The singapore general elections this year is closer to my heart than the last. Because I lived through a housing dilemma for the last two years and many more Singaporeans get the opportunity to cast a vote that truly makes a difference this time. Even though I voted last year, none of my friends remembers. Because back then, the only opposition parties that mattered were in Aljunied and Potong Pasir.
How the tide has changed. Refreshing changes that keep the debates alive and truly challenging the generation Y Singaporeans to think twice about which party to vote for. I find myself speaking my mind more freely and that there are more people around me to engage in the topic of politics, be it my family, closest friends, colleagues or simply voicing my thoughts out loud in the social media space, at times not getting any replies. We are also not as secretive as the older generation about our votes.
The four types of votes are very clear this time - 1. PAP supporters 2. Opposition supporters 3. Apathetic 4. Those who have yet to make up their minds
I am especially heartened to hear my junior say they are going to every single rally with an open mind. They truly want to know what the politicians have to offer and find answers not just to the "Whys" but also the "Hows". They want to know how the solutions will be executed. This is a huge leap forward. Although personally, I think it is unfair to press for specific answers from opposition when the PAP is so much stronger, has full access to infrastructure and funds that the opposition has been deprived of.
I don't need a brand new government but more voices in Parliament to ensure the policies are more well balanced and that majority of the Singaporeans don't get left behind. I give credit to the achievements of the PAP, I appreciate the fruits of our progress and that they are finally (yesterday to be exact) also willing to be accountable for the mistakes they make. When taxpayers are contributing THAT much to your salaries, it leaves minimal room for mistakes. If our leaders are willing to take a pay cut, Singaporeans will return the "favour" by having more understanding when mistakes are made.
Ultimately, doesn't the root of the problem lie in our Ministers' sky-high salaries? We need to attract the right talents to be our leaders. I think they should be well-paid but not overpaid. The current salary benchmark is overpaying. And if we are entrusting our money with supposedly the best talents in Singapore, then they ought to be prepared to deliver and meet our expectations, or even demands. The same theory that applies when we are going to a Michelin chef restaurant for the food, service and experience. Being part of our government is a community service. And we need to have leaders who are willing to serve, even after weighing the opportunity costs and knowing there are sacrifices they have to make (Including higher pay in the private sector). There's a passion that is lacking in PAP. Passion to listen, connect and understand our people. And I need to search really hard for conviction, to know that the PAP cares.
It is difficult, simply because I know my Ministers and MPs are living in luxury. Probably in a fancy residential area of Singapore like Holland Village in a sprawling bungalow, with drivers and stylish cars that are able to keep them away from the traffic jams and congested public transportation. The ground work of "rolling out a red carpet" for them beforehand is also done before they step foot on commoner ground. E.g. Bodyguards clearing train carriages beforehand for the Minister of Transport or grassroot members knocking on residents' doors and requesting them to keep their doors open before the MPs arrive to greet them.
I come from a middle class family and I know we will ultimately progress beyond the costly system right now because my Sister and I have benefited from privileged education. But I also have friends, relatives, acquaintances whom I know don't enjoy the same privileges and face serious problems that deprive them of a good quality of life. They will be stuck in that rut because the policies have been in favour of the wealthier and in other instances, foreigners. I also cannot emphasize enough that this group of Singaporeans have not done anything wrong in our meritocratic society. They have also put in their utmost efforts to obtain an educational qualification, like a diploma or a private university degree. Upon graduation, they pay taxes like we do but the returns are simply different. And in many cases I hear, they feel shortchanged.
Many netizens have voiced their views that the complaints in the social media space is alot of "noise". Noise that does not translate into specific solutions for the country but I think the onus is then on the government to find these solutions for us. This is not part of our job scope but theirs. And exactly what percentage of Singaporeans can dissect the issues, analyze and solve the issues they face? If they could, they would be in the government. Some are disappointed that the opposition parties are "empty shells" that have yet to present us with concrete plans. Again, give them the funds and equal access to resources like PAP and they might be able to surprise you. The baby step to take now is to play on the emotions of Singaporeans, win the seats this elections and be the alternative voices in parliament. We may have more questions but let's just start small, shall we? Democracy is not having a one party system only. And we are not asking for 90% of the government members to be overturned. The realistic chances? 5 seats max. Anything else is a bonus.
I'm beginning to lose sight of our privileges for being a Singapore citizen and choosing to stay on here, for good times and bad. I need to know my government will take care of me and each policy has taken into consideration both sides of the story. A government with NO opposition party at all, scares me. PM Lee has asked us to understand the government and where they are coming from.
NO, it should be the other way round and the government has to understand us first.
