Don't stir up excitement about GE: SM Goh
By Maggie Chong/Evelyn Choo/Leong Wee Keat, Channel
NewsAsia | Posted: 24 January 2010 2145
hrs
SINGAPORE: Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong says he welcomes
the entry of young people into the ranks of the opposition. But he
adds that the People's Action Party (PAP) has also been going out
to attract younger candidates including more women.
Mr Goh said: "If they wish to choose to contest against us - they
are decent people with good views - I think it is to be welcomed.
Of course, I will be happier they would join us, but let it
be.
"We have been interviewing people. But frankly speaking, don't stir
up any excitement about election. I think we are still
concentrating on economic recovery."
Mr Goh was speaking on the sidelines of a community event in Marine
Parade on Sunday.
At a separate constituency event, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan was
also about the opposition parties' recruitment drive.
He said it was good that more young and better educated people were
entering politics.
Mr Khaw, who has been leading Sembawang GRC since 2006, said he
welcomes competition at the next general election, which is due by
end 2012.
"It does not matter whether it's PAP or non-PAP. If you like
Singapore, if you think you've a better idea to run a better place;
if you think you can run Sembawang better than I do, please come
forward," he said.
"If the people think they can do a better job than Khaw Boon Wan,
then so be it. I think that is the beauty of democracy - one man
one vote."
Mr Khaw also commented on a suggestion to allow Medisave fund to be
used for mammograms. Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim
Hwee Hua suggested this at a breast screening event on
Saturday.
But Mr Khaw disagreed with the suggestion. He said: "My general
rule of thumb is this - anything less than $100 - $20, $30 - please
pay out of your own pocket. I think Medisave should be reserved for
big bills. So let's don't abuse Medisave. This is not to say I'm
against (using) Medisave for screening, because some screenings can
be very expensive."
Mammograms, if subsidised, cost between $25 and $50.
- CNA/ir
