The proximity of exams so near election dates and my grandfather's condition of late have kept me away from following the election campaign of certain parties and individuals as much as i would like to. It's more so of the second reason because the first reason was a result of the latter reason. Anyway, i'm grateful for social media because that's the only way i am able to keep tabs on what is happening. Friends have shared articles and videos and it's a great way to see what the candidates are offering this time around.
I remembered catching the first rally from the balcony of my place during the previous election and i was already overwhelmed by the support WP had been getting. Perhaps they were not popular enough or those numbers were not converted into votes on polling day and they lost the fight. This time round, the numbers are even more massive in the rallies and it would be good if I could be able to witness it first hand. Sadly, I was either in school, a friend's birthday or was shuttling to and fro TTSH.
In case you still do not know, I'm in Aljunied GRC and I have been holding back my comments until both parties have finished saying what they want to say. I had lived in Hougang till i was ten and you could say that I was brought up a WP person. My cousins and I had been staying in Hougang and events that WP has organised for the residents there formed a large chunk of my childhood. So I would say that I know what living in an opposition ward was liked. At the same time, there is no denial what progress the government had helped us Singaporeans become what we are today and yes I would say that they have been competent. The majority of them, at least. IF this is simply an election to elect who I want in charge of my ward, to represent my voice in Parliment, perhaps it would be so much easier. Instead, it seems that with the GRC system in place and figures telling us to vote wisely because it concerns our children our country, it seems that there is so much more at stake.
Right now, the block opposite me is under Marine Parade, along with the shopping centre, my train station and my interchange. At the same time, I'm under the same GRC as those living in Bedok Reservoir. It is quite amazing how the needs that I would have in my area would be similar to that of those living in Bedok. All along I did know about the existence of this lady in white named Cynthia Phua on several events, however, it was a little surprising that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Yeo, is actually representing my constituency. You see, if you stay on the fringes on wards that are so big, you tend to wake up being in another GRC overnight. My ward was under Marine Parade and Aljunied two elections and the last election respectively.
The existence of the GRC system was implemented so as to protect the interest of candidates who may be from the minorities groups. There is no denial that we are humans, we have feelings and we all have personal preference to a certain extent. And as much as we can deny it, I believe that to be fair to everybody who may want to be an MP, this is a good idea to have.
However, it seems that the system has been abused.
Not only is it confusing for residents like me to know which ward I'll be in during the next election, it is not hard to believe that the wards are drawn up to the advantage of the PAP. In my opinion, this definitely would have resulted in the number of walkovers from the past few elections. It was hard to find quality opposition and it sure worked in favour for the PAP.
Wards are drawn up so big that they consist of 4 to 5 representatives and it's surprising how certain figures can become a MP overnight. I believe this isn't an issue that's new to us. Certain leading figures are assigned to wards holding an umbrella so big that they shield new members or those who may not (or have yet to prove) be as capable. This existence of this pathway for such representatives to get into parliament so easily irks me because, I grew up with the believe of meritocracy from textbooks and if that's the case then how is it possible that people who are unknown the night before can be propelled to such a difficult task of governing a constituency just by joining a party.
To avoid such cases, surely 2 or 3 people in a ward is good enough to justify and protect the interest of the minorities no?
And so, with the growing discontent in the population, there is more people who are willing to voice out, and so we find ourselves with all wards being contested (Tanjong Pagar was judged to hand in their nomination papers late by 35sec). And it seems that no matter where you field your opposition, there is always going to be a minister in a GRC. So if you're WP and you're based in this area for such a long time, you're facing at GRCs from AMK, Marine Parade and Aljunied. And we all know who are the representatives of those wards.
I do not like the way the PMSMMM has all come out to tell how people should go about voting. You can say that it's a reminder to let us know about the importance of voting, but i believe everybody is entitled to their own opinions.
Personally, I believe in getting the right people into the government. Of course, it is hard to define who is right and who isn't. Choosing between two individuals is so much easier a job, as compared to choosing between two teams. I'm glad WP has put up a strong team because it means I get to decide and my vote actually counts. As opposed to the existence of an opposition team for the sake of opposing the government(the only difference between a walkover and that is that you either choose to abstain or...)
There are a few ministers that I actually look up to and I do think they are competent and George Yeo is one of them. I do think that it would be a loss to us if he loses his ministerial job because of the polls this time around, but there is no saying that even if he retains his job as a MP, he will still be the FM, because they can always reshuffle the cabinet. I'm saying that nothing is certain. Fans can vote Heinze to be their favourite player but it doesn't mean that Ferguson would want him to be there the very next season. Similiarly, bringing in somebody without a track record doesn't mean that the team harmony will be lost, or that he could not be a sensation the very next season. Who knows. He may just get you 20 goals a season as long as you keep an open mind and be receptive to changes and listen.
These days I find myself so comfortable..so complacent in life. It's always good to have someone there to remind you of what is at stake..what is there to fight for.
Anyway it's about time to cast my vote. I've made up my mind. Have you?
