Reform Party registration approved; Inauguration dinner on 11 July

I was notified of the approval by the chairman of the Reform Party, Ng Teck Siong. I've known him and J B Jeyaretnam for a number of years.

Back in April 2001, when I was in Think Centre, I helped to organise the Save JBJ rally at Yio Chu Kang stadium. In fact, i was one of the speakers. It was a nerve-wracking first-time experience speaking in front of thousands. It was a historic event also because it was the first, non-election political rally since the PAP came to power. Here's a photo from that day,

That's me with the goatee, sitting in between J B Jeyaretnam and Ng Teck Siong. The pink jeans and red shoes belong to James Gomez. Gandhi Ambalam of the SDP is the one with his hand on his chin along with another member of SDP. More photos here.

In a comment for a blogpost by sgpolitics, Ng Teck Siong had this to say about the upcoming inauguration dinner,

If any supporters wish to attend our inauguration dinner on the 11th July, 2008, Please contac: Ng Teck Siong on H/p No. 91179350 or Amy Lui H/p No. 98476900.

According to uncleyap's post,

Date : 11.July.2008 Friday, 1900Hr. at

The Reform Party Inauguration Dinner

The Fortunate Restaurant
Blk 181, Toa Payoh Centeral
2nd Level (Near National Library)

@S$30 per person or @S$300 per table of 10

For bookings please contact party treasurer:

M/S Amy Lui h/p 83517336

Here's a media report about the approval,

Singapore approves new opposition political party

SINGAPORE, June 19 (Reuters) - Singapore has approved the formation of a new opposition party, giving once-bankrupt political veteran J.B. Jeyaretnam a shot at contesting the city-state's next general elections. Jeyaretnam, 82, said on Thursday that his political party, the Reform Party, was approved on Tuesday, two months after his official application was submitted.

Jeyaretnam was the first opposition member to break the ruling party's grip on parliament 27 years ago, but he was unable to contest the 2006 general elections after he was made bankrupt in 2001 for failing to pay S$265,000 in defamation damages to then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.

He was discharged from bankruptcy in May last year and announced his return to politics in April this year.

"I am over the moon," Jeyaretnam told Reuters, adding that he will hold the position of secretary-general in the new party.

The Reform Party, which promises to challenge the fundamentals of the Singapore political system, will enable Jeyaretnam to contest general elections due by 2011.

Singapore's three main opposition parties hold little power and often complain of poor access to mainstream media.

The People's Action Party has ruled Singapore since independence in 1965. It won 82 of 84 seats in May 2006 elections and has never lost more than four seats in any election.

(Reporting by Melanie Lee; Editing by Neil Chatterjee and Jerry Norton)

These are videos of the press conference on Apr 18, 08 to introduce the Reform Party,