Battle royale in Aljunied GRC?

depressed SG

Old news, but i thought its something to comment about.

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

Lee Ching Wern
[email protected]

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.

what the
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.

Although I applaud the efforts made by WP, I have to say that the contest described above is, in all likelihood, over-hyped.

First of all, George Yeo is not an unpopular minister. He is in charge of the Foreign Ministry and I have to say Mr Yeo has done his job ably. Singapore is well regarded in the international scene and that is remarkable for the fact that Singapore is only a small island state.

Secondly, the $160 million upgrading carrot will certainly have an effect has most would like their estate to be spruced up in the hope that it will help to boost the price of their properties.

However the table might be turned on PAP if the residents are made to hefty co-payment for the project. It is an issue that the WP can capitalise on.

WP could have made their task easier by targeting some of the weaker and more unpopular ministers for the next GE. In my opinion Hong Kah GRC would have been a good target for the WP because of the many unpopular policies that the anchor minister, Mr Yeo Cheow Tong, has implemented and that LTA is probably by far the most unpopular ministry in Singapore for the many debacles it had committed.

The task of challenging Mr Yeo on the upcoming GE would probably fall on SDP given that they had contested in Hong Kah GRC during the 2001 elections. But I really cannot see SDP winning the GRC just for the fact the SDPs reputation is no longer what it used to be after Dr Chee took over.

WTF got 160 million to spend money on upgrading exercise and 400k to spend on renaming exercise that ends up with the same name (hi marina bay!) but no money to pay NS slaves and tell MO no money to hire more MOs? kns

goh meng seng SG

Wherever we go, we will sure to bump into one or two ministers, regardless of whether he/she/they are "heavy weights" or not.

I think we must be realistic. Political apathy is everywhere in Singapore. The most important necessary (though not sufficient) criteria for winning the battle is to have a sizeable number of people with certain political awareness of the brand name Workers' Party. IF voters don't even have the slightest idea of your party logo or name, do you think there is any chance for them to vote for you?

Political awareness is created by approximity to our base in Hougang. People living near Hougang constituency would know who is Mr. Low Thia Khiang, even if they do not really know the party that he belongs. It would make our job easier to create higher level of awareness of our party name by association to our Hougang MP Mr. Low. This is opeartionally very practical thing. If you ask anyone in Holland Bukit Panjang about WP, chances are more than half of them only heard about the name but do not know exactly what it is or who is its MP at the moment.

PAP has chosen the strategy of "besiege" of Hougang, fearing that we may break through the barricade. This is why a heavy weight like George Yeo who happens to be Teo Cheow Catholic is chosen for such important task. The best chance is to break through this siege of PAP. Another way is to create another base on the Northern enclave (Nee Soon East) so that the same awareness of approximity could be created. This would give us another option, using it as another "springboard" to launch aggressive campaigning on the Northern front.

Hougang itself is a springboard or what we call a "breach head" in military strategic terms. A breach head is first launching pad for further attacks on the battle front. IF we do not use it efficiently and effectively, then we would be wasting our resources to go around Singapore on a wild goose chase. The battle in Aljunied GRC is inevitable strategically. PAP has played its cards well in strategical terms but we could still gain something out from it eventually. Wink

Goh Meng Seng

Ito_^ SG

so.. they got sent to a lil remote island?

lotus999 SG

GMS, you sounded very confident. Good luck to you!

pat33 SG

I hope this coming election would not be like the last.

I believe more and more Singaporeans would like to participate in the voting process. Not too many walkovers but some contesting of candidates. I am one for sure.

LazerLordz SG

You're contesting? Razz

SGLoyalist SG

Hi,

I think the coming election could be worse than the last Smile In the last, 28 opposition candidates stood and I estimate that this time, the number of opposition candidates would hover around the 18-20 mark.

If Singaporeans wish to participate in the elections, voting is but one way, and one of the smallest ways.

The good ones can run as Workers' Party candidates or other opposition party candidates. In this way, opposition parties will be able to field more than the 18-20 candidates, perhaps even 84, correct? And there will really be no walkovers at all, correct?

At the least, people should be open to the idea of helping opposition parties by becoming their assentors, polling agents or counting agents, as Mr Chia Ti Lik said in another posting. The experience will more than make up for the loss of a voting opportunity.

Regards

goh meng seng SG

Dear Lotus999,

I am not "confident" but merely speaking from an objective strategic point of view. i.e. Aljunied GRC will be the best shot we have even if it means to fight a "heavy weight" minister like George Yeo.

We will have to convince the voters why they need to vote for us even if it means forgoing the $160million upgrading program and a "heavy weight" George Yeo. It is just inevitable that Aljunied GRC would be rationally chosen as "THE" final battle ground.

Goh Meng Seng

pat33 SG

I am one of those who wish to participate in the voting process and not simply experience a walkover.

BillyBong SG

This election can't be worst than the last, considering how CSJ practically screwed up the chances for the opposition with his ridiculous outburst at then PM Goh CT.

That sentiment spilled over and affected the efforts of both WP and SPP, causing a virtual collapse in their overall campaign.

Chia Ti Lik SG

This was because by and large the people could not differentiate CSJ who is from SDP from the rest of the opposition.

gorby107 SG

hmm..... Hougang have a high population of Teochews

Wonder if the next PAP adviser to HG SMC(if PAP cannot win over HG SMC) will be a Teochew again a not like Eric Low to win over support Rolling Eyes

Will Aljunied GRC break up??? That is the question

goh meng seng SG

Dear Pat33,

I understand the sentiment of wanting to VOTE (or participating inthe process) in the elections. I am a Chengsan Voter and my right to vote was destroyed when they broke up Chengsan GRC after the close fight they have with WP back in 1997. I was pretty angry in 2001 to learn that I was robbed of my voting right by such "technicality". This is one of the reasons why I chose to PARTICIPATE in the political process in another way..join Workers' Party during the 2001 GE.

(read my blog singaporealternatives.blogspot.com)

The only way to keep our voting rights intact is to PROTECT it in every ways we can. Joining Workers' Party would maintain and provide the CHOICE that we have, no matter how limited it is. Another way of protecting our voting rights is to participate in the General Elections in OTHER WAYS. We may not have the opportunity to exercise our rights to vote, but we surely could exercise our rights to PARTICIPATE in the political process; I don't expect everyone to become candidates in election process, but there are other ways to participate in the political process, examples:

Help out any political parties that really need help during elections

1) Be a polling agent for party like Workers' Party which trying hard to maintain a credible choice to voters. In one GRC we need about 200 to 300 polling agents

2) Help out in setting up rally sites for political parties like Workers' Party

3) Help out in campaigning for alternative parties.

4) Help out in distributing political messages and candidates' profile during election time.

5) Become an independent rally reporters on the ground during election time. This is especially important when local media is bias in its reporting and we need people to balance out such bias practices. Start your own blogs to put such reports up or post them in forums like this one.

There are so many ways you could "PARTICIPATE" in the democratic political process. Your participation would be very meaningful to maintain or enhance the political competition even if you could VOTE directly in the elections.

Goh Meng Seng

goh meng seng SG

Dear Gorby,

Losing face for a heavy weight like George Yeo would be the last thing he wants roght before the main battle! Wink

They are stuck right now and most probably they can't do anything to the boundaries of Aljunied GRC, not even increasing its size to Six member GRC.

Goh Meng Seng

depressed SG

Originally posted by Chia Li Tik:This was because by and large the people could not differentiate CSJ who is from SDP from the rest of the opposition.

That shows how pathetic singaporeans are. Some of friends do not even know the name of the ruling party, the PAP! No wonder we deserve the PAP.
ppl complained abt the government abt rising costs and lack of freedom and many other things, but they don't even give the opposition a chance.

iamgoondu SG

Would you give chance to someone who put on flip-flops on nomination day? Would you give chance to someone who do no canvassing for votes? Are you at ease with a father-son party?

2001 - Parliamentary Election
Ayer Rajah (18,475) Tan Cheng Bock Tan Lead Shake

PAP DPP

15,024 2,057

87.96 12.04

1997 - Parliamentary Election
Ayer Rajah (22,025) Sin Kek Tong Tan Cheng Bock
SPP PAP

5,531 15,081

26.83 73.17

I am not sure how much does one who put on flip-flops may help in stemming down the rising costs?

1991 - Parlimentary Election
Buona Vista (14,596) A Karim Sattar Peter Sung
PKMS PAP

2,716 10,481

20.58 79.42

1988 - Parlimentary Election
Buona Vista (15,850) Abdul Karim B Abdul Sattar Low Yong Nguan Peter Sung
PKMS SDP PAP

449 5,037 8,859

3.13 35.11 61.76

1976 - Parlimentary Election
Buona Vista (16,267) Ang Kok Peng Hashim bin Mukayat
PAP UPF

12,704 2,649

82.75 17.25

We do give chance if the opposition candidate is right.

perhaps even 84, correct? And there will really be no walkovers at all, correct?

The opposition should go for quanlity rather than quantity. Why 84, if you have aplenty who put on flip-flops, singlets, bermudas during nomination, or one who posed naked with maid, I would rather the opposition contest only one SMC or GRC.

By fielding 84 candidates, it would only pull up the national averages of votes won over by the ruling party. And it could be interpreted as an increased confidence towards our new leadership, our ft policies...., instead.

If you ask anyone in Holland Bukit Panjang about WP, chances are more than half of them only heard about the name but do not know exactly what it is or who is its MP at the moment.

One is proud to say he had stayed in Toa Payoh for the past 30 years. I am delighted to say that I had stayed in Buona Vista for the past 30 years too. Unfortunately since the inception of GRC, Buona Vista has evolved from a SMC (in 198 Cool to a ward in Tanjong Pagar GRC (in 1997), in Holland-Bukit Panjang GRC (in 2001). The sense of rootedness was depleting.

Though Buona Vista, Ulu Pandan, Dover were parts of Queenstown. In 1997, Buona Vista was a ward Tanjong Pagar, Ulu Pandan was a ward in Bukit Timah, Dover was a ward in West Coast. And now, all 3 wards were under the charged of HDB Clementi Branch Office.

And mayor for Buona Vista and Ulu Pandan was one who head the ward in Bukit Panjang. And for major events, free bus services would be provided to fetch the residents to Bukit Panjang.

And both Buona Vista and Ulu Pandan were under North West CDC. For even bigger events, like the recent NDP, it is amusing to read banners that says NDP Celebrations @ North West @ Woodlands. And now free bus services wouldbe provided to fetch residents from Buona Vista to Woodlands. Why Woodlands, when there is another celebration by South West CDC @ Jurong East (which were just 3 MRT stations away)???

I find it difficult to associate myself to Bukit Panjang, and to Woodlands. Ultimately Buona Vista, Ulu Pandan and Dover are just Queenstown.

For residents in Holland-Bukit Panjang GRC, your MPs were

Gan Kim Yong - Minister of State
Lim Swee Say - NTUC Deputy Chief
David Lim Tik En - MP, ex-cabinet minister
Teo Ho Pin - Mayor for North West
Vivian Balakrishnan - Cabinet Minister

We have probably the most numbers of ministers in a GRC.

iveco SG

Please do not judge Steve Chia by just one misdemeanour. He has other qualities to look out for.

iveco SG

It was a shame that WP were disqualified form Aljunied GRC in 2001. THey could have made an impact there, considering this ward contained remnants of the old Eunos and Cheng San GRCs.

Holland-Bukit Panjang also needs a contest. THere are too many sore points about the state of affairs in this ward.

iamgoondu SG

Not really. Personally I am happy for the changes and improvements that were made in recent years in my ward.

My unhapiness were more on national level, like the foreign talent, bread and butter, rising costs and standards of livings, recent hikes in public transport, golden handshake for HDB staffs, jobs loss, economic performance, cpf withdrawal policy, biased reportings, freedom of speech.....

If I voted against the ruling party , it was probably due to above unhapiness rather than there is no upgradings, no linkways, no security cameras, mup delays..., if I voted FOR the ruling party, it was probably because I feel the opposition candidates may not help in resoving my above unhapiness either.

goh meng seng SG

Dear Iveco,

Many people only remember about WP's disqualification but forgotten about the fact that the many unnecessary form filling process was remedied thereafter.

In fact, it is not only WP that would face such problems, even PAP would face such problems. One or two PAP teams would have risked disqualifications if it is not due to last minute effort to correct form filling errors.

On hindsight, the disqualification of WP's team might have been a blessing in disguise..i.e. if it has not been disqualified, voting patterns of the present Aljunied GRC would have been revealed. Aljunied GRC would have ended up like Chengsan GRC, being chopped into pieces in the end.

As for Holland Bukit Panjang, you will never know whether there would be contest until the last minute. Wink

Goh Meng Seng