HDB upgrading for votes

Straits Times NOV 3 1997 

 THE Singapore tree stood tall when the currency typhoon struck down other
financial markets because it had strong, deep roots, Senior Minister Lee Kuan
Yew said last night. 

<snipped> 

Turning to the ongoing currency turmoil which has rocked the region since
the Thai baht collapsed in July, he said the Singapore dollar had dropped by
about 10 per cent, while regional currencies had plunged 30 to 40 per cent. 

 But Singapore had been comparatively unscathed because it had a good
political system, he said. 

 In some other countries, politicians had to bribe village chiefs to secure a
few hundred votes, and when elected, would need to recoup the money spent. 

 In contrast, the political system here was clean, and the Government did not
bribe voters by promising to spend money. Indeed, sometimes it had to turn
down voters' requests which would harm the country, he said. 


The Straits Times (Singapore), December 14, 1996

    Condemning the linking of  upgrading to the election recently, the
National Solidarity Party said the PAP had no right to use national policies
and taxpayers' money as a carrot to advance its popularity among the people.

   It declared unequivocally: "It is clear that the PAP is now blatantly
putting its party interests before national interests. The original noble aim of
providing subsidised housing to the masses has now been shamelessly diverted
to fulfil the selfish aim of a political party."

   The PAP's answer to the NSP's criticism has been equally unequivocal.
Speaking to students at the National University of Singapore last week,
Senior Minister  Lee Kuan Yew  said that parties aimed to reward their supporters,
not those who did not back them. "Let me hope that you will grow up and the
scales  will fall from your eyes" he said.



 The Straits Times (Singapore), December 11, 1996   

He (LKY) made these points when replying to a student, who noted that some
opposition politicians had made negative comments about the Government using
upgrading  as a carrot to win support at election time.

   Mr Lee said the People's Action Party was doing what any political party
would to retain the loyalty of its staunchest supporters, by using the
upgrading  programme to win support.

   Referring to how the value of upgraded flats in Marine Parade had risen,
he  said: "Mr Goh Chok Tong has got to look after his supporters.  Why do they
vote for him, otherwise?"