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Saturday, April 30, 2011

The 2nd day of campaigning!

Dressed in a Blue Polo T-shirt and holding on to the party flag, I went to WP's rally for Aljunied GRC. The process of getting there was difficult, as Singaporeans from all over the country swarmed Serangoon. This seemed like a national event. Actually, I think it can be considered one, because Aljunied GRC voters are the ones that really determine the future state of the Opposition. If, given the strong slate of candidates now in 2011, the oppositions are still denied of more seats, it would have been a setback, not just for the opposition parties, but probably for democracy too.

I heard all 5 WP candidates for Aljunied GRC. They were all good speakers. We've heard Low Thia Khiang and Sylvia Lim through various mediums quite often before. They've got the track record. So it was also for the 3 other strong candidates to shine. They nailed it. Chen Show Mao drew much applause and cheers, and the 3 important questions (that Aljunied voters must ask themselves before casting their votes) got resounding replies. Pritam Singh was also a powerful speaker--he aroused much voters' sentiments during the speech. Faisal Abdul Manap, the required Malay candidate, also gave a much detailed introduction of himself, coming from humble backgrounds and yet hoping to serve a good cause.

WP's rallies, are really a different breed from other parties', in my opinion. Social issues were mentioned a little here and there, but it was a much greater cause that they were campaigning for. And that's why, there're probably less grousings and complaints compared to other opposition parties' rallies. Going for broke in a GRC shows the WP's determination in pursuing that "First World Parliament". In fact, without securing seats, there's no way they can campaign for those social issues in the first place.

I liked how Sylvia Lim's reassurance to the voters of Aljunied, that voting out George Yeo will not mean that his 'talents' are gone. This is because retired MPs and Ministers have had been employed as Chairman or high-ranking positions in government-linked agencies and statutory boards. His talents as a Foreign Minister can be continued in other huge roles like the Ambassador-at-large.

I liked Low Thia Khiang's laments on the unfair GRC system, and why he had to leave Hougang. And also his rebuttals at George Yeo's comments on his “明知山有虎，偏向虎山行”。Funny and insightful. I always look forward to his analogies.

I also liked how supporters reacted, when Chen Show Mao recalled that the turnout in 2006 was just as huge, but everyone went back to vote for the men-in-white. One audience shouted: "Sorry! We made a mistake!".

There were also funny scenes from the supporters. I saw a large placard that was made into a Driving License, in support of Low's co-driver analogy the night before. There was also a placard that was made into a cigarette box. AS you know, cigarette boxes always contain disgusting pictures on their covers to deter smokers. This placard had got a skull, with the brand name, "Mah-boro".

And not missing this that I saw! MyLOW!

After the rally had ended, it took quite some time for the crowds to leave the stadium and disperse. But cries and chants of "Worker's Party! Worker's Party!" continued non-stop in unison. Emotions were high, and the atmosphere was high. This could never have been found in other opposition parties.

It is unknown how many people who attended, actually belong to Aljunied GRC. And it is also unknown how many of those from Aljunied GRC, would vote WP. But I feel that it is likely that hugely successful WP rallies like the past 2 nights', may well help to contribute some spillover to constituencies not contested by WP.

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3rd night of campaigning: I'm undecided whether to attend another WP rally, for East Coast GRC. Updates soon!

人生是黑白的.
1:51 AM <3

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