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SDP - Sep 2014 - We must get behind our activists and alternative newsites

Cosmos10

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We must get behind our activists and alternative newsites


As the next election draws nearer, government-controlled sources of information will increasingly push out commentary praising the PAP regardless of the difficulties and frustration that Singaporeans face.

But while this may have worked well for the ruling party in years past, circumstances have altered considerably with the expansion of the Internet.

No longer is it easy for the PAP to play fast and loose with the facts as bloggers, with the ability to retrieve information at a moment's notice, are able to call out the authorities' bluster and disingenuity.

This is why, if Singapore is going to mature into a thinking society where we are able to distinguish between news and propaganda, we must value our activists.

Alternative newsites such the Temasek Review Emeritus (which has recently called for financial support), The Real Singapore, The Online Citizen, Redwire Times, etc., as well as the myriad of blogs provide an invaluable service in our effort to develop a democracy.

Coupled with a fast-developing civil society sector where activists, once non-existent, are now making themselves heard on a variety of issues, the scene is set for citizens to take on a more meaningful role in shaping public policy.

This is the reason the SDP fought for democracy and the rights of our fellow Singaporeans.

Not only did we believe (and still do) that freedom, in and of itself, is worth defending, but we also knew that without our political rights, we could not fight for our social and economic interests – interests like curbing the excessively liberal immigration policy or protesting against the retention of our CPF money.

The exercise of our fundamental rights of speech, assemble and association – exemplified by the gatherings at Hong Lim Park organised by our activists – have enabled the blogosphere to keep the people informed of the damage done by PAP's policies.

If Singapore is going to develop into a truly First World society, a robust civil society, of which the Internet community plays an integral part, is indispensable.

PM Lee Hsien Loong recently disparaged the Internet as a medium that has “led to divisions and all kinds of different ideas being able to take root and germinate.”

It is unfortunate that the leader of a government that professes to champion a knowledge-based economy cannot see that it is “all kinds of ideas” that has led to progress and the advancement of human civilisation.

Like everything else, modern communication tools can be a force for good or it can be abused to degrade humanity. It does not portend well for our nation that the PAP cannot inspire our people to achieve great things and aspire to noble ends.

But we must not despair. We must, instead, encourage “all kinds of ideas” to be articulated and have faith in our people that the good ones will be cultivated and the bad ones discarded.

This means supporting the endeavours of our online community and civil society.
 

Cosmos10

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Cosmos10

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National security threat: Documentary or immigration?

http://yoursdp.org/news/national_security_threat_documentary_or_immigration/2014-09-15-5878

Added on: Monday 15 September 2014

by the Singapore Democrats





The ban of Ms Tan Pin Pin's film To Singapore, With Love is most unfortunate. The excuse given by the MDA that the decision was based on national security grounds defies reason especially when taken together with the PAP's immigration policy.

The SDP has said before that the large number of foreigners allowed into Singapore over a compressed period does not allow these nationals to assimilate into our social and cultural fabric.

This, per se, raises serious national security concerns.

Without a measured approach to immigration, we could be blindsided by developments of which a single incident could ignite and quickly spin out of control. The riot in Little India last year is but one example.

And even if we did react promptly, our actions could be severely constrained by the sheer number of the nationals and the political-diplomatic pressures exerted by their governments.

Thus far, we have been fortunate that no such incident has yet taken place. We are, however, tempting fate as the PAP continues to increase the number of foreigners entering this country despite the fact that we are already the third most densely populated country in the world.

No one is asking the Government to close our borders to foreigners. It is the execution of our immigration policy that is cause for concern. It should not have to be said that influx of foreign nationals must be weighed against national security considerations.

And yet, the party is minded to ban a documentary about Singaporeans – a group including lawyers, medical professionals and elected MPs – who have been away from the country for nearly half-a-century based on, it insists, national security concerns.

The danger that confronts Singapore is that a party that has been in power for as long as the PAP has, feels a sense of entitlement and arrogates to itself the right to do anything to protect its power even at the expense of the country.

These two issues of the screening of a documentary and the mass immigration of foreign nationals perfectly illustrate this point: The former threatens no one (but perhaps the PAP) while the latter is where the real threat to national security resides.

And yet, the film is banned but foreigners continue to flood the island.
 

Cosmos10

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SDP supports Govt's investment in solar panels

http://yoursdp.org/news/sdp_supports_govt_s_investment_in_solar_panels/2014-09-04-5875

Added on: Thursday 04 September 2014

by the Singapore Democrats




The SDP welcomes the Government's move to install solar panels on the rooftops of army camps, schools and HDB blocks. The announcement was made by the Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan last week.

Such an initiative not only helps generate power in a cheaper manner thereby reducing energy costs and benefiting the people, it will also assist in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions.

Climate change is a real danger confronting the world. Being a small island, Singapore is especially vulnerable to the melting of polar ice caps which would raise sea levels and affect our coastal areas.

While we are a small country and do not make a large impact on global warming, it is important nevertheless that we take the lead to reduce our carbon footprint so that we have the moral authority to encourage bigger nations to adopt similar environmentally friendly practices.

With the move to install solar panels, we look forward to the authorities passing on the anticipated savings in energy production to Singaporeans whose current utility bills have become a burden especially those in the lower income groups.

The SDP will support Government initiatives which help the nation and our people.

However, we will not hesitate to speak up on schemes that hurt and disenfranchise Singaporeans, and we will work to reverse them so that our fellow citizens will have a better and more secure future.
 

Cosmos10

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Perfect example of the government not listening

http://yoursdp.org/news/2014-09-22-5879

Added on: Monday, 22 September 2014

by the Singapore Democrats

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The F1 Grand Prix which concluded yesterday is the 7th such event held in Singapore since 2008. In that time, Singaporeans have had to endure the adverse consequences while deriving few benefits from the race.

Road-closures impose huge inconveniences to motorists who experience delays not just around the few days of the race but in the weeks leading up to it when the circuit infrastructure is set up.

Feeder roads as far away as Nicoll Highway, Rochor Road, Beach Road, North Bridge Road and the CTE see daily traffic jams (see here).

Those taking public transport are also affected. A total of 58 bus services had their routes redirected due to the event (see here). As a result, many people arrive late for work (see here).

Retailers are also affected. Sales in the areas affected by the road closures are expected to plunge 30 percent (see here).

And its not because of a state occasion. The F1 is a private event where a few businesses and individuals make lots of money.

For that matter, it is a sport that few Singaporeans are – or can afford to be – fans of. A prime grandstand seat costs upwards of $1,000 and a “gallery” ticket is around $600 (see here).

Perhaps trying a bit too hard, event promoter Mr Michael Roche spun the race as a “huge social occasion” (see here).

“We don't want to be a '$25-chicken-rice Grand Prix'. We want to be a great experience,” he added. Perhaps Mr Roche might like to tell us where to find $2.50 chicken rice at the race the next time.

The PAP spins even harder. Minister Ng Eng Hen officiated a Bishan grassroots gathering trying to “bring the F1 experience to the heartlands and foster community cohesiveness” with residents (see here).

In the real Singapore, football is the sport more likely to bring the common folk together. But when Mr Rooban Kanth screened World Cup matches outside a house for free - a popular initiative in the neighbourhood - the police closed it down (see here).

The truth is that the grand prix is, and will always be, catered to the well-heeled. No amount of spin from the organiser or a PAP politician can obscure this fact.

And with money, comes vice. During the event, social escorts, including those from abroad, descend upon our city-state.

“I timed my visit to Singapore a few days ahead of the F1 since I think it should bring me good business," said Jenny, a Chinese Russian escort, who was among dozens of scantily-clad women looking for customers at a five-star global hotel chain (see here).

And where there is racing, one can be sure that gambling is never far behind.

Each F1 event costs $150 million to stage of which we, the taxpayers, fund 60 percent (see here).

In 2012, Mr S Iswaran, Second Minister for Trade and Industry, agreed to a secretive deal with the F1 organisers to stage the race for another five years in Singapore. Singaporeans were never consulted on whether they wanted to see more F1s held here.

It is the perfect example of the Government not listening and doing what it will, regardless of how the people feel and the price we pay.

But then is any one surprised given a lopsided Parliament?
 

fuckSDPparty

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Pappy Tan The Temasek Review

The only PAP 'B' Team Singaporeans witness past 20 years is SDP and Dr Chee.

Dr Chee broke up a perfectly growing SDP under Chiam See Tong and lost all 3 seats at GE1997 that was won at GE1991 under Chiam See Tong's SDP.

This is because Chee's SDP decide to focus on making as much inaccurate noise in Parliament, being aggressive in Parliament, exposing SDP to lawsuits , conducting civil disobedience and getting arrested rather than running town councils and bonding with residents via grassroots.

The loss caused Singaporeans to lose faith in Opposition for 20 years untl GE2011 when WP made a difficult breakthrough. PAP kept harping Opposition cannot run a SMC let alone a GRC because of SDP's loss at GE1997. SDP almost destroyed Opposition Cause with their antics.

Civil disobedience, bankruptcy, arrests, lawsuits etc gave Opposition a bad image and reminded Singaporeans to fear PAP even more. SDP actually made PAP more feared and more powerful instead and Singaporeans felt more hopeless.

Many good people wanted to join Opposition but seeing Dr Chee's situation decided not to. This lack of good people joining Opposition gave many Walkovers to PAP for 20 years in every elections. SDP only gave Walkovers to Singaporeans at elections because CSJ and gang kept getting barred from elections because of their antics.

What choice, what democracy, what rights, what hope, what change, what impact and what freedom did SDP gave Singaporeans past 20 years ? Nothing at all.

Democracy is not just freedom to have civil disobedience but democracy is also about giving people choice to change governments in elections, not change Opposition parties.

Now PAP once again wants to unleash the Kraken in CSJ to confuse and disrupt alternative parties progress from GE2011 by agreeing to give discount from $500,000 to $30,000 so that CSJ can take part in elections. Destructive, disruptive and history repeats itself.

SPP at least kept one seat in Parliament for 15 years after GE1997 and never got voted out and lose seats before GE2011. SPP was already small and weak when Chiam started it. 15 years down the road under different political landscape, SPP did contest one GRC at least. One less than SDP only who under Chee did not grow much too despite having longer time of brand name.

It took Chiam and SDP 15 years to win 3 seats at GE1991. So how can you say SDP would not have grown under Chiam when SDP did grew under Chiam at GE1991.

Not even WP lost seats before. JBJ was disqualified from Parliament after being charged and Yaw Shin Leong was sacked by WP. None was voted out.

SDP under Dr Chee after GE1997 past 15 years got voted out of Bukit Gombak and Nee Soon Central, never grow but got smaller and did not even win any seats. You call this good record ?

It is not grandmother's story but true facts. No Singaporean Opposition Supporter want to sacrifice another 20 years and see no result from any Alternative Parties.

Technically and officially, somebody here said there is only one Opposition in Parliament which is WP because the rest are either NCMPs or alternative parties with no seats. Even to be Opposition, political parties need to win enough seats to be Opposition.

I still believe in growing only WP to be Government as fast as possible base on Hougang and Aljunied platforms. This is irregardless what other alternative parties try to pull off, antics and plans. Every party have its own style, voters will decide.

No point running down each alternative parties now. You can run down WP all you want ONLY after WP is government and be blamed for WP government policies.

No more Alternative Parties Musical Chairs we seen last 47 years.

I hardly see you commenting on negative PAP threads but comment on every negative WP thread and pretending to be SDP supporter and NSP supporter. I can only conclude you are a PAP IB.

All political parties have positives and negatives. Each wants to try their own style so let it be. Voters shall decide. SDP is free to continue to stage protest etc. WP is free to use its own tactical style. PAP is free to continue to run down anybody that gets in its way. NSP is free to continue to state the obvious. RP is free to continue to piggyback on whatever other parties started.

I dont think I am running down anybody here. I am just stating history and SDP's output last 20 years. I did not wish to do it but if people like Robox, TTR and Sam Lim continue to run down WP in all possible and petty ways instead of focusing on PAP which is the main reason for ruining Singaporean's lives, then I wish to join in the fun too.

TTR's record until BE2012 was normal, you seldom see people posting negatives about SDP and WP too and everyone were attacking only PAP. But BE2012 onwards, turn its focus on WP more so the negatives about WP, SDP, RP, NSP etc started appearing too. TTR is the root culprit for everything.

Yes, all political parties have its negatives but we leave it to Singapore Media to dig it out as tradition and Internet is more the opposite direction. All Opposition supporters understood all Alternative Parties have bad points as well but like Singapore Media for PAP, we help each other out by minimising these negatives for Alternative Parties.

Now TTR wants to upset the equilibrium and test all Alternative Parties supporters patience and confuse them. The Anti-WP and pro-SDP stance had upset the Balance and tilt into PAP's favour.

Then more and more people will join in the fun, end result could only be disaster for all alternative parties at GE2016 and glee for PAP as every alternative party supporter rather see each other die and drag each other down than let any alternative party beat them to beating PAP.

I hardly see you commenting on negative PAP threads but comment on every negative WP thread and pretending to be SDP supporter and NSP supporter. I can only conclude you are a PAP IB.

All political parties have positives and negatives. Each wants to try their own style so let it be. Voters shall decide. SDP is free to continue to stage protest etc. WP is free to use its own tactical style. PAP is free to continue to run down anybody that gets in its way. NSP is free to continue to state the obvious. RP is free to continue to piggyback on whatever other parties started.

I dont think I am running down anybody here. I am just stating history and SDP's output last 20 years. I did not wish to do it but if people like Robox, TTR and Sam Lim continue to run down WP in all possible and petty ways instead of focusing on PAP which is the main reason for ruining Singaporean's lives, then I wish to join in the fun too.

TTR's record until BE2012 was normal, you seldom see people posting negatives about SDP and WP too and everyone were attacking only PAP. But BE2012 onwards, turn its focus on WP more so the negatives about WP, SDP, RP, NSP etc started appearing too. TTR is the root culprit for everything.

Yes, all political parties have its negatives but we leave it to Singapore Media to dig it out as tradition and Internet is more the opposite direction. All Opposition supporters understood all Alternative Parties have bad points as well but like Singapore Media for PAP, we help each other out by minimising these negatives for Alternative Parties.

Now TTR wants to upset the equilibrium and test all Alternative Parties supporters patience and confuse them. The Anti-WP and pro-SDP stance had upset the Balance and tilt into PAP's favour.

Then more and more people will join in the fun, end result could only be disaster for all alternative parties at GE2016 and glee for PAP as every alternative party supporter rather see each other die and drag each other down than let any alternative party beat them to beating PAP.
 
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