Mixed Results, Change for the Better

Touted as the toughest election PAP faced since independence. Under the rule of elder Lee, PAP has consistently won the votes of the people. There is not many opposition that is willing to come forward to stand for election, for traditionally, opposition always appeared to be suppressed; facing legal suit, bankruptcy and more. This year, unprecedented numbers of opposition came forward despite the tough history has proved that Singapore has mature as a nation in Politics. More young people are more willing to be involved, they are not afraid to speak up, posting tough and direct comments on new media like Facebook and Twitter.

Nicole Seah, the emergence of a young Nonya who is mature beyond her age. While she and her team did not win, her devotion and compassionate heart was her key campaign, she has brought politics closer to many more young Singaporeans.

I had mixed feelings from this General Election 2011. Watershed as predicted by many including our Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong. Mandate drop almost across all seats contest with exception to Hong Kah North’s Dr Amy Khor, and PM outward admission that we hear you may drive the way PAP formulate their policy in the years ahead. I hope that it will turn out to be more consultative and Singaporeans first instead of corporatizing the nation toward economy growth centric. I am not saying that the PAP is lousy, it has done a wonderful job as government, come on… how many countries out there has come out of the financial crisis as well as Singapore did. But how many Singaporeans are left behind? The fact that middle and lower income wage has not been able to catch up with the growth surely have strained majority of our people. So what is so wonderful to be elated about when most of the people are struggling?

Think… and here’s the mandate.. With strong opposition on board, people are willing to forgo the comfort and explore the uncharted waters, Aljunied. PAP still has a strong mandate of close to 61% given that the rest of the opposition may need to catch up on their arguments to convince people that they are able to contribute and not disrupt. This is evident that people has their suspicions on Lain Chiam as she could not hold the debate well as shown in one of the political debate before election campaign. It was sad that Potong Pasir who has been the legendary landmark for opposition to slip and fall. What is more heart aching is the loss of 2 great man, Mr George Yeo and Mr Chiam See Tong. Results are extracted from www.ge.sg.

New Media

This year, social media, Facebook, Twitter, etc, heighten the tension during the election campaign, news travel quickly through posting and sharing of news article. The new found fame in the shortest time ever, Ms Nicole Rebecca Seah from National Solitary Party shot to fame as the public scrutinized against Tin Pei Ling. This new media has found its way into our politics campaigning and will continue to stay in our future politics. This also changed the way on how results are updated real-time. As I wait for the official announcement from the election department. I get to see real-time update from the collection centre, the recount, close fight, lead exchange hands as counting continues.

Loss of veteran opposition

We have lost our veteran opposition, Mr Chiam See Tong. An outstanding politician who had set an unprecedented longest serving opposition in Parliament since Singapore gained its independence. He was voted into Parliament in 1984 defeating PAP's Mah Bow Tan. His determination and perseverance has won many hearts in Potong Pasir that continue to elect him for 27 years. This year, he chose to come out of his comfort zone and lead a team to contest against Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Wong Kan Seng, Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC. It turns out to be a miscalculated move as his frail health (after suffering a stroke in 2008) perhaps did not give much confidence to the voters. Even given his record of accomplishment and sincerity, his team only managed to wrestle 43.06% Bishan-Toa Payoh from the ruling party. A great politician. I wish you health in your retirement.

WORKERS’ PARTY

Workers’ Party. Not only that they have a higher mandate from Hougang, they have achieved a historical breakthrough in Singapore Elections with a 54.71% win in Aljunied GRC since the introduction of GRC system in 1988. GRC was then introduced to ensure that there would be a minority representation in Parliament. Opposition had always faced challenges in putting a strong team together to contest against a stronghold of the ruling party with a Minister leading the team in a GRC. The fear of losing a Minister in a GRC has always been a tough decision for the people to choose. This year, Workers’ Party leader, Mr Low Thia Khiang, lead a team of ‘A’ team with a slogan “Towards a First World Parliament” to provide an alternative voice for the people.

Loss of a great Minister

The historical breakthrough has also sees a loss of a great Foreign Minister that had secured our economic and political future with our regional neighbour and the wider international community. It is unfortunate that Workers’ Party leader formed a ‘A"’ team and chose his GRC as a ground of contest due to the proximity of his Hougang Fortress. Mr Low’s influence may have spread over to parts of Aljunied GRC. It does not help that rising cost of living, ever rocketing housing prices and over-liberal foreign talents policy has driven frustrations on the ground, MM Lee strong words for Aljunied to “repent” during has perhaps anger the fence voters. He certainly did not deserve this; he has done a wonderful job as a MP and Foreign Minister. I wish him all the best.