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Chitchat Operation Halimah Begins

scroobal

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The biggest makeover exercise in Singapore's political history commenced early this morning at 4am.

Big shoes to fill for Halimah’s successor: Analysts


BY
LOUISA TANG
[email protected]ISHED: 4:00 AM, AUGUST 7, 2017
SINGAPORE — Madam Halimah Yacob will leave big shoes to fill as she steps down as Speaker of Parliament, and political analysts expect an experienced replacement in the form of one of her current deputies, amid a leadership transition in Government.

The analysts also reiterated that a by-election need not be called in Marsiling-Yew Tee Group Representation Constituency, even though Mdm Halimah was the minority Member of Parliament on the slate.

Mdm Halimah, who first entered Parliament in 2001, announced yesterday that she will contest next month’s Presidential Election (PE). She will resign as Speaker and MP today, as is required in order to run in the PE. She will also have to leave the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP).

National University of Singapore political scientist Bilveer Singh said the remaining three MPs would be able to take care of Mdm Halimah’s Marsiling ward.

“It will also be disruptive and financially costly to hold a by-election, especially in a ward where the ruling party is very strong,” he added.

Mdm Halimah was part of the PAP’s four-member GRC team that won Marsiling-Yew Tee in the 2015 General Election with 68.7 per cent of the vote. The other MPs are National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, Mr Alex Yam and Mr Ong Teng Koon.

Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan noted that while it would be ideal for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to call a by-election — especially as the minority MP is the one who is stepping down — the Government “has other pressing matters”, and needs to “focus on the economy”.

In 2013, the Court of Appeal ruled that the Prime Minister must call a by-election to fill a seat vacated by an MP, but only in single-seat wards. The court also noted a provision requiring all MPs of a GRC to vacate their seats before an election can be held.

In February, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Chan Chun Sing said in Parliament that a by-election will not be called, should a minority MP leave his or her GRC.

Responding to a question tabled by Workers’ Party Aljunied GRC MP Pritam Singh, Mr Chan said the key goals of the GRC would not be affected by the departure of a minority MP.

He also noted that one fewer minority MP would still mean 27 per cent of Parliament is made up of minority MPs, “more than what you’d expect proportionately from adding up the percentage of Malays, Indians and other minorities”.

On potential replacements as Speaker of Parliament, the analysts cited incumbent Deputy Speakers Mr Charles Chong and Mr Seah Kian Peng.

They noted that Singapore has had three successive minority Speakers: Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, Mr Michael Palmer and Mdm Halimah. “I don’t think it really matters now as the President will be from the minority community,” said Dr Singh.

Assoc Prof Tan said he “wouldn’t be surprised if the Government opts for an experienced MP” to take over as Speaker, given that the Government leadership is in transition. He felt that Mr Chong would be a frontrunner for the job.

Political analysts had previously said that Mdm Halimah — whose name had been thrown up months before she confirmed her intention to contest — would be the strongest candidate in the coming PE, as she has been in the public service for more than 40 years and voters are familiar with her.

Assoc Prof Tan said: “People will be watching how she transitions from a PAP member and Speaker of Parliament, and how she performs her role as elected President should she win. Expectations of her will be high.”
 

scroobal

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Mdm Halimah, Singapore's first woman Speaker, could make history again

BY
VALERIE KOH
[email protected]ISHED: 8:15 PM, AUGUST 6, 2017UPDATED: 5:25 AM, AUGUST 7, 2017
SINGAPORE — Mdm Halimah Yacob, 62, has a long record of public service, having first entered politics as a Member of Parliament for Jurong GRC in 2001.

A decade later, she was made Minister of State (MOS) in the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports in 2011. She held that portfolio for about a year, before moving on to the Ministry of Social and Family Development in 2012.


Marsiling residents rue Halimah leaving, but say she will make good president
AUGUST 7
After former Speaker of Parliament Michael Palmer stepped down abruptly in December 2012 due to an extramarital affair, Mdm Halimah became the first female Speaker in January 2013 — a post that she has held since.

During the General Election in 2015, Mdm Halimah moved out of Jurong GRC to contest in the newly-formed Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC.

Prior to entering politics, Mdm Halimah studied law at the National University of Singapore (NUS) on a Muis scholarship, graduating with an honours degree in 1978. She received a Master of Laws from NUS in 2001.

Entering the workforce, Mdm Halimah joined the National Trades Union Congress as a legal officer. She climbed the ranks to become the director of the Legal Services Department and director of the Women’s Development Secretariat, and subsequently, Deputy Secretary-General of the labour movement.

On the international arena, Mdm Halimah, a mother of five, was the first Singaporean to be elected into the International Labour Organisation.

Among the aspirants who have declared their intention to contest in the Presidential Election (PE), Mdm Halimah is the only one who checks all the boxes of the eligibility criteria, having spent at least three years in a key public office.

If elected in the country’s inaugural reserved PE next month, she will become the Republic’s first female president.
 

scroobal

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Halimah Yacob: From pushcart helper to possible president

Left: Madam Halimah Yacob, seen here cooking in the kitchen of her HDB flat, is known for being down to earth and close to the ground. She said that living in the heartland gave her a keen sense of what bothered people and the daily frustrations they
Madam Halimah Yacob, seen here cooking in the kitchen of her HDB flat, is known for being down to earth and close to the ground. She said that living in the heartland gave her a keen sense of what bothered people and the daily frustrations they faced if their estate was not well taken care ofLIANHE

PUBLISHEDAUG 7, 2017, 5:00 AM SGT

Charissa Yong
Madam Halimah Yacob is Singapore's first woman Speaker of Parliament, and may well be its first woman president.

The potential rise to the highest office in the land would be a far cry from the humble beginnings of the 62-year-old.

Her father, a watchman, had died of a heart attack when she was eight, leaving her mother to raise her and her four older siblings.

Her mother initially sold nasi padang from a pushcart until she got a hawker stall licence.

Madam Halimah would then wake before sunrise to help her before going to school.

She attended Singapore Chinese Girls' School and Tanjong Katong Girls' School, and was the only one in her family to go on to university.
 

scroobal

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https://sg.news.yahoo.com/pm-lee-hs...ys-president-must-non-partisan-092207750.html

PM Lee Hsien Loong pays tribute to Halimah Yacob, says President must be 'non-partisan'


Former Speaker of Parliament and Marsiling-Yew Tee Member of Parliament Halimah Yacob has been a “consistent and fearless voice” in the unions, the Parliament and the Government, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday (7 August) as he accepted her resignation as MP and from the People’s Action Party.

Lee also reminded the 62-year-old, “The President’s role requires her to be non-partisan and above politics, working with the government but making independent judgements when she exercises her custodial powers, such as when deciding on reserves and key appointments.
“I have no doubt that you will be able to play this different Constitutional role well.”
Halimah announced her bid for the presidency on Sunday night (6 August), submitting her resignation letters to PM Lee, the Clerk of Parliament and Deputy Speaker Charles Chong on Monday.
In a letter to Halimah, PM Lee recalled that they had first met 20 years ago, when she was a “well-respected unionist”. In 2001, when she was elected as an MP in Jurong GRC, she won over residents of all races and ages with her “sincerity, warmth and effectiveness”.
He noted, “Marsiling residents speak of you warmly as a humble, hardworking and approachable MP who goes the extra mile to listen to them and get things done.”
During her time in Cabinet, Lee noted that Halimah had an “independent view” and was not afraid to argue her case, which often caused her colleagues to rethink their positions.
As Speaker of Parliament, a role she took up in 2013, Halimah has been “fair to all MPs, encouraging vigorous debates…while ensuring decorum and order”, said Lee.
Deputy Speaker Charles Chong will serve as Acting Speaker until a new Speaker is elected by Parliament. Lee also said that he would soon appoint replacements for Halimah in her Marsiling ward, including a grassroots advisor to succeed her.
 

gatehousethetinkertailor

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The biggest makeover exercise in Singapore's political history commenced early this morning at 4am.



You beat me to this - should keep this thread going so here's my contribution:

http://www.straitstimes.com/politic...continue-living-in-yishun-hdb-flat-if-elected

ScreenShot2017-08-07at9.57.42PM.png

ScreenShot2017-08-07at9.57.52PM.png

ScreenShot2017-08-07at9.58.00PM.png


ScreenShot2017-08-07at9.51.34PM.png

ScreenShot2017-08-07at9.51.49PM.png

ScreenShot2017-08-07at9.52.01PM.png

ScreenShot2017-08-07at9.52.12PM.png

ScreenShot2017-08-07at9.52.37PM.png



National University of Singapore political scientist Bilveer Singh said the remaining three MPs would be able to take care of Mdm Halimah’s Marsiling ward.

“It will also be disruptive and financially costly to hold a by-election, especially in a ward where the ruling party is very strong,” he added.

I am truly disappointed BS has been co-opted for such a ridiculous soundbite - I expected that other PLP ET but Bilveer too? Sigh...so much for sticking it to the Man
 
Last edited:

scroobal

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Loyal
BS is between a rock and hard place after that incident many years ago. Even Yahoo has been co-opted, the price they had to pay to avoid another legal suit.

It was supposed to be non-partisan yet they are laying in on very thick.


I am truly disappointed BS has been co-opted for such a ridiculous soundbite - I expected that other PLP ET but Bilveer too? Sigh...so much for sticking it to the Man
 

steffychun

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Loyal
The biggest makeover exercise in Singapore's political history commenced early this morning at 4am.

Big shoes to fill for Halimah’s successor: Analysts


BY
LOUISA TANG
[email protected]ISHED: 4:00 AM, AUGUST 7, 2017
SINGAPORE — Madam Halimah Yacob will leave big shoes to fill as she steps down as Speaker of Parliament, and political analysts expect an experienced replacement in the form of one of her current deputies, amid a leadership transition in Government.

The analysts also reiterated that a by-election need not be called in Marsiling-Yew Tee Group Representation Constituency, even though Mdm Halimah was the minority Member of Parliament on the slate.

Mdm Halimah, who first entered Parliament in 2001, announced yesterday that she will contest next month’s Presidential Election (PE). She will resign as Speaker and MP today, as is required in order to run in the PE. She will also have to leave the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP).

National University of Singapore political scientist Bilveer Singh said the remaining three MPs would be able to take care of Mdm Halimah’s Marsiling ward.

“It will also be disruptive and financially costly to hold a by-election, especially in a ward where the ruling party is very strong,” he added.

Mdm Halimah was part of the PAP’s four-member GRC team that won Marsiling-Yew Tee in the 2015 General Election with 68.7 per cent of the vote. The other MPs are National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, Mr Alex Yam and Mr Ong Teng Koon.

Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan noted that while it would be ideal for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to call a by-election — especially as the minority MP is the one who is stepping down — the Government “has other pressing matters”, and needs to “focus on the economy”.

In 2013, the Court of Appeal ruled that the Prime Minister must call a by-election to fill a seat vacated by an MP, but only in single-seat wards. The court also noted a provision requiring all MPs of a GRC to vacate their seats before an election can be held.

In February, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Chan Chun Sing said in Parliament that a by-election will not be called, should a minority MP leave his or her GRC.

Responding to a question tabled by Workers’ Party Aljunied GRC MP Pritam Singh, Mr Chan said the key goals of the GRC would not be affected by the departure of a minority MP.

He also noted that one fewer minority MP would still mean 27 per cent of Parliament is made up of minority MPs, “more than what you’d expect proportionately from adding up the percentage of Malays, Indians and other minorities”.

On potential replacements as Speaker of Parliament, the analysts cited incumbent Deputy Speakers Mr Charles Chong and Mr Seah Kian Peng.

They noted that Singapore has had three successive minority Speakers: Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, Mr Michael Palmer and Mdm Halimah. “I don’t think it really matters now as the President will be from the minority community,” said Dr Singh.

Assoc Prof Tan said he “wouldn’t be surprised if the Government opts for an experienced MP” to take over as Speaker, given that the Government leadership is in transition. He felt that Mr Chong would be a frontrunner for the job.

Political analysts had previously said that Mdm Halimah — whose name had been thrown up months before she confirmed her intention to contest — would be the strongest candidate in the coming PE, as she has been in the public service for more than 40 years and voters are familiar with her.

Assoc Prof Tan said: “People will be watching how she transitions from a PAP member and Speaker of Parliament, and how she performs her role as elected President should she win. Expectations of her will be high.”

all these analysts are NOT analysing but repeating PAP soundbites.
 

mahjongking

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Loyal
who the fuck cares?

wasting public funds this whole exercise, will it make a difference whether got president or not?
 

bobby

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Loyal
2 wrongs...GRC & reserved EP, does not make it right.

The very concept of the existence of the PAP regimented GRC boasting the presence of a minority is suddenly devoid of the very essence of the fundamentals of a GRC.

Like the hokien says...how to say?
 

scroobal

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Loyal
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/pm-lee-halimah-will-bring-dignity-experience-if-elected


PM Lee: Halimah will bring dignity, experience if elected


Madam Halimah Yaacob with her husband Mohammed Abdullah Alhabshee at the Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC National Day Dinner on Sunday (Aug 6) where she announced her intention to run as President.

Hariz Baharudin
Reporter
Aug 08, 2017 06:00 am

Fresh from confirming her intentions on Sunday evening, Madam Halimah Yacob yesterday started the ball rolling for her nomination for the elected presidency by resigning from her political posts.

The 62-year-old submitted her letter of resignation to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday afternoon, informing him of her decision to step down as an MP and leave the People's Action Party (PAP).

Madam Halimah said in her letter that she decided to run after careful consideration with friends, colleagues and family members.

"They have given me their strong support and I am also very encouraged by the many Singaporeans who had asked me to put myself up as a candidate," she said.

In a letter addressed to the Clerk of Parliament, Madam Halimah also resigned from her position as Speaker of Parliament yesterday. PM Lee said in a letter that he accepted Madam Halimah's resignation and that he would appoint replacements for her posts soon.

He would also send a new grassroots adviser to the Marsiling ward, where Madam Halimah was MP.
 

steffychun

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Loyal
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/pm-lee-halimah-will-bring-dignity-experience-if-elected


PM Lee: Halimah will bring dignity, experience if elected


Madam Halimah Yaacob with her husband Mohammed Abdullah Alhabshee at the Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC National Day Dinner on Sunday (Aug 6) where she announced her intention to run as President.

Hariz Baharudin
Reporter
Aug 08, 2017 06:00 am

Fresh from confirming her intentions on Sunday evening, Madam Halimah Yacob yesterday started the ball rolling for her nomination for the elected presidency by resigning from her political posts.

The 62-year-old submitted her letter of resignation to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday afternoon, informing him of her decision to step down as an MP and leave the People's Action Party (PAP).

Madam Halimah said in her letter that she decided to run after careful consideration with friends, colleagues and family members.

"They have given me their strong support and I am also very encouraged by the many Singaporeans who had asked me to put myself up as a candidate," she said.

In a letter addressed to the Clerk of Parliament, Madam Halimah also resigned from her position as Speaker of Parliament yesterday. PM Lee said in a letter that he accepted Madam Halimah's resignation and that he would appoint replacements for her posts soon.

He would also send a new grassroots adviser to the Marsiling ward, where Madam Halimah was MP.

Why not appoint immediately? Oh, wait, SG parliament meets like rarely once a year.
 
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