A man in his 60s breaks down in tears upon meeting outgoing Potong Pasir MP Chiam See Tong
By Cheryl Chan
Political Correspondent
At the Singapore People’s Party rally at Hong Kah last night, a grown man broke down in tears when he met Mr Chiam See Tong. Looking at the raw emotion that the mere mention of his name is capable of evoking, one could be forgiven for mistaking Mr Chiam for a saint; such is the aura of the man.
Ever since he was elected into Parliament in 1984, Mr Chiam has worked tirelessly against colossal odds to serve the people he so loves. As one of only two opposition MPs in the House apart from a brief period between 1991 to 1997, he has been a lonely voice of resistance against the PAP political juggernaut, speaking up for the underprivileged and oppressed while the government machine steamrolled on in the single-minded pursuit of economic growth.
Mr Chiam’s down-to-earth humility and personal touch is the precise reason why he has been re-elected again and again by the residents of Potong Pasir, even in the face of dirty tactics by the PAP in their attempts to unseat him.
And it was that same trademark humility that marked Mr Chiam’s first speech of what will probably be his final election campaign. Bent over, hunched and walking with a limp, Mr Chiam is no longer the rousing speaker that he once was, thanks to the ravages of age and a crippling stroke that threatened to expedite his retirement from politics. These days, he delivers his speeches slowly and with a slur; yet the adoring crowds still lap up every single word. As he hobbled up to the rostrum to address them, they chanted his name incessantly – with passion, with gusto and with heartfelt adoration.
Thanking the audience profusely, Mr Chiam’s first words were: “You give me more applause than I deserve.”
Mr Chiam thanked the crowd profusely and said that they were giving him undeserved applause
He went on to emphasise his view that opposition is the essence of democracy. He said that it was imperative that there should be a transparency and accountability in governance, and that the ruling party ought to have its power checked and balanced by opposition MPs.
He paused at certain junctures, however, and at one point a member of the audience called out to him, saying: “Mr Chiam, you don’t have to speak. We will vote for you!”
Mr Chiam also urged more people to step forward and join the opposition cause, saying: “Every one of us can take part in politics. I can assure you that nothing will happen to you; I am a living example you can follow. I really wish that more of you will follow my example.”
He wrapped up his speech with yet more self-deprecation: “I am not actually a brave man. But I love Singapore and I love Singaporeans.”
After the rally ended, some supporters were so moved by his presence that they started to cry. A man in his 60s said to him upon shaking his hand: “I feel so happy for you that I am crying. I hope you win.”
Of course, Mr Chiam is fighting to win, and has even gone as far as saying that he believes he will triumph over the incumbent PAP team in Bishan-Toa Payoh, which comprises two heavyweight ministers in Wong Kan Seng and Ng Eng Hen. Most observers say that the chances of an upset are slim, but Mr Chiam has been an underdog for pretty much all of his dazzling political career.
Whether he wins or loses, Chiam See Tong is guaranteed a place in Singapore’s political folklore for generations to come. However, just about every single person in the country is silently rooting for him to score yet another fairytale victory as he embarks upon his last hurrah.
–
The author is a political correspondent at The Satay Club. She works as an analyst in a leading multinational research firm.
If LKY is truly sincere in taking care of Singapore and Singaporeans, he should declare a free-of-salary role as Mentor to his multi-million dollar salaries team of ministers. No, he earns more than $3 million if foreign trips and perks are included.
Many times more than the President of the USA, the most powerful country militarily,economically, politically. And this is equally so of LHL and the other ministers too. You guys do not love Singapore but your big fat salaries.
No, the PAP is not corrupted but they bribed themselves by raising their salaries repeatedly to the level that makes us go bonkers. Much, much more than the salaries of ministers in most first world countries.
Time to boot them out or at the very least slap them in the face.
Dear Mr. Chiam,
From the bottom of my heart, sir, you deserve the applause. You deserve much more, but we have been too much of a coward to accord them to you. Thank you for loving Singapore and Singaporeans – you are sincere. I hope this election will make a difference for us – People, it is time to wake up. Another 900,000 foreigners will come and we will be a minority in our own home. Think about this!!
Credit should be given when it is due! Stop discrediting Mr Chiam. Mr Kim of North Korea would like to employ you.
What has Mr Chiam acheived after 27 years in Parliament? Has he managed to build up a credible party? Has he managed to introduce any bills to improve the lives of Singaporeans? Did he manage to reduce the price of oil, or prevent Mas Selamat from escaping? Despite what is being said about Wong Kan Seng, remember that it was his co-operation with the Malaysian authorities that led to Mas Selamat being re-captured. In the meantime, what has Mr Chiam done besides ask questions?
What has Mr Chiam acheived after 27 years in Parliament?
- When u posted this question means u are ignorant, are u a kid?
Has he managed to build up a credible party?
- What is your benchmark?
Has he managed to introduce any bills to improve the lives of Singaporeans?
- Are u a kid? Don’t u know who is in charge, the A-team, u think they allow u to do that?
Did he manage to reduce the price of oil
- If the A-team that cost millions $ can’t do anything, u think u can do it? Then why we them for?
Or prevent Mas Selamat from escaping?
- Are u a kid? A-team is in control so do u expect someone better than them? In fact they can’t too.
Despite what is being said about Wong Kan Seng, remember that it was his co-operation with the Malaysian authorities that led to Mas Selamat being re-captured.
- U seems to know what is happening please share with us more!
In the meantime, what has Mr Chiam done besides ask questions?
- So what have u done to nation besides asking this question? Please grow up and give birth to new lives to make up the numbers that the nation requires or else shut up!
Stand up for Singapore!
Instead of replying to my questions, you ask me questions in return and resort to underhanded personal attacks. I think you have demonstrated your own intellect here. Let me ask you once again, and you need to think about this directly. What has Chiam done in 27 years in Parliament? Has he been able to build up a credible party? Why is it that after 27 years, he still remains as a one-man show, and he has no one to succeed him in his own ward except his wife? And this is after he had 27 years to plan his succession? What does that say about his capabilities? Kindly answer and don’t ask me a question in return.
Actually ur shooting ur own foot. Duh? With the propaganda and control by the “A team”, how do u expect him to do all those things you mentioned? Thanks to Singaporeans who complained and complained but continued voting for PAP out of perceived fear… Singaporeans and their masochistic nature has “elevated” PAP to a level where they pretty much decide and impose anything they like anytime they want. Seriously your intellect or its lack of that is actually being exposed for the whole world to see… Duh…
Saw Mr Chiam speak last night. Sorry Mr Chiam, I looked down on you the last time. Without the political foundations that you laid with your sweat and tears, together with late JBJ, there wouldn’t even be a single opposition voice in parliament. Such a gentleman who suffered without complaining. You are our hero and a legend.
You could have a rested on your laurels, thanks for your selflessness. Sir, you me to shame. Every word you said makes me wanna cry because your words came with 27 years of suffering. Live and fight on for us, Chiam See Tong.
Saw Mr Chiam speak last night. Sorry Mr Chiam, I looked down on you the last time. Without the political foundations that you laid with your sweat and tears, together with late JBJ, there wouldn’t even be a single opposition voice in parliament. Such a gentleman who suffered without complaining. You are our hero and a legend.
You could have rested on your laurels, thanks for your selflessness. Sir, you me to shame. Every word you said makes me wanna cry because your words came with 27 years of suffering. Live and fight on for us, Chiam See Tong
27 years of suffering? Please remember that Mr Chiam was getting paid $16k a month to perform his MP duties in addition to his full-time job as a lawyer (he was not a full-time MP). He lives in a big house and is very comfortable financially. He has been given due respect by residents of Potong Pasir and also by the PAP. SM Goh praised him as a worthy winner in 2006. So may I please ask you what is this so-called “suffering” that you are referring to? Please do not twist the facts and make misleading statements like this.
Nani, you balls licker,
Please ask what the multi-million dollar ministers have done for Singapore
Suffer helplessness by sitting in Parliament as an elected MP but being ignored because he’s not in the majority
Suffer humiliation because he has only a VOID DECK to conduct meet the people sessions in because the Government is too PETTY to give opposition candidates a proper office
http://sukyee.wordpress.com/2011/05/02/that-makeshift-cubicle-at-the-void-deck/
You sit there on your high horse and judge what is suffering and what is not suffering. You try having 2 strokes and continuing to work.
Lesser men would have given up.
As for Mr Chiam being able to rest on his laurels after 6 terms as MP, that might be true. But what about MM Lee who could have easily rested on his laurels after stepping down as PM in 1990? He continued to tirelessly serve the people of Tanjong Pagar and Singapore for another 20 years, sharing his wisdom and experience with the younger ministers. And people criticise him for “hanging on to power”. This is really double standards. MM Lee is 87 years old and he is also frail and weak. He lost his beloved wife to a stroke, same thing that happened to Mr Chiam. Yet, instead of retiring, he is still tirelessly serving the people at the age of 87. But he is portrayed as a villian while Mr Chiam is depicted as a hero. This is pure double standards and also ungratefulness.
Everyone has his own wisdoms and views. This world is never fair. Double standards everywhere. Let history judge by itself, say another 20 and 30 years later!
Mr. Chiam gets 16K, MM Lee gets 3 million doing nothing much but forecasting…
Pingback: a few good men « Pachelbel's Reverie
Pingback: Interesting Pictures from Singapore General Election 2011 (Updated Daily) | NO BUNS NO LIFE
Dear Mr Chiam,
I hope you will get to see this thread somehow. I think time will prove that there was only one true champion of the people of Singapore. One David, amongst the Goliaths, who we will always remember.
I am not from your ward. But I applaud you for your efforts, your honesty, your perseverance in the face of the bullies you’ve had to face in your fight for the voice of Singaporeans to be heard.
You’ve already won as far as I am concerned. I applaud you.
Mr Chiam makes me proud to be Singaporean.
LKY makes me cringe.
Mah Bow Tan makes me violent!
If CST could build on his 1991 victories (3 seats) and was not played out by CSJ, Singapore would have a very different political scene now. At the moment WP is trying to achieve what SDP achieved in 1991. The ouster of Chiam from SDP set the opposition cause back by 20 years. CSJ caused all this thanks to his reckless nature and power-hungry ego.
Chiam See Tong the LIONHEARTED is an inspiration and a hero to Singaporeans. He is one of the most caring MPs in Singapore history, whether from the ruling party or opposition.
Mr Chiam Heng Tong is born to fight and fight he did , this man have been fighting since pre-COE and pre-ERP days and is still fighting to the last stand
i am only sad that he won so many battles and it will shatter my heart to see him lose
Mr Chiam Heng Tong??
Who in the world is Chiam Heng Tong?
Mr chiam, my hero always
definately will get my support for this upcoming GRC election 
Dearest Mr Chiam,
I’m very touched by your speech. It almost made me cry too and having a leader like you made me feel proud to be Singaporean again. Over the past few years, I’ve seen so many foreigners and I am sad to say that I almost felt ashamed and disgusted to be Singaporean. I felt that the government is ‘betraying’ us by bringing in so many ‘foreign’ talents. In 90% of the cases I come across them, they are rude and even look down on true Singaporeans. However Mr Chiam, hearing your wonderful speech has given me hope. I sincerly wish you all the best Mr Chiam. You are an inspiration. Good work!!!
Chiam is a true son of Singapore. A national icon. What more can I say? Let’s not betray our conscience – vote him into Bishan TP GRC and vote for Lina Chiam in Potong Pasir. Action speaks the loudest!
Mr Chiam,
You are a warrior. I respect you for that as well as for your courage. It serves as an education to us as citizens that we should not always live in our comfort zone but dares to challenge the unknown to pave the way for the next generations to come. I salute you!
Pingback: Daily SG: 30 Apr 2011 « The Singapore Daily
Our dearest Mr Chaim doesn’t have to do all these and retire with his current health condition.
However, our great unselfish Guardian has great love for the nation and continues to serve the people with his heart and soul. Salute you!
With a team of young talents, experienced mature and seasoned senior, he is coming here a prepared team to serve the people here.
So wait no more! Take the chance!
A chance we have been waiting for years!
A chance that come by no more!
Vote for the change!
Vote for ourselves!
Vote for our children!
Vote for the good of the nation!
Vote for SPP!
LIKE x infinity
Dear Mr Chiam,
You deserved an applause from the entire Singapore. We love you.
All the best to you.