My reply to Sammyboy forummer "mustpaycash" on his malicious TOC allegations

I am very disappointed when I read your post criticizing TOC in such an ungentlemanly and underhand manner. It shows that you are seriously lacking in good judgment, and are politically naive.

So what if TOC has pro-establishment personalities in its editorial board, or if some of them are members of political parties such as the PAP? So what if TOC has secured the help of people affiliated with the government? It just goes to show that the PAP government (may the PAP progress!) has a lot of good talent in its fold. If the PAP did not have good brains in its ranks, would TOC have approached PAP members to sit on its editorial team?

Your blatant condemnation of TOC based on the composition of its editorial board is short-sighted and naive. In fact, by scouting for talent in the PAP fold, TOC has shown that it recognizes that the PAP has a plethora of good men and women who can make a positive contribution. This shows TOC's foresight and wisdom. You have absolutely no right to condemn TOC on this score.

Mr Choo Zheng Xi, for example, is an outstanding young man who has served the community diligently and passionately, and has made significant contributions at the PAP grassroots level. He is the perfect man to be chief editor of TOC. Are you telling me you can find someone even better than he? If so, please state your choice, or else accept that your allegations that he is unsuitable for the job is nothing but outrightly malicious and cruel, as well as blatantly partisan.

As an independent commentator on current affairs, TOC has every right to decide what news to report, and what to neglect. With limited resources, they do not have the time or energy to report on everything. If they chose to neglect the political parties you mentioned, perhaps you should reflect on why that is so. Are the parties you mentioned credible parties that are willing to engage the government in a legal and non-confrontational manner, work strictly within the rules and framework set by the ruling party, and collaborate with the government humbly on the issues of the day? If not, then why should TOC waste time on them?

Unlike you, I see a bright future for TOC. The mainstream publications like the Straits Times achieved their outstanding rankings and large readership by being objective, precise, fair, and all-rounded. That is precisely the kind of credibility that TOC can, and should, aim for.

Cyberspace is already replete with blogs and forums that criticize the PAP. In this regard, TOC to me is like a breath of fresh air.

Thus, I hope you would re-consider the myopic stand that you have and retract your malicious allegations on TOC.

Goh Bock Seng

From: mustpaycash 4-May 21:35 To: ALL 1 of 33
	176164.1
	All along I have believed TOC is a non-partisan platform that aims to provide commentary in a neutral setting. However recent event have made me change my mind. First is the revelation that many TOC members are affiliated to PAP grassroots and WP. The chief editor of TOC, Choo Zheng Xi, even used to draw an honorarium of $500 per month last time doing work for a PAP MP. Ephraim Loy, provisional co-editor of TOC, is a member of the Young PAP. He is an active grassroots leader in the Bedok Reservoir-Punggol Constituency. Andrew Loh, co-editor of TOC, used to be a WP member, but quit under mysterious circumstances after being slammed for using TOC as a mouthpiece for the WP. Yeo Toon Joo, a co-editor of TOC, was an ex Straits Times assistant editor. Gerald Giam is active in a community development council as well as a government media advisory committee. Finally TOC recent got ex NTUC chief Tan kin lian on board! As you all know Tan kin lian is very pro establishment. Why did they get him on board? I think all of you can guess why ... Even with such outrageous revelation, I continue to visit TOC web site daily as I was impress with the quality of the articles. Recently however, my impression has dropped drastically. I found that TOC concentrate mainly on PAP and WP propaganda, and is used as a mouthpiece for the WP-PAP-establishment. They report on PAP and WP news extensively, but pay lip service to news from other parties. The last straw for me was the Labour day. All major political parties made their mark by issuing press release and activity. However TOC paid more attention to PAP and WP. In fact, it was NSP and SDP that organize activity on Labour day. NSP gave out goodie bag to resident to help resident relive the burden. Did TOC report on this? No they did not. SDP organize a hawker stall to sell their book and give flyer to resident. Did TOC report? No they did not. They only put up a small link at their sidebar to SDP web site. How come if TOC claim to be neutral, non-partisan, it only pay attention to PAP and WP event, neglect all the other parties? You mean NSP and SDP are not worthy party to report on? NSP and WP are the only party organize Labour day activity for all resident. How come their news is blank out? Why? I am disgusted with TOC bias and lop side reporting. They only want to highlight and analyse the mainstream media news and WP event. As you all know by now, WP is nothing but a DAMN WAYANG PARTY that is not interest in opposing PAP! Why does TOC only focus on WP and leave out other party? Their intent is obvious.

Let us stop the mindless bickering in cyberspace forums

Any careful and astute observer of Singapore's political scene will notice that Singaporeans still lack maturity with regards to political issues and need to be carefully guided in their thinking.

Our restless generation, especially the youth, seem to be clamouring for more freedom of speech and expression in all areas of life, including the political front. They like to cite these as part of so-called "civil liberties". But with freedom comes grave responsibility. That is what the youth of today are lacking in.

The PAP government (may the PAP progress!) has created a nation of peace, prosperity, economic progress, and racial and religious harmony. This has not come easy. Anyone who is in government knows that the process of nation building is a slow, tedious process that is incredibly hard. We are where we are today because of the tireless and selfless dedication of the men and women in office, many of whom have made monumental sacrifices to take the lead and bear the immense burden of public office. To these men and women we should be sincerely grateful.

However many of the present generation are unaware of how we got to be where we are, and the kind of work and sacrifice it takes to keep our nation running. Many folk like to view events and government policies in isolation, randomly criticizing them, without reflecting upon the bigger picture. People today only seem to just want more and more -- more money, more handouts, less taxes, less obligations, more free space, more free speech -- without taking into account the needs of tomorrow. This is truly irresponsible.

The present day generation, especially our youth, must learn to appreciate the soundness of our government's policies, and recognize the fact that the government is not afraid to enact policies for the long term good of our nation, and not pander to the short term whims of the electorate. Mindless criticism of the government and its policies without considering the long term good of our nation is only going to be counterproductive. The government devotes all its resources and capabilities, and deploys the best brains we have towards researching the best policies for our nation, policies that will serve all Singaporeans through thick and thin. Singaporeans would do well to recognize this.

While cyberspace and the internet serves as a medium for Singaporeans to express their views and thoughts freely, Singaporeans should be mindful that with free speech comes responsibility -- responsibility to their nation, to their community, and to themselves ultimately. Singaporeans must learn to use their freedoms on the internet wisely, and not abuse them, like so many people are wantonly doing these days. The internet, unfortunately, has frequently become a hodge-podge of thoughtless and irresponsible anti-government propaganda. This is indeed regrettable. It is my sincere hope that Singaporeans can recognize the grave mistake they are committing. Their thoughtless and mindless anti-government propaganda is only going to sabotage the efforts of the government in the long run in building a better and freer Singapore.

The PAP (may the PAP progress!) is still today the best possible party to lead our nation further into the 21st century. Their ranks are filled with capable men and women of honour and integrity, and their leadership renewal is in progress. Instead of mindlessly bickering about being affected by inevitable circumstances such as rising prices or the need to plan and save for a longer retirement, let us instead close ranks and support the one party in Singapore that will lead our nation from strength to strength, and serve the interests of all Singaporeans to the fullest. Let us support the PAP.

Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura!

Goh Bock Seng

Unfair to compare Low Thia Kiang with Malaysian opposition leader Lim Kit Siang

I am responding to the following blog posting: Malaysia opposition leader Lim Kit Siang puts Low Thia Kiang to SHAME !!! which was written by http://wayangparty.blogspot.com/

The Wayang Party Club wrote: <<<

According to The New Paper article below, 67 year old Malaysian opposition leader Mr Lim Kit Siang runs 3 blogs which are updated meticulously daily. Mr Lim Kit Siang also has a facebook account which he uses to connect with young voters. He is a vocal critic of the government in Parliament, making over 500 speeches in a year and in between serving his residents of Ipor Timur with a population of 710,000, he still has the time and energy to galvanize the civil society of Malaysia by leading the recent Bersih campaign to call for free and fair elections.

We applaud Mr Lim Kit Siang for his tireless efforts to promote and further opposition cause in Malaysia. On the contrary, Mr Low Thia Kiang who is the leader of the Singapore’s opposition and MP of a small SMC of 22,000 people is seldom seen in public other than making a few speeches in Parliament a year and praising the PAP government in the media. The WP website was not updated for the past 3 months since their anniversary dinner in November last year ! And not surprisingly, we don’t expect Mr Low to have his own personal blog or facebook since we never seem to receive a reply when we emailed him! >>>

My response:

It is extremely unfair of you to compare Lim Kit Siang, a Malaysian opposition leader, to Low Thia Kiang. This is because they have greatly differing roles to play in their respective societies.

Mr Lim Kit Siang is an opposition stalwart who has challenged the ruling BN coalition party of Malaysia on many issues, and has a lot of credibility to his name. Low Thia Kiang on the other hand is meant to play supportive role, providing a bridge between voters who want an alternative voice in Singapore and the ruling party. You are comparing apples to oranges.

The PAP government (may the PAP progress!) has a solid track record of outstanding governance, has created wealth and prosperity for our nation since our independence, and put Singapore on a firm footing as we venture into the 21st century. It is not afraid to enact unpopular policies which are for the long term good of our nation, and has avoided the pitfalls of pandering to the electorate in the short term.

Given the excellent track record and performance of the PAP, and its high level of integrity and incorruptibility, there is not much scope for Opposition parties in Singapore to credibly challenge them. However, the PAP reluctantly acknowledges that there is still a role for Opposition in Singapore. Opposition parties can play the role of middle man, connecting voters who want an alternative voice or who are not yet convinced that of the soundness of PAP policies, with the ruling party. That is where parties such as the WP come in.

By putting up a moderate and non-confrontational voice in Parliament, Low Thia Kiang and Sylvia Lim have added to the already lively and robust debate that goes on in those hallowed chambers. When PAP MPs rebut them decisively on issues they have raised, they are quick to acknowledge the validity of the PAP's stand. When Low Thia Kiang returns to his constituency, he can then bring the PAP's argument and point of view back to his people, and lay out the good points of PAP policies. That is the valuable role the WP plays in Singapore's political scene.

The PAP hopes that eventually, it will win back the two Opposition seats and secure 100% of the seats in Parliament. This is because it believes that its policies are robust and sound, and will stand the test of time. In the meanwhile, the PAP acknowledges the role the WP is trying to play and will continually try to win back the hearts and minds of the voters.

Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura!

Goh Bock Seng

---

The original Wayang Party Club article is as follows:

http://wayangparty.wordpress.com/2008/02/22/malaysia-opposition-leader-lim-kit-siang-puts-low-thia-kiang-to-shame/

Malaysia opposition leader Lim Kit Siang puts Low Thia Kiang to SHAME !!!

Posted on February 22, 2008 by wayangparty

According to The New Paper article below, 67 year old Malaysian opposition leader Mr Lim Kit Siang runs 3 blogs which are updated meticulously daily. Mr Lim Kit Siang also has a facebook account which he uses to connect with young voters. He is a vocal critic of the government in Parliament, making over 500 speeches in a year and in between serving his residents of Ipor Timur with a population of 710,000, he still has the time and energy to galvanize the civil society of Malaysia by leading the recent Bersih campaign to call for free and fair elections.

We applaud Mr Lim Kit Siang for his tireless efforts to promote and further opposition cause in Malaysia. On the contrary, Mr Low Thia Kiang who is the leader of the Singapore’s opposition and MP of a small SMC of 22,000 people is seldom seen in public other than making a few speeches in Parliament a year and praising the PAP government in the media. The WP website was not updated for the past 3 months since their anniversary dinner in November last year ! And not surprisingly, we don’t expect Mr Low to have his own personal blog or facebook since we never seem to receive a reply when we emailed him!

What has Mr Low Thia Kiang been doing lately ? Can he be busier than Mr Lim Kit Siang who has a much bigger constituency to manage and has to commute often between Ipoh and KL where his party HQ is based ? Is he still waiting for Parliament to convene so that he can “comment” on the latest government policies affecting Singaporeans ? What is WP doing to connect with the voters other than the usual wayang walk-abouts and weekly Open House on Monday whose crowds are dwindling ?

Without even a wayang to show for, we are afraid that WP will soon have to change its name from “Wayang Party” to “Worthless Party”. An opposition party that sits around and doing nothing, only popping up when the GE arrives is not worth the support of Singaporeans. It is in fact the biggest obstacle to the progress of real democracy in Singapore since it is merely a pawn used by the regime to legitimizes itself as a democracy to the international community.

The New Paper

Opposition party’s YouTube video is a hit with netizens

22 Feb 2008

JUST like in the ongoing race for presidential nominations in the US, Malaysian political parties are taking their campaigning to online video host site YouTube.

The English version of DAP’s video has been viewed more than 15,000 times at press time. The Malay version has been viewed almost 10,000 times.

And it seems the Democratic Action Party (DAP) has made the first inroads with a snazzy promotional video that has been delighting netizens since it was uploaded two weeks ago, reported Guang Ming Daily.

The video shows a relay race, with Malaysians of different races and ages passing the baton as they run or ride taxis along the country’s alleyways and thoroughfares.

The baton finally ends up in the hands of DAP leaders standing on the steps of Parliament.

The one-minute video comes in Malay and English versions.

Its cheeky message, ‘Just change it’, shown at the end, spoofs Nike’s ‘Just do it’ catchphrase. In Malay, the closing message says, ‘Jam ubah (Time to change)’.

DAP said that the relay race is meant to convey the idea that the party carries the hopes and voice of the masses.

Entitled The Voice Of Democracy, Conscience Of Parliament-DAP, the English version of the video has been viewed more than 15,000 times at press time. The Malay version has been viewed almost 10,000 times.

Not to be outdone, Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), a part of the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, yesterday launched the country’s first Indian Internet-based political television channel.

Called Putera iTV, the online video-streaming channel will feature the contributions and achievements of MIC and BN, reported New Straits Times.

In a video recording posted on the site, MIC president SSamy Vellu said the channel was a progressive way to reach the younger generation. Content on the site would include coverage of the 28 MIC candidates during the campaign period.

But it is the opposition parties which most appreciate the value of the Internet, reported AFP.

While mainstream media - many partly owned by BN parties - are awash with flattering stories about the government and its achievements, the opposition rates barely a mention.

‘Blogging is one way to get word out and an opportunity to circumvent media control,’ said DAP leader Lim Kit Siang, 67, who runs three blogs which are meticulously updated every day.

I support the Online Citizen

Recently, there have been many allegations made against the editors of the popular web portal, the Online Citizen (TOC): http://theonlinecitizen.com/

The TOC editors have been accused of being either funded by the PAP, or at the very least, closely associated with the PAP. In addition, TOC is alleged to have threatened legal action on at least one blogger. Just a couple of days back, TOC wrote a lengthy blog post fervently denying these allegations. Many readers also weighed in on the subject and expressed their support for TOC.

I too would like to express my support for the Online Citizen. TOC provides a wide diversity of views and opinions on what is happening in Singapore, some pro-establishment, and some anti-establishment. This curious blend of neutral reporting and the ability to look at each issue from many sides without ever taking an unwavering stand is seldom found in cyberspace.

Although the PAP is confident that its policies are sound, will benefit Singaporeans over the long run, and will definitely stand the test of time, the PAP also recognizes that people must be free to air their views, provided that they do so responsibly and moderately. TOC is one good example of responsible and moderate reporting that the PAP would certainly approve of.

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew (praise and blessings be upon him!) and the Old Guard singlehandedly brought Singapore from 3rd World to 1st, and built a nation of peace and prosperity, security, racial and religious harmony, and social progress. It is entirely due to their incredible dedication, hard work, and monumental sacrifices that Singaporeans today have a nation that they can be very proud to call their home. We and our families owe a lifelong debt of honest gratitude to these courageous men and women who put their lives on the line to build a modern and prosperous Singapore.

The PAP government (may the PAP progress!) has created a social environment that fosters intelligent questioning and debate of social and political issues, and encourages Singaporeans to play an active role in shaping the future of our society. It is out of this vibrant and thriving culture created by the PAP that TOC was born. TOC's articles are balanced and well-written, and always based on the facts, although there have been many occasion when those facts presented were incomplete and did not portray an accurate picture of reality.

Although many TOC articles are critical of PAP policies, their arguments are presented in way that is thoughtful and measured, even if those arguments are often flawed.

Indeed, the PAP does not expect that everyone will agree with all its policies. Not everyone has access to all the facts and information, and certainly TOC does not. As time goes by however, the PAP hopes that eventually most Singaporeans will come to see the wisdom and strength of its policies.

In the meanwhile, TOC still plays an excellent role by offering an alternative platform and alternative set of views that encourages mature debate and logical thinking. That is what the PAP would like to see as well, as these qualities of logical thinking and mature debate will eventually lead people to see the goodness of its policies, and lead them back to the PAP.

All in all, TOC plays a vital role in shaping the kind of society the PAP would like. Let us thus put aside our petty differences and squabbles, and focus on the greater tasks ahead. Let us join in the Great and Noble Cause of Nation Building. Together with the PAP, we can reach for the Pot Of Gold!

Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura!

Goh Bock Seng

My Singapore, My Home!

I am very proud to be a Singaporean, living with my 2 sons in a first world country that prides itself on its efficiency, cleanliness, good governance, and ability to ride the glorious tide of globalization.

My eldest son has just graduated from university and younger son is currently serving National Service, a pivotal moment in a young man's life. Both of them served their nation with both pride and joy and as a father, I couldn't possibly be happier! Both my sons understand the importance of defending our nation and I am proud of their dedication to our nation.

As Singaporeans, we enjoy many privileges that citizens of other nations often do not enjoy. We have an outstanding health care system in place. Our environment is kept clean and hygienic. The crime rate is low and Singaporeans can walk the streets safely even at night or in the wee hours of the morning without worrying about getting mugged by gangsters. Last but definitely not least, we have an efficient and competent government that implements good policies for the nation, even though they are at times unpopular.

Our government is not afraid to do what is right for the nation in the long term, even if they face opposition or resentment in the short run. That is what keeps our society and economy progressing, and everyone benefits from this. We have indeed avoided the pitfalls that have beset other countries, namely, pandering to the short term whims of the electorate while sacrificing long term good. Singaporeans understand this, and that is why we continue to support the PAP and its policies which benefit our nation in the long run.

Singapore not just provides one of the friendliest environments of businesses and private enterprise to thrive and grow, it is also one of the best places to set up home. That is why foreigners are increasingly attracted to Singapore and more and more of our friends from abroad are making Singapore their new home. The PAP government (may the PAP progress!) has opened our doors to capable and talented foreigners, who bring vast expertise and experience to our nation. In so doing our economy has become more vibrant, and Singaporeans have learnt to thrive and grow in this new globalized marketplace.

My Singapore! My Home! I am very proud to be a Singaporean, as are my two sons.

Goh Bock Seng

2nd revision of Ministerial Salaries

The PAP government (may the PAP progress!) announced in April this year that public service and ministerial salaries would be raised so as to attract and retain talented leaders and ensure the continuation of outstanding governance.

Throughout these years, the PAP has brought economic prosperity and social progress to our Great Motherland that many nations envy but few can match. It is time that they are adequately compensated for their monumental achievements and not made to bear unnecessary financial sacrifices while we Singaporeans savour the fruits of their success.

The first round of pay increments was implemented in April and the second round is expected to be implemented by the end of this year. The PAP government is not afraid to pay their ministers their due so that the PAP can continue to deliver the best possible results to Singaporeans. This is an article I wrote earlier this year, in strong support of the public service pay hikes:

http://gohbockseng.blogspot.com/2007/06/i-support-public-service-pay-hikes.html

I fully support the public service pay increases, which benefit all our ministers as well as almost all our civil servants from the most senior to junior officers.

The PAP (may the PAP progress!) has an outstanding track record of good governance, and is transparent, above-board and incorruptible. Under their esteemed leadership, job creation has been steady and the economy has been growing by leaps and bounds despite the volatile economic climate of the past ten years.

It is only natural that in a prosperous, peaceful and secure environment like Singapore, talented citizens tend to seek out the great abundance of opportunities in the private sector. Such a politically stable and harmonious social climate rarely brings forth the kind of revolutionary zeal that characterized our Old Guard's struggle against communism, racism, and the oppressive state of colonialism that engulfed our nation before its independence from British rule in 1963.

It is therefore foolhardy, naive and unrealistic to think that pure idealism alone is sufficient to attract a steady supply of good men and women into politics.

To begrudge our ministers their multi-million dollar salaries would be to penalize them for the good that they have done, because it is they who brought the kind of peace and prosperity to Singapore that makes it more natural for good men and women NOT to join politics.

To pay our ministers less than they are worth would be robbing the PAP of a pragmatic foundation on which to campaign for talented citizens to join them. Indeed, that be would be to miss the forest for the trees.

The public service pay hikes are an imperfect solution implemented by imperfect political leaders for an imperfect world. Yet it is fair, pragmatic, and is the best we can do for Singapore at this time. Hence I call upon all Singaporeans to give their fullest support to the PAP.

Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura!

Goh Bock Seng

Compulsory annuity benefits ALL

The compulsory annuity scheme is a wise and noble scheme that benefits all Singaporeans. Under this scheme, some portion of the CPF minimum sum is placed in a collective pool that provides monthly payouts to those aged 85 and above. If you die before the age of 85, your money will be used to help those in need.

The compulsory annuity scheme ensures that all Singaporeans will be able to sustain themselves even with increased longevity. It is an intelligent scheme that enables Singaporeans to be self-sufficient. That is far, far better than simply receiving handouts from the government. By getting everyone to support one another in old age, Singaporeans become self-reliant, and avoid the dreadful pitfalls of welfarism.

By getting Singaporeans to rely on each other as much as possible, the PAP government (may the PAP progress!) frees up capital for investment in the future of Singapore, like building better infrastructure, and in research and development. The PAP government thus achieves its grand objective of getting Singaporeans to stay together and move ahead!

All of us should give our support to the compulsory annuity scheme, and opt to defer receiving our CPF for as long as possible, so that everyone will collectively benefit!

PM Lee (may MM Lee and SM Goh be pleased with him!) has shown his mettle and courage in implementing policies that are unpopular, but which operate for the greater good of Singapore. For this, we should rally together to support him and the compulsory annuity scheme. Let us join in the Great and Noble Cause of Nation Building, and reach for the Pot Of Gold!

Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura!

Goh Bock Seng

Singapore has done very well

It has been well over a year since the 2006 General Elections. We must take stock of our nation's progress and examine whether the government has delivered on its election promises.

On this score, I must say that I am satisfied. Our economy has grown, unemployment has hit an all-time low, and salaries have gone up steadily. Singapore's standing on the international arena has never been better too. While bilateral relations with Malaysia and Indonesia have not always been as smooth as we would like them to be, we are working out our differences in a mature and sensible manner. Lots of progress has been made. Our standing in ASEAN also remains rock solid, as proven by our firm leadership in the recent crisis in Myanmar.

My conclusion therefore is that the People's Action Party (may the PAP progress!) has delivered well and fulfilled its promises to the electorate.

To be sure, many policies implemented have not been very popular. Many people have raised concerns over the transport fare hikes and the GST hike, not to mention the rising prices of goods and service. Ministerial and other public service salaries have also generated much healthy and lively debate. And more recently, the issue of longevity insurance has set many Singaporeans thinking and debating about retirement issues and how the government can best help us.

Our government is distinguished in its resolve to implement policies that work for the good of Singapore over the long term, even though they may be unpopular in the short term. By not pandering to temporary whims and prejudices, the government makes sure the nation is not sidetracked, and that its policies benefit Singaporeans. Sure, there is always the fear that the PAP might lose votes when it implements unpopular policies. But we can all take comfort in the fact that Singaporeans are very understanding and mature, and that when it is clearly seen that policies benefit all Singaporeans, they will support the PAP again.

The PAP has great vision and foresight, as well as the courage and tenacity to lead the nation and establish a solid foundation for us to progress in the 21st century! So let us join together in the Great and Noble Cause of Nation Building!

Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura!

Goh Bock Seng

MM Lee is very, very wise!!

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew (peace and blessings be upon him!) has shown is mettle and his wisdom yet again. MM Lee clearly knows that Singapore is unique and must be governed in a pragmatic way, without pandering to the disruptive Western notions of unconditional free speech and association (which would undoubtedly harm Singapore).

MM Lee has the courage to be authoritarian and firm when he needs to be, for the good of Singapore. All forummers should read the Straits Times article attached below and drink from the fountain of his wisdom!

Goh Bock Seng

March 7, 2007
Govt gives citizens every reason to elect it: MM

SINGAPORE'S brand of democracy works because the Government gives the country's citizens every reason to vote for it at elections, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said yesterday.

The country has maintained the principle of British democracy, that the electorate can vote a government out peacefully.

'But we have engineered it so carefully that they must be very stupid to vote this government out,' he added.

The Government solved the housing problem by building public housing using Central Provident Fund (CPF) money. These flats are then sold to Singaporeans at cost price.

For the Singapore citizen, his flat is 'something substantial' that he owns and has to pay instalments for.

'So he must have a job. If you change the government, you have no jobs, the house is taken back,' Mr Lee said.

And as the flats become old after 20 to 30 years, the Government upgrades the buildings, subsidising 80 per cent of the cost.

'Suddenly, overnight, your property goes up in value. Now, you find another government that will do that. If you think you can, you try,' he said.

The Americans try to prescribe democracy by saying governments should allow free association, demonstrations and a free press, he said.

'Here you want to hold a demonstration, you must have a permit first.'

As for his critics who say he is authoritarian, Mr Lee had this reply: 'I say, 'never mind'.

'Do they vote for me? Do I stuff the ballot boxes? No. Is it a secret vote? Yes. Do I win?

'Do I win 99 per cent? No. I win by 61 or 65 or 67 per cent.'

The highest percentage of votes he ever won was 88 per cent, he recounted.

'That was the year the British decided to get out and sell everything. So I immediately held an election. I knew the people will be dead scared.'

I support the public service pay hikes

I fully support the public service pay increases, which benefit all our ministers as well as almost all our civil servants from the most senior to junior officers.

The PAP (may the PAP progress!) has an outstanding track record of good governance, and is transparent, above-board and incorruptible. Under their esteemed leadership, job creation has been steady and the economy has been growing by leaps and bounds despite the volatile economic climate of the past ten years.

It is only natural that in a prosperous, peaceful and secure environment like Singapore, talented citizens tend to seek out the great abundance of opportunities in the private sector. Such a politically stable and harmonious social climate rarely brings forth the kind of revolutionary zeal that characterized our Old Guard's struggle against communism, racism, and the oppressive state of colonialism that engulfed our nation before its independence from British rule in 1963.

It is therefore foolhardy, naive and unrealistic to think that pure idealism alone is sufficient to attract a steady supply of good men and women into politics.

To begrudge our ministers their multi-million dollar salaries would be to penalize them for the good that they have done, because it is they who brought the kind of peace and prosperity to Singapore that makes it more natural for good men and women NOT to join politics.

To pay our ministers less than they are worth would be robbing the PAP of a pragmatic foundation on which to campaign for talented citizens to join them. Indeed, that be would be to miss the forest for the trees.

The public service pay hikes are an imperfect solution implemented by imperfect political leaders for an imperfect world. Yet it is fair, pragmatic, and is the best we can do for Singapore at this time. Hence I call upon all Singaporeans to give their fullest support to the PAP.

Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura!

Goh Bock Seng