An act of parliament has raised the status of Think Centre as a political association in the same mould as political parties by the government with their announcement on 30th March 2001. This decision by the government to gazette the Centre under the Political Donations Act has led Think Centre to release a working proposal (after consultations) to field its own candidates in the upcoming election. Its purpose is to create discussion and participation of civil society in Singapore's electoral and political process at the national level.
---Preparing the Young, Caring for the Old---
The individuals who will make up this independent GRC (Group Representation Constituency) team would be James Gomez, Yaw Shin Leong, David Foo and Zulfikar Mohd Shariff. At this juncture a fifth candidate stands by as reserve. Melvin Tan is appointed as the Campaign Manager and Jacob George, the Media Liaison.
The target GRC is Jalan Besar. This constituency was chosen primarily because team leader James Gomez is resident in the Jalan Besar GRC for some fifteen years and knows the area and some of the residents' issues. Additionally, this GRC was also chosen because the incumbent party position was seen as weakened following the dishonourable exit of PAP MP Choo Wee Khiang under corruption charges and when a by-election was not called to renew the mandate.
The gazetting of the Think Centre has also led its directors to initiate the process of formalising the Centre's status as a Company Limited by Guarantee. In this way it can constitute firmer its non-profit status and have more internal regulatory guidelines. Local fund raising for the Centre's activities will now be conducted.
The Centre will stand to support and promote an eight point pro-Singaporean platform:
1) Tighter regulations on foreigners working in Singapore.
2) Greater Health Care, Educational and other Subsidies to combat rising costs of living.
3) A review to shorten National Service and Reservist liabilities.
4) Support legislative changes for alternative lifestyle practices and the elderly
5) Review CPF withdrawal and contribution rates
6) Overall audit and accounting of government-linked companies' performances and losses.
7) The appointment of a constitutional committee to recommend the setting up of independent institutions on human rights, elections, media, access to information
8) A legislative review to supervise the implementation of pro-civil societies policies.
The independent slate will be using a logo entitled "Maximum Impact" – a clenched fist crushing a lightning bolt.
