This extract is from a speech by Chee Soon Juan delivered recently at a National University of Singapore Society forum. Click on the extract for the full speech:
Ah James, this is my post GE analysis for you. Just giving my two cents worth.
Speech from you is excellent and connects with the people well. It is good that dialects will use minimally. I have always encouraged that. You've stayed focus on the policies and did not allow the now famous "Gomezgate" affect you in anyway.
You have made yourself known (for all the wrong reasons though) and is seen by the supporters as the "Dark Horse". Well, every election there is always one maverick around to piss the PAP off and in this GE, you sure did your part. You can now join ranks with F.Seow, JBJ, Tang LH, Chee SJ. Well done!!!
I have predicted that your team will win by at least by 55% but it turned out the other way round partly because of the last minute strategy and a desperate one by George Yeo.
Another factor would be as you may know by now are the Malay voters. It would appear WP have not develop any strategy in their campaign to reach out to these voters. WP line up of the malay candidates for the next GE should have tie-ups with some malay organisations or alternatively, recruit more malay volunteers to reach out to this people. For that to happen, WP if resources are avaliable is to set up a self help group for them. As the malay issues are sensitive, WP really need somebody from the ground to understand them better. As it is, the party projects a very chinese oriented image. This has got to change.
I am sure that you will have no trouble getting yourself known in the next GE. In fact, the people will want to see more of you and what 'stunts' you are going to pull next. It is important to made oneself known through controversy and you know that. Controversy sells.
Also take note that some jokers might try to potray you as having a jolly good time in Sweden although you are holding down an international job. So you have to manage this.
I can only sum up this much for now as most of the post mortems would have already been done by others.
Regional NGOs (non-governmental organisations) lack proper responses to human rights issues in Singapore, said a media and political activist during a discussion held at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand on 16 May 2006. James Gomez, who was also an electoral candidate from the opposition Workers’ Party in Singapore, presented his observations and analysis at an informal discussion session in the Bangkok venue. This was attended by representatives from FORUM-ASIA, SEAPA (Southeast Asian Press Alliance), other organisations and journalists.
“Regional NGOs need to respond in a coordinated, timely and competent manner, and they need to show more interest,” said Gomez, referring to the recent Singapore parliamentary elections and the case involving himself in its aftermath.
Gomez was detained by the Singaporean authorities as he was about to leave the country after the elections, following a complaint by the Elections Department that he had intimidated and threatened some of its staff. This was due to an incident arising from an administrative foul-up in his dealings with the department, which was “blown out of proportion” by Singapore’s mainstream media and made into an election issue by the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP). Charges were dropped against Gomez after about a week, and he was allowed to leave the country. He spent a few days in Bangkok to hold meetings with several organisations, en-route to Sweden where he works as a researcher.
Although a few regional NGOs sent representatives separately to observe and monitor the Singapore elections, the lack of appropriately strong responses from regional NGOs led Gomez to question the efficacy of regional organisations such as human rights and press freedom groups. “What is the human rights focus of these groups and how much of a priority is Singapore for human rights issues in the region?” He asked.
He emphasised that there will be a growing “buzz of political party activity” because civil society organisations are weak or almost non-existent in Singapore, so regional NGOs should increase their monitoring of human rights violations committed in particular against individuals from Singapore’s Opposition parties.
Ruki Fernando from FORUM-ASIA said that Singapore needs more activists like James Gomez to stir up public and regional interest, as well as more time to develop this interest. Roby Alampay from SEAPA said that his organisation cannot work with the government-dominated traditional media in Singapore, but sees potential with new media, for example bloggers – people who have personal websites on the internet.
“We can work with bloggers, but they need to have the courage to come out on their own as well,” said Alampay. “Momentum has to come from Singaporean bloggers, and we also need to see trends and progress.”
Lance Woodruff from Thai news agency MCOT said most regional NGOs and civil society organisations do not do much on Singapore not because of a lack of interest or concern. Instead, he said, there is a common perception based on the authorities’ reputation for restrictions: “‘They won’t allow you to do anything anyway, so why bother [to cover Singapore]?’”
Singapore has been ruled by the PAP since its independence in 1965. It is considered a “one-party” or “dominant-party” state, and the recent elections returned the PAP to power on the polling day, 6 May 2006. The Opposition retained its previous two out of 84 seats and did not gain any more seats in parliament.
Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) is a membership-based regional human rights organization in Asia and presently, it has 31 member organizations in 13 countries in Asia. It was founded following a consultation among human rights and development NGOs in Asia held in Manila in December 1991. Its regional Secretariat has been located in Bangkok, Thailand since 1994.
Rebecca Henschke, a Producer for the World View programme for SBS Radio, was among the media gathered at the police cantonment complex on that first day, May 7, when Gomez was questioned by the police for 8 hours.
Here's an audio of one of the episodes titled Democracy in Singapore, Part 1. Among the individuals she spoke to are J B Jeyaretnam; Gomez & Catherine Lim.
The following press statement was sent to the media today evening:
After spending Mother's Day and having lunch with his mother on Sunday 14th May 2006, James Gomez left that evening for Bangkok.
He got straight back to work today (Monday, 15th May 2006) with several closed door meetings with various regional organisations in Thailand.
James will continue to remain engaged with the Workers' Party and he will focus on two issues.
One, he will be monitoring whether the PAP policies to tackle issues of structural unemployment are actually effective.
Two, he will review how young Singaporeans are being catered for in the new global economy by PAP policies.
He expects his work at the global level to give him wider exposure to international and regional governance mechanisms. Which he hopes to bring back to Singapore.
In terms of constitutency focus, James will remain committed to Aljunied GRC, subject to the Workers' Party decision and changes to electoral boundaries.
He will leave for Stockholm, Sweden on Wednesday. Upon arrival in Stockholm he has a full workload awaiting.
AFTER the long hours of police interviews, after the dark clouds of possible police charges, there was only one person Mr James Gomez wanted to speak to.
AFTER the long hours of police interviews, after the dark clouds of possible police charges, there was only one person Mr James Gomez wanted to speak to.
He called his mum as soon as police told him he was free.
'She was very happy and relieved,' Mr James Gomez, 41, told The New Paper, just hours after he was let off with a 'stern warning' following a week-long police investigation into the now infamous Gomezgate saga.
'Her first reaction was she's going to cook more food for me!'
His mother, Madam Mary Cecily, is a 66-year-old housewife and a widow. Her husband, former unionist Thomas Vincent Gomez, died in 2000.
Mr James Gomez also has a younger brother, 37, who works for Neptune Orient Lines.
(James Gomez's parents/TNP)
Stopped from leaving
The Workers' Party second assistant secretary-general was stopped from leaving Singapore by police last Sunday following a complaint by the Elections Department the day before.
The police then began their probe into offences of criminal intimidation, giving false information and using threatening words and behaviour.
After three rounds of police interviews - each lasting between three and eight hours - his passport was yesterday returned to him, and the matter, as he put it, is 'closed'.
He could have been fined up to $5,000 or jailed up to a year if he had been prosecuted and found guilty.
With Mother's Day tomorrow, it was a perfectly timed 'gift' for the family, he said.
'From an emotional point of view, the person affected most (by the investigation) was my mum. So I essentially spent as much time as I could with her, having lunch with her and so on.
'She's a little elderly, so she gets nervous about these things,' said Mr Gomez.
That's why one of the first things he did after leaving the police station was to go home, hug her and have a 'nice meal' with her.
'With Mother's Day on Sunday, she couldn't be happier. We'll have a family lunch and our usual dinner, with my brother as well... Basically like all Christian and Catholic families, we're very close.
'That's also one of the reasons why I won't be going back to Sweden just yet.'
Mr Gomez, a founding member of civil society group the Think Centre, started work as a political analyst at Stockholm-based pro-democracy think-tank International IDEA (Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance) just six weeks ago.
He said after he told his bosses about the police's all-clear, their message was: Go enjoy your weekend in Singapore first, then fly back to work early next week.
He declined to let us interview Madam Cecily.
Throughout the election campaign Mr Gomez was spotted with only his party colleagues.
What he did say coolly and calmly was, on a personal level, his so-called ordeal the past fortnight hadn't made him any worse for wear.
Despite being under such heavy public and media scrutiny, he stressed: 'I was still focused on party matters, dealing with post-electoral administration, meeting helpers and supporters.
'I was even able to sign up a new member who might be a likely candidate.'
He said he was grateful for all the e-mail wishes and messages of support he'd received from both Singaporeans and foreigners in blogs, chatlines and forums.
'I'm touched by their support and generosity. It was overwhelming, certainly a morale booster for me. But otherwise, in keeping with my personal character, I was calm and focused and took things one day at a time.'
While he looks forward to Mother's Day tomorrow, he said he would spend today doing his usual 'political work'.
Will controversy keep tailing him wherever he goes?
One thing for sure is that the man himself - both the political and personal side of him - is always full of surprises.
Including one for mum tomorrow: 'At some point when the weather's much warmer in Sweden, I'd like to have her over for a couple of weeks. She's never been to Sweden, and I've just got this job. So everything is new.'
James Gomez says he does not intend to sue Minister Mentor, Channel NewsAsia, 13 May 2006, 2220hrs. Photo by JG Blog.
Mr James Gomez says he does not plan to sue Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
He said this when contacted for his response to Minister Mentor Lee's statement on Friday.
He added that he plans to celebrate Mother's Day with his family on Sunday before returning to Sweden for work early next week.
Mr Gomez, Second Assistant Secretary-General, Workers' Party, said: "I've also been brought up with values where my parents told me to be gracious and kind and that's the way I am. And as far as the party is concerned, we're not the suing type. So I don't think l have anything more to add. I have moved on." - CNA/ch
Messages of support, relief and congratulations pour in
Emails, SMSes, etc expressing support, relief & congratulations have been pouring in since news broke yesterday of Gomez being let off with a warning by the police. Here are some of those messages:
Dear James,
Thanks to the Divine for answering our prayers for you, you are finally safe. You remain a great person with magnanimity despite character assasination attempts by your political opponents. You manifest political grace in the face of the onslaught by the mighty ruling power. This shows that you are highly effective in your role to speak up for Singaporeans because history has shown that the ruling power always tried to silent those who dare to speak up and have the support of the masses. You are exemplary of the behaviour of politicians in a First World should display. May God bless you.
Teck Dear Gomez
I strongly believe that you have put up an excellent fight with honour, integrity and style. In fact the entire Worker’s party members deserve to be applauded!
As for your arrest at the airport, I am totally shocked beyond words!
I believe in a source far greater than what we have in this nation. I have personally witnessed a miracle in my life when my child went missing. I know what it feels like to be at the receiving end of injustice. My heart goes out to you and to all the opposition members who risk everything to be the people’s voice. I am thankful for all of you and someday wish to be of some other form of help other than the vote that I give you.
You have my prayers and support.
Best Regards CK Dear James
Glad to hear that the police have released you with a warning. My kids and I have been praying for you.
I am also glad to hear that you have not stooped to same level of those who called you a "liar". If you did, then you would be no better than them. Now these people really look stupid.
God Bless! and Majulah Singapura, S.A Hi James...
Just wanna drop a short note to say CONGRATULATIONS! You have been vindicated! You held your head up high and faced vile and vicious accusations - AND COME OUT ON TOP!
We're all EXTREMELY happy for you!
Keep the faith and HAMMER ON !
Andrew Dear Mr Gomez
Really so relieved for you! God Bless. Thank you for trying to make this a better place.
Rgds Cindy Hi James,
Remember us?.....We are the friends who met up with you and the rest at the coffeeshop in Serangoon Gardens and who gave you the encouragement to fight against the mighty goliath that is showing signs of wobbling knees and pains in the joints. Well, we are glad to hear that they cannot find any case against you as it is gross injustice but merely vindictiveness. On behalf of the group we say..keep it up! Oh by the way, we want to contact either Sylvia or Mr. Low as we want to moot the possibility of forming a committee in Serangoon Gardens to help the WP in disseminate information, sell the Hammer newsletter, etc. Please let us know if this is a good idea as we found from the last GE that you all have supporters over here but they are unable to be reached.
Thank You Johnny Hi Gomez
My name is Chwee and just want to say hi to you and happy that you are being released. Wish you all the best and may God bless you and family.
Rgds, Chwee Hi James,
Glad to learn that you’d been let off with a warning. Best Wishes!
Regards, Yu K.W. hi James, Sylvia & Mr. Low,
please don't ever fall into what I believe - the PAP trap.
the police has closed the case & James got his warning. chapter is closed.
but the PAP don't want to see this chapter close! & this is actually their intention from the beginning of the whole saga.
MM Lee has sort of brushed aside the police closure & repeat his name-calling. It is a trap to get James into court.
Singapore has voted & they don't care whether Gomez is a liar or not. Let it be. Nobody is perfect.
With 33.4% or almost more than one-third of the whole electoral Singapore against him, do you think PM Lee is telling the sincere truth that he is SATISFIED with the results?
Your party has done well in this election. And it is really right in the interests of your supporters & Singapore that WP moves on from here & continually to move upwards.
But the old man will not just go away. And the media is so willing to repeat his call. So my advice is to listen from one end into your ear & purge out through the other.
Your admirer, Lim Dear Mr James Gomez,
I write to you with a concern after listening to the news about MM Lee's words to the press about the recent issues involving you and the elections committee.
Just a point of view from me. As far as I am concerned, you have already done your part to explain and to apologise. So, move on and don't get caught in the same web with anyone.
My best regards Tan Dear James,
I am an ardent supporter of you and your party, we believe in you and continue to do the right thing for Singapore.
We desperately need more folks like you.
You know you've got a solid following after the recent GE, keep the momentum, spirit and fire going, the tides are changing...the tides are changing
Continue to trust in the Lord and seek His Wisdom daily in all you do. Proverbs 3:5,6. and fear not for He is with you.
The 4th session with the police ended in 10mins. Gomez was given a "stern warning" by the police. He later held a press conference at the food court at Holland Village at 6pm to brief the media. The following report is by Channel News Asia (CNA). Photos by Jacob: WP's Gomez let off with stern warning in run-in with Elections Dept by Valerie Tan, 12 May'06
Workers' Party member James Gomez has been let off with a stern warning for threatening an Elections Department officer, ending a three-week-long saga.
Police said on Friday that after reviewing the evidence, the Public Prosecutor was satisfied that Mr Gomez had committed the offence of using threatening words towards a public servant.
The offence would have been punishable with a fine of up to $5,000, or a jail term of up to one year.
But the police decided it would let Mr Gomez go with a warning instead as he had been cooperative and had not committed any criminal offences before.
The saga started over Mr Gomez's application for a minority race certificate before the May 6 polls.
Mr Gomez, who contested in the General Election, had claimed that he had submitted the application at the Elections Department.
But when Elections Department security footage showed that he had instead put those application papers into his bag, Mr Gomez withdrew the claim with an apology.
During the hustings, Mr Gomez, then a candidate contesting in Aljunied GRC, was accused of discrediting the Elections Department.
The Elections Department filed a complaint against Mr Gomez on May 6.
He was then called in by the police for investigations into offences of criminal intimidation.
After three rounds of interviews, the police found Mr Gomez guilty of verbally threatening a public servant.
Mr Gomez had warned an Elections Department officer of "consequences" when the officer could not find his application for a minority certificate.
Under the law, Mr Gomez could have been fined or jailed for the offence. But he was given a stern warning instead.
"Having considered all the circumstance of the case, Mr Gomez's willingness to cooperate with the police and the absence of any previous criminal record, the public prosecutor has decided that a stern warning be administered to Mr James Gomez for the offence," a police statement said. "The matter is now closed....My only signal is to move on, remain focused and get on with the party's work. Speak up for Singaporeans, look at policy issues, I think those have always been my concerns," Mr Gomez said.
These concerns, he added, include unemployment and the cost of living.
On being called a liar by PAP leaders, Mr Gomez said he would not pursue the matter further.
"I think this episode signals what it means to contest in an election....Things happen all over the quarters, you have to manage them, remain calm and you have to press on with the agenda. I think that's the lesson I take away from it," Mr Gomez said.
When Mr Gomez broke the news to his Workers' Party colleagues, Mr Low Thia Khiang and Ms Sylvia Lim, their immediate reaction was 'Let's move on."
That is exactly what Mr Gomez plans to do as well.
Despite getting back his passport, Mr Gomez has no plans to leave Singapore immediately. He is planning to spend the long weekend with his family before returning to Sweden for work. - CNA/ir
I did a search on Singapore Statutes Online with regards to the 3 charges in Gomez's case: criminal intimidation; giving false information and lastly, use of threatening words or behaviour. The following was what I was able to dig up.
In the Penal Code, section 503, on Criminal Intimidation:Whoever threatens another with any injury to his person, reputation or property, or to the person or reputation of any one in whom that person is interested, with intent to cause alarm to that person, or to cause that person to do any act which he is not legally bound to do, or to omit to do any act which that person is legally entitled to do, as the means of avoiding the execution of such threat, commits criminal intimidation.Whoever commits the offence of criminal intimidation shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 2 years, or with fine, or with both.
Also from the Penal Code, section 203, Giving false information respecting an offence committed:Whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that an offence has been committed, gives any information respecting that offence which he knows or believes to be false, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 2 years, or with fine, or with both.
Lastly, from the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act on the use of threatening words or behaviour:13D. —(1) Any person who in a public place or in a private place — (a) uses any indecent, threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards a public servant in the execution of his duty as such public servant; or (b) distributes or displays to a public servant in the execution of his duty as such public servant any writing, sign or other visible representation which is indecent, threatening, abusive or insulting, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year.
Gomez has already been questioned 3 times by the police for a total of about 16 hours on May 7, 9 and 10. They have not contacted him today.
He is still waiting for answers from the police on the 3 questions he had asked them on May 9: When will his passport be returned to him; How long will the investigation last and whether retaining his passport and the investigation are inter-related. On May 10, he was told that his questions have been forwarded to higher management and awaiting reply.
Meanwhile, the online petition in support of Gomez has been gathering pace with close to 2000 signatures at the time of writing.
I would like to thank sgrally06 for this video recording of James Gomez's powerful and memorable speech during the Workers' Party rally in Ang Mo Kio on May 4 2006.
I would like to thank these "citizen journalists" for doing a wonderful job of recording these speeches for everybody to see and listen for themselves.
James Gomez is currently at the Police Cantonment Complex waiting to be questioned again by the police today, May 10.
This will be the third time. On May 7, he was detained at the airport, brought to the Police Cantonment Complex and questioned for 8 hours. On May 9, he was again questioned at the same location for another 5 hours. On both these occassions he was questioned by ASP Christopher Jacob of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Update: Gomez went to the complex about 6.30pm. After a little over 3 hours he emerged from this 3rd round of questioning about 9.45pm.
He has collectively answered about more then 100 questions so far in these 3 sessions with the police with regards to their investigations into 3 charges: criminal intimidation; giving false information; and finally, use of threatening words or behaviour.
At the end of his second interview on 9 May, he had asked the police 3 questions: When will his passport be returned to him?; How long will the investigation last? and Whether retaining his passport and the investigation is inter-related? Today he was told his questions have been forwarded to higher management and is awaiting reply.
The following release was sent out to the media today:
James Gomez was again questioned by the police today, May 9, for 5 hours from after 9.30am by ASP Christopher Jacob. This is in addition to the 8 hours he was questioned by the police on May 7. Gomez was also given a letter which he requested to provide to his employer. (see below)
At the end of the interview, Gomez put three questions to ASP Jacob: When will his passport be returned to him? How long will the investigation last? And whether retaining his passport and the investigation is inter-related? Gomez was told by ASP Jacob that he couldn't give Gomez a time-frame on the investigation at the moment. However, the ASP told him he will follow-up on Gomez's questions.
Gomez also brought to the ASP's attention his concerns with regards to financial and work obligations. Since he was stopped at the airport on 7 May 2006 and brought to the Police Cantonment Complex, he was unable to return to work. His transit trip via Bangkok to Sweden was thus affected and it would not be possible for any refund from the airlines.
Since he is unable to return to work, he faces loss of income as he still has to pay rent charges, utilities bills, etc for his accomodation in Sweden.
James Gomez says he remains committed to giving his fullest co-operation to the investigations and hopes the authorities take into consideration his concerns on financial and work obligations and his need to return to work in Sweden.
This is a second release to the media about 6.20pm: Also in the course of the 5 hour interview today, the police had requested from Gomez a copy of his minority certificate. Gomez gave them a copy along with a letter of authorisation and submission.
9 May 2006
Dear Mr James Gomez
ASSISTANCE REQUIRED IN POLICE INVESTIGATION
Please be informed that Police is presently conducting an investigation into a case reported on 6 May 2006. As the investigations are ongoing, your continued assistance is required.
We acknowledge receipt of your passport which you have voluntarily provided to the Police on 7 May 2006 at 11.30pm.
Should you require any clarification, please contact me at tel: 6XXX-XXXX.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
ASP Christopher Jacob Criminal Investigation Department
For those who aren't familiar with Technorati, its an "authority on what's going on in the world of weblogs" and "a real-time search engine that keeps track of what is going on in the blogosphere — the world of weblogs".
Technorati currently tracks 38.6 million sites and 2.4 billion links...and keeps growing everyday.
Currently, "james gomez" is among Technorati's Top 10 searches. At the time of writing, its at Number 9.
An online petition has been doing its rounds on the Internet. Click the above photo to go to the "Petition In Support of Mr James Gomez and the Workers' Party".
I just wanted to let you know that I'm appalled that you have been detained for questioning by the Elections Dept and the police. I feel that it is really unfair to you as you had already made a public apology. Moreover, you did not make a fuss over the issue of the missing form, neither did you use criminal intimidation. I think this is just a way of silencing you and getting you out of politics, and I'm sad to say, they are making you into a scapegoat now that they've gotten rid of Chee and JBJ. But as I see it, the people of Singapore are NOT stupid and we can see through their petty and high handed tactics. You must be a real threat to them if they are going out of their way to discredit you. So all I can say is: keep up the good work! :)
Just to let you know that you have a lot of support on the ground. Hang in there and I really hope nothing bad happens to you. Sandra
JG Campaign Trail 2006: Day 8 - Hope for the future: Youth
By Roderick Chia
Day 8 rally @ Serangoon Stadium - the last event of the JG Campaign Trail. James' speech at the rally was the most important one for him personally, about how the youth of Singapore are "one of the most important hopes for Singapore's future".
He talked about how there is a rising dislocation among the youth of the country and an "idealism gap" between what the young want and what the PAP wants to deliver, and that the young have begun to awaken from their political apathy.
There is a need not just to win votes, but to win hearts as well.
For more information or to place comments, please email Roderick at rick_162@lycos.com.
Roderick Chia graduated with a Communications Studies degree, majoring in Journalism from the Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. He is currently working as an information and communications coordinator in a regional non-governmental organisation. He is a registered voter in Potong Pasir constituency.
JG Campaign Trail 2006: Day 8 - Ground work round-up
By Roderick Chia
Today is the final day of James' Campaign Trail. The Aljunied team made the rounds at Hougang's Heartland Mall meeting residents and shaking hands. There was also a short press conference after the walkabout. Then it was back to the office to get ready for the rally speeches for the evening.
Meanwhile, in the background, the PAP said that they would "set the James Gomez affair aside for now" and re-focus on the key issues of Singaporeans, and that there would be a "proper public resolution" to the minority certificate saga.
Please see below another email sent from a reader:
Dear James. Sorry to learn that you are PAP's choice of personality for GE 2006. You are right. You have nothing to reply to. You have stated your case and that is it. Are we saying that PAP members are so squeaky clean that they have never made an honest mistake? But do not get sucked in. They are waiting to hit you with a libel suit. Anyways my key point is this: This PAP govt claims it is sole underlying philosohy of governance is MERITOCRACY. Going by this ideal, then when it comes to Upgrading of housing estates, shouldn't merit count? Should not factors such age, condition and demographics be the deciding factors and not petty politics? Also the Upgrading issue shows that the PAP is not interested in maintaining a clean divide between Party and Government. The reserves and surpluses belong to the people who have entrusted them to the Government for management. Hence once PAP forms the govt at an election, it should leave behind its politics and govern according to the very high values that it claims it has set for itself. Central to this is MERITOCRACY. Mockery and Hypocrisy are the words that come to mind when I hear the PAP ministers saying that it right for them to take the people's money and use to reward their supporters!! Please bring this up in your speeches in of course a more concise manner. Thank you. [from HR]
For more information or to place comments, please email Roderick at rick_162@lycos.com.
Roderick Chia graduated with a Communications Studies degree, majoring in Journalism from the Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. He is currently working as an information and communications coordinator in a regional non-governmental organisation. He is a registered voter in Potong Pasir constituency.
JG Campaign Trail 2006: Day 7 - PAP wants to fix the Opposition
By Roderick Chia
During his speech on Day 7 of the JG Campaign Trail, James Gomez rebutted Mr Lee Hsien Loong's statement that he would have to spend all his time "fixing" the opposition if they had 10 to 20 opposition members of parliament. Read below an extract from his speech:
So what is Lee Hsien Loong trying to tell you all? That he cannot handle a larger number of opposition MPs. And that his time will be taken up to “fix” opposition MPs and “buy” the voters’ support and that he not have time at all to think up long term program and policies but be bogged down with short issues.
It very surprising to learn that a new prime minister seeking a mandate in a general election, his first general election as the prime minister, as the leader of his party, is unable to handle opposition MPs in Parliament through debate but instead will spending his time “fixing” them.
Proper parliamentary behaviour in First World countries is to debate opposition MPs not “fix” them. “Fixing” is what they do in Third World countries.
In the meantime...another email from a reader:
I am baffled by the minority certificate issue. In any instance this should not be dwelt on for too long. The beauty of a parliamentary democracy is that it has an in built system to root out bad eggs through the election system.
My grouse is with the PMs speech that said the young Singaporeans' demand for more opposition to keep PAP sharp. The role of the ruling party is not to keep opposition in check - but to continue with the process of governing. The role of the opposition is to engage the ruling party in constructive debate to ensure this process of governing is kept robust. If there is no credible opposition then the government's job is merely administrative. If PAP really wants this administrative democracy for Singapore why go through the sham of elections. Lets just have a referendum every five years - why five, have it every 10 years. While it is conceivable that opposition may be attracted by power and position, please don't try and tell us that PAP is purely altruistic in its motives of defending power and position aggressively.
As ST seems to have discontinued Forum Page - and I have nowhere else to write I have to turn to you!! Would be nice if some opposition leader can mention this. But then again, I think the nuances of this argument will be lost on most Singaporeans. That sadly is the infantile stage of political maturity that Singapore is in thanks to PAP's dominance. [from vidhya]
For more information or to place comments, please email Roderick at rick_162@lycos.com.
Roderick Chia graduated with a Communications Studies degree, majoring in Journalism from the Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. He is currently working as an information and communications coordinator in a regional non-governmental organisation. He is a registered voter in Potong Pasir constituency.
JG Campaign Trail 2006: Day 7 - House visits @ Aljunied GRC
By Roderick Chia
Day 7 of the JG Campaign Trail saw James and the Aljunied team take to the HDB estates of Aljunied GRC in house-to-house visits. The team canvassed votes, asking for the residents' endorsement of the team, as well as that of the younger candidates of the WP in order to encourage them to continue their work.
And as always, the emails continued...
G'Day James, Been following your work from here in Australia, and as I always thought and knew, you are one Hercules of a man. Don't know what this minority certificate is about, been reading about it alot... Honestly.. from your last election try, being forced out due to some incorrect paperwork, it probably is the same ploy being used again. It goes to show, they have no other way of stopping you and your progress..I wish you all the best in the coming Elections...and Hope you WIN.... YOU have my VOTE>>>!!!! A friend, Gerard S
Hi James, This minority certificate incident has baffled me. I've been thinking hard about why the PAP keeps dwelling on this issue when it doesn't look like it's getting them anywhere, and I realised something: To back off now would be to admit that they made a mistake. Now I don't recall that the PAP have ever said they made a mistake over anything and therefore had to apologise. It seems quite unlikely they'll start now, as the PAP can never ever been seen as fallible - warped as this mindset is.
All the best to you! [from Raymond] For more information or to place comments, please email Roderick atrick_162@lycos.com. Roderick Chia graduated with a Communications Studies degree, majoring in Journalism from the Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. He is currently working as an information and communications coordinator in a regional non-governmental organisation. He is a registered voter in Potong Pasir constituency.
"Stop Gomez issues" - that was one sentiment of the crowd at the Nee Soon rally last night on Day 6 of the JG Campaign Trail. James spoke about the importance of First World politics in Singapore in order to have a First World government.
A lot of sympathisers have also expressed their support for him through emails and SMS messages, and he received a very pleasant surprise from a Mdm Siew Ling in the form of a bouquet of flowers. Thank you!
Here are some of the latest batch of emails from readers:
It's good to know that there are actually other Singaporeans who have the presence of mind to see through the below-the-belt tactics by The Whiteshirts. We're still a small group but in time, the numbers will add up as young people become more exposed to new ideas, new methods of doing things and become more critical. [from mr loobz]
Dear James Gomez Please hang on and don't fall for PAP's bait. You're doing well. Only 2 more days to go. [from AMK voter]
It's good to know that JG and the whole of the WP not falling into PAP's traps. Keep on staying true. [from The Calamity Man]
WP = Wayang Party? Should get the workers' party to counter this by saying WP stands for a question for the Pay and Pay. That is WHY PAY?!?! [from Jason]
Hello James, Firstly let me congratulate you on being the most famous face of Singapore presently. People may not know some ministers when we mention their name; however now every Singaporean seems to know you thanks to you know who.
I also would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you being very calm about the whole thing. I beg you to differ from the other oppositions of the past. What's going on is the very famous and old trick of them. They expect you to rebut the accusations so that they can nail you legally. Please do not say anything. Don't even think about it. Please stay focus and do not lose your heart.
The people especially the young educated ones know whets going on. I believe many feel the same way as I do. We are hoping that the Aljunied team would stay focused and not say anything or do anything that would give even the slightest chance for the authoritarians to take the chance to throw you a punch. We are sincerely hoping, your victory at the polls would be the answer for all their loose talk.
Thank you for being who you are. Thank you for being brave and for being an unselfish singaporean who is ready to face all consequences despite all threats.
I salute you makkalz! we are behind you all the way!!
May god bless you. Cheers, SA
For more information or to place comments, please email Roderick atrick_162@lycos.com.
Roderick Chia graduated with a Communications Studies degree, majoring in Journalism from the Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. He is currently working as an information and communications coordinator in a regional non-governmental organisation. He is a registered voter in Potong Pasir constituency.
JG Campaign Trail 2006: Day 6 - Staying focused on the campaign
By Roderick Chia
Day 6 the JG Campaign Trail started with James being focused on the campaign. He visited the Eunos area with the rest of the Aljunied team, as well as with WP members from the East Coast GRC. The media as usual was at hand, and continued to pose questions about the minority certificate fiasco.
It was "no comments" as usual as James Gomez continued on the campaign trail.
Also, more emails from readers of the blog:
Dear Roderick, Thanks for keeping us updated. It is nice to see the opposition in Singapore trying its best to give democracy a fighting chance to stay alive in the small island. [from Adrian Pereira, Malaysia] James, Have been following the run-up to the elections. Am quite surprised they're still pursuing you over that minority form gaffe. What i think it shows is that they're bankrupt of ideas, and they're quite frightenedof you: you appear to have a good team. So hang tough - and all the best!! I can't wait to see the end of this govt. best, t. p.s. if you get the chance, pls tell them to stop bragging about being in the 1st world. i know it stems from an inferiority complex but it's getting embarrasing ...more seriously, the 1st world/3rd world dichotomy is something imposed by our colonial masters and has a very narrow definition measured by value of GDP/capita: says nothing about access to opportunity etc. - something you should point out to them.
Hi James, Its good to see you in the limelight again and i congratulate you on your efforts to give singaporeans an alternative choice. I want to wish you well and i will be anxious to see how this GE 2006 pans out.....God Bless. [from Irvine Schelkis] For more information or to place comments, please email Roderick at rick_162@lycos.com.
Roderick Chia graduated with a Communications Studies degree, majoring in Journalism from the Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. He is currently working as an information and communications coordinator in a regional non-governmental organisation. He is a registered voter in Potong Pasir constituency.
JG Campaign Trail 2006: Day 6 - The uniform that stunned 'em
By Roderick Chia
The day leading up to Day 6 of the JG Campaign Trail arrived with a few 'stunning' surprises as expressed in this SMS:
1. When the pap press the doorbell this morning I put on our wp uniform to greet bg yeo! All of them were stunned!
Other SMSes included:
2. The PAP's trying to screw & stir fry you all over. It's another 15 mins of coverage on CNA.
3. Your call for a people's campaign was a nice touch.
4. I'm tired of the PAP...I am retiring and migrating to Perth!
5. 3rd world gutter politics and people's campaign are classics!
6. Ask CNA to release video footage for 24th and 26th online and on TV to let people see for themselves.
7. Stay cool. Few more days.
8. Dude, don't lose heart. Stay to your message, and only tell everyone at the rally that this is the pap's wayang and not yours. People are getting turned off by this, and pap is fed up that the wp have not taken the bait. Expect it to get worse, but stick to your party's message. It's getting through. Good luck.
For more information or to place comments, please email Roderick at rick_162@lycos.com.
Roderick Chia graduated with a Communications Studies degree, majoring in Journalism from the Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. He is currently working as an information and communications coordinator in a regional non-governmental organisation. He is a registered voter in Potong Pasir constituency.
JG Campaign Trail 2006: Day 5 - Candidate under fire
By Roderick Chia
Kapow! Day 5 of the JG Campaign Trail saw the action heat up as James comes "under fire". He resolutely stayed on course and gave a speech on Tuesday night as the WP campaign moved into higher gear at a rally in Tampines.
He did a stock-take of the Singapore elections so far, and assessed that the first stage was the time of the "politics of distraction" which will be followed by the second stage: the "politics of discreditation".
In the meantime, the emails have continued to pour in:
Hello, I feel that the PAP is making a mountain our of a molehill over the minority certificate incident and I am appalled that the elections department will resort to taping phone calls just to trap James. Note how the officer induced James to state specifically which form he submitted. This only proves that the PAP rules Singapore with an iron fist. The WP do not have as many runners and volunteers as the PAP candidates who have assistants on hand to make sure that forms are properly filled in and submitted and hence I can understand the oversight on Jame's part and I am certain that it was unintentional. Everybody knows that there are CCTV in government officers and nobody in his right mind would create a story about a missing form to frame the government or the elections department. [from AP]
Please convey my best wishes to JG and let him know that many Singaporeans can see through the PAP's feeble attempt to discredit someone they see as a real credible opposition candidate. We think that it really shows they have some fears about the opposition and this election. If anything, this affair should serve to open the eyes of more voters to the dirty tactics that some politicians will resort to. Are these the kind of people we can trust to lead Singapore? [from VG]
For more information or to place comments, please email Roderick at rick_162@lycos.com.
Roderick Chia graduated with a Communications Studies degree, majoring in Journalism from the Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. He is currently working as an information and communications coordinator in a regional non-governmental organisation. He is a registered voter in Potong Pasir constituency.
Day 5 of the JG Campaign Trail saw James and the Aljunied GRC team making their rounds through the Kovan Road area and surrounding estates. Again standing on a truck with a microphone and loudspeaker, they drove through areas comprising private houses and condominiums, HDB blocks, hawker centres and wet markets.
Meanwhile, emails have continuted to pour in over the past two days, sending encouragement and advice. They are reproduced below:
To James and the WP,
I have been following the Singapore mass media reporting on the apology by James Gomez. I would like to assure you that no sensible Singaporean will be gullible enough to fall for the what we strongly regard to be biased reporting. I hope that you and the WP will not be distracted by the provocative comments which appears to be a deliberate ploy to avoid the big issues. The comments as reported by the mass media has caused me to lose my respect for the government even more. As a young voter in my thirties, I am concerned about my future when I retire, the cost of living, and the quality of life for my family. The details of the application of a certificate is not a concern to me. I do see the need for you to give any further explanation on this incident. I hope the WP will not overreact to the PAP’s comments, our prayers are with you.
Regards, Ang Mo Kio GRC resident
Dear Roderick, Greetings from Malaysia. I have met James 2 years ago in KL during his trip to Malaysia, with a group of student activists. We were impressed that he has been actively involved in Think Centre as one of the way to push the boundaries in Singapore. Great to know that James is contesting this time, as a higher level to challenge the current oppressive regime of Singapore. As we all know, Malaysia and Singapore political situations are very much alike -authoritarian and repressive in all means, whether through laws or media control. Thus, I'm glad that James [is running] for the election this time. Please send my regards to him and convey my best wishes for him contesting the election. Thank you. Best wishes, Ginie Lim Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Send my regards to Gomez and the entire Worker Party's team.Wishing them all the best in this election and that they be rewarded this weekend. [from vfkyap]
For more information or to place comments, please email Roderick at rick_162@lycos.com.
Roderick Chia graduated with a Communications Studies degree, majoring in Journalism from the Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. He is currently working as an information and communications coordinator in a regional non-governmental organisation. He is a registered voter in Potong Pasir constituency.
We at the JG @ WP blog "news centre" have received an email whose sender also informed us that there is a petition in support of James Gomez over the minority certificate issue.
I came across this petition in support of Mr Gomez -http://www.petitiononline.com/jgsupprt/petition.html I think it is good if Mr Gomez's blog features it as one of its postings. I found the petition at Sammyboy's Alfresco Coffeeshop - http://forums.delphiforums.com/sammyboymod/messages Personally i think it is a very, very small issue. We are all humans. We do small mistakes, oversights, etc. Its no big deal. Furthermore, Mr Gomez has publicly apologised. I saw and heard him and Mr Low at the rally. It's more than enough. A lot of the people i've spoken to since have said its ok, its a small thing. And they were touched by his sincerity which shorn through his apology. It takes a big man to do that in front of so many people 'cos it shows he's one of us and not some people who think they are gods who rule the people from above!! [from Venga from Aljunied]
JG Campaign Trail 2006: Day 4 - New Poor, 5 years on
By Roderick Chia
Taking advantage of his recent media surge, James decided to lend the new-found "weight" to the Joo Chiat and East Coast GRC campaign today. He provided an analysis where the New Poor of Singapore was five years on from when the Workers' Party identified the phenomenon of structural unemployment.
He highlighted five stress factors: Gambling to generate income, Changing Social Relations b/w man and women, Political Interest of Youth, Pressure from increasing interest rates, Unemployed 40/50-somethings.
In the meantime, in the background...the minority certificate issue continues to spin on its own momentum...and this keeps the emails and SMSes coming:
I have been watching CNA and understand quite fully what is going on. I wanted to get through to you before your rally this evening. You may already know this but I guess I still need to get this message across. Whatever it is do not engage WKS in his rhetoric. He speaks as if he represents all Singaporeans' views. You have already apologised publicly and thats good enough for many of us. We make mistakes too. Just press on and concentrate on the other imp issues. We are rooting for your success. Good luck and God Bless [from Celin]
For more information or to place comments, please email Roderick at rick_162@lycos.com.
Roderick Chia graduated with a Communications Studies degree, majoring in Journalism from the Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. He is currently working as an information and communications coordinator in a regional non-governmental organisation. He is a registered voter in Potong Pasir constituency.
On Day 4 of James' campaign trail - a different approach.
The Aljunied GRC team tried something new today...getting on a truck and using loudspeakers to put their messages across. James and his team members spoke in a variety of languages through a microphone as they stood in the back of the truck and drove around the Serangoon Gardens estate.
Later, they alighted from the truck and met with residents and exchanged views.
Members of the media continued to "hound" him with questions on the minority certificate saga, James asked them for their list of questions and said a collective "no comment" to the questions asked. Instead, he told the reporters he'd actually been calm in the eye of the storm, and continued with his campaign.
For more information or to place comments, please email Roderick at rick_162@lycos.com.
Roderick Chia graduated with a Communications Studies degree, majoring in Journalism from the Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. He is currently working as an information and communications coordinator in a regional non-governmental organisation. He is a registered voter in Potong Pasir constituency.
Day 3 of James Gomez's campaign trail. The rally in Hougang was well-attended by a very enthusiastic crowd. While James was sitting at the rally site, several people in the audience communicated with him through SMS. Here are a couple of messages:
1. Quite a crowd u have here. All the best!
2. Can u get me a copy of manifesto autogaphed? Sold out at counter.
3. When is the Aljunied team coming to Serangoon Gardens?
Earlier in the day, we also received another bunch of interesting emails commenting on the minority certificate saga:
It seems that once again, the singapore government has cleverly used something (as small as this of course) to ensure that he gets bad publicity and does not qualify to stand. What is the latest news on the ground? Hope to hear something from your end, on his behalf. I'm getting mixed opinions over the PAP and opposition; of course most are repeating what the Senior Minister says about the opposition not caring about 'real issues'. They play it up well.. [from Tricia Yeoh]
Hi Roderick, I understand that you are standing in as a guest blogger for James Gomez during this period. Please convey my well wishes to James Gomez. I am a registered overseas voter based in the UK. First of all, I would like to say that it was good on James to apologise. However he should have turned the tables on the PAP. Unfortunately, many uneducated, older voters will take what the PAP has said at face value, without any analysis. This is worrying because they have now begun to cast slurs on James' intergrity. First of all, I hope James will make it clear that his mistake was an administrative glitch, and had nothing to do with integrity. I also hope to see James say that while he made a mistake, it was a small mistake, and that no one was harmed in the process - unlike the "honest mistakes" made by the PAP over the NKF fiasco, which have caused several charities to face serious losses in terms of donation income due to the loss of public confidence in charitable organisations. Best Regards. [from Franklin Lavin] James, To show the world the truth, why not challenge your attackers to conduct an independent lie detector test ( a favoured method of inducting newbies into the current incumbent party) on the minority certificate issue, if indeed it was an honest mistake and nothing more,,with no hidden agenda or conspiracy surrounding it.
If the results turn out to be that trivial - a honest error- and nothing more, it will deeply embarrass your attackers which had come out of the woods for the feeding frenzy these past few days. Some of the comments made (from ministers nonetheless)alleging you seem highly defamatory or hurting to your integrity character. I wonder if the roles are reversed, would the accused be suing for defamation?
Regards Jackal Rovers [from Jack Lee]
A possible money-making idea: Tape your rally, etc. speeches and sell them in video/audio form, at home and abroad! Best wishes [from Kevin]
For more information or to place comments, please email Roderick at rick_162@lycos.com.
Roderick Chia graduated with a Communications Studies degree, majoring in Journalism from the Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. He is currently working as an information and communications coordinator in a regional non-governmental organisation. He is a registered voter in Potong Pasir constituency.
