Have you been following the #GE2015 coverage on social media? Chances are, you’ve been overwhelmed by a flood of articles on your newsfeed.
We’ve scoured all platforms to bring you our second installment of the most memorable, eye-roll inducing and cheer worthy quotes in the elections thus far.
(Check out our first part of our #GE2015fails!)
1. “Please vote for the PA… I mean Reform Party!”
Reform Party (RP) candidate M Ravi on Nomination Day (1 September)
It seems that the PAP’s political dominance has been so entrenched in the minds of many, even the opposition candidates who are, well, opposed to them. Infamous lawyer M Ravi makes the ultimate slip of the tongue by exhorting spectators to vote for the PAP. #FreudianSlip, anyone?
2. “I remember what happened in 1996”
Lawrence Wong on Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan, during a live-television broadcast forum between all contesting parties (1 September)
It was such an off-the-cuff remark that moderator Steven Chia had to intervene and ask Mr Wong to continue the conversation in private. The public was quick to cry foul and criticise Mr Wong’s decision to attack Dr Chee’s past instead of sparring on policies.
3. “Will we remain a unicorn, special or become just like everyone else?”
Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien Loong on Singapore, at a PAP press conference (1 September)
PM Lee has endeared himself to young Singaporeans by showing his digital savviness and the habits of the youth. He has now pulled it off again by using the unicorn as an analogy to how special Singapore is, and how GE 2015 will determine whether Singapore can continue to be special.
4. “Mouse in the house”
PM Lee Hsien Loong on the opposition in Parliament (2 September)
The number 1 man in PAP fired a stinging shot at the Workers’ Party (WP) for their seemingly disappointing performance Parliament. The WP then fired back by citing statistics which showed that the MPs with highest numbers of questions raised were in fact WP MPs.
Ironically, the MPs on the other end of the spectrum were all from PAP, with former Transport Minister Raymond Lim registering a “whopping” zero time of speaking in Parliament.
5. “Don’t come knocking!”
Message at the door of a home in Tanjong Pagar GRC (3 September)
In a image that went viral, a resident left a message reprimanding candidates and volunteers trying to pay a visit. The resident argued that he or she would give a chance to the opposition party SingFirst despite having little opinion on the candidates.
If all households in Singapore were to leave such signs at the doors, all the candidates are going to have a headache on how to make the last-minute push in connecting with the ground (read: win votes).
6. “Not you!”
A man in the crowd of Independent Candidate for Radin Mas SMC Han Hui Hui’s rally (3 September)
Han Hui Hui (HHH) was asking the “crowd” to vote the right people into parliament when a man cheekily replied, “Not you!” While his antics can be considered rude, such sentiments are unfortunately a reflection of the public’s general view of HHH.
While Uber driver Sherwin “sure-win-you” Eu could have been the number 1 laughing stock of GE2015, make no mistake: the distinction has been handed over to HHH.
For the kind-hearted people who might try defending HHH for having the “courage” to have conviction in her belief and in running for election: there is a fine line between courage and recklessness.
Spending $14,500 just to earn national attention while knowing full well that she would lose the money hardly qualifies as a description of “courage.”
7. “It was just a joke”
National Solidarity Party (NSP) candidate Cheo Chai Chen on his remark about Tin Pei Ling’s motherhood as her weakness (3 September 3)
Probably the most notorious and unforgivable gaffe of GE 2015 so far. As a former serving MP from 1991 to 1997, the public would have expected Cheo to know better and avoid making controversial remarks. By referring to new public idol Tin Pei Ling’s motherhood as a potential weakness, Cheo has effectively alienated all working mothers.
8. “I visited your home. Please support the PAP.”
Door sign by Vivian Balakrishnan’s PAP campaign team in the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC (4 September)
If Dr. Balakrishnan really visited the home, why leave the sign outside? In fact, having “visited your home” isn’t quite enough reason to “support the PAP.”
Considering how Dr. Balakrishnan doesn’t appear to be among the popular ministers of most Singaporeans, such flyers only serve to further worsen his already negative reputation among many Singaporeans. Public relations companies must have cracked up at this one.
9. “40 winks in the car after a long day”
A candid photo of PM Lee taken by his wife Ho Ching (5 September)
Prime Ministers are also people who need time off and rest. This photo is the best reminder that while we criticise country and party leaders, they are just like us.
10. “The knuckle-duster era is over”
SDP candidate Dr Paul Tambyah at rally (5 September)
Indeed, the political culture in Singapore has become more open. The opposition is now making inroads, as evidence by their recruitment of candidates with superb qualifications. As a result, the public is also increasingly receptive towards the opposition. It remains to be seen if the opposition can make even further gains in GE 2015.