NSP plays down prospects of party returning to SDA

[Perspective]

NSP plays down prospects of party returning to SDA

by Leong Wee Keat

SINGAPORE - Despite overtures from the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA), National Solidarity Party (NSP) secretary-general Goh Meng Seng played down prospects of the opposition party returning to the SDA fold.

Ms Lina Loh, the wife of SDA chairman Chiam See Tong, said in a recent press interview that the SDA had approached the NSP - which broke away from the SDA in 2007 - about rejoining the alliance.

While Mr Goh did not rule out the possibility, he told MediaCorp on Friday that his party was "not considering that option yet".

With observers expecting elections, which have to be held by February 2012, to be around the corner, Mr Goh said the NSP was focusing on "building up the party branding".

All eyes are on the SDA, which is hoping to bolster its ranks with the entry of the Reform Party (RP). Since April, the SDA and the RP have been in talks. And RP secretary-general Kenneth Jeyaretnam reiterated that an alliance would best serve the opposition - even as he acknowledged that there were dissenting voices within his own party.

Pointing out that the majority of RP's members are in favour of joining the SDA, Mr Jeyaretnam said in a statement: "It would be naïve to expect this path to be swiftly traversed or without setbacks and obstacles. In general, we feel that strong differences of opinion are to be expected and aren't necessarily negative."

Within the SDA, secretary-general Desmond Lim Bak Chuan again expressed reservations in remarks published on Friday about RP's entry into the alliance, in particular the "unfair" conditions set out by RP.

In response, Mr Jeyaretnam said "negotiations had already moved on".

"Even though there's no iron-clad guarantee that talks will be successful ... it's clear that the foundations for building future unity are now firmly in place," said Mr Jeyaretnam. Apart from an alliance, Mr Jeyaretnam said he would welcome joint statements, forums and space for open dialogues among opposition parties.

Mr Goh said the NSP was also committed to opposition unity. "Even if we're not in an alliance, we could work together on other aspects," he said.

 

[Goh Meng Seng]

Well, I didn't actually play anything down but maybe the reporter feels it that way.

I am simply putting up a factual comment that NSP has moved on from the initial merger talk with SPP and it would be politically very challenging if we are to backtrack and talk about rejoining SDA again. Besides, the GE is just so near and I do not think it is a good idea to confuse voters further about what is NSP... a party by itself or a party in an alliance.

This is basically because all points have been considered in the past when NSP comes to the conclusion that a merger would be the best option, instead of a loose alliance like SDA with individual component parties.

But as I am taught, never say never in politics. There might be new points for considerations if circumstances change.

Goh Meng Seng

 

[Perspective]

Well, I didn't actually play anything down but maybe the reporter feels it that way.

I am simply putting up a factual comment that NSP has moved on from the initial merger talk with SPP and it would be politically very challenging if we are to backtrack and talk about rejoining SDA again. Besides, the GE is just so near and I do not think it is a good idea to confuse voters further about what is NSP... a party by itself or a party in an alliance.

This is basically because all points have been considered in the past when NSP comes to the conclusion that a merger would be the best option, instead of a loose alliance like SDA with individual component parties.

But as I am taught, never say never in politics. There might be new points for considerations if circumstances change.

Goh Meng Seng

It would also have to depend on NSP CEC, right? But I believe chances are slim as many are old guards who felt as if they came out of a "nightmare" when they left SDA. Unless RP enters it (SDA) proper.

There's a chance SDA gets more than half of the NCMP seats if no opp seats are won, if it is big alliance of SPP, NSP, RP, SJP and PKMS. Because they would have 40 to 50 candidates in total. That might be a selling point.

 

[Goh Meng Seng]

There's a chance SDA gets more than half of the NCMP seats if no opp seats are won, if it is big alliance of SPP, NSP, RP, SJP and PKMS. Because they would have 40 to 50 candidates in total. That might be a selling point.

Elections is not that simple. The election platform is important to start with.

Many people tends to use Malaysian's opposition alliance as an example to say how good an alliance will be. However, in Malaysian's case, it was the branding of very established opposition parties like DAP and PAS which moved the whole electoral platform.

In Singapore's context, the component parties of SDA lacks "POSITIVE" visibility. Apart from having Uncle Chiam as an MP in parliament, very little is known about PKMS, SJP or even SPP itself because they do not make themselves known by actively engaging in policy discussions or making their party's stands heard.

From this perspective, SDP is more active in engagement while RP and NSP are beefing up these perspective. However, unfortunately, SDP's image might have been damaged beyond repair by the constant bad press thrown at it.

For any alliance to work effectively, the component parties' visibility and active engagement on policy matters as well as ground work must be consistent and visible. The mindset should change. Joining an alliance should not be viewed as a "convenience" for a small party to piggy back ride on the size and resources. It should be the other way round. The parties themselves must be strong enough to contribute towards a bigger and effective force.

This explains why many people would view RP and NSP entrance into an alliance like SDA would boost up the platform. But put it bluntly, if RP and NSP are to go into an alliance out of SDA for whatever reasons, it would also beviewed as a formidable force. This is basically because NSP and RP have been beefing up their own visibility and they would be considered as a positive contribution to a bigger platform.

Goh Meng Seng

 

[ChaoPappyPoodle]

Well, I didn't actually play anything down but maybe the reporter feels it that way.

I am simply putting up a factual comment that NSP has moved on from the initial merger talk with SPP and it would be politically very challenging if we are to backtrack and talk about rejoining SDA again. Besides, the GE is just so near and I do not think it is a good idea to confuse voters further about what is NSP... a party by itself or a party in an alliance.

...

Goh Meng Seng

Realistically, due to our political climate over the years, the uninformed and disinterested voters will look for either PAP logo or another logo and vote accordingly. For the more informed, I think your concern is a non-issue.

What is more important is that both groups of voters believe in who they vote for. Will they vote for an ikan bilis that will not be able to do much for them or will they vote for a group that is serious, positive and likely to keep their election promises? The answer is obvious.

An alliance between the APs is the single most important step towards helping the generations of Singaporeans to free themselves from the draconian and authoritarian manners of the PAP and their self-indulgence.

On all accounts, the people must be put first and foremost - not any one party. If this is adhered to then there is no reason why the APs cannot forge an alliance, even a loose one. As long as the alliance is seen as real by the voters then that is all that counts.

Even the PAPies forged alliances to remove the Brits from Singapore. That would not have been possible if the parties back then were as fragmented as the APs have been all these years. Even now, if we look within our region, alliances amongst APs to rid themselves and their country of the incumbentm we will see a similar pattern.

Any AP in Singapore should know better. The question is simple - is your party more important than Singapore and Singaporeans?

The PAPies can be beaten in the next GE and they should be beaten.

 

[Perspective]

Elections is not that simple. The election platform is important to start with.

Many people tends to use Malaysian's opposition alliance as an example to say how good an alliance will be. However, in Malaysian's case, it was the branding of very established opposition parties like DAP and PAS which moved the whole electoral platform.

In Singapore's context, the component parties of SDA lacks "POSITIVE" visibility. Apart from having Uncle Chiam as an MP in parliament, very little is known about PKMS, SJP or even SPP itself because they do not make themselves known by actively engaging in policy discussions or making their party's stands heard.

From this perspective, SDP is more active in engagement while RP and NSP are beefing up these perspective. However, unfortunately, SDP's image might have been damaged beyond repair by the constant bad press thrown at it.

For any alliance to work effectively, the component parties' visibility and active engagement on policy matters as well as ground work must be consistent and visible. The mindset should change. Joining an alliance should not be viewed as a "convenience" for a small party to piggy back ride on the size and resources. It should be the other way round. The parties themselves must be strong enough to contribute towards a bigger and effective force.

This explains why many people would view RP and NSP entrance into an alliance like SDA would boost up the platform. But put it bluntly, if RP and NSP are to go into an alliance out of SDA for whatever reasons, it would also beviewed as a formidable force. This is basically because NSP and RP have been beefing up their own visibility and they would be considered as a positive contribution to a bigger platform.

Goh Meng Seng

I guess the next best option would be to work like the Pakatan - keep separate parties but announce an alliance of NSP-RP-SDA. Attend one another's rallies and press conference, hold joint press conference etc. The main thing is the media show. DRSC (Democratic Reform Solidarity Council) anyone? Sounds like DSC.

 

[Perspective]

Realistically, due to our political climate over the years, the uninformed and disinterested voters will look for either PAP logo or another logo and vote accordingly. For the more informed, I think your concern is a non-issue.

What is more important is that both groups of voters believe in who they vote for. Will they vote for an ikan bilis that will not be able to do much for them or will they vote for a group that is serious, positive and likely to keep their election promises? The answer is obvious.

An alliance between the APs is the single most important step towards helping the generations of Singaporeans to free themselves from the draconian and authoritarian manners of the PAP and their self-indulgence.

On all accounts, the people must be put first and foremost - not any one party. If this is adhered to then there is no reason why the APs cannot forge an alliance, even a loose one. As long as the alliance is seen as real by the voters then that is all that counts.

Even the PAPies forged alliances to remove the Brits from Singapore. That would not have been possible if the parties back then were as fragmented as the APs have been all these years. Even now, if we look within our region, alliances amongst APs to rid themselves and their country of the incumbentm we will see a similar pattern.

Any AP in Singapore should know better. The question is simple - is your party more important than Singapore and Singaporeans?

The PAPies can be beaten in the next GE and they should be beaten.

Agree. Well said.

 

[fivestars]

The Singapore People's Party is the founding member of the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA).

The Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) is an alliance of political parties, which allows a political party to capitalise on mass movement and resources. It also allows political party leaders to work within a political organisation and be the leader of their own party.

The component parties are:

Singapore People's Party (SPP)
Singapore Malay National Organization (PKMS)
Singapore Justice Party (SJP)
SDA's Supreme Executive Council 2009/2011

We're on your side!

Mr Chiam See Tong
Chairman
Founding member of SDA
Secretary-General of SPP
Member of Parliament for Potong Pasir Constituency
Chiarman of Potong Pasir Town Council

Mr Ali Bin Asjadi
Vice-Chairman
Vice President of PKMS

Mr Lim Bak Chuan Desmond
Secretary-General
Founding member of SDA
Assistant Secretary-General of SPP
Consultant of Pasir Town Council
Secretary of Potong Pasir Welfare Fund

Mr Malik Bin Ismail
Assistant Secretary-General
Secretary-General of PKMS

Mr Yen Kim Khooi
Treasurer General
Assistant Treasurer of SPP

Mr. Ahmad Bin Yusoff
Assistant Treasurer General
Exco member of PKMS

Mr Yong Seng Fatt
Committee Member
Treasurer of SPP
Founding Member of SPP

Mr Sin Kek Tong
Committee Member
Founding Member of SDA
Chairman of SPP
Founding member of SPP

Mr Ismail Bin Mohd
Committee Member
Vice President I of PKMS

Mdm Habibi Bte Joharie
Committee Member
Chairperson of SJP

Mr. Kelvin Goh
Committee member
Exco member of SJP

Abdul Jamal Bin Abdul Rashid
Honorary Auditor
Exco Member of PKMS

Aminuddin Bin Ami
Honorary Auditor
Secretary-General of SJP

 

[kingrant]

The way things are going, it may take forever to unite the various Opp parties into one camp. I think this is time wasting and not really necessary.

Let parties contest in their preferred wards or GRCs to play to their strengths but what they shld do is to have a common understanding and a strategy not to split votes.

The Opp parties while cutting their own paths up to the top shld not forget to remind the voters that once elected into Parliament, they are all pledged to work together, the way star alliances in the airline industry works. Isnt this a more realistic approach?

Trying to force a common front is easier said than done, with powerful egos and personalities who believe in one tiger one hill. Quickly get that foothold and make their presence felt to build on future hopes.

 

[fivestars]

http://yoursda.weebly.com/index.html

 

[sampierre]

[QUOTE=Goh Meng Seng;528619]Well, I didn't actually play anything down but maybe the reporter feels it that way.

I am simply putting up a factual comment that NSP has moved on from the initial merger talk with SPP and it would be politically very challenging if we are to backtrack and talk about rejoining SDA again. Besides, the GE is just so near and I do not think it is a good idea to confuse voters further about what is NSP... a party by itself or a party in an alliance.

This is basically because all points have been considered in the past when NSP comes to the conclusion that a merger would be the best option, instead of a loose alliance like SDA with individual component parties.

But as I am taught, never say never in politics. There might be new points for considerations if circumstances change.

Goh Meng Seng[/QUOTE]

GMS,

FOR GOD'S SAKE, NEVE EVER THINK OF REJOINING SDA OR MERGING WITH THAT FUCKING CHIAM'S SPP !!!! THAT WOULD BE A POLITICAL SUICIDE FOR NSP FOR SURE!! CHIAM ONLY CARES ABOUT HOW TO BE A GOOD HOUSEKEEPER OF POTONG PASIR TOWN COUNCIL AND NOTHING ELSE, AND THAT WAS WHY NSP DECIDED TO LEAVE THE SDA IN THE FIRST PLACE.
CHIAM'S INFLUENCE AMONGST VOTERS, EVEN IN POTONG PASIR ITSELF, IS ON THE WANE, AND I AM 101% SURE PAP WILL TAKE BACK HIS WARD .
PLEASE IGNORE THE STUPID TALK OF PEOPLE LIKE PERSPECTIVE WHO IS STILL DAY DREAMING .

INSTEAD, NSP & REFORM PARTY SHOULD CONSIDER FORMING A LOOSE ALLIANCE FOR THIS COMING GE.

 

[scroobal]

For those who might not be aware. The Alliance approach is not a merger. The reason why KJ, Chiam and others are moving to strengthen SDA is that they are going for the big one - a GRC. A GRC win is massive psychological blow to the PAP in more ways than one. There is nothing else for Chiam and for KJ, he is matured and rational and he is not looking to sing from one seat.

Desmond did not get it and obviously is thinking small and thus the current turmoil in SPP as a result of the SDA issue. He is probably thinking that the focus shoud be a seat just for him as a priority for all the hard work.

GMS and NSP are smart enough not to give the game away to the PAP this early and they know exactly what is required and the strategy at hand. The facebook dialogue does tell alot.

What you are seeing right in front of yours eyes is opposition working hand in glove on a tactical move. KJ did indicate that opposition would have failed if there are no further gains in seat.

 

[fivestars]

Propose for the Union


The Party Shall:-

Vision: Form an alliance government in parliament

Mission: Form an alliance party to contest in general elections

The Party Shall Declaration that the aims and purposes of the party:

(1) To accelerate Political Growth, Social Awareness and Political Power sharing in our General Elections and Parliament House.
(2) To promote political peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among political parties.
(3) To agreed on a concert of Singaporean outward looking, living in peace, stability and prosperity, bonded together in dynamic development and in one united nation of caring societies.

The Members have to adopt the following fundamental principles in their relations with one another:

1) mutual respect for the Aim, Vision, Mission, Objective, Principle, Election Manifesto, Integrity, Equality and Party Identity of all parties;
2) the right of every party executive council to lead its party existence free from external interference, subversion or coercion;
3) non-interference in the internal affairs of one another;
4) settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful manner;
5) renunciation of the threat or use of force;
6) effective cooperation among themselves.
7) each party member had the right to switch among the component parties (Democracy and Human Right)

The new elected SDA CEC to approval the SMC and GRC contesting Blue Print

MP Chiam health can take Chairman post and SG post in SDA?

 

[ahleebabasingaporethief]

Alliance or no alliance is NOT IMPORTANT.

WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT IN THE COMING ELECTIONS THAT YOU PEOPLE CONTEST THE WHOLE OF SINGAPORE.

YOU PEOPLE HAVE ROUGHLY 3 MONTHS PLUS TO COME OUT WITH ENOUGH CANDIDATES TO DO SO.

THE REAL CITIZENS OF SINGAPORE ARE WAITING TO WELCOME YOU WITH OPEN ARMS.
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[Subok]

Whether as an alliance or lose agreement.

All oppositions party, WP inclusive, NSP, etc etc

1. All oppositions Parties OWE it to all Singaporeans to allow them to have the simple DECENCY to exercise their constitutional rights to VOTE.

2. All oppositions Parties MUST converge and agree to avoid 3 corners fight! Because at this point there is not enough political mileage to talk about "my brand premium" yours "nasi lemak" etc etc.

3. If the entire oppositions clan do not pull their acts together, NONE will surface as a single winner.

4. Singapore though is 45 this year, she is still a political newbies. Do not expect Singaporean to differential what is "socialism"- "communism"-"Marxist" etc etc.

5. The only brand of Politics Singaporean know is THE PAP and THE REST. So I really wonder what NSP is talking about when they say "Branding"?

6. Now is not the time to dawn on superficiality of "branding". now is wartime! We do not argue during wartime, to sent our best platoon of 1st commandos or 2nd commandos into the field! WE ARE ONLY CONCERN ABOUT THE OBJECTIVE.

7. With all DUE respect Mr GMS, if you planning in long run to be PM of Singapore. I humbly say, "sorry" you do not make the cut. Just look at Kenneth. Look at his controlled manner in handling the press. Look at the way he always point to the "bigger" picture.

Personally, I do not care which parties, I only care whether got opposition's party logo on my polling slip. But sadly, with each opposition with likes of GMS leading opposition parties away from a common platform against PAP, it will take maybe the next few decades before another opportunity for the Opposition to come into power or maybe another 5 seats!

WP is old and seasoned to hold its own. The only set back is they will have to build their base, bit by bits.

As much as we all know the danger of a coalition government, BUT to free Singaporean from the grip of PAP, this is the only viable option for now!

When will we have an opposition who look at the BIGGER picture and STOP bickering who is the SEC GEN of the Alliance, who is Chairman la... etc etc.

REMEMBER ALWAYS IN SINGAPORE ONLY 2 PARTIES!

ONE is "THE PAP" and the others "THE REST"!

There seriously any rooms to talk about branding! Here the constituents ARE SUFFERING and we have the oppositions talking about being "GUCCI" or "PRADE" or "PASAR MALAM"

HOPELESS! Now we all know why PAP thrives! As long as oppositions keep on doing what they are doing now, no matter how much groans and cries from the constituents, PAP can safely ignores them.... cause there will be NO ONE to speak up for them.

As long as we continues to have self serving oppositions candidates who do not look at the bigger picture, PAP will always be in power for a long time. I often harbors the belief that this coming election will be IT! that PAP will get a big slap on their face given the current sentiments on the ground... but I am afraid, all is a LOST cause!!!!

We want PAP out while instead of effective battle plan, we get "Gucci" "prada" and "panda" ....

Straits Times XXmonth XXyear

Election Results

"PAP is return to power once again with improved margins compared to their last election. PM Lee HL were given a resounding mandate to ....... ... ."

 

[kingrant]

I am ok with that. What I am concerned is that they spent too much time on the hierarchy issues and who's on top and below. Best to have general terms of engagement sealed and agreed upon at the earliest and go on to fine tune ground tactics and screening of potential candidates and attack plans. They shouldnt let personalities and petty politicking get in the way of the bigger things, and that is to get into Parliament in force.

For those who might not be aware. The Alliance approach is not a merger.

 

[fivestars]

SDA main goal was to work towards re-merger with Malaysia. Not because Mr Chiam See Tong is a MP of Singapore

 

[Perspective]

Whether as an alliance or lose agreement.

All oppositions party, WP inclusive, NSP, etc etc

1. All oppositions Parties OWE it to all Singaporeans to allow them to have the simple DECENCY to exercise their constitutional rights to VOTE.

I think it sounds like the other way round. Singaporeans owe it to opposition parties to be able to vote by contesting their wards, unless they want a free holiday (like me, 'cos I voted once and I think it's enough). The opposition is never thanked, looking at the results, so I don't think they have anything to thank the people. if you think it's normal to thank people who hasn't given you anything, you can start with the bus stop nearest you.

 

[Subok]

I think it sounds like the other way round. Singaporeans owe it to opposition parties to be able to vote by contesting their wards, unless they want a free holiday (like me, 'cos I voted once and I think it's enough). The opposition is never thanked, looking at the results, so I don't think they have anything to thank the people. if you think it's normal to thank people who hasn't given you anything, you can start with the bus stop nearest you.

If people not given the choice, thank what? thank the opposition for letting PAP erect more gantries? Thank the opposition for the high cost of living?

Yes, it's a thankless job in politics. If you are thinking of a glorified citizens kneeling down to the oppositions like great almighty having liberated Singaporeans from PAP...

WAIT! wait a minute!!

Oppositions HAVE not even march pass the gatekeepers of PAP and you want latter to be thanked by the people?

People will always be blinded until such time they are liberated have free access to information, ability to voice out.

UNTIL such time, please opposition your job is to bring this reality, otherwise, with the wool still in the people's eyes, you will always be viewed as the "yellow turban" bandits! And that's what PAP want people to see oppositions as. Pesky flies! But all oppositions do is buzz around "dead carcasses", it is not surprising PAP paint them to be so.

 

[Subok]

NSP can be the PRADA of Oppositions for all I care in the world!

The sad news is the constituents can hardly afford a espirit wallet much less a PRADA. Go on GMS! go on to do your "branding". As long as the the people can ill afford a simple wallet, PRADA or PANDA or PRATA makes no difference!

This is a CLASSIC example of putting the cart before the horse. I hope your example will be used in primary school when the english language teacher teaches idoms.

"Class do you know what is putting the cart before the horses mean?" Asked the teacher.

"Yes Teacher! Mr GMS doing branding for NSP when they do not even have a simple "sqeak" in the parliament" answered the primary 3 student.

UTTERLY DISAPPOINTED! I guess I rather join the gang of those who intentional cast spoiled votes.

Why should I even care to vote for oppositions when their main concern is whether their STARS are brighter than the red lighting bolt. Guess I expect too much therefore fall hard!

Oppostions can catch all the fighting spiders (black canon, green devil etc etc) they want and fight among themselves, but they can never ever think of winning the tarantula of PAP.