Its a good sharing

Good luck to you and learn from Low. Singapore does need an alternative voice be it within PAP or outside PAP. Common objective is to move to a better living environment. Perhaps one day I will join either party to help contribute to a better Singapore….

Gerald, i admire you…your guts…

I don’t quite understand what Giam is saying. He seems to suggest that the government is only concerned about economic growth, the GDP at the cost of the poor. He further agrees that we may bring the MNCs and the foreigners, etc. and our economy will grow, but thinks that this is being done at the expense of many others. But does he ever think what will happen if there’s not a single foreign worker, or professional? Does he not think what would have been like for Singapore if our GDP is miserable? His allegation that the government is not concerned about the poor lacks evidence. To be a politician, it’s necessary to know your facts. The Guardian Newspaper carries a report on Singapore and provides some facts that cannot be simply dismissed. We need to more of our opposition politicians to speak with more weight, before Singaporeans can be persuaded. For example, tell me what Singapore would be like if the WP were to be in charge? Several pictures: (1) what will the WP do with regard to the economy and the poor in the long-term (since Giam has claimed the Singapore government is not dealing well with certain long-term issues)? (2) What will the WP do with regard to population decline (or growth), since what Giam said implies that we’re having too many foreigners and MNCs (and perhaps so, but what are his and WP’s solutions)? (3) What will the WP do with regard to justice (e.g. crime and punishment)? (4) What will the WP’s policy be on foreign policy? (5) What vision does the WP have for housing (to ensure a stable supply of government-subsidised flats to the needy without sacrificing the growing value), R & D (to ensure cutting-edge research that leads to advancement for our society), education (since ours seems to be rather elitist), national security, etc.? (6) What vision does the WP have for Singapore in the next 25 years, if Singaporeans were to give it the mandate to rule Singapore? (7) How will the WP co-operate with the PAP for now?
Whatever it is, I hope there’ll be a variety of ideas and that Singapore would be a better place as a result.

i hope more ppl will join the opposition, singapore need to become more democratic

Good lah, at least we can hear some different voice. and hopefully some one can speak some thing for the general public.If not we will have lesser chioce of work environment, and highier food price.Or living cost……..! But Speak with fact and not get your self into trouble before your are down with the law. Cheers !

Bring in foreigner not at the expense of the local. This is important. What the problem here is the high cost of living making ordinary worker hard to cope with. But their salary was not raise fast enough to make end meet. By bring in foreigner to press down the local salary to make us more competative is not the way to solve real problem. But, the government choose this path. So, the local feel maginalise. We are worst off than the foreigner. Has the government has a way to solve this problem ? They are actually increase the poor/rich gap. Don’t forget that the minister are pay the highest salary. We don’t pay someone to make us poorer.

I feel stress living in SPORE…I do not want to live like a robot anymore in Spore…everything is being control…9 to 12 hrs of working Mon to Sat…end up all the money go to the bills..tax…gst…hdb…etc…I do not think i can ever retire…

KUDO to Mr Giam! Wishing u & ur family always in the pink of health! The poor has aid from govt, the middle class(sandwich) will “die” 1st, the Rich, no different/impact to them. The latest Tpt hikes is a good example. Wif the current complex kind of distant/meter charges..? What is the different compare to taxi? So where is the Justice/Fairness? Can the authorities pls do something abt it? Thank u. Also wif the current unfair biz practice, why is the crooks walk away scot-free? When a scam has happened but authorities not acting to it seriously/promptly? I’m refering at those recents news report on BIZ close ABRUPTLY leaving consumers “high/Dry” with all those pre-paid advance sale packages. Revalent authorities pls do something fast & fix this problems.. Thank you very much.

“We need to have a more caring and compassionate government that takes better care of its weaker citizens,” he said.”??????

but what we are seeing right now is economic growth benefiting the rich and not the rest,” he added.?????

====================================================================
I’m not rich, earing only $1k plus per month. With this low income, i’m still able to take care of my mum, go for nite class, 2 insurance policy plus all kinds of bills. This is because as economic growth, it doesnt not just benefiting the rich and not the rest. Moreover, our good government_PAP really take care of low income people like us =P

My comment is we already hv a vy good government and dun need people like you all. Talk is always easy than do….u all like to 信口开河！！！

The only person i respect from the opposition is 詹时中, because he will never 信口开河.

I always believe, if you are contented, you are always a rich person.

Gd luck to you and hope you can learn more from the MP’s from PAP or 詹时中. And dont try to influence others by you own perception.

Richard Phua on July 16, 2010 at 9:07 am
I don’t quite understand what Giam is saying. He seems to suggest that the government is only concerned about economic growth, the GDP at the cost of the poor. He further agrees that we may bring the MNCs and the foreigners, etc.

Always ppl like to compare what PAP has done so far and always like to challenge the different, come on man, what 50+ years ago and compare with 35years (WP ), be fair lah, you are obviouly over supportting them with the good result now…..what about next time if we can be better. They had done good job, and with different idea, bus fare can be averagely lower, and not pay more, and only 65% ppl benifited, and next time road tax will be taxed by the distance, and every kilo metre count.like ERP, if not enough cash in card will not be allow to drive far…….! think about that, why keep so many resrve. for buying other ppl’s land.?Aiyah…..!

We can bring in the foreigners, MNCs to invest in Singapore and we will grow 6-7% but what we are seeing right now is economic growth benefiting the rich and not the rest…

I like this

Richard Phua on July 16, 2010 at 9:07 am

I don’t quite understand what Giam is saying….
_______________

Giam is clear in his saying

Singapore is truly unique.
We are kind of neither socialist nor democratic.
Totally democratic is not the PERFECT solution – the rich can be richer, the poor are kind of left behind.
Totally socialist – where wealth is a MUST to be sprend out – is also kind of a disaster as history has shown – no growth, and corruption tend to surface in government and among leaders.
Do remember that HUMANS are NOT perfect and no matter what and where we are, there bound to be imperfection in any world we create.
All of us need to always be reminded constantly to be more humane and civilised towards each other daily.

Giam will represent the weaker citizens who need someone to stand out and help them to TELL the government.
The current situation is NOT GOOD for citizen. The HDB inflation raise so much (27%) increase since 2009.More PR is coming in to challenge us to vie for HDB flats, jobs, business opportunities etc…
The opeing of 2 casino is good for GDP but bad for citizens as u can see the raise of patients in IMH.
We are moving towards countries like Hong Kong, Japan, macau. There will a wider gap between the rich n poor in 5 yrs times.
The worst will be the citizens who unable to afford to own a flat of his/her own as the government encourage the citizen to get lower wage to save their jobs.

Those ppl who earn less than $1600 will never be able to buy flat ($250K) for resale 3 rm flat or simply the citizen can only afford to buy a one lifetime flat of their own ( direct flat cost 170K).

The bankrupty in the newspaper is getting mor pages than before and those ppl will unlikely be able to buy a home in future. where will they be if they were unable to get a flat.

The government is moving in the MONEY making direction.
The government is building a PERFECT country.
the government id builing a Number 1 motto in whatever they had.

But,when is the last time where the government really listen to the citizen? The SINGAPORE is totally different now. 85% of citizen live in fear of out of jobs as they had HDB to pay for.

The governement can make a survey on citizen what they far most.

We are being tied up by the HDB flats.
We lost the smile and the warmly friendly neighbours.
Now all ppl close and shut out once they reached home.
I am sad to see my Singapore slowly become cold and hard.

When I go for exams, 50% passing marks is not really good enough. Our leaders aimed for 20% who can progess with this nation. Can I request that they take only 20% of President Obama’s salary? SINGAPOREAN can top up an additional 10% bonus, I guess.
THIS IS WHY WE NEED MORE VOICES!

Supporter on July 16, 2010 at 9:04 am

Gong kia, i admire you…your guts…

Like I care why u join the opposition

No name : Can you list down all your expenditure monthly on how you survive ? You don’t save for your old age ? You depend on others to feed you when you are old ? You eat at temple where the food is free ? Please bring more facts & data here to convince everyone that you earn $1k & support your family comfortably.

Hey Giam, thumps up to you! We are like robots here! All our hard earned money is going back to the bills..tax…gst…hdb…etc…. Thers’s no life for me and my family. Atleast there’s a hero whho wants to speak up for the poor people whos getting poorer.Good luck but dont fall

Eunice on July 16, 2010 at 9:22 am

We can bring in the foreigners, MNCs to invest in Singapore and we will grow 6-7% but what we are seeing right now is economic growth benefiting the rich and not the rest…
—–
It should be:

We can bring in the foreigners, MNCs to invest in Singapore and we will grow 6-7% but what we are seeing right now is economic growth benefiting the diligent and not the lazy…

I fully agree with Richard Phua’s comment. Mr. Giam, if I may say so, you have not seen the early days when Singapore was threatened by the communist, and also when Singapore was kick out of Malaysia. The whole of Singapore was like an island without resources, except all the negative pictures. At that time if not for our dear Harry Lee and his team of dedicated comrades, do you think you have the opportunity to be what you are today, having the chance to excel in your education and also to further your education up to graduation at the university. I am all for constuctive critisms but not at the expense of let my beloved nation fall apart. Our former DPM the honourable Dr. Goh Keng Swee although a ex Malaysian but became a Singaporean sacrifice almost three quarter of his life in planning the future of our beloved nation and not forgetting the rest of the Old Team, where will you be. You talk about democracy and democratic country. To this I would like to tell you you are talking nonsenses. For every phase of democracy mentioned, there is a HUGE PRICE to pay. Did you pay the price and suffer like our unsung HEROES paid with their blood and soul to give you what you have today? I am into the 60+ period, I have seen a lot of changes to our nation. The western world always speak about freedom but sit down and think properly is there really freedom in this ever changing world. As I said earlier you have to pay a very high price for wanting freedom, even the AIR we breathe is not free, what if our government leaders of the Past and Present does not care or take the painful task to make sure our AIR is OK, then you and me and the rest of our population will wipe out. I would appreciate very very much if you could enlighten me as to how you and your fellow comrades in WP will be doing for the nation if your WP party is voted in. To me I salute the Past and Present government for the dedication and self-sacrifices given to our Country. Take my advice, sit down and think carefully before you start accusing that there is no democracy and freedom in SINGAPORE, my beloved Country.

Gerald, I salute you! just be careful and dun get sued.

A personal decision to enter politics, being supported by family members, is privy, period. It is assumed that Giam has done most of his homework to walk the path of politics which is evolving all the time in the time machine. If you got what it takes to meet a mix of experienced (level of seniority in political livelihood), your decision is not wrong, but please remember perception and reality are two different issues.

It is appropriate all the time to have another new voice, but must be a constructive and a built on voice of all Singaporeans of different political inclinations etc. Do not forget to look after or neglect your family members should you be on a 24/7 schedule. GOOD LUCK.

@ten on July 16, 2010 at 9:48 am
—
Act hero la. Gain some awareness like that SDP cock Steve Chia.

The Voice,

Thank you.
The cost of housing in a city country; Singapore is about/estimated thereof 1/3 of Houston – oil industries projects hub in U.S. or
like of Rotterdam in Europe.

In 2006 Tokyo, Yokohama; city and port zones.
a 2 rooms HDB size unit was about US$180 – 200 K ranges.

It is a simple formula that City country: Singapore has no
off city zones in the hills, away from town, everywhere
is new town, HDB/Pvt housing.

If pvt bid for land from URA a bare land + buildings cost sells
@ 700 plus range per sq feet then is it not HDB housing can
be classified as bargain price (@550 per sq ft).

Let live with it and taking the past old price of things fitting into today way of life.

Hawker sold mee @ $1.20 – 1.50 in 2006 and 2.50 n 3.00.
WHy not avoid the hawker.

The material of this world is a mild shortage scenario; China, India
high demand. Almost for everything, iron ore, copper, ALU …..
things that up-grade life style.

Therefore Singapore cannot escape from it.

In 3 to 6 mths cotton, grains, beef, pork wl be in great demand as
China, Vietnam, India having bad harvest, low production due
to weather. Thailand faces great demand for their rice from
Vietnam / China / Philippines.

Take Silver was 8.00 – 10.00 per troy oz in 2006
now is 18.** at LME.

Thank you.

Lazy and lazier result poor and poorer.

Richard and Johnny – It may not be appropriate to walk through the difficult memory lanes to inform Giam of the traumatic years which Singapore or rather Singaporeans had gone through. All historical data, images and the like are available in branded publications and the other media etc. Giam must have access to understand and learn all the past events from the day of independence or earlier.

Giam may need to take pupilage page which is somewhat similar to any young rookie in law or medicine. Learn the bitterness first to understand what you are going into your next stage of life. GOOD LUCK

Dear Mr Giam
This is the way to go!….just do the right way and refrain from taking the extreme path of the other opposition. From what I observe, opposition leader like Mr Low is heading the right way by not engaging the extreme path….best of luck….

To Johnny: This is your old man talk. I am as old as you. But, I think differently. The political climate is different now in this century. The young has their inspiration to make their living better. Which route to reach is depend on the changing world. The old day of solving the problem may not be effective as today. In the old day, many people are not well educated. information are not readily availbale. If you think freedom & democracy is not part of way of life that we should have, our Singapore pledge should have changed. We should have ban all political party. We are part of the communist regime. Is that what you want our next generation to be. We should respect the old guard that bring us to where we are now. But, we should open up & encourage more people involve in the nation building regradless of their political view. Don’t kill off the courage of the young generation.

This gong kia is be another Steve chia.

VAT is a form of tax in U.K.
Abt 18 pct.
No across-the-board GST.
VAT – Value Addrd Tax for luxury items; TV, Car, jewelleries, etc.

U.S. – social insurance – every jobless can get $$$ n working
ppls paid into the insurance funds.

Can Singaporeans agree to pay 20 abv percent of salary
into social insurance and see benefits for jobless etc.

Singapore needs foreign workers……but not those mid management foreigners who adds no value, except their drinking at pubs n money spent on our SPGs

As an interested outside observer, may I ask a simple question?

Why should anyone in a democracy fear retribution for exercising their democratic rights? Isn’t this the type of fear experienced by people who live in one-party states? Doesn’t the widespread prevalence of this type of fear indicate that something is wrong on a very basic level in Singaporean civic life?

Lastly, should anyone posting to a public forum (such as TodayOnline) be afraid that the Singaporean Ministry of Persecution will be coming after them?

csw
Its easier to say than done!!!I really agree with no name, if you are not contented just step out of our SINGAPORE and make any comparison at anyfield,you will be proud to hold the small little red passport. Just ask yourself who make you proud,the past contribution and record for the last 45 years will never be forgoten.
But we always welcome and respect a responsible person with new ideas.But one must alays remember no matter what you said or do be responsible!! BE VERY RESPONSIBLR YO: your friends,your family and your Nation.Don’t make yourself a clown……ok???

TO THIS VERY DAY, POLITICAL COMPETITION HAS ALWAYS HAD ITS PRO AND CONS, THOUGH THE DREAM TO HAVE A UNITED GOVERNMENT WITH MANY PARTIES SHARING A COMMON GOAL. SINGAPORE IS JUST TOO SMALL TO HAVE SUCH A DREAM, BEING SURRONDING BY MANY ISLAMIC COUNTRIES, ANY MISTAKE IN POLITICS MAY RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL TAKEOVER OF THESE COUNTRIES THROUGH FORCE OR ECONOMICAL WAS. FOR “PAY AND PAY” TO BE PARTNERS WITH “WHY PAY”, UNLESS A COMPRIMISE IDEALOGY IS ACHIEVED, BY BECOMING “LETS COMPROMISE AND DECIDE WHAT TO PAY”. SINGAPORE WILL ALWAYS BE CONTROLLED MAJORITY BY ONE SNGLE POLITCAL POWER FOR THE SAKE OF THE COUNTRIES STABILITY. IMAGINE IF WE WERE RUN BY “SO DON’T PAY”….HA HA HA …..I BELIEVE THAT POLITICAL HISTORY WILL REPEAT ITSELF…REMEMBER THE INDONESIAN COMMUNIST INSURGENCE? DO WE WANT THAT TO HAPPEN AGAIN?

do not forget as I do remembered I gotten
the Singapore Shares in 2001 hand-out by govt.

Not bad – 1.8 to 2.0 per citizen.

My friends in Thailand, M’sia mentioned “WoW”
good – they got nothing.

Hope there is round two before the coming election.

We need quality oppositions!! This guy is just a regular guy with degree, his resume is rather average…IT consultant from USC?? hardly quality if u ask me….he has to join opposition cos PAP has plenty of candidates better than him

SINGAPOREANS. if you bring foreign workers who only do lowly jobs which we don’t want to do, our country create a cast system of people and this threatens singaporeans who will treat foreigners like criminals. this threatens our livelihood. if you bring foreign talent who will do the same job as you, you think they are threatening your ricebowl but you are willing to work with them and make friends. if you don’t employ foreign workers you don’t get the job done. so i don’t care what singaporean want to think about foreign workers anymore. but i think it is a great achievement to be able to come together from all walks of life and work.

If I am Giam’s wife, I sure to divorce him.
I won’t vote for an IT consultant to be my minister, to take care of future. I want people who has leadership and had relevant education in political Science, have practice and experience in this field to lead Singapore, not some IT consultant, who are just a worker like any one of us. What makes him think that he do better than our present ruling party. I am not saying that the current party are all correct in their decision making, but an IT consultant to be my future leader, I must think twice. I have not seen one IT consultant in my life capable of even managing a department in a company, ruling a country, you must be joking.

phan:

If Indonesia leadership goes to the wrong hands
and becomes unfriendly to us; we faces a problem.

But not like in 1963 – Singapore got only the
British Empire – Far East Forces here and 2 SIR.

Now we are a small red dot …. but it laser red
beam can burnt anyone try to fling with it.

It is a red red dot but solid red armed gem stone
in ASIA.

Remembered USMC is in Singapore, the 7th Fleet in
around ASIA.

In 1982, Kuwait was tookover but the result…….

I admire Gerald’s courage to stand for election in the opposition party as this will give good alternative views to the current PAP. Though I may not agree with all of his views, after all we can disagree to agree eventually for the good of others. I also hope Gerald and the WP opposition can be a voice of the education system, which can appear rigid with overstreaming for even young kids at primary 2. We can learn from others in US & even Scandanavian countries that learning is a journey to be enjoyed, rather than be put in a “box” of EM1 or EM2 or I am better or lousier than my friends at already a very young age as this adds undue stress to stakeholders like parents, teachers, MOE, education agencies etc. God made with natural talent but education system seems to squeeze natural talent out of the system, which is why we have nobel prize winners with creative minds etc. Agree with Gerald that there’s nothing fearful to be part of the opposition as this is growing maturity in nationhood building to seek better altnernatives within the law of Singapore. I also agree with Gerald that there should be care, compassion for the needy, down & out etc instead of over high focus on ecnonomic growth alone at the expense of family breakups due to pressure at workplace & drive for productivity, service excellence etc, while are not bad but needs a balance with a soul for our city nation.

Gerald, I hope you do contest in our constituency as I am likely to support WP, when necessary but not blindly as it will do Singapore good with more refreshing ideas with an open heart and mind. Gerald, keep up the good work and wishing you and WP all the best in the next elections.

No one doubts that we need foreign workers….but we only need those at the very top and for jobs Singaporeans are not willing to do….not those idiots walking around CBD in middle management…….

Salute to Gerard Giam! Great people has great foresight and takes great risk. Gerard is THE “chosen one” of Singapore to lead to uplifting of human’s eternal aspiration to discover the bounties and endowments of God. I am confident with wisdom and perseverance, he will go very far in leading Singapore, farther than even like Minister Mentor has done.

Give him your vote.

Johnny on July 16, 2010 at 9:57 am
I fully agree with Richard Phua’s comment. Mr. Giam, if I may say so, you have not seen the early days when Singapore was threatened by the communist, You talk about democracy and democratic country. To this I would like to tell you you are talking nonsenses.
==================================

Hello, you r the 60+ “lau Cheow” always gone thru the bad days, but if you do not give chance to ” New bird’ to live and show us the next 20-30 years, what they can do. maybe it will be even better., Stop talking abt the old bad days lah, Stop ” Last ticking “the new bird,
OLD bird always cannot see clearly and far only remember the old days and have bad voice also. Think b4 you talk , don’t say ppl talk nonsenses, if you are so Good old bird , you come out to talk and act lah….!

You are a very good Singapore Citizen who take stand for your opinion. I’m sure it will benefit us all, also the ruling party. PAP is good but can always improve by good critic.

Mr Richard Phua, well said.

“Giam is part of a breed of young, educated Singaporeans who are joining the opposition because they want to see change from the top.”

To Mr Giam- Above quote, what kind of changes do you expect to see? Is WP capable enough to handle all the stress that PAP delivers and portray? I am very sure, almost everything in this entire universe is an illusion. Being ‘there’ is tougher than it seems. I had a job, fell in-love with it, but, it is just a picture I see. Having much IQ. (EQ? Drop the books, get a tight grip of reality.) Thought that I am confident of knowing the brush that was being used, the paint and what kind of canvas. The fact, punch right in my face, I drew, but no emotions came out.

This is how this world works. People are always blaming finding fault with other people with outstanding views/power. Why? And why not be thankful of what we have right now? Be appreciate. Our stressful lifestyles indeed gives us a sustainable economy. I am very sure you guys don’t want our currency to get so weak, for example, till buying a loaf of bread cost $100?? Don’t we, at the end of the day, go out/home to see our love ones or friends. In a way that we are at peace. Happy outcome.

An up rise of status where most of us are too educated, till a point where we have our own views. Why not, we all just take a step back be at peace. Be grateful. Think positively. Manipulate the manipulator, play around and be at peace. Think about it. If you get what i mean. Thank you.

Yes ! We have growth. But is the weaker citizen are growing ?

The PAP have forget and PRO-FORIEGNERS ACTION PARTY. Not the People’s action party like how LKY lead.

LHL his son is not doing the job well.

Like most Singpaorean woman. Will divorce Giam once they join the oppoisite party.

That why most of the Singaporean man marry foriegners now. And look at the numbers of local women on the street ” Single ” are increasing.

Those a better good looking woman Singaporean still got some luck. But those who have less good looks. All left on the streets of Singapore.

Is this what the pro-foriegners policy have done ?

I do agree with Fabio. Very stressful!

if GOVT hv surplus $$$$ in current
5 years terms wl it give few $$$ to Singaporeans.

The 2010 budget show surplus but no real $$$ into citizen hands – all discount vouchers – for up-grading job, PUB – (when they increased then discount comes — z e r o –)
Hope this coming meeting, some M.P. dare speak up –
National Day – give Every Singapore some $$$$ to cerebrates…. cheer up… yam seng….. (Ang Chee Kow) …..