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New Singapore party calls for end to 'elite' rule

SammyHulk

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New Singapore party calls for end to 'elite' rule

Agence France-Presse - 7/12/2008 1:46 AM GMT

A new political party has called for an end to rule by an elite minority in Singapore, and rejected accusations the opposition would quickly ruin the country if it took power.

The Reform Party was responding to a recent warning to voters by Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew against putting the opposition at the helm of government "in a moment of fickleness or just sheer madness."

"Let me say from here to Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, that that is crass arrogance on his part," said the party's secretary general, J.B. Jeyaretnam in a speech to inaugurate the party late Friday.

"I tell him from here, tonight: We've had enough of a minority, of the elite, making all our decisions."

Lee, 84, is widely credited for shepherding the underdeveloped port into one of Asia's wealthiest nations in one generation.

His People's Action Party (PAP) has been in power since 1959 and has all but two elected seats in the 84-member parliament.

The opposition plays only a marginal role in Singapore, but four other parties sent delegations to the Reform Party launch.

Jeyaretnam told AFP he did not know if the parties could unite for the next election due by 2011.

"I don't know. It depends on a number of factors... You know, policies and outlook, and methods," said the lawyer.

Jeyaretnam, then with the Workers' Party, made political history in 1981 when he became the first opposition politician elected to parliament.

He was declared bankrupt in 2001 after failing to pay libel damages to members of the PAP, including a former prime minister.

Last year Jeyaretnam, 82, cleared the bankruptcy, which had prevented him from running for political office.

:cool:
 

High Command

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Here is to a new hope. I no longer have any confidence in those beaucrats. The current leadership is uninspiring and downright demoralising.
 

SammyHulk

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J B Jeyaretnam’s Reform Party holds inauguration ceremony

SINGAPORE: Singapore's opposition figure J B Jeyaretnam launched his new political party on Friday.

The inauguration of the Reform Party was held at a restaurant in Toa Payoh.

Also present at the ceremony were opposition members of parliament, Potong Pasir MP Chiam See Tong and Hougang MP Low Thia Khiang.

Mr Jeyaretnam said this party will provide more updates soon, via a blog.

He made history in Singapore politics when he became the first opposition member to win a seat in Parliament in 1981 - when he was the secretary-general of the Workers' Party.

- CNA/yb

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/359826/1/.html

Tink refering to him :cool:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/359826/1/.html
 

tokselehon

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You guys are so concerned so do many great singaporeans out there.Let's be their partners in politics to fight for our rights to have even stronger Opposition in Singapore.:cool:

We could not afford to have so many great singaporeans to 'chow' because of political games played by the pap.
 

BlueCat

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if JBJ still like to say so many things.
i believe this new party will not last long.
 

twochan

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They should use stronger, specific words and historical examples such as:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wee_Shu_Min_elitism_scandal

to evoke the feelings of the people.

Anyway, I think the context in which the word 'elite' is used isn't explained clearly. I mean you could be one of the 'scientific elite' where you are truly nobel prize candidates. Or perhaps 'business elite' where you have a knack for really making money out of legitimate opportunities.

It's really a case of not aiming your gun carefully and scaring everybody...

I'm sure they meant those elites who are sycophants with no other real abilities?
 

zack123

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They should use stronger, specific words and historical examples such as:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wee_Shu_Min_elitism_scandal

to evoke the feelings of the people.

Anyway, I think the context in which the word 'elite' is used isn't explained clearly. I mean you could be one of the 'scientific elite' where you are truly nobel prize candidates. Or perhaps 'business elite' where you have a knack for really making money out of legitimate opportunities.

It's really a case of not aiming your gun carefully and scaring everybody...

I'm sure they meant those elites who are sycophants with no other real abilities?

Elitism exists very much in Spore society. Even the educational system promotes elitism such as SAP schools. How are we suppose to grow as a nation when we alienate a group of students against the rest of society?
 

twochan

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What I'm trying to say here is that 'elitism' isn't exactly the right word to use.

Arrogance, Self-importance, Delusional, etc. So many other better terms...

Do you believe that there are people within the PAP who disagree with the way LKY/GCT/LHL is running the show? There certainly are capable people within their organisation. Unfortunately, they don't seem to be in charge - or are muzzled or whatever. Remember Dr Amy Khor and her 'betrayal' speech?

http://www.asiaone.com/Just+Woman/News/Women+In+The+News/Story/A1Story20080414-59755.html

I don't think we should paint them of the same colour.
 
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