Presidential Election 2011

[peapot]

Verykiasu, I agree with u. TJS come across as opportunist and also emotionally involved. Maybe he is too young?? Or perhaps this is really his character.

[concern2]

ZacK:

Personally for me... From the onset I thought I had someone clearly in mind as I thought that I wanted to see someone with stature as the PE, but I see my vote swaying but it will not be towards TJS. Based on the clips I see TJS does not appear personable and I do not feel that he really has the people's interest at heart, that is just me... I kinda feel that if elected TJS will build himself up to be a political powerhouse which will have a divisive effect that I do not think Singapore is ready for.


For checks and balances on the ruling govt, based on the recent GE we have already voiced out and the outcome was we have more opposition parties elected into parliament. Let these opposition party members do their job in parliament.

So I guess I have one of the 3 Tans left to consider before Sat.

I am also considering to segregate PE from GE. TJS is probably better-off as opposition in GE rather than standing for PE. For checks and balances, however, I am concerned if the voices, including NCMP may be sufficient, because if it comes to voting for/against, from what TT is saying, there is still bound to be decisions based on collective responsibility in Parliament. Then, result of GE is a step forward, but not a very big step. Thus far, the change since election has been but a ripple. (Perhaps I am hoping for a bigger change?) Yet, we have to wait till October to hear the first parliamentary meeting. :faint: If we could begin to hear more diverse voices in Parliament, even coming from the MIW, perhaps that would show whether PAP is really set out to change as promised, then perhaps the decision would have been an easier one.. I teared when CSM has been disinvited to the 7th month festival, how such injustice is still going on after this watershed election. And I couldn't help laughing when TJS said,\"I do not want to end up like the casino debate, you say yes, and later you cry...\"

Question: Do you need the president's approval on how the constituencies (GRCs) are drawn/ redrawn during each election? If yes, what will happen if the president disagrees in how the constituencies are drawn? Can cabinet still proceed?

If the president does have the ability to shape how the future GEs are run, I think my choice will be very clear.

[limlim]

ZacK:

For checks and balances on the ruling govt, based on the recent GE we have already voiced out and the outcome was we have more opposition parties elected into parliament. Let these opposition party members do their job in parliament.

The representation of 7/87 seats in parliament is not reflective of the 40% of Opp votes.

1 out of 1 seat for the EP is not the same as 1 out for 87 seats for the MP. Furthermore, the EP has powers which the MPs doesn't have.

The EP have some powers which >> that of 7 MPs in the parliament.

They played a slightly different role althou both can provide some form of checks and balances. And the EP can do something which 7 MPs in parliament can't.

[Chenonceau]

concern2:

ZacK:

Personally for me... From the onset I thought I had someone clearly in mind as I thought that I wanted to see someone with stature as the PE, but I see my vote swaying but it will not be towards TJS. Based on the clips I see TJS does not appear personable and I do not feel that he really has the people's interest at heart, that is just me... I kinda feel that if elected TJS will build himself up to be a political powerhouse which will have a divisive effect that I do not think Singapore is ready for.


For checks and balances on the ruling govt, based on the recent GE we have already voiced out and the outcome was we have more opposition parties elected into parliament. Let these opposition party members do their job in parliament.

So I guess I have one of the 3 Tans left to consider before Sat.

I am also considering to segregate PE from GE. TJS is probably better-off as opposition in GE rather than standing for PE. For checks and balances, however, I am concerned if the voices, including NCMP may be sufficient, because if it comes to voting for/against, from what TT is saying, there is still bound to be decisions based on collective responsibility in Parliament. Then, result of GE is a step forward, but not a very big step. Thus far, the change since election has been but a ripple. (Perhaps I am hoping for a bigger change?) Yet, we have to wait till October to hear the first parliamentary meeting. :faint: If we could begin to hear more diverse voices in Parliament, even coming from the MIW, perhaps that would show whether PAP is really set out to change as promised, then perhaps the decision would have been an easier one.. I teared when CSM has been disinvited to the 7th month festival, how such injustice is still going on after this watershed election. And I couldn't help laughing when TJS said,\"I do not want to end up like the casino debate, you say yes, and later you cry...\"

Question: Do you need the president's approval on how the constituencies (GRCs) are drawn/ redrawn during each election? If yes, what will happen if the president disagrees in how the constituencies are drawn? Can cabinet still proceed?

If the president does have the ability to shape how the future GEs are run, I think my choice will be very clear.

I like your analysis. Thanks for clarifying some thoughts in my head.

[pixiedust]

verykiasu2010:

...as it is now, TJS flip-flopped between the May 2011 GE seeking to enter parliament and then abruptly resigned from the party to contest the EP to talk about \"check & balance\".......he is merely being a political opportunist seeking his own personal agenda of holding a political office


where is his commitment to serve and better the interest of singaporeans ?

:goodpost: Agree !

[verykiasu2010]

don’t think the EP has any influence on how the GE is run, nor any powder to influence the electoral boundary


electoral boundary has always been the prerogative of the gov’t of the day

one day if / when the oppo is the ruling gov’t, they will get the chance to tinker with the electoral boundary as well

such is politics …

[limlim]

verykiasu2010:

at this moment the political system of singapore is such that \"check and balances\" is done via the parliament; the elected president is ceremonial plus custodial


if TJS wishes to be the \"check & balance\" he should seek to enter parliament which will gives him more legitimacy

as it is now, TJS flip-flopped between the May 2011 GE seeking to enter parliament and then abruptly resigned from the party to contest the EP to talk about \"check & balance\".......

Playing a custodial role is a form of checks and balances too.. it prevents the mis-use of reserves.

EP and MP provide different form of checks and balances. And I don't feel that there is any contradiction between running for EP and MP with regards to serving the interests of the pple.

[verykiasu2010]

limlim:

verykiasu2010:

at this moment the political system of singapore is such that \"check and balances\" is done via the parliament; the elected president is ceremonial plus custodial


if TJS wishes to be the \"check & balance\" he should seek to enter parliament which will gives him more legitimacy

as it is now, TJS flip-flopped between the May 2011 GE seeking to enter parliament and then abruptly resigned from the party to contest the EP to talk about \"check & balance\".......

Playing a custodial role is a form of checks and balances too.. it prevents the mis-use of reserves.

EP and MP provide different form of checks and balances. And I don't feel that there is any contradiction between running for EP and MP with regards to serving the interests of the pple.

being an MP, it is an active role; being the EP, it is a passive check / balance at best

the gov't of the day can run a deficit without tapping into the reserve .... nothing the EP could no

[Chenonceau]

limlim:

verykiasu2010:

at this moment the political system of singapore is such that \"check and balances\" is done via the parliament; the elected president is ceremonial plus custodial


if TJS wishes to be the \"check & balance\" he should seek to enter parliament which will gives him more legitimacy

as it is now, TJS flip-flopped between the May 2011 GE seeking to enter parliament and then abruptly resigned from the party to contest the EP to talk about \"check & balance\".......

Playing a custodial role is a form of checks and balances too.. it prevents the mis-use of reserves.

EP and MP provide different form of checks and balances. And I don't feel that there is any contradiction between running for EP and MP with regards to serving the interests of the pple.

This is not logical. They are very different roles. Requirements are different.

[limlim]

verykiasu2010:

being an MP, it is an active role; being the EP, it is a passive check / balance at best

the gov't of the day can run a deficit without tapping into the reserve .... nothing the EP could no

At least, bringing the matter to light (like what OTC did) is better than keeping quiet.. like.. whoever..

of coz, if, there's an effective Opp in parliament, then, we don't really need to stress over who should we choose to be the EP already.. almost anyone will do just fine.. probably.. However, now there is less than 30% Opp MP in parliament.. having an \"effective\" EP is better than nothing.. JMHO..

And since the EP is not playing active role..

Why worry about him engaging the ruling party now and then? He's not going to hinder them by blocking their motion whatever right.. SG will still move forward..

At most, he just voice out and make public what he feel the public needs to know. There is no harm even IF he is confrontation, which he may not be.. Having him engaging the ruling party does more good than harm.. I feel..