TODAY: The Workers' Party on those four 'time bombs'

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

THE opposition Workers' Party (WP) is standing firmly by its manifesto despite the strong criticism it has received from the Government, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong himself.

In a one-page statement released to the media yesterday evening, WP chairman Sylvia Lim responded to each of the four "time bombs" highlighted by Manpower Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen on Saturday, which includes removing the quota for public housing and the elected presidency.

In its 52-page manifesto released on Jan 14, the WP had also proposed that Residents' Committees (RC) and Citizens' Consultative Committees (CCC) be abolished, but in response, Dr Ng said these grassroots organisations were necessary to bring racial and religious communities together.

Ms Lim, however, challenged his remarks: "To say that (RCs and CCCs) are the only ones who can play a role in the community and serve a useful role during crises such as Sars is to underestimate the community's ability to respond to such crises."

She added that the Government seemed to perceive Singaporeans as a "docile lot with no initiative" who need to depend on RCs and CCCs, "which is an insult to Singaporeans."

To which MP Charles Chong (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC) wondered: "Have they got a better alternative to put forward? I'm willing to listen to it if they do." Mr Chong said this particular proposal was an "irresponsible" one.

"Are they saying everybody should be left alone and just fend for themselves, survival of the fittest? To suggest we just dismantle existing organisations is not practical and reasonable. There will always be a need for citizens to go above and beyond just taking care of themselves," he told TODAY.

Most of those involved in RCs and CCCs are "unpaid volunteers that come forward to articulate the concerns of the people", so he urged the WP to "look at the bigger picture" instead.

Bedok CCC secretary Patrick Tay said the importance of the groups was to serve as a "bridge between the people and the Government," but stressed this was just one of their many roles in the community.

"We are here to provide an additional channel for residents to give feedback. That's how we can improve the neighbourhood. I see us as one big family working together," he said.

In the statement by the WP, Ms Lim said one reason why her party had strongly recommended that the ethnic quota for housing be scrapped was that it imposed "hardship on people wanting to buy and sell homes".

Having this quota helps ensure an even spread of races in public estates by restricting the proportion of flats that can be owned by different races in a single neighbourhood or block. Chinese residents, for instance, can comprise no more than 84 per cent of units in a neighbourhood and Malays, 22 per cent.

Mr Chong said having such a criteria was "a small price to pay" if Singapore were to avoid reverting back to the ethnic enclaves of yesteryear.

The WP also continued its push for more subsidies to be given to the elderly and unemployed for areas such as education and healthcare.

Dr Ng responded by acknowledging that it was the Government's duty to help the less fortunate, but only out of Budget surpluses.

Ms Lim shot back that the Government should help the lower-income group at all times and not only address their concerns when such surpluses arose.

Like Dr Ng and Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan before him, PM Lee urged the WP and its chief Low Thia Khiang to revise their manifesto, saying that their proposals destroyed the fundamental principles Singapore had built and thrived on.

Speaking at a community event yesterday, Mr Lee said: "Where do they stand? Either you rethink your position and publish a revised manifesto - version 1.2, there is still time - or if they want to stand by that, explain what they mean, justify, defend and we will join issues and fight the elections on these issues."

In a comment directed at Mr Low: "This is not just a matter of you talking casually at the coffee shop after drinks. It's a manifesto for the General Election and he is offering himself as an alternative, (so) it has to be scrutinised."

---

THE FOUR POINTS

• WP wants to abolish RCs and CCCs: Dr Ng says these groups help foster close community links and play crucial roles in times of crises.

Ms Lim says the Government seems to perceive Singaporeans as a "docile lot" that cannot take care of themselves.

• WP wants to remove ethnic quota for housing: Dr Ng says this quota fosters multi-racial public housing estates.

Ms Lim says a certain level of integration has already been achieved and the quota imposes hardship on home buyers and sellers.

• WP wants to abolish Elected Presidency: Dr Ng says the Elected President is to prevent having a corrupt Government and to protect reserves from being squandered. Ms Lim says the WP has maintained its position for this proposal since 1988.

• WP wants more subsidies for lower-income groups: Dr Ng says the Government will provide when there are Budget surpluses. Ms Lim says the needs of the less fortunate should be addressed at all times and not just when there are such surpluses.

TODAY: Workers' Party updates its manifesto

WITH whispers of elections around the corner, the Workers' Party (WP) launched its updated manifesto on Saturday.

The 52-page booklet outlines the party's stand on issues and policies, covering areas from economic and judicial policies to media and sports and recreation.

On civil liberties, the party takes the stand that the Group Representation Constituency be abolished and that electoral boundaries be announced at least one year before a General Election is called, and the rationale for changes be explained.

The party has also taken up the cause for a fairer judiciary system, pointing out, among other things, that the Court of Appeal should not have the power to enhance the sentence, that an arrested person should have early access to a lawyer, and that there should be equal access to case information for the defence and prosecution.

On housing policies, it calls for a fair allocation of public housing subsidies for all citizens, including singles, as well as a second but lower cash grant for second time buyers.

On policies related to the arts and media, the WP calls for political films to be allowed under the Films Act. The manifesto, last updated in 1994, took one year to work on, said WP chief Low Thia Khiang.

"This shows that the WP is serious about politics," said Mr Low.

It went through a more comprehensive consultation process than previous manifestos, culling feedback from members of the public as well as experts. With about 200 active members, in the coming election, the party has new candidates to pick from.

Asked how he feels about WP being the opposition party to watch, Mr Low said: "I don't know. Better don't watch too much. It's better to watch the PAP to see what they're doing." - TEO HWEE NAK

TODAY: Could Worker's Party throw hat into PM's ring?

TEO HWEE NAK
DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR
hweenak@newstoday.com.sg


OOI BOON KEONG


GRCs in red, Single Member Constituencies in blue

IT HASN'T happened since 1991. After all, it isn't exactly the wisest thing to do.

When it comes to fielding candidates in the General Elections, Singapore's Opposition parties have always steered clear of wards held by the Prime Minister - or any senior minister, for that matter - for obvious reasons.

The Workers' Party (WP), however, may shelve that prudence this time around.

WP chief Low Thia Khiang (picture) has identified Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency (GRC) as one of the wards it is targeting to stand in for the coming election, which it will campaign on the theme, "You have a choice".

The GRC, now held by a six-member People's Action Party team helmed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, is one of four GRCs - out of a total of 14 on the electoral map - handpicked by WP as its targeted battlegrounds. The other three are Aljunied, Sembawang and East Coast.

The party is also gunning for the two Single Member Constituencies of Nee Soon East and Joo Chiat, on top of defending Mr Low's Hougang seat.

Sending a team to PM's ward may be a suicide mission - but that's not the point, Mr Low said.

"We're not saying that we'll win Ang Mo Kio, what," he quipped. "We're going there to participate so people have a choice. I think the people in Ang Mo Kio would like that."

While the Prime Minister's mandate historically comes from the national percentage, Mr Low thinks it is "important" that a mandate comes from his own constituency as well, since this is Mr Lee's first election as Prime Minister.

He told Today: "I think it will be a disservice to Singaporeans if he doesn't have a chance to show that he has the mandate. It's our view that Ang Mo Kio should be contested. But whether or not we are able to do it depends on our resources."

It also depends on how the electoral boundaries are redrawn, Mr Low added.

He declined to reveal his priorities for the constituencies his party has picked out, but said they were chosen after "feeling the ground".

The last time a Prime Minister's ward was contested was in 1991 - also Mr Goh Chok Tong's first election as Prime Minister. Mr Goh beat the team from the Singapore Justice Party with 77.25 per cent of the votes.

Mr Lee also has not faced a direct contest on homeground since 1988, when independent candidate Patrick Leong contested his Teck Ghee ward. Mr Lee took the seat with a landslide 79.13 per cent of the votes.

If WP really fields a team in Ang Mo Kio GRC - which apart from Ang Mo Kio town also covers Yio Chu Kang, Yishun, Serangoon, and some parts of Punggol and Sengkang - it will be the first time constituents in the GRC get to vote.

Calling this an interesting development in what is an "untested territory", political scientist Ho Khai Leong said that a contest in Ang Mo Kio would give the constituents a chance to endorse - or reject - the Prime Minister and his programmes directly.

But he said that the move could also backfire. "People won't want to vote the PM out. Mr Lee can then claim that mandate, even if total PAP votes go down," said Dr Ho.

He also noted that in past elections, the Prime Minister has visited other wards during the campaigning period to help rally support for other MPs.

Said Dr Ho: "If he's preoccupied in his own constituency, he may have less time to go elsewhere.

"But I think the Prime Minister will be able to juggle."

Mr Seng Han Thong, MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, doesn't have a shred of doubt on that.

A contest in Ang Mo Kio GRC would not only be a local election - it will escalate into a national contest, he said.

"The Prime Minister, as national leader, will not only have to defend his own ward, but also go around advocating the PAP's agenda and manifesto. He will not confine himself to Ang Mo Kio," said Mr Seng, who added that he had seen Mr Low working the ground in the constituency.

The Prime Minister, in an email responding to TODAY's query, said that he welcomes this contest, and "looks forward to meeting the WP team in Ang Mo Kio GRC, hopefully led by Low Thia Khiang himself".

New Paper on Sunday: Unbelievable news?

Not if Worker's Party has its way

COMMENT
Clarence Chang
clarence@sph.com.sg



YOU wake up, open the morning paper and the front page headline says: Parliament, not the people, to vote for a new President.

Under it, a smaller headline: Latest electoral reform change to further empower the House, says new PM.

Wah, you think, just last month, this guy abolished GRCs, set up an independent election commission and threw out the Internal Security Act. His party is certainly true to its manifesto.

Just then, your wife hollers from the kitchen that she's almost out of bread, milk and sugar for breakfast.

No problem lah, you reply. Cheaper now - no more 5 per cent GST on basic necessities, as promised by the party.

Don't forget Ah Girl's check-up at the polyclinic tomorrow, says the wifey.

Cheaper too, you think. The Government's now putting more of taxpayers' money into healthcare.

Hmm, a thought just struck me: If we're collecting less money without GST, how are we paying the billion-dollar health bills?

Ah, never mind.

Just think of me, me and me. If warded, no problem. I've got more money in my Medisave account since the new CPF contribution rate is now 35 per cent, up from 33.

Papa's little darling then strolls in and says: "No problem, no problem. What if you lose your job, Pa? That happened to my friend's daddy, you know."

No probl... I mean, no worries, girl. Pa is now contributing to this new thing called unemployment insurance. If retrenched, I just take money from it.

"Not enough, how? Must sell flat?" Ah Girl is beginning to get a bit too precocious.

Of course not, girl. Now, Pa can buy a second flat from HDB at subsidised prices.

So we can downgrade without paying what we used to call a resale levy.

"No resale levy? So are people making money by buying and selling HDB flats, Pa?"

You don't worry about that, just prepare for your exams, okay?

Ah Girl retorts: "Pa, now no more streaming leh. And no more year-end exams."

Hmm, I'm not sure if she's preparing well for work life.

No time to think about that as I get on the MRT for work.

The logo on the doors of the train reads: National Transport Corporation.

Ah, yes. No more SBS Transit, SMRT, or even the Public Transport Council. Just the new NTC - a giant all-in-one mass provider. Cheaper fares and more routes.

But what if it goes bankrupt when it starts losing billions? Who cares, better enjoy it while it lasts... while it lasts... while it...

Then you get a jolt. "Wake up, Pa."

I fell asleep reading the papers. Now, what was I reading before I dozed off?

Ah, yes. It was about the Workers' Party's Manifesto 2006, which the party unveiled yesterday.

Timely because its secretary-general, Mr Low Thia Khiang, said "election is coming".

Denying that the document is a rehash of the party's 1994 manifesto under then-WP chief JB Jeyaretnam, he added: "We're not saying we have the best ideas."

The 52-page booklet covers 14 policy areas like civil liberties, education, national security, the economy, healthcare, the media and even sports.

"It shows the Workers' Party is serious about politics. We take the trouble to look at issues, and we're prepared to defend what we've put up today," said Mr Low.

Although the manifesto doesn't explain how the intended goodies are to be paid for, Mr Low did say: "At least we offer policy options."

While the 1994 manifesto was taglined "Power To The People", the 2006 motto is simply "You Have A Choice".

But Mr Low added that the party is "not aiming to be an alternative government" after the next GE.

"We recognise we don't have the ability to do that at this point in time... Let's face facts. We can't field as many candidates as we like."

Money, manpower and logistical resources are always problems, he explained, revealing that WP has only some 200 active members.

That's why opposition parties have often resorted to the so-called by-election effect - telling Singaporeans to vote for more opposition candidates because the PAP is already returned to power even before polls open.

TAKE ON THE PM

This time round, Mr Low stressed, that's not WP's strategy. If resources permit, he said it's even prepared to contest Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's stronghold of Ang Mo Kio GRC.

"I'm not saying we'll win Ang Mo Kio. Just go there and participate so people will have a choice. People in Ang Mo Ko will like that!" he said with a grin.

"If (Senior Minister) Goh Chok Tong is welcoming a contest, how can the PM not welcome a contest? You want a mandate from the people?"

What about opinions by some observers that the WP is "THE opposition party to watch" at the next GE?

Flanked by five other WP executive committee members, including party chairman Sylvia Lim and assistant secretaries-general Poh Lee Guan and James Gomez, Mr Low answered cheekily: "Don't watch too much. It's better to watch the PAP to see what they'll do. That's my advice."

Okay, I'll be watching for more media reports and doubt I'll nod off when election fever takes hold.

Sunday Times: Spat over deal to avoid 3-cornered fights

A TINY spat has broken out between two opposition parties, with one accusing the other of going back on an agreement to contest a ward together.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) yesterday chided the Workers' Party (WP) for working the ground in East Coast GRC behind its back.

In a terse press statement, it said it would now go ahead and contest in East Coast GRC and MacPherson on its own, since "WP has failed to abide by the agreement".

It added: "As far as the DPP is concerned, the door of communication is now closed... We are now ready to face three-cornered fights."

But WP chief Low Thia Khiang explained that it was a "confusion". A Chinese-language newspaper had misinterpreted WP's visits in Bedok as signs that it would contest East Coast GRC, which the DPP took as breaking an earlier agreement.

Said Mr Low: "There are always these problems of communication. But if the DPP insists on contesting in East Coast, maybe the WP will not go there."

He stressed that his party wanted to avoid three-cornered fights and would remain "flexible" on deciding which wards it would contest. He added he would speak to DPP's leaders to resolve the misunderstanding.

DPP chairman Mansur Rahman told The Sunday Times he would hear Mr Low out, saying: "We will see what the WP has to say."

But he expressed unhappiness that the WP had not discussed the Bedok visit with DPP. East Coast GRC is held by a six-man People's Action Party team helmed by Deputy Prime Minister S. Jayakumar.

T. Rajan

Sunday Times: Workers' Party unveils party manifesto

Opposition party's first policy paper since 1994, it is released now as elections are coming, says WP chief

T. Rajan


WORKERS' PARTY executive council members (from left) Mr James Gomez, Dr Poh Lee Guan, secretary-general Low Thia Khiang, chairman Sylvia Lim, Mr Mohammed Rahizan Yaacob and Mr Tan Wui-Hua took turns to read the new party manifesto to the media.
PHOTO: EDWIN KOO

THE Workers' Party (WP) yesterday unveiled its new party manifesto, which among other things, called on the Government to keep the basic cost of living down.

In a sign of the opposition moving into high gear for the next general election, the party presented its proposals on various national policies such as education, health and housing.

Party chief Low Thia Khiang said the WP had launched its manifesto to update its stand and proposals on policy issues. The MP for Hougang added: "We are releasing it now as it is time for a review of our position, and also because elections are coming."

The 52-page manifesto, titled You Have A Choice, is the first to come out of the party since 1994. It lists out a raft of proposals on almost every area of Singapore's policy infrastructure, from the civil service and judiciary to defence and the environment.

Asked to comment on the People's Action Party (PAP) Government's latest workfare package to help low-wage workers, Mr Low said the Government should have acted earlier.

But he added: "I do not want to belittle the workfare package by saying it is an election gimmick. It is a policy initiative to help the low-income and elderly group, and I welcome that."

Yesterday, Mr Low and five other executive council members presented the manifesto to the media at WP headquarters in Syed Alwi Road.

Party chairman Sylvia Lim, 40, focused on labour policies and legal matters. She floated proposals such as barring ministers from holding office in trade unions, and having a minimum wage. "These are fundamental things we believe in," she said.

Dr Poh Lee Guan called for transport, health care and housing costs to be kept low. The Government, he suggested, could set up a basic hospitalisation insurance scheme to supplement existing schemes like MediShield.

Mr James Gomez, Mr Tan Wui-Hua and Mr Mohammed Rahizan Yaacob spelt out the party's stand on areas such as education, arts, economic policy, environment, national security and sports.

For example, they pushed for the workload of teachers to be reduced, and the goods and services tax on basic necessities to be abolished.

Mr Low said the manifesto showed that the WP was serious about these issues, but stressed that he remained realistic. "We are not aiming to be the alternative government...but we do provide a choice, a credible option."

With one MP established in Parliament, the WP is seen by observers as one of the biggest contenders in the coming polls. Ministers and PAP MPs recently acknowledged that the opposition appears more prepared this time round.

PAP MP Ong Seh Hong (Aljunied GRC) said he welcomed "worthy opponents" in the polls. "If they take the elections seriously, then I think it's good for us, good for them and also good for Singaporeans."

Additional reporting by Peh Shing Huei

trajan@sph.com.sg

Channel NewsAsia: Workers' Party unveils manifesto, plans to contest 3 single wards & 4 GRCs

By Farah Abdul Rahim



The Workers' Party has unveiled its party manifesto and in the process also said it is going to contest in three single wards and four Group Representative Constituencies in the next General Election.

It is the first opposition party to release its manifesto ahead of the next General Election due by the middle of next year.

The party document details its policies from healthcare to labour, and contains proposals like unemployment insurance for those out of a job.

It also calls for the office of president to be reverted to its former ceremonial position and for one central agency to provide public transport for all.

The manifesto has not been updated since 1994.

Workers' Party Secretary-General, Low Thia Khiang, said: "Time for the renewal, that's the main reason and certainly the elections, that's another reason. We look at the issues seriously, explore policy options on many issues, state our positions and give our policy statements on certain government issues."

The Workers' Party said that in the next election, it is targeting the single wards of Hougang, Nee Soon East and Joo Chiat as well as 4 GRCs - Sembawang, East Coast, Ang Mo Kio and Aljunied.

Foreign Minister George Yeo, who is leading the PAP team in Aljunied, says he welcomes the challenge.

He said: "They wanted to compete in Aljunied the last time, although there were some problems with forms. I expect them to come back. They have been canvassing the ground sporadically. I think they will come back and I am not surprised."

The Workers' Party said it is aware the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) also has its eyes set on East Coast GRC.

Mr Low said he intends to talk to the DPP to prevent a three-cornered fight. - CNA/ir

Straits Times: Veteran MP wants to play the role of watchdog

INSIGHT FRIDAY
PEOPLE & POLITICS

The Workers' Party has been touted as the opposition party to watch at the next general election. Its leader, Hougang MP Low Thia Khiang, outlines to Li Xueying his long-term vision for the party


WORKING FOR SUPPORT: Opposition MP Low Thia Khiang selling copies of the Workers' Party newsletter, The Hammer, at a hawker centre in Bedok. While a few residents edge away from his group or wave them off, many others are politely receptive - a situation "already much improved" from the past, says Mr Low.

HIS tanned face creased in an affable smile and his light-blue shirt damp with perspiration, Hougang MP Low Thia Khiang is hard at work connecting with hawkers, yuppies and other residents in Bedok.

"Would you like to buy The Hammer? One dollar," he calls out.

A woman passes him a $2 note to be placed in the tin can, and he tells her good-humouredly: "I don't have change for you."

She shrugs and smiles.

It is a Sunday morning. Amid talk of an impending general election, the Workers' Party (WP) secretary-general and his entourage are meeting residents and selling the party newsletter at a hawker centre in Bedok North, which is part of the ruling People's Action Party's East Coast GRC.

While a few residents edge away from the group or wave them off, many others are politely receptive, if not supportive.

Information technology specialist M. Chua, 34, who opposes having casinos here on religious grounds, buys a copy "to find out more about what the other side thinks".

Madam Tay Kia Bee, 68, rushes up to Mr Low to pump his hand and pronounces herself a fervent supporter.

"Yi si teochew nang (He is a Teochew)," she says.

But aren't there Teochews among PAP MPs too?

"Yes," she replies. "But I've never met them."

But a stigma of being seen with the opposition lingers.

One young couple buy the newsletter, but do not want their photograph taken. And while another resident and his daughter loudly pronounce their support, they decline to speak with Insight.

But things are already much improved, says Mr Low.

"In the past, people would ask me, 'Is this legal or not?'" he says with a chuckle, referring to The Hammer.

In an interview at his Hougang Town Council office earlier, he said there was a climate of "fear" when he first entered politics in the 1980s.

As the election agent for former WP chief J.B. Jeyaretnam in 1985, his photographs often appeared in the press.

The Nanyang University graduate was then also a Chinese-language teacher at Peidao Secondary School.

"I know my vice-principal would always cut out newspaper reports and place them in my file. So I was waiting to see whether anything would happen," recalls the 50-year-old.

"I was waiting to be sacked."

He was not. But he resigned in 1986 to set up a construction business.

His wife, Madam Han Mui Keow, was then a customer service executive. One of her directors warned her that Mr Low was embarking on "a path of no return", using the Chinese term si bu de fan sheng.

"So when I was elected in 1991, I told my wife, 'You go and tell your boss - si yu fan sheng (a dead fish has turned)'. Have you ever seen a fish which looks like it's dead? But suddenly, it turns and it moves?"

Evident in that remark is a "never say die" attitude, a party philosophy that has made the WP, which was set up in 1957, Singapore's longest-surviving opposition party, says Mr Low.

There is also a certain colloquial style which, despite the grammatical errors or fractured delivery, has kept Mr Low popular with residents, and made him a force to be reckoned with.

His efforts to bond with Hougang's constituents extend to attending funeral wakes.

His election rallies, filled with Teochew anecdotes, are heartland draws.

In Parliament, he is seen as quick to probe ministers on issues, whether on a shortage of beds in Tan Tock Seng Hospital, or the implications of having integrated resorts here.

But his performance is calibrated, says Mr Low, who does not believe in opposing government policies "just because you are the opposition".

"I don't believe that opposition has to be a mad dog. You have to be a watchdog."

It is a style that has led him, and long-serving Potong Pasir MP Chiam See Tong, to be regarded as opposition politicians acceptable to the ruling PAP.

In 1992, then-senior minister Lee Kuan Yew noted that while both might disagree with the Government over certain issues, the differences were within reasonable limits and over how to solve problems, not whether the problems existed.

Mr Low says the element of "fear" still exists - the result of libel suits against past opposition politicians - but he has little sympathy for those who use it as a reason for not joining opposition politics:

"The fact is that there are so many opposition members around, including myself, who are still alive and kicking, walking around. So?"

His view must be convincing. In recent years, the WP has attracted a number of young Singaporeans, many of them professionals.

Its youth wing, set up last August, has 20 to 30 active members, out of a total active party membership of 200. This, together with a notable efficiency in marshalling resources to mount weekly constituency walkabouts and regular public forums, has led political observers, and even PAP MPs, to regard the WP as the opposition party likely to pose the strongest challenge to the PAP at the next polls.

But Mr Low is a mix of caution and candour.

He refuses to discuss his party's chances at the next election, the issues it will raise, or even to go into detail about his relationship with Mr Chiam.

He will say only that they "are friends" who confide in each other about problems they face on the political stage.

But give him some time to warm up, and Mr Low does drop some nuggets about the WP's plans.

He confirms that at the next election, it wants to contest in four GRCs - Sembawang, East Coast, Aljunied and Ang Mo Kio - and the single wards of Hougang, Nee Soon East and Joo Chiat.

The WP was set up in 1957 by former chief minister David Marshall. But it was only in 1971, when Mr Jeyaretnam took over, that the party published its first manifesto.

In 1981, Mr Jeyaretnam won the Anson by-election, becoming the first opposition member elected to Parliament since independence. But in 1986, he had to vacate his seat after being convicted for false declaration of party accounts.

The party re-established its parliamentary presence when Dr Lee Siew Choh was sworn in as a Non-Constituency MP in 1989 - and when Mr Low won in Hougang in the 1991 General Election.

A split occurred in 2001 when Mr Jeyaretnam left the party. He was bankrupted by a libel suit and unable to stand for elections. The veteran politician accused the WP leadership - including Mr Low, who took over as secretary-general - of not helping with his debts.

On the episode's repercussions, Mr Low says he does not believe the split was so serious as to result in a "major public backlash against the party".

Preferring to look ahead instead, he spoke of his vision for the WP's future:

"In the long term, I hope the party will evolve to become something like a civic political institution which contributes to society, not just on a political platform but, with more manpower resources, also to some charitable and community causes."

To date, members have quietly participated in community work under the WP banner, including helping Mercy Relief to raise funds in the aftermath of the Dec 26, 2004 tsunami.

Said Mr Low of such moves: "In politics, our political opponent is the PAP. But beyond that, there's a larger national interest. I think as a political party, you also have to play a role and be part of it."

Mr Low, a Buddhist and who was once described by the Chinese press as "an angry Teochew man", admits to being "quite emotional" and aggressive at times.

"But I learn," he says. "You need to have a clear mind as far as politics goes."

xueying@sph.com.sg

---

'Party has survived, evolved and stayed relevant'

>> What do you think the Workers' Party (WP) has achieved in the last 49 years?

First, we've managed to survive. No other local opposition parties from that era have done so. And we're still alive and kicking today.

That is no mean feat given the political environment we are in.

>> How has the party changed since 1957?

It has evolved with the times, stayed relevant with the issues of the day - yet remained committed to participating in the democratic process.

When Singapore became independent, we came out in the 1970s with the concept of moving "Towards A Caring Society".

Then it was "Power To The People", in which we focused on the underprivileged.

Today, on a conceptual level, our platform is "You Have A Choice" - you have a choice to help keep Singapore's democratic system alive.

>> The Government has also been focusing on the poor and the needy. Do you think your approach is becoming irrelevant?

There will always be an underprivileged segment in society, despite changed circumstances and especially with the advent of globalisation. We will highlight the plight of such groups...and get the PAP to look at them carefully. They may then win them over. Then, we'll look for new issues. I think that's our job. I'm quite happy to do that.

But I'm not one who will go around and create issues. I think it's meaningless. If there are no issues, I'll keep quiet.

>> Do you see a maturing of Singapore society and politics here?

In the past, candidates took each other on often like enemies. I believe we have evolved. Singaporeans also wish to see more political participation, and in a more mature manner.

This means yes, we are political opponents, but we are not enemies. We may have different views but we are all Singaporeans first and foremost. This change in political culture will make it easier for people to participate.

>> Has the WP considered merging with other opposition parties, be part of the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) for example, to consolidate resources?

In theory, it may be a good idea. But such a change has to evolve naturally.

There were some suggestions in the past about joining SDA. The WP looked at it, discussed the issue and decided that it may be better for us to continue going it alone. It is every party's right to take whichever approach it wants in politics. I believe in diversity.

TODAY: Workers' Party eyeing East Coast?

Walkabouts in Bedok North, but party chief says election focus areas still undecided

CHRISTIE LOH
christie@newstoday.com.sg

ELECTION fever is hotting up as much ado has been made recently about where the Workers' Party (WP) - one of Singapore's biggest and oldest political affiliations - has cast its eye.

The Group Representation Constituency (GRC) of East Coast is among the names bandied about as the WP has been sighted there three times this year selling their newspaper, The Hammer.

But WP's secretary-general Low Thia Khiang, 49, is not letting up even after a "warm" response from residents of the Bedok ward yesterday morning.

Speaking to TODAY on the sidelines of a walkabout in Bedok North, he said that the WP has not firmed up its target constituencies despite last week's meeting with other opposition parties.

"The meeting was to seek mutual understanding on where each party will perhaps contest. So, if there are areas where two or three parties are interested, then we will talk it out because it is not productive (to contest the same areas),” said Mr Low, who met with his peers from the Singapore People's Party, the National Solidarity Party and the Singapore Democratic Party recently.

Currently, Mr Low is focused on getting people acquainted with the WP through the party's newspaper. As he combed Bedok North's markets and food centres for buyers, many, such as graphic designer Cheong Pui Pui, 30, readily held out a dollar.

A male Chinese fruit-seller even remarked: "Mr Low is famous and eloquent," as the MP for Hougang walked by.

But not everyone was persuaded to buy a copy.

"The topics that The Hammer addresses affect the economy at large - such as the casinos - but that's not the heartlander's voice," said Mr Goh, 31, a human resource executive.

Such sentiments, however, do not get Mr Low down.

"I ask if you would like to buy a copy, but you have a choice whether or not to buy. You've got to be able to stand rejection as a politician. If you want to serve the people, you've got to be able to respect the choice of the people," he said.

If the WP does gun for the East Coast GRC, it will be up against the People's Action Party's six-man team led by Deputy Prime Minister Professor S Jayakumar, Second Minister for Finance and Foreign Affairs Raymond Lim and Speaker of Parliament Abdullah Tarmugi.

Over in Sembawang GRC helmed by former Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan, the WP made door-to-door visits in the Marsiling area yesterday afternoon. That was on top of the party's five outreach sessions listed on its website.

Similarly, Aljunied has been flagged as a WP target.

But until the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee releases its report, the exact battle lines are unclear.

TODAY: Battle royale in Aljunied GRC?

If a contest arises, it could be a heavyweight fight: Analysts

LEE CHING WERN
chingwern@newstoday.com.sg



GOING by the current activity in the constituency, a battle royale could be on the cards in Aljunied GRC in the elections which many believe are just around the corner.

Party bigwigs are not talking but political watchers say that if a contest does come about, a heavyweight battle is likely to be in the offing — with a PAP top-liner in the form of Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo on one side and Workers' Party (WP) chairman Sylvia Lim on the other.

Mr Yeo heads the current GRC slate with MPs Mdm Cynthia Phua, chairman of Aljunied Town Council, Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed and Dr Ong Seh Hong.

Both corners are keeping their cards well hidden but last month Mr Yeo, who many political analysts believe is destined for bigger things in government, unveiled a five-year master plan and budget worth $160 million to upgrade the GRC.

The GRC encircles the WP stronghold of Hougang, which is like the hole in the middle of a doughnut. The influence of WP stalwart Low Thia Khiang, who holds fort in Hougang, could spread to the GRC if this geographical juxtaposition of constituencies, which have similarities in demographics, count for anything.

Political watchers, who believe that Aljunied GRC is likely to remain part of the WP's political strategy, point to the fact that WP's Ms Lim and 2nd Assistant Secretary-General James Gomez have been spotted working the ground in Aljunied GRC during weekends.

Just two weeks ago, the WP also held a public outreach session at Hougang Ave 1.

The PAP have not been laggards in this aspect. Soon after the unveiling of the master plan by Mr Yeo, residents received flyers informing them of improvements that will be made to their living environment, which includes lift upgrading, security systems, adventure parks and other recreational facilities.

Roving exhibitions to obtain feedback from residents on the facelift are being held at all the housing estates. Mr Yeo has also been seen more often around the estate, residents told Today.

That the GRC has kept up with the needs of residents with the PAP at the helm can be gauged from the number of public amenities - 14 schools, 17 PAP education centres, six Community Clubs, 27 Child Care Centres, two sports halls/swimming complexes, 11 parks and three MRT stations.

In addition, the GRC can boast of being home to 11 churches, 13 temples and five mosques. And for shoppers, five malls.

"The buzz seems to be that the Workers' Party will field a strong foursome in the upcoming GE against a strong incumbent team which has been doing due diligence since winning the ward in 2001. There are signs that both sides have not rested on their political laurels, and are seeking to make an impression before the GE," said Ms Jeannie Conceicao, research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies.

How will the $160 million carrot affect the elections, Today asked residents of Aljunied GRC?

Residents welcomed the newly announced measures and IT professional Mr CK Tan said that for supporters of the PAP, they showed the commitment of the party to the constituency.

But some differ.

Then there are the diehards. "I will vote for the party I wish to support, regardless of whether the lift stops at every floor," said Mr Wilson Aw, a 23-year-old undergraduate.

Mr Yeo, when asked if the upgrading measures were timed to garner support from voters for the GE, said: "If you ask me whether this has anything to do with serving residents, winning their support, yes, the whole idea is to serve residents, win their support and serve them better."

But will the goodwill felt for Mr Low in Hougang spill over to Aljunied GRC?

"Sentiments still play a part in how people respond to candidates and political parties. This is evident in Hougang. But whether there will be any similar effect in Aljunied is hard to say because it also depends on which particular candidates the WP fields there and not purely on Mr Low's influence," said political scientist Dr Ho Khai Leong.

While they have definitely seen the WP working the ground, many residents that Today spoke to cannot remember the names of the party members they've met.

"Unless you're someone who follows politics very closely, chances are you won't know much about them, especially the new candidates. When we have to choose between voting for a known entity or an unknown entity, the choice is quite obvious. So to convince people to switch camps, the opposition has to be very clear as to what they can offer," said resident Mr Ow.

And what does the opposition have to offer?

The WP's Ms Lim told Today: "We have to work within the resources available to us to do our outreach. Even if some voters may not know us intimately, votes for the WP could serve a variety of purposes: To effect change and to indicate support for the WP or its candidates per se, or to express dissatisfaction with the incumbent party by sending them a clear signal."

With Singaporeans largely viewing upgrading as a given and a part of the social compact between the Government and the people, the new amenities may not win over some residents.

"To be honest, all these are cosmetic add-ons. Adventure parks and CCTVs are good to have, but I don't really need them," said Mr Ow, who added he would keep an open mind and listen to what the opposition has to offer before deciding on whom to vote into office.

In the last GE in 2001, a WP team tried to contest in Aljunied GRC but was disqualified because of incomplete nomination papers.

Their supporters would be sorely disappointed if that error was repeated.