PAP's Hen Fires Salvo At WP's Chen Show Mao

[Johorat]

PAP salvo targets Workers' Party 'star' Chen

Ng Eng Hen queries his ability to identify with aspirations of S'poreans

By Teo Cheng Wee & Robin Chan

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/i...LURBS19-6EW.jpg

 

THE People's Action Party (PAP) has called on the Workers' Party (WP) to tell voters if its candidate Chen Show Mao can identify with the aspirations of Singaporeans, in what analysts see as the first salvo fired by the ruling party at what has been billed as the WP's 'star catch' ahead of the general election. (GNN PAP themselves dun even know mee siam got no hum)

 

The PAP's organising secretary, Dr Ng Eng Hen, has written to The Straits Times Forum Page to criticise the WP for not answering directly why Mr Chen, 50, is choosing to enter politics now, after having spent some 40 years of his life overseas. (then what, stay in spore and be a YES man?)

 

'His entire career has been as a corporate lawyer in the United States and China. His wife and children do not live in Singapore. He now turns up and asks Singaporeans to elect him as a Member of Parliament.(Zero of the 84 PAP MP can even get a job near to his, sour-grape)

 

'Surely voters have a right to know from the Workers' Party if such a candidate can identify with the aspirations of Singaporeans and has a stake in our future? These questions should not be brushed aside and deserve a direct answer,' wrote Dr Ng. (people server NS, unlike Khaw who siam NS)

 

The letter comes in the wake of two others to the Forum Page. Mr Benjamin Chow, in a letter published last Thursday, said that while the return of a fellow citizen to share his expertise is always welcome, he was wary of those who choose to return 'when the pickings are ripe'.

 

WP chief Low Thia Khiang refuted Mr Chow the next day, saying Mr Chen 'is at the peak of his career and has nothing to gain being on an opposition ticket'.

 

In his letter, Dr Ng contrasted the WP's lack of clarity to the PAP's own approach of getting its candidates to answer openly.

 

He cited the examples of Dr Janil Puthucheary and Ms Foo Mee Har, both former Malaysians, who were asked about their being new citizens when they were first introduced as PAP candidates.

 

'They answered directly to allow voters to judge their motives and sincerity,' said Dr Ng.

 

'They and their families have made Singapore their home for the last 10 and 21 years respectively, working and living here.'

 

Taiwan-born Mr Chen, who did national service here before becoming a Singapore citizen, declined comment when contacted yesterday. He said he would reply after seeing the published letter.

 

He has, however, said in an earlier interview with The Straits Times that he is relocating back to Singapore for good and intends to buy property here.

 

He said he would contest the next election if he did not win this round.

 

Former Nominated MP Siew Kum Hong sees the PAP salvo as an indication the party views Mr Chen as a credible threat, while Singapore Management University (SMU) Assistant Professor Eugene Tan calls it a 'pre-emptive ruse to place the issue in people's minds'.

 

Observers note that this is not the first time the PAP is making an issue of election candidates living overseas.

 

In 2007, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong criticised the WP's Aljunied team for going 'Awol' after the general election the year before.

 

Among them were Mr James Gomez and Mr Tan Wui-Hua, who both left after the election to work overseas.

 

Institute of Policy Studies senior research fellow Gillian Koh said different parties have to decide for themselves what kind of overseas candidates they want.

 

In his letter, Dr Ng noted that potential PAP candidates who have been working overseas for many years are advised to first come back and 're-establish their roots', by moving back with their families, working here and getting to know the local issues first.

 

Analysts also note the timing of Dr Ng's letter, which they say suggests the general election is very near.

 

National University of Singapore sociologist Tan Ern Ser called it a 'good move', as opposition parties are likely to question the 'Singaporean-ness' of PAP candidates who are new citizens.

 

'It is better to fire the first salvo, going on the offensive and putting others on the defensive, than to be shot at and be put on the defensive.

 

'What's more, the salvo is aimed at, I believe, the WP's 'A' team,' he said.

 

Sources have said that Mr Chen is likely to be fielded in Aljunied GRC, together with WP chairman Sylvia Lim and three others.

 

SMU's Prof Tan expressed concern that if the issue of Mr Chen's overseas stay is played up too much, it could prove divisive and also play up unnecessary fears in Singapore politics.

[Ahtong]

In the 1st place, does team thunder have the ability to identify with S'porean commoners?

[Yahgo22]

He cited the examples of Dr Janil Puthucheary and Ms Foo Mee Har, both former Malaysians, who were asked about their being new citizens when they were first introduced as PAP candidates.

 

'They answered directly to allow voters to judge their motives and sincerity,' said Dr Ng.

 

 

 

Har, say again pls.

 

Sincerity?

Edited April 19, 2011 by Yahgo22

[LoverofCar]

Why he never answered the question...that Fool me huh and Ah neh don't become citizen even after so many years in Singapore? They are not sure whether they want to remain in Singapore? only now want to be a MP then become a citizen....stupid right? At least Chen is a citizen since 1986......if he have a better job opportunity in China or else where, of course he will work there ....the main point here is he is a citizen since 1986..AND HE SERVED NS .......How can that 2 fools compare by just staying in singapore as a PR?....they are still malaysian for the last 10 and 21 years.......this Hen know what he is talking about or not?

Edited April 19, 2011 by LoverofCar

[Unidentified]

with avatar like yours,its scary.

[Good-Carbuyer]

PAP salvo targets Workers' Party 'star' Chen

Ng Eng Hen queries his ability to identify with aspirations of S'poreans

By Teo Cheng Wee & Robin Chan

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/i...LURBS19-6EW.jpg

 

THE People's Action Party (PAP) has called on the Workers' Party (WP) to tell voters if its candidate Chen Show Mao can identify with the aspirations of Singaporeans, in what analysts see as the first salvo fired by the ruling party at what has been billed as the WP's 'star catch' ahead of the general election. (GNN PAP themselves dun even know mee siam got no hum)

 

The PAP's organising secretary, Dr Ng Eng Hen, has written to The Straits Times Forum Page to criticise the WP for not answering directly why Mr Chen, 50, is choosing to enter politics now, after having spent some 40 years of his life overseas. (then what, stay in spore and be a YES man?)

 

'His entire career has been as a corporate lawyer in the United States and China. His wife and children do not live in Singapore. He now turns up and asks Singaporeans to elect him as a Member of Parliament.(Zero of the 84 PAP MP can even get a job near to his, sour-grape)

 

'Surely voters have a right to know from the Workers' Party if such a candidate can identify with the aspirations of Singaporeans and has a stake in our future? These questions should not be brushed aside and deserve a direct answer,' wrote Dr Ng. (people server NS, unlike Khaw who siam NS)

 

The letter comes in the wake of two others to the Forum Page. Mr Benjamin Chow, in a letter published last Thursday, said that while the return of a fellow citizen to share his expertise is always welcome, he was wary of those who choose to return 'when the pickings are ripe'.

 

WP chief Low Thia Khiang refuted Mr Chow the next day, saying Mr Chen 'is at the peak of his career and has nothing to gain being on an opposition ticket'.

 

In his letter, Dr Ng contrasted the WP's lack of clarity to the PAP's own approach of getting its candidates to answer openly.

 

He cited the examples of Dr Janil Puthucheary and Ms Foo Mee Har, both former Malaysians, who were asked about their being new citizens when they were first introduced as PAP candidates.

 

'They answered directly to allow voters to judge their motives and sincerity,' said Dr Ng.

 

'They and their families have made Singapore their home for the last 10 and 21 years respectively, working and living here.'

 

Taiwan-born Mr Chen, who did national service here before becoming a Singapore citizen, declined comment when contacted yesterday. He said he would reply after seeing the published letter.

 

He has, however, said in an earlier interview with The Straits Times that he is relocating back to Singapore for good and intends to buy property here.

 

He said he would contest the next election if he did not win this round.

 

Former Nominated MP Siew Kum Hong sees the PAP salvo as an indication the party views Mr Chen as a credible threat, while Singapore Management University (SMU) Assistant Professor Eugene Tan calls it a 'pre-emptive ruse to place the issue in people's minds'.

 

Observers note that this is not the first time the PAP is making an issue of election candidates living overseas.

 

In 2007, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong criticised the WP's Aljunied team for going 'Awol' after the general election the year before.

 

Among them were Mr James Gomez and Mr Tan Wui-Hua, who both left after the election to work overseas.

 

Institute of Policy Studies senior research fellow Gillian Koh said different parties have to decide for themselves what kind of overseas candidates they want.

 

In his letter, Dr Ng noted that potential PAP candidates who have been working overseas for many years are advised to first come back and 're-establish their roots', by moving back with their families, working here and getting to know the local issues first.

 

Analysts also note the timing of Dr Ng's letter, which they say suggests the general election is very near.

 

National University of Singapore sociologist Tan Ern Ser called it a 'good move', as opposition parties are likely to question the 'Singaporean-ness' of PAP candidates who are new citizens.

 

'It is better to fire the first salvo, going on the offensive and putting others on the defensive, than to be shot at and be put on the defensive.

 

'What's more, the salvo is aimed at, I believe, the WP's 'A' team,' he said.

 

Sources have said that Mr Chen is likely to be fielded in Aljunied GRC, together with WP chairman Sylvia Lim and three others.

 

SMU's Prof Tan expressed concern that if the issue of Mr Chen's overseas stay is played up too much, it could prove divisive and also play up unnecessary fears in Singapore politics.

I wonder if the Elites are trying to find out where is Singapore? Who are Singaporeans?

[Itsec]

Why he never answered the question...that Fool me huh and Ah neh don't become citizen even after so many years in Singapore? They are not sure whether they want to remain in Singapore? only now want to be a MP then become a citizen....stupid right? At least Chen is a citizen since 1986......if he have a better job opportunity in China or else where, of course he will work there ....the main point here is he is a citizen since 1986..AND HE SERVED NS .......How can that 2 fools compare by just staying in singapore as a PR?....they are still malaysian for the last 10 and 21 years.......this Hen know what he is talking about or not?

 

 

like it or not...that's the current breed of PAP we have...

[Karu]

The Pappies are even worse, they've been in S'pore all these years but still dunno or choose not to know about what's going on in the grounds!!

[Curahee]

Chen go oversea work for many yrs, what he can bring to spore r new ideas and experience, these types of thing MIW have or not?

[Chengwh492]

Old Hen, there is no need to trouble your goodself in firing blanks at Chen. Why no need?

 

No need to fire at Chen Show Mao because he knows the flag color is "red and white" and NOT "white and white".

Edited April 19, 2011 by Chengwh492

[Tigerwoods]

I though Potongcherry from India ??

[Forrestcat]

He cited the examples of Dr Janil Puthucheary and Ms Foo Mee Har, both former Malaysians, who were asked about their being new citizens when they were first introduced as PAP candidates.

 

'They answered directly to allow voters to judge their motives and sincerity,' said Dr Ng.

 

Har, say again pls.

 

Sincerity?

 

Does he know the feeling of digging a trench & shellscrape?

What about powder baths during outfield & 24km roadmarch.... ?

Every Singaporean Son:

[Vooth]

I always felt Hen is arrogant everytime I see him open his mouth...my assumptions only hor....

[Yahgo22]

This lady began life as head of contact centre (customer service) for SCB. Her constant lunch and coffee break partner was her boss and head of consumer banking. The only other person she goes out for lunch is with the Head of HR. Clearly we are looking at an ambitious but not too smart individual. A good dresser with expensive taste in clothes even in that junior role, I am not sure how she will fit the bill of an MP who cares for her ward.

 

By the way, her hubby has little clue what has been going on.

 

I find it hard that PAP can't even find appropriate talent. Maybe its time for Lim Kim San to rise from the dead and old man to stop galavanting around the world and do the selection.

I have had the misfortune of working with this person in the bank. If you do not help her in climbing the corporate ladder, you only get to speak to the secretary.

 

She is decked out in Chanel suits, drives a big car, makes large bonuses by talking, what would she know about the poor and the helpless?

 

From 15, she has been in boarding school. A malaysian who can go overseas, clearly a priveleged life. What would she know about the heartlanders?

 

Did she get to be a "banker" by doing what she knows? Nope. It is about what you say, what you wear and who you talk to that makes you a big banker.

 

I fell off my chair when I saw her in the papers. The government has finally shown that it is all about the superficial that they are keen in. What is real and genuine is all talk!

 

It is the woe of Singaporeans when she is part of PAP. We have finally reached the beginning of the end...

 

 

 

 

 

Google her name and found the above.

 

Guess the writer could be her ex colleage

 

At Tin loves Kate Spade

 

Ah Har loves Chanel.

 

Sekali Ah Nei loves Prada.

Edited April 19, 2011 by Yahgo22

[Karu]

I always felt Hen is arrogant everytime I see him open his mouth...my assumptions only hor....

 

 

Agree... He's got one of those "come bash me" face!!!

[Jeff49er]

Strange, once upon a time Singaporeans are encouraged to have regional exposure and I am sure the policy still remains the same. Or I got my understanding wrong - companies can venture overseas but not individuals ?

 

Chen has served NS and didnt give up his citizenship. Fool Me Huh and Potongcherry never serve army, granted the former is a lady, both turned Singaporean not long ago.

 

I am excited about Chen becos he brings in substance to the WP and the election.

Edited April 19, 2011 by Jeff49er

[LoverofCar]

ASK THAT FOO ME HAR TO EXPLAIN WHY HER HUBBY WAS SUED FOR BANKRUPTCY?.....she never answer to that directly ....! Edited April 19, 2011 by LoverofCar

[Pokyman]

guys no need to be so upset... Tick where it comes on the day lah ... dun tcss nia