Political Commentary
The Elected Presidency: More Of The Same Or A Whole New Game?
When in 1991, the People’s Action Party (PAP) leaders decided to change the system of a government-appointed President of Singapore to that of a popularly elected one, they could never have foreseen the electoral chaos their decision would cause twenty years later.
For at that time, the amendments in the constitution, by all accounts, fitted in well with the government’s purpose. Firstly, the setting up of a president with a popular mandate to check the excesses of an administration grown incompetent or corrupt, had all the laudable marks of a healthily functioning democracy, that would surely go down well with the people.
Secondly, the veto powers of the president would by no means make him a source of annoyance to a PAP government used to having its own way, because of two cautionary provisions built into the constitution. The first was his prior clearance, before he could stand for election, by a government-appointed body that would see to it that he was acceptable, in the first place, to the government itself, in terms of his experience, intellectual acumen, moral character, personality, etc. The second and more important provision in the constitution, was his being subjected, after his election as president, to precisely stipulated limits of his custodial role as to its scope and demeanour, to ensure that the government would always have the final say.
Thirdly, the newly invested presidential power which would not likely be used on a PAP leadership that had always prided itself on its competence and incorruptibility, would nevertheless be a strong safeguard against any future government inclined towards excess, and especially against any rogue opposition party coming into power and ready to squander the nation’s vast reserves in populist schemes to curry favour with the people.
In short, the amendments in the constitution for an Elected President (EP) would greatly enhance the traditional role of the president, and increase its usefulness. Thus, in addition to being the ceremonial head of a nation, a symbol of democratic processes at work, a focus for national pride and emotional outpouring, and the nation’s proud representative abroad in the illustrious company of royalty and dignitaries, he would also be the moral conscience of the government, albeit a discreetly quiet one. The EP would thus be a luminous star in a continuing tripartite, president-government-people relationship of unity and harmony.
But the General Election of 2011 (GE 2011) has burst asunder all the smooth lines of this pattern and reduced it to a chaos of disunities and disjunctions that, in the present run-up to the Presidential Election on 27 August, continue to confuse and vex voters. These fall broadly into the pro-PAP group, the 60% who voted for the party in GE 2011, and the anti-PAP group, the 40% who gave their vote to the opposition, both groups being now expected to give their support, accordingly, to the presidential candidate who is either associated with the PAP, or distanced from and independent of it.
The four contenders, as they go about canvassing for votes, are clearly lined along an ideological spectrum, with the strongest PAP associate at one end, and the strongest PAP critic at the other. All the highly-charged, hotly debated issues of the campaign seem to devolve into one common, fundamental question: Exactly what is the role of the EP?
It is a reflection of the latent contradictions of the constitution, only now emerging, that the very same sacrosanct document is quoted by both opposing sides to support their standpoints. Thus, the pro-PAP voters, backing the presidential hopeful who has been publicly endorsed by the government and the various pro-establishment unions and organizations, are saying: ‘The constitution stipulates the president’s custodial role very clearly, which means that he must work closely and harmoniously with the government for the common good.’ The anti-PAP voters, supporting those presidential hopefuls who they perceive will act independently, even adversarially, are saying with equal confidence, ‘The popular mandate of the president, for which the constitution was changed in the first place, would make no sense if he did not represent the people who had voted directly for him. Therefore, he must be the voice of the people and stand up against the government, if necessary, to protect their interests.’
The dilemma for voters boils down to a choice between two situations that could not be more contrasted: to keep the status quo and thus ensure continuity and stability, or to opt for change without which there can be no progress. So: stay on the terra firma of the known, or venture into the terra incognita of the unknown? Have more of the same, or go for a whole new game?
Ironically, the same constitution is perceived as providing equal logical, legal and moral backing for either of these two diametrically opposed stances. Even more ironically, the constitution which places the EP above politics, has caused him to be the centre of the most divisive political contest seen in Singapore. It would be difficult, after such an election, to see the new President of Singapore in an aura of magisterial bearing, dignified detachment and inspirational benevolence. For he would have been permanently tainted by the mean-spiritedness and low-mindedness that are an inevitable part of the hype and hoopla of a political campaign.
Among the anti-PAP group, there is a specially vocal, bold, single-minded band which, though in the minority, warrants special attention, because they have, through their persistent, assiduous and skilful exploitation of the power of the social media, successfully channeled the discontent and anger of GE 2011 into the Presidential election. Their rallying cry which must have great resonance for large numbers of disaffected Singaporeans is: No more of the same PAP dominance, no more of the same PAP arrogance and insensitivity to the needs of the people! We need a whole new game, with the rules re-written by ourselves, to serve the people’s interests, not theirs! We can do this through the EP because we gave him our vote!
There are three special kinds of emotional appeal that this anti-PAP group has adroitly crafted out of the outcomes of GE 2011:
i) urging the people to replicate their astonishing triumph and spectacular gains in GE 2011, by reminding them that, for the first time in electoral history, they were able to make the powerful PAP government buckle to their demands for changes in unpopular policies, including the hated ministerial salaries; convincing them that the coming Presidential Election represents their best possible chance to reinforce and extend these gains, a chance that moreover, may never come again, at least not for another five years.
ii) emphasizing to the people the sheer unfairness of a system by which the unprecedented 40% vote which they had given the opposition had converted into a paltry six seats in Parliament; assuring them that this gross disproportion could be redressed by an actively independent EP.
iii) pointing out to the people that despite the avowals for change, the PAP administration is still very much mired in its old mindset, and so far seems to be more interested in making personnel rather than policy changes; that despite his resignation from the cabinet, the former, long-feared Minister Mentor, Lee Kuan Yew is still very much around, judging by the public comments and pronouncements he is still making, including his recent one reiterating the necessity of bringing in foreign talent, which had been a contentious GE 2011 issue.
The increasingly bolder anti-PAP camp, whose vociferousness and hence very palpable presence makes them a more effective force for change than the silent majority, is a new species of political animal that was created by the shock events of GE 2011. It has tasted freedom and smelt blood. It can no longer be muzzled. Indeed, it seems by now to be unstoppable and may well prove to be the most intractable force for the PAP government to deal with in the future. The EP who might have been savaged by this feral creature during the hustings, will have no choice but to placate and make peace with it.
The coming Presidential Election on 27 August will be watched like no other, because the political landscape that has changed so amazingly after GE 2011, may well see a second transformation.
August 22nd, 2011 at 3:39 am
Under the leadership of LKY, a great man who felled only by his own greatness, our economy has prospered tremendously. We have however forgotten to move beyond this foundation and neglected the heart of our society. The relentless pursuing of GDP growth resulted in implementation of policies without empathy and frustrated citizens. Emergence of ‘yes-man’ attitude removed the responsibility/ownership of officials at ground levels, which only impeded practical implementation of great ideas and feedback of ground sentiments. Empowering the people at all levels is crucial and every citizen has the responsibility to shape our conutry’s future. GE2011 has definitely changed the political history of Singapore and brought about many opposing views; and now, debates on the role of the EP. Irregardless of the result of the Presidential Election, I hope we can pause our frantic lifestyle and develop the soft side of our society.
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:32 am
To me TT has already lost the moral auhority to be the people’s President. Instead of uniting we Singaporeans, we have already witnessed signs of a divisive characteristic in him even before he is elected, more so by his apparent lack of transparency and accountability over his son’s NS deferment. What is worse is his could’t-care-less and blatant association with high level business & community leaders instead of the people masses.
To say the least, among all the candidates he appears to be the most unsymphatetic to the people’s aspirations and looks more like the opportunistic candidate putting up a false front of befriending the masses more because he hopes to benefit from their momentary trust of him and nothing more than that.
Frankly, I do hope he wins the election so that he will remain the disgraced President that we did not bargain for. And hopefully in the greater things to come, we unhappy voters can eventually will direct our accumulated discontent and anger at PAP at the very next election.
August 22nd, 2011 at 10:26 am
‘The increasingly bolder anti-PAP camp, whose vociferousness and hence very palpable presence makes them a more effective force for change than the silent majority’…
Noise doesn’t win elections, votes do.
August 22nd, 2011 at 11:43 am
Yanking TT out of his cushy comfort zone to face the down trodden mass, he had played no small part in creating, is poetic justice.
If he wins, he would be crucified and dragged through the mud or amber coal pit at every opportunity by the commoners.
The booing has already started. Minister Ng EH has the dubious distinction of being the first to receive such public disapprobation. I have no recent memory of any of our presidents or wannabes being booed by a Singaporean crowd. Still there is always a first time for everything!
He richly deserved this for helping to create and installed the uncompromising, heartless and greedy machinery at the core of this regime.
The reception he has gotten is a sign and harbinger of what the ex-MM/SM/PM can expect when they continue to gracelessly overstay their usefulness or welcome. But of course, if they choose to go that way or be remembered that way for posterity, that is their own decision. They should lie in the bed they have made for themselves.
Every dog will have its day, for better or for worse. If TT has any real political grey matter he would seek to lose the EP contest.
August 22nd, 2011 at 12:34 pm
Dear Catherine Your essay is as thought provoking as always.
Many of your points have been addressed before in history.
Below are some voices from history:
“When people fear the government, there is tyranny; when government fears the people, there is Liberty!” – Thomas Jefferson
“I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it.” – Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Stuart, 1791.
“Concentrated power is not rendered harmless by the good intentions of those who create it.” – Dr. Milton Friedman
“A society of sheep must in time beget a government of wolves.” – Bertrand de Jouvenal
“Those who profess to favor freedom, yet deprecate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a moral one; or it may be a physical one; or it may be both moral and physical; but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” – Frederick Douglass
August 22nd, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Dear Catherine, reading your analysis is like drinking a draught of clear icy cold water for the mind. Cest magnifique! Like it or not, political cycles wax and wane like the moon – ji zi bi luan, luan ji bi ji (Prolonged order heralds chaos, chaos in turn brings order). The old Post-WWII order is crumbling across the globe – British Empire crumbled after the exhaustion of WWII, the self-destruction of USSR in 1991 through ineptitude and corruption, the repudiation of useless/hopeless communism by China, the self-induced collapse of Pax Americana through over-extension and financial indiscretion, the Arab Spring etc Even the military junta in Myanmar realizes the game is changing. Can we in Singapore – ever so globalized and internationalized and so damn proud of it – be immune from the winds of change? Change, they be coming, and Change Now (my apologies to President Obama, who put his finger on the pulse and zeitgeist of the moment so well). The PAPist now find power slipping from their fingers like sand washed away by water. I think Jasmine Tea will be the unofficial official drink of Istana in Presidential Election Singapore 2011. It is a symptom, not the cause. The underlying cause is the progressive empowerment of the people. Scales have dropped from the people’s eyes, and they refuse to be blind ever again.
On a lighter note, have you noticed that some sort of menagerie is emerging in PE2011SG? There’s the White Horse that TT gave birth to, and TCB is offering to turn into a Watchdog if we put him into the Istana. I wonder what wondrous exotic fauna TKL and TJS will offer us? Perhaps the pitbull? Or the wise Owl? Hmmmmm, lets hope nobody is offering us a serpent ….. hssssssss
August 22nd, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Since the EP is elected by the people, we the people will have our SAY!
August 22nd, 2011 at 7:03 pm
May I also suggest going the Aussie way and declare terra nilus,land with no inhabitants(forgetting the indigenous people) and calling it their own! Either remove the current shackles of the EP or do away with it
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:41 am
Great piece. We should abolish PE so we can put some dignity back into our president. The scheme is irrelevant now. PAP will have a non-endorsed president earlier than they will lose a GE.
Just a correction… there is only SIX elected opposition, not eight.
August 23rd, 2011 at 4:30 pm
TT has a vote bank of die-hard PAPist voters but is plagued by a herd of alleged white horses and the perception that he would be completely compliant with the PAPist gaman’s idea of what the Presidency should be. As the campaign draws on, more and more of his ”historical baggage” (previous speeches and policy decisions) would tumble out of the past to haunt him. Worse, he is seen as one of ”them” – the Old Privileged, monied and establishment class, raking in zillions and perceived to have long since lost touch with the grassroot and unfeeling of the people’s plight. Clearly, as a great pal of MM, he’s been there, done that, but is he also a Has Been? TT is so unhip, its tragic. It remains to be seen that after all the downward sliding, he still has enough votes to get into Istana on 28 Aug.
TCB – is generally seen to be sincere, honest and sure footed. But he is also seen to be ultimately compliant, lets-not-rock-the-boat-too-much sorta guy. He’s The Vanilla flavoured guy, the mild-mannered neighbourhood GP you can trust. But does he have the glam, glitz, schutzpah and panache it takes to make it into the IStana? Boy oh boy he needs an image consultant and a total make-over, and that ain’t gonna happen in mid-campaign. I think he faces the longest and worst odds in making it into Istana. Between TCB and TT, people would choose TT.
TKL is the dark horse here. Energetic, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, savvy, street-smart, and clearly commanding a feel for the people and the common touch. I luuurve his pure Singlish accent, so cute! TKL bears some watching. However, he is an underdog in this fight, and may draw votes away from TJS than actually going on to win the election himself. IF he becomes the Prez – and that’s a huge IF – life could become VERY VERY interesting for us and the Gaman.
TJS is qualified, passionate, smooth, polished, worldly, and a lightning rod for the people’s deep disaffectation and frustrations with the looong PAPist domination of Singapore’s political scene. He’s the one to watch, the one true counter-weight against TT’s formidable candidature, someone with sufficient and real gravitas and personal bearing to hold the Presidential post. Interestingly, TJS also has a vote bank: those 40% who voted against the PAPists (but remain unrepresented in Parliament) will choose TJS. If TJS gets the job, mark my words, the Constitution would be drastically amended by the PAPists to DEFANG this dude. Its your vote, your decision on 27 Aug!
August 23rd, 2011 at 5:15 pm
For ‘Abolish PE’
Thanks for alerting me to my mistake. I’ve got it corrected now.
August 23rd, 2011 at 11:48 pm
I hope TJS becomes President.
After 5 years of brouhaha under this “Excellency”, Singaporeans will surely start to understand how important it is to have a good strong government checked and supported by the people, rather than a weak one plagued by politicking from daily political contests.
To me, politicians exist during election. Beyond that, they must shed this role and become more like strategic leaders. If they are forced to work and act as politicians everyday, then Singapore is certainly doomed.
August 24th, 2011 at 1:28 am
Look at the dirt that people are digging up on the 4 Tans. How can the winner, whoever he is, have any dignity after that. Appoint a good and respected stateman for the post.
After a bruising election, there will be lots of negative image. Is it necessary for a position like the president? After all, our Law Minister says he doesn’t have much power to do or say much.
The 2nd key is someone’s fantasy. I see no necessity for it.
August 24th, 2011 at 7:30 am
This PE certainly smells like our version of the Arab Spring without violence. With the different shades of qualified candidates ranging from pro PAP to pro opp, the results will reflect where PAP really stands in the hearts of the people if candidates qualified minimum standards with respect to qualifications.
and if TJS wins, a slew of Chen Shao Maos and Tan Jee Says will be lining up outside WP to prepare to takeover PAP in 2016.
August 24th, 2011 at 10:57 am
Beautifully crafted and a joy to read.
Such a poetic intro before the fangs set in! Only women are capable of such finesse.
Thank you for being a woman.
August 24th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
Excellent article, Catherine. I always enjoy your articles.
The irony of this PE for Tony Tan is that if he wins on 27 Aug, he may live to regret it. What happens if he wins depends on the future response of Singaporeans. He may end up as the most unpopular President and may be the first to be booed publicly.
Also, a Tony Tan’s win may result in severe backlash for the PAP at GE 2016.
August 24th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
The champions promote social media as the ultimate avenue for freedom of expression. When online, this freedom is unbridled and unregulated.
The champions also assert that regulation is redundant because a competition of ideas within social media will ensure that untruths will be thrown out in a robust debate between different camps.
Those are all myths. It’s the same sort of myth that portends the subprime crisis. The recent UK riots is another case in point.
Offline, democracy and freedom of speech can be constructive because they operates in a regulated responsible environment. In fact, as they are now, social media is a bane to democracy and freedom of speech. Because it robs the credence from the democratic process by perpetuating falsehoods, it steals honour from freedom of speech by misusing it to spread hatred.
In time to come, the world will learn to tame social this new creature call social media. The traditional authorities will once again dominate this sphere of media with a powerful presence, just as it did with traditional media. Ironically, this will start in the most democratic countries as their democratic process develop and lead the way to leash this creature.
August 25th, 2011 at 10:44 am
Dear Myth of Social Media,
Whether what you said will happen to social media has yet to be seen.
Anyone who is honest need not be frightened of social media. In fact, they will embrace social media. It’s those who spread falsehood and try to control others through disinformation and misinformation who shd detest social media.
For me and many others, social media is God’s gift to Singapore. It debunks the PAP’s propaganda and liberates Singaporeans from the PAP’s grip and misuse of information
August 25th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
Dear Tracy,
Social media serves not only you. It serves terrorists and radicals too. It serves criminal rings too. So too, it can also serve traditional establishments. Speech is going to be free for you and all of them.
Your trust in social media is going to be your undoing. Social media is unreliable as it is now. Half truths and lies are being perpetuated unreservedly under the cloak of anonymity. Who knows if these are legitimate news, criminal scams or terrorist scares?
It’s just like how the financial sector became more unreliable because of too much freedom and too little checks. Worthless assets are gathered into less dubious packages and delivered around the globe without much tracking or customs.
The world will evolve and adapt till order comes back. Free for all is not exactly good. The trust in social media is going to be challenged by personal conscience and the innate social need for order.
August 25th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Well said and written! The best that I have read so far! Keep it up, we need someone like you to remind us what we are here for!
August 25th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
Dear Myth of Social Media,
I disagree with you. Woe to the one who believes 100% what the social media say. I read social media with a discerning mind. When it comes to financial matters, be prudent and cross check with facts. These are available in abundance. The one who does not counter check deserves to be hookwinked.
But social media is an excellent counter to government’s control and propaganda. Look what social media has done to the PAP. Without social media, the PAP will continue to misinform Singaporeans. I trust the social media more than the PAP because the PAP has betrayed Singaporeans’ trust. Trust once betrayed is hard to win back.
So, to me, social media have done a lot of good to Singapore
August 25th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
I would like the 60% to be called pro-PAP and the rest to be labelled as pro-Opposition, not anti-PAP, although in essence, I wish not to comment.
Although all the 40% are pro-Opposition, but not all the 60% are true pro-PAP.
August 25th, 2011 at 10:27 pm
Win win outcome for the 4 Tans, the Government and Singaporeans
TCB 32% TT 31% TJS 24% TKL 13%
TCB Despite a low winning margin and securing only 32% of the popular vote, he will get on with unifying Singaporeans – a major theme of his campaign. He will have to draw on his many years experience in politics, use his common touch, his instincts to bring together people of all political alliances.
TT Secretly relieved that he lost by the narrowest of margin. Tried his best. After all the last time he fought in an election it was a different world – no internet, no social media, control of information, much more compliant people. Unifying Singaporeans will be a herculean task which is never one of his strengths. In recognition of his “sacrifice”, GIC offers him to return as Vice Chairman. TT can use his deep experience and knowledge to manage GIC for the benefit of all Singaporeans. Besides as head of GIC, he can meet and engage any central banker or politician in the world.
TJS Hit jackpot when he received the COE and rode on the opposition bandwagon to establish himself as a credible opposition candidate. His securing almost one quarter of the popular votes gives him credibility to launch a new opposition party which could attract the likes of Nicole Seah, Dr Wong Yong Guan as members and be a serious force to contend with in GE 2016.
TKL Big relief that he got his deposit returned which saved his face. Vindicated that “some people” did vote for him. He can start a NGO to conduct feedback from Singaporeans and be the voice of the people.
The Singapore Government The strategy of allowing 4 candidates to stand has paid off. An EP without a majority of the popular vote would be less confrontational with the government which has 60% of the popular vote. Although not their preferred choice, TCB is a known figure and can be trusted to work well with the government.
Singaporeans Singaporeans have a unifying EP, a strong and experienced hand helming GIC, a potentially strong opposition candidate for GE 2016 and have another feedback channel to voice their concerns.
August 26th, 2011 at 12:11 am
Dear Tracy,
I’m heartened to know that.
You are one whose conscience will guide you online when you participate, read and post. I’m sure you’ll see things from many perspectives that befits the many complex issues thrown up everywhere online.
But can you vouch for others? There seems a fair number of gullible people who can fall for simple half-truths or even blatant lies and get all emotional over nothing. These are the people who see things in a one-dimensional way, without appreciating that there’re actually many sides.
Society is made up of many people besides you. And many of these people don’t think like you do. Even though they may not be the majority, but their numbers measure up when they are roused together. A case in point is the UK riots. Another example are terrorist cells doing recruitment or indoctrination. It doesn’t many of them to harm the rest.
Similarly after the financial crisis, there’s talk of beefing up financial regulation. It’s to protect the system and also people. As a conscience driven person, would you not agree that it’s fair to offer protection to these others around you who are prone to suggestions? That’s just for a thought.
Anyway, social media has been picking up only recently over the last decades. Society will surely evolve to handle it, whether you like it or not.
August 26th, 2011 at 8:40 am
Dear Myth of Social Media,
I can only speak for myself. I dont vouch to speak for others..they can speak for themselves. Social media are neutral and give us the opportunity to hear the truth from many sources. They help us overcome the evils of a controlled media from an evil source. Dont have to look far. Just look at Singapore. The evils of a controlled media by the PAP have shown that Singaporeans have been lied to.
I certainly prefer to hear from all sources and have the pleasure of deciding what is true and false rather to have only SG media tell me what’s true.
Dont you want to hear from more sources? Or do you prefer to hear from only the PAP and Media Corp?
August 26th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
Dear Tracy,
Specifically, you want more sources of information. But how about quality? And credibility? Accuracy? No doubt diamonds can be found in social media. But often, these are hidden under tons and mountains of worthless dirt, sharp rocks and smelly soil. That’s the nature of social media now.
In general, some people are less enlightened and more gullible. The danger is that social media is also open to sinister people with hideous agenda like terrorists, criminals, radicals or simply pranksters. Everyone must know this fact and learn to be more critical of what they find. Diamonds are rare.
Also, nothing precludes the participation of traditional establishments like newspapers, authorities, civil groups, etc. In time, these will also have a strong foothold in social media to offer their diamonds.
Social media is imperfect now. Yet, people have such expectations of it. In time, such expectations will be adjusted as reality sets in. And some form of order or even regulation will evolve to limit the damage from any rogue interactions in social media.
August 26th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
The PAP government is treated as if it is a bad government. If you get one like the BN government, then they will know what a bad government is.
August 26th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
Dear Myth of Social Media,
With abundance of information, a person can then tell what is the truth. The PAP style is to deny information and that’s what I abhor.
To me more information is good. To censor and deny information is bad.
It’s just like asking whether competition is good. To me, the answer is obvious for the buyer. But for the seller, he prefers no competition. likewise the PAP prefers censorship and no social media. But for citizens, we want social media and no censorship
August 26th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
Dear Tracy,
And to add, social media is not neutral. That’s a woefully wrong expectation.
Social media is just an interactive outlet. As I said, not only you but terrorists, criminals, and pranksters can also use it. It’s far from neutral.
August 26th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
Dear Jeff kumon,
Why compare SG to Malaysia? Why compare PAP to BN? As Singaporeans, we dont want to compare with the worst and pat ourselves on the back and say we are fine.
I want to compare SG to Switzerland or Australia or USA. I dont want to compare PAP to BN or PAS.
So yea, SG is not fine under the PAP. Dont stoop to BN level
August 26th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Dear Myth of Social Media,
Any media can say anything. You dont have to believe them..So why arent they neutral? If social media spread falsehood and you believe them, it’s you and not social media who is the problem.
No social media can make me believe when I dont believe. so social media, to me, is neutral
August 26th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
Dear Myth of Social Media,
I wish to end this discussion here and say that you can choose to ignore social media as you think it’s not neutral.
I differ with you and choose to embrace social media, be surrounded by abundance of information so that I can make an informed decision
August 26th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
Dear Tracy,
Your basic premise about social media is not correct. Social media is not free from hidden propaganda and hate. It’s not free from prejudice. It’s not just good wholesome information.
You must put that in the picture. Free flow of real information is good. But free flow of prejudice, propaganda and hate is bad. The it is now, diamonds are pretty rare to find in social media.
The same handphone can be used either to call for help, or to scam someone, or even to trigger a bomb. Let’s acknowledge that.
August 27th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Personally, I think if I trusted Straits Times more, I will read TRE less. Right now, ST selectly ignores issues that hurt the leadership and it is not until it goes viral in cyberspace that left with no choice, they write a small article about it. Look at how they handled the PA/HDB controversy. They did not report the WP press release on their broadsheet and yet they ran the PA’s stance and later Desmond Choo’s threat before you can utter “kelong”
Much as I don’t want a President that will embarrass Singapore on the international stage – this is a distance second to my first priority – THAT TT DOES NOT WIN!!!!
Catherine – love your articles!!!!!
August 27th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
I like True Singaporean’s predictions. I am personally voting for TCB. Much as I want a change in government, I don’t want a revolution. I am touched by what TCB represents because my pro-PAP friends are voting for him and my pro-Opposition friends (save the diehards who will vote for any Opposition donkey) are voting for him. At our last dinner together discussing the EP election, no one left the dinner table in a huff.
August 27th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
First of all I must say that the writer for who she is has lost her credibility long ago for a simple reason she fail to understand. Great minds sometimes dont get simple reasons. Let me try help you. You were, at a short moment in time, a budding potential, possible talent who in your unique position could have done a good and impacting influence on the society and nation you chose to adopt. Unfortunately you did not, to my dismay and I believe the same for many, live up to your potential. I have always wished it was otherwise. But it was not to be.
What society needs is clean, pure water that flows freely and nuture, build and give live to those who drink of it. It has to remain such no matter what the circumstances, no matter what the obstacles.That is what we truly need. The purity would have created a tremendous impact and it will with the least of effort achieve its intended objective.
On the other hand, contaminated water, no matter how slight will eventually be found out. It will lose its splendour and eventually be cast away to the few who finds value for much lower purposes it was first intended for in the first place. It will attract the right crowd.
Deny as you will. Rubbish what I say . It is ok. Because it is not about me. It is all about you. What you have done I need not go to details. You know what you have done. Let me ask you. Is it worth it? Have you achieve your objectives? Are the excuses you gave yourself sufficient to sooth your disappointment? If yes, then I guess we all will move on. Forget all that I have said thus far, continue to be what Wikipedia addresses you ‘a best-selling Singaporean fiction author known for writing about Singapore society….’ and on the the side throw pebbles once a while with a slight hand and fantasise that it may help achieve some consequence. But you know that fantasy it will remain.
Or you can do the right thing. Water and oil do not mix. If there is black, grey is the outcome. Never white except in your dreams. I hope you will come down from your aloof pedestal and be once again a child,live the life of a child and simply enjoy the special place of being taught and guided rather than to teach and guide. I have learnt over the years that it is better to be taught than to teach. I hope you will come to that one day. And you will notice I am doing what I dont like to do. But this I must do. And that is all I will do. Good day.
August 27th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
Dear Laughalotta,
Well said. Straits Times has improved because of social media. That’s good for Singapore.
I embrace social media because they inform and they put pressure on SPH and MediaCorp to report the truth
August 28th, 2011 at 1:24 am
I am sticking my ears to the radio as my eyes glued to the internet. As always Catherine Lim has done a detailed analysis of the social political scene. Everyone has put in their thoughts. But what I really hope that this election will seal in a real change. I have made a comment on the election that Tony Tan may win by a slight margin as he does have a strong support from his years in both political and industrial circle. I’ve written my hopes in the new president. I think its appropriate to present it in that way. Any comments are most welcome. I really have high hopes in a change that makes the world and our homeland a better place: http://daringtochange.wordpress.com/2011/08/26/sleepless-in-singapore-conscience-humanity-singapore-president-election-2011/ cheers.
August 28th, 2011 at 3:00 am
Laughalotta,
Humbly, TRE has no credit in that. WP has its own online presence.
TRE is more like misinformation and provacateur than social media. There’s a lot of buzzing and shouts but little substance.
In fact, TRE is very disruptive and unproductive because it spreads too much misinformation that a lot of time is wasted on clarifying non-issues.
I feel TRE is doing social media a great disfavour.
August 28th, 2011 at 4:09 am
TR is pure nutcase propaganda. I can’t imagine anyone can still think TR makes any difference to anything.
The GE and this PE results are the biggest proofs of TR’s idiotic attempt at lying and twisting. TR makes it seems like the PAP is losing with its fraudulant polls and slanted articles. Now, it makes it seems like TJS is heading for a big win.
But look at the results. The people TR slam won including both PAP and WP. The people TR says are great hopefuls become great failures. Anyone who still believes naively that TR is anything worthwhile must be super deluded. TR is just a front for spreading lies and hate.
Stop putting TR on a pedestal. It’s not TR who made a difference. TR never did. It failed at every lie attempt. The results on the ground says it all.
August 28th, 2011 at 4:30 am
Just you watch lah. TR is going to twist this TJS lost into a win for TJS and themselves. Just like how they brand SDP as the most improved party. Nutcase idiots. Everytime is the same. Propaganda, lies and more propaganda. Crazy that anyone can think much of TR.
August 28th, 2011 at 8:21 am
Dear hahaha,
You criticised TRE as pure nutcase propaganda.
What do you think of SPH, Mediacorp?
August 28th, 2011 at 11:53 am
I’m talking about TR. TR is a nutcase propaganda machine spreading hate and lies. TR wants to destroy Singapore and cause harm to Singaporeans. TR has no credibility no conscience no brains no morals. No hearts no brains all lies all hate. That’s TR. It’s the lowest of them all.
August 28th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
I tell you lah. Whoever replies, uses, associates or allies with sites like TR will have their reputation stained black. TR is stinking smelly.
August 29th, 2011 at 10:26 am
TRE discusses the issues that the main stream medias here dare not touch on! They are truly independent, even pro-fap can participate.
TRE ask tough and direct questions that exposes the true face of the establishment which only dare to reply using standardized format, i.e. beating around the bush!
August 29th, 2011 at 10:53 am
@hahaha,
That is exactly the kind of response from fap and their supporters: calling others names!
Singaporeans are sick and tired of name-calling by the fap since years ago! We have been known by various names already! And now, it is time to fight back!
August 29th, 2011 at 10:54 am
DTT scraped in with a shockingly thin margin at 0.34% ahead of TCB. I interpret this as a further collapse of the approval margin for the PAPists from 20% in the recent GE2007 (60% ayes less 40% nays = 20% margin) to 0.34%. One third of a percentage point less and the PAPist candidate would have LOST. As it is, DTT confronts the reality that 65% of Singaporeans REJECTED him as president. This is very very bad for the PAPists in terms of their branding and name value. If I were the PM I would host a corporate retreat for the Party faithfuls to engage in serious soul-searching as to WHY the popularity ratings of the Party has collapsed so precipitiously under the present Leadership. Failure to address the many issues that have caused this implosion of approval ratings would mean that the PAPists would be in for a serious pasting in GE2016.
August 29th, 2011 at 11:02 am
@CheesePie,
Looking at the analysis so far from establishment scholars, I think they have already concluded that all is well! How? By lumping the supporters of tt and tcb! Hahahaha!
But allow me to reveal abit to the establishment, I have voted for tcb but if there is no tcb, my vote will go to tjs NOT tt!
I wish all the best in analysing Singaporeans! But knowing them they will come to the wrong conclusion!
August 29th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Dear Cate,
I can’t wait to read your commentary and analysis of the PE 2011 that had just happened.
Thanks for all your wise thoughts.
August 29th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
Michael buddy, who says I’m FAP supporter? I’m from mighty Aljunied ok. You can worship your TR if you think it’s almighty. You believe it brought the epochal change to Singapore? Haha to you. WP never depend on TR propaganda. TR is just propaganda biased towards money from SDP and NSP and TJS lah. Face the facts.
August 29th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
Hi SMW
Thank you for writing in and for your kind words. No, I’m afraid I’m unable to write anything sensible on PE 2011 at the moment, so I’ll have to keep observing and thinking about it. Once again, thanks for your encouragement!
Catherine
August 29th, 2011 at 11:03 pm
@Hahaha,
There are fap supporters in aljunied too! Hahaha!
August 29th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
Michael buddy, up to you lah. You can kneel before TR and kowtow to your almighty epochal god of “free speech” and “Singaporean heart” TR. The truth I said is still always the truth. So obvious but people still blind to the truth.
August 30th, 2011 at 12:11 am
You sounded exactly like fap and its supporters! Calling others names that has opinion different from yours!
I am not sure, if wp attract this kind of supporters then I am worried what it will evolve into!
But I still would like to believe that wp supporters do not behave like you!
As we all know there are fake opposition supporters lurking around in cyberspace to sow discord among the opposition!
Opposition parties have not won the battle yet but if the opposition cannot unite then there is no chance for Singaporeans!
August 30th, 2011 at 9:33 am
Dear Michael,
I agree with your observation abt FAP and SG’s main stream media which only report what the PAP wants them to report.
The SG media are not duty their duty. They do not report the truth. This is the main reason why social and alternative media flourish..
August 30th, 2011 at 10:49 am
Dear Michael,
I agree with your observation abt FAP and SG’s main stream media which only report what the PAP wants them to report.
The SG media are not doing their duty. They do not report the whole truth. More often the SG media report what the PAP wants Singaporeans to know but that’s not the whole truth. This is the main reason why social and alternative media flourish..
August 30th, 2011 at 10:52 am
Until a time comes when Singaporeans trust the SG media to report the truth, social media have a role to play and Singaporeans will continue to rely on social media.
Trust, once betrayed, is hard to regain
August 30th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
For all the trust, another fellow participant is discounted as a charlatan here. This is a prime example of the problems in social media.
On the one hand, one claims it’s neutral and truthful. But rightaway, there’s a counter-claim that some participants and messages are fake and undeserving of serious consideration.
By having such value judgements without the acceptance and objectivity to examine the validity of arguments put forth, the reader has already coloured what he read by his own prejudice.
Social media is not neutral. It’s not even truthful. In most cases, it serves only to reinforce personal prejudices. The way it is now, social media are more like enclaves and silos of people quarreling with each other. Is that call neutral? Where are the neutral guys?
August 31st, 2011 at 6:13 pm
After the election, a PAP minister said votes for Dr Tony Tan and Dr Tan Cheng Bock, both former PAP MPs, together made up 70 per cent of total votes, and that there’s a strong support for the party.
Only daft Singaporeans believe that this election by the whole nation is apolitical. They believe this is a contest for the most dignified old man, a DOM election.