Election Roti-prata
http://www.todayonline.com/articles/115497.asp
While few would give the relatively inexperienced WP team a chance against the Prime Minister, Mr Lee, who is facing a contest in his ward for the first time since 1988, said: "I'm taking it quite seriously. Otherwise I would not be here."
When asked if his opponents might lose their deposits, Mr Lee said: "We'll try our best to make sure it costs them some money."
Candidates who get less than 12.5 per cent of the vote lose their $13,500 deposit.
On one hand, the Government says we need active citizenry, people who are willing to step forward and serve, with sincerity, conviction and passion. But they forgot to add "with money" as well, for on the flipside, if these sincere, convicted, passionate-and first-timer-candidates from the WP in AMK score less than 12.5% of the vote against the formidable PM, they lose their $13,500. Like that how to encourage people to step forward? And in future who will dare challenge PM? So next time if they got someone of dubious character, like that ex-PAP MP who said that walking into Serangoon Road on Sunday was like a black-out because it was so dark, all they need to do is to put him in PM's GRC, and no matter how shady or dodgey, he'll be in.
If the Government really wants people to have the courage to step forward and serve, why must put down $13,500? WP's team is determined and serious, no doubt, but for a first-timer team to score 12.5% against the PM himself is highly unlikely enough, and honestly, given the circumstances, even if they score just 10% of the vote, I think they would have fought a good fight.
sed quis custodiet ipsos custodes
[X-posted to sg_ljers]
While few would give the relatively inexperienced WP team a chance against the Prime Minister, Mr Lee, who is facing a contest in his ward for the first time since 1988, said: "I'm taking it quite seriously. Otherwise I would not be here."
When asked if his opponents might lose their deposits, Mr Lee said: "We'll try our best to make sure it costs them some money."
Candidates who get less than 12.5 per cent of the vote lose their $13,500 deposit.
On one hand, the Government says we need active citizenry, people who are willing to step forward and serve, with sincerity, conviction and passion. But they forgot to add "with money" as well, for on the flipside, if these sincere, convicted, passionate-and first-timer-candidates from the WP in AMK score less than 12.5% of the vote against the formidable PM, they lose their $13,500. Like that how to encourage people to step forward? And in future who will dare challenge PM? So next time if they got someone of dubious character, like that ex-PAP MP who said that walking into Serangoon Road on Sunday was like a black-out because it was so dark, all they need to do is to put him in PM's GRC, and no matter how shady or dodgey, he'll be in.
If the Government really wants people to have the courage to step forward and serve, why must put down $13,500? WP's team is determined and serious, no doubt, but for a first-timer team to score 12.5% against the PM himself is highly unlikely enough, and honestly, given the circumstances, even if they score just 10% of the vote, I think they would have fought a good fight.
sed quis custodiet ipsos custodes
[X-posted to sg_ljers]