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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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The first day of campaigning! I visited the Marine Parade GRC's rally, held by NSP.
It was a large turnout. It was estimated that there were 5000-6000 people, but it was still nothing compared to WP's 15,000 people in Hougang.
It was my chance to get to hear from all 5 candidates of this NSP team, who's trying to get my vote.
I heard Abdul Salim first, the Malay candidate for this GRC. I didn't manage to catch much of his English speech before his Malay speech.
Next was Cheo Chai Chen, an ex-MP. He spoke alot on social issues but I think he should have displayed a more powerful tone in the speech, so as to be more assertive, if he wanted to arouse sentiments.
Spencer Ng was the next speaker. He did speak well, with an assertive tone, and touched base with many issues too. By now, the crowd was warmed up and there were consistent cheers whenever the sentiment calls for it.
The star of the night was non other than Nicole Seah. The crowd cheered loudly for her and was chanting "Nicole Seah! Nicole Seah!". It was as if people came just for her. Cameras were whipped out and cheers and applause were given. She didnt seem like a rookie politician at all. She spoke with much gusto and force, was eloquent and drew the most attention and cheers.
"I want to ask the PM: WHO is funding your upgrading plans? I want to ask the PM: WHO is paying for YOUR salary? WHO is funding your Grow-and-Share packages!"
She spoke on 3 main issues, including one on the large influx of foreign talents, which drew some laughter. Something along the lines of "Now I feel like I'm on a holiday. No need to stamp passport!"
She was also the only speaker who gave solutions on what the party would do, which were also described in the party's manifesto, including the popular proposal of lowering GST.
However, after she ended her speech, large numbers of people began leaving. It was obvious that most people came to listen to her. In my opinion, her rise in popularity was really partly thanks to Tin Pei Ling. Imagine, if PAP fielded another matured female candidate, the same Nicole Seah would not have stood out, no matter the fact that she's eloquent and is a thinker. Nobody would have envisioned this rippling effect happening now.
Anyway, the Marine Parade team's leader spoke after Nicole. Unfortunately, a sizeable number of people had left, and didn't listen to this Chinese-educated candidate. This makes me think about how much will the popularity of Nicole Seah translate into real votes. Probably not very high.
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For the 2nd day of campaigning, if nothing goes wrong, I guess I should be attending WP's Aljunied GRC rally. Updates soon.
人生是黑白的.
12:55 AM <3
>>>
Nomination day came and went! Amidst all the drama and excitement and nervy moments during that 1-hour nomination period, the 2 important questions were answered!
1. Low Thia Khiang will stand in Aljunied GRC, along with Sylvia Lim and Chen Show Mao. If we say there are 4 'A' teams among the 4 biggest Opposition parties, this one has got to be THE A-TEAM of them all.
2. Tanjong Pagar GRC almost got contested. The opposition team was held up somehow INSIDE the nomination centre and was disqualified. Kinda sad affair, after seeing them raising enough funds overnight through facebook. It's heartening to see that people responded and donated to their cause of raising the electoral deposits. It was almost a historical moment made, if all Singaporeans could go to the ballot box on May 7.
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AND Campaigning starts.
Over the next 9 days, I will drop by a few rally sites here and there. Check back here for updates!
For a start, if nothing goes wrong, I should be attending NSP's Marine Parade GRC rally on Thursday (tonight).
人生是黑白的.
12:49 AM <3
>>>
Nomination day is just 3 days later, and I think 2 things that people are interested in, are:
1. Where Low Thia Khiang (LTK) may stand?
2. Whether all 87 seats are really contested?
Here's giving my little useless thoughts.
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1. On where LTK may stand, I think there are actually 3 possibilities.
a) Remain in stronghold Hougang.
In my opinion, this is definitely the safest choice. Staying put, he will continue to poll a majority from the residents and continue to stay in Hougang. He's a likeable figure there, attending all funerals in the constituency and is down-to-earth. He knows the constituency inside-out and is fast to address issues of residents.
After a long queue, the Lift upgrading programme will also come to Hougang in the next 2-3 years, and residents will finally get to see the changes that all other Singaporeans are already enjoying.
If he stays in Hougang, the Parliament will likely be assured of an Opposition MP. PAP's Desmond Choo might wrestle some auntie's votes, but unlikely to swing LTK out of the ward.
b) Leave Hougang, to contest in neighbouring Aljunied GRC.
The WP has stated their determination to win a GRC. If any GRC in Singapore were to fall into the hands of the Opposition, Aljunied GRC might be the most probable. Since history, that area had always polled less favourably for PAP. (Historically, the now-defunct Eunos GRC and Cheng San GRC saw very hot contests in the past.)
WP's outreach in Aljunied GRC had never stopped since the last election in 2006. They are very prepared in that GRC, and had been doing diligent house visits over the past 5 years.
If LTK were to cross over to Aljunied and lend his weight, the 'A' team would be a strong one, comprising the top 2 leaders in the party, and probably up a few notches in the contest and give a good fight.
However, as no GRCs has ever fallen into Opposition hands, it is still a big risk and gamble. Moreover, LTK would have to place another important person in Hougang to defend it. From the party ranks, who can be that important person? From the looks of it, a probable candidate who can hold his ground, might well be Chen Show Mao. If this is really the case, LTK can continue with his 'half-complete' leadership renewal and pass the baton.
c) Leave Hougang, to contest in East Coast GRC.
If Aljunied GRC was a hotly-contested area in 2006, East Coast GRC would be considered a 'warmly-contested' one. It polled the 2nd highest votes for the Opposition, also by the WP. By any measures, East Coast GRC would be a 'dark horse'.
Moreover, the retirement of 'heavyweight' Ministers from East Coast, meant that the hurdle is somewhat lowered. The incumbents are shifting Lim Swee Say over to helm that GRC, but he has never ever contested before, since entering politics. And East Coast residents may not be familiar with him, just like in the case of LTK, if he was to contest there.
So we might be seeing a more level-playing field there, and vote swings may just be uncertain. Votes for WP may increase this time round, but whether or not it would constitute a majority, remains an unlikely equation, in my opinion.
What I hope to see: LTK leaving his comfort zone to helm a GRC. This would underline the party's desire to gain a GRC, and if he wins, it would be a major confidence booster to both the WP and the other Opposition parties.
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2. On whether all 87 seats will be contested:
It seems very likely, considering that the Opposition camp has enough candidates. But one hurdle is definitely money. The electoral deposit has been raised again, and to send a team to a GRC will cost much. This is excluding the amounts that will be spent to hold rallies, print posters, brochures and get logistical equipment.
Tanjong Pagar GRC is the last constituency that has not been 'officially claimed' by any Opposition parties. It is said that the Socialist Front, one of the smallest parties, may be forming a team with the SDA to contest. Whether they have enough in their budget remains to be seen, as afterall, Tanjong Pagar is of a very low priority among all the constituencies. MM Lee's GRC is very unlikely to be knocked off, and the main strategy behind contesting in Tanjong Pagar, is probably ONLY because that would keep MM Lee busy in his own area, and has no time to lend his weight to help to compaign in other areas.
ANd comparatively, assembling a mix-and-match team in the last minute to stand in Tanjong Pagar, will definitely lose touch with many voters, than if there had been an interest from the start. People will doubt the credibility of the team and whether they have any plans at all, if elected. These are very valid, relevant and practical concerns. The implication here, is that the PAP team in this GRC would score a high percentage vote in Tanjong Pagar, and help raise their national average in the entire election.
What I hope to see: No matter what, I still look forward to seeing all seats being contested, simply because it will give Singaporeans a choice and keep them out of their apathetic comfort zones, as they will have to study the parties and candidates well before making a choice. It will also be healthy, to have our future Ministers going through a fight and getting a Mandate from the people, instead of being whisked into Parliament under the flawed GRC system.
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What do you think?
人生是黑白的.
1:03 PM <3
>>>
The 2nd day of campaigning!
The first day of campaigning! I visited the Marine Parade GRC's rally, held by NSP.
It was a large turnout. It was estimated that there were 5000-6000 people, but it was still nothing compared to WP's 15,000 people in Hougang.
Nomination day came and went! Amidst all the drama and excitement and nervy moments during that 1-hour nomination period, the 2 important questions were answered!
Nomination day is just 3 days later, and I think 2 things that people are interested in, are: