A video has mysteriously surfaced on the internet just days before Polling Day, accusing Mr Low of mismanging the Hougang Town Council's accounts
By Nigel Tan
Chief Editor
With the general election campaign entering its final days, the ruling PAP has turned the screws on Workers’ Party chief Low Thia Khiang in an attempt to reverse the momentum that the WP has been building up in the contest for the hot seat of Aljunied.
Mr Low took a huge gamble by leaving his safe seat of Hougang to lead a heavyweight team in Aljunied GRC, made up of Sylvia Lim, Chen Show Mao, Pritam Singh and Mohammad Faisal Manap.
A video has mysteriously surfaced on the internet that casts doubts on Mr Low’s administration of the Hougang Town Council, which he has led for twenty years starting in 1991. The video was professionally made, suggesting that it could not have been produced by disgruntled residents.
The video states that two months ago, a request was sent to the Hougang Town Council by HUDC residents who wanted their estate to be privatised. The residents allegedly asked the Town Council for its accounts so that they can find out how much they need to contribute for new facilities, but have not received an answer to date. The video also asks why Mr Low is refusing to publicise the accounts, and accuses him of double standards because he has repeatedly called on the government to be more transparent.
A series of posts on popular internet forums, including HardwareZone, the Channel NewsAsia forums and SgForums.com, have also been made, stating that a lawyer’s letter has been sent by the residents to the Town Council demanding that it releases the information. The thread starters have alleged that “Hougang residents have sued Low Thia Khiang”, which is patently untrue and a gross distortion of the facts.
A report on the matter has also been aired on Channel 8 as well as on Channel NewsAsia, with emphasis being placed on the fact that the Hougang Town Council is administered by the WP. One of the PAP’s Aljunied candidates, Lim Hwee Hua, asked whether the state of accounts in the Hougang Town Council was “messy”. She also said that if the WP could not manage the Hougang Town Council, then they would have problems managing Aljunied, which comprises of five wards.
Ms Lim said: “Is it just messy or are they holding back till after the elections so that whoever wins Hougang will then inherit the accounts? The Workers’ Party has always emphasised transparency and accountability of the Town Council. It is very perplexing why they have kept very quiet.”
With the internet and social media landscapes generally known to be disinclined towards the PAP, questions have been raised regarding what could be another “smear campaign” by the ruling party as it seeks to prevent the loss of a GRC for the first time in history. In recent weeks, smear campaigns have been carried out against the SDP’s Vincent Wijeysingha and Chee Soon Juan, with the former being accused of having a “hidden gay rights agenda”, while the former was alleged to have taken part in an illegal “protest march”. The SDP has since clarified that both allegations are untrue, but it is not known how much damage has been done to the party’s chances.
With just 9 days allocated for campaigning, Singapore has one of the shortest election campaign periods in the world. As such, the timing of the release of information takes on additional importance. In the meantime, the video on Mr Low has caused a stir on the internet, but the majority of its viewers have been critical towards the PAP rather than Mr Low. The video received only 17 “likes” as opposed to 216 “dislikes” on YouTube.
–
The author is Chief Editor of The Satay Club
Ms Lim Hwee Hua is such a disgrace to politics. She can’t even put up a straight fight and have to resort to gutter politics to smear her opponents, roping in the press to help her with her dirty tactics. If she so fervently believes that Mr Low had mismanaged the Hougang Town Council funds, she should have reported the case to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau. Ms Lim should know better not to insinute without evidence. If Mr Low is dishonest or incapable in any way, then why did the residents of Hougang vote him to be their elected MP for the past 20 years? I believe with all my heart that Mr Low is a law-abiding and honest person who will never meddle in corruption. Ms Lim better watch her words before making any more false statements.
IMPORTANT:
Reminder For Singaporeans Before Election Day
Especially future “Repenting Singaporeans” & “footloose” Young Singaporeans As MM Lee
branded you.
HARD TRUTHS:Looking Back at PAP: From 1950s to Now
Before your votes are cast, remember this:
1. In Year 1981 a small time Singaporean call Joshua Benjamin Jeyaratnam (JBJ)broke the PAP’s dominance and full control of power since independence by winning a seat in Anson(the first opposition in a 100% PAP parliament under Lee Kuan Yew)
2. It was late JBJ who raised the issue on corruption by PAP and former HDB minister Tay Cheng Wan who later commited suicide after investigation.
3. It wa JBJ who raised the question of special discounts given to Lee Kuan Yew and his son Lee Hsien Loong while serving as PM for property purchases in Orange Grove (high end).
4. Fast forward,Few years back when MM lee’s wife collapsed in UK, he decided to use the entire SQ SIA plane as makeshift hospital to bring her back to Singapore. Only after public questioning and outcry, he told through government he will bear the costs for that flight back.
5. The assumption that he owned SIA as his decries the very notion he is the public servant and not master as nothing is “given” nor he owns Singapore.
6. The financial losses from 1990s during Singapore’s first foray into China – Suzhou project saw losses of more than $40 Billion dollars lost under a new in charge Raymond Lim under Lee Kuan Yew.
7. LKY later told public it was ok and a good lesson learnt and moved on to bring Raymond Lim as a new PAP minister with various portfolios.
8. Neither LKY nor Raymond Lim was made answerable for that loss and brushed off without any censure from public, media nor PAP controlled parliament.
In 1990, $40 Billion was a huge sum like today.
9. The last 5 years GIC under MM Lee Kuan Yew, Tony Tan and PAP appointed Ho Ching who heads Temasek Holdings saw terrible losses and bad investments of more than $150 to 300 Billions of dollars and were never questioned, censured and most importantly fired from their jobs like in any normal financial organization or government.
10. Ho Ching was a PAP appointee by Dhanabalan who heads Temasek as recommended by her father in law Lee Kuan Yew and this was done not by proper corporate selection agst the best from the financial industry with proven track records.
11. A perverse family control of Singapore’s finances and reserves have been maintained by Lee kuan Yew who took on as chairman of GIC which he stills holds, Lee Hsien Loong as Finance minister (only appointed PAP man Tharman as Finance Minister few years ago) and his wife Ho Ching remains Head of Temasek Holdings as untouchable despite various losses.
12. Both Lee Kuan Yew and Ho Ching do not come with proven investment track records, financial experiences as heads of investment funds like in normal business investment environments other than what they claim to be and backed by a PAP parliament which does not question, censure or hold them accountable.
Basically not qualified as in today’s times.
13. In all none of them have been accountable whereas in major developed countries like USA, Europe finance ministers, heads of major banks like BOA, Citibank have been fired for bad investments, poor performance and accountability.
14. With a dominant PAP parliament stronghold wo any opposition this accountability has been continuously forsaken by the ruling party especially MM Lee, Ho Ching, lee Hsien Loong and PAP government.
15. It should be noted that there were many accomplished and proven financial investments experts available and ready to be hired from open markets in Singapore and elsehere who can take over and provide better returns and good investment decisions for Temasek, GIC then current incumbent.
16. These are professionals vs Lee Kuan Yew and Ho Ching but sensitive reasons provided to keep our reserves under the family control of Lee Kuan Yew in today’s times where many accomplished professional are available for hire.
17. In the financial crisis of 2007,2009 even PAP town councils and ministries made terrible bad investments in toxic investment products and were quickly dismissed as one off and nobody was censured, held accountable or fired. All these again with tax payers’ monies.
18. During the time of late Elected President Ong Teng Chiong, PAP government was asked to provides accounts on our national reserves and detailed data for his scrutiny.
19. This was not honoured by a troubled majority ruling PAP government under MM Lee and Lee HSien Loong with Goh Chock Tong.Again accountability was brushed off.
20. Simple mediocre answers were given that it will take years to consolidate and out down all our assets and reserves details.
21. When Islamic Terrorist Mat Selmat escaped from Singapore’s prisons under the watch of DPM and then Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng again he was left without much censure and neither did he resign nor was fired.
22. Still again no accountability and worst PM Lee went on to public declare it is not the policy of PAP government to fire any of it’s ministers or MPs for mistakes done as will upset their government or political makeup angering Singaporeans.
23. Again party and stronghold interests of ruling elite became first and important than accountability and option to answer to public.
24. Fast forward the YOG budget under Dr Vivian Balakrishnan was over estimated with huge losses (as over costing due to bad calculations and planning)
by inexperienced, inacapable minister and yet still left off the hook by majority PAP government without censure nor accountability.
25. Public did get a single apology nor accountability until 2 days before election where Dr Bala apologises and admits his mistakes.
26. Normal cases people are fired for such mistakes and yet again PAP protects its core people.
- So now Singaporeans do you think this nonsensical and above the law, Ivory tower and elite group of untouchable ministers and MPs of PAP should be brought down to earth and made answerable to the very public they are serving?
- Can we have accountability and people like Ho Ching needs to be fired and replaced by capable professionals.
- Can we break this family owned mentality and take back our national reserves and keep it under the professional management of people accountable to the government with multiple voices and public they are serving.
- Our reserves are not ,NOT ,NOT, NOT ,the ATM for any single family, person or ruler to paly with without accountability but the Public’s and SIngaporeans.
- Do we need another 5 years of proven “Yes” men to serve you and yet remain unaccountable serving PAP party and all might lord MM Lee?
Or we take our rights, country, reserves and our lives back into our hands and vote in the Opposition for a start.
You decide what you want Singaporeans on May 7th 2011.
Singapore for Singaporeans.
Hmm… it came out 4 days before the elections.
F: False
E: Evidence
A: Appearing
R: Real
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http://wp.sg/wpge/campaign/rallies/
Please watch this! The whole story.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RwLd1unG74&feature=player_embedded
IMPORTANT !!! IMPORTANT !!! IMPORTANT !!!
http://youtu.be/p1tzIRkIFs0
We citizens who wants change should do our part to help the opposition in whichever way we can, and let the opposition politicians do their part. (Pls help to make this video viral.)
Be aware that our IP address has been logged. Who knows what they will slap us with? If we do not put in good word.
It has begun…
GE: PAP team for Aljunied GRC files police reports
By May Wong | Posted: 03 May 2011 2143 hrs
Defaced PAP banner.
SINGAPORE: The PAP team in Aljunied GRC has filed two police reports for acts of vandalism on its election property, saying its banners were defaced, and posters and perambulating vehicle vandalised.
Over 60 items were either spray-painted or missing.
The election agent for the PAP Aljunied GRC team also highlighted how the Workers’ Party had displayed unauthorised posters.
Ms Tan Bee Lan said some of the posters did not have the approved Election Department stickers.
Speaking to reporters, Ms Tan said the Workers’ Party has also resorted to misleading campaigning tactics.
These include planting Workers’ Party supporters at strategic locations during their walkabouts to generate excitement among residents.
- CNA/cc
Typical of WP to engage in illegal and underhanded election campagining tactics. Good that a police report has been made. If any wrongdoing is found, LTK and his team should have to answer.
The PAP is the one who is expert in manipulating elections. We have seen in past elections how the PAP would get the intimidated, controlled and pro-PAP press to sing praises about the PAP while blocking out or discrediting opposition messages. The PAP also utilises gerrymandering so as to make the electoral boundaries favourable to themselves. The Elections Department, being under the Prime Minister’s Office, is powerless to stop the PAP from engaging in gutter politics during elections.
Which is the greater crime? PAP’s actions for the last 5 years of raiding our reserves, paying themselves handsomely, making us compete jobs head-on with foreigners (WHICH AFFECTS EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US) or LTK’s alleged financial mismanagement (affecting only a few hundred HUDC residents) ? Politics is a dirty game, I admit. But I rather vote for the lesser of 2 evils if you get my drift
Yes,PAP’s internet brigade at work 24 hours non-stop , using tax-payers’ monies to spread the smears and attack favourite wedsite of netizens like Temasek Review.
Temasek Holdings have lost billions of dollars in investments , but their actual loss and accounts are never made public. Where is transpaency and accountability ?
Just wanna thank the smear team of a certain party. Been talking to neutral voter friends about voting for the opposition. After they saw this lastest smear thing, they wanna vote for opposition. Thanks a lot, you guys saved a lot of time for me.
Let’s have more smear campaigns, please.
Pathetic turds, that’s what they are. Check our history (not the official bullshit but the British archive records and history written by others) and it will reveal to what level these people have sunk to save their own ass and it does not surprise me one bit. One great leader even suggested that a riot be started so that he can achieve his political ambition. He did not care that people would be killed or injured. What do expect from these people, honour, my ass.
Typical smear tactics from the PAP. This is getting more and more out of hand. In the past, they only do it once per election. This time, they did it 3 times (Vincent, CSJ and Low). The funny thing is they targeted CSJ with the false “protest march” story even though he is not even a candidate in this election.
Let’s see how Low handles this. If he handles this well, he wins Aljunied and possibly even East Coast. He needs to turn the tables on PAP by rousing public anger regarding this smear campaign. If he doesn’t handle this well, he could lose everything.
Low is finished! If he can’t even come clean and give us proper answers, then how are we supposed to trust him when he says that the government must be transparent? Then why is WP not being transparent about the gross mismanagement of Hougang TC? More importantly, if they can’t even manage a SMC properly, how are they going to manage a GRC?
Lim Hwee Hua should get her party to provide answers to the innumerouse questions by Singaporeans about the transparency and accountability for zillions of issues, including losing billions of taxpayers money, overspending of the YOG budget without any positive results, and god know what.
Who is Lim Hwee Hua to question WP when her party cannot even stand upright to answer the people.. another tactic to distract from the main issues… Singaporeans want to be represented in parliament in the right proportion, and not according to the gerrymandered GRC system, to be heard, and not labeled, daft, lesser mortals, and god knows what else.
The whole video reeks of typical “poison pen”. If this matter is really brewing for 2 months, why wasn’t it brought up earlier? The person who crafted this video obviously wants to inflict maximum damage like the “gay agenda” issue brought up by VB and the accusation of CSJ behaviour at his party rally. The last two accusations have been discredited so is it any wonder that people think this is another smear?
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Dear Nani,
You may have a point in terms of reporting flair. But you are making pointed accusations yourself.
regards
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By the way, I find that Nigel Tan’s writing is very biased and one-sided. Why is he suggesting that this is a smear campaign? Isn’t he, as a journalist, supposed to be neutral and not take sides? When Bryna Sim pointed out that Dr Chee tried to organize a protest march, there was a huge uproar and people slammed her. But when Nigel Tan says PAP is executing a smear campaign, people support this. Why the double standards? Where is the balanced reporting? Nigel Tan should also look into the facts and verify whether there was any wrong doing on the part of Mr Low. Singaporeans (especially Hougang and Aljunied residents) deserve to know!!!!!
nani, here are the facts. The reason why the TNP is slammed for making reports about Dr Chee conducting a protest march, is because Dr Chee was not having any sort of protest march in the first place. I have said this many times before but you don’t seem to be able to get this into your head, so I will say this again, Dr Chee was not holding any sort of protest march during the SDP campaign rally. It’s been almost three years since Dr Chee ever held a protest march. This is the reason why the TNP is being slammed by netizens, because they are engaging in gutter journalism. Nigel is correct in reporting the facts. Again, I will say again that I am not against the press printing anti-opposition news, and I agree with you that the residents of Hougang and Aljunied have the right to know if Mr Low’s been doing anything wrong. What people are against is gutter journalism where news editors print out half-truths and outright lies.
I think all of you need to calm down and look at the whole picture logically and calmly. What is wrong with raising questions of this nature? Didn’t Mr Low himself say that he believes in transparency? If so, why is he not being transparent with his accounts? Does he have something to hide? Or perhaps, as Mrs Lim Hwee Hua said, his accounts are in a big mess and he is just waiting for the next MP to sort it out? This is the kind of calibre that opposition MPs have. We had better seriously consider if we want to vote this kind of people into Parliament. They are out to further their own selfish ambitions at all costs, which ultimately leads to Singaporeans suffering.
As a PAP lapdog you’ve got no rights to talk about transparency! Where are the accounts of our national reserves? Everyone knew that foreign press reported about the huge losses in investments. These are our money, when are we going to be told what are the actual losses?
The PAP have already led the people of Singapore into a life of suffering. They introduced several screwed-up housing, healthcare and immigration policies which turned our lives upside down. The demographics of Singapore is now barely recognisable, the cost of healthcare and housing is rapidly unaffordable. That is why I support the idea of having opposition members voted into parliament, they can wake the PAP up to the real issues that are facing Singaporeans. If PAP continues to dominate the parliament, our lives will deteoriate even further.
They are being silly – the more they do this, the more they make me want to vote for the alternate party – because they are playing dirty and I don’t want a dirty government.
its rather funny. im o.e of the resident in eunosville and we are against privatisation of our hudc flat until we are force to do so . still in progress now. i wonder how come this idiot die die want to privatise his properties? halo freind other than guards sitting at the entrance of each gate there are no other amenities you can consider a full condo idiot. this must be pappy doing who else will.
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typical PAPsmear tactics. you would think that singaporeans would have wisened up to this bullshit by now. seems like PAP will do everything in its power to ensure that it has 100% of the seats so that they can pass any legislation they like and avoid any difficult questions. the battle for aljunied is really crucial. either we have 5 WP in parliament or we have none.
This is horrible and the timing is horrible. Will we see PM Lee, MM Lee all coming out with full guns blazing in the next few days attacking LTK’s character? This is standard practice for PAP. Plus they have this ‘cooling off day’ now where they can make comments to the press but the opposition has no chance to rebutt anything. This could be really damaging.
This is disgusting. Yet more smear campaigns. When will this ever stop? I agree that the video looks too professional for it to have been produced by a disgruntled resident. The timing of the video’s release is also very suspicious, similar to the video on Dr Vincent. In both cases the video was posted by a user with no other previous postings, and who signed up for YouTube accounts on the same day. This is PAP’s internet brigade at work. GUTTER POLITICS! Hopefully the residents of Aljunied will not fall for such nonsense and that this will once again backfire on the PAP. However I have a feeling that the PAP will escalate this issue in the mainstream media in the next few days and cause LTK to lose credibility. Then we will really have 87-0 PAP clean sweep. Disaster for Singapore. We have to do EVERYTHING we can to prevent this.