NUSS Political Dialogue offered a chance for Singapore’s parties to show their strength
On Tuesday (18 Aug) night, all of Singapore’s political parties were gathered to discuss topics and offer their views on Singapore and the policies that affect us.
Organized by the National University of Singapore Society (NUSS), the dialogue allowed parties to answer that one question on undecided voters’ minds: “Why in world should I vote for you?”
MustShareNews was present at the event, and after sifting through 3 hours worth of footage, we present to you each party’s main reason why you should vote for them at the coming elections.
1. Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA), Harminder Pal Singh
50 years is a very long time to be in power, but is it a little too long?
SDA member Harminder Pal Singh
The SDA representative also reiterated his belief that his party is in the “right place at the right time”, given SDA’s position as the voice of true blue Singaporeans.
He also reflected on the change that Singapore has seen over the years, and suggested that a little change in the government is needed.
2. National Solidarity Party (NSP), Steve Chia
Singaporeans are very tired of all the craps [sic] put up by the PAP government.
NSP Treasurer Steve Chia
NSP pledges to treat Singaporeans differently from the way we’re being treated now, as evidenced by their campaign slogan — “Singaporeans Deserve Better”.
3. People’s Action Party (PAP), Sim Ann
Some things have changed… But some things don’t change. The need for strong leadership doesn’t change.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Law Sim Ann
The MP for Holland-Bukit Timah also expressed her condolences for Melisa Liu, the Singaporean killed in the Bangkok Blast.
4. People’s Power Party (PPP), Goh Meng Seng
[We believe] in true democracy — democracy based on the separation of powers… Because power corrupts.
PPP Secretary-General Goh Meng Seng
Mr Goh talked about the concentration of power in PAP ranks, and his goal is to break this power.
5. Reform Party (RP), Kenneth Jeyaretnam
Rather than believing in a natural — or artificial — aristocracy, we believe in empowering the unnatural peasants.
RP Secretary-General Kenneth Jeyaretnam
In a rather obvious dig at Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s comments on “natural aristocracy” being the way forward, Mr Jeyaretnam chose to plump for giving power to the poor.
Mr Jeyaretnam also believes that the PAP track record has worsened, and wants to see greater accountability and transparency within the government.
6. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Benjamin Pwee
We are here to offer additional solutions, better ideas… because no one party — and I say no one party — holds all the talent today.
DPP Secretary-General Benjamin Pwee
The former civil servant also spoke of the “box” from which PAP formulates policies from is filled with with people who “come from a certain background”, resulting in solutions that do not work.
7. Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), Paul Tambyah
The reality is, we live in a new era — the knuckleduster era is well and truly gone.
SDP Member Paul Tambyah
The SDP believes that without a truly democratic society that treats all Singaporeans with fairness and justice, virtues extolled by the National Pledge — peace, prosperity, progress — cannot be achieved.
One example is SDP’s thoughts on public housing — it is a means to provide basic housing for Singaporeans, instead of being a speculative asset to be traded around for profit.
8. Singaporeans First (SingFirst), Tan Jee Say
We need a new vision that puts Singaporeans at the heart of our nation — a vision of a fair society, with strong families, and a confident people with high self-esteem
SingFirst Secretary-General Tan Jee Say
SingFirst further elaborated that the government will help Singaporeans achieve this vision, largely via a safety net and social investment.
9. Singapore People’s Party (SPP), Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss
Our nation is not Singapore Inc. Our citizens are not mere economic digits in the service of the economy.
SPP member Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss
Ms Chong-Aruldoss further referred to SPP Secretary-General Chiam See Tong’s 23 year track record of maintaining Potong Pasir, even funding lift upgrades via careful accounting and leaving behind a healthy surplus.
10. Worker’s Party (WP), Gerald Giam
Our call for Singapore to move towards a First World Parliament is as relevant today, as it was in 2011
WP member Gerald Giam
WP picks up from where it left off in 2011, seeking a balanced parliament — one where Government and Opposition MPs ensure the government of the day is accountable and responsive to the people.
Can you hear the election bells?
The NUSS political dialogue first begun in 2006, and is held both before and after the General Elections. All parties present took the opportunity to deliver a summarized version of their own manifesto, and urged attendees to go online and read for themselves.
With the activities coming to a head, will the elections be held on 12 September, as suggested by dialogue moderator Viswa Sadasivan?
Maybe we’ll all find out really soon.
Featured Image via TheOnlineCitizen
Other images by MustShareNews.
