Dr. Chee Soon Juan

[Lisafuller]

I think the most important thing for Singapore’s future is to embrace more racial diversity. Adhering to strict CMIO ratios means you inevitably have to compromise on quality to get the racial mix you desire.

Honestly, I believe they think that all these CMIO policies ARE ways of embracing diversity.

[Lisafuller]

I'd go a step further and say what is really needed is freedom of thought and ideas, and real democracy.

Completely agree, but I think that's wishful thinking for now, maybe in the future, it will be possible.

[Lisafuller]

I'd go a step further and say what is really needed is freedom of thought and ideas, and real democracy.

C’mon… that is WAY too radical!

LOL! In all honesty, though, I believe we will get there with the next generation. They pride themselves on being "woke".

[Lisafuller]

Having grown up under a flip flopping 2 party (occasionally 3) political system, I'd have to say nope. That may well have proved fatal in Singapore's case, nor do I think it would work well now.

Are you from the US?

Canada. Now Singaporean

I see, I'm not too familiar with Canadian politics, but it sounds like it's not too far off from American (in terms of the flip flopping parties).

[Lisafuller]

The number 1 qualification you need to have to be a politician is to be a great orator. We humans as a species give lots of value and importance to people who can speak well. But there are lots of people who are silent but great thinkers and doers. But they are never going to be politicians. So if someone gives a great speech, all I will say is they are great speakers/actors. But until they do something, I dont believe them.

Unfortunately, in this case, we may never know because he has not been given the opportunity.

[tiktok]

The number 1 qualification you need to have to be a politician is to be a great orator. We humans as a species give lots of value and importance to people who can speak well. But there are lots of people who are silent but great thinkers and doers. But they are never going to be politicians. So if someone gives a great speech, all I will say is they are great speakers/actors. But until they do something, I dont believe them.

Unfortunately, in this case, we may never know because he has not been given the opportunity.

Exactly, the PAP has put him in jail several times, and he's been sued for defamation - one of the PAPs favourite tools to silence criticism. Unable to pay .5 million in damages, he was forced to declare bankruptcy which in turn disqualified him from running for elections.

[jalanjalan]

The number 1 qualification you need to have to be a politician is to be a great orator. We humans as a species give lots of value and importance to people who can speak well. But there are lots of people who are silent but great thinkers and doers. But they are never going to be politicians. So if someone gives a great speech, all I will say is they are great speakers/actors. But until they do something, I dont believe them.

I agree. I also value politicians (or aspiring politicians) who do their research before speaking, and not simply repeat popular talking points, or try to inflate problems for dramatic effect. In my interactions with my MP, he's been attentive, courteous and helpful, and he speaks sensibly in parliament, though he's not a fiery orator.

[malcontent]

I'd go a step further and say what is really needed is freedom of thought and ideas, and real democracy.

C’mon… that is WAY too radical!

LOL! In all honesty, though, I believe we will get there with the next generation. They pride themselves on being "woke".

I would avoid any association “woke” movement in the US. The only way to unshackle minds here is to start in the schools, but not with “woke” nonsense. For example, my son in 9th grade at SAS was taught that Little Red Riding Hood is sexist, because it was the guy who saved the day. Fortunately he is already “awake” and didn’t fall it. But my daughter who has been in local school from N1 to JC definitely has a shackled mind as a result.

[therat]

No way local will give him a chance to lead government.

Those old enough will not forget what he did to Mr Chiam See Tong.
May be new citizen will give him the vote.

His party SDP have 3 MP seat before 1997 election.
After he try to expel Mr Chaim to force him to vacate his MP seat.
During 1997 election, his party lost all 3 seat and never get back any.

He lost his creditable that time.

[Lisafuller]

The number 1 qualification you need to have to be a politician is to be a great orator. We humans as a species give lots of value and importance to people who can speak well. But there are lots of people who are silent but great thinkers and doers. But they are never going to be politicians. So if someone gives a great speech, all I will say is they are great speakers/actors. But until they do something, I dont believe them.

Unfortunately, in this case, we may never know because he has not been given the opportunity.

Exactly, the PAP has put him in jail several times, and he's been sued for defamation - one of the PAPs favourite tools to silence criticism. Unable to pay .5 million in damages, he was forced to declare bankruptcy which in turn disqualified him from running for elections.

Yep, unfortunately, the deck is stacked against people like him, the government will always be one step ahead and quick to sue anybody who they feel interferes with their political agenda.

[Lisafuller]

The number 1 qualification you need to have to be a politician is to be a great orator. We humans as a species give lots of value and importance to people who can speak well. But there are lots of people who are silent but great thinkers and doers. But they are never going to be politicians. So if someone gives a great speech, all I will say is they are great speakers/actors. But until they do something, I dont believe them.

I agree. I also value politicians (or aspiring politicians) who do their research before speaking, and not simply repeat popular talking points, or try to inflate problems for dramatic effect. In my interactions with my MP, he's been attentive, courteous and helpful, and he speaks sensibly in parliament, though he's not a fiery orator.

Yep, they always say an empty vessel makes the most noise. We see this in other countries like the UK and the US too.

[Lisafuller]

C’mon… that is WAY too radical!

LOL! In all honesty, though, I believe we will get there with the next generation. They pride themselves on being "woke".

I would avoid any association “woke” movement in the US. The only way to unshackle minds here is to start in the schools, but not with “woke” nonsense. For example, my son in 9th grade at SAS was taught that Little Red Riding Hood is sexist, because it was the guy who saved the day. Fortunately he is already “awake” and didn’t fall it. But my daughter who has been in local school from N1 to JC definitely has a shackled mind as a result.

That's pretty ridiculous, a little too far-fetched. I do feel like the younger generation has some good points, though, especially with regards to social justice.

[Lisafuller]

No way local will give him a chance to lead government.

Those old enough will not forget what he did to Mr Chiam See Tong.
May be new citizen will give him the vote.

His party SDP have 3 MP seat before 1997 election.
After he try to expel Mr Chaim to force him to vacate his MP seat.
During 1997 election, his party lost all 3 seat and never get back any.

He lost his creditable that time.

I never heard about this, but honestly by the time it is the younger generations turn to vote, chances are he will no longer be active in politics. May not even be alive .

[tiktok]

No way local will give him a chance to lead government.

Those old enough will not forget what he did to Mr Chiam See Tong.
May be new citizen will give him the vote.

His party SDP have 3 MP seat before 1997 election.
After he try to expel Mr Chaim to force him to vacate his MP seat.
During 1997 election, his party lost all 3 seat and never get back any.

He lost his creditable that time.

You might find those lost seats have a lot to do with redrawing of electoral boundaries. The electoral map of Singapore is hilarious. In any case, careful what you believe, what you heard about Chiam probably came from the PAP.

To hear Chee's version of the story, watch this: https://youtu.be/SxKVvOsfsUw