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Pap ho peng kee: Pap is open and delivers better life for all sinkess

Porfirio Rubirosa

Alfrescian
Loyal
Ho's reply to Cherian's article is predictably crappy, however I was at least pleased to note that Ho issued the letter on behalf of PAP instead of using and politicising the civil service which appears to be par for the course with LKY and LHL.

Aug 16, 2008
RESPONSE TO ARTICLE ON DISSENT
On political diversity


IN HIS article last Sunday, 'Time to tolerate political diversity', Mr Cherian George lamented the lack of political diversity in Singapore and alleged that this is because the 'PAP has fashioned rules of engagement... premised on the assumption that dissenters are dangerous'.
This is exactly the 'careless stereotyping' of political practices Mr George deplores.

Singapore's political system is evolving towards greater diversity and openness. The Government claims no monopoly of wisdom. We encourage people to express their views on national issues, whether for or against the Government. There are some limits, especially to safeguard basics like racial and religious harmony which are vital to Singapore's existence. Free speech also cannot be a licence to defame or spread irresponsible untruths. This is how we have kept our public discourse civil, responsible and honest.

Within the party, the People's Action Party (PAP) encourages a diversity of political views. It welcomes all who want to work with it to change Singapore for the better, including those who disagree with some PAP policies. It treats with respect opposition leaders like Mr Low Thia Khiang and Mr Chiam See Tong who uphold the Singapore system.

Citizens wishing to participate in the public discourse are free to enter politics and fight for their convictions, or to stay outside the ring as 'poets, philosophers and public intellectuals'. Either way, they cannot be exempt from critical scrutiny, nor can they insist on their views prevailing.

Mr George suggests that political leaders learn from religious leaders in promoting greater diversity and tolerance. But this religious diversity and tolerance did not come about naturally. It is the result of the PAP Government's deliberate nurturing and vigilant enforcement, through practices and laws tailored to our circumstances. Fortunately, the majority Chinese accept the coexistence of other religions, and this has made Singapore different from its neighbours.

One key difference between religion and politics is that religion is a personal choice of each individual, whereas politics concerns collective decisions impacting the lives and futures of all Singaporeans. On important political issues we cannot just agree to disagree, and treat all views as being equally valid. We have to debate the issues thoroughly, to reach a consensus and make the right choice for the country.

In a democracy, what the country should do is ultimately decided through the ballot, which settles which party has persuaded voters to support it and its policies. Having received the people's mandate, the Government's responsibility is to hear and consider all views, before deciding and acting in the best interests of the nation. This is what the PAP Government has done, and how it has delivered a better life for all citizens.


Ho Peng Kee
2nd Organising Secretary
People's Action Party
 

bebo

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Loyal
We encourage people to express their views on national issues, whether for or against the Government.

But people who speak against are bound to be bankrupted :smile:
 

bigbossman

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Loyal
Having received the people's mandate, the Government's responsibility is to hear and consider all views, before deciding and acting in the best interests of the nation.

That mandate is questionable with all the restrictions on the opposition. For one is the GRC which should be reverted back to SMC.
 

Hakka Tiow

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Loyal
Yup, those guys are definitely feeling the heat. But they are still resorting to talking cock
and bull. They need to put in more effort. Not that it matters. A dick is a dick, a cunt is a cunt.
 

zhihau

Super Moderator
SuperMod
Asset
... In a democracy, what the country should do is ultimately decided through the ballot, which settles which party has persuaded voters to support it and its policies ...

with all due respect, Sir, so how does any "freak election results" would come about?
 

tarzan100

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Loyal
Cherian George is right. It is time for the PAP to have political diversity - that will add to the strength of the party and also allow for a more dynamic oppositon. In the big scheme of things- it is a win-win for Singapore. With due respect, Ho Peng kee is regurgitating a well-known line from the PAP.
 

hunter

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Loyal
Singapore's political system is evolving towards greater diversity and openness.

Give me a break, Mr Ho. When a person can get arrested for speaking up, I think you should take your words back :(
 
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