2006 Singaporean general election: Difference between revisions
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| 5 May || 7pm-10pm || PAP || [[Image:Pap logo.gif|40px]] || [[Sembawang GRC]] || Hard court opposite Block 325 and Sembawang NPC, bounded by [[Sembawang Crescent]], [[Sembawang Drive]] and [[Sembawang Avenue]] |
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Revision as of 05:34, 5 May 2006
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The next Singapore parliamentary general election will be held on May 6 2006 which will be a public holiday. [1] [2]. The Elections Department released the Registers of Electors for public inspection on January 17 2006, and the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee published the updated electoral divisions on March 3 2006. Parliament was dissolved on April 20 2006 with nomination day set on Thursday, April 27.
The governing People's Action Party (PAP) is seeking to secure a 12th consecutive term in office since 1959, led for the first time by its Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong. The other major political parties are the Workers' Party of Singapore (WP) led by Low Thia Khiang, the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) led by Chiam See Tong and the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) led by Chee Soon Juan.
Following nomination day, 37 of the 84 available seats were uncontested and won by the PAP in walkovers. For the first time since 1988, the PAP did not return to power on nomination day, and this thus becomes the most widely contested elections in Singapore's recent history. On May 6, 2006, 1.2 million voters will go to the poll to elect Members of Parliament for the remaining 47 seats. The main election issues include employment, cost of living, and government polices on housing, transport and education.
Overview
On April 20 2006, Parliament was dissolved by President S.R. Nathan on the advice of prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong. [3] Later that day, the President issued the Writ of Election and the government announced that the election would be held on Saturday, 6 May 2006, with nomination day on Thursday, 27 April 2006. The Returning Officer is Tan Boon Huat, Chief Executive Director of the People's Association. [4]
Political parties
The governing People's Action Party (PAP) is seeking to secure a 12th consecutive term in office since 1959, led for the first time by its Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong. The other major political parties are the Workers' Party of Singapore (WP) led by Low Thia Khiang, the Singapore People's Party (SPP) led by Chiam See Tong, the National Solidarity Party (NSP) led by Steve Chia Kiah Hong, and the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) led by Chee Soon Juan, who himself is ineligible to run in this election because of a conviction in 2002.
The four parties that make up the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA), including the SPP and the NSP, are cooperating again for this election.
- List of major political parties
| Party | Symbol | Abbreviation | Leader | Party/campaign slogans | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| People's Action Party | File:Pap logo.gif | PAP | Lee Hsien Loong | "Staying Together, Moving Ahead" | |
| File:Sda logo.gif Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) |
National Solidarity Party | File:Nsp logo.gif | NSP | Steve Chia Kiah Hong | |
| Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Melayu Singapura | File:Pkms logo.gif | PKMS | Muhamad Ali Aman | ||
| Singapore Justice Party | File:Sjp logo.gif | SJP | Aminuddin bin Ami | ||
| Singapore People's Party | File:Spp logo.gif | SPP | Chiam See Tong | "Service before self" | |
| Singapore Democratic Party | File:Sdp logo.gif | SDP | Chee Soon Juan | "Standing up, Speaking out" | |
| Workers' Party of Singapore | File:Wp logo.gif | WP | Low Thia Khiang | "Power to the People" "You have a Choice!" | |
For a more complete list of political parties in Singapore, see list of political parties in Singapore.
Electorate
Citizens above 21 years of age as of the compiling of the electoral register are eligible to vote. The Elections Department completed its revision of the Registers of Electors and began opening them for public inspection from January 17 through January 30, 2006. [5] There are 2,158,439 eligible voters. [6]
This will be the first election where more than half the electorate are voters of the post-independence generation who were born after Singapore's independence in 1965.
Overseas voting
After previous episodes in which efforts to extend voting to overseas Singaporeans were scuttled, they are now able to register to vote at designated overseas polling stations located within Singapore's High Commissions, Embassies or Consulates. [7] However, not all overseas Singaporeans qualify. To do so, they must either have resided in Singapore for an aggregate of two years in the past five years, or be overseas for reasons of employment or education related to the government.[8] The overseas polling stations are located in these cities:
- Canberra, Australia
- Tokyo, Japan
- Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- London, United Kingdom
- San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Washington, D.C., United States of America
As of March 22, 2006, 1,017 overseas Singaporeans have registered for overseas voting. [6]
Electoral divisions
On March 3, 2006, the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee published the updated list of electoral divisions for the upcoming election. There are fourteen GRCs, each with five or six seats, and nine SMCs. The total number of seats is 84, the same as the last general election in 2001.
The major changes in the electoral divisions are as follows:
- Mergers
- Ayer Rajah SMC is merged into the West Coast GRC.
- Bukit Timah SMC is combined with Holland-Bukit Panjang GRC to form a new Holland-Bukit Timah GRC.
- New SMCs
- Bukit Panjang SMC
- Yio Chu Kang SMC
- Changes in electoral seats within GRCs
- The number of seats in East Coast GRC is reduced to five.
- The number of seats in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC is increased to six. [9]
- Changes in boundaries between GRCs
- Parts of Bedok New Town, Bedok North Green, Chai Chee Gardens and Kampong Chai Chee are transferred from East Coast GRC to Marine Parade GRC.
- The area bounded by the Pan Island Expressway, Jalan Eunos, and Sims Avenue East are transferred from Aljunied GRC to Marine Parade GRC.
- Serangoon Gardens, previously under Marine Parade GRC, is transferred to Aljunied GRC. [10]
- The area bounded by Eng Neo Avenue, Dunearn Road, Adam Road and Pan Island Expressway was transferred from Holland-Bukit Panjang (now Holland-Bukit Timah) GRC to Tanjong Pagar GRC.
- A part of Yishun which is part of Sembawang GRC is transferred to Nee Soon East SMC.
The two SMCs held by opposition parties, Hougang SMC and Potong Pasir SMC, are intact. Also unchanged is the Chua Chu Kang SMC which saw a relatively close contest in the 2001 election between PAP's Low Seow Chay and NSP's secretary-general Steve Chia who obtained 34.7% of votes and later became a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament.
Election deposit
For this election, the deposit for each candidate is set at S$13,500. The deposit will be forfeited if the candidate fails to obtain at least one-eighth of the votes. [11]
Nomination day
Planning for nomination day by political parties
As early as January 2006, when it became clear that the election would be held soon, the political parties have been making concrete planning for the nomination day. [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19]
On 10 March 2006, the major opposition parties had a meeting and after which they announced that they will contest 57 of the 84 seats in Parliament. [20] Nonetheless, the full detail of the opposition's plan was not revealed until the nomination day. As Steve Chia told reporters: "Any self-respecting politician will hold his cards close to his chest." [21]
There are nine SMCs with 1 seat each. For smaller political parties and independents who do not have sufficient candidates and resources to contest the GRCs, the SMCs are the only constituencies they can afford to run. In addition, many believe that opposition candidates have a higher chance of winning in SMCs than in GRCs. Since there are only nine SMCs, all are expected to be contested and there may be three-cornered fights which the opposition parties will try to avoid. Chiam See Tong (SPP) said that "if we enter into one [three-cornered fight], we're only going to kill ourselves. We're not that stupid." [22]
In March 2006, it was thought that there could be a potential three-cornered contest in MacPherson SMC, where both Mansor Rahman, Chairman of Democratic Progressive Party, and Sin Kek Tong, Chairman of Singapore People's Party have indicated their parties' interest to run in the election. Later, the parties managed to reach an agreement and avoided the unfavourable contest. Tan Lead Shake, previously a prominent member of DPP, later joined the Singapore Democratic Alliance, and became a member of SDA's team contesting Tampines GRC.
As of 26 April 2006, the opposition had indicated they would contest at least half of the seats in the 84 member Parliament. There are forty-seven oppostition candidates standing for election with ten new candidates facing the opposition. Candidates standing for election have only an hour to present their nomination papers, and must be accompanied by their proposers, seconders and assentors. Observers said that at 37 People's Action Party candidates from seven Group Representative Constituencies will return unopposed. This includes GRCs led by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. [23]
Early announcement of intention by parties
Some of the opposition parties, such as Workers' Party and Singapore Democratic Alliance, adopted the strategy of announcing early their plans on which constituenties they are contesting, even before changes in boundaries were published. This is seen as a tactical move to earmark those divisions in order to discourage any third party from contesting in the same divisions leading to three-cornered fights. Another cited reason is that, if the government redraw those boundaries, they could exploit that by accusing the PAP of avoiding the challenge. [24]
Nomination day results
There have been walkovers for the PAP in 7 GRCs totalling 37 seats. As this was less than half the number of 84 seats, for the first time since 1988, the PAP was not returned to power from walkovers on Nomination day. Over 1.2 million Singaporeans, 56.6% of eligible voters, will be voting in this election on May 6.
The opposition parties are fielding 47 candidates in this election, a large increase from the 29 candidates in the last election in 2001. In addition, there are no three-cornered fights in any constituency and all contests are strictly between a PAP candidate or team and an opposition candidate or team. There is also no independent candidate participating in this election; this is a rare occurrence as independent candidates have participated in every election since 1955, except in 1980.
Summary of candidacy for each party
| Party | Total seats contested |
Seats returned unopposed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAP | File:Pap logo.gif | 84 | 37 |
| SDA | File:Sda logo.gif | 20 | - |
| SDP | File:Sdp logo.gif | 7 | - |
| WP | File:Wp logo.gif | 20 | - |
List of candidates in each electoral division
Candidates
New candidates
This election is expected to have a large number of new candidates as the major political parties have undergone self-renewal in recent years, many of whom belong to the post-1965 generation. PAP has introduced 24 new faces, including 7 women. The two main opposition parties WP and SDA have also introduced many first-timers for this election, including four candidates in their 20s.
 | This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. |
The list of new candidates are:
- Abdul Salim bin Harun (WP), 24-year-old sales co-ordinator
- Alvin Yeo Khirn Hai (PAP), 44-year-old Senior Counsel
- Baey Yam Keng (PAP), 35-year-old former civil servant
- Brandom Siow Wei Min (WP), 30-year-old sales manager, a former president of the National University of Singapore Students Union
- Chia Ti Lik (WP), 33-year-old, lawyer.
- Christopher de Souza (PAP), 30-year-old lawyer
- Denise Phua Lay Peng (PAP), 46-year-old, full-time volunteer, President of the Autism Resource Centre
- Edmund Ng (SDA), 33-year-old, CEO of Infinique Technologies
- Ellen Lee Geck Hoon (PAP), 47-year-old lawyer
- Elvin Ong (SDA), 26-year-old Estate Officer
- Eric Tan (WP), 50-year-old General Manager
- Fatimah Lateef (PAP), 40-year-old, consultant at the Dept of Emergency Medicine at Singapore General Hospital
- Glenda Han Su May (WP), 30-year-old entrepreneur
- Goh Meng Seng (WP), 36-year-old businessman
- Gopal Krishnan (WP), 52-year-old Senior Housing Maintenance Inspector
- Grace Fu Hai Yien (PAP), 42-year-old senior executive with PSA International
- Hri Kumar (PAP), 39-year-old lawyer
- Ishak Haroun (SDA), 42-year-old real estate agent
- James Gomez (WP) , 41-year-old policy analyst in Sweden
- Jessica Tan Soon Neo (PAP), 39-year-old, a General Manager with Microsoft Operations
- Josephine Teo Li Min (PAP), 38-year-old, Director for Human Resource at the National Trades Union Congress
- Lam Pin Min (PAP), 36-year-old, eye surgeon
- Lee Bee Wah (PAP), 45-year-old, civil engineer and consultant
- Lee Hock Huat (SDA), 25-year-old, logistics officer
- Lee Wai Leng (WP), 26-year old who is running a translation company
- Lee Yi Shyan (PAP), 44-year-old, former CEO of International Enterprise Singapore
- Lian Chin Way (WP), 36-year-old regional business manager
- Liang Eng Hwa (PAP, 42-year-old, Managing Director, Global Financial Markets of DBS Bank
- Lim Biow Chuan (PAP), 43-year-old lawyer running his own law firm
- Lim Wee Kiak (PAP), 37-year-old, consultant eye surgeon
- Lui Teck Yew (PAP), 44-year-old, former naval officer, recently the CEO, Housing and Development Board
- Masagos Zulkifli (PAP), 42-year-old Vice-President of SingTel Global Services
- Melvin Tan Kian Hwee (WP, 31-year-old IT Executive
- Michael Palmer (PAP), 37-year-old, a partner at the law firm of Harry Elias Partnership
- Mohamad Hamim Aliyas (SDA), 43-year-old property executive
- Muhamad Ali Aman (secretary-general of PKMS, vice-chairman of SDA), 39-year-old executive director
- Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (PAP), 38-year-old assistant professor at the National University of Singapore
- Perry Tong (WP), 34-year-old management consultant
- Seah Kian Peng (PAP), 44-year-old, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NTUC Fairprice Co-operative
- Sylvia Lim (Chairman, WP), 40-year-old, lecturer at Temasek Polytechnic
- Tan Chin Siong (PAP), 47-year-old, Executive Director of the Chinese Development Assistance Council
- Tan Wui Hua (WP), 39-year-old, Chief Financial Officer of Lend Lease Singapore
- Teo Ser Luck (PAP), 37-year-old, General Manager of DHL Express Singapore.
- Vincent Yeo (SDA), 53 managing director of Asianchem Chemicals
- Yaw Shin Leong (WP), 30-year-old e-business analyst
- Zaqy Mohamad (PAP), 31-year-old, regional director at multinational IT firm
Candidates who switched parties
This election features a number of candidates who have switched political parties.
- Arthero Lim Tung Hee, (NSP-SDA), a former member of SDP
- Cheo Chai Chen (SDA), former member of SDP
- Chia Ti Lik (WP), a former member of Young PAP, the PAP's youth wing
- Edmund Ng, (NSP-SDA), a former member of Young PAP
- Tan Lead Shake, (SDA), a former member of DPP
- Vincent Yeo (SDA), a former member of SDP
Arthero Lim Tung Hee, said that he left SDP because he did not want to be associated with its leader, Chee Soon Juan, whom he said did not have the interests of Singapore at heart. He criticised Chee for his "foreign links" which he felt would be damaging to Singapore. [25]
Politicians who are retiring
| This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. |
- Ahmad Khalis (PAP), who is MP for Hong Kah GRC since 2001 is retiring. ST Singapore reports :THE Law Society of Singapore is formally investigating lawyer and Hong Kah GRC MP Ahmad Khalis Abdul Ghani, who may face disciplinary action if found guilty of breaking any rules. Singapore 24 Apr 2006
- Andy Gan (PAP), MP for Marine Parade GRC.
- Chay Wai Chuen (PAP), MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC (Queenstown)
- Chew Heng Ching (PAP) steps down as a part of his Kaki Bukit district has been absorbed into the Marine Parade GRC, while East Coast GRC will become a five member GRC. Chew has served parliament for five terms.
- Chin Tet Yung (PAP), MP for Sembawang GRC
- Chong Weng Chiew (PAP), MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC
- David Lim Tik En (PAP), who is MP for Holland-Bukit Panjang GRC and former acting Minister for Information, Communication and the Arts, is retiring from politics, after two terms in parliament.
- Davinder Singh (PAP), MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC
- John Chen (PAP), MP for Hong Kah GRC, is retiring after 18 years in parliament.
- Lee Yock Suan (PAP), MP for East Coast GRC and former Minister is stepping down.
- Leong Horn Kee (PAP), MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC
- Loh Meng See (PAP), MP for Jalan Besar GRC. Loh had spoken out strongly against the government's decision to legalise casino gambling; he said that he "could have upset some people in the process..." but add that "politics is about always sticking to your fundamental beliefs."
- Low Seow Chay (PAP), MP for Chua Chu Kang SMC
- Mohamad Maidin Packer (PAP), MP for Marine Parade GRC
- Dr Michael Lim (PAP)
- Mr Othman Haron Eusofe
- R Ravindran (PAP), MP for Marine Parade GRC
- Tan Boon Wan (PAP), MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC
- Dr Tan Cheng Bock (PAP0, MP for Ayer Rajah SMC
- Tan Soo Khoon (PAP) is retiring after serving seven terms in parliament as part of his district, Kampong Chai Chee has been absorbed into another GRC. He was the former Speaker of the Parliament from 1989 to 2002. Tan's GRC, East Coast GRC, will become a five member GRC, down from six.
- Tony Tan (PAP), a former deputy prime minister, announced on March 26 that he will retire from politics. He has been the MP for Sembawang since 1979.
- Wang Kai Yuen (PAP), MP for Bukit Timah since 1984.
- Warren Lee (PAP), MP for Sembawang GRC
- Yatiman Yusof (PAP) . He is the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Information, Communications and the Arts Ministry and MP for Tampines GRC. He has been MP since 1984.
All candidates for SMCs are male Chinese
All eighteen candidates for the SMCs are male Chinese. On 28 April, Lee Kuan Yew (PAP) referred to this fact when arguing how the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system ensures minority and women representation in parliament. [26] WP has been calling for the abolishment of the GRCs.
Election issues
As in previous elections, bread and butter issues, including jobs, medical care and cost of living, are expected to dominate the election campaign. [27] Other major election issues, as highlighted by political parties and analysts, are listed in the following.
- Government
- Leadership transition in government
- Progress package and Budget 2006
- Group representation constituency system
- Central Provident Fund scheme
- Internal Security Act and civil liberties
- Ministerial pay
- Social
- Integrated Resorts and legalisation of casino gambling
- Education policy
- Public transport
- Buangkok MRT Station incident
- Public housing policy
- Others
Parties manifesto
Pre-nomination day events
Talks on an impending election have surfaced in earnest since mid-2005, two years before the electoral term is constitutionally expected to end in June 2007. [28] On 9 April 2006, Goh Chok Tong said that the election is likely to be held in the following four to six weeks. [29]
Budget day and progress package
On 17 February 2006, Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore and Secretary General of the PAP delivered the country's Budget Statement to the Parliament. He released detail of a S$2.6 billion on a "progress package" including S$500 million for Central Provident Fund top-ups, S$400 million for workfare bonuses, and S$200 million bonuses for national servicemen. Largely due to this package, the 2006 Budget will incur a deficit of S$2.86 billion. [30] [31]
Several PAP members have attempted to play down the significance of the event, with Sim Boon Ann and Halimah Yacob saying it is no different from the PAP government's past practices of sharing surpluses when the economy does well. More neutral watchers, such as Gilllian Koh from the Institute of Policy Studies, however, say it reflects the government's intentions to fulfil general sentiments in the electorate who feel it is the "right thing" to be done. [32]
Low Thia Khiang (WP) came out strongly against the progress package which he said was no more than a vote-winning tool by the PAP. Low questioned why the government had earlier retorted his call for more spending on education citing that it would result in a budget deficit. Low called for greater transparency on how the government intend to financing the package and to compensate for the budget shortfall. Wong Kan Seng (PAP) later dismissed claims that the progress package constitutes a form of vote buying. [33] Nonetheless, even PAP MPs such as Wang Kai Yuen (MP-Bukit Timah GRC) had said that the payout would "render the ground sweeter for the ruling party in the coming General Election". Tan Cheng Bock (MP-Ayer Rajah) expressed surprise that the government had more than S$13 billion in capital receipts and asked why these were "not [itemised] in the Budget". [34]
Workers' Party manifesto
The Workers' Party (WP) launched an update to its manifesto on 14 January 2006, becoming the first party to do so [35]. Amongst its policy proposal, it called for the Presidency to revert to its former ceremonial role and the abolishment of the GRCs, the Ethnic Integration Policy for Housing and Development Board flats, the Resident Committees and the Citizen Consultative Committees. It also revealed its intentions to establish a central agency in the provision of public transport, setting up of an national unemployment insurance scheme and a more comprehensive national health insurance scheme among a host of other things.
On 21 January, PAP launched a coordinated attack on the WP's proposals, with Ng Eng Hen highlighting four of their proposals as "four time bombs...[which] will weaken and tear Singapore apart". [36] Khaw Boon Wan, while revealing various changes in medical policies, including the Medisave scheme which has been a constant target for criticism by opposition parties, also chided the WP for its "failure to understand what makes inter-racialism work in Singapore and why we are different from the rest of the world", referring the four points brought up by Ng Eng Hen as "poisons" [37] Workers' Party Chairman Sylvia Lim released a press statement [38] on 22 January, responding to each of the four "time bombs" criticised by Ng and adding that the party is standing firmly by its manifesto. [39]
Cartoon T-shirts
During the weekend on March 4-5, member of the Singapore People's Party were at the Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC conducting a walk-about and selling $10 white T-shirts featuring a caricature of a red ant with boxing gloves. Teo Chee Hean (PAP), an incumbent MP for the GRC, made fun of it saying "I don't think our residents want their flats to be overrun by red ants". His fellow MP Charles Chong added: "It would be very unfair if they come with ants and you use elephants to step on them."
Desmond Lim, assistant secretary-general of the SPP responded that the red ant represented the party's never-say-die spirit: "Ants see no obstacles. If you put a stone in front of them, they will make a detour or climb over it. We are like small ants in the political scene here. But when ants come together, they can move mountains." [40]
Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC houses the Buangkok MRT Station where the white elephant incident took place in August 2005 when "white elephant" signs were placed in protest of the station's non-operational status. The incident prompted the government to eventually open the station in January 2006.
By-election strategy
The last three general elections in 1991, 1997, and 2001 have seen the PAP returning power on Nomination Day as the opposition parties adopted a by-election strategy and contested less than half the number of seats in these elections. For the coming election, early indications by the opposition parties suggest that more than half the seats will be contested. In a Today report dated 6 March 2006, Low Thia Khiang (WP) said that WP does not believe in by-election strategy and "felt that every Singaporean should have the opportunity to vote". [41] On 6 March, Steve Chia (NSP) also said that by-election strategy will not be his party's strategy. [16]
Chiam See Tong (SPP) said that they would campaign on a by-election strategy given a chance, but he noted that the strategy has been used before and that "it may not capture the imagination of the voters as much." [22]
Chee Soon Juan's bankruptcy
On 10 February, Chee Soon Juan (SDP) was declared a bankrupt by the High Court, after failing to pay S$500,000 in damages awarded to Goh and Lee. Upon this bankruptcy order, Chee will not be allowed to stand for elections until February 2011. [42] Chee is already ineligible for this election because of a fine in 2002.
Jeyaretnam's potential comeback
Opposition veteran J B Jeyaretnam, former MP and secretary-general of WP, had planned to make a comeback by paying off his bankruptcy to contest the election. [43] He told Lianhe Zaobao that he had identified some potential candidates with whom he might form a team to contest a GRC. Steve Chia welcomed this development and expressed his hope that Jeyaretnam will challenge either Lee Kuan Yew or Goh Chok Tong to keep the "big guns" busy in their own constituencies and have less time to campaign for weaker PAP candidates in other electoral divisions. However, legal troubles plaguing him undid any chances of Jeyaretnam, as the earliest he could be discharged was in mid-June. Therefore, after nomination day, he was not found to be contesting any SMC or GRC, and thus, will not be involved in this election as a candidate.
Goh Chok Tong's special assignment
On 19 March, Lee Hsien Loong said that PAP is aiming to win all the constituencies and is serious about taking over the two opposition wards in Hougang SMC and Potong Pasir SMC, saying that "We want to win, this is not masak-masak [a Malay term meaning a child's game]". The PAP candidates for these two wards will be Eric Low and Sitoh Yih Pin respectively. Both lost in the previous elections but have been working the ground in these wards since. They will be assisted by Goh Chok Tong who was given the special assignment to help PAP win the two wards. [44]
Goh suggested that if Eric Low and Sitoh Yih Pin win the election, they may be given extra latitude when speaking and voting in parliament and not be subjected to the political Whip. Goh also said that he would help Sitoh to gain a post in the new Cabinet if he is elected. [45]
Nomination forms
As of April 21, a day after the election day was announced, thirty-nine nomination forms were collected from the Elections Department office at Prinsep Street in which twenty were for Single-seat constituencies and the remaining nineteen for Group Representative Constituencies. These include eighteen applications to the Malay Community Committee and thirteen for the Indian and other minority committee. The Elections Department has also received five donation reports and declaration forms. [46]
Remarks in The New Democrat
In April 2006, the SDP published an article headlined "Govt's role in the NKF scandal" in the SDP party newspaper, The New Democrat, about the National Kidney Foundation Singapore scandal. On 22 April, letters of demand were served on twelve individuals and the publisher. Drew and Napier, the law firm acting for Lee Hsien Loong and Lee Kuan Yew, says that the newspaper article alleges that the two Lees are "dishonest and unfit for office", that Lee Kuan Yew "devised a corrupt political system for the benefit of the political elite", and that he managed the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation in a "corrupt manner". In addition, according to the letter of demand, the newspaper also alleges that Lee Hsien Loong had "perpetuated a corrupt political system for the benefit of the political elite" and how he and his Government "had access to the information which has now been unearthed about NKF but corruptly concealed and covered up the facts to avoid criticism". [47] The letters demand that damages be paid and an apology made in the media by April 25. [48]
On 22 April, the lawyer acting for the Central Executive Committee of the SDP said that he was instructed to defend the case vigorously. [49]
As of 27 April, four of SDP's eleven committee members have publicly apologised, while the chairman of the party has refused to apologise as it would constitute "an admission of guilt". An apology has been formally rejected by the party, though it would not oppose individual members from making personal apologies. M Ravi, the lawyer representing most of the accused, has rejected claims made in the letters that allegations made in the paper were "highly defamatory", and "do not see how a government or public body could be defamed". On 27 April, Chee said that the threat of legal action is already seriously affecting SDP's campaign at Sembawang GRC: "Lawyers for Mr Lee Kuan Yew and Mr Lee Hsien Loong have gone as far as to sue the printer, so much so that he is so frightened he dares not publish our election material." [50] SDP was still seen selling the publication, and the Lees are seeking aggravated damages. [51] [52]
SDP podcast
On 25 April, Elections Department warned SDP that it would take action against the party if they do not take down the audio files and podcasts from the party's website as it is against election advertising regulations under the Parliamentary Elections Act. Within hours after the notice was issued, SDP posted a notice on its website that the podcast service is suspended. Nonetheless as of 29 April, a podcast of an interview with J B Jeyaretnam is still accessible on the website server, although there is no hyperlink to it.
Remarks on "First World Government"
Several politicians are engaging in exchanges surrounding the phrase "First World". It started with Lee Kuan Yew (PAP) who said "We want to have a First World parliament for Singapore, so we need to have a First World government and a First World opposition. If you want us to treat you as gentlemen, argue on the merits of your policy and our policy. Take it to a higher level and we will treat you accordingly and respond accordingly."
On 24 April, Low Thia Khiang (WP) responded saying that the PAP is not a First World government, instead the Workers' Party is the hope for a First World government.
Lee then rebutted on 25 April that if the PAP did not have the capabilities of a First World government, Singapore would not have risen up to the First World standards as measured by several world bodies. He added that "The WP under Low Thia Khiang must take this opportunity, having got rid of Jeyaratnam, to begin the process of getting the WP to First World standards."
James Gomez (WP) joined in the fray on 28 April, saying "Singaporeans and Singapore are First World. There is no doubt in my mind, but it does not mean that the government and the PAP are First World. Don't claim credit. Singaporeans and Singapore are First World, and this is the message I want to leave with you today. You are First World, Singapore is First World but the PAP government is not."
In a news release posted at WP's website on 29 April, Low reiterated that PAP is not a First World government and took the opportunity to raise the issue of ministerial pay. He criticised the PAP for not "benchmarking itself politically against the matured Democracies around the world although ministers' salaries are benchmarked against international corporates' standards."
Other pre-nomination day events
On 14 January 2006, Workers' Party Secretary-General Low Thia Khiang revealed that the party is planning to contest in four GRCs (Ang Mo Kio, Aljunied, Sembawang, and East Coast) and in three SMCs (Nee Soon East, Joo Chiat, and Hougang). [53] WP's Chairperson Sylvia Lim is expected to lead a team to contest Aljunied GRC. [14]
Shortly after on 18 January, the Singapore Democratic Alliance announced its intention to field candidates in three GRCs (Tampines, Jalan Besar and Pasir Ris-Punggol) and five SMCs (Potong Pasir, Choa Chu Kang, Bukit Timah, Ayer Rajah and MacPherson). [54] Sin Kek Tong, Chairman of SPP, will contest in MacPherson SMC. [15]
On 3 March, Steve Chia, Secretary-General of National Solidarity Party (NSP) said that the party plans to contest Chua Chu Kang SMC, Bukit Panjang SMC, and Yio Chu Kang SMC. NSP will also attempt to field a team to contest Jalan Besar GRC. [55] Following the release of the electoral boundaries, Chia expressed disappointment that there is no three- or four-seats GRC which he had suggested in parliament. He told The New Paper: "The PAP still wants its MPs to hide behind GRCs. I'm not surprised. I'm disappointed." [56] Chia is expected to contest in Choa Chu Kang SMC again. To help fund his election campaign, Chia is launching a book which document the speeches he made in Parliament over the last four years. [57] Yip Yew Weng, President of NSP, will contest in Yio Chu Kang SMC. [18]
Lianhe Zaobao reported that Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) is planning to contest Jurong GRC, Bukit Panjang SMC and Nee Soon Central SMC. SDP's Chairman Ling How Doong is expected to contest in Bukit Panjang SMC. Christopher Neo Ting Wei, SDP's Assistant Treasuer, is leading a team to contest in Jurong GRC; among his team members is Chee Siok Chin, a member of SDP's Central Executive Committee (CEC) and sister of Chee Soon Juan. [12]
On 6 March, Today reported that three people have recently left Singapore Democratic Party, including Cheo Chai Chen who was a member of parliament for Nee Soon Central from 1991 to 1997. [58] Yip Yew Weng, President of NSP, said that they have joined his party. [15]
Chiam See Tong (SPP) announced on March 9 that he will seek his sixth term as MP for Potong Pasir SMC, denying earlier speculations that he might retire or lead a team to contest a GRC. Chiam however noted that it is important for opposition to capture at least one GRC explaining that "the psychological effect will be tremendous. If one stronghold is toppled, the rest may just follow like falling dominoes." [22] Chiam is expected to face the challenge of PAP candidate Sitoh Yih Pin again in the Potong Pasir contest.
On 4 March, Lim Boon Heng, Chairman of PAP, said that at least a quarter of the party's candidates will be new faces. [59] The PAP has also not finalised their candidates list. Lim Hwee Hua (PAP), MP for Marine Parade GRC for the Serangoon Gardens district, will contest in the Aljunied GRC due to changes in electoral boundary. Aljunied GRC may see a rare contest that involves three women politicians: Lim Hwee Hua, Cynthia Phua (PAP), and Sylvia Lim (WP).
Ooi Boon Ewe, a property executive who contested in Joo Chiat SMC in 2001 as an independent, said that he is forming a new political party and that he will contest in either Joo Chiat, Yio Chu Kang, or Chua Chu Kang SMC.
Events between nomination day and election day
List of election rallies
On 27 April 2006, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) released a list of 24 sites for election rallies from 28 April to 5 May. All sites are for evening rallies from 7pm to 10pm, except for a "Lunchtime Rally Site" at Boat Quay next to UOB Plaza. [60]
Permits for outdoor election meetings are issued by the SPF Police Election Meetings Office on a first-come-first-serve basis, starting from 27 April. Since the morning of 26 April, more than 20 people, agents of the parties and candidates, were seen gathered at the office preparing to queue overnight for the permits.
On 28 April, the first election rally for the People's Action Party, whose symbol features a lightning bolt, was forced a change in venue from Serangoon Stadium to an indoor location, due to heavy rain and lightning.
Reactions to nomination day
For the first time since 1988, the PAP was denied a walkover majority to form a government on nomination day as opposition parties contested in more than half the seats. Lee Hsien Loong responded saying he was happy that there are many opposition candidates contesting in the election which is good for the maturation of Singapore's political system. [61] He accepted the challenge from the opposition saying that "we [the PAP] don't have a majority, so we will fight this election." Workers' Party chairman Sylvia Lim said that her party would fight for more seats in parliament but did not expect to topple the PAP government. "There is no way the opposition will win every seat they contest," she said. [62] Steve Chia (NSP) had said earlier that the SDA's aim is to win 15 seats and form a shadow cabinet, to provide effective scrutiny for the government. [63]
The Workers' Party has put up a strong team, consisting of its more prominent candidates led by Chairman Sylvia Lim, to contest Aljunied GRC challenging the PAP team led by George Yeo. This constituency is expected to feature one of the fiercest contests in the election. At the same time, Workers' Party fields a very young team in Ang Mo Kio GRC, with candidates mostly in their 20s or early 30s, to compete with the flagship PAP team led by Lee Hsien Loong. [64]
For the SDA, its strongest GRC team is one contesting Jalan Besar GRC led by Sebastian Teo and includes a former MP Cheo Chai Chen.
Hotly contested SMCs are:
- Chua Chu Kang - Gan Kim Yong (PAP) vs Steve Chia Kiah Hong (SDA)
- Hougang - Eric Low Siak Meng (PAP) vs Low Thia Khiang (WP)
- Nee Soon East - Ho Peng Kee (PAP) vs Poh Lee Guan (WP)
- Potong Pasir - Chiam See Tong (SDA) vs Sitoh Yih Pin (PAP)
Ling's comment controversy
According to media report, on 27 April at Fajar Secondary School Nomination Centre, Ling How Doong told the media that he and Wong Hong Toy, SDP assistance secretary-general who was with Ling at that time, were considering an ouster of Chee Soon Juan from the party's central executive committee (CEC). [50]
This was later denied on the same day by a media release on the SDP website which claimed that the local media is "waging a campaign against SDP". [65]
Negative campaigning
Since nomination day, the PAP has stepped up its negative campaigning effort against the opposition. Lee Kuan Yew (PAP) referred the opposition as not having "First World" quality and described some of their candidates as of poor quality and lacking in "intellectual content". He repeated his attack on 28 April saying "I want a world-class opposition, not this riffraff." [66]
Lim Boon Heng (PAP) said that the SDP is already being written off by Singaporeans. [67] Lee Hsien Loong said the opposition had no clear vision or views on Singapore's major challenges. [68]
On 29 April 2006, Lee Hsien Loong referred to his opponents at Ang Mo Kio GRC, the relatively young WP team, as "敢死队" (suicide squad) adding that even the bookies will not take a bet on the outcome in that constituency contest. [69]
In response, Mr Low Thia Kiang of the WP said that it is better to be a "敢死队" (suicide squad) rather than a "怕死队" (squad that is scared to die). WP's candidate Yaw Shin Leong added that: "my courageous team-mates and myself are mentally prepared to lose but that does not mean we are push-overs." [2]
James Gomez saga
Party political broadcast
On both 29 April 2006 and 4 May 2006, the four contesting parties made their political broadcasts over television and radio in four languages -- English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. Each party is given an allocated time based on the number of candidates it fielded. The People's Action Party (PAP) was given 12 minutes with 84 candidates fielded, the Workers' Party (WP) and Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) were given 4.5 minutes each with 20 candidates fielded, and the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) was given 2.5 minutes with 7 candidates fielded. The English broadcasts are available on the Internet at www.youtube.com.
SDP broadcast
The SDP was represented by Chee Siok Chin on both days. Chee said that while the ministers are enjoying high salary, the lowest income group in Singapore are facing greater financial burden compounded by increasing cost of living. She said that financial difficulty has contributed to higher divorce, suicide rates and increase in bankruptcy filed in recent years.
Chee said in the 4 May broadcast about the Ministers paying themselves the highest salary in the world. She also declared that the PAP is trying to undermine the SDP, but the SDP will stand strong.
WP broadcast
The WP was represented by its Chairman Sylvia Lim in 29 April. Lim said that the Workers' Party has a committed group of candidates in this election to pursue greater democracy in Singapore. She criticised the PAP for using taxpayer's money to selective upgrade constituencies that voted for the PAP. She called this a narrow-minded and divisive policy, and it encourages voters to act on self-interests instead of national interests. She added that this threatens to split the fabric of the nation, and run contrary to the spirit of national service that calls for personal sacrifice. She called this a time bomb and that it set a bad precedent on how the government allocates public funds and service. She asked voters not to succumb to the threat of the PAP, and to vote for the opposition needed to press the government on other important policies such as containing the cost of transport, utility and healthcare.
Lim also criticised the PAP for using public fund to give bonus before election, calling it a populist budget. She also point out that the PAP had used its position as the government to entrench and promote the party through public funded grassroots organisations. She questioned whether PAP is a first world government, which she said should put national interest ahead of party interest, and operate on a level playing field.
Mr Tan Hui Hua represented the WP on 4 May.
SDA broadcast
SDA's Secretary-general, Chiam See Tong, read the party's political broadcast on both 29 April and 4 May. Chiam pointed out that in this election, the PAP is aiming to win all seats. He asked voters whether they want a one-party system. Chiam argued that a multi-party system is needed for democracy to survive in Singapore, and that a free Singapore with room for diverse views and opinions is necessary for the social, cultural and political well-being of the people. Chiam urged the people to act divisive to vote for the opposition, to ensure that Singapore will not degenerate into a one-party state. He said that "a vibrant and cosmopolitan Singapore needs creativity of the mind" and that "these can only flourish in an atmosphere of freedom and an environment where there is no fear." He reminded viewers of the old saying, "absolute power corrupts absolutely."
PAP broadcast
PAP's political broadcast was read by its Secretary-general Lee Hsien Loong on 29 April. Lee highlighted the success of the PAP government since the last election, especially in creating jobs, reducing unemployment, retraining workers, and investing in young people. He argued that the strategies are working and economy is striving, and that PAP has united the people under the threat of terrorism. He reminded viewers that Singapore will have great opportunities as well as major challenges ahead as Asia is rising, and the PAP will make Singapore land of opportunity for all people, and each person can find his or her own niche and excel. He said that the government will educate each Singaporean to be the best they can be.
Lee said that the country must ensure that as it progresses, no one is left behind, and to help those who have difficulty keeping up. Thus he implemented the progress package given out on May 1, 2006. Lee said that the PAP government will take care of older Singaporeans and help them work longer. PAP will install lift on every floor of every HDB block, make the city barrier free and transport system wheelchair friendly. The PAP will make medical care more affordable, and the coverage of Medisave will be extended. He said these strategies will improve the lives of all Singaporeans and help create a fair and just society and a safe and harmonious community. He added that the PAP is the best team assembled; it is a diverse team with candidates committed to serve. He asked viewers for support, to help build a nation where every person can develop himself to the fullest and everyone contributed to this vibrant city.
Debate on housing and lift upgrading
The upgrading of public housing, including the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP), is a major issue in this election. As in previous elections, the PAP has tied the scheduling of housing upgrades to the number of votes the party received in the election. The PAP argues that government is successful in raising the standard of living in the country, and those who support its various policies, including the upgrading, should be given priority. In the hotly contested Aljunied GRC, George Yeo (PAP) has placed lift upgrading the "top of [his] priority list" so that the lift would stop on every floor in as many blocks as possible. [3]
Sylvia Lim (WP) accused the PAP of being selective in its upgrading programmes, arguing that this is a divisive policy. [4]
Debate on legalisation of casino gambling
Debate on NKF scandal
Influence of the Internet
The Internet is expected to play a much more significant role compared to previous general elections. Singapore has a large number of computer users, with 74% of households owning computers and 2 in 3 households having Internet access [70]. Podcasts, blogs, and online political discussions have become common in Singaporean cyberspace. A blog called "SGRally" [71] has been set up to collect recorded rally speeches in this election. If successful, this may contribute towards a more level playing field among the parties during the campaign period, as opposition candidates had complained about insufficient rally sites allocated to them in past elections.
In August 2005, Singapore Democratic Party became the first political party in Singapore to launch a podcast called RadioSDP on its party website. [72] Several members of the Workers' Party are active in blogsphere; the notable bloggers are James Gomez, Goh Meng Seng, and Melvin Tan.
On 25 February 2006, the Department of Political Science, National University of Singapore organised a public forum on politics titled "The (In)Significance of Political Elections in Singapore?" Among the speakers are 2nd Assistant Secretary-General of Workers' Party James Gomez; Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Geh Min, and former NMP Chandra Mohan. A recording of the forum is available via podcast. [73]
Regulations
The Media Development Authority (MDA) has reminded Internet content providers to comply with Singapore's laws, including those relating to political content. Online bloggers and podcasts may be subject to the Parliamentary Elections Act. [74] [75]
In a notification issued by MDA under the Broadcasting Act (Singapore Statutes, Chapter 28, Section 9) [76], all political websites are required to register with the MDA. These include websites belonging to political parties as well as to "individuals, groups, organisations and corporations engaged in providing any programme for the propagation, promotion or discussion of political or religious issues relating to Singapore on the World Wide Web through the Internet." [77] A MDA spokesperson said that only a handful of websites have registered and that they are mostly belonged to political parties or registered political associations. Goh Meng Seng (WP) refused to register his blog, saying "I don't see the need to do so as an individual citizen. We have our rights to our political views." [78] Cherian George, a political analyst, noted that the regulation would hinder the development of citizen journalism in Singapore. [79]
Several bloggers and political commentators had commented that the rules are too broadly defined and were unsured how they would be enforced. In a parliament session on 3 April 2006, Balaji Sadasivan, the senior ministor of state for information, communications and the Arts, made some clarification on the regulation in response to a question by Low Thia Khiang. Balaji said that podcasting and streaming of videos are prohibited during election. On the other hand, pictures of election candidates, political party histories and manifestos are allowed to be used as election advertising on the Internet. He added that bloggers who persistently promote political views have to register with the Media Development Agency. During election, only political parties, candidates and election agents are allowed to advertise. Balaji warned that those who violate the rules could face prosecution, he said "In a free-for-all internet environment, where there are no rules, political debate could easily degenerate into an unhealthy, unreliable and dangerous discourse, flush with rumors and distortions to mislead and confuse the public." [80] [81] The regulation of political content on the Internet had previously led to the closing down of a popular discussion forum website Sintercom in 2001, after the owner refused to register his website with the authority and voluntarily shutdown his website. [82]
Publication of election surveys during the election period or exit polls being conducted on polling day are both banned. [75]
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External links
- Official elections webpage - Elections Department Singapore
- Singapore-elections - a comprehensive archive of past elections results
Official websites of political parties
- National Solidarity Party
- People's Action Party, Manifesto (PDF)
- Singapore Malay National Organisation, (Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Melayu Singapura)
- Singapore Democratic Party, Manifesto
- Singapore People's Party, Manifesto
- Workers' Party of Singapore, Manifesto 2006
News medial special coverage
Other official information
- Parliamentary Elections Act Singapore Statues Online, Chapter 218
- Internet Policies and Guidelines - Media Development Authority, for information on regulations regarding political websites
- Singapore Police Force media releases - for list of election rallies.
| General elections | |
|---|---|
| By-elections | |
| Presidential elections | |
| Local elections | |
| Referendums | |
‡ uncontested | |
