Channel NewsAsia: Workers' Party's Low says PAP 'not First World government'

SINGAPORE VOTES 2006



By Asha Popatlal

SINGAPORE : Workers' Party Secretary-General Low Thia Khiang has accused the People's Action Party of not being a First World government, and challenged the ruling party to benchmark itself politically against other mature democracies.

He was responding to Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's charge that opposition members are not of First World standard.

Said Mr Low, "Yes, we are not First World standard. We are not shy to say that, we are realistic. We are not trying to blow a trumpet, we accept what we are today but we are progressing the younger generation, offering choice to them. But I believe that MM Lee is a fair person. I believe he must know that PAP is not a First World government as well.

He added, "All of us are aware that the PAP is benchmarking a lot of things, benchmarking ministers' salaries to market, so you always talk of international benchmarking. Perhaps it is time that the PAP should benchmark itself politically against international mature democracy standards."

Attacking the PAP's promise of upgrading in estates like Hougang and Potong Pasir if the residents vote for the ruling party, Mr Low accused the PAP of resorting to short-term carrot-and stick politics.

Mr Low said, "If I don't vote for the PAP, I will have no upgrading or if I don't vote for the PAP, I might lose something, my children may not be able to go to kindergarten -- these are very short-sighted and short-term interests. The election is supposed to be about macro issues, the future of the nation. You are deciding the future of the nation." - CNA /ct