GE: Low Thia Khiang's move decided "long ago" - 27Apr2011

GE: Low Thia Khiang's move decided "long ago"
By Teo Xuanwei, TODAY | Posted: 27 April 2011 2124 hrs
Low Thia Khiang, WP




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Low Thia Khiang, WP




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SINGAPORE: Workers' Party (WP) chief Low Thia Khiang said his "calculated decision" to move out of Hougang Single-Member Constituency (SMC) had been made "quite long ago" because he felt the opposition as a whole had not progressed in the time that he has been an elected member.

The gerrymandering of the People's Action Party (PAP) - shifting voters out of Hougang into other constituencies like Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency (GRC) - made him even more determined that moving out of his ward was the right decision, he said.

He said he is leaving the decision of how Singaporeans want the Republic's political system to develop in the hands of voters by presenting what he calls "a team to break through Aljunied" - including party chair Sylvia Lim, prize catch Chen Show Mao, as well as Pritam Singh and Muhamad Faisal Manap - to contest Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo's team.

Using a Mandarin proverb to describe how he feels about facing Mr Yeo and his team, Mr Low said: "We know there is a tiger in the mountain but we are moving towards it and taking it head on. Thats the spirit of the WP."

He added that he feels the ground in Aljunied is sweet and is confident of the bid, but declined to speculate on the results.

He also acknowledged that the stakes are high but he felt that the time was right for the WP to make the move.

On his decision to deploy organising secretary Yaw Shin Leong to defend his Hougang seat, Mr Low said 34-year-old Mr Yaw has been accompanying him on house visits in his ward for the past three years.

Mr Yaw has also been very active in the ward as a town councillor and in the organisation of many grassroots activities, making him a familiar face in the estate.

By now, all of the residents must have Mr Yaw's name card, Mr Low added.

Mr Yaw admitted that it was a "heavy responsibility" to retain Hougang, which has been a stronghold for the past 20 years, but he pledged to do his best.

Mr Low also reiterated his stand: No NCMP seat for him should he fail in unseating the PAP in Aljunied.

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[wafflemint]

IMPRESSIVE supports WP Have, CONGRATS WP.

[trojanterror1985]

Im proud to be living in aljunied grc! in Workers party we trust!!!!!!!

[seetchoohee]

great speech

[howkemon6559]

WP chief Low Thia Khiang has mentioned that it's matter of time. He has made the right move. Congrats! WP made history! Salute WP Towards A First World Parliament!

[SCOFFIELDCAT]

Congrats.