BRIGHT SPARKS CUTE CUTE PARLIEMENT ? ? ? ?

Governance, a serious business

Letter from Eric Tin Keng Seng

SINGAPORE is again at the crossroads of deciding the trustees of governance for the next five years. The electorate must make informed decisions.

Governance is a serious business to be undertaken only by those truly committed to improving the lives of our countrymen.

A political party should show how its candidates have demonstrated probity, ability and dedication in the service of the people.

Academic and professional achievements may be indicative of ability, but silent on one’s foremost loyalty. For instance, should party and constituency interests conflict, whose interest prevails and how will a candidate ensure that?

Candidates should also show us their cogency of reasoning, independence of thinking and superior quality of analysis with reference to specific policies — and not simply echo lofty ideals or politically-correct or attractive statements. Put simply, can they be entrusted with the role of voice of conscience and reason on behalf of the people?

The Opposition parties should show us, with reference to existing policies, why and how they can be improved through refinement or replacement.

The People’s Action Party should elaborate on the breadth and depth of thinking that has gone into existing policies that are under attack, and show us how these policies were carefully conceived and properly coordinated.

For example, could more prudent policies have avoided current concerns over the rising cost of living, stressful pace of life, loss of living space and younger Singaporeans losing their sense of belonging?

Are these concerns a reflection of poor resource planning, allocation and coordination?

Have we over-stretched ourselves in too many strategic directions, aiming to top everything but losing sight of bottomline priorities?

How can these concerns on the ground be addressed while ensuring the economic viability and competitiveness of a geographically small and uniquely placed nation-state with no hinterland?

Sending anyone into Parliament will determine our collective future for the next five years.

The onus is not only on the parties and their candidates to prove that they are deserving and trustworthy of the people’s mandate.

Dangerous ridiconcludes.

The onus is also upon those of us who can vote, to presume nothing but exercise our own judgment and right of universal suffrage reasonably, rationally and responsibly in the best interests of this place we call our home.

3. The WP’s proposal to lower flat prices by paying less for the land is an illegal raid on Singapore’s reserves.

GE: NSP unveils five new candidates for Marine Parade GRC

GE: NSP unveils five new candidates for Marine Parade GRC

 

Nicole Rebecca Seah Xue Ling

SINGAPORE: A 24—year—old advertising executive is among five new candidates that the National Solidarity Party (NSP) is introducing to contest at Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency (GRC).

24—year—old Nicole Rebecca Seah Xue Ling, an executive with advertising agency Starcom MediaVest Group, will also be the youngest candidate so far.

Ms Seah, who graduated from the National University of Singapore under the University Scholars’ Programme, said she will be addressing cost of living issues.

Her team members include 60—year—old Cheo Chai Chen, 63—year—old Ivan Yeo Tiong Boon, 29—year—old Abdul Salim Harun, and 31—year—old Spencer Ng Chung Hon.

Mr Cheo Chai Chen, who joined NSP in 2006, made his first foray into politics in 1988 with the Singapore Democratic Party. He was elected to Parliament as the Member of Parliament for Nee Soon Central Single Member Constituency (SMC) in 1991.

He is currently in the publishing business.

Another candidate, Mr Ivan Yeo is the Managing Director of an investment company. He has been a member of the Central Executive Committee of NSP since 1994.

A warehouse assistant at a logistics company, Mr Abdul Salim Harun, aspires to represent the working class, especially blue—collar workers. He was with the Workers’ Party in 2005, and was the youngest candidate in the 2006 General Election at the age of 24.

The fifth candidate is Mr Spencer Ng Chung Hon, the founder of an events company. He served in the Education Ministry from June 2003 to June 2006.

With this, the NSP looks set to go head—to—head with the People’s Action Party team that will be led by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong at Marine Parade GRC.

The NSP had earlier announced that it would also contest Jurong, Chua Chu Kang and Tampines GRCs.

—CNA/ac

S$600m town renewal plan unveiled for Nee Soon GRC

S$600m town renewal plan unveiled for Nee Soon GRC

 

S$600m town renewal plan unveiled for Nee Soon GRC

SINGAPORE : Residents in the newly—created Nee Soon Group Representation Constituency (GRC) will see their estates rejuvenated to the tune of more than S$600 million, under the area’s five—year town renewal plan.

Key in the plan is the transformation of Yishun Town Centre into a lifestyle hub.

There will be new shopping, dining and entertainment options, recreational facilities, as well as an air—conditioned bus interchange.

In addition, the Yishun Pond will be transformed into an urban oasis in the vibrant Yishun Town Centre.

More flats in the constituency will also undergo lift upgrading and refurbishment works.

A total of 10,000 public and private housing units will be built in Nee Soon GRC.

Four primary schools in the vicinity will be upgraded and the connectivity to Nee Soon GRC will be further enhanced when the proposed Thomson MRT Line and the North—South Expressway are completed.

Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam said: " If you ask the residents how important it is for them, they will tell you it’s extremely important. It increases, enhances the value of their flats, and makes it much easier for them to get in."

In the last few of days and weeks leading up the General Election, constituencies like Aljunied, Hong Kah and Holland—Bukit Timah have been busy unveiling multi—million dollar town renewal plans or launching new community facilities for residents.

— CNA /ls