Since everyone is discussing this GE2011, maybe I should pen my thoughts too. No matter what the outcome is, the buzz and the level of enthusiasm from the public will only benefit Singapore. And I pray hard that the leaders who emerge from this GE, are those who can focus on the issues in the coming 5 years, and handle problems humbly, in a righteous, just and merciful way.
PAP
They probably did not see this coming. The extent of negative ground sentiments, not when they timed the Grow & Share package, not when the economy had picked up.
The PAP must have sensed it, to have NWC announced the recommendation of wage increase, PM taking the first soft approach for the the party, the Foreign Minister's appeal to voters.
Is it a case of too little and too late? Yes, I personally believe so. The party had not changed its stance even at the time when they announced their candidates.
- Candidate Ms Tin Pei Ling certainly did not show the calibre of an MP but she was endorsed strongly by both PM and SM.
- Housing concerns were brushed aside
- The U-turn in the COE and ERP model
- The uncontrolled influx of foreigners had crippled our infrastructure
- No sincere apology or accountability was given for the escape of Mas Selamat, Orchard floods, YOG budget, YOG food poisoning
- The widening income gap was not addressed while there was a significant increase in Ministerial salaries
- Gerrymandering at every election
It is not because the constituents haven't suffered hardships in the earlier days of independence that they are soft and voicing their dissents. The PAP should understand that one could never live on yesterday's glory.
Contrary to what MM believes, the citizens are grateful for the good governance in the 60s, 70s and the 80s to give you the mandate to continue governing this country. They have given you the mandate to push for unpopular policies, such as NS and CPF.
But the current batch of leaders are not the same as the late Mr Ong Teng Cheong or Mr Goh Keng Swee of the 70s and 80s. The current crop of leaders do not appear to understand the ground sentiments.
Citing just one example, Minister Mah is only now willing to review the income ceiling of $8,000 imposed on the purchase of HDB flats from the government, when just a few months ago, he insisted that the $8,000 planning model was still relevant. Isn't this a U-turn, only when they were about to lose the votes. By the way, the ceiling was first introduced in 1994 (17 years ago), the change is long overdue. Just by inflation alone, the ceiling should have been raised long ago.
And then MM spoilt the more consultative approach of PM by resorting to fear, likely the only way he knew how to manipulate people. I believe that the PAP had not been the most fair political party around, and definitely narrow-minded in the way they treated politicians with alternative views.
But let's give credit where credit is due, the PAP government has done well in the global issues. Leading the ASEAN when Singapore was chair and managing the international relations well with practically everybody. But on the domestic front, it had barely passed.
Opposition
The Opposition however, can resonate with the ground. These are the people who have experienced the pain and are not exactly the "bicycle thieves" that MM would have mentioned. I find some of their views sensible and reasonable and it is a pity that the PAP would just reject them without good reasons, simply because they were different.
Yes, the Opposition had no track record. But when the push comes to shove, people WILL take the leap of faith and I can see it happening. The PAP probably have also seen it and have started to take a softer approach, but I wish they had done so earlier, when they would not be seen as reactive, just as much of their policies.
Yet some Opposition candidates are dubious, they emerge from nowhere and some seem to be there just to fill up the ethnic quota for the GRC. On major international issues, I believe that the Opposition would not be as capable as the PAP, but on the domestic front, they would beat the PAP hands down, anytime.
I pray that the Opposition have set sights on 5 years and beyond, rather than just the elections on 7 May. Otherwise, we might as well have the PAP win all the seats again. But if the Opposition can mature, a different opinion would definitely help our nation.
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