http://www.tremeritus.com/2015/08/12/more-pap-mps-to-quit-politics/
[h=2]More PAP MPs tender resignations[/h]
August 12th, 2015 |
Author: Editorial
Minister Ng Eng Hen at a press conference
Following the high-profile resignation of Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew
just before the general election, 3 more PAP MPs have also announced their
intention to escape the pressure cooker of politics [Link].
In a press conference this morning (12 Aug) held at a coffeeshop near Toa
Payoh Mall, Dr Ng Eng Hen, Defence Minister and PAP’s Organising Secretary,
announced the resignation of former Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng, Hri
Kumar Nair and Zainudin Nordin.
Mr Wong, whose political career began in 1984, first stood in Kuo Chuan,
before the GRC system was introduced in 1988. Although he has seen 7 elections
during his 31-year political tenure, Mr Wong has been challenged only twice: in
1984 and 2011. The other 5 elections were walkovers for him.
At the press conference, Mr Wong thanked his constituents and grassroots
“family” for their unwavering support.
Mr Zainudin, who has represented PAP since 2001, said that “the time is right
to focus on my family”. He spoke about staying relevant to the community,
expressing confidence in the new slate of candidates. He ended his remarks by
thanking the Malay-Muslim community and residents of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, whom
he represented in Parliament.
Mr Kumar said that the reason for his stepping down is his wife has taken ill
and he needs to refocus his priorities. Asked about his stint as MP, he said,
without citing any examples, that he had tried to solve as many problems as he
could, although he has not always been successful.
Slew of PAP resignations
With the latest 3 resignations, the number of PAP MPs that have announced
their intention to quit politics stands at 10.
1 ) AMK GRC MP Inderjit Singh
2 ) Tampines GRC MP Irene Ng
3 ) Tampines GRC MP and former Minister Mah Bow Tan
4 ) Moulmein-Kallang GRC MP
and current Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew
5 ) Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Hri Kumar
6 ) Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Zainudin Nordin
7 ) Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP and former Minister Wong Kan Seng
8 ) Sembawang GRC MP Hawazi Daipi
9 ) AMK GRC Seng Han Thong
10 ) AMK GRC Yeo Guat Kwang
Coffeeshop political observers are speculating that more MPs may follow suit
and the most likely reason for the recent slew of resignations is that standing
for election under the PAP is no longer bao jiak 包吃 (Hokkien for “sure
eat”, a term used to describe good durians). In other words, victory is no
longer virtually guaranteed. In the past PAP membership had its privileges, such
as a sure win and a smooth ride, but no longer.
Wedded to the uncertainty of victory for PAP candidates is the certainty of
criticism by frustrated Singaporeans on the Internet. PAP candidates are
subjected to the minutest scrutiny and every flaw is quickly and widely exposed.
This serves as a deterrent to aligning oneself with the incumbent party.
Contrary to the impressions given by the PAP-controlled media, anecdotal
evidence is that the ground is no longer sweet for PAP. Given the deep
resentment among citizens, it is better to step down with dignity than to be
voted out.
Former Minister shocked by deep resentment
Following her defeat at the last general election in 2011, former Minister
Lim Hwee Hua was surprised by unhappiness and deep resentment against the PAP
among the residents in Aljunied GRC.
After her team lost to WP, she told the media that she always knew “it was a
close fight” in Aljunied GRC but she didn’t expect to lose.
“It is a surprise for us that the resentment is so deep and the unhappiness
is so deep.” In fact, it was only during the campaign that “we began to fully
appreciate the extent of the unhappiness and resentment towards the Government,
hence the pledge by the PAP team (during the GE campaign) led by Mr George Yeo
for us to have a strong role in the transformation of the PAP itself.”
This “deep resentment” may not bring down PAP, but it may be enough to send a
clear message to the incumbents at the coming general election that enough is
enough and it is time for them to start listening instead of playing deaf and
dumb.
[h=2]More PAP MPs tender resignations[/h]
August 12th, 2015 |
Author: Editorial
Minister Ng Eng Hen at a press conference
Following the high-profile resignation of Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew
just before the general election, 3 more PAP MPs have also announced their
intention to escape the pressure cooker of politics [Link].
In a press conference this morning (12 Aug) held at a coffeeshop near Toa
Payoh Mall, Dr Ng Eng Hen, Defence Minister and PAP’s Organising Secretary,
announced the resignation of former Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng, Hri
Kumar Nair and Zainudin Nordin.
Mr Wong, whose political career began in 1984, first stood in Kuo Chuan,
before the GRC system was introduced in 1988. Although he has seen 7 elections
during his 31-year political tenure, Mr Wong has been challenged only twice: in
1984 and 2011. The other 5 elections were walkovers for him.
At the press conference, Mr Wong thanked his constituents and grassroots
“family” for their unwavering support.
Mr Zainudin, who has represented PAP since 2001, said that “the time is right
to focus on my family”. He spoke about staying relevant to the community,
expressing confidence in the new slate of candidates. He ended his remarks by
thanking the Malay-Muslim community and residents of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, whom
he represented in Parliament.
Mr Kumar said that the reason for his stepping down is his wife has taken ill
and he needs to refocus his priorities. Asked about his stint as MP, he said,
without citing any examples, that he had tried to solve as many problems as he
could, although he has not always been successful.
Slew of PAP resignations
With the latest 3 resignations, the number of PAP MPs that have announced
their intention to quit politics stands at 10.
1 ) AMK GRC MP Inderjit Singh
2 ) Tampines GRC MP Irene Ng
3 ) Tampines GRC MP and former Minister Mah Bow Tan
4 ) Moulmein-Kallang GRC MP
and current Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew
5 ) Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Hri Kumar
6 ) Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Zainudin Nordin
7 ) Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP and former Minister Wong Kan Seng
8 ) Sembawang GRC MP Hawazi Daipi
9 ) AMK GRC Seng Han Thong
10 ) AMK GRC Yeo Guat Kwang
Coffeeshop political observers are speculating that more MPs may follow suit
and the most likely reason for the recent slew of resignations is that standing
for election under the PAP is no longer bao jiak 包吃 (Hokkien for “sure
eat”, a term used to describe good durians). In other words, victory is no
longer virtually guaranteed. In the past PAP membership had its privileges, such
as a sure win and a smooth ride, but no longer.
Wedded to the uncertainty of victory for PAP candidates is the certainty of
criticism by frustrated Singaporeans on the Internet. PAP candidates are
subjected to the minutest scrutiny and every flaw is quickly and widely exposed.
This serves as a deterrent to aligning oneself with the incumbent party.
Contrary to the impressions given by the PAP-controlled media, anecdotal
evidence is that the ground is no longer sweet for PAP. Given the deep
resentment among citizens, it is better to step down with dignity than to be
voted out.
Former Minister shocked by deep resentment
Following her defeat at the last general election in 2011, former Minister
Lim Hwee Hua was surprised by unhappiness and deep resentment against the PAP
among the residents in Aljunied GRC.
After her team lost to WP, she told the media that she always knew “it was a
close fight” in Aljunied GRC but she didn’t expect to lose.
“It is a surprise for us that the resentment is so deep and the unhappiness
is so deep.” In fact, it was only during the campaign that “we began to fully
appreciate the extent of the unhappiness and resentment towards the Government,
hence the pledge by the PAP team (during the GE campaign) led by Mr George Yeo
for us to have a strong role in the transformation of the PAP itself.”
This “deep resentment” may not bring down PAP, but it may be enough to send a
clear message to the incumbents at the coming general election that enough is
enough and it is time for them to start listening instead of playing deaf and
dumb.
