行动报. January / February Our Cause: Why politics matters Tribute to Toh Chin Chye New growth opportunities

Transcription

1 行动报 January / February 2012 Our Cause: Our People Why politics matters Tribute to Toh Chin Chye New growth opportunities

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4 Contents 04 Editorial Here s the plan As storm clouds hover on the economic horizon, Singapore will pursue growth, not for its own sake but to increase living standards, by raising productivity and helping local businesses spread their wings abroad. * Also in Chinese, Malay and Tamil 09 Quick News A round-up of new policies. 14 Party Convention Politics must take a bigger role now Secretary-general Lee Hsien Loong rallied members to stand up and be counted, as the Party re-invents itself for a new era. We must carry the ground and counter opposition moves on all fronts, he urged the crowd at the PAP s biennial gathering. Strategies, shortcomings and solutions Better policies, better communication and a better political organisation will be the PAP s targets, said chairman Khaw Boon Wan. He outlined the plans and presented the findings of the Party s review of GE2011, when it lost a GRC. How to get an A grade The PAP needs to improve its communication and connection with the ground, to win hearts and minds, advised five MPs at the meeting, who gave their take on the GE 2011 results. Its theme was Our Cause: Our People. 10 Hot Topic What price political leadership? Petir looks at the new ministerial pay package by the numbers, and follows the arguments by Parliamentarians for accepting the recommendations proposed by an independent review committee. 19 Tribute R.I.P. Toh Chin Chye A special eight-page pullout on the man who was the Party s first chairman. Without Dr Toh holding the fort in the PAP, we might never have held the party together, said Mr Lee Kuan Yew of the pioneer from Perak, a former student activist who sparked the formation of the PAP, fought left-wing radicals and for Singapore s independence, turned the University of Singapore into one of the top educational institutions in the world and was the political group s most fiery internal critic. Rallying force Fighter to the end The Iron Chancellor Family man from Taiping Publicity and Publications Committee Chairman Lawrence Wong Vice-Chairman Seah Kian Peng Secretary Lim Wee Kiak Members Alvin Yeo, Arther Fong, Devi Vasantha Haridas, Kalyani Ramasamy, Chiang Heng Liang, Abdul Jafar Darwis District representative Diana Pang Young PAP Hamidah Aidillah PAP Policy Forum Malminderjit Singh PAP WW Teo Lin Lee Editor Lim Huan Chiang Deputy Editor Judith Holmberg Editorial and Design Focus Publishing Limited (Tel: ) Printer timesprinters, Singapore. Photos courtesy of Singapore Press Holdings and istockphoto.com

5 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012 R.I.P Toh Chin Chye ( ) 27 Party Awards 372 of the best A record number of activists received awards for their work at the grassroots in November. Topping the list was former Hougang Branch chief Eric Low. Keep up the fighting spirit, urged Party chairman Khaw Boon Wan at the ceremony. Petir interviewed some of the winners, two of whom served more than 50 years. Don t give up Helping out a habit 82 and still active Drawn by policy-making Online warrior MacPherson s IT Rose Five-year winners 32 Face to Face Opportunities even in slower times The growing number of visitors to Singapore and the list of new products coming on to the market to draw visitors could make tourism a pillar of the economy, new minister S. Iswaran tells Petir. 34 View from the Front Let us join hands That schoolchild who does not have money to buy a snack at recess could indicate a family needing help. If everyone notices little hints like this, says BG Tan Chuan-Jin, and works with schools, VWOs and other agencies, life for many could improve. 36 My Say Going places shows there s no place like home The American dream has turned into an economic nightmare. In Sydney, house prices are prohibitive. Train breakdowns are par for the course in London, while traffic jams are standard in Ho Chi Minh City. No wonder Koo Tsai Kee enjoys being home. 39 Happenings Countdown to 2012 Queenstown WW plans for Forum A new spirit emerges The series of forums leading up the Party Convention in November helped members strengthen confidence, trust and belief in one another, writes Satwant Singh. 42 Cyberspeak Wish list for Budget Backbencher s Bite Wider gap needed New MP Ong Teng Koon calls for sharper differentiation between being a Permanent Resident and a citizen, to persuade more PRs to take up citizenship. 44 Overheard Best of the sound bites by parliamentarians. MICA (P) 151/11/2011 Petir is published by the People s Action Party Central Executive Committee. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior consent of the publisher. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the PAP or the government. All rights reserved. PAP Headquarters Block 57B, New Upper Changi Road, # , PCF Building, Singapore Telephone: Telefax: Internet:

6 EDITORIAL As storm clouds hover on the economic horizon here s the plan for the journey ahead 4 PETIR JAN / FEB 12

7 We must brace ourselves for an uncertain and potentially volatile year. The world economy is going through a very difficult period. The serious fiscal problems in the US will not be solved soon. Neither will the European sovereign debt crisis, nor the problems with the euro. These troubles will affect the entire global economy. Being small and export dependent, Singapore will be affected by the global slowdown. Hence, we expect our rate of growth to come down to between 1 per cent and 3 per cent for This forecast assumes faltering growth in Europe, a sluggish recovery in the US and continued economic expansion in Asia, albeit at a lower rate than before. If the European debt problems turn into a full-blown financial crisis, then the situation would deteriorate quickly and Singapore could face a recession. We will also continue to be exposed to the broader pressures of globalisation and advances in IT, which are resulting in a wider polarisation of incomes and employment opportunities around the world. Our strategy is to pursue growth, not just for its own sake, but with a firm commitment to fairness, and as the foundation for broader benefit for all, that is, the provision of equal opportunity, greater social mobility and a quality of life that improves with each generation. We seek to promote sustainable and inclusive growth, growth that benefits every citizen, strengthens social solidarity, and increases living standards not just for today but for the future as well. By Lim Hng Kiang Minister for Trade and Industry will invite businesses that are interested in riding on Asia s growth to tap on our connectivity, not just in terms of our extensive trade network but also our cultural understanding and social ties in this region. At the same time, we will help Singapore-based companies, in particular the strong base Fortunately, the Republic is well positioned to cope with the global slowdown. We are moving forward from a strong base. We have a diversified, financially sound and competitive economy. We have a well-educated, hardworking workforce, and a strong tripartite partnership involving workers, employers and the government. We also have adequate reserves to see us through tough times. Unlike countries with high sovereign debts, fiscal prudence over the years has enabled the government to build up our reserves. Therefore, if the situation requires it, we are able to draw on our reserves to help our companies and workers weather the storm, as was done during the 2008/2009 recession. Even as we keep an eye on and steel ourselves for a gathering storm, we must continue to restructure our economy, to prepare for a new phase of development under more challenging conditions. As Singaporeans incomes reach the levels seen in developed countries, growth will inevitably slow. As the economy matures, we will have to grapple with the limits of land and population size. Restructuring of the economy will continue, so living standards can improve despite the global slowdown. Key thrusts To achieve this, we need to raise productivity and build up capacity in our businesses, so as to tap new market opportunities. The National Productivity and Continuing Education Council is spearheading the effort to raise productivity with businesses and unions, helping firms to upgrade their operations and workers to raise their skills. At the same time, we need to slow the intake of foreign workers so that restructuring can take place, and the wages of Singaporeans can go up in line with productivity improvements. The second key thrust is to help companies access opportunities in global markets and leverage on Asia s potential. We will continue to reinforce Singapore s position as a gateway to Asia. We small and medium-sized enterprises, to expand overseas with their home base in Singapore. Nobody can tell what surprises the coming years will bring. We face uncertain times ahead, as well as more complex challenges in our next phase of development. We will continue to keep a close watch on the pressing issues of the day and the broader concerns on the horizon. We will continue to invest in our people, our city and our future. Ultimately, this will enable Singaporeans to look forward to good quality jobs with higher wages, and improvements in their living standard. The government is committed to working with businesses and Singaporeans to achieve our common goals. It is only by working together that we can secure a better life and a brighter tomorrow. PETIR JAN / FEB 12 5

8 经济前景乌云密布, 为前进 做好打算 sedang badai menyelubungi ufuk ekonomi inilah perancangannya bagi harungi perjalanan selanjutnya Oleh Encik Lim Hng Kiang, Menteri Perdagangan dan Perusahaan Sebagai negara kecil yang bergantung kepada eksport, Singapura akan terjejas dengan kemelesetan jagat. Disebabkan itu, kami menjangkakan kadar pertumbuhan tumbuh lebih perlahan antara 1 peratus dan 3 peratus bagi Ramalan ini berdasarkan pertumbuhan lembab di Eropah, pemulihan longlai Amerika Syarikat dan peluasan ekonomi berterusan di Asia, namun pada kadar lebih perlahan berbanding sebelum ini. 6 PETIR JAN / FEB 12 Jika masalah hutang Eropah berubah menjadi krisis kewangan yang teruk, keadaan dengan pantas akan menjadi lebih buruk dan Singapura mungkin menghadapi kemelesetan. Asas yang kukuh Untungnya, Singapura berada di kedudukan yang baik untuk menghadapi kelembapan global. Kita punya ekonomi yang mempelbagai, berdaya saing dan kewangan yang mantap. Kita punya tenaga kerja yang berpendidikan, bekerja keras dan hubungan tiga pihak yang kukuh meliputi pekerja, majikan dan pemerintah. Kita juga punya rizab yang mencukupi untuk membawa kita mengharungi masamasa sukar. Tidak seperti negara-negara yang menghadapi bebanan hutang, perbelanjaan yang berhemah telah membolehkan pemerintah membangunkan jumlah rizab kita. Apabila keadaan memerlukan, kita mampu mengeluarkan sebahagian rizab untuk membantu syarikat-syarikat dan pekerja kita untuk mengharungi rebut yang melanda, sepertimana yang telah dilakukan semasa kemelesetan 2008/2009. Sedang kita memberi tumpuan dan

9 新加坡的其中一个战略是争取增长, 以提升人民的生活水平 林勋强贸工部长 新加坡这个依赖出口的弹丸小岛必定会受到全球经济放缓所影响 因此, 在 2012 年, 我们预计增长率将下跌 1% 至 3% 这个预测是假设欧洲增幅衰退 美国经济缓慢复苏, 以及亚洲经济持续扩张, 纵使步伐比以往来得慢 如果欧洲债务问题全面爆发金融危机, 那情况将迅速恶化, 而新加坡的经济也可能萧条 稳固的根基幸好新加坡已经准备就绪, 应付全球经济放缓 我们的经济多元化 财政稳健并具竞争力 我们的劳动队伍拥有良好的教育水平 勤劳奋斗, 员工 雇主以及政府等三方的合作关系也非常牢固 我们有足够的储备金伴我们渡过难关 与欠下高主权债务的国家不同的是, 我们这些年来谨慎理财, 使我们的政府囤积了储备金 在必要的时候, 我们能够动用储备金帮助我们的公司和员工抵挡惊涛骇浪, 正如 2008/2009 年的经济危机一样 我们在未雨绸缪 准备面对眼前的狂风暴雨的同时, 也得继续重组经济, 准备下一轮更具挑战性的新发展阶段 我们的策略是坚守平等, 力求成长, 这是为所有新加坡人打造更广泛的 好处的基础 我们极力促进可持续性及具包容性的发展, 让每个国民受益, 同时巩固社会团结性, 提升今天和未来的生活条件 主要推力我们必须提高生产力, 提升企业的潜力, 以便开拓新商机 全国生产力与延续教育理事会带头提升企业和工会的生产力, 帮助公司提升业务 协助员工提高技能 与此同时, 我们必须放慢录取外国劳工, 以便进行重组, 使得新加坡人的薪金能随着生产力的进步而提高 第二个重点是协助企业获取全球市场的商机, 并利用亚洲的潜能 我们将继续巩固新加坡作为通向亚洲的桥梁的地位 我们会邀请有兴趣骑着亚洲成长雄风的企业挖掘我们的连通性, 这不仅仅是我们庞大的贸易网络, 还包括我们对这个区域的文化了解以及社会联系 我们会帮助以新加坡为基地的企业, 尤其是中小型企业, 扩张至海外 尽管前方局势不定, 我们会继续投资在我们的人民 国家和未来 最终, 新加坡人可期待更高薪的高素质工作, 使他们的生活条件改善 政府致力于跟企业以及新加坡人合作, 达到共同的目标 只有携手合作, 我们才能创建更美好的人生, 更光明的未来 membuat persediaan bagi mengharungi ketidaktentuan yang mungkin berlaku, kita mesti terus menyusun semula ekonomi kita, demi membuat persediaan untuk pembangunan fasa baru dalam keadaan yang lebih mencabar. Strategi kita adalah untuk meningkatkan pertumbuhan dengan komitmen yang teguh terhadap keadilan, dan sebagai satu asas yang lebih yang memanfaatkan seluruh rakyat Singapura. Kami mahu menggalak pertumbuhan yang lebih berkekalan dan meliputi semua, pertumbuhan yang memanfaatkan setiap warga, memperkukuh kesepaduan social, dan meningkatkan mutu kehidupan, bukan sahaja untuk hari ini tetapi juga untuk masa depan. tujahan utama Kami perlu meningkatkan penghasilan dan membangunkan lagi keupayaan dalam perniagaan kita agar dapat memanfaatkan peluang dalam pasaran-pasaran baru. Majlis Daya Penghasilan dan Pembelajaran Berterusan Nasional (NPCEC) sedang memimpin satu usaha untuk meningkatkan penghasilan dengan pihak perniagaan dan kesatuan sekerja, membantu firma-firma meningkatkan operasi mereka dan kemahiran pekerja mereka. Pada masa yang sama, kita perlu memperlahankan kemasukan pekerja asing agar penyusunan semula dapat dilakukan, dan gaji warga Singapura dapat meningkat sejajar dengan peningkatan dalam penghasilan. Tujahan kedua adalah untuk membantu syarikat-syarikat menikmati laluan bagi merebut peluang-peluang dalam pasaran jagat dan memanfaatkan potensi Asia. Kita akan terus memperkukuh kedudukan Singapura sebagai pintu gerbang ke Asia. Kita akan mengundang perniagaanperniagaan yang berminat untuk memanfaatkan pertumbuhan Asia dan memanfaatkan daya hubungan kita, bukan sahaja dari segi rangkaian dagangan kita yang luas tetapi juga pemahaman kita dalam soal budaya dan ikatan sosial di rantau ini. Kita akan membantu syarikat-syarikat yang berpangkalan di Singapura, terutamanya syarikat-syarikat kecil dan sederhana, untuk melangkah ke luar negara tetapi berpangkalan di Singapura. Meskipun menghadapi masa-masa mendatang yang tidak menentu, kami akan terus membuat pelaburan ke atas warga kita, negara kita dan masa depan kita. Akhirnya, ini akan membolehkan rakyat Singapura menjangkakan pekerjaan yang lebih bermutu dengan gaji yang lebih tinggi, dan peningkatan dalam mutu kehidupan mereka. Pemerintah beriltizam untuk bekerja dengan syarikat-syarikat dan warga Singapura untuk mencapai matlamat kita bersama. Hanya dengan bekerja bersamasamalah kita dapat menjamin kehidupan hari esok yang lebih baik dan lebih cerah. PETIR JAN / FEB 12 7

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12 Hot ToPIC What price political leadership? An emotive issue that has been hotly debated for more than 30 years was finally settled in January, when Parliament agreed on how much ministers and political appointment holders should be paid, and how their pay should be calculated. Even MPs Denise Phua and Inderjit Singh who had opposed the old framework supported the motion for Salaries for a Capable and Committed Government. It took three days of vigorous debate, during which MPs discussed the rationale for and structure of the salaries, which are based on competitiveness, sacrifice and transparency. It is the first time an independent committee has been asked to make recommendations on ministers salaries, which were an issue during the May General Election. Explaining why he called for the review, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said: It is vital for us to get a pay system which works for us. Because this is not just about how much money ministers will get, but about Singapore s future and ensuring that Singapore always has a good government. If you have the wrong system of pay, you will have the wrong team. MPs agreed that while salaries should not be used as an enticement to enter public service, they should not be a disincentive either. The quantum had to reflect the responsibilities and significance of ministers jobs. Said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean: The aim is to attract the best in their prime to give of their best to Singapore. To establish the quality of people needed, salaries were benchmarked at those of the 1,000 top Singaporeans. After the discount in the formula, the minister getting $1.1 million annually would 10 PETIR JAN / FEB 12 Chairman Mr Gerard Ee, National Kidney Foundation chair 8 people sat on the review committee rank as the 1,410th Singaporean earner, he pointed out. Previously, the salary of $1.58 million would be equivalent to that of the 700th. MPs rejected benchmarking salaries at the levels of other countries leaders. Ms Indranee Rajah noted: In fact, our more is less, and their less is more, more or less. The US president had a private jet, holiday home, chefs, even a calligrapher among other perks, she said. She also gave a list of allowances British ministers receive. Mr Inderjit Singh pointed out that Japanese ministers get to rent a home in a prime district at a fifth of market price. They held 10 meetings in 7 months. Technical expertise: Provided by Mercer (Singapore), international experts on remuneration, which evaluated the job size of political appointment holders. 3 groups of stakeholders consulted: the man in the street those in the potential talent pool elected officials More than 500 and letters received. Interviews carried out with past and current ministers and MPs Commissioned: May 21, 2011 Submitted: Dec 30, 2011 Mr Edwin Tong reminded that a French MP who loses his seat remains on full pay for half a year, and then a gradually declining proportion of the salary for a further two-and-a-half years! He added: The value of a clean, transparent wage system cannot be underestimated. What you see, is what you get. We cannot move away from that bedrock to the slippery slope of hidden perks and benefits. While they agreed with the principles of the review committee s proposals, the Workers Party (WP) had an alternative formula for calculating salaries. This pegged the salary of a minister at five

13 3 principles determined decisions The PROCESS 1.Salaries must be competitive, so people of the right calibre are not deterred from stepping forward to lead the country 2. The ethos of political service entails making sacrifices, so there should be a discount in the pay formula 3. There should be no hidden perks The salaries should be linked to the individual performance of each office holder, and the socioeconomic progress of Singaporeans Salaries of 8 political offices reviewed: Prime Minister Deputy Prime Minister Political appointment holders (ministers, ministers of state, parliamentary secretaries) President Speaker Deputy Speakers MPs Non-Constituency MPs & Nominated MPs 4 benchmarking methods rejected: 1. Modifying the old benchmark Downside: Complex and difficult to understand. Highly volatile. 2. Basing it on a level of Singaporeans salaries and multiplying that by a fixed amount Downside: Has no direct link to pool from which MPs etc are chosen. 3. Median salaries of CEOs of billion-$ Singapore companies Downside: Pool is small. Data volatile. 4. Benchmarking against foreign governments Downside: Every country uses a different method. Based on local considerations. Could include hidden perks and benefits. The Review Made public: Jan 4, 2012 New scale starts: May 21, 2011 times an MP s allowance. This allowance would in turn be based on the salaries of senior civil service executives at the MX9 Superscale grade, which represents the top 1.2 per cent of the civil service. The WP formula produced a salary at about the same general level as what the review committee had proposed. Several PAP MPs noted the similarities, and asked why the WP was not prepared to accept the proposal made by the review committee. We started from the top, worked our way down. They started from the bottom, worked their way up. But we arrived at the same place, said Ms Rajah. BG Tan Chuan-Jin noted: We are, in many ways, on the same song sheet. Several MPs also pointed out that the proposal made by the WP was a significant change from its earlier position. The WP had previously championed linking political salaries to the poor, and also pegging ministerial salaries at 100 times the salary of the bottom 20 per cent. In the last General Election, the WP also criticised the million-dollar salaries of ministers. However, in Parliament, it proposed a competitive benchmark for ministerial salaries around $1 million a year. Unfortunately, the WP did not explain reasons for its reversal in Parliament. Party leaders Sylvia Lim and Low Thia Khiang were silent throughout the debate. Wrapping up the debate, DPM Teo said: There will never be a perfect formula so ultimately, this boils down to a judgement call, in finding the right balance between recognising the ethos of political service and providing an appropriate and competitive salary. We should not be accentuating the differences when there are in fact so many similarities. Let us now focus our energies on our real work which must be for Singapore, and for the people of Singapore. PETIR JAN / FEB 12 11

14 Hot ToPIC Petir looks at the new annual salary structure by the numbers BENChMaRk Entry level of ministers: Based on the median income of the top 1,000 Singaporean earners. Plus a 40% discount to signify the sacrifice of public service. ANNUAL SALARY = 2 FIXED PAY COMPONENTS 12 months salary 13th month bonus + 3 VARIABLES annual Variable Component Individual Performance Bonus National Bonus Framework to be reviewed every 5 years Only 1 pay despite >1 appointment annual Variable Component: months A Special Variable Payment may be made in times of exceptional economic performance. National Bonus based equally on 4 indicators: Real growth rate of Singaporeans median income Real growth rate in income of those at the 20th percentile Unemployment rate Real growth rate of GDP Performance: 0-6 months (Typical: 3 months) National: 0-6 months (Typical: 3 months) 4 salary grades MR4 (starts at $46,750/month) MR3 (starts at $59,400/month) MR2 (starts at $69,300/month) MR1 (starts at $79,200/month). The total annual salary for all political appointment holders is set at a ratio of the lowest MR4 level. 12 PETIR JAN / FEB 12 Lowest annual salary 13.5 months Pension scheme to Those appointed after May 21, 2011, will not receive a pension. Those who qualify for pension will have amount they will receive frozen.

15 The PROPOSal 28% 31% 9% to 33% 51% Cuts in annual salary PM Ministers Political appointment holders President Speaker Deputy Speakers (allowance) MPs (allowance) NCMPs, NMPs (allowance) 53% 15% 3% 4% ThE NEw DEal Prime Minister (2 X MR4) Deputy Prime Minister (1.7 X MR4) President (2 X MR4) annually MP allowance Performance Bonus National Bonus Official Car $2.2 mil Nil as there s no one to assess him (taxed) $1.87 mil Nil S1.54 mil Na Nil Nil (taxed) Ministers (MR4 ) $1.1 mil Nil Remarks Gets larger National Bonus Fixed Service Bonus Speaker $550,000 Nil Nil (taxed) Deputy Speaker $82,500 Nil Nil Nil MP $192,500 $13,750 Nil Nil Nil Can claim up to $1,300/ month for a legislative assistant, $500/month for a secretarial assistant NCMP/NMP $28,900 $2,063 Nil Nil Nil No 13th month payment Special benefits: 0 Ministers get the same medical benefits as civil servants: 1. Medisave cum Outpatient Scheme: $70/month credited to Medisave account. Capped at 17 months or $1,190/ year. 2. Outpatient subsidy: Capped at $350/a year. 3. Dental: 50% subsidy, capped at $70/year. In a typical year, the annual package of DPMs, ministers and political appointment holders include 3 months performance bonus, 3 months national bonus, 1 month s AVC and 13th month payment. 2 DPMs 1 minister on MR3 10 ministers on MR4 PETIR JAN / FEB 12 13

16 PARTY CONVENTION politics must take a PAP secretary-general Lee Hsien Loong calls on members to be more tactical and work harder at mobilising people behind the Party The PAP needs to put as much emphasis now on practising smart politics as it has on formulating good policies, to win support for its efforts to govern in the interest of Singaporeans. Policies on their own are no longer sufficient We must fight the politics, carry the ground, convey the message that we re listening to our people and inspire Singapore to aim high and strive for further goals, party secretary-general Lee Hsien Loong told 3,000 activists at a convention whose theme was Our Cause: Our People. He called on them to involve people in issues, and to be tactical, to track and counter opposition moves from all fronts. In brief, we have to re-invent ourselves and build a new PAP for a new era, he said in a 50-minute speech at the University Cultural Centre on Nov 27. If you ask me, what it takes, I d say we need to be less centralised, more interactive, have more initiatives from the ground up, fewer top-down directions, members more empowered, MPs more empowered, many more of us generating ideas, debating issues, contributing to set the direction of the Party. To explain his point on the need for politics, he took his audience back to 1954, when the PAP was formed, and when it was an opposition party. The goal then of the political group s 14 PETIR JAN / FEB 12

17 bigger role now founders was independence from British colonial rule. In the 10 or so years till Singapore became a Republic in 1965, politics was the essence of their struggle. Their task was to mobilise the public, form a mass movement, win power in the elections and form the government get into power so that we can do things. When the PAP was the government, policies dominated, as you could focus on government. The PAP rallied Singaporeans around the task of nationbuilding, and we focused on the right policies to build Singapore. These translated into support for the Party and voters bonded to the team. The PAP as a party could play a less active role between elections. It could leave the business of government to the Cabinet serve residents quietly and, come elections, let the quiet groundwork and the record of the government speak for themselves. But Singapore is now in a new phase. There is more uncertainty and volatility in the world. Singaporeans have different aspirations and are more vocal. Social media is making it easier for them to speak and be heard. Therefore, we need both good policies and good politics. Success in reinventing the Party depends on all its members, he explained. It requires a shift in our mindsets, in our behaviours, with MPs and backbenchers playing bigger roles. And it calls for party members to show the We must carry the ground, convey the message that we re listening to our people and inspire Singapore to aim high and strive for further goals. same conviction, the same commitment, the same fighting spirit as before. First of all, we must have conviction in our thoughts. Members have to be convinced that the Party serves Singapore and Singaporeans first and foremost. That our cause is right and just, and it deserves our full support. That is the reason we came into government, we came into politics. That is the reason why we are persevering in this effort to keep on winning the support of Singaporeans to build Singapore better. Because we are not in it for individual interests, we are in it for Singapore. He urged members to stand up and defend the Party s views with certainty and self-confidence. It s not easy to do so, but politics is a contest of ideas and of wills, and that s what we have to do. Secondly, we expect all party members to show commitment; commitment to Singapore which is our ultimate goal, commitment to the Party. He cited how long-time member Eric Lim Tee Kit was nearly beaten up while distributing PAP flyers at an opposition rally, but who went back undeterred the next evening to do the same. Thirdly, we expect fighting spirit from all of our members. Fight for what we believe in. Never give up even if we encounter difficulties or setbacks. Defend our beliefs. Have confidence that we are right, and eventually we will prevail. Potong Pasir, which the PAP won back in GE2011, 27 years after it went to the opposition, was a case in point. In the same way, the Party must continue to never say die in its efforts to win back Hougang and Aljunied GRC. Rallying members to stand up and be counted as the Party goes through its biggest transformation in decades, Mr Lee said: So let s join hands to create a new PAP and let s have the PAP continue to serve Singapore for many more years to come. PETIR JAN / FEB 12 15

18 PARTY CONVENTION Scale up, get smarter and more proactive online, Mr Khaw urged activists. The substance of policies, as well as communicating them well and making an emotional connect with people, are among the areas the PAP will focus on to win hearts and minds. Two others are working the ground and the organisation of the Party. Chairman Khaw Boon Wan outlined how each of these will be tackled in his speech at the party convention in November, titled We hear you, we ll change and improve your lives. He also presented the main conclusions of the PAP s review of its performance in GE2011. These were the result of extensive discussions with branches, activists, MPs and others. The examination was prompted by the Party s lowest mandate to date 60 per cent of the vote and, for the first time, the loss of a GRC. stumbling block Three of the specific issues that were seen as responsible for this result were highlighted. One was government policies, particularly for immigration, housing, transport and cost of living, that did not work out as well as intended. We tried but could not fully resolve these problems in time. Singaporeans perception that the PAP has become disconnected from them was another. Having to sometimes implement unpopular policies led to criticism that we want our people to fit into our policies, rather than have policies serve the people. This is simply not true. The Party s battleplan for last May s election was a third factor. In some branches, our campaign strategy on physical development did not gain good traction with voters. At the national level, despite steering the economy out of the deepest recession since independence, we were less effective in getting political mileage out of it. The situation was exacerbated by a general desire, particularly among the the young, for more opposition voices in Parliament; a more politicised society and stronger opposition candidates; plus the spilling over into the physical world of anti-establishment stuff and negative sentiments on the Internet. Going forward, the key challenge how to get an A grade For the PAP to score an A for effort, it requires two C s it needs to communicate better and to connect well. And not just with voters but with its membership too. While each couched this differently, that was the consensus of five Party cadres, who ranged from newbies to veterans, in their speeches at the political group s 2011 convention in November. All offered suggestions on how the PAP should move forward. For instance, Comrade Denise Phua 16 PETIR JAN / FEB 12 offered a 4D approach Discover, Dream, Design and Deliver. Comrade Intan Azura Mokhtar had a CARE plan, to Communicate, Act, Respect and Empathise. Comrade Heng Swee Keat called for action, particularly in engagement. We need more heartware, stressed Comrade Sitoh Yih Pin, who was one of the five speakers. There s a Chinese saying that goes Gain the hearts of your people to gain the kingdom. This is what we learnt and what we should do. He was referring to his and his team s third and this time successful attempt to win Potong Pasir. Their strategy for connecting had been painstakingly mapped out, he said. This went right down to such nitty gritty as how election flyers were distributed and how he should bow after his Nomination Day speech! In her 4D process, Comrade Phua recommended the Party discover its strengths and build them into our change efforts. One is its loyal and

19 strategies, shortcomings & solutions Party chairman Khaw Boon Wan reveals what the analysis of GE2011 highlighted and the way to move forward will be one of more intense competition, he said. There is also a need to counter the perception that the government has neglected ordinary Singaporeans. The Party and its politics must evolve to reflect the new political realities. The most important step will be getting policies right. Those which were hot-button issues during the GE are being corrected; all policies are being re-examined. He explained: The PAP underpins the Singapore Story. Its objective is to serve Singapore and advance the interests of Singaporeans. We will make sure our policies make a tangible difference in the lives of Singaporeans. At the same time, the PAP will overhaul its outreach strategy, listening actively and countering mistaken views, besides putting its message across. It s especially important for our MPs to connect at the emotional level, he added, as they and activists present the human face of the PAP. The active blogger advised them to scale up, get smarter and more proactive online. On their part, ministers will need to pay more attention to how policies can be communicated so these resonate with people, and work harder to build support for hard policies. revamp party organisation Engagement within the Party will be intensified too, to galvanise activists and inspire potential members. We need to invest in training our activists in good service culture, so that all touch-points with residents turn out well. There must also be regular sessions for members to be briefed on policies. We will revamp the party school for this purpose. The party machinery at headquarters will be beefed up. The recruitment of members stepped up and that of potential leaders will start earlier. Our new narrative must re-emphasise our roots and traditional values. We diligent activists, she said, holding up a picture of some of her people looking in good spirits after a meet-the-people session, even though it was after midnight. The PAP needs to dream too. While a new narrative is essential it must be crafted by more than just a few appointed members. The Party must involve and engage our own members to formulate that dream and narrative. All this needs to be followed through with design and delivery, otherwise the exercise would be just a feel-good experience and we would return to our old ways. The new Central Executive Committee member added she had learnt that no matter where one is in the party hierarchy, it is important to speak up to correct wrong perceptions, and to push boundaries though it takes homework and hard work. For example, it had taken numerous meetings with the authorities to sort out the traffic jams at Bencoolen Link. Explaining her CARE approach, Comrade Intan said: Having the best thought-out ideas may not be very useful if I do not share them with those the ideas are meant to help or benefit. Hence, I need to communicate to them what I plan to do. One must also be open to an idea evolving, and to act on it. On top of that, I have to act as I communicate, and communicate as I act. And this must be done PETIR JAN / FEB 12 17

20 PARTY CONVENTION What went wrong? Shortcomings in government policies Perceived disconnect from the people campaign strategy did not work are a People s party: We serve the long term interests of Singaporeans. We are an Action party: We never flinch from hard options when necessary and we deliver on our promises. We are a party of strong values: We stand for a fair and just society, and we fight for our convictions. He urged members to work the ground including in opposition wards Hougang and Aljunied and show residents that you have their welfare at heart. The PAP is not perfect, and we do have many areas to improve. Let us learn from GE2011 and forge a new unity with Singaporeans, both young and old. That way, we can secure an even brighter future for Singapore. WAY AHEAD: Get Substance of policies right Communicate and connect Work the ground Strengthen Party organisation with respect and empathy for all involved. Comrade Inderjit Singh focused on how the PAP can do better in policymaking. The reason for policies, he said, is the same one members entered politics to improve people s lives. But people are not seeing this, because some policies, such as housing, were off the mark, while others, like growth at all costs, were not people centric. To improve policies, he suggested greater debate on Bills be allowed and inputs beyond what civil servants provide be 18 PETIR JAN / FEB 12 incorporated. Activists could be involved at the beginning of the formulation process, rather than the end. Government Parliamentary Committees too could be part of the bottom-up approach. We may have to be prepared to give up a little efficiency in policy formulation, but why not, if we can create more effective policies. The outcome I believe will be more robust policies, which will most likely have incorporated a thorough consideration of the impact of the policies on Singaporeans. He added: Why not set up a committee of Singaporeans independent of ministries and ministers, to evaluate the social impact of any policy change on Singaporeans before any new policy is implemented? Comrade Heng Swee Keat called for firm, resolute action on national policies, engaging action to connect with the hearts and minds of Singaporeans, and action to enable good ideas to take off. He concluded: We must enhance our action in new ways to stay effective and to truly fulfil our purpose as an Action Party for the People.

21 R.I.P Toh Chin Chye ( ) PETIR JAN / FEB 12 19

22 Rallying force Petir highlights the main contributions of PAP pioneer toh Chin Chye to the Party and the country Founding chairman They would meet surreptitiously every week in the basement of Mr Lee Kuan Yew s home in Oxley Rise, to discuss how to go about winning Singapore s independence from Britain. It was a continuation of their gatherings in London on the same subject. There, they had been part of an anticolonial group called the Malayan Forum. Toh Chin Chye, who was doing a doctorate in physiology on a scholarship at the time, had been its chairman. Explaining what had awakened his interest in politics, the one-time hawker s assistant, who was disturbed when he saw a starving man collapse and die during World War II, said: The war really taught me that life was a struggle against inequality. Socialism seemed the only way to fight the inequity of the colonial system and the economic system. As the clandestine Singapore group swelled beyond five people, he became concerned that they would be arrested for illegal assembly. He proposed they form a political party and openly champion nationalism. This was vetoed as some were civil servants, who were banned from being part of such an organisation. So I suggested, Why don t we start a political circle? We can call it the Action Party, he said in an interview. The name was prompted by that of the Council for Joint Action, which had been set up to fight for equal benefits for local civil servants. But Action Party sounded too short. What are you going to do? Well, since you represent the postmen and the proletariat, why not add in the word People? The People s Action Party was born 20 PETIR JAN / FEB 12 The chairman chose to stand in Rochor constitutency, stronghold of the radical left, rather than opt for a safer seat. in Toh was made its chairman, a position he held till he left the Cabinet in The lecturer at the University of Malaya in Singapore refused to take full credit for the name though, saying it was collective inspiration. Start of the cadre system Alarm bells began ringing in 1957 when Toh and his group lost control of the PAP s Central Executive Committee. It led to the Party adopting a cadre system, to prevent the party leadership from being taken over by the radical left. At the time, the PAP had been unable to persuade English-speaking, middleclass Singaporeans to join in the struggle for independence. For political expediency, an alliance was formed with the left and its Chinese working-class supporters.

23 The plan was that the leftists would provide the mass support needed, while the moderates offered them the veneer of respectability and the leadership. But at that fateful annual meeting to elect the PAP s leaders, the radicals put six of their men into the CEC, preventing Toh s group from dominating. All members could vote for their leaders then, leaving the Party vulnerable to a coup. Toh recalled in an interview that he had discussed this matter with senior members, such as Mr Lee Kuan Yew and Mr Ong Pang Boon: We must have a cadre system. We cannot go on admitting people as ordinary members who can overthrow the CEC just like that! The change ensured that only the trusted, the cadres, can vote in party leaders, who in turn decide which ordinary members can be cadres. The system is still in place. The tie-breaker Two names were on the table and the vote was split. When the PAP won its first General Election in 1959, the CEC sat down to decide who should become prime minister. Six were in favour of Ong Eng Guan, the charismatic former mayor of Singapore, the other six preferred party secretary-general Lee Kuan Yew. As the chairman, Toh cast the deciding vote. His pick Mr Lee. He stood behind him on at least two other occasions, though as deputy prime minister he could have taken the top post himself. Both times, Mr Lee had suggested it would be better if he resigned. Toh disagreed. In July 1961, after the PAP lost two by-elections, Mr Lee wrote to him saying that the trade unions and the Chinese community wanted him to resign and for Toh to become the prime minister. The letter was given to him just before a Cabinet meeting. He read it out to the Cabinet, which comprised CEC members. I put it to them, Should we accept his resignation? My recommendation was no because it would divide the government and it would appear to the people of Singapore that we were being unsteady. So we declined to accept his resignation. In an interview later, he said he believed in the principle of collective leadership and the idea of taking Mr Lee s position never crossed his mind. In 1964, in the aftermath of race riots in Singapore and strained ties with Kuala Lumpur, Toh rejected Mr Lee s offer to resign again. The chairman s fateful decisions determined the course of Singapore history. He also held the Party together in its darkest days, when the left wing left the Party and took the branches with it in Goh Keng Swee recalled he was sitting in his office, despondently staring at the ceiling, when Toh walked in. Looking at Goh, the chairman said: I ve just come from Harry s office. He was staring at the ceiling just like you did. You should snap out of this mood. The fighting has just begun. It is going to be long and nasty. But if we keep on wringing our hands in anguish we are sure to lose. We should start thinking immediately of our next moves how to rebuild the Party, rally the loyal party members and how to carry the fight into the enemy camp. To Toh Chin Chye, the survival and progress of Singapore was paramount. It was why he was one of the last to sign the papers for separation from Malaysia. His concern for the country continued after he retired, when he would gather with friends and old comrades to discuss developments. In a rare interview in 1997, he noted: I would say the generation of the 50s and 60s took the plunge into politics without ever calculating the costs of the risks and the benefits to be gained. They were driven by ideology. Today s generation has no ideology to follow. They are reared on business school management culture and averse to taking political risk... What we need in Singapore is soul. Because it is soul that makes society. PETIR JAN / FEB 12 21

24 Fighter to the end In the last years of his political career Toh Chin Chye was held in such high regard by his constituents in the Rochor ward that it is hard to believe he has the record for the slimmest victory margin in a General Election. He set it in That year, Singapore joined Malaysia, a development the working class Chinese, who formed the bulk of his voters, and Barisan Socialis were against. Trade had dried up because of the confrontation with Indonesia. The Deputy Prime Minister s opponent was Barisan chief Lee Siew Choh, who had university students and trishaw riders campaigning for him, and the Rochor PAP branch on his side! I had a handful of faithful followers, who accompanied me round, personally canvassing door to door, recalled Toh in an interview. More often than not he got the cold shoulder. There were two recounts of the ballot papers. But he pulled through with 89 votes. He built on this slim majority through his championing of the poor. Said long-time PAP member and Kampong Glam activist M. Subramaniam, 69: Many constituents were facing employment problems, housing problems. He helped many of them. One of his legacies is the Rochor Kongsi for the Aged, which he mooted and raised the money for, so the destitute elderly in his ward would have a place to stay. When the merger fell apart in 1965, a bitterly disappointed Toh focused his energies on diplomacy, making numerous trips to Europe, Asia and the Middle East, to win recognition and support for the new country. He remained the DPM for only three more years. One of the posts the onetime academic held after that was vicechancellor of the University of Singapore, which he restructured. In 1968, the year he took on that job, he was also the Minister for Science and Technology, a newly-created appointment he held for seven years. Those were critical years for the country, as Singapore was trying to attract high-tech multinational companies to set up bases here, to grow manufacturing capabilities for the country s survival. The semi-conductor industry sprung up, providing technological know-how and much needed jobs for Singaporeans. By the time he moved on, its annual output had grown from zero to $470 million. During those years too, Singapore was switching to the metric system of measurement. It was a massive undertaking that involved everything from speed limit signs to text books, building plans Straight-talker Toh Chin Chye had firm ideas on many issues. Here are some he spoke on On running a country Another obnoxious thing is retroactive legislation. Once you accede to the principle of retroactive legislation, it can be applied to any other Act. The danger of total trust and absolute reliance on statistical data for policy making is to ignore the human factor which can make economic predictions less reliable than forecasting the weather, which at least is in the hands of God. 22 PETIR JAN / FEB 12

25 Clockwise from far left: Toh wishes Rochor residents Gong Xi Fa Cai in 1975; at the inauguration of the Science Centre in 1973; at an awards ceremony for nurses in to canned products. In 1975, Toh became the Minister for Health, a position he held till he left the Cabinet in This period saw the primary care sector strengthened with the integration of outpatient, maternal and child health, and school health services. Specialist care in government hospitals was also beefed up. A Home Nursing Foundation was established to cater to the needy. National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan, who had been a young civil servant at the Health Ministry then, said that when he was formulating policies as Health Minister from 2004 till last year, he would ask himself, What would Dr Toh think of this policy? How would it affect the lower-income group?. Toh left the Cabinet as part of the PAP s drive to infuse new blood and ideas. For the next seven years, the man who helped set up the Party, and who had helped keep it together and in power, became its most outspoken critic. When asked about it, he explained he was merely exercising his rights and responsibilities as a backbencher. Among the issues Toh spoke on was the Medisave proposal, which he called a consumption tax, and changing the withdrawal age of CPF contributions. He protested that the CPF rate was too high as well. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said at his funeral: Events proved Dr Toh right. Shortly afterwards the economy went into a deep recession, and by the end of the year the government decided to cut CPF contributions from 50 per cent to 35 per cent, even more than Dr Toh had proposed. He also disagreed that graduate mothers should be given privileges and that a family s HDB home should be forefeited if one member is found guilty of dropping killer litter from the flat. On the last, he voted against the Whip s instructions. He retired from politics in In appreciation, the Rochor Citizens Consultative committee set up the Toh Chin Chye Benevolent Fund for the Aged. It helps around 300 elderly poor in the Kampong Glam area. Toh had no illusions about serving the nation, once remarking: Once you are in the front edge of administration, there ll be barbs and arrows. Don t expect roses. I never expected roses. when he was a backbencher On healthcare The provision of healthcare facilities must be accepted as a social responsibility. This is part and parcel of the organisation of individuals into societies. It is a measure of the degree of civilisation. On parental responsibility We should not lay all our woes on the failures of the children at the doors of the Ministry of Education. The family is the most important educational institution... Moral education begins at home, not in the school. Teachers cannot act in loco parentis and at best they can only supplement a child s moral guidance. PETIR JAN / FEB 12 23

26 Flag bearer One of Toh Chin Chye s first duties as Deputy Prime Minister in 1959 was to design the state flag. It took two months and involved an artist from the Ministry of Culture. The flag started off with three stars, but Toh upped that number to five, as he was concerned Singapore might be perceived to have associations with the Malayan Communist Party. Its flag had three stars. A crescent moon was added to take into account Malay sentiments since China s flag had five stars too. Toh was adamant about using the colour red, which is associated with revolutionary change. He explained: Although Singapore did not launch an armed revolution, we were mindful in those years immediately after World War II that the Asian continent was fighting for independence from colonialism and imperialism. White was chosen to symbolise racial unity as the seven colours of the rainbow mixed together results in white. When Singapore became a republic in 1965, it became the national flag. On bilingualism 24 PETIR JAN / FEB 12 As party chair, Toh had his finger in almost every government decision. Bilingualism is possible provided we accept the fact that applying equal weightage in achievement of linguistic proficiency, particularly for English and Chinese, is false. It is an error and it cannot be applied to the majority of the student population. Students have other aptitudes which can give them saleable skills when they leave school. If Lee Pan Hon s musical talent had not been spotted by chance, it is quite possible that he would be no more than an average student in Kreta Ayer and end up as a fiddler on the SAF Road Show. There was a distinct sense of disquiet among academics and students when Toh Chin Chye was appointed vice-chancellor of the University of Singapore in The government had introduced the Certificate of Suitability for students wanting admission amid disapproval. On top of that, he was the Minister of Science and Technology. The students union issued a statement that said with the new administration, the already faint line between the university and the government becomes a blurred one. Despite the cool reception, Toh threw himself into transforming the institution from a seat of British-liberal tradition of academic freedom and its focus on the intellectual cultivation of the individual to one which produced graduates who could help build a new nation. His mission: To reposition it for an industrialised world. In an address that year to students, he explained: To fail to do so or to encourage the belief that the university is a European medieval monastery or a permissive society, is to betray the future of our people. He added programmes with practical relevance to Singapore s fledgling economy engineering, architecture and accountancy, subjects then taught at Singapore Polytechnic, whose governing board he had chaired since Battling resistance, he merged the faculties of social sciences and the arts, and required these students take a general science paper, so they would be more wellrounded and employable. He also restructured the university, now called the National University of Singapore, to ensure tighter control and more efficient policy implementation. One change was to have deans appointed rather than elected by academic staff. His hard-nosed emphasis extended to research work, which he saw as having little or no direct relevance then to the economy. Faculty were encouraged to serve on statutory boards and extend their services to the country.

27 The Iron Chancellor Toh had a single-minded agenda when he was vice-chancellor to turn out graduates who could contribute to the country. To foster a national identity, he promoted many local academics one of them, Dr Thio Su Mien who was made dean of the Law School, was only 30 to the chagrin of the expatriate staff. Professor Lim Chong Yah, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences from 1971 to 1977, recalled in a tribute that some of his colleagues resented the man, and still do. He was never afraid of their accumulated resentments. He reminded me of a famous British poet who said, My head Air-con lectures is bloody but unbowed. He was nicknamed the Iron Chancellor. The minister s iron will was frequently tested by student activists, among them Mr Tan Wah Piow, who was jailed. One student leader recalled that while he had a lot of interaction with students, we never invited him to be our guest of honour at any of our events. Toh was unfazed. He saw a bigger picture. Also, he firmly believed then that students should be at the university to get Dr Toh was very concerned about the welfare and well-being of the students. In one of my frequent discussions in his office on faculty matters, he asked me casually: How are the students? I replied: They re often sleepy, at times yawning. Appearing surprised, he asked disapprovingly, Why is it so? I replied: The lecture rooms in Nissen Huts are hot, clammy and stuffy. It s even difficult for the lecturers to keep awake. Known as the champion for non-air-conditioning, he was nonetheless taken aback, paused and looked at me: Why don t we air-condition the lecture and seminar rooms? I felt victorious and quickly replied, Yes, Dr Toh, I agree... beginning with Nissen Huts. Professor Lim Chong Yah a degree, not to get involved in politics. He took them to task in 1973 over their proposed beer drinking and eating contests for orientation. To him, it was insensitive in a tough economic climate. A year later, the Bukit Timah campus was rocked by the arrest and deportation of six activists in a pre-dawn raid. It triggered lecture boycotts and the largest student protest in Singapore s history. Toh let things peter out. When the former student activist stepped down in 1975, he had laid the foundation for the broad-based education of today and the base for the engineering faculty to grow to the largest in NUS. Importantly, he was instrumental in gathering the university s faculties, scattered across four campuses, at one site Kent Ridge for cross-fertilisation of ideas from experts in different areas, and to supply the higher level, market-driven manpower needed. He wanted a brains centre. Faculties began moving in to the 473- acre site, which boasts a teaching hospital, from Prof Lim summed up Toh s vision: He built up a first-rate Singaporean institution of higher learning and research to serve nation-building needs. PETIR JAN / FEB 12 25

28 Family man from Taiping Toh Chin Chye loved orchids, particularly purple and white ones, and spent most evenings tending and admiring his. In his eulogy, Matthew Ng, 15, said of his grandfather: He insisted that we should be sincere. Above all, it is important to be upright in our dealings with others. The politician who once aspired to be a Jesuit priest has been described as principled, courageous and sincere. (Our father) showed us that honesty and integrity should never be compromised however poor or in need we may be, said Professor Toh Chooi Gait, 30 years younger than her brother, of their father, a clerk in the Land Office who refused monetary incentives. He also lived simply. The spectacles he wore for most of his life were durable and had no brand. Toh Chin Chye grew up in Perak, Malaysia, the eldest of six children. His siblings remember a Tua Kor who had an almost paternal presence. His habit of not mincing his words was another trait. His brother, Dr Toh Chin Kooi, who described him as a man of purpose, recounted how he would tick them off for speaking a mish-mash of Hokkien and 26 PETIR JAN / FEB 12 Malay. Well, Tua Kor, we have learnt to speak properly, he said in his eulogy. His siblings respect could also have been due to the fact that their brother who was awarded scholarships to Anglo- Chinese School in Ipoh, Raffles College in Singapore and then London s National Institute of Medical Research for a PhD in physiology was the family s sole breadwinner from the time he started working. He would send a money order of 400 Straits Ringgit to the family each month. He also paid for Chin Kooi s university studies. Family was deeply important to him. When his wife, Florence Yeap, suffered a stroke, it was he who instituted a daily exercise routine for her. He lost his zest when she died in They had married in He was 40, she 35. When he learnt his only child, Ai Chu, who had moved next door to him, was dying of breast cancer, he cried incessantly. Mr Johnny Ng, his son-in-law, described him as a doting grandfather, who took his four grandchildren to the park nearly every day. Others remember the way he reached out to them. Said one NUS alumni who received encouragement after failing a subject: Till today, I remember his advice, that we must not let failure stop us. He loved hymns. Former Jalan Besar MP Loh Meng See still has a cassette of nine including his favourite One Day at a Time which Toh compiled and gave him. Said Dr Loh: As it turned out, his one day at a time topped 90 years.

29 PARTY AwARDs By Jimmy Yap & Susan Tsang It was a night to celebrate contributions and members indomitable spirit. You re the key to our Party s success, chairman Khaw Boon Wan told the 372 recipients at the awards presentation ceremony on Nov 26. It was the highest number honoured. In different styles, you each lived and exemplified the PAP values of integrity, selflessness and total dedication to our political cause: To serve Singaporeans and to make their lives better. Topping the list was Comrade Eric Low, chairman of Hougang Branch from 1999 to early He received the Meritorious Service Medal. He kept up branch activists morale and fighting spirit, noted Mr Khaw, adding that Mr Low also helped his replacement, Comrade Desmond Choo, campaign in the 2011 General Election. Mr Choo didn t win but gained considerable battle experience. He ll be Sengkang West branch received the Sustained Performance Award. stronger next time, to reap the fruits of his and Eric Low s labour, Mr Khaw told the 1,600 activists present. Four, who together put in more than 100 years of service, received the Commendation Medal: Eunos branch secretary Sim Wai Chin, who s been involved in the last two GEs; Kebun Baru s Eric Lim Tee Kit, who served four MPs; MacPherson s Rosemary Lim and Tampines East s Peh Hock Beng, described as a well-respected leader. Nee Soon South and Sengkang West branches received the Sustained PETIR JAN / FEB 12 27

30 PARTY AwARDs Performance Award. Mr Khaw also highlighted two people in his speech. One was the late Mr Choo Siu Heng, who served for more than four decades. He died of cancer in While dying at home, he would anxiously ask his visitors about the GE and whether the Party had won. The interests of the Party and Singapore were uppermost in his mind. The other was the 95-year-old grandmother of MacPherson MP Tin Pei Ling who once, in 1960, got into a fight with another woman who had bad-mouthed the PAP and former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. Pei Ling s grandmother has seen how the PAP government has transformed lives, said Mr Khaw. She wouldn t let baseless criticism go unanswered. These party activists personify the indomitable fighting spirit of the PAP. They give of their best, with total selflessness and dedication. The event at the University Cultural Centre resounded with cheers for each recipient. The presentation was preceded by dance performances by party members and video messages from PAP heavyweights, among them Comrades Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Goh Chok Tong. At one point, the crowd stood and danced to a PAP version of the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling. Members also joined in hearty renditions of local songs Home and Count On Me Singapore, ending the evening with an enthusiastic Majullah PAP. Party members strut their stuff. Mr Low (in white), distributing goodies to the needy in 2001, recommends recruiting more soldiers for the battlefield. Don t give up Comrade Eric Low Siak Meng has one request for the feisty fighters of Hougang: Don t give up. In politics, there is nothing more important than to have stamina, and faith in what we do. One day, I believe the PAP will be able to retake Hougang. The key, he added, is to get people to support and understand government policies. He should know. The 64-year-old has spent more than a decade working the ground in the ward, attempting to win the ward, held by the Workers Party since His battle began in 1999 when he took over the branch s leadership from Comrade Heng Chee How. Since then, he has lost two General Elections. In GE 2011, he stepped aside for Comrade Desmond Choo, who was also unable to prevail. Currently in Hougang, there seems to be a great dissatisfaction towards the PAP, Mr Low noted. For his efforts, he received the PAP s highest award, the Meritorious Service Medal. This award is for the loyal grassroots leaders and volunteers that have stood by my side these 12 years, and for my wife and two children. Family support is often key to any successful contribution in serving a community. He was particularly proud to be asked to take the helm, he told Petir, and cherished the camaraderie with activists and grassroots leaders. 28 PETIR JAN / FEB 12

31 Petir meets two men who have been activists for more than 50 years helping out a habit In his decades with the PAP, Dedicated Service Award winner Chua Ban Eng has hung out with some of its heavyweights. The 69-year-old joined the Party in 1957 at the age of 16. At the time, he was a factory worker by day and attended Chinese language and phonics classes for activists at night. He credits Mr Lee Khoon Choy for getting him involved. A lot of young people were joining then, he recalls. In 1959, when Mr Lee stood for election as MP for Bukit Panjang, Mr Chua helped out. He has since been doing so at every General Election, either at a polling station, helping to rule out the names of voters, or at an election centre. The retired taxi-driver recounts how, in 1961, when the PAP s leftist members broke away and formed the Barisan Socialis, about half the people he knew left the PAP. He stayed, because of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, whom he admires, as whatever he says, he delivers. In fact, he took Mr Lee s urging to Be faithful to the Party so much to heart, he even joined the armed forces in 1967, at the encouragement of then-education Minister Ong Pang Boon. He spent three years as a regular. While the former cabbie may have parked his taxi permanently, the grandpa of seven has no plans to stop volunteering at Taman Jurong Branch, where he is an exco member. Helping out, he confesses, has become a habit. On the Party s GE results, he said: The new media is where our party is weak. In this area, the PAP may not have the right people capable of communicating with the people. He urged the Party to recruit members who are more open to criticism, and to focus not just on looking for new candidates but also soldiers in the battlefield. Now that we know more constituencies will be contested, we have to be better prepared with stronger and newer personalities. To connect better, we need better people. As for himself, he said: My family will now have more of my time to do things together as a family. 82 and still active Shopping led Mr Seah Chin Heng to a lifetime of public service. As he tells it: I bought something from a friend, and was invited to join the PAP. I didn t know what it was about, but I knew the man who asked me well, so I said okay. That was in Since then, the 82-year-old has helped at meet-thepeople sessions and General Elections, and made many friends. When Mr Khaw Boon Wan handed him the Dedicated Service Medal, for active members with more than 35 years service, the Party chairman asked how long he had been serving. More than 50 years, was the proud reply. The retiree, who used to live on a farm, and once sold sand and steel bars, is illiterate, but that has not stopped him from helping out in GEs. He used to drive candidates around as they campaigned with loud-speakers. One was former minister Yeo Cheow Tong. These days, he hangs posters. In the old days, he reminisces, MPS sessions were held in kindergarten premises. He would turn up every week to put aside the child-sized tables and chairs and bring out bigger ones for adults, and switch them around at evening s end. Now, the father of six, who volunteers at Yew Tee Branch, ushers people in to MPS and stocks the fridge with mineral water. Asked why he still soldiers on, the taiqi practitioner smiles: I enjoy the camaraderie. If I hadn t joined the Party, maybe I wouldn t have so many friends. PETIR JAN / FEB 12 29

32 PARTY AwARDs Drawn by policy-making Senior business researcher at the National University of Singapore. Resident Advisor of the Graduate Residence at the new University Town. Women s Wing assistant secretary and webmaster... Dr Lena Lee Siow Ling wears many hats in and outside the Party. The 35-year-old, who was one of five who got the Women s Medal for her role in reaching out to women here, tells Petir: The circle of like-minded comrades is a strong motivating factor that drives me to make time for party-related work. I ve always been intrigued by the rationale and motivation behind every policy decision, explains Dr Lee, who joined the Party in 2006, the year she became a Singapore citizen. As policies are made by the govern- Online warrior Comrade Sear Hock Rong has embraced the rough and tumble of life online and is a constant presence on Facebook and Twitter, where he stands up to the PAP s critics. It hasn t been easy. In 2009, a rumour circulated that he had taken advantage of his party affiliations to benefit commercially. But the 26-year-old did not let this hold him down. That was the year, he said, when the PAP faced a tsunami of untruths and one-sided arguments. His active online presence gave him a prominence that resulted in the attacks. I was one of those who felt strongly that we should fight to defend what we believe in. For this and his other efforts, the chairman of the Young PAP s Eunos Branch was awarded the Youth Medal, which is given to activists who help the Party to stay in tune with the changing Comrade Lena Lee (Serangoon) would like party leaders to humanise their work. ment, which is elected by the people, the people s voting decisions have more ramifications than simply who wins an election. That s why I m interested in being at the heart of the political process. The involvement has been eye-opening, says the Serangoon Branch member, times and electorate. Looking back on those dark days, he said: Support from family and friends helped me stay strong against allegations and attacks. Party activists also stood by him. They know what kind of person I am. His experience has not stopped him from speaking up, and he urges other activists to collectively go in and defend what we believe in. He adds: The PAP has to engage members more meaningfully, to make them feel more involved. That way they d be willing to step forward to fight. And in the long run, we ll forge greater loyalty in the Party. His advice to those who step out to do battle: Go out and have fun. Stick to the facts and don t take things to heart. On the Internet, everyone is entitled to his views. adding: The more you know, the more questions you have. It has also convinced her that, regardless of the state of economic growth, there will be pockets of society that will continue to struggle to make ends meet. At the macro level, the Party has allowed her to contribute to the policy formulation process, and at the micro level, to directly assist society s less fortunate. The future promises to be busy. There are many shortcomings to be addressed and many of these have been expressed by our leaders. The fundamental step is to start winning the hearts and minds of the people and this includes our own party members. Party leaders must strive to humanise their work. Outspoken Comrade Seah Hock Rong urges members to defend what we believe in. 30 PETIR JAN / FEB 12

33 Macpherson s It rose Comrade Rosemary Lim (MacPherson) sees a need for closer communication. Keeping track of cases at MacPherson s meet-the-people sessions has become easier due to branch secretary Rosemary Lim s efforts. Since 2006, the branch has been using Excel spreadsheets as a simple database to capture information on cases and people seen at the MPS. Previously, everything was hand-written, and tracing old cases was extremely difficult. The branch is now looking to eliminate capturing data on paper entirely. Ms Lim, the marketing manager of an IT company, hopes to implement this soon. For her efforts in this, and in leading the branch, the 54-year-old was one of four recipients of the Commendation Medal. I didn t expect this. It s definitely an honour, said the former MacPherson resident who once chaired the People s Association Youth Movement. She became a card-carrying party member in Asked how the Party could improve its engagement with the people, she suggested staying closer to the ground. We all know what the issues are; it s the way they are handled. Currently, she said, policies are drawn up at the top and presented to the people. Before these are finalised, they should be passed down to activists for their feedback. She also suggested holding dialogue sessions, so residents can understand issues better. These days, there s a need for closer, tighter communication. Five-year winners Being judged outstanding for five years running is no small feat. But ask the branch secretaries of the Nee Soon South and Sengkang West Branches how they managed to earn the Sustained Performance Award, and they modestly deflect the question. I don t know, confesses Sengkang West branch secretary Chew Thiam Kwee. We try very hard to mobilise support from our members, but I m sure other branches do that too. Nee Soon South s Tan Poh Huat, one of the few female branch secretaries, muses: Luck? Even marching in the Party s National Day Parade contingent, which counts in a branch s favour, is touch and go. A volunteer may not be picked, or could fall ill on the big day, notes Ms Tan. Mr Chew observes that branches in areas with a younger population, like his is, tend to see members coming and going. Their priority is to establish their career and look after their children, so they don t have much time for party work. Both agree though that nothing beats sheer hard work for maintaining excellence. Ms Tan appreciates the guidance of her vice-chairman, Mr Jack Soh, and the help of previous branch secretary Phua Wee Woon, who has never turned me down when I asked. Mr Chew credits his five-year-old branch s key members for establishing it, and the IT savvy for the software that allows residents cases at meet-the-people sessions to be digitised. While Ms Tan hopes her members will retain their enthusiasm, Mr Chew s wish is for younger members to be more active, so we have a more complete succession plan. PETIR JAN / FEB 12 31

34 FACE TO FACE Opportunities even New minister S. Iswaran tells Petir how tourism can provide a buffer in the current economic situation On the surface, Mr S. Iswaran s job seems filled with high profile projects the Formula 1 races, the two casinos and their attendant attractions. The reality though is he deals with their harder aspects the decisions and delicate negotiations on the future of motor racing here; the impact of the integrated resorts whose roaring success has made even Las Vegas take note on the Republic s residents and economy. The most recently-appointed Minister in the Prime Minister s Office is also overseeing other, similar, upcoming multi-million dollar projects designed to draw overseas visitors, whose numbers Singapore hopes will provide some shelter from hovering storm clouds for the country and its citizens. Tourism is a sector he believes has the potential to be another pillar of the economy, if carefully tended. Statistics back this up. In 2011, a record 13.2 million tourists visited Singapore. Revenue in the industry soared to $22 billion, also a record. The number of visitors coming by was 13 per cent more than the 11.6 million who did in Mr Iswaran put it down to two main factors one external, the other internal. Global tourism is growing, and intra- Asia tourism is increasing at an even faster rate, noted the Second Minister for Trade and Industry, and for Home Affairs, in an interview with Petir. Some of our key markets China, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Australia 32 PETIR JAN / FEB 12 A slowing economy is the perfect time for Singaporeans to re-skill and look for new markets and new sectors, says Mr Iswaran. have all been contributing strongly to our growth. Income levels in these countries are rising, so people want to travel more. On the domestic front, there has been a steady stream of new products since More will be launched. One major one is the International Cruise Terminal, which opens this year. Then, Singapore can become a node from which to have cruise lines going around the region, and that s going to create a new kind of industry here and in the region. There is also the River Safari, the National Art Gallery, more attractions at Resorts World Sentosa, among them a maritime museum and aquarium. The thing about tourism that s important is that, at the end of the day, it s also about creating different types of job opportunities for Singaporeans. Because you create jobs in hospitality, in F&B, in entertainment so there are more and diverse opportunities for Singaporeans. His other focus, this time on the Home Affairs front, is keeping the streets and community safe, or, as he puts it, the next generation of frontline policing. This is an important new initiative for the police, he pointed out, who have gone

35 in slower times from neighbourhood police posts in the 1980s to neighbourhood police centres in the 1990s. Now, there is a need to take things to a new level as the challenges have changed. One is posed by the population getting older. Another is due to the diversity created by immigrants. A third is rapid urban redevelopment. We have a lot more new estates or redevelopment of older estates, so new families are coming in. This changes the network of relationships in the community there are a lot of new faces and you have to find ways to re-establish contacts. He explained: Much of policing at the community level relies on relationships, networks and contacts. When you have these kinds of changes in the community, you need to adapt your policing strategy and approach. However, keeping an area crime free requires the best efforts of both the police and the public, said Mr Iswaran. The police force s efficacy can be significantly enhanced if the community is working in partnership with it. We are looking at new ways to address this. Frontline policing will also have to evolve with technological advances, which can be harnessed. At the same time, there are other newer threats, such as trans-border crimes and Internet crimes. It s no longer just about securing our borders, but working in close partnership with neighbouring law enforcement agencies. Also, with international organisations like Interpol, which will soon set up a centre here. Youth crime is also a concern, added the father of three. The question is how far you want to go upstream and downstream to tackle the issue. In general, we ve been fortunate that our crime rates have been low. Asked about the new ministerial pay scales, he said: Compensation is a relevant factor. But, it is not the only The thing about tourism that is important is...you create jobs in hospitality, in F&B, in entertainment so there are more opportunities for Singaporeans. consideration. Keep it fairly competitive and, most importantly, ensure that we continue to be able to attract good and committed Singaporeans to join government. That is what the committee appointed by the prime minister has aimed to do in its recommendations. The matter has been extensively debated and we should now focus on the much bigger challenges facing Singapore. One of these is to seek out new opportunities in a slowing economy. He sees it as the perfect time for re-skilling Singaporeans and reengineering companies, and finding fresh avenues in new markets, such as Africa and Latin America, as well as so far unexplored parts of China and India; and in new sectors, like clean energy and urban solutions. But we have to first emphasise the fundamentals which anchor our growth, which is productivity. To consistently achieve Singapore s goal of 2 to 3 per cent annual productivity growth, will need almost all the stars to be aligned. It requires a concerted, dedicated effort, at the national level, at the individual level, at the company and sectoral level, to move things forward. He reminded: Ultimately, economic growth is a means to a bigger goal enhancing the lives of all Singaporeans. PETIR JAN / FEB 12 33

36 VIEw FROm ThE FRONT let us join hands Small steps can take a country places, especially when the whole community gets involved, and plugs in to national efforts Two clear themes have been guiding us in government in recent months. One is to build a society where everyone plays a part, an economy that continues to improve lives, and to always remember our goal of putting Singaporeans at the heart of all we do. The other is to define the nation s success not just in economic terms but also by its social capital. Both have affected policies ranging from public housing to addressing the issue of low-wage workers. Broader engagement is also being stepped up, such as soliciting feedback on some policy reviews and how to deal with the corridor of land along which the railway used to run. Some effects of this approach will be felt sooner, others will take a little longer. What is clear is that, in the efforts to build the foundation for the future, central to everything is how things can be made better for Singaporeans and the society at large. Keeping things sustainable is important, because while Singapore s future remains exciting and promising, this is not a given. Practical, effective policies remain important. The effort to be inclusive is not new, nor is the emphasis on Singaporeans and social capital. What is perhaps different is that where we seemed to weigh in more on pragmatic governance and efficiency, the building of a kinder, gentler and more inclusive society now shares centre-stage with it. Shaping such a society, however, cannot be done by the government alone. I am a strong believer in personal responsibility at every level, of taking ownership of one s space. All of us can make a dif- 34 PETIR JAN / FEB 12 ference on the ground if we are organised and complement broader national efforts. Among my various concerns as MP for Kembangan-Chai Chee, I am most pre-occupied with how to best help lowincome families, the at-risk young and the elderly. What has been eye-opening to me and encouraging is the extent of social assistance available through the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports and other agencies, as well as the proliferation of helping hands on the ground. Despite all this, I am still encountering families at risk during my meet-thepeople sessions and I am sure there are still others who haven t come forward or slipped through the safety nets. The grassroots system was set up to offer an in-depth understanding of the ground and the profile of residents via the Residents Committees and Neighbourhood Committees. Those of us who are grassroots leaders must not forget this as we busy ourselves with organising activities. Our primary role is to know our peo- Organisations like the PCF can help identify those who need assistance by looking out for tell-tale signs like problems paying school fees.

37 By Tan Chuan-Jin ple because no one else can fulfil this responsibility. By working with the Community Development Councils, PAP Community Foundation (PCF) kindergartens, the schools, police, local religious and volunteer organisations, and others, we can establish a fairly good picture of a neighbourhood. For example, through the police, we can identify families where the breadwinner is in jail and hence look out for their welfare, as they are likely to be at risk. Students who have problems paying their school fees would be another indicator we can pick up while working with the PCF and schools, to point us to holes which need plugging. We need to pull in those who are helping but often operate fairly independently, to match demand and supply, and then to deliver what is needed with lots of heart. We may have many helping hands, but one collective brain can ensure that our fingers are inter-laced tightly to support the community, and minimise leakage. Importantly, such a comprehensive approach becomes a platform to draw in volunteers and residents who can contribute to different parts of the overall effort. Their participation in itself is an important component of community and nation building. We need to pull in those who are helping but often operate fairly independently, to match demand and supply, and then to deliver what is needed with lots of heart. For instance, to help students from challenging backgrounds, the physical infrastructure of the void decks can be altered to allow them more places to study, and we can look at providing tuition support. I have also had initial talks with large establishments which can provide opportunities for vacation attachments and jobs to augment income. More importantly, this is one way to instil a sense of selfworth and discipline. To improve the lives of the elderly, understanding their basic needs is critical. For example, do we know who among the low-income elderly have hearing difficulties? Many have suffered in silence, literally, for years. If they can be identified, they could be sent to the local SATA outfit for checks. Those who are hearing impaired can be provided with free hearing aids. In a recent effort with voluntary welfare organisation Sunlove, hearing aids were presented to three elderly residents in the ward. Their broad smiles when they first put them on made it completely worth the effort. So a material difference can be made to the lives of those who need help, and done on a sustainable basis. This, in turn, reinforces national assistance schemes and accentuates their effectiveness. While these may not sound strategic in the broader scheme of things, I believe they are, as these efforts can mean the world to those whose lives are touched. To me, this is how Singaporeans can, in our various ways, build a kinder and gentler society which is inclusive, not only because we look after the less privileged but also because we stepped forward to look after our own as a community. Let each of us own our future and build it together household by household, floor by floor, block by block. In time, we build our community and we build our nation. The writer is a Minister of State for Manpower and for National Development. PETIR JAN / FEB 12 35

38 my say Going places shows there s no place In London, train delays are normal. In Sydney, house prices are prohibitive. Some of the most interesting people here are taxi drivers. If you show interest, they ll almost always offer nuggets of information and oodles of feedback on the state of the nation. I thought I d heard it all, but one recent journey to the airport took me by surprise. Did I mind taking a longer route along the Ayer Rajah Expressway, the young cabby asked, explaining: This way, we can enjoy the drive on this beautiful tree-lined road. On the highway, he became chatty. The usual complaints were trotted out unaffordable housing, too many immigrants too soon, no deferment of NS, expensive taxi rental fees. I explained that the government is looking at some of these issues. He fell silent. We were on East Coast Parkway when 36 PETIR JAN / FEB 12 Every country has its own problems. Singapore is no exception. he pointed to the centre divider and exclaimed: Not enough flowers. Having travelled that way often, he said, he d seen a noticeable drop. I explained there d been a lot of rain and not much sun in the previous three months. Tropical plants cannot flower without strong sunlight. He was unconvinced, replying: National Parks must fertilise the plants more often and use hormones to make them flower! In Vietnam, life s uncertain As I was entering the departure hall, he shouted: Where are you going for holiday? Ho Chi Minh City, I replied. Good luck, he smiled wryly, knowing I was leaving for a very different world. My flight took two hours. In contrast, my taxi crawled for an hour from the airport to my hotel in central Saigon. My Singaporean friend asked why I d taken so long. He forgot that riding his motorcycle, he could travel at twice the speed of a taxi in the polluted, congested downtown. Singaporeans complain about low bank interest rates and high inflation rates. Vietnamese banks pay 14 per cent interest per annum, but inflation exceeds 20 per cent every year. Housing loans go as high as 25 per cent per annum. All the prices of my purchases were quoted in US dollars, even though it s illegal to do so. The value of Vietnam s currency has been falling annually by well over 10 per cent for many years now. The average Vietnamese lives life uncertain about the future. To be sure, Singaporeans don t compare themselves with the Vietnamese, but with Londoners, New Yorkers and

39 like home By Koo Tsai Kee In New York, people protest high unemployment. But ours pale in comparison to those elsewhere. Sydneysiders. But they will find that Europeans face an austere future. Youth unemployment ranges from 20 per cent in Britain to 50 per cent in Spain. When I was in London in September, I saw the aftermath of young Britons frustration over their bleak future. University students took to the streets to protest tuition fees rising from 3,000 to 9,000. In london, BMW travel s best A friend confessed he was shaken by the magnitude and ferocity of the riots. For the first time, he felt unsafe in London. I know London well. I studied there in the 1980s. Author Samuel Johnson once remarked, If a man is tired of London, he is tired of life. Londoners are not tired of life, but London is looking tired. When the MRT broke down recently, Singaporeans were unforgiving. I remember my own experience with the London Underground as a student. I took it every day. Often, the train wasn t running when I was rushing to class. Those days, I got around by BMW bus, then MRT and, if both failed, by walking. During a recent trip back to London, I tried to take the Tube from Marble Arch. The station was closed, so I walked to Bayswater for the lovely roast duck. Walking is the most certain mode of transport in London. But maybe we shouldn t compare Singapore with London... In the US, the American dream has turned into a nightmare. Young Americans are disillusioned. Even Ivy League graduates have difficulty getting good jobs. A house and a job were once entitlements of the young. Today, these are prized possessions of the privileged. The daughter of a relative, who has lived there more than 20 years, is a victim of the new America. After obtaining her degree, she couldn t get a permanent job, so she went to graduate school. In new York, where re the jobs? The US unemployment rate dropped recently from 10 per cent to 8.5 per cent. This means 25 million Americans are searching for jobs. Those lucky to find one have discovered the wage rate has fallen. The hourly wage of a General Electric production worker was US$31. Today, it s US$18. Smaller wage packets spell trouble for Sears. The retail giant for the working class is suffering from weak sales, and its PETIR JAN / FEB 12 37

40 my say share price has plummeted. Wall Street is also retrenching bankers. In the past, when a bank there declared lower bonuses, employees crossed the street to another. Not anymore. Few bankers are changing jobs now. Instead, unemployed workers are going to Wall Street to occupy it, to protest the economic and social situation. But perhaps we shouldn t make comparisons with New York. In sydney, home prices are high One of the few bright spots outside Asia is Australia. The economy there is doing well, and the Aussie dollar is one of the few currencies which have gained on the Singapore dollar. But the booming economy, driven by the mining sector, has caused misery for most Aussies. Even as thousands are still reeling from the massive floods in Queensland at end-2010, coal mining companies are celebrating record prices for coal, because the mines were flooded, resulting in a worldwide shortage of coal. Houses in Sydney are so expensive the state government is giving incentives to home owners to move out of the city. But there is no escape. House prices are high everywhere in Australia. Singaporeans are not alone in being unable to afford a home. My old classmate in Melbourne laments that his son is still living with him, though he s been working for six years as a banker. His son cannot afford to buy his first home, even with the first home grant (much like our CPF Housing Grant) offered by the Federal government. For young working couples, house prices in Australia are prohibitive. When I was an undergraduate there in the 1970s, my classmates left home upon turning 18. By just working parttime, they could afford to rent their own room; soon after starting full-time work they could pay the mortgage on a house. Due primarily to China and India s demand for coal, iron and other minerals, Australia s economy is booming. But the Australian economy is a two-speed train. A minority, who are working in the mining sector, are in the fast economic train. The majority are on the slow one. Myer Holdings, one of Australia s largest department store chains, recently closed an outlet. Christmas sales were disappointing. Every country has its own problems. Singapore is no exception. But ours pale in comparison to those elsewhere. When Swedish retail giant H&M opened here recently, it had long queues. Last Christmas, the cash registers on Orchard Road were ringing louder than the jingle in Jingle Bells. So were phones, from bookings for New Year s eve dinners. Singapore s economy is strong and its future bright. Youth unemployment is almost non-existent. The government is not corrupt. If there were policy lapses, they re being made right by a government determined to make them right. I was picked up by another young taxi driver on my return from Vietnam. How was Ho Chi Minh City? he asked. I smiled. Singapore is not a paradise, it is my home. I was glad to be home. The writer is a former Minister of State for Defence. In Ho Chi Minh City, traffic jams and pollution are standard. 38 PETIR JAN / FEB 12

41 happenings Countdown to 2012 Boon Lay Place Performances, carnivals and dances were the order of the evening across the island, to welcome the new year. At Boon Lay Place, 30,000 gathered for the festivities, which included a fivehour show featuring a mix of traditional dances and hip hop numbers, songs by local bands and Taiwanese artistes, and cross-talk. Minister of State Lawrence Wong played the guitar and sang The Moon Represents my Heart 月亮代表我的心. He also joined Raffles Rock, a rock band from Raffles Institution (Junior College), in La Bamba in the evening s closing number. Tiong Bahru Park was decorated to look like popular night spot The Butter Factory. The club s resident DJ entertained with music. At midnight, a threetier cake made of recycled materials was unveiled. Among the 7,000 who turned up were actress Rui-En, emcee Daniel Ong and singer Hady Mirza, as well as Tanjong Pagar GRC and Radin Mas SMC MPs Lily Neo, Indranee Rajah, Chia Shi-Lu and Sam Tan, and Minister Chan Chun Sing. Minister Khaw Boon Wan joined the gathering of 20,000 Sembawang residents at Woodlands Civic Centre, where homegrown bands entertained. These included family percussion ensemble ComBeatz and rockers The White Sultans. There was even a stargazing session, organised by the Astronomical Club of the Woodlands Youth Club. Queenstown WW plans for 2016 The year 2016, when the next General Election is due, was on the minds of members of the Queenstown Women s Wing branch, when they gathered for their annual bonding session at Costa Sands Resort on Sentosa on Dec 3. During their day-long get-together, they discussed the possible reasons for the results of the GE2011 and presidential election, as well as how their GRC Tanjong Pagar which was uncontested last year, could become a political battle ground, and how they could be more proactive. Participant Teo Lin-Lee said: The session was fulfilling. Women can play a more significant role at the district and branch levels. Sembawang GRC Tiong Bahru Park PETIR JAN / FEB 12 39

42 FORum A new spirit emerges the forums leading up to the last party convention resulted in a greater sense of unity among members, writes Satwant Singh Having been part of the PPF s organising committee for the 2007 and 2009 PAP Party Conventions, I assumed that setting up this year s would be as straightforward. Then came General Election While 81 of the 87 seats were won and the PAP had a strong mandate, the mood among party stalwarts was not as joyous as previous elections. The Party started to do some soulsearching. Against this backdrop, the PAP Policy Forum council realised that this year s convention format needed a change. The question was, what sort of change. We held a series of discussions via e- mail and decided on holding a series of forums, one for each of the five districts, as a lead-up to the convention on Nov 27. This was the first time such an approach was being organised. The norm had been for thematic and centralised workshops. As the objective of these forums was to update members on the findings of the GE review panel and seek further feedback, this tack was chosen as it would allow us to include more members. Also, by bringing the forum to them in a more familiar environment, we hoped for an inclusive and frank discussion. The PPF s new advisors, Comrade Heng Swee Keat and Comrade Lawrence Wong, gave the go-ahead in mid-october. That determined, a theme was chosen 40 PETIR JAN / FEB 12 Our Cause: Our People. Our cause must be about our people. The moment we had the green light on this the council began liaising with the mayor of each district to inform him of the purpose of the forums. They immediately offered their assistance. The branches were alerted and the response when attendance was opened was very healthy. Each member attending was informed that it would be a closeddoor session. At the forums, members spoke openly and sincerely, and I realised from what they said that they felt as if the Party had lost an election and we were the underdogs. It was obvious that the loss of Aljunied GRC had been demoralising, and the immediate reaction was to go back to the drawing board: To determine what else we could do to not only improve the lives of fellow Singaporeans but also touch their lives. To decide how the Party can remain relevant. What also emerged was that members were determined to take the Party forward. There was a greater sense of unity, and the fire in our bellies was once again ignited by the determination to fight and win back Aljunied. The speakers for the convention were chosen based on the premise that members wanted to hear the leaders speak about the changes needed to move forward, especially with regard to strategies in winning back Aljunied and Hougang. New and old leaders were invited to speak. It was also decided that the party chairman would deliver the findings of the GE review committee, and that the final segment would be the Q & A session

43 Briefly smes should hunt in packs Local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should consider how they can leverage on the fact that the Singapore brand is well-regarded to expand abroad. The government can also do more to help them grow wings. So can goverment-linked companies (GLCs). They can help by leading a Singapore consortium of smaller companies to bid for overseas projects, and through outsourcing aspects of major projects to SMEs. This would offer SMEs access to opportunities for which they may otherwise be overlooked and to credit, such as insurance support, as well as learn from GLCs about best practices. One of the bigger challenges, however, is persuading local companies to hunt in packs. Despite the benefits of larger economic influence, scale and technological synergies, most still prefer to venture out as lone wolfs. However, the impending economic downturn might just be the impetus needed for Singapore companies to step up partnerships. Elaina Chong, Young PAP, Cashew branch Debt problem needs fresh approach In sunny Singapore, there are persons who trap themselves in the dark chambers of debt. The law shields an HDB flat from the owner s creditors. That protection appears to have succumbed to the greater genius of creditors, notably, the ones that operate outside the law! In the news recently was a story about loan sharks arranging for real estate agents to sell their debtors HDB flats. The cash-over-valuation amount must be paid to the creditor. The agent, sometimes himself a debtor, is substantially rewarded for his co-operation and silence. The law deems that persons who with secretary-general Lee Hsien Loong and other party leaders. We wanted to know what had gone wrong with the PAP s GE strategy and what needed to be done, so that the same mistakes would not be repeated. A heart-to-heart with the leadership was very much needed. We spoke from the heart and so did the leaders. It was clear that the dialogues proved to be a much-needed platform for both the rank and file as well as the leadership. It gave the former a chance to express their concerns and thoughts as well as listen first-hand to what party leaders had to say on key issues. At the same time, it provided the latter with a valuable chance to assess the feelings of members and hear their views. The process allowed all involved to strengthen confidence, trust and belief in one another. This will be the Party s strength as we navigate Singapore s rapidly evolving political environment. A party that sets out to improve and touch the lives of Singaporeans from the are 21 and of sound mind are capable of managing their own affairs. Is it time to take a hard look at what constitutes that mind? Why does that mind not foresee the imminent pain of indebtedness? Why would they allow their HDB flat to be sold against their wishes? Loan sharks are not the sole or exclusive cause of such a state either. How may help be extended to them in the aftermath? This is a necessary corollary to be examined. Those who have walked into quicksand would rather a rope than strictures or advice. Devi Haridas, Telok Blangah Branch outset has not lost its objective the people. This remains the core value of the PAP. It must. The moment the Party loses its focus, it will no longer become relevant and will lose the mandate of the people to rule. The writer is the chairman of the PAP Policy Forum. PETIR JAN / FEB 12 41

44 CYBERsPEAK Wish list for Budget 2012 Help for the old and the man in the street are among netizens requests More help for families with elderly retirees or elderly people who are still working. There are many older people working as coffee-shop attendants, helpers and toilet cleaners. Some are too weak to stand for long hours. Must find a way to help them. Andy Luo Kangshun Better help and support for small businesses. Dominic Wong A stronger dollar & more effective support for continuous upgrading, becos that will be capital expenditure for the country in building capabilities... Muzammil Mohamad A legislated fare increase Act. Cannot allow people to suka suka increase prices indiscriminately. Hu Shu Kai More welfare programmes for the elderly and less fortunate. More funds for education, like subsidised tuition. More subsidies for health and transport services. Zaera Noor Remove the $100 entry fee for the casinos, but only allow people with a salary of $3,000 or above to enter. This will be something more practical and reasonable. Tan Kah Kiat 1) Ban open market resale of HDB flats. 2) Reduce the COE quota further and give COEs free to families who care for physically challenged elderly people & children. 42 PETIR JAN / FEB 12 3) Upgrade all train stations, so the number of train carriages & frequency of trains can be increased. Fred Tan Reduce corporate tax, increase the budget for the Min of Environment (our drainage needs a radical makeover); reduce the employee contribution rate for CPF (this would improve cashflow to combat the incoming economy gloom); reduce the number of study grants for foreign students (no need to strain our resources and add pressure to our young ones). Say so much, our government got cash or not? Kevin Lee Another round of GST packages? Or similar? Khairee Karim Interim rental housing scheme It s a good initiative to begin with. Hope that a test check was done prior to launching the scheme so the expected supply will meet the demand. We can t get 100% accuracy but at least 60% to 70% would suffice to evaluate whether this would be a success. Based on MPS experience, people are usually disappointed over the availability of rental housing. Cynthia Mark Cheaper drugs at Gps Are we going to have something along the lines of a GP union to facilitate mass purchase of drugs on a national level, to increase bargaining power against pharmaceutical companies? That would be a win-win for clinics and patients. Edmund Chua

45 BACKBENChER s BITE Wider gap needed Ong Teng Koon MP for Sembawang GRC Many of the conversations I ve had recently revolved around the rights and responsibilities of citizens versus permanent residents (PRs). The main issues are: long-stay PRs who are unwilling to become citizens * citizens unhappiness with the benefits accrued to PRs, and * citizens sense of entitlement from the government. The permanent residency scheme is a good idea. It serves as a transitional step between being a foreigner and a citizen, and encourages foreigners who are able and willing to assimilate into our population that is beset by a low total fertility rate. It becomes important then to be welcoming to foreigners who add vibrancy in ideas and enterprise, and who hopefully, after a period of permanent residency, will sink their roots here and become a part of our cause. The issue is that there appear to be PRs who are unwilling to take the step to citizenship, and who are content to remain PRs indefinitely. Should we continue to extend to this segment the benefits of permanent residency indefinitely? When I speak to PRs, I often ask what is keeping them from becoming citizens. Some cite emotional ties to their native country, while others express an unwillingness to serve National Service (for themselves or their children) or the desire to keep an option on their native passport. These are the same reasons that might be the cause of unhappiness in some quarters. Some citizens ask why they have to contribute two years towards the security of our country when PRs do not have to undertake the same responsibilities, and enjoy almost similar benefits to citizens. These feelings of angst have been exacerbated with the perception that half a million PRs are competing with citizens for the same resources (transport, restaurants, housing, education, healthcare) and benefits (lower school fees, lower healthcare costs, HDB eligibility, landed housing). It is laudable that the government is sensitive to these feelings and has been tweaking our policies for a sharper differentiation between citizens and PRs: PRs can buy HDB flats only from the open market and do not have the subsidies available to citizens PRs face onerous criteria to buy landed property and a higher Additional Buyers Stamp Duty if they do PRs have one primary school ballot, while citizens have two PRs do not get the Baby Bonus if they have a child, or a government matching grant for the Child Development Account PRs do not have access to Grow and Share packages School fees and healthcare fees are differentiated between PRs and citizens. More can be done to sharpen the differentiation. Not only to assure citizens that they re the government s priority, but also to encourage PRs to commit to Singapore unequivocally, or revert to being foreigners on employment passes. After 46 years of nation building, Singapore should be confident of its abilities to attract quality people to live and work here, especially considering the economic, social and political woes besetting other countries. While the competition for talent globally is still keen, this country is in a front row seat. So its policies must be dynamic, as with supply and demand, to be more selective and apply differentiation when demand is high, and more welcoming and egalitarian when the reverse is true. PETIR JAN / FEB 12 43

46 OVERhEARD Opportunity, improving ourselves, compassion. They define the character of the society we are building, and must be our common purpose as Singaporeans. - DPM Tharman Shanmugaratnam sets goals A good minister does not just do and fulfill what the PM tells him to do. (He) expands the scope of his responsibilities, imagines things which he could do and embarks on projects which nobody asks him to, but which turn out to be good ideas and deliver outstanding results for Singapore. 44 PETIR JAN / FEB 12 Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has a dream As much as we can do it, we should bring only half-cooked Bills into Parliament. To MP Inderjit Singh, there s no such thing as too many cooks spoiling the broth They were like tanks of fish in an aquarium, together yet apart, each community in a world of its own. I made it my mission to bring them together in real, meaningful ways. From advocating the benefits of bilingualism, MP Lee Kuan Yew moves to pushing his book on it It helps to be thick-skinned, something I ve picked up from my trade union days. For MP Halimah Yacob, trade unions really do have their uses Another general rule in politics is always under promise. Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has been studying ways to manage expectations Told them everywhere is a neighbourhood. Every school is a neighbourhood school. What matters is they have worked hard, did well and built a better future for themselves. MP Teo Ser Luck offers a hard truth on Facebook about schools and education For the public to say the top must resign for every single fault I wouldn t say that is public accountability; it s wanting a pound of flesh. MP Lim Biow Chuan favours forgiveness Amazing what extra-strength Panadols and various suppressant medications can do. Managed to complete my public duties without looking too ill. Over-the-counter meds work for MP Irene Ng This is the highest compliment to Singapore, a giant listening to an ant. MP Ellen Lee is impressed by America s reactions

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