks Internet forums are a good venue to answer critics and eventually win them over. Nevertheless, he added that postings on such freewheeling forums "have to be taken with a pinch of salt".

As with all things online, not every posting can be taken at face value. WP Youth Wing president Perry Tong recently filed a police report after someone impersonated his identity on the Sammyboy online forums - also on Oct 14, coincidentally.

In the impersonated posting, "Perry Tong" sent WP member "Melvin Tan" a message that read: "We must keep 'forumers' here constantly updated about WP activities. Keep clear of mudslinging and personal attacks. I have already instructed Meng Seng and Andrew to stop."

In an email response to TODAY, WP chairman Ms Lim said: "We are aware that there is activity in the Sammyboy forums involving WP members. Such communications are engaged in the personal capacity of the members concerned as we have not appointed any official spokesman for Internet communications. The official position of the party is to be found on our website and official statements issued."

Ms Lim added the party is reviewing some existing "general guidelines" for office bearers regarding Internet communications, "with a view to issuing some guidelines to all members".

In view of the online backlash to WP's presence, Internet observer Siew Kum Hong said: "One really has to be very disciplined and restrained when participating in such forums. If one engages long enough in such a medium, it is inevitable there will be a backlash from the community. It's then a question of how one deals with it. This is probably why you don't see the PAP MPs engaging in such Internet forums."

In channels such as blogs or websites - which are employed by PAP MPs, such as the www.p65.sg site - one can control one's message and how one chooses to engage the public, he said.

Nanyang Technological University Associate Professor in Political Science, Prof Ho Khai Leong believes both extremes - that of the MPs' aim to "reach, teach and preach" and the netizens' mission to "analyse, scrutinise and criticise" - will help mould cyberspace.

He said: "Both these approaches, in their extreme forms, will no doubt invite criticisms, which I think is healthy. As political blogs and bloggers and forumers mature and become more mundane - as we are seeing in many blogs - the more serious and thoughtful blogs and forums will make the more absurd and outlandish ones irrelevant in our everyday discourse of politics in cyberspace."

Straits Times: Fake Net posting: WP youth chief files police report

WORKERS' Party (WP) Youth Wing chief Perry Tong has filed a police report over a fraudulent posting made in his name on a popular Internet forum.

He said in a statement on the Youth Wing's website that someone used his e-mail address as a sign-on to the Sammyboy forum and created an account in the name of "Perry Tong". His statement included a screenshot of the post, made on the forum two weeks ago.

The post said that the WP should keep the forum posted of its activities. "Keep clear of mudslinging and personal attacks," it added.

In his statement, Mr Tong, 35, said he could not have created the post on Oct 14 as he was in Pulau Tioman, Malaysia, teaching HSBC staff about scuba diving. Staff at the dive shop would be able to verify that, he added.

"My sincerest apologies to any members of the public who may have been misled," he said.

Mr Tong, a management consultant and part of the WP team that contested unsuccessfully in East Coast GRC in the May General Election, is in the Philippines. He told The Straits Times: "I'm a political figure, ran in the recent election and have some public recognition. I don't think it is a good idea to have someone running around impersonating me."

A police spokesman confirmed yesterday that a report had been received, and said the matter was being looked into.

PEH SHING HUEI

Straits Times: WP: S'pore Govt must act more urgently and firmly

By Peh Shing Huei

THE Workers' Party (WP) says that the Singapore Government owes it to its citizens to "adopt a greater sense of urgency and firmness" in solving the haze problem.

In a statement signed by party chairman Sylvia Lim, the opposition party yesterday questioned the progress made since the early 1990s when the smoke from forest fires in Indonesia first hit Singapore.

"Singaporeans have been more than patient. Fourteen years on, what progress has been made?" asked Ms Lim, who is also a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament.

She added: "The PSI levels in Singapore continue to reach unhealthy levels, reducing visibility and creating health problems such as respiratory difficulties and eye irritation. Singaporeans have been suffering physical damage, inconvenience and expense for years."

The problem requires regional commitment to solve, the party said, adding that it hopes that the meeting of Asean environment ministers this weekend in Pekanbaru will not be a futile one.

"While respecting the sovereignty of our neighbour Indonesia, the Singapore Government owes it to Singaporeans to adopt a greater sense of urgency and firmness in working out effective solutions to the haze problem," said the WP.

It has proposed setting some milestones. These include a timeline for Indonesia to ratify the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and a schedule and implementation plan from the Indonesian government on prevention, detection and putting-out of fires.

The WP also said there should be a commitment from the Indonesian government to improve its laws and prosecute those who start forest fires. There should also be contributions from Asean countries, including Singapore, to help Indonesia.

Asked what she thought the Singapore Government should do if the Indonesians could not be persuaded to act, Ms Lim told The Straits Times: "The Asean countries have to discuss and find ways to get Indonesia to comply."

But she added: "The problem is hard to solve."

Weekend TODAY: WP urges a timeline plan to tackle haze issue

EVEN as the Asean (Association of South-east Asian Nations) environment ministers gathered in Riau to discuss the haze situation, the Workers' Party (WP) has urged for more concrete measures to tackle the problem.

In a press release issued on Friday, WP chairman Sylvia Lim said Singapore should push for a commitment from the Indonesian government to enhance its domestic laws and prosecute fire starters.

It should draw up a schedule and implementation plan on the "prevention, detection and putting out of fires, including action at the provincial and local levels", she said.

On Wednesday, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono apologised to Singapore and Malaysia over the haze. On Thursday he said his country would ratify the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution signed four years ago. Under this, members agree to act to prevent and control burning that may cause pollution in neighbouring countries.

Saying the ratification would have to be pushed through the Indonesian legislature, Ms Lim told Today that Asean should help the Indonesia government set a timeline to do so.

While recognising Indonesia's sovereignty, the Singapore Government "owes it to Singaporeans" to alleviate the haze situation quickly, said Ms Lim, a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament.

Said Ms Lim: "We have been talking about (the haze problem) since 1992 ... but there seems to be no progress."

She added: "We also recognise that the enforcement for these cross-border problems is always very challenging. If there is a timeline for Indonesia to work to, at least there are some milestones for us to look at, and see if there's any progress." - LOH CHEE KONG

TODAY: Commemorating Children's Day

Thirty Workers' Party (WP) members and volunteers yesterday distributed balloons to children in Toa Payoh, Bishan and Bedok to commemorate Children's Day. Party chairman Sylvia Lim said the outreach programme was mooted by the party’s younger members, giving them a chance to “interact with the public in a more social context”. She added that over 100 new members joined the WP since the May election. - LEONG WEE KEAT

Straits Times: Call to go beyond just online views

THE Internet could hinder civil society activism if young people did not go beyond expressing themselves online to getting organised and taking action, said both an opposition politician and an activist on Saturday.

It was not enough to be "rambling in the distance", said Workers' Party deputy organising secretary Chia Ti Lik.

"Expression must be linked to action," he said.

His view was echoed by activist group Think Centre vice-president Tan Kong Soon, who was concerned that youths may be content to just post their views on the Internet or sign an online petition, instead of attending a forum as well.

Both were speaking at a forum organised by Think Centre focusing on ways to engage youths, including using the Internet. About 30 people turned up.

The role of the Internet in reaching out to the public was also raised by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day Rally speech last Sunday when he said the Government intends to use new media like podcasts to convey its message to citizens.

The forum speakers did not refer to Mr Lee's address, but Mr Chia said the Internet could result in people interested in politics just talking among themselves, rather than engaging others who are politically apathetic.

The 32-year-old lawyer also noted that political parties are creating youth wings to free them from having to take 'more extreme views' that the youth wing can adopt.

The Workers' Party set up its youth wing in June last year.

Youths should speak for themselves, with bold remarks, sharp arguments and, if the situation calls for it, sarcasm, he said.

Other speakers included Nanyang Technological University lecturer Ho Khai Leong, who proposed lowering the voting age from 21 to 18, as a way to include youths who might otherwise feel detached from politics.

Straits Times: WP criticises proposals to raise fares

THE Workers' Party (WP) has criticised public transport operators for wanting to raise fares on buses and trains, saying they should not be profit driven.

Repeating the point it made at the General Election in May, it said: "Public transport operators, as the name suggests, should not be profit driven, let alone be listed."

Its argument is that if they were not listed on the stock exchange, the companies do not have to face pressure from shareholders to produce increasing returns on investments and quarterly profits.

The opposition party made the point yesterday in its National Day statement published on its website. The statement was signed by WP's treasurer Eric Tan and organising secretary Yaw Shin Leong.

Bus and train operators ComfortDelGro and SMRT have applied to increase fares by between one and three cents from October.

The WP said that while operators have blamed rising diesel prices for the proposed increase, listed operator ComfortDelGro posted net earnings of about $200 million last year and SMRT, about $100 million.

The party did not elaborate on how such companies should be run. But in its earlier election manifesto, it wanted trains and buses on trunk routes to be brought under a non-profit-oriented National Transport Corporation. The manifesto had proposed opening feeder bus services to individual private operators as well.

In its statement yesterday, the WP also voiced its opposition to the higher cab fares introduced last month. The flag-down rate rose by 10 cents to $2.50 and the peak-period surcharge doubled to $2.

The Government should come up with a better way for raising the salaries of the lower- income group and close the income gap, it said.

The opposition party argued that the new foreign worker policies and levy put the Singaporean worker at a great disadvantage and added: "Are we giving employers an easy way out by allowing them more access to cheaper foreign workers?"

It also expressed disappointment at Today newspaper's suspension of blogger mr brown's column last month, after the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (Mica) had criticised its commentary on the high cost of living here.

Such "intolerance" is not evidence of an open society, and Mica's response is "unbecoming", it said and added: "While Mica has the right to rebut anyone, the Workers' Party calls on our First World ruling regime to do so logically and with dignity."

To its supporters, it pledged to continue to provide them with a "credible choice".

TODAY: Cheaper transport on WP's wish list

THE Workers' Party (WP) yesterday sent its birthday wishes to the nation - and a brief wish list to the Government.

In a "National Day address" released to the media, the party "reflect(ed)" on the applications by transport operators to raise fares due to rising diesel prices.

The WP pointed to ComfortDelGro's and SMRT's respective net earnings of about $200 million and $100 million last year, and asked if the operators considered passing the benefits of lower Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) for taxis to the commuting public.

The Opposition party argued that public transport should not be profit driven or listed.

"This is so that these operators do not have the anticipated pressure by shareholders, largely government-linked companies, to produce increasing returns on investments and quarterly profits," wrote the WP in its address.

It asked the Government to ensure that the operators serve primarily "the interests of public commuting needs and not only the shareholders".

The party also questioned if proposed changes in the foreign worker policies were enough to enable Singaporeans to compete on an even keel with foreign workers.

Next year, the Manpower Ministry will raise the levy to moderate the demand for foreign workers while allowing the service sector to hire more such workers to give businesses more flexibility.

Said the WP: "The management's challenge is to extract maximum productivity from the cost of labour. Are we giving employers an easy way out by allowing them more access to cheaper foreign workers?"

It asked for a "more satisfactory solution" to raise the salaries of the lower income group and repeated its call in May for Cabinet ministers to "benchmark their performance on their ability to uplift the conditions" of Singaporeans in the bottom 20 per cent of income earners.

Straits Times: Youth Wing: WP's building block

BY AARON LOW

THE Workers' Party (WP) intends to rely on its youth wing to bring in new members, as part of broader plans to reach out to a younger generation of voters.

Established in June last year, the youth wing, which the WP says has 100 members, aims to double its membership yearly, its president Perry Tong said yesterday.

Youth wing members automatically become WP members.

"The youth wing will be driving the recruitment of the party itself and I hope we can increase our membership by 100 per cent every year," said the 35-year-old management consultant, speaking ahead of the youth wing's annual conference on Sunday.

The youth wing will also serve as a "test bed for new and different ideas" which, if found workable, will be adopted by the party itself.

One such idea: a faster pace of rejuvenation and renewal of leadership posts. At Sunday's conference, Mr Tong will suggest members put this into practice. But he declined to go into details.

The youth wing's president is elected by the WP's central executive committee. But its vice-president, secretary and six executive council members are picked by youth wing members.

All the executive council members, including the president, serve a two-year term. There is no limit on how often they can be re-elected.

The WP has seen its ranks grow by more than 100 members after the May general election, when it was the best performer among the opposition parties, winning 38.4 per cent of valid votes. Mr Tong said a "substantial" number of new members are young Singaporeans.

The WP has been busy on other fronts. It brought in new members to its Hougang constituency committee, spruced up its website with new content, and reorganised its area committees.

These include having a new central area committee led by organising secretary Yaw Shin Leong, 30. The IT consultant led the WP team that lost in Ang Mo Kio GRC.

His committee will cover Ang Mo Kio GRC, Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC and Yio Chu Kang as part of plans for the next general election due by 2011.

He said the committee will have some 20 members, and he hopes to start activities like house-to-house visits in the next two months.

ST MindYourBody: Balancing politics and life

HeathHelp

CHAIRMAN OF THE OPPOSITION WORKERS' PARTY AND NON-CONSTITUENCY MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT SYLVIA LIM WANTS TO BE WHERE SHE IS NEEDED. THE 41-YEAR OLD POLITICIAN TELLS JUDITH TAN THAT SHE MAKES IT A POINT TO EXERCISE AND CHILL WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY SO AS NOT TO BURN OUT.


JACQUELINE ONG
Politician Sylvia Lim enjoys working out and sipping wine with loved ones to chill out.

You hit the headlines when you became chairman of the opposition Workers' Party. Was it a trial?

Certainly, it was not a "tryout", if that's what you mean. It is a responsibility I have undertaken to fulfil so long as it moves the party forward.

How did you prepare yourself, your voice and your stamina for the role?

No deliberate preparation in the physical sense. Knowledge-wise, I try to read as much as I can about public policy matters so as to make informed contributions and to note social trends. However, maintaining balance is important - so I make it a point to exercise, and meet family and friends so as not to burn out.

How about getting candid in front of a crowd or for the camera?

I will give my frank opinions but when it comes to confidential matters within the party or my personal life, that should be protected.

You have been referred to as telegenic. What do you think of that?

A compliment. I have never thought of myself as such, and in fact, I avoid watching myself on TV as I tend to be very self-critical.

Now that you are a recognisable figure, is keeping trim on top of the agenda? If not, then what is?

At the public level, top of the agenda is to keep tabs on public policy concerns and hence, doing a lot of homework, especially to prepare for my Non-Constituency MP role. Of course, taking care of my health is important to ensure that I can go the distance.

Too tough to get stage fright?

There are times when I feel apprehensive, especially if I have not done something before - for example, my first few general election rally speeches. But I do learn and adapt.

What does it mean to be a member of the opposition?

It means having to perform better than the People's Action Party. We have less resources and infrastructure, so we must be very nimble and committed.

Why not simply join the ranks?

I want to be where I am needed. There is really no need at all for me to carry coal to Newcastle.

How do you deal with public attention?

So far it has been fine. I find it very rewarding when members of the public come up to me to talk about politics or their worries in the supermarket or on the street.

Do you have a wild side?

Of course. There are hedonistic tendencies... but as one gets older, these tend to become a bit more civilised.

Not one for spiritual solace?

I do embrace my Catholic religion, and attend mass regularly. When in doubt, I pray to do the right thing.

Ever get intimidated by age?

I did not like turning 40 but I have got over it already!

Which would you prefer to last - being healthy, wealthy or wise?

I suppose being healthy. Wealth is not important to me. Wisdom is but it will not be easy being wise but sickly.

How do you keep fit and healthy?

I exercise about three times a week. I enjoy running outdoors but due to long-lasting ankle injuries, I have had to cross-train with swimming and gym work.

Do you find keeping fit a pleasure or pain?

Definitely a pleasure. It helps me so much to bring up my energy and concentration levels.

How do you kick-start your day?

Caffeine (coffee) is necessary.

How do you chill out?

Exercise, and having wine with family and friends.

Do you have a motto?

To live life as fully as possible and without fear.

What then is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear is overstaying my welcome in anything I do. By that, I mean staying where you are no longer contributing.

Email: juditht@sph.com.sg

Straits Times: Workers' Party out in strength to woo tomorrow's voters

Party chief leads 50 members on Bedok walkabouts; more such visits very week

BY KEN KWEK


PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM
ACTIVE: Mr Low (centre) leads a team, including WP assistant secretary-general Chia Ti Lik (left), selling the party newsletter in Bedok.

THE Workers' Party (WP), with an eye on the 2011 General Election, has taken the initial steps to win over voters, especially the young.

Yesterday, about 50 of its members, led by party chief Low Thia Khiang, went on a three-hour walkabout in Bedok.

The constituency visit is the second in as many Sundays, and was dominated by young members who had joined the party after this year's general election.

There were about 30 newcomers in the group, all clad in the party's trademark sky-blue shirts.

Such constituency visits would continue "every week for the foreseeable future", said Mr Low, who is WP's secretary-general. "This is part of the work that needs to be done to win more seats in the next election," he said.

Likely to be held in 2011, the election will see Singapore's post-65 generation, those born after 1965, making up more than half of the electorate.

The walkabouts are also to counter what Mr Low had said was the perception that opposition parties appear in public only during - not in between - elections.

Yesterday's event began around 8.45am, at the market and food centre at Block 58, Bedok South Avenue 3.

Moving in groups of five and six, the WP leaders and members introduced themselves to residents while selling the party's newsletter, The Hammer.

Three teams concentrated on the fringe of the market while a team led by Mr Low weaved its way through the breakfast crowd at the food centre.

At least 1,000 copies of The Hammer were sold. Its sale will take place every week, "barring exceptional situations such as when we run out of copies or new editions are not ready", Mr Low said.

Last Sunday, he had led a similar constituency visit in Hougang, where he is the MP, and its neighbouring Aljunied GRC. It was the party's first walkabout after the election of its new Central Executive Council on July 16. Like yesterday's outing, young members were a dominant presence then.

They met residents in Mr Low's Hougang ward before fanning out in Aljunied GRC, where the party got 43.9 per cent of the votes in this year's General Election.

Among the new members is businessman Dexter Yeo, 32.

Yesterday, he was in charge of taking snapshots of the morning's activities for publication on the party's website.

"They seemed rather short-handed, so I decided to come and help out," he told The Straits Times. Mr Yeo said he joined the WP recently because "it is a credible party" and he was impressed by their performance during the election.

In explaining the active participation of the young members, the party's organising secretary Yaw Shin Leong said: "We need to strengthen our base and expose the younger members to different roles and responsibilities."

Mr Yaw, an IT consultant, foresees their role expanding further when some among them are elected into the executive committee of WP's Youth Wing next month, during its Youth Conference.

kenkwek@sph.com.sg

TODAY: Going for the grassroots

WP creates new central area committee for Ang Mo Kio, three other wards

By Loh Chee Kong

FRESH from its creditable showing in the recent General Election, the Workers' Party (WP) is already laying its cards for the next election on the table.

Following the election of its new and significantly younger Central Executive Committee on Sunday, the WP is looking to increase its ground presence with the setting up of a new central area committee to reach out to residents in Ang Mo Kio, Yio Chu Kang, Bishan and Toa Payoh.

Of these places, the WP only contested Ang Mo Kio GRC the last time around. Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC saw a walkover, while National Solidarity Party president Yip Yew Weng lost to People's Action Party's Seng Han Thong in Yio Chu Kang.

WP's newly appointed organising secretary Yaw Shin Leong, who is heading the new committee, said that the move seeks to build on WP's work in Ang Mo Kio, where he led a relatively inexperienced team against Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and collected more than one-third of the votes.

The changes in its grassroots setup also include an expansion on its existing North Eastern and Eastern area committees, which now include Tampines and Marine Parade, respectively, constituencies that the WP did not contest the last time round.

When asked if the WP would be contesting the areas that were added, Mr Yaw would only say that the areas were selected for "efficient allocation of resources" and were logical extensions from the support bases they already have.

For example, Marine Parade GRC, helmed by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, is located next to Aljunied GRC, where WP garnered 43.9 per cent of the valid votes. The two wards also traded some polling districts in the latest boundary review.

The area committees, each consisting of 10 to 20 party members, can be called "alternative grassroots as opposed to PAP's branches", said Mr Yaw.

"Compared to activities conducted at the party level, the job scope of the area committees is more intense, including door-to-door visits which are more personal ... We spend more time interacting with the residents."

Strikingly, the western part of the island has been left out again in WP's re-organisation of its grassroots setup due to limited resources.

Mr Yaw, however, would not rule out the possibility of WP contesting in the western constituencies come the next elections, depending on the growth of the party.

"By the end of next year or 2008, we would have a pretty good picture of where we should be going.

"While most of the activities would be "ground-centric and away from the glare of the media", Mr Yaw said that the WP is looking to show its hand early.

"You can call it conventional warfare. It's semi-transparent as we've somewhat laid our cards on the table. I think this is the way the political process in Singapore should go, instead of the way it has been conducted. But of course, the element of surprise is still very important, especially in a small place like this."

Straits Times: WP gives keyposts to newbies

BY KEN KWEK

THE Workers' Party (WP) last night appointed its newly elected central executive council (CEC) members to specific positions in the party leadership but with one significant departure from past practice.

The posts of first and second assistant secretaries-general were left vacant. In the previous CEC, these positions were held by Dr Poh Lee Guan and Mr James Gomez respectively.

Business lecturer Dr Poh, 45, who stood in Nee Soon East in the last General Election, is still in the CEC but no longer holds any post.

Mr Gomez, who contested as part of the WP's Aljunied GRC team, is working in a think-tank in Sweden and did not contest the CEC elections on Sunday.

After conducting a three-hour meeting with the new CEC last night, WP secretary-general Low Thia Khiang told The Straits Times that there was "no need" for assistant secretaries-general now as the new CEC was "relatively young and dynamic and need time to grow".

He added that unlike in previous years, the WP now had another "dominant" leader to steer the party along with the secretary-general. And this was party chairman Sylvia Lim who is taking up the post of Non-Constituency MP.

Mr Low also explained why he gave the next most senior post, that of vice-chairman, to Mr Mohammed Rahizan Yaacob, explaining that the businessman had "enough political experience".

Mr Rahizan, 49, was on the WP's Aljunied GRC team together with Miss Lim and will likely be tasked with helping to beef up the party's efforts at recruiting more minorities into the party.

Mr Low had previously admitted that the WP had to work harder to engage minorities if it wanted a better shot at winning a GRC.

Yesterday, he said that one of the aims of the CEC meeting was "to look at the activities and strategies to move the party forward and increase our chances of winning more seats in the next election".

The council last night also parcelled out several key appointments to rookies from the GE. The biggest winner was IT consultant Yaw Shin Leong, 30, who led the WP team in Ang Mo Kio GRC. He was made organising secretary. Lawyer Chia Ti Lik, 32, retained his post of assistant organising secretary while Mr Eric Tan, 50, a senior bank manager, is party treasurer.

Business consultant Perry Tong is the new WP Youth Wing president, taking over from Mr Tan Wui-Hua, 39, who is working overseas.

Mr Yaw said the party's next major activity would be a National Day outreach programme, while Mr Tong said he looked forward to inducting more potential young candidates.

"I am at the age where I feel that I can connect with both the younger and older generations," added the 35-year-old.

kenkwek@sph.com.sg

TODAY: New faces in WP CEC

James Gomez among those making way for fresh blood

LEE U-WEN
u-wen@newstoday.com.sg


THE FUTURE: New CEC members (from top to bottom) Yaw Shin Leong, Glenda Han and Perry Tong.

NEW blood has been infused into the Workers' Party (WP), with seven new faces - most of them in their 30s - elected into its Central Executive Committee (CEC).

Stepping down are seven of the old guard, the highest profile among them being James Gomez - who was embroiled in controversy over his non-submission of a minority candidate certificate application form during the recent General Election.

Coming into the CEC are East Coast GRC candidates Perry Tong, 35, Eric Tan, 51 and Brandon Siow, 31; Ang Mo Kio GRC team leader Yaw Shin Leong, 30 and his teammates Glenda Han, 30 and Abdul Salim, 24. The seventh new face is Ng Swee Bee, 26, who was the election agent for WP secretary general Low Thia Khiang in the Hougang constituency.

Speaking to reporters after a three-hour closed-door meeting at the party's headquarters in Syed Alwi Road, WP chairman Sylvia Lim said she was encouraged by the fact that members were supportive of a renewal within the party leadership.

"All of us are looking forward to the next phase of the Workers' Party, and to also be a better representative of the electorate at the next election," said Ms Lim, 41.

Both Ms Lim, who is the new Non-Constituency MP, and Hougang MP Mr Low, 49, retained their respective posts in the CEC through a direct election.

The 13 remaining CEC members will also be office-bearers, though the exact posts that they will occupy will only be decided later tonight.

Ms Lim said that second assistant secretary-general Mr Gomez, currently working in Sweden as a policy analyst with think-tank International IDEA, was consulted before yesterday's election.

Treasurer Tan Wui-Hua, 39, is also working overseas in the Middle East and was not considered for reelection.

The other five leaders making way are first vice-chairman Tan Bin Seng, 54, organising secretary Ng Ah Chwee, 56, deputy treasurer Goh Seng Soon, 56, second vice-chairman Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman, 66, and council member Melvin Tan, 31.

Ms Lim said that the party's main target was to win more seats in the next GE.

"We had wanted to do so this year. But I think the Singapore electorate has given us hope for the next election, so we intend to work hard towards that goal," she said.

The WP said more than 100 new members had signed up over the past few months. Some of them could be groomed as future candidates, said Mr Low.

The CEC could expand in the coming months too, he added, as the constitution allows it to co-opt up to six more members.

Newly-elected Mr Yaw said he felt "honoured" by the move. He told TODAY: "By the next election, a good proportion of voters will be from the post-65 generation. We can speak the same language as them and be in a good position to handle their concerns."

Straits Times: Young members dominate new WP leadership

BY KEN KWEK

THE Workers' Party (WP) yesterday ushered in a new generation of leaders, replacing half of its central executive council (CEC) with fresh members mostly below the age of 40.

Of the seven new members elected, only senior bank manager Eric Tan, 50, is born before independence.

The remaining six are consultant Perry Tong, 34; sales coordinator Abdul Salim Harun, 24; businesswoman Glenda Han, 30; IT consultant Yaw Shin Leong, 30; account manager Brandon Siow, 31 and Miss Ng Swee Bee, 26, a cost coordinator in a private school.

Miss Ng, WP secretary-general Low Thia Khiang's election agent, is the only new council member who did not contest in the May general election.

The new faces' inclusion means that nine out of 15 members in the new CEC are below the age of 40.

Mr Yaw said he was "honoured" that the party had shown such "faith and confidence" in its younger members.

The CEC election, attended by more than 60 cadre members, was a closed-door event held at the WP's Syed Alwi Road headquarters yesterday afternoon.

After the meeting, Mr Low told the press that he was "very pleased" that a younger leadership had been elected, as it ensured rejuvenation within the 49-year-old party.

"The process of renewal is on track," said the Hougang MP, adding with a laugh: "I'm one of the oldest now!"

WP chairman Sylvia Lim was similarly upbeat about the result.

"We are looking forward to the next phase of the Workers' Party, and also to be better representatives of the electorate, particularly the younger generation," she said.

While celebrating a new team of more youthful leaders, both Mr Low and Ms Lim were quick to pay tribute to the older council members who had made way for their younger colleagues.

The seven former council members who stepped down include ex-party chairman Tan Bin Seng, 54; Mr Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman, 66; Mr James Gomez, 41 and Mr Tan Wui-Hua, 39.

Both Mr Tan and Mr Gomez stepped down due to work commitments in the Middle East and Sweden respectively.

Said Mr Abdul Rahim, who had been the party's vice-chairman since 1994: "It's time the younger members fly the party's flag."

The new council members will be given specific appointments in a meeting today.

Mr Low and Ms Lim will remain as the WP's secretary-general and chairman respectively.

Channel NewsAsia: Workers' Party elects 7 new members to executive council

By Noor Mohd Aziz


Low Thia Kiang, Secretary-General, Workers' Party

The Workers' Party has elected seven new members to its executive council.

Older members, like veteran Dr Tan Bin Seng, have stepped down, while James Gomez has not been re-elected.

Several new candidates fielded by the Workers' Party in the last General Election have been elected to the party's executive council.

Members like Perry Tong, Glenda Han, Brandon Seow and Abdul Salim were elected by cadre members at the Workers' Party Organising Members' Conference on Sunday.

The party had said before that it plans to bring in new faces, and renew the leadership.

Low Thia Kiang, Secretary-General, Workers' Party, said: "It's on target and on track and I'm very pleased with the result of the elections. It shows the party is progressing. The renewal and the party leadership is in place and it looks I'm the oldest now."

The Workers' Party exco currently stands at 15 and it intends to co-opt more members.

And as for the strategy ahead, Chairman Sylvia Lim told Channel NewsAsia in an earlier interview that the party wants to build on the momentum of the last election.

Ms Lim said: "From now till the next election, we intend to try to put ourselves forward in the public eye in various means. Could be some activities that we organise. Or we will continue certainly with our house visits, and other ground work. So, I think, we, it's certainly not the intention of us to go to sleep."

The Non-Constituency MP plans to engage the government both in Parliament, and outside through forums. - CNA/ch

Straits Times: More post-65ers set to find place in WP exco

New team being voted in on Sunday may include rookies who contested GE

BY SUE-ANN CHIA

THIS Sunday, the Workers' Party (WP) will vote for a new team of leaders that will likely feature many of its rookies who contested the General Election.

If they win, the new executive council will comprise more leaders from the post-65 generation. Currently, one in three was born after independence.

Among the likely new faces who ran in the May 6 polls are Mr Yaw Shin Leong, 30, who headed the WP's Ang Mo Kio GRC team; his teammate Glenda Han, 30; East Coast GRC candidates Perry Tong, 35, and Eric Tan, 50; and Nee Soon Central's Lian Chin Way, 36.

On her intention to run, Ms Han said: "It is a natural progression to hope to be part of the council."

The election, brought forward by a year, will determine the posts of chairman, secretary-general and 12 other positions. The council can co-opt up to seven more members.

Explaining the move to speed up the renewal process, WP chairman Sylvia Lim, 41, said in an e-mail to The Straits Times: "The 2006 GE was the refining fire through which the party machinery was put.

"With the momentum built up, the party leadership thinks its timely to harness new potential and would like the cadres to make a decision on who should be in the party leadership for the next phase."

She said some of the older council members have indicated a desire to step down.

At least two veterans told The Straits Times that they intend to make way for younger blood. They are first vice-chairman Tan Bin Seng, 54, and second vice-chairman Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman, 66.

"There are now a lot of youngsters coming in and that is a good sign," said Dr Tan, who has been in the WP for the last two decades.

Others likely to step down are organising secretary Ng Ah Chwee, 56, and deputy treasurer Goh Seng Soon, 56.

Two leaders who are not expected to be re-elected as they are working overseas are second assistant secretary-general James Gomez, 41, who is in Sweden, and treasurer Tan Wui-Hua, 39, who is in the Middle East. Both were in the Aljunied GRC team.

Others likely to remain in the council include election rookies and assistant organising secretaries Chia Ti Lik, 32, and Goh Meng Seng, 36. Mr Chia led the East Coast GRC team, while Mr Goh was in the Aljunied team.

The top two positions are unlikely to be challenged as the leaders have done well in taking the party forward, said party members.

Both Ms Lim and secretary-general Low Thia Khiang, 49, also have seats in Parliament. Ms Lim is the next Non-Constituency MP and Mr Low won his Hougang ward for the fourth time.

Party sources say there is unlikely to be substantive changes in party ideology, but new leaders could bring fresh views.

As the party refreshes its leadership, it has rejuvenated its ranks with at least 100 new members, all aged below 40.

"This augurs well for the future of Singapore as it shows that Singaporeans do care, and debunks the cynicism of some that the young are an apathetic lot," Ms Lim said.

sueann@sph.com.sg

Straits Times: WP targets youth during weekend walkabout

YOUTH BRIGADE: WP's Mr Yaw (centre) leads a team, including candidate Lee Wai Leng (on his left), on a walkabout in Orchard Road.

THE Workers' Party (WP) yesterday launched its first major event since the General Election by making its presence felt to a core group of future voters - young people.

It held a youth outreach programme at several places, including Orchard Road, handing out pamphlets to mark Youth Day.

The team of about 20 WP members and volunteers began their day at 7.30am in Hougang, then moved to other constituencies such as Aljunied and Ang Mo Kio GRCs.

Their final destination was Orchard Road, where they set up their party banner outside Takashimaya Shopping Centre and gave out pamphlets - with information about the party printed - to throngs of young people passing by.

The group was led by IT consultant Yaw Shin Leong, 30, who was the leader of the young WP team which contested in Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's Ang Mo Kio GRC in the election.

He told The Straits Times this was the first time such a youth-oriented activity had been organised, and said there would be more in the months ahead.

"This platform allows us to connect with voters of similar age, who speak the same language and share the same concerns," he said.

"They will form a big part of the electorate in the next election, and our work begins now. We are moving into first gear."

KEN KWEK

New Paper: Murdered China masseuse? No, that's S'pore's WP candidate

China newspaper mixes up the two women and learns of mistake only when contacted by The New Paper

By Kor Kain Beng


The China newspaper's website which wrongly identified Miss Glenda Han as Chinese masseuse Yu Hong jin, who was stabbed to death last Sunday.
Picture: HAI XIA DU SHI BAO

HERS was one of the more recognisable faces in the last general election.

But Miss Glenda Han, 30, from the Workers' Party (WP) got a shock yesterday when she learnt that she has been mistaken for a murdered woman.

In a report published on Thursday in a China newspaper, Miss Han's photograph was used instead of that of masseuse Yu Hong Jin.

Madam Yu, 30, a China national, was found stabbed to death last Sunday morning at a healthcare centre in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10.

The male suspect, Eu Lim Hoklai, 53, who was found with Madam Yu at the healthcare centre, has been charged with murder.

The boo-boo was made by Hai Xia Du Shi Bao, a daily in Fuzhou province.

The wrong colour photograph was also used on the newspaper webpage.

Miss Han said that a reporter from Lianhe Wanbao, who had stumbled upon the website, contacted her yesterday morning and told her about it.

And Miss Han's immediate response? 'I said, 'That's terrible.' It's not very nice to be confused with a dead person, especially one whose death was rather unusual.'

Miss Han, who was part of the WP team that lost to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's team in Ang Mo Kio GRC in May's General Election, said that she has been following the murder case through the media.

When The New Paper spoke to her yesterday evening , she said that her parents still hadn't learnt about the mistake, nor has she got calls from friends asking about it.

Miss Han, who runs Les Chameaux, a cocktail bar at Robertson Quay, said: 'Maybe it's still too early.'

Miss Han, who visited the newspaper's website yesterday, doesn't know how it could have happened.

But she noted that the photograph used in the China newspaper appears to be the same one published in a Lianhe Wanbao report on Monday about her life after the elections.

Miss Han filled in an online feedback form belonging to the newspaper requesting for a correction.

She said: 'The newspaper should also apologise to me.'

When The New Paper visited the website at 5pm yesterday, her photograph was still on the webpage.

But after The New Paper contacted them at about 7.30pm, the photograph was removed.

When contacted yesterday, the newspaper's editor, Mr Sun De Jian, said that he wasn't aware about the mistake until The New Paper told him.

Mr Sun claimed his paper has a circulation of about 500,000 copies.

He said the reporter who had filed the report had passed Miss Han's photograph to the newspaper.

Mr Sun said he didn't know how it happened, but promised to find out.

He said: 'If we have made a mistake, we will definitely apologise to her.'

Weekend TODAY: China paper in photo mix-up

IN A bizarre case of mistaken identity, Fujian-based daily newspaper Hai Xia Du Shi Bao used, in its Thursday report on the murder of an Ang Mo Kio masseuse, a picture of Workers' Party member Glenda Han (picture) as the victim.

Both Madam Yu Hong Jin and Ms Han may be 30-year-old Chinese businesswomen with long flowing tresses - but the similarities end there.

The two women had appeared in last Monday's Lianhe Wanbao, which profiled Ms Han at her Robertson Quay cocktail bar, Les Chameaux, and ran a separate report on the fatal stabbing of Madam Yu, a Chinese national.

The Hai Xia Du Shi Bao apparently used the Singapore paper's published picture of Ms Han at her cocktail bar.

Mr Yuan You Zhi, the reporter who wrote the article for the Fujian daily, told TODAY the mix-up was a careless mistake and Ms Han's photo would be removed today.

The report appeared online at ww.hdzxw.com/hdnews/place/200606/199306.html.

When contacted for her reaction, Ms Han said: "I heard from Wanbao about the photo mix-up. I've sent the Chinese newspaper an email to remove the photo. I just think it's not very professional to get something like that mixed up, especially for such bad news."

The Hai Xia Du Shi Bao had picked up the news as Madam Yu, who was stabbed to death last Sunday morning, was born in the Fujian province where the paper enjoys a readership of 60 per cent of the population. - TOR CHING LI

I-S Magazine - Feature: Simply Sylvia

I-S Issue 310



The fever of the elections has passed, the dust has settled. Sylvia Lim, Chairman of the Workers' Party, leads the highest-scoring opposition team, winning 43.9 percent of votes at Aljunied GRC. Newly appointed as a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP), she gives Sharon Lim an insider view. Photography by Nancy Ide

By Sharon Lim

Stepping into the interview in a bright pink chinois jacket and a pair of jeans, Sylvia Lim looks relaxed and unassuming — nothing like the persona portrayed during the nine-day hustings. Personable and eloquent, answers easily roll off her tongue when asked about politics and the work of her party. But delve into Sylvia Lim the person, and long pauses and hesitation fill the air.

Realistic and practical, she typifies the composed party leader with her feet (and ear) firmly on the ground. Don't expect her to be championing women's causes in Parliament. Her passion lies in the bread and butter issues of the regular Joe. And bring up the fact that she is the first woman opposition MP since 1963, she retorts, "So what if I am male or female. It doesn't make a difference."

From a supporter who donated bottles of birds' nest drinks for each Workers' Party candidate, to an anonymous man who sent Lim constructive feedback on her rally speeches every day via email, to the hordes that attended the nightly rallies, these actions surprised, touched and affirmed her cause in giving Singaporeans another voice in politics.

Did you feel that you were given justified media coverage during the elections?

I think this round, generally, the English and Chinese papers did not represent the Workers' Party in a bad light. And because of this, it affected voters' perception of us as well. So people started to think, "Hey, Workers' Party is not crazy." But then, we could have had more coverage vis a vis PAP, but that's the way things are.

"The way things are." Is that a resigned statement or...?

It's born out of a sense of realism and also from having worked with people who have been in opposition politics longer. They'll tell you "Oh, it's so much better than the previous elections, don't complain." So there is a little bit of taking the scraps that fall from the table, that kind of thing. Of course we want things to improve, but we can't expect things to improve in quantumn leaps overnight, so we try to push the boundaries. I find sometimes also that because people are too resigned to the fact that the status quo will remain, that there's no inclination for change, and that's wrong. Because if you've ever tried to push the boundaries, you will realize that things can happen. If you're there and you're prepared to take a risk, things will happen.

What part of campaigning did you find enjoyable?

I think it was enjoyable to know that a party of our size—which is nothing compared to the PAP—can make some waves. So it's always good to know that you don't have to have a lot of money or a lot of manpower to make some difference. Even little steps do matter. People are prepared to come forward to join the party and stand as candidates against the PAP. These are the pillars on which bigger things will be founded.

What was the high point for you?

I found the Serangoon Stadium rally quite a high point for me. It was the final rally, first of all. Secondly, it was the one and only rally site that we had where we couldsee the audience, because the stadium was very well lit and we could see people's faces. That was very very uplifting. And we ended off the whole thing with the pledge—and I think there was some sense of unity of purpose, some solidarity with the people.

What was the lowest point?

For me personally, I think there were times when I thought that I didn't do as well as I could. For example, for the party political broadcast on TV, the feedback was that I came across as arrogant, blah, blah, blah. I didn't intend to be so, but I realized that it's got a lot to do with media training. Other than that, what I imagined the campaign to be eventually turned out to be not as scary as I thought.

Were you scared?

I wasn't scared at all. But initially, you know, when you think of it in vacuo, you think that the PAP is going to dig out everything you've done from the time you were in kindergarten or whatever. I was waiting for that, but nothing came. In the end, they were just harping on the James Gomez thing.

What is your feeling on the outcome of the James Gomez incident?

I was surprised that the police gave him a warning. Not because I felt that he had done anything wrong.

Was there any point in time when you thought, "Yah, we actually have a chance of winning."

Such thoughts do cross my mind, but generally I know that we really need to be prepared for the worst, because if we don't win or if our margins are poor or whatever, we still have to face the media and the people. And we have to be composed at that point, you see. So it's always important to be prepared for all eventualities.

Were you pleased that you actually met your 40 percent target?

I wouldn't say it was a target, but we are pleased that the voters showed that they were prepared to support us. We were not really surprised by the results, but I think we still hoped that we could have done better.

How did you feel when the Party decided that you would be the NCMP?

I felt a sense of responsibility, that I have to do it properly. And also not to let down the people who had voted for us.

What can we expect from you in Parliament? What kind of issues will you be championing?

The traditional concerns that WP tends to raise, i.e. to speak up for those who are not doing very well under the free market economy. So we'll be watching issues like cost of living, health care costs, retirement concerns. At the same time also, because I'm legally trained, I will be reviewing the legislation concerning Parliament, which I've been helping Mr Low to do for the past few years anyway. So I'll be speaking up on that. And personally, I guess I will take an interest in some of the law and order debates. But I must add that I'm not there to canvass my own causes.

What is your mantra, speaking generally?

Fairness. I think people should be treated fairly. I think that's the fundamental principle.

Do you think you're misunderstood?

No, not really (laughs). I don't think people's impressions of me have fossilized yet. It's hard to put this in a neutral way. People have come up to me after the elections, in public places, and told me things like "Thank you for what you're doing," "Thank you for giving us a choice," and "Don't give up." So for whatever reason, I think that they believe that what we're doing is actually something for them. Which I think is really (pause) it! We're not in this for ourselves because, frankly speaking, the benefits you get are (laughs), you know, let's not talk about that. There are some sacrifices made, because we think that it is probably better for Singaporeans in Singapore if there are elections where people have choices. And because of that, if the people perceive it, then I think we've achieved quite a lot.

That speaks of the party, but what about you?

Similarly too, I think, okay, I don't know about everyone, and I'm sure some people hate me, but ah...

Does that concern you?

You can't please everyone, so that's okay. But I think so long as the average person believes that I am sincere in what I'm trying to do on the Workers' Party platform, that is try to advance their interest and keep the government accountable, so long as people believe that, I think that would be good enough.

Do you think people believe this?

It may be too early to form a definitive judgment, but I think, based on the elections feedback and all that, that people do believe that I'm sincere in what I'm trying to do. It's something that is a long haul thing, you know. Of course I'm not saying that I'm going to be around forever. I think, personally, I would commit my time and energy if I feel that there's support for the things we're trying to do and we're making headway. But if I find that we're not making headway, then what's the point. I mean, we all have lives to lead, right?

You're a public figure now. How does that make you feel?

I think that's alright. I think I can still bear with that. But I suppose I have to be more circumspect in the things I do. So I guess you can expect me to be going out of Singapore more (hearty laughs). Like just yesterday I went down to my neighborhood coffee shop dressed in my home clothes. I put on sunglasses to try to look as unrecognizable as possible. I was waiting for my mother, actually, and along came this group of retirees, and they said "Oh, we finally get to meet you" or something like that. It was very, very touching. They were supporters of Workers' Party. And they told me about the rallies they had attended and gave me feedback. It's useful to remain in contact and be approachable. We don't want that to change.

So who is Sylvia Lim?

I'm idealistic, but I'm also a very practical person. So I would make sacrifices for my ideals, but still try not to break the law in doing that.

Is being Chairman of WP and lecturer at Temasek Polytechnic your entire life? Or is there more to it?

No, no, it isn't. I would say it takes up quite a lot of my time. I still have time left over, which I save for a few things like my family, close friends and myself. And I will always leave that pocket there, because I think that's very important for my sanity.

Straits Times: MP to ask Govt for $100m for Hougang

Application for upgrading package to go ahead despite what minister said, says Low

By Ken Kwek

HOUGANG MP Low Thia Khiang is going to ask the Ministry of National Development (MND) for the $100 million upgrading package for his ward that the People's Action Party had announced during the general election.

The Workers' Party chief told The Straits Times last night that he will do so, despite National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan's recent statement that opposition wards will get funds for upgrading only after PAP constituencies had received theirs.

Mr Low said: "It doesn't matter what the minister has said, I will apply for the funds anyway."

After the election, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong had said that although Hougang voters had not voted in the PAP candidate, Mr Low could still try and apply for the money as the Government had been "prepared to put up a budget for it".

But Mr Mah said last week that the money would not be made available for the opposition ward.

Mr Low yesterday said he had met Mr Mah on May 30 at the swearing-in ceremony for the new Cabinet, and had asked the minister for the $100 million upgrading fund that Hougang residents were promised by the PAP.

He declined to disclose Mr Mah's response, saying it was "a private conversation".

But he added: "The Government will just have to decide what is the right thing to do. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said he wants to build a more inclusive society, right?

"On my part, I'll do whatever is necessary to fight for my residents' needs, and apply for the funds."

Mr Low said he had "given instructions" to his town council staff to prepare the necessary paperwork for making the application.

But he would not be seeking funds through the Community Improvement Projects Committee (CIPC), as the application process for such funds had always been 'skewed against the opposition'.

"I think it's pointless going through that avenue," he said.

Constituencies that want CIPC funds for estate upgrading can apply for them only through their grassroots advisers, who are always PAP representatives. No CIPC funds have been used for opposition wards so far.

Mr Low added that he was sure the MND had the budget "since they promised Hougang voters before Polling Day that $100 million could be set aside for upgrading their estate".

He added that he believed many Singaporeans did not support the votes-for-upgrading policy because they considered it unfair.

"I've always believed that Singaporeans have a sense of justice in their hearts, and are able to make fair judgment on issues," he said.

"The question is whether the PAP is willing to accept this, and trust the people's judgment."

Mr Eric Low, the PAP candidate who failed to win Hougang, declined to comment when contacted yesterday.

kenkwek@sph.com.sg

New Paper - Columnists: You speak only Singlish? You're in berry big trouble

By Glenda Han

IN Singapore, when we speak poor or colloquial English, we are said to be speaking Singlish.

I basically divide Singlish into three broad categories. The first is unique to Singaporeans: Finishing our sentences off with lahs or lehs so as to give them a slight oomph. When you say 'Come lah?', it sounds more persuasive than just 'Do you want to come?'

Secondly, we tend to cut our sentences short so as to get our message across faster. For example, we say 'Have or not?' rather than 'Do you have it or not?' I'm still trying to decide if we are just plain lazy or trying to divert those few nanoseconds saved into more constructive use.

Lastly, we churn out 'rojak' sentences - not comprising fried dough, pineapples and peanut sauce - but English, Mandarin and Malay all within one sentence. For instance, 'Let's go makan (eat in Malay).' Though not an excuse, it's no wonder, given our multi-racial society.

Speaking Singlish in those ways does not mean having a bad command of English. Sure, it isn't proper, but if you can switch to proper English if need be, you don't have a problem.

Bad command of English is more a poor grasp of grammar and mispronunciation. For example, when you say 'This is more better', or when someone pronounces lingerie as 'lin-gir-ree'.

The Speak Good English Movement emphasises the need to stop speaking Singlish. But I think Singlish is a problem only if one cannot get his or her tenses or pronunciation right.

Actors like Gurmit Singh speak Singlish in their sitcoms but can easily switch to proper English if need be. Yet, as much as I understand that our sitcoms need to have a local flavour, it irks me when words are intentionally mispronounced to inject humour. Using words like 'par-kwet (parquet)' or, as a Chinese variety show host said, 'I like it berry (very) much', is just brazenly bad English.

The young may grow up thinking they are pronouncing these words correctly.

Every country has its own slang. Singlish helps identify us as Singaporeans, but don't confuse it with bad English.

And don't confuse it with having an accent either. An accent does not naturally mean your standard of English is higher. I was perplexed when someone was surprised that I did not have an accent even after living in Paris for two years.

I have known people who have lived in Anglophone countries for years, and though they do speak less Singlish, they do not simply adopt an accent after having spent their formative years in Singapore.

During a recent meal, I heard a girl who has spent all her life here speak in a quasi-local, quasi-American accent (with Singlish terms peppering her sentences!). It kept my appetite at bay.

I quote PM Lee Hsien Loong at the launch of the Speak Good English Movement last year: 'Speaking good English does not mean using bombastic words or adopting an artificial English or American accent. We can speak in the normal Singapore tone, which is neutral and intelligible.'

Perhaps teachers should pay more attention on highlighting the irregularities in pronunciation, like the word 'presentation' (pronounced 'PRARE-sen-tation' rather than 'PRE-sen-tation').

Our standard of English will continue to spiral downwards if there is no conscious effort to address even the basic problems.

The writer owns a restaurant and was part of the Workers' Party team, which contested in Ang Mo Kio GRC in the recent General Election. For feedback, e-mail tnp@sph.com.sg

Straits Times - Forum: PAP policy belies "Staying Together, Moving Ahead"

IN THE wake of General Election 2006, various senior People's Action Party (PAP) leaders pledged to respect voters' choice.

At the Cabinet swearing-in ceremony on May 30, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong pledged that his Government would work with all Singaporeans, including those who voted for the opposition.

Singaporeans who hoped that the PAP would therefore remove its votes-for-upgrading strategy got a lightning bolt of reality with the Minister for National Development's statement over the weekend that, basically, nothing has changed.

Minister Mah Bow Tan's main argument was that the Government had to be fair to those who had voted for the PAP on its promise to upgrade PAP wards. But the bigger question on voters' minds is a very simple one - whether such a promise is a legitimate use of taxpayers' monies. To state the obvious, everybody pays taxes, whether they live in PAP or opposition wards.

Mr Mah had previously said that he could not "look PAP MPs in the eye" if he gave the same priority in upgrading to opposition wards. But how, then, does he look these taxpayers in the eye?

No one living in an opposition ward expects special treatment, that is, to jump ahead of PAP wards with older blocks. But, all things being equal, it should not matter whether a PAP or an opposition MP is the incumbent.

The same objections apply to how the public funds entrusted to his ministry under the Community Improvement Projects Committee (CIPC) for estate improvements are disbursed.

Further, to say that disbursing CIPC funds through the citizens' consultative committees is not political because they are made up of residents, makes as much sense as saying that residents' committees are politically neutral when they are heavily mobilised to help PAP candidates campaign.

On this vexed question of selective upgrading, the recent conflicting messages from the PAP are telling. For instance, the day after Polling Day, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong praised Potong Pasir and Hougang residents for having loyalty towards their MPs, which was a "better (characteristic) than for them to be chasing after every goodie which we offer them".

After this dose of honesty from SM Goh, what kind of values is the PAP promoting by continuing with its votes-for-upgrading policy?

The overarching theme of the PAP's 2006 Election Manifesto is "Staying Together, Moving Ahead".

As a Singaporean who decided to stand with the Workers' Party, I look forward to the day when election campaigns will be fought by all parties over long-term national policies which affect Singaporeans' lives deeply.

Let Singaporeans reflect and decide elections on these questions, which are surely far more important for the nation's future than the selective use of public funds to ensure that the PAP stays in power.

Sylvia Lim Swee Lian (Ms)
Non-Constituency MP (Elect)
Chairman, Workers' Party

TODAY: Block upgrade debate

Opposition says it's taxpayers' money, PAP MPs say it's about the timing

TEO XUANWEI
xuanweit@newstoday.com.sg



EVEN as National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan has reaffirmed that the policy of upgrading the People's Action Party's (PAP) wards first will stay for now, discussion of the issue looks set to continue for some time yet.

Mr Mah said there are three criteria when selecting precincts for upgrading: How old the blocks were, where the blocks were - to ensure upgrading is not concentrated in a few constituencies - and support for the Government. But the Opposition feels it is unfair to place its wards at the back of the upgrading queue.

"It should not matter whether a PAP or an Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) is the incumbent," wrote Non-constituency MP Sylvia Lim in a letter to TODAY yesterday.

"Mr Mah's main argument was that the PAP Government had to be fair to those who had voted for the PAP on its promise to upgrade PAP wards. But the bigger question on voters' minds is a very simple one - whether such a promise is a legitimate use of taxpayers' monies or not," said Ms Lim, who is chairman of the Workers' Party.

"Everybody pays taxes whether they live in PAP or Opposition wards. There are no tax rebates for those living in Opposition wards."

Mr Mah earlier said such a policy was "not unreasonable" because the Government had pledged to provide all HDB blocks with lifts that stop on every floor by 2015. There are also blocks in PAP wards that are as old as those in the Opposition wards of Hougang and Potong Pasir that have not been upgraded as well.

South-west District Mayor Amy Khor agreed that prioritisation is inevitable because there are limited resources.

Moreover, lift upgrading "is not a right, but done by the Government out of goodwill", argued Dr Khor. She also agreed with Mr Mah that the surplus generated from the Government's policies generated the funds for the costly upgrading programmes.

"The principle is that we will do lift-upgrading for all eligible blocks, regardless of whether they are PAP or non-PAP wards. But it's just a question of timing. The Government has said that no one will be deprived of upgrading," she said.

MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol Charles Chong added that while governments have a responsibility to take care of basic necessities such as defence and education, lift upgrading is a "non-essential item".

He said: "It's a question of who goes first, you can't do it all together. The reality of the situation is that you take care of your supporters first.

"When I cast my vote, I'm casting for one programme over another, so there must be some differentiation. If not, after a while, people will say 'no matter how I vote, life goes on and nothing changes'."

For those who think it is unfair, they should see that the Government also has "many other policies that benefit everybody equally, regardless of whose ward they are staying in", said Dr Khor, who is also Parliamentary Secretary for Environment and Water Resources.

Examples are the Progress Package, Workfare bonus, and policies to help the low income.

But Ms Lim said that elections should be fought over "long-term national policies that affect Singaporeans' lives deeply", and not over "the selective use of public funds to ensure that the PAP stays in power".

Straits Times: Moving ahead, staying together...in the opposition

INSIGHT SATURDAY

Even though it did not win more seats, the opposition emerged stronger and more organised at the recent general election. One month after the polls, Sue-Ann Chia and Peh Shing Huei find that one party is moving ahead while the other camp is struggling to stay together.



EVERY Monday night, a handful of Workers' Party (WP) members and supporters gather at its Syed Alwi Road headquarters to meet the public.

Usually, few people stroll in and party faithfuls end up flipping through the day's newspapers or chatting with each other.

But that changed after May 6. A crowd of more than 50 showed up the Monday after the polls, leaving little standing room in the main hall.

There are now around 30 people each week.

"Singaporeans are showing huge interest in joining the party," says WP member Eric Tan, who was part of the East Coast GRC team.

Not all who show up want to become members. But at least 100 people have expressed interest and some are potential candidate material, say party members.

Others are curious to meet the WP's election candidates. The rest want to offer moral support.

The WP has a clear edge among the opposition parties, both in the public attention it is getting and Singaporeans' interest in joining the party.

The scene is much quieter over at the Singapore Democratic Alliance. The only rumblings are of discontent within the ranks.

Some members of the alliance, which is a grouping of four parties, want a change in leadership and structure. They want the member parties to merge into one party and not remain as an alliance of electoral expediency.

But alliance chairman Chiam See Tong is dead set against it, which means the idea is also practically dead on arrival.

An even worse fate could befall the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP). It could be wound up and cease to exist if the party fails to pay the damages for defaming Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.

For now, the three opposition groups are headed down different paths that could well determine how they fare in the coming years and the next polls.

Workers' Party: Moving ahead

THE ruling party's phrase of choice post-polls used to be that it begins preparations for the next election the day after an election. Now that is being heard within the WP.

For starters, expect many new faces who contested the recent GE to make a claim for party leadership positions.

Party members say up to half of the 15 Central Executive Council (CEC) leaders may step down voluntarily at next month's party elections.

Equally significant is the fact that these elections are being brought forward by a year.

"I believe we have to quicken the pace of renewal," WP chief Low Thia Khiang tells Insight.

He is not content to let the renewal engine stay idle despite clinching the top spot among opposition parties with 38.4 per cent share of the votes and fielding 15 new faces at the polls.

Indeed, during the run-up, the secretary-general had declared that the WP's rejuvenation plans will "continue until I'm renewed".

He started the process when he took over the WP in 2001.

A new party chairman, the telegenic Ms Sylvia Lim, was elected soon after. By last year, five among the 15 CEC members were from the post-65 generation.

More changes are afoot.

Veterans leaving their CEC posts are likely to be Dr Tan Bin Seng, 54, who stood in Joo Chiat; second vice-chairman Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman, 65, who contested in East Coast GRC; organising secretary Ng Ah Chwee, 56; and deputy treasurer Goh Seng Soon, 56.

Second assistant secretary-general James Gomez, 41, is also not expected to defend his post. He is working in a think-tank in Sweden and is unlikely to be able to return every month for party meetings and commitments, say sources.

In their places are likely to be the rookies who fought their maiden electoral battles last month. They include Mr Perry Tong, 34; Mr Yaw Shin Leong, 30; Mr Lian Chin Way, 36; Mr Eric Tan, 50; and Ms Glenda Han, 29.

Young faces already in the council, such as Mr Chia Ti Lik, 32, and Mr Goh Meng Seng, 36, are likely to remain.

Mr Low says that Ms Lim, 41, who is the new Non-Constituency MP, "should still be the chairman".

The possible new line-up raises several questions. What is the likely impact of younger people taking over the reins of WP? Will there be a shift in the issues that it focuses on?

With Mr Low and Ms Lim still in the driver's seat, substantive changes are unlikely.

The WP's public outreach programmes, where members go to public places and also door to door, will start soon.

The party is likely to continue its moderate line that an opposition must not oppose for the sake of opposing. As seen in the recent election, it will strive to continue as a rational and reasonable party.

Ms Lim said as much last week at a forum to post-mortem the general election, when she stressed that the WP intends to continue playing by the rules.

In short: pragmatic politics.

"We've found that getting embroiled in legal battles is not very productive," she said. "We'd like to survive in the middle to long haul."

Nonetheless, the WP is metamorphosing from its working class and Chinese-educated roots into a party of middle-class members as it continues to draw in young bilingual graduates.

This changing leadership profile affords it a broader appeal.

At the same time, it is unlikely to abandon its traditional emphasis on the poor and democratic reforms - as encapsulated in its manifesto - in the short term.

Unfortunately, its Achilles heel also remains: a poor crop of minority candidates.

Mr Low had acknowledged after the election that the party lost Aljunied GRC because it failed to secure enough votes from the Malay community.

He conceded that the minority candidate on WP's Aljunied team, Mr Mohammed Rahizan Yaacob, did not connect with voters as well as Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed - his PAP counterpart.

"If Malay, Indian or other minority races do not come forward to join the opposition, we will be caught," he said.

Despite the recent influx of new members, there have not been more credible minority faces.

"Someone like Zainul? No, we don't have that yet," says a member.

But Mr Eric Tan believes getting good minority candidates is tough for all parties, including the PAP.

"It is on our to-do list," he adds.

One area which could see change is the party's media strategy. Some party members say Mr Low still wants to keep a distance from the media, while younger ones hint that they have standing instructions not to accept interviews without checking with party leaders.

Yet, some want to reach out to the mainstream media as they see it as one useful way to connect with Singaporeans.

As with any party that sees a sudden infusion of new talents, there are also murmurings of impatience with Mr Low's perceived conservative and overly cautious stance.

But sources interviewed say he has been astute in his readiness to listen to differing views and submit to the democratic processes within the party.

Intra-party negotiations will require members to be skilled and disciplined.

To continue its ascent, the party must avoid the script of most opposition parties here: a rise followed by a quick fall triggered by in-fighting and poor party discipline.

Given his years of experience and standing as the party's only elected MP, Mr Low's leadership remains critical. Any attempt by younger members to usurp his position could prove fatal on their part.

For now, the party is solidly united behind him and the euphoric mood has not subsided. Many younger members have described themselves as being "upbeat" and "motivated".

Mr Eric Tan declares: "We have captured the imagination of Singaporeans."

Ms Lim is also optimistic about the party's future. She says: "We should be able to field more candidates by the next general election."

The other parties: Staying together?

LIKE the WP, the SDA - comprising Singapore People's Party (SPP), the National Solidarity Party (NSP), the Singapore Malay National Organisation (PKMS) and Singapore Justice Party (SJP) - won one parliamentary seat.

The WP scored 38.4 per cent of the votes and the SDA had 32.5 per cent.

Yet, while the WP displayed a united and coherent election strategy, the SDA's campaign was quite the opposite.

Sources in the alliance reveal that they were disorganised and there was poor coordination between the two major parties - SPP and NSP.

For example, a plan to introduce all 20 candidates had to be axed at the last minute because the SPP's Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC team was not ready.

The alliance also fumbled over its rally schedule. "We had more than one a night and they were all not coordinated. Most of the time we had no idea what the SPP was doing or saying," says an NSP member.

Some alliance members blame chairman Chiam See Tong. They describe him as an indifferent captain and the alliance a rudderless ship.

The Potong Pasir MP promised to have an election post-mortem "two, three weeks" after the polls, but nothing has been done so far, says a source.

"He is only interested in Potong Pasir. He doesn't care about renewal and growing SDA," says a member.

An NSP member puts it more starkly: "As long as he's there, SDA won't grow."

But no one wants to push him out.

"We still respect him...and we don't want to be another Chee," says the NSP member.

Problems with protege Chee Soon Juan led Mr Chiam to resign as secretary-general of the SDP and later as a member. In 1996, he joined the SPP which became part of the SDA.

But over the years, Mr Chiam has turned his loyal supporters into critics. One of them, party chairman Sin Kek Tong, accused him of wanting only "fame and power" and resisting renewal by rejecting well-qualified people who want to be party members.

Mr Sin says he has met Mr Chiam to discuss these issues but he stands by his comments.

At the meeting, both men agreed to push ahead with "aggressive" renewal plans. But talk might not translate into action, he admits.

Mr Chiam, 71, brushes aside such criticisms.

"If you can introduce somebody tomorrow, I will step down as secretary-general of the party, let him take over. Renewal, easier said than done," he tells Insight.

But NSP secretary-general Steve Chia, who is taking a break from politics, believes Mr Chiam can take up a "mentor adviser" role, like Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, and let someone else lead the SDA.

It is an idea Mr Chiam rejects as he believes there is much more he needs to do. Asked what these might be, he says: "My main focus is economic union with Malaysia. I still think it can be done."

With him at the helm though, the alliance will likely meander along between elections, as is happening now.

Members have three suggestions for an overhaul.

One is to turn the alliance into a single party. Mr Steve Chia, NSP member Vincent Yeo and Mr Sin are keen advocates. It would give SDA a united agenda and avoid duplication of activities, they argue.

But Mr Chiam and the PKMS are against it.

PKMS president Borhan Ariffin says: "Our party has assets and property like the five-storey building in Upper Changi Road worth millions. We prefer to stay as an alliance."

A second suggestion is to retain the alliance and solve the current problems, which Mr Chiam and the PKMS prefer.

They concede that the set-up does pose problems in attracting new members. For example, some people want to be in the SDA but the rules require them to join one of the member parties instead. They often end up not joining at all.

The third suggestion is to disband the SDA with each party going its own way.

This might well happen once Mr Chiam exits the scene as no one currently appears to be able to command a hold over the entire alliance.

Right now, the alliance remains his personal vehicle while most of the others in it tolerate the ride because they need him to boost the grouping's chances.

For as long as both sides find the relationship beneficial, it will survive.

Still, it is in far better shape than its nearest competitor, the beleaguered SDP.

Once the biggest opposition party here, after it won three seats in the 1991 polls, the SDP fared the worst in this election with 23.3 per cent share of the votes.

It is in dire straits following a defamation suit. The 26-year-old party could close down if it cannot pay damages to PM Lee and MM Lee for defaming them in a SDP newsletter this year. A hearing to assess the damages has not been set.

Two CEC members quit after the polls and more defections appear to be on the cards.

The talk is that some may hop over to the Democratic Progressive Party, a small player in the opposition circle, and undertake the task of reviving the party.

Sources say that some members will go party-shopping only after the SDP is wound up.

"I don't want to be seen as a grasshopper, hopping from one party to another just because the party is in trouble," says a member.

But there is also tension simmering between party leaders, which SDP chief Chee Soon Juan has denied repeatedly.

Sources say party veterans Ling How Doong and Wong Hong Toy had plans to oust him but could not find someone keen to take over. There is also talk that Dr Chee, who is fighting the same defamation suit, intends to shore up his support base by roping in more new members.

But such manoeuvrings would come to nought if the party ends up being shut down.

If the SDP is unable to stave off closure and the SDA is unable to shake off stupor and the WP is able to stay focused, the next general election will see it powering further ahead of the pack. The biggest, shiniest opposition vehicle in town? All signs point that way.