"'Is this the kind of politics we want?': WP chief on DPM's 'crocodile tears' comment - CNA 16 August 2015
SINGAPORE: The Opposition Workers’ Party (WP) secretary-general Low Thia Khiang on Sunday (Aug 16) responded to Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean’s accusations that he was shedding “crocodile tears” over the departure of Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew from the Cabinet.
"I think it's very characteristic of Mr Low to squeeze the most political mileage out of anything," DPM Teo had said in an interview on Friday. "Mr Low was about to field a team to contest Mr Lui, and I'm sure if his party has contested where Mr Lui stood, he wouldn't be saying nice things about him. I'm sure they're crocodile tears,” he added.
He was speaking after a walkabout at Chong Pang, where WP chairman Sylvia Lim also revealed that the party’s existing MPs would defend their seats in Aljunied GRC and Hougang and Punggol East SMCs.
“Is this the kind of politics we want in the future? What do we want the future of Singapore to be? Do we want to be more civilized in our political engagement? We are not a Third World country. I think voters will have to decide what they want Singapore to be,” Mr Low added.
Last week, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and other senior members of the Cabinet had tried to persuade Mr Lui to change his mind on his decision not to contest the coming General Election, but Mr Lui stuck firm to his decision.
Mr Low later expressed disappointment over the loss of Mr Lui, whom he called “a hardworking minister” and questioned the move, saying: “I thought the standard ethos of the PAP is that resignation doesn't solve the problem."
On Sunday, Mr Low again praised Mr Lui and reiterated that him stepping down would be a loss to the Cabinet. “I've known him for a number of years in Parliament. He's down-to-earth and answers questions matter-of-factly and in detail, and it shows he's hands-on … (and) prepared to work the ground. Neither does he attack or bully or intimidate the Opposition. I find him responsible and accountable. I appreciate that.”
Mr Low said on Sunday: "With due respect, if DPM wants to comment that way, let Singaporeans judge and see this is the standard of the PAP (People’s Action Party) in politics.""
Well, I am NOT SURE if Mr Low had, in the past, 'attacked' or 'asked' Mr Lui to resign from his post if he cannot resolve the MRT lines breakdown issue or not. I hope not as if he had, it would reflect quite badly on him in totality!
Lessons for me are:
1. IF Mr Low did not attack Mr Lui in the past, then DMP Teo's comments were regrettable. Personally I have reiterated that Mr Lui is an earnest and sincere man wanting to do a good job. He was too eager to take responsibilities for the MRT lines breakdown when the operation companies like SMRT Corp and SBS Transist SHOULD be responsible!;
2. whatever transpired between Mr Low and DPM Teo, it will be very sad if Singapore politics go to that type of 'the ruling party vs. the opposition parties at ALL COSTs and at ALL FRONTs'! Singapore is unique in many areas. Some of which we lead the world, and we are proud of it. e.g. the zero tolerance for corruption, the efficient manner in which the civil services run the government, etc. WHY can't we have an uniquely Singapore political style where 'the ruling party and the opposition parties ARE working for the national interests and the majority of the people's interests WITHOUT trying to polarize it to 'this or that' or '1 or 0' or 'win or loss'? Sure some issues may be in that categories. The parties can agree to disagree and the one holding the power can then exercise it to make the final decision and carry out whatever policies they deem fit and proper. If the consequences are good, the voters can see them. They will win votes!;
3. Singapore opposition parties are NO WHERE near the level and standard needed to run Singapore. One of the biggest economies in the world and a miraculous economy. YET, without the minority opposition parties being in the parliament, can the ruling party effectively self-regulate and be more sensitive to the dynamic and conflicting needs of the voters? Some of which were totally legitimate and LONG PASSED the 'should had done something about it' stage!
I hope this little 'skirmish' can be contained and put away in the coming GE campaign. I look forward to hearing the strategic direction the next power-to-be plan to take us as well as what all the political parties can offer in the short term to fix many pressing issues troubling the population!
SINGAPORE: The Opposition Workers’ Party (WP) secretary-general Low Thia Khiang on Sunday (Aug 16) responded to Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean’s accusations that he was shedding “crocodile tears” over the departure of Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew from the Cabinet.
"I think it's very characteristic of Mr Low to squeeze the most political mileage out of anything," DPM Teo had said in an interview on Friday. "Mr Low was about to field a team to contest Mr Lui, and I'm sure if his party has contested where Mr Lui stood, he wouldn't be saying nice things about him. I'm sure they're crocodile tears,” he added.
He was speaking after a walkabout at Chong Pang, where WP chairman Sylvia Lim also revealed that the party’s existing MPs would defend their seats in Aljunied GRC and Hougang and Punggol East SMCs.
“Is this the kind of politics we want in the future? What do we want the future of Singapore to be? Do we want to be more civilized in our political engagement? We are not a Third World country. I think voters will have to decide what they want Singapore to be,” Mr Low added.
Last week, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and other senior members of the Cabinet had tried to persuade Mr Lui to change his mind on his decision not to contest the coming General Election, but Mr Lui stuck firm to his decision.
Mr Low later expressed disappointment over the loss of Mr Lui, whom he called “a hardworking minister” and questioned the move, saying: “I thought the standard ethos of the PAP is that resignation doesn't solve the problem."
On Sunday, Mr Low again praised Mr Lui and reiterated that him stepping down would be a loss to the Cabinet. “I've known him for a number of years in Parliament. He's down-to-earth and answers questions matter-of-factly and in detail, and it shows he's hands-on … (and) prepared to work the ground. Neither does he attack or bully or intimidate the Opposition. I find him responsible and accountable. I appreciate that.”
Mr Low said on Sunday: "With due respect, if DPM wants to comment that way, let Singaporeans judge and see this is the standard of the PAP (People’s Action Party) in politics.""
Well, I am NOT SURE if Mr Low had, in the past, 'attacked' or 'asked' Mr Lui to resign from his post if he cannot resolve the MRT lines breakdown issue or not. I hope not as if he had, it would reflect quite badly on him in totality!
Lessons for me are:
1. IF Mr Low did not attack Mr Lui in the past, then DMP Teo's comments were regrettable. Personally I have reiterated that Mr Lui is an earnest and sincere man wanting to do a good job. He was too eager to take responsibilities for the MRT lines breakdown when the operation companies like SMRT Corp and SBS Transist SHOULD be responsible!;
2. whatever transpired between Mr Low and DPM Teo, it will be very sad if Singapore politics go to that type of 'the ruling party vs. the opposition parties at ALL COSTs and at ALL FRONTs'! Singapore is unique in many areas. Some of which we lead the world, and we are proud of it. e.g. the zero tolerance for corruption, the efficient manner in which the civil services run the government, etc. WHY can't we have an uniquely Singapore political style where 'the ruling party and the opposition parties ARE working for the national interests and the majority of the people's interests WITHOUT trying to polarize it to 'this or that' or '1 or 0' or 'win or loss'? Sure some issues may be in that categories. The parties can agree to disagree and the one holding the power can then exercise it to make the final decision and carry out whatever policies they deem fit and proper. If the consequences are good, the voters can see them. They will win votes!;
3. Singapore opposition parties are NO WHERE near the level and standard needed to run Singapore. One of the biggest economies in the world and a miraculous economy. YET, without the minority opposition parties being in the parliament, can the ruling party effectively self-regulate and be more sensitive to the dynamic and conflicting needs of the voters? Some of which were totally legitimate and LONG PASSED the 'should had done something about it' stage!
I hope this little 'skirmish' can be contained and put away in the coming GE campaign. I look forward to hearing the strategic direction the next power-to-be plan to take us as well as what all the political parties can offer in the short term to fix many pressing issues troubling the population!
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