Opposition to Siew Kum Hong as NMP

[Avantas]

“Astroturfing” refers to the creation of a fake grassroots or “people power” movement. The term for fake “grassroots” organising originates from a product called Astroturf, which is a plastic fake grass carpet-like product commonly used in baseball and football.

The capitulation of MOE to demands of the Christian right to suspend AWARE’s CSE is an example of “astroturfing” where numerous feedback from a well-organized lobby group with a hidden agenda was misconstrued by the authorities as a representative of a larger public sentiment.

This tactic was used successfully in the past by certain church groups, notably COOS led by Senior Pastor Derek Hong, which managed to prevent section 377A from being repealed.

It now appears that their next target is NMP Siew Kum Hong who had foiled the attempts of the ex-Aware EXCO to cling on to power during the Aware EGM held on 2 May 2009.

Mr Siew had submitted his papers on 12 May 2009 to bid for a re-nomination as NMP. A corporate counsel, his focus includes needy Singaporeans, civil liberties and economic issues.

While Mr Siew was highly regarded by many Singaporeans, including the blogging community, his application for a second term of NMP was met stiff opposition from some religious groups uncomfortable with his liberal stance towards homosexuality.

We received notice that a campaign is underway to “swarm” REACH with feedback in order to exert pressure on the Parliamentary Select Committee to reject Mr Siew’s application.

Read full article here:

http://wayangparty.com/?p=9247

 

[scroobal]

You must be bored to cook up something like this or there is no item to sensationalise.

I am pretty sure that he will get in comfortably given his performance on a wide range of issues that has nothing to do with sexuality. This government will look really silly not to accept him given that the majority of NMPs and their own MPs have not done anything constructive including keeping their seats warm.

“Astroturfing” refers to the creation of a fake grassroots or “people power” movement. The term for fake “grassroots” organising originates from a product called Astroturf, which is a plastic fake grass carpet-like product commonly used in baseball and football.

http://wayangparty.com/?p=9247

 

[Tiu Kwang Yew]

hahaha.....this sounds quite true.
afterall, 100 nmps also no use----the decision is still come from one ancient relic.



This government will look really silly not to accept him given that the majority of NMPs and their own MPs have not done anything constructive including keeping their seats warm.

 

[bellepepper02]

I am pretty sure that he will get in comfortably given his performance on a wide range of issues that has nothing to do with sexuality. This government will look really silly not to accept him given that the majority of NMPs and their own MPs have not done anything constructive including keeping their seats warm.

I hope you're right. Siew Kum Hong is driven by principle--there's no ego here, no quest for self-advancement, etc. I would be really upset if he didn't get a second term. But I wouldn't be surprised at all if the church fundies are applying pressure against the re-appointment. You should have seen them at the EGM--first order of their business was trying to remove him from the meeting, trying to get him to sit with the non-voting associate members.

 

[annexa]

So you want to form another lobby and contest the fundies?

 

[TeeKee]

I hope you're right. Siew Kum Hong is driven by principle--there's no ego here, no quest for self-advancement, etc. I would be really upset if he didn't get a second term. But I wouldn't be surprised at all if the church fundies are applying pressure against the re-appointment. You should have seen them at the EGM--first order of their business was trying to remove him from the meeting, trying to get him to sit with the non-voting associate members.

No matter what happens, NMP are just bunch of toothless tigers...PAP amendments to bills will still go through.

 

[scroobal]

For the PAP, itst better to have Siew as an NMP than as a opposition candidate. Then again, giving him airtime will make it worse the next time around.

I think he has done a wonderful job that it would really eat into any remaining credibility that the PAP has if they did not re-appoint him. This Parliament is lacking the Cheng Bocks, Soo Khoons on the PAP side for the general public to be associated with. Inderjit seems to be only one left. Thats leaves WP to grab space. Rather an NMP than the opposition.

The only issue I have with him is that he is too nice and not ready for the nuances of political skullduggery. Steve Chia was scant on research but politically opportunistic that it irritated the PM.

I hope you're right. Siew Kum Hong is driven by principle--there's no ego here, no quest for self-advancement, etc. I would be really upset if he didn't get a second term. But I wouldn't be surprised at all if the church fundies are applying pressure against the re-appointment. You should have seen them at the EGM--first order of their business was trying to remove him from the meeting, trying to get him to sit with the non-voting associate members.

 

[leetahbar]

“Astroturfing” refers to the creation of a fake grassroots or “people power” movement. The term for fake “grassroots” organising originates from a product called Astroturf, which is a plastic fake grass carpet-like product commonly used in baseball and football.

The capitulation of MOE to demands of the Christian right to suspend AWARE’s CSE is an example of “astroturfing” where numerous feedback from a well-organized lobby group with a hidden agenda was misconstrued by the authorities as a representative of a larger public sentiment.

This tactic was used successfully in the past by certain church groups, notably COOS led by Senior Pastor Derek Hong, which managed to prevent section 377A from being repealed.

It now appears that their next target is NMP Siew Kum Hong who had foiled the attempts of the ex-Aware EXCO to cling on to power during the Aware EGM held on 2 May 2009.

Mr Siew had submitted his papers on 12 May 2009 to bid for a re-nomination as NMP. A corporate counsel, his focus includes needy Singaporeans, civil liberties and economic issues.

While Mr Siew was highly regarded by many Singaporeans, including the blogging community, his application for a second term of NMP was met stiff opposition from some religious groups uncomfortable with his liberal stance towards homosexuality.

We received notice that a campaign is underway to “swarm” REACH with feedback in order to exert pressure on the Parliamentary Select Committee to reject Mr Siew’s application.

Read full article here:

http://wayangparty.com/?p=9247

with or without nmps, policies still get through. with or without PM, the machinery of bureucracy still runs. from the excessive mps we have and 82 excessive wards, does it make any different to our lives?

ASTROTURF is a very good description. we also have ASTROPRATAMAN - don't forget.:p

 

[leetahbar]

For the PAP, itst better to have Siew as an NMP than as a opposition candidate. Then again, giving him airtime will make it worse the next time around.

I think he has done a wonderful job that it would really eat into any remaining credibility that the PAP has if they did not re-appoint him. This Parliament is lacking the Cheng Bocks, Soo Khoons on the PAP side for the general public to be associated with. Inderjit seems to be only one left. Thats leaves WP to grab space. Rather an NMP than the opposition.

The only issue I have with him is that he is too nice and not ready for the nuances of political skullduggery. Steve Chia was scant on research but politically opportunistic that it irritated the PM.

kum hong is truly a very modest humble man unlike some boasting $300/hr lawyer. with kum hong around, he lits up the atmosphere. he's a "walking lightbulb"!

 

[leetahbar]

if skh were to be an mp, pray that he wouldn't be like friendly baey yam keng to be harrassed by desperate ABC troll.

 

[bellepepper02]

For the PAP, itst better to have Siew as an NMP than as a opposition candidate. Then again, giving him airtime will make it worse the next time around.

I think he has done a wonderful job that it would really eat into any remaining credibility that the PAP has if they did not re-appoint him. This Parliament is lacking the Cheng Bocks, Soo Khoons on the PAP side for the general public to be associated with. Inderjit seems to be only one left. Thats leaves WP to grab space. Rather an NMP than the opposition.

The only issue I have with him is that he is too nice and not ready for the nuances of political skullduggery. Steve Chia was scant on research but politically opportunistic that it irritated the PM.

I don't see Siew going into opposition politics. My own reading of him is that he appreciates what PAP has done in providing a functioning economy, but sees a role for himself in supplementing it, in including what it has left out. After his stint as NMP, I reckon he will joint a human rights NGO or something.

He really does his work. Full of sincerity. You can feel goodness emanating from him--I think that's the best way I can put it. But he has strength. Not a pushover. A good strategist.

Steve Chia? Yuks! Saw him as an opportunist from the word 'go', and loathed him over his wife's expose of him.

 

[Goh Meng Seng]

I don't see Siew going into opposition politics. My own reading of him is that he appreciates what PAP has done in providing a functioning economy, but sees a role for himself in supplementing it, in including what it has left out. After his stint as NMP, I reckon he will joint a human rights NGO or something.

He really does his work. Full of sincerity. You can feel goodness emanating from him--I think that's the best way I can put it. But he has strength. Not a pushover. A good strategist.

Steve Chia? Yuks! Saw him as an opportunist from the word 'go', and loathed him over his wife's expose of him.

Appreciating what PAP did in the past or even present does not mean that we should not contest against them. In fact, by providing the real political competition against PAP, it keeps PAP alive by being nimble and responsive to citizens' views and needs. This is ironic but it is true. Else, PAP may have a prolonged life but in the end, it will be totally destroyed by its own monopoloy of power that corrupts its moral authority totally. Many ancient Chinese dynasties have gone through that different phases in history.

Steve Chia is really not that bad. We are not expecting SAINTS to be in politics; in fact I would be very worried if every politicians portray themselves as SAINTS or PERFECT HUMAN BEINGS or GOD-like in anyway. Many politicians in history that portray themselves as GOD-LIKE one time or another had created great pain, harm and destruction to their people. Prime examples are Chairman Mao, Japanese Emperors, Hilter.... the list goes on.

Democracy exists basically because we must always keep in mind that politicians are IMPERFECT human beings that need to be put into checks and balances. Any politicians that claim that they are PERFECT and do not need anyone to check on them are not to be believed at all.

Steve Chia may have erred on few instances but it only put reality in perspective; politicians are just human beings. You have never seen flaws of other politicians exposed does not mean that they are perfect at all.

Goh Meng Seng

 

[mscitw]

Hong and his supporters are up to no good again.

In fact, despite a earthly title as a PASTOR, Hong is exposed as A LIAR.

His goons are a bunch of 'holier than thou' air bags who believe their VERSION of CHRISTAINITY should monopolise Peasantpore.

Despite NMP Siew's defence of the 'jiat leow bee' old guard, NMP Siew was known to ask several excellent questions that stumped the well paid lackeys and minions.

In fact, some lackeys and minions, utterly embarassed by NMP Siew's questions decided to use rascal Maoist tactics and label him as 'reckless'.

 

[scroobal]

I too thought that he was NGO material and a very good one at that. Rare to find such people who are not inclined not to put their snout in the donots trough.

I suspect that if pushed hard enough by the PAP, he might just as well run. Its pretty much known and often raised in private circles that there are strong minded people who have no taste for politics but are prepared to jump even certain events occur. Very fluid.

PAP is mindful of these chaps and spent the last 30 years co-opting them into the UN, Supera-national bodies, civic and govt sponsored roles to keep them occupied. Not to mention the scholarship schemes with titanium bowls. Something that Ngiam alluded too.

I hope there are more Siews out there.

I don't see Siew going into opposition politics. My own reading of him is that he appreciates what PAP has done in providing a functioning economy, but sees a role for himself in supplementing it, in including what it has left out. After his stint as NMP, I reckon he will joint a human rights NGO or something.

He really does his work. Full of sincerity. You can feel goodness emanating from him--I think that's the best way I can put it. But he has strength. Not a pushover. A good strategist.

Steve Chia? Yuks! Saw him as an opportunist from the word 'go', and loathed him over his wife's expose of him.

 

[scroobal]

Steve Chia? Yuks! Saw him as an opportunist from the word 'go', and loathed him over his wife's expose of him.

As to Steve Chia, the guy is intelligent and politically savvy. Forget the morals at this stage which certainly cost him dearly. His questions were pointed and the manner in which he asked was quite dead pan and rather professional. This why he becomes dangerous to the PAP. They have little choice but to answer to the point. Others tend to be emotional and trip over their own data/research or easily get baited by so called "clarification" by the PAP. Low and JBJ are case in point. The debate thus meanders.

Sylvia, Steve etc are the new generation. Pointed questions that the PAP finds difficult to handle.

 

[scroobal]

A good strategist.

I am not sure about that. He did not seem prepared when the PAP rolled him over when he raised the issue of Policemen stopping him doing an absolutely innocent and constitutionally protected act conducting a survey as he is an NMP. A deed done to facilitate his role to act in the best interest of Parliament and the people.

That was dynamite that did not explode, a wasted opportunity. The commissioner of Police should have crucified.

I suspect he is a good organiser rather than a strategist. I have no doubt that he is solid to the core characterwise.

 

[scroobal]

Good point especially when we are all "imperfect" as you put it.

In fact, for decades, PAP used the strategy of modelling a politician as clean and with high academic grades. It was a successful strategy for years as it painted the opposition badly. Only Chiam and Chee managed to manouveure, nothwitstanding old man's assualt on Chiam school academic results which led to an apology by old man for getting it wrong.


Our generation must cast aside that sainthood associated with anyone running for politics. The fundamental attributes should be
- act as an effective backstop to the PAP
- effective in representing the constituents
- effective in parliament
- desire to look after this country and its people

We are not expecting SAINTS to be in politics;

 

[leetahbar]

Appreciating what PAP did in the past or even present does not mean that we should not contest against them. In fact, by providing the real political competition against PAP, it keeps PAP alive by being nimble and responsive to citizens' views and needs. This is ironic but it is true. Else, PAP may have a prolonged life but in the end, it will be totally destroyed by its own monopoloy of power that corrupts its moral authority totally. Many ancient Chinese dynasties have gone through that different phases in history.

Steve Chia is really not that bad. We are not expecting SAINTS to be in politics; in fact I would be very worried if every politicians portray themselves as SAINTS or PERFECT HUMAN BEINGS or GOD-like in anyway. Many politicians in history that portray themselves as GOD-LIKE one time or another had created great pain, harm and destruction to their people. Prime examples are Chairman Mao, Japanese Emperors, Hilter.... the list goes on.

Democracy exists basically because we must always keep in mind that politicians are IMPERFECT human beings that need to be put into checks and balances. Any politicians that claim that they are PERFECT and do not need anyone to check on them are not to be believed at all.

Steve Chia may have erred on few instances but it only put reality in perspective; politicians are just human beings. You have never seen flaws of other politicians exposed does not mean that they are perfect at all.

Goh Meng Seng

every minitoots wanna protray themselves as angels, saints and even gods that is why we need more saikong like u to exorcise the situation.

many are just devils in disguise. eg: "i dun surf porn" means he's the best porn surfer.

 

[leetahbar]

I don't see Siew going into opposition politics. My own reading of him is that he appreciates what PAP has done in providing a functioning economy, but sees a role for himself in supplementing it, in including what it has left out. After his stint as NMP, I reckon he will joint a human rights NGO or something.

He really does his work. Full of sincerity. You can feel goodness emanating from him--I think that's the best way I can put it. But he has strength. Not a pushover. A good strategist.

Steve Chia? Yuks! Saw him as an opportunist from the word 'go', and loathed him over his wife's expose of him.

the trouble with all the opp parties here is they slack in their housekeeping. opp members have acquired a bad habit of "party hopping". after changing to a new party, badmouth the old party.

even ex-leader is doing this. it's right for kum hong to remain as a LONE RANGER than get badly discredited by all the smearing.

 

[leetahbar]

Good point especially when we are all "imperfect" as you put it.

In fact, for decades, PAP used the strategy of modelling a politician as clean and with high academic grades. It was a successful strategy for years as it painted the opposition badly. Only Chiam and Chee managed to manouveure, nothwitstanding old man's assualt on Chiam school academic results which led to an apology by old man for getting it wrong.


Our generation must cast aside that sainthood associated with anyone running for politics. The fundamental attributes should be
- act as an effective backstop to the PAP
- effective in representing the constituents
- effective in parliament
- desire to look after this country and its people

chiam is self-serving; chee is self-centering. pls get your facts right.