Why I'll vote for Dr Tan Cheng Bock

For many years, I went to the Ama Keng Clinic but I never knew that this friendly family doctor was an MP. I was surprised as he seemed very down-to-earth & low profile. Many of his patients knew him to be a man with a big heart because he will not charge a patient for medication if he knows that the patient cannot afford it. I visit Dr Tan when I'm unwell, and he has always been very caring & often provided good advice. I've also met him in person when he was doing walkabouts, and I realize that this is one man who is willing to help the common man on the street.

These are 7 reasons why I vote for him:
1) He is not a PAP man: I am surprised that the online community viewed him with suspicion. If they had done a bit of research on his past & what he said in parliament, they would realize that he has spoken up against Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Dr Goh Keng Swee and many others. When Dr Tan Cheng Bock asked the government to tone down the call for foreign talent, Mr Lee Kuan Yew said, “So,when I heard Dr Tan Cheng Bock,I decided I would stand up and tell him he’s wrong… you have to decide whether you think he knows more or I know more. You have to decide whether he will give you the answer to Singapore’s future — or that I am likely to give you the better road to the future.” This is a clear indication that he is no "Yes" man.

2) He is not an opposition man either: Now who is to say that if one day the opposition parties form the majority in government - they will not end up like PAP? This is normal in politics. So, this is where the President cannot be supporting one side. Then, how can he be objective? We must choose someone who is independent - then he has no political agenda so that if the government propose to use the reserves, he has a clear mind on whether it is right or wrong. We're not here to choose an MP who can dictate policies. This is PE, not GE.

3) He has a heart: It's difficult to be convinced if you do not know him, but he has helped many from all walks of life. He actually mentioned the concerns of the people in Parliament everytime when the government discussed the year's Budget. Now, this is also the reason he is so popular with Ayer Rajah residents. He helps them, and he hears them out. NSP's Steve Chia, before he endorsed another PE candidate, said this about Dr Tan, ""He is more independent minded than any other MPs or Ministers I have interacted with, and more concerned about the people too." Now, Steve Chia should know better because they were both in parliament and knows what Dr Tan Cheng Bock said behind closed doors.


4) He always stands up for what he believes in: This is one thing I realize about Dr Tan. He is one of those people who has a conscience and simply cannot keep quiet if he sees a wrong. It's almost like a disease. He can be obstinate when he's fighting a cause. You can see this when you see how he voted against the NCMP scheme. He was cut off several times in Parliament but he did not give up.

5) He has gained respect from both Opposition & PAP leaders: This was posted on his website - a quote from Mr Chiam See Tong, "‎"I am heartened to hear the two Tans who spoke before me. I would like to commend them. At least, now I know that there are PAP Members in the PAP Backbench who do care for the common man in the street." Mr Chiam See Tong was praising Dr Tan for raising the concerns of the citizens about the rising cost of living in parliament. Positive comments from PAP leaders? Well, there are various but of course, none was said recently. ;) Most of the positive comments came many years back when he was still a PAP MP, but none now that he is running against Tony Tan. Lol.


6) He is wise: No point making many promises now which you cannot fulfill. No point being loud and arguing loudly. We need a President who is wise in his ways. Before he became an MP, he was quite reluctant to join PAP. In fact, he rejected it the first time. But he accepted it only because he wanted to help the people of Ayer Rajah. It's really not about the party you choose, but about whether you can actually HELP PEOPLE once you enter the parliament. And help them, he did. So, I expect him to practice the wisdom in dealing with the government. I know he will comment if he thinks the government churns out policies which affects the people. But he may choose to do it quietly and behind the scenes without getting the media involved. This is better than being a loudspeaker but not delivering results.


7) He has the experience: He had corporate experience, but he does not boast about it. He has been an independent Director of a bank & Chairman of a multi-million dollar company, among other things. But who wants to know these boring details & "track records" - these are just additional reasons.

You decide whether this is enough. I'm just sharing my experience in knowing Doc. He is not a fake - he is for real.

SPP members endorse Dr Tan Cheng Bock

Two prominent members of the Singapore People’s Party (SPP) have come out to voice support for Presidential candidate Dr Tan Cheng Bock. They are Mr Benjamin Pwee, Second Assistant Secretary General, and Mr Jimmy Lee, member of the Central Executive Council. 

http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/08/spp%E2%80%99s-benjamin-pwee-jimmy-lee-for-tan-cheng-bock/

Boo

The jeers that greeted Presidential candidate Dr Tony Tan as he took to the stage to give his speech on Nomination Day were loud enough that those who were watching the live broadcast on Channel Newsasia could here.


“I think it is deeply disappointing to have people who will not even listen. I hope that during this campaign, Singaporeans will listen to views of all the candidates,” Dr Tan told the press afterwards.
According to Today, it was the supporters of rival candidate Mr Tan Jee Say who jeered at Dr Tony Tan. The Online Citizen’s volunteer photographer Shawn Danker who was present at the Nomination Centre concurred.

http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/08/much-a-boo-about-nothing/

Presidential Council

When the next President of the Republic is sworn into office next month, he will inherit a council of advisers who have held or are holding chairmanships in the likes of Singapore Airlines, Temasek Holdings and OCBC, and have an average age of over 72.


This cabal of wise men will be expected to advice the democratically elected President in the exercise of his custodial and discretionary powers under the Constitution.

Former top civil servant J Y Pillay heads the current Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA). Mr Pillay, 77, who was once hailed by former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew as ‘equal to the best brains in America’, is the longest serving member in the current CPA, having served a decade since he was first appointed to the council in 2001. He has been chairman of the high-powered council since 2005.

http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/08/all-the-president%E2%80%99s-men-%E2%80%93-taking-a-closer-look-at-the-council-of-presidential-advisers/

Anti- Tony Tan picbadges on FB

 More anti-Tony Tan picbadges

http://www.temasekreview.com/2011/08/10/number-of-netizens-wearing-anti-tony-tan-picbadges-on-facebooks-exceed-those-of-tony-tan/

Nicole Seah smear campaign by TNP

http://www.temasekreview.com/2011/06/20/nicole-seah-declares-statement-of-account-as-tnps-smear-campaign-flops-again/

WP wins Hougang

 SINGAPORE: The opposition has won the Hougang Single-Member Constituency (SMC) while the People's Action Party (PAP) took the remaining 11 single-seat constituencies in the General Election.

Mr Yaw Shin Leong from the opposition Workers' Party won against PAP's Desmond Choo in Hougang, taking 64.81 per cent of the valid votes.

Mr Yaw said: "This is very humbling moment for me.

"It is very humbling because the people of Hougang has not just voted with their hearts, but also their minds.

"Because they know Hougang has a role to play. This role has nationalistic importance. For this victory and mandate, I want to thank one person, my mentor Mr Low Thia Khiang".

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/1127421_162/1/.html

WP Low hits out at PAP

SINGAPORE : In his rally speech on Thursday, the Secretary-General of the Workers' Party (WP), Low Thia Khiang, hit out at the People's Action Party (PAP) for gerrymandering, for mounting a personal attack against him, and for being arrogant.

He said the party did not expect the WP to attract talent to contest in a Group Representation Constituency (GRC).

He said he decided to do so, because in the last election, after the party has won 44 per cent of votes in Aljunied, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew challenged him to move out of Hougang SMC.

Mr Low said: "Never would the PAP imagine that there is a chance that a GRC could fall and that there would be a time when the opposition is able to recruit such a pool of talent into their ranks, and especially the candidates for Aljunied GRC. Such is their arrogance and over confidence when they think they have successfully stripped all power away from Singaporeans!"

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/1127055_162/1/.html

Shadow Health Plans from SDP

The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) continued to make the education system here an election issue. SDP's Teo Soh Lung, who is contesting the Yuhua single ward, brought up the issue of class size again at the Bukit Panjang SMC rally.

She said PAP candidate Grace Fu's insistence that it is less than 40 is not the case.

In response to the SDP criticism, Senior Minister of State (Education) Grace Fu had said the teacher to pupil ratio is "actually below 20". She explained that while there are still 40 per class, the ratio goes below 20 in certain programmes that the pupils are pulled into for smaller group interaction.

The SDP has interpreted this as the class size is still 40 and that the class size of 20 is for gifted children. Ms Teo asked why there was discrimination against normal children.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/1126563_162/1/.html

Chiam See Tong sorry he can't take care of PP

SINGAPORE: It was an emotional moment, as Opposition veteran Chiam See Tong returned to the stage where he first emerged victorious and entered Parliament, six General Elections ago, in Potong Pasir.

"I am sorry I am no longer able to provide care for you," said Mr Chiam as he explained to supporters his decision to contest in Bishan-Toa Payoh Group Representation Constituency (GRC).

Contesting in his stead at the single-seat ward is his wife Lina Chiam.

He was not leaving Potong Pasir "to gain more glory", Mr Chiam said.

"I go to Bishan-Toa Payoh to promote democracy in Singapore," said Mr Chiam in his 18-minute speech at the Singapore People's Party (SPP) rally last night.

"You cannot have democracy unless you have Opposition in Parliament."

Mr Benjamin Pwee, who is part of the Singapore People's Party (SPP) team Mr Chiam is helming, added: "It is not Mr Chiam who walks out of Potong Pasir … it is the spirit of Potong Pasir that walks into Bishan and Toa Payoh."

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/1126022_162/1/.html

Nicole Seah on Foreigner issue

SINGAPORE: The influx of foreign workers was a common thread at the National Solidarity Party's (NSP) rally in Geylang East on Thursday night.

Speaking on the issue was the party's star attraction, Ms Nicole Seah, who said Singapore's population had increased by 26 per cent over the last decade, attributing the growth to the Republic opening its doors to foreigners.

The squeeze, she added, was felt most on the public transport system.

Reminiscing about her primary school days when she saw mostly Singaporeans on the train, the 24-year-old quipped: "Now, every time I take the train, it feels like I'm in a different country. It is like taking a holiday, I don't even need to bring my passport."

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/1125629_162/1/.html

WP introduces candidates

 SINGAPORE : The Workers' Party (WP) introduced four more candidates on Saturday.

Among them were two new candidates - 37-year-old Koh Choong Yong, an IT executive and head of the party's Youth Wing; and 31-year-old researcher Toh Hong Boon, who is with the Genome Institute of Singapore.

Both men spoke of overcoming the reservations of family members and friends when they decided to join the opposition cause.

Mr Koh said he would like to address the cost of living, in particular, the way electricity is priced.

Mr Toh in turn said he would like to refocus the Central Provident Fund (CPF) as a retirement plan, noting that the use of the funds has loosened too much over time. Currently, account holders may use the money to purchase homes, pay for medical bills, and for investment.

The party also announced that it's fielding Vice-Chairman Mohammed Rahizan bin Yaacob and Dr Poh Lee Guan.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/1124448_162/1/.html

SDP introduces candidate

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) on Thursday introduced six of its 11 candidates for the May 7 General Election.

They are:

46-year-old academic Dr James Gomez;

49-year-old social psychology lecturer and SDP assistant secretary-general Mr John Tan;

40-year-old civil society activist Dr Vincent Wijeysingha;

26-year-old F&B business owner Jarrod Luo who is also the secretary of the party's youth wing, the Young Democrats;

35-year-old former civil servant turned part-time educator Ms Michelle Lee Juen. Ms Lee, who had worked at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), now teaches a group of underprivileged children in the Holland area;

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/1124135_162/1/.html

Smear campaign backfires

http://www.temasekreview.com/2011/04/20/pap%E2%80%99s-smear-campaign-against-chen-show-mao-backfired-dramatically/

Shift in PAP Mindset

SINGAPORE : Opposition MP Low Thia Khiang has welcomed comments by Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam that a strong opposition is good for the People's Action Party (PAP) and Singapore.

He also noted another positive sign - the coverage of opposition parties by the Singapore media.

For the breakfast crowd at the market and food centres, it is obvious their ward is likely to be contested in the General Election when they see the opposition parties in the neighbourhood.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/1120425_162/1/.html

No Suicide Squad at TP GRC

http://www.temasekreview.com/2011/03/28/nsp-sdp-suicide-squads-rubbish/

NSP names candidates

GE: NSP names Tampines GRC candidates
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid | Posted: 27 March 2011 1934 hrs

SINGAPORE: The National Solidarity Party (NSP) has named four of five candidates who will stand in the five-member Tampines Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in the upcoming General Election.

Apart from the party's secretary-general Goh Meng Seng, the other three are first-time candidates.

The NSP introduced its three candidates bright and early in Tampines GRC.

One of them is 49 year-old Gilbert Goh, the president of Social Welfare Organisation Transitioning.Org, which provides counselling for the unemployed.


http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/1119126_162/1/.html

PAP will face toughest challenge in this GE

http://www.temasekreview.com/2011/03/06/ruling-party-to-face-first-ever-serious-challenge-come-ge/

Opposition to contest all seats

SINGAPORE: Singapore's major opposition parties have come to an agreement to contest all 27 constituencies in the next General Election (GE), which is due before February 2012.

At Saturday's meeting, they also agreed to avoid three-cornered fights in Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs), meaning most of the GRCs are likely to see a straight fight.

However, in the case of the 12 Single-Member Constituencies (SMCs), the party leaders said discussions are ongoing.

If the opposition parties keep to their declaration, the next GE is likely to see a situation where the PAP will not be returned to power on Nomination Day.

Going into the details of where they stand to contest, Workers' Party (WP) chairman Sylvia Lim said her party will be in the Aljunied and East Coast GRCs.

She said the WP is also interested in the newly-carved out Moulmein-Kallang GRC as well as Nee Soon GRC.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/1114574_162/1/.html

SDP Campaign on Internet

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Democratic Party will be looking to leverage on the Internet in their campaign for the coming General Election.

When contacted, the party's secretary-general Chee Soon Juan said: "We will maximise the use of the social media to help us spread our message.


"We will be stepping up our ground campaign in the coming weeks."

Dr Chee said he did not see a logical explanation in how the boundaries had been drawn and they "seem to have been carved up in a haphazard way to benefit the PAP".

He added: "We will be confirming our slate of candidates in the weeks ahead and we will announce them at the appropriate time."

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/1112843_162/1/.html 

PAP accessing which MP for GE

PAP assessing which MPs should make way for new blood
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid | Posted: 12 February 2011 1624 hrs

SINGAPORE: The People's Action Party (PAP) is assessing who among the current MPs should step down to make way for new candidates in the next General Election, which must be held by February next year.


http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/1110318_162/1/.html