The ‘O $ P $’ Issue

During recent feedback sessions with Hougang residents, Shin Leong noted that loan sharks (Ah Long)’s runners have started to venture beyond traditional harassment methods of borrowers’ households.

The traditional harassment methodologies included the writing of ‘O $ P $’ (Owe Money Pay Money) words on walls, staircases to shame borrowers who did not pay up and coupled with paint splashing on borrowers’ households’ doors.

Typically a color coding system to mark the number of times they have splashed the borrowers’ households’ doors. For example: black (first warning), red (second warning), yellow (third warning) and green (fourth warning). Different loan-shark operators are known to use different color coding.

Loan-shark runners are also known to practice the principle of ‘认地址,不认人’ (only recognize the address & not the person). However of late, they seem to have ventured beyond harassing borrowers’ households by splashing paint on borrowers’ neighbors’ households too.

Earlier this year, Parliament passed the ‘Moneylenders (Amendment) Bill which is meant to crack down on loan shark syndicates. This amended bill has toughened the penalties for loan sharking activities.

On the ground, the ‘O $ P $’ is still a big problem. 24/7 policing is not quite possible. Security cameras can only do that much, now with runners wearing caps, looking down as they go about with their illegal activities. One Hougang constituent shared with Shin Leong that some loan sharks have legalize operations via the formation of monies lending companies.

According to another article I read, many of these runners are themselves borrowers who became participants of loan sharking activities. This means we have to consider both supply & demand sides of the ‘O $ P $’ issue.

Shin Leong is seeking creative ideas, opinions and suggestions on how to solve the ‘O $ P $’ issue. This issue is a community issue and hence requires collective community efforts. Kindly share your ideas here or email him at yawsl@wp.sg. Thank you.


Photo is taken from here.

War Hero in Hougang

Last Saturday Mr Low Thia Khiang, Ms Sylvia Lim, Ms Lee Lilian and I were invited by some Hougang residents for a get-together and lunch. During the lunch, I was very privileged to hear about a rare oral history account by one of my constituents, Mr Shu Liang Cheng, 81 years of age.

Mr Shu was 13 years old when he became a member of the Malayan Peoples’ Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA) based in Johor. According to him, in MPAJA in the initial guerrilla warfare phase of operations lacked weapons. He said that, his regiment trained with shovels (pretending that those were rifles).

He said that his fellow MPAJA guerrillas have to retrieve weapons, in the still of the night from the shallow graves of fallen Japanese soldiers. Those Japanese soldiers were buried with their full military gear during their southern march to Singapore.

I asked Mr Shu if all the weapons found were still usable. He explained that for rotten wooden parts of rifles those were easily replaceable. (I presume those rifles should be from the family of Japanese WW2 military bolt-action rifles, known as Arisaka rifles).

According to Mr Shu for rusty bolts & firing pins, there will be problems. He further shared that there were two types of shallow graves, the wet graves and the dry ones. He said that weapons found in dry graves were not usable (due to non-removable rust) but weapons found in wet graves were usable, as those rust were removable.

Mr Shu said that at the end of the war, he travelled to Singapore and cut all links with MPAJA and MCP (Malayan Communist Party). I asked him if he will mind that I pen down his story for the benefit of our future generations, Mr Shu gladly obliged.

I promised to meet Mr Shu shortly again to listen to more of his oral history accounts. One resident bluntly put it to me that we have to act fast, because we won’t have much time left. That comment caused me to want to assemble a small team of writers, so that we can collectively put together a book which captures the oral histories of elderly Singaporeans like Mr Shu.

Oral histories of fellow elderly Singaporeans are very important in the course of Singapore’s nation building. Please email me at yawsl@wp.sg if you are keen to explore this purposeful project together. Thanks.

Discussions with Cat Welfare Society

This evening Shin Leong held informal discussions with representatives of Cat Welfare Society (CWS).

They shared with him their initiatives on community cats’ programmes. While Shin Leong is the owner of several pets, including a cat, he candidly shared with CWS representatives about residents’ concerns about neighborhood cats.

These concerns included cats’ fights during wee hours, environmental concerns about cat poo, smell and feeding leftovers. CWS representatives acknowledged these concerns and updated Shin Leong on the challenges community cats’ lovers faced.

They also shared with Shin Leong about CWS cooperation projects in the pipeline, such as ‘Community Cats Management Programme’ & ‘Community Mediation Protocol’. The blueprint of these two projects will be made available online by CWS soon.

Hougang Football Network

A gathering was held this evening between like minded individuals. Under the informal auspice of Hougang Football Network (HFN), an interest-group-network under the Hougang Constituency Committee (HGCC), we discussed about our love for football & the different ways of promoting football in Hougang & beyond.

Two representatives from Hougang United Football Club (HUFC)’s Fan Club, Mervin Tan & Ernest Lim were present in this inaugural HFN discussion. Our discussions included ways to build up HUFC fan base, how to promote social football, the necessity of tie-ups with organic stakeholders and the idea to organize informal Hougang football leagues etc.

HFN will work closely with HUFC’s Fan Club to help promote the love for the game. For example: On 10th June 2011 (Friday), HUFC will be facing Malaysia’s Under-21 national team. They are known as the Young Tigers. This is an important match and will be held at Hougang stadium. HFN believes that this match has a semi-national importance for Singapore & has local importance for Hougang.

In conjunction with HUFC’s fan club, HFN will leverage on social media sites, word of mouth and even traditional posters to promote this important game. The idea is to get as many fans as possible to support HUFC on the 10th June match. We hope that, on the night HUFC fans will be able to cheer on our beloved Hougang United team with the to-be-tested ‘Hougang Roar’ & the ‘Hougang Wave’!

So are you keen to do your part to promote S-league (vis-à-vis) that of HUFC? If you are, HRN welcomes you. Email (hgcc@wp.sg) today. Singapore & Hougang football awaits you.

The inaugural HFN discussion group:
Front Row (L to R): Ernest Lim, Mervin Tan, Shin Leong, Jenn Jong & Eric Sim
Back Row (L to R): Guo Wen, Daren, Steven, Marcus, Benny, Kathleen & Gini

Hougang Town Council’s Water Tanks’ Safety Guidelines

In view of the recent unfortunate ‘body in water tank’ incident, there were concerns raised about water tanks’ security & safety issues across the island. To help residents better understand the processes Hougang Town Council (HGTC) put in place, below are HGTC’s water tanks’ safety guidelines enforced throughout the years.

All water tanks in the HDB blocks of Hougang SMC (Single Member Constituency) Estate are locked. Cleaners do not have access but if they are required to access the roof to do any cleaning works, a HGTC officer is required to be present to monitor and check the works.

The access door to the roof is also locked and the keys to access the locks are securitized in that these cannot be duplicated at any shop except by the manufacturer who can only do so with the authorization by HGTC.

The locks to the access door to the roof are different from that used to lock the water tanks. Any personnel given access to the roof must first be authorized by the company that has a contract with HGTC or statutory boards.

Existing at the roof tops of HDB blocks are various services which various authorities either directly or through their assigns may want access to at one time or another. To accommodate this, HGTC endeavors to maintain the current system of using only securitized padlocks accompanied by very stringent enforcement actions.

If any person who is given access loses the key, the company or authority under which the person was given the key would have to bear the cost of replacement of all the padlocks which the key opens. All the padlocks replaced will have a new lockset combination which the lost key cannot open.

The above ensures that any personnel holding any one key knows of the consequence of losing the key and thus cannot then take the responsibility lightly. Previously, HGTC has made contractors pay for the replacement of padlocks before when their supervisor (usually the person we will allow to sign for keys) lost the key given. The sum involved was substantial. This enforcement had been effective in inculcating the responsibility amongst the workforce which in the past was sorely lacking.

Hougang Women Support Network

A preliminary discussion was held this morning between Ms Lynn Ang (Centre), Ms Aileen Goh (Left) & myself. We discussed about the practicalities on forming a HGCC (Hougang Constituency Committee) sub-committee that specifically looks into women-related issues in Hougang SMC.

This segment of Hougang constituents include, single mums, widows, elderly women, married homemakers, female students, unemployed females and even working women who require support/ help/ a listening ear/ career assistance from fellow women staying within or outside Hougang constituency.

The intention of this sub-committee (tentatively called Hougang Women Support Network) is to explore the organic establishments of peer group support mechanisms for Hougang Women, so that it can be sustainable in the long run.

Yes, we are in the midst of seeking out interested female volunteers. A second meeting will be held shortly. Do email Shin Leong at (yawsl@wp.sg) if you are keen to be part of this initiative. Thank you!

Thank You

Dear Voters & Supporters,

Thank you for all your votes, support, congratulatory notes & blessings.

GE2011 would not be the same without you. This is only the beginning of another political marathon.

For the sake of nation building, I encourage each of us to step forward to serve our nation, with all your heart and all your mind.

Will you join me today?

On The Campaign Trail Day 9

On The Campaign Trail Day 4

Contributed by Volunteer Reporters,

It was the fourth day into battle and the team was not letting any moment slip past without doing their utmost to win every single Hougang voter’s heart and mind. As usual, the volunteers gathered early before the sun was out, all geared for the battle ahead with their energy and enthusiasm.

House by house, the team took pains to cover each block; this is a sincere endeavour to let every voter have an opportunity to meet the Workers’ Party candidate face to face at least once before going to the polls. During the house visits, Shin Leong shared with residents his plans for Hougang Constituency. It is a simple 3Cs concept: Constituency, Community and Country. At Constituency level, he will put in his best efforts to address and oversee address municipal issues and concerns.

At the Community level, he believes in creating initiatives within the community bottom up, and through such community initiatives, he hopes to further strengthen the strong Hougang community bonding and spirit. Thirdly, on the Country level, Shin Leong strongly advocates for a strong alternative voice in Parliament; hence he seeks to provide the national representation for the bread and butter issues of ordinary citizens, especially the neglected and poor, in Parliament. This representation in Parliament is essential, especially in the process of policy making.

Perhaps it was the smiles of the volunteers, or perhaps it was the sight of the sweaty team, or maybe it was really pure support for the Workers’ Party. One family invited the team to their house, and extended Shin Leong and his volunteers a bowl of delicious green bean soup each. It was such a pleasant surprise. The warmth of this Hougang residents’ family and their hospitality somewhat lightened the weary legs of the team.

Operation was cut hours after the sky was dark. Despite the perspiration and the fatigue, the warmth and hospitality of the residents continued to linger in each volunteer’s heart. Somehow, they could feel that the Hougang spirit, and this community spirit is something many have not experienced or find in other constituency. This is perhaps the long lost ‘kampong spirit’. One volunteer who missed the day’s operation, sent an message to the team that he would be back the next day for the house visits because, he ‘miss Hougang already!’ Indeed so, Hougang residents had made house visits an addictive experience.

On the Campaign Trail Day 3

Winning each heart and mind of Hougang SMC voters
By: Volunteer Reporters

The day begun even while the sky was dark for Shin Leong as he geared himself for his mission of ‘winning each heart and mind’ of Hougang SMC voters.

A group of committed volunteers rallied around with Shin Leong, making campaigning even more enjoyable. The perspiration increased through the day as the team, tirelessly, went door to door in the Hougang neighbourhood, greeting each resident with their enthusiasm and passion. Many residents welcomed the visit with a warm smile and greetings when they hear our candidate knock on their door, ‘Yaw Shin Leong, Workers’ Party, here to pay you a visit’. Some offered drinks, towels for the perspiration and even extended hospitality to their homes for a chit chat.

It was really encouraging to find such neighbourliness in our Hougang residents even in such modern times, where it is known that many HDB dwellers preferred to have ‘close doors’ privacy.

The day ended on a high note as Shin Leong attended a grassroot organized dinner function for the needy residents in Hougang at the open field opposite Block 310. During dinner, residents took turns up the stage to showcase their ‘singing talent’. In the spirit of the night, Shin Leong was invited on stage to join the session. Together with 2 other residents, they warmed the audience’s hearts with the rendition of Emil Chau’s ‘Friends’.

On the Campaign Trail - Day 2C

The Hougang Spirit
Reported By: Volunteer Reporters

It was the virgin WP rally for GE2011. The crowds started making their way to the rally site at Block 837 Hougang Central open field as early as 530pm to secure the best spot.

As the 7th speaker, Shin Leong was introduced by Mr Low Thia Khiang to the hugely Hougang crowd.

The crowd screamed and cheered, as Shin Leong began his speech in the Teochew dialect, saying that he is a ‘Teochew Nang’ (meaning his dialect is Teochew)!

Though not very conversant in the language as his Teochew father who passed on when Shin Leong was 13 years old, he did his best to articulate a short speech in Teochew.

Addressing the hugely Hougang crowd with widely perceived to have dominant Teochew speakers, Shin Leong praised the Hougang residents for their ‘Hougang Spirit’. They had courageously supported the Workers’ Party and Mr Low Thia Khiang despite the PAP’s ‘carrots and threats’ that was dangled to them during each GE.

It was a rousing and passionate speech, as Shin Leong held up regard for the Hougang spirit that was so remarkablely demonstrated in Hougang resident, Mr Seah Yin Hwa. At a recent NUS forum with PM Lee, Mr Seah had raised the question on the continuous delay of constituency upgrading plans for the opposition ward. In his response, PM Lee openly ‘endorsed’ the politicisation of national schemes like upgrading of estates for partisan advantage. The candid response of the ‘unfair treatment’ had drew flak from many and created a mini furore online then.

Shin Leong also addressed the crowd on the need for having a balance government with more robust policy debates in Parliament. Citing statistics on Singapore being ranked 2nd amongst 42 nations with highest income inequality, Singapore is far from being a First World nation.

Hot button issues like overcrowding and over-reliance of foreign workers also emphasized the need for more alternative representation in Parliament. Alternative voices is key in establishing a check and balance mechanism in an otherwise, a one-party state.

Shin Leong ended the rally speech with a call for a mandate from the people for the Workers’ party to serve the people of Singapore.

The results on polling day will show whether the size of the crowd and their cheers are reflective of the mandate given to the Workers’ Party.

Photo 1: Shin Leong talks about the Hougang Spirit
Photo 2: Shin Leong with supportive Hougang residents at block 703 coffee shop after the rally.

On the Campaign Trail - Day 2B

On the Campaign Trail - Day 2A

On the Campaign Trail - Day 1

Reported by Volunteer Reporters

The fever of the General Election 2011 started as early as 8am on Nomination day as the Workers’ Party candidates with their supporters turned up at their meeting point at Block 701 Hougang Ave 2. As buses ferrying the groups to their various nomination centres lined up along the road, reporters from the various news agencies monitored Mr Low Thia Khiang and fellow party candidates’ movements anxiously. They were hoping to be the first media to announce the strategic political deployment for Mr Low and fellow party candidates.

Finally at the moment of departure, Mr Low boarded the bus designated for Dunman Secondary School, the Hougang SMC nomination centre, and announced to the bus of supporters that Yaw Shin Leong would be the candidate for Hougang SMC while he would be leading the battle at Aljunied GRC. The surprised supporters responded with cheers and applause as an affirmation and encouragement for the strategic move.

At Dunman Secondary, the speck of blue waited tirelessly against the sea of whites under the hot glaring sun as the candidates filed their papers.
It was a moment of frenzy for everyone at the centre, when The Workers’ Party supporters opened up their party blue umbrella to shield from the blazing sun. The innovative party umbrella was such an asset at that moment, while the supporters in white could only looked in envy as they had to brave the heat, holding on their party flag poles.

Whilst waiting for the confirmation of their candidates, each camp started displaying their cheering showmanship. Not to be beaten, the small speck of blue camp gave their best to their candidate with cheers of ‘Workers’ Party’ and ‘Yaw Shin Leong, Hougang’.

As an affirmation to his supporters, Shin Leong, posted a tweet while waiting in the hall. ‘Yaw Shin Leong is heartened by the cheers of WP supporters at Dunman Secondary. He will do his best for constituency, citizenry, party & country.’

After a long and anxious wait, candidature confirmation for Hougang finally came, bringing signs of relief, both of the successful filing of the papers as well as the eagerness to leave the ‘hotspot’.

As the ‘battlecall’ for the start of 9 days ‘battle’, Shin Leong declared that he ‘will fight for every vote in Hougang’, and that began the ‘fight for every vote’ in Hougang SMC!

Photo 1: WP Supporters at Dunman Secondary School
Photo 2: All systems go! The battle has begun!