Latest news with #politicalmaturity
Independent Singapore
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
SDP launches petition to reform Singapore's electoral system including abolishing GRC system
SINGAPORE: On Sunday (May 18), at an appreciation dinner for the members of the Singapore Democratic Party, SDP chief Chee Soon Juan announced the beginning of its 'Renew, Rebuild, Reignite' campaign, which includes seeking the reform of Singapore's electoral system. In the May 3 polls, SDP lost in all the constituencies where it fielded candidates, including Dr Chee at Sembawang West SMC and party chair Paul Tambyah at Bukit Panjang SMC. The results were a disappointment to both men. While Dr Chee's vote share was the highest in the four times he has run for Parliament, he still fell short of winning a seat. Dr Tambyah, meanwhile, lost 7.65 percentage points from when he first ran against the incumbent from the ruling People's Action Party, Liang Eng Hwa, in 2020. Nevertheless, the losses have not stopped the party from moving forward with its new campaign. On Sunday, SDP launched a petition on titled 'Reform Singapore's Electoral System' in order to reflect 'the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and democratic integrity.' It emphasised, however, that the six demands outlined in the petition are non-partisan but rather are 'foundational principles of good governance and democratic integrity.' 'Singapore is ready to take the next step forward in its political maturity by ensuring our elections are genuinely free and fair,' the petition adds. 6 Demands The petition's six demands are as follows. First, the SDP is calling for the Elections Department to be removed from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Next, the party is calling for an 'end to gerrymandering' through the reform of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC). Importantly, another call is for the abolition of the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) System, which The Workers' Party, Singapore's biggest opposition party and the only one that will be represented in the incoming Parliament, has also called for. SDP is also calling for a campaign period of a minimum of three weeks, whereas it normally lasts less than 10 days; as well as a minimum six-month time period between the announcement of boundary changes to electoral districts and the dissolution of Parliament. Finally, the party is calling for a review of the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act (NPPA), which the SDP says would allow independent media. 'A free press is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy. A comprehensive review of the NPPA to permit the establishment of independent news companies is essential for fair coverage of elections, political education, and democratic participation,' the petition reads. Dr Tambyah was quoted as saying in a CNA report that the petition is just a beginning, one that could develop into legal challenges. He added the hope that SDP would be able to sustain its momentum. So far, almost 3,000 people have signed the petition. /TISG Read also: SDP calls for 'full and transparent investigation' into Su Haijin dinners with ministers
Free Malaysia Today
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Campaign maturely, PKR Youth man urges Rafizi
Fadzli Roslan urged PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli to 'present sound arguments, fresh proposals, and unifying ideas'. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : Penang PKR Youth chief Fadzli Roslan has urged Rafizi Ramli to exercise greater maturity in his campaign to retain his position as PKR deputy president. Fadzli said Rafizi's open criticism against several party leaders, including newly-elected PKR Youth chief Kamil Munim, could divide the party. 'This could harm the harmony and unity of the party, especially when the spirit of democracy, openness, and mutual respect should be celebrated during this party election,' he said in a Facebook post. Fadzli, who is also vying for a seat in the central PKR Youth leadership council, said many youth wing candidates had demonstrated political maturity in their campaigns. He said he has not heard any personal attack or baseless accusation being thrown around by his competitors. However, he said 'Rafizi's approach to his campaign appears to be inconsistent with the healthy democratic spirit which we often advocate in PKR'. He said slanderous and outdated modes of politics should be rejected. 'Present sound arguments, fresh proposals, and unifying ideas to allow grassroots to evaluate you as a candidate,' he urged Rafizi. Earlier, Selangor PKR Youth chief Izuan Kasim urged Rafizi not to drag the youth wing into the heated contest for the PKR deputy president's post. Izuan's remarks came after Rafizi accused the current youth leadership of lacking the energy and resolve shown by previous generations. Rafizi, who is also economy minister, is being challenged by Nurul Izzah Anwar for the PKR deputy president's post. The PKR central leadership elections will be held on May 23.
