Desmond deserves to lose his deposit !

[Khun Ying Pojaman]

I hope this is enough to 'encourage' Desmond Lim to disband SDA. Don't throw in a spanner and take up spaces which ought to have been contested by WP and perhaps SDP.

Desmond, you deserve it !

 

[Bigfuck]

I hope this is enough to 'encourage' Desmond Lim to disband SDA. Don't throw in a spanner and take up spaces which ought to have been contested by WP and perhaps SDP.

Desmond, you deserve it !

He is a stupid self-serving bastard. I would spoil my vote if I lived there.

 

[commoner]

would have a closer fight without desmond

 

[metalrover]

DL Interview with TOC :

http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/11/desmond-lim-i-said-i-will-support-mrs-chiam-in-every-way/

 

[Perspective]

DL Interview with TOC :

Kieren James (KJ): Hi Desmond. First of all can you tell me how and why you first got politicized on the opposition side?

Desmond Lim (DL): As early as 1989 I served one of the Grassroots Organisation in town as volunteer. From there I kept on forming this question: Something is not right; you have the money and don’t want to spend. If a country governing body is too focused on surpluses, and leave most of the social welfare and community events to non-profit organizations or the people what [then] is the responsibility of the Government? That caused me to swap to another camp, 1992.

In 2001 I first stood for election, under SDA platform. SJP [Singapore Justice Party] was my first party. I crossed to SPP [Singapore People’s Party] before the 97 GE. We entered Memorandum of Understanding with the then Chairman Syed Farik, and Secretary-General Sin Kek Tong on the basis of consolidating our resources and working towards united operations. Half my CEC members crossed over, Chiam joined after we crossed over. Whatever we agreed [regarding] to form GRC [team] in 97 did not materialize. Some in SPP went to three-cornered fights with SDP [Singapore Democratic Party]. They abandoned the original [GRC] plan. I did not contest in 97. SPP asked me to contest in three cornered fight in Yishun Central but I refused. When we contested all the expenses came from our own pockets, the party was not rich. Without any reason if we go into three cornered fights on our own pocket money it is unfair not only to ourselves but also to the candidate from the other opposition party. Moreover, a three cornered fight will spilt the votes and benefit PAP. We have also not reached the stage that each political party in the opposition camp is able to provide clear ideology, most echo each other; that made it difficult for the voters to identify and associate with us. Hence, in their mind, all non ruling parties are from the same opposition camp and thus we should not fight against our own people.

In the 97 GE, SPP contested three seats: Potong Pasir, Ayer Rajah, [and] Bukit Gombak. Nevertheless it was not a right move for us [our grouping which moved from SJP] to shift back to SJP. We never forgot our goal to have a united opposition front. Finally we had the blessings of the leaders of SPP to approach other political parties like NSP [National Solidarity Party], PKMS [Singapore Malay Organisation][for united front]. At initial stage SDP was approached but no response from WP [Workers’ Party] to our proposal. Only four parties agreed to terms and conditions, SDP did not agree to veto powers given to Chairman and neither did Singapore National Front.

An alliance was formed November 2006 – NSP, PKMS, SPP, [and] SJP. SPP was artificially created as the dominant party because we had an MP [Mr Chiam See Tong in Potong Pasir SMC]. It was agreed to give him veto power for two terms. The alliance was formed on the basis of a marriage of convenience. It had no solid plan. It was not able to generate a common goal or belief. There was no proper succession plan or sharing of resources.

KJ: Then the NSP seriously weakened the SDA by pulling out in 06?

DL: SDA was formed 2001. We participated in the 2001 elections. 2006 was never a break through, still only the one MP. Therefore the NSP felt that there was no purpose for them to continue with SDA. There was no room for expansion or taking over the leadership so they left us. They have proven that they were right based on the 2011 election [result]. They had a little bit of luck with the RP [Reform Party] guys crossing over, there is a slight improvement in numbers and percentage, but the centre of attraction was on WP, and none [from NSP] successfully made it to the Parliament.

KJ: Tell me about the Potong Pasir saga. I know Patrick Lee thought it ridiculous when Mrs Chiam said “Desmond Lim does not have the X factor”.

DL: In 2007 there was some saga in the [SPP/SDA] leadership. It is a very bad situation when there is no proper succession plan and the leader has poor health. There was a power struggle, everybody wanted to be number one. I have made myself clear. When CST was in a good condition there was talk of a succession but nothing proved [i.e. nothing actually was finalized].

My intention was to contest in a single seat in Pasir Ris-Punggol [at 2011 GE]. It was never registered with some of the SPP CEC, i think some saw me as a threat. Take it. The election results show. I said I will support Mrs Chiam in every way. Why did I help Mr Chiam run the party and the town council for fourteen years and then at the critical moment close to the election [we] have a fight? We should hold hands together and stop fighting. If you believe in democracy you should allow different views. It’s OK we have arguments but at the end of the day we need to hold hands together. The main reason to object to 11 points was to protect the interest and dignity of the party and its leader rather than [for] personal gain. Someone in the CEC said: “With the fight we will still win Potong Pasir”. The damaging move was to ask me to resign as Secretary General of SDA, so close to the GE, because the general public will form a new perception about my [alleged] ability and poor relationship with the leader. Or some may even think that I did something wrong and hence was asked to step down without consultation with the SDA’s council members.

Is it Kieren James or Desmond Lim's horrid English? Wonder why Kieren did do proper editing in that case.

What is swap to another camp? Was there an opposition member that had to join PAP first before he joins the opposition?

 

[Bad New Brown]

SPP-SDA lost everything in GE 2011.

The only consolation prize for SPP is a NCMP seat. Nevertheless Potong Pasir is a very good single seat that even its lost still secured a NCMP seat

 

[scroobal]

Such a bad interview. Horrendous English by both parties. And Desmond in cloud cuckooland.

Is it Kieren James or Desmond Lim's horrid English? Wonder why Kieren did do proper editing in that case.

What is swap to another camp? Was there an opposition member that had to join PAP first before he joins the opposition?

 

[Perspective]

SPP-SDA lost everything in GE 2011.

The only consolation prize for SPP is a NCMP seat. Nevertheless Potong Pasir is a very good single seat that even its lost still secured a NCMP seat

The opposition parties that will play a role in 2016 will be WP (needless to say), NSP, SDP and a new TJS force. The rest, including SPP, RP, SDA, won't count for much.

If there is no TJS force, then likely the TJS grouping will hinge on NSP.

This one in 2016, the centre of attention will be on WP, hence likely will affect the chances of other opposition parties, based on less publicity, less attention received etc.

WP might nab another GRC. Unlikely to be 2 or 3 more. But all opposition representatives will be from WP after 2016.

Having 2-3 GRCs will be when WP's real problems and challenges of unity will start, so 2016 to 2021 or to 2026 may be a trying time. By the time, they will also have a change of figurehead as LTK would be old - meaning more potential issues.

If WP fails on too many counts, PAP is likely to redominate, at least for a period of time, rather than a new opposition party arise immediately.

NSP is unlikely to win a seat because, as always the "borrowed platform", will spread itself too thinly as usual, with or without the TJS force. However a large amount of candidates expected.

SDP will still continue to stay where it is. Too little can be done in the short time, overcrowded scene and their tendency to stay small from high turnover. But still significant numbers, and increase from 2011.

Potong Pasir will be gone, which means SPP will go Bishan-TP, likely not make it, then go into oblivion by 2021.

RP is mostly likely to contest a GRC only or 2-3 single which will be entrapped in 3 corner fights, get damaged and say bye in 2021.

Likely, SDA may not contest in 2016 at all.

Overall, the result will hinge on how the PAP performs. If any non-WP opposition can nab a GRC, means WP will win enough to become ruling party and the whole story would be different.

 

[scroobal]

WP one more GRC and one SMC. NSP will continue with Sebastian, the husband and wife and it will be back to its normal self prior to 2011. Agree on TJS. RP will not exist or KJ will be indepedent.

SDP will raise their % in only one area where VW contest but the rest will languish.

James Gomes will give an press interview on 2 or more occasions prior to 2016 on new things that he is going to do but will not explain what happenned to all his past initiatives.

A new party of respected individuals and identities will step forward, some with past ties to the establishment.

 

[Perspective]

WP one more GRC and one SMC.

One GRC is likely, SMC unlikely - there's no focus on any one of them due to their distrust in PAP's gerrymandering. Joo Chiat's gone.

NSP will continue with Sebastian, the husband and wife and it will be back to its normal self prior to 2011.

So the husband-wife will become the new sidekicks of TCK and Seb like Yip, Ken Sunn, Ivan.

RP will not exist or KJ will be indepedent.

KJ will likely go for one more try with RP tag.

SDP will raise their % in only one area where VW contest but the rest will languish.

If they had a team like the one in Holland-BP. It was the collective profile that impressed.

James Gomes will give an press interview on 2 or more occasions prior to 2016 on new things that he is going to do but will not explain what happenned to all his past initiatives.

He'll be in SDP that's for sure, but he is always out for creative adventure. Among descriptions of politician, political activist etc., this chap is most like a political artist, if I may invent this term.

A new party of respected individuals and identities will step forward, some with past ties to the establishment.

Unlikely. In a small drove and due to that they will try to join WP first, then go to other groups, then maybe come out as a new party in 2021. In other words, TJS route.

 

[The_Hypocrite]

Yes you are soo right, all the 3rd rate Oppos should just go..as they will only benefit the PAP...a real opposition will fight for the people and be ready to form the next goverment...not be like SDA and other 3rd rate oppos that help PAP and make life worse for Singaporeans and keep us in the constant tyranny of the PAP

 

[3_M]

The opposition parties that will play a role in 2016 will be WP (needless to say), NSP, SDP and a new TJS force. The rest, including SPP, RP, SDA, won't count for much.

If there is no TJS force, then likely the TJS grouping will hinge on NSP.

This one in 2016, the centre of attention will be on WP, hence likely will affect the chances of other opposition parties, based on less publicity, less attention received etc.

WP might nab another GRC. Unlikely to be 2 or 3 more. But all opposition representatives will be from WP after 2016.

Having 2-3 GRCs will be when WP's real problems and challenges of unity will start, so 2016 to 2021 or to 2026 may be a trying time. By the time, they will also have a change of figurehead as LTK would be old - meaning more potential issues.

If WP fails on too many counts, PAP is likely to redominate, at least for a period of time, rather than a new opposition party arise immediately.

NSP is unlikely to win a seat because, as always the "borrowed platform", will spread itself too thinly as usual, with or without the TJS force. However a large amount of candidates expected.

SDP will still continue to stay where it is. Too little can be done in the short time, overcrowded scene and their tendency to stay small from high turnover. But still significant numbers, and increase from 2011.

Potong Pasir will be gone, which means SPP will go Bishan-TP, likely not make it, then go into oblivion by 2021.

RP is mostly likely to contest a GRC only or 2-3 single which will be entrapped in 3 corner fights, get damaged and say bye in 2021.

Likely, SDA may not contest in 2016 at all.

Overall, the result will hinge on how the PAP performs. If any non-WP opposition can nab a GRC, means WP will win enough to become ruling party and the whole story would be different.

5 years still too long to make any linear assumption. But looking at the way NSP campaign in 2011, it badly carried out. Mistakes include spreading themselves too thin, campaign without a theme, not being able to run the party on a tight ship and lacking in good leadership. NSP had done exactly the opposite of what WP did. NSP will need to decide if they want to focus on the East or the west.

SDP did better compare to NSP (i suspect they learn from Taiwan DPP) but same old negative perception pulled them down. WP took 10 years to revamp their image and it still work in progress. 2016 is too short for SDP to change public perception.

 

[Thick Face Black Heart]

A new party of respected individuals and identities will step forward, some with past ties to the establishment.

I believe so too. It will be a combination of young and old. The old is needed to give credibility and experience. The young is needed to market, do PR, organize and perform social media roles, and party renewal when the time comes. Some TOC backbenchers and some in lawyer circles are actively trying to get establishment stalwarts to step forth and they are making progress.

I also believe change will come from within the PAP rather than from the opposition. It is be a gradual process. Those adopting centrist rather than liberal positions will do best. Mass media will stay play a huge role is shaping public opinion. The young are not necessarily more politically aware, incidentally, and they favour stability too. That means change will happen incrementally.

 

[scroobal]

Will defer to you as you always had a better grasp of the ground.

WP one more GRC and one SMC.One GRC is likely, SMC unlikely - there's no focus on any one of them due to their distrust in PAP's gerrymandering. Joo Chiat's gone.NSP will continue with Sebastian, the husband and wife and it will be back to its normal self prior to 2011.So the husband-wife will become the new sidekicks of TCK and Seb like Yip, Ken Sunn, Ivan.RP will not exist or KJ will be indepedent.KJ will likely go for one more try with RP tag.SDP will raise their % in only one area where VW contest but the rest will languish.If they had a team like the one in Holland-BP. It was the collective profile that impressed.James Gomes will give an press interview on 2 or more occasions prior to 2016 on new things that he is going to do but will not explain what happenned to all his past initiatives.He'll be in SDP that's for sure, but he is always out for creative adventure. Among descriptions of politician, political activist etc., this chap is most like a political artist, if I may invent this term.A new party of respected individuals and identities will step forward, some with past ties to the establishment.Unlikely. In a small drove and due to that they will try to join WP first, then go to other groups, then maybe come out as a new party in 2021. In other words, TJS route.

 

[Fook Seng]

A new party of respected individuals and identities will step forward, some with past ties to the establishment.

Unlikely. In a small drove and due to that they will try to join WP first, then go to other groups, then maybe come out as a new party in 2021. In other words, TJS route.

A breakout from the ruling party and other new members aligned to it will not join any of the existing opposition parties, at least at the first election. Thereafter, for purpose of strategy or convenience, very difficult to say. It all depends on the actual characters involved. Those in the ex-establishment, tainted before, unlikely to come out.

 

[Perspective]

A breakout from the ruling party and other new members aligned to it will not join any of the existing opposition parties, at least at the first election. Thereafter, for purpose of strategy or convenience, very difficult to say. It all depends on the actual characters involved. Those in the ex-establishment, tainted before, unlikely to come out.

I don't foresee an outright split from the ruling party until it hangs in the balance where a parliamentary majority is concerned. For now, 1 or 2 bits of person or persons. And the types from the estab who emerge will probably be Tan Jee Say, Tan Kin Lian types. They didn't leave because of being unsatisfied. They were either asked to leave or left because they could not get more.

The PAP has the ability to keep track on its people. Those who they are prepared to lose and not prepared to give them more than what was given, they will let go.

 

[Fook Seng]

I don't foresee an outright split from the ruling party until it hangs in the balance where a parliamentary majority is concerned. For now, 1 or 2 bits of person or persons. And the types from the estab who emerge will probably be Tan Jee Say, Tan Kin Lian types. They didn't leave because of being unsatisfied. They were either asked to leave or left because they could not get more.

The PAP has the ability to keep track on its people. Those who they are prepared to lose and not prepared to give them more than what was given, they will let go.

Split or not split, it will depend on the leadership. They are especially vulnerable when there is a need to pass over the baton, the changing environment, the world economic situation, the new media and the demographics. It will of course be difficult for incumbents to split out but people who are being groomed might not find it worthwhile to continue with them and they will leave. Starved of fresh blood, future decline and eventual split is almost inevitable. So what to do in the meantime? Split to tackle a different segment of the electorate. The ruling party's might even be a liability.

 

[Forvendet]

Desmond Lim is an idiot. Period.