Presidential Election 2011
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Yup, DH said that TJS goes where the wind blows…I think he has to be more decisive on whether he wants to run in future GE or PE so that he will be taken more seriously and won’t give others the impression of an opportunist.
And whether he contests in future GE or PE, he has to earn his credit by working on the grassroots level first, serving the community. Just talking about the ‘heart’ is no use. Talk is cheap, but action speaks louder than words. Just my 2 cents’ view. -
3Boys:
Phillip Jeyaretnam a Sword of Honour winner?By definition, there are more options for solutions than there are real solutions. Quite simply, because the persons in authority did not implement ONE option for a solution to a problem, does not mean that it was not heard or that feedback was not taken. At the ed of the day, decisions need to be made, and we cannot be in discussions forever.
Is the decision-making perfect? Absolutely not. But I think the batting average has been reasonably good. So, don't quit engaging.
Are they ruling party vindictive? I think not reflexively, perhaps with the exception of several individuals.
One only needs to look at current examples. Heard Dr Paul Ananth speak recently? He has not been targeted nor has he had issues during NS or at his workplace. Dig a little further back in history, and you find Philip Jeyaretnam, son of you know who. He was a sword of honour winner in OCS at the time his father was opposition MP and much disliked by the MIW. He is presently president of the Law Society and managing partner of one of the most established and prominent law firms in Singapore.
There have been a fair amount of egregious behaviours in the past, and some nasty edges remain to this day, which is why things are not so easily forgiven. Both sides have work to do, but we as the active citizenry should not disengage.
Dis is news to me. -
Angelight:
Wat about those PAP MPs who were parachute into GE n who didn't hv a history of community or grassroots' work prior to being earmark for election?Yup, DH said that TJS goes where the wind blows...I think he has to be more decisive on whether he wants to run in future GE or PE so that he will be taken more seriously and won't give others the impression of an opportunist.
And whether he contests in future GE or PE, he has to earn his credit by working on the grassroots level first, serving the community. Just talking about the 'heart' is no use. Talk is cheap, but action speaks louder than words. Just my 2 cents' view. -
Angelight:
Me think dat he bank on d 40% oppo voters,3Boys, I totally agree with you on this! :hi5: TJS is more suited to be an opposition MP than president. I'm curious to see if he would rejoin the SDP and contest the next GE, and when the next PE comes around, whether he would quit the party again to run for the next PE. :skeptical:
3Boys:
Let you in on a little secret. I was contemplating TJS up to the point of nomination day. When Dr TT got booed, there was this great opportunity to TJS to appear 'Presidential' and 'Above politics', by slamming those who booed him. He could have said, lets respect the political process, whatever your feelings.
However, he did not, he did the exact opposite and copped-out. He made an excuse for those he felt were his likely supporters, and in the process, turned off many neutrals. From that point, to me, he was not electable as President. Oppo MP perhaps, but not President.
I fear his supporters more than I do him. As an elected official, he would have felt pressure to pander to their agenda. As a leader, he must do what is right, not necessarily what is popular. Would he dare stand up to his supporters and say \"No, what you are asking is unreasonable, I believe the g'ment is right in this instance.\" He tried to morph his position in the end, but it was far too late. He complains that the campaign period was too short. Actually, I think if there had been no campaigning AT ALL, he would have done better at the polls than he did.
started his campaign with dis target to win,
but later realized not all oppo voters agree with his 'confrontational' stance,
shifted towards d centre,
but alas it came too late in d campaign to win over d centrists.
IMV, he would hv gain more political capital if he had withdrawn his candidacy
n openly back TCB. -
Way2GO:
I have a distinct memory of it making the news at the time. Here is a reference, though its not quite so explicit. --> http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_453_2005-01-14.html
Phillip Jeyaretnam a Sword of Honour winner?
Dis is news to me.
Anybody can corroborate? I stand corrected if I have mis-represented, but I am fairly certain. Nonetheless, he has held or is holding public offices of high standing, such as Law Society president and member of public service commission.
Another one here which is interesting --> http://www.transitioning.org/2009/12/04/from-rank-outsider-to-public-guardian-philip-jeyaretnam-st-5-dec/ -
markfch:
If we see dis in context of Holland-BT GRC, SDP vs PAP 40%/60% in GE2011,
I totally agree with you on this. Somehow I felt that TJS (& NS for the matter) did not play the cards right. No doubt, they may have endeared themselves even more with the die-hard oppo. supporters - just need to read the biased TRE - but the sabre rattling antics really turned off many neutral voters.3Boys:
At the end of the day, despite all the sound and fury, TJS did WORSE at this PE than for the GE, where he got nearly 40% of popular vote as part of Holland-Bukit Timah GRC SDP team.
Guess what, we neutrals will still be the king makers in the next GE.
n 35/35/25/5 in PE 2011, d voting patterns hasn't change much in three months,
though I would agree with 3Boys \"where there is a moderate alternative, like a ex-PAP stalwart (TCB), with some semblance of independence, he would be the preferred candidate as opposed to a strident opposition voice.\"
n neutrals r not yet d king makers.
d oligarchy is. -
Way2GO:
Nice!
n neutrals r not yet d king makers.
d oligarchy is.
Touche, my friend. But we neutrals abet, yes? -
3Boys:
d well-regard writer, partner in law firm after serving as President of Law Society SG, n appointed to PSC is common knowledge.
I have a distinct memory of it making the news at the time. Here is a reference, though its not quite so explicit. --> http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_453_2005-01-14.htmlWay2GO:
Phillip Jeyaretnam a Sword of Honour winner?
Dis is news to me.
Anybody can corroborate? I stand corrected if I have mis-represented, but I am fairly certain. Nonetheless, he has held or is holding public offices of high standing, such as Law Society president and member of public service commission.
Another one here which is interesting --> http://www.transitioning.org/2009/12/04/from-rank-outsider-to-public-guardian-philip-jeyaretnam-st-5-dec/
Will check on Sword of Honour winner.
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3Boys:
Yes. Many neutrals abet unknowingly.
Nice!Way2GO:
n neutrals r not yet d king makers.
d oligarchy is.
Touche, my friend. But we neutrals abet, yes?
One of my fav reminder is fr a Beatles song:
Living is easy with eyes close,
misunderstanding all u see. -
holiday over.
back to mundane life! :sad:
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