Choosing Our Leaders

Once again, the time has come to choose the people who will lead Singapore for the next five years.

As the whole world probably knows, there will not be any surprises in general, with the PAP surely forming the government at the end of the elections.

As groups of Singaporeans lament about the lack of excitability and variety evident in the local political scene, we must keep 1 eye cast around the world to realize that perhaps we may be taking things for granted in our homeland.

Right at our doorstep in Malaysia, the deputy prime minister at that time, Anwar Ibrahim was charged with sodomy crimes and thrown behind bars with a black eye to accompanying him.

In Indonesia, the last few years have seen a quick succession of presidents come and go. Each 1 brings with them their own agenda and action plans. But without sufficient time and support, even the best plans will not translate into any results.

Out of SE Asia, in the middle east, there is a lack of credible leaders to take over from the regime that Saddam Hussein perpetuated and lead the once great nation out of the crisis they now face.

Even in USA, scandals after scandals continue to emerge from politicians in charge of the only super power of the world now. Politics is a much more complicated game over there.

Sure, the political news from these countries make for excellent news headlines. But politicians are not movie stars. They are leaders who are expected to fight for the best for their people and to govern the country to give the people the best opportunity to live a better life.

I am glad that the political scene back home has not degraded into a sleazy world of scandals, name-callings and unscrulpulous sabotages. In contrast, the debates that emerged generally revolves around bread and butter issues as well as the ever-present calls for the government to be more democratic.

Bread and butter issues have always been emphasized by the ruling party PAP. Their track record (a pet phrase of the party) has been outstanding, giving them much credit to claim. Occasionally, the opposition parties will pick on a few downsides of the economy, the education and the healthcare system and pick the finger back at the PAP. They tell the people - See the PAP has let you down, and then stop at that. Hardly any alternatives or solutions are offered by them.

On calls for more democracy in Singapore, the opposition voices have been the loudest. From Dr Chee to JB Jeyaratnam to Low Thia Khiang to Chiam See Tong, issues of democracy have been vigorously campaigned and put across to the people. It is interesting to note the former 2 has been the louder of the lot on the topic of democracy. And look at what they have got themselves into. Both are bankrupts and on the brink of political extinction. Dr Chee had taken part in the last few elections and has lost all of them, suffering humiliating defeats in the process. In the 1996 election, he actually fainted after losing to a PAP candidate in the single-member constituency of MacPherson. Talk about showmanship. To make matters worse, Dr Chee yelled and hurled abuses at then PM Goh during a walkabout in the 2001 election, potraying himself, in the words of MM Lee, as a hooligan politician. Once again, Dr Chee's SDP team was soundly trounced in Jurong GRC.
In contrast, Low Thia Khaing and Chiam See Tong have maintained their focus on normal daily issues that concern the average Singaporeans. Both have kept their seats in parliament and the support of the voters.

1 wonders - Is Dr Chee and JB Jeyaratnam barking up the wrong tree? Are Singaporeans concerned or even care about the issues that these 2 bring up about democracy in Singapore?

Let me give my 1 cent worth... I think ideals of democracy appeal only to the younger generation of Singaporeans. And this appeal is only applicable to educated young Singaporeans who have been leading a rather comfortable life so far, ie in other words the more well-off strata of the society. As for our parents' genearations and their parents' generations, as well as the people in the lower classes of the society, I think this appeal is totally non-existent at all. Bread and butter issues are the main concerns of these group of people and their votes are won on the basis on this issue.

Before the PAP came into power, Singaporeans did not have any bread and butter to talk about. Under it's governance, Singapore developed rapidly and steadily and moved from 3rd world to 1st. The older generation of Singaporeans will never forget this and will remain staunch PAP supporters.

The younger generation ,on the other hand, has lived in economic prosperity for the whole of their lives and tend to take things for granted. Attractive ideals like democracy will appeal to these people.

Simply put, people with their stomachs empty and without a roof over their head will not be interested in democracy ideals while people with no worries about when their next meal will come and have a comfortable home to live in will be.

Anyway, why is there a debate about democracy in Singapore? I thought we are a democratic country? Isn't the virtue of democracy mentioned in the pledge we say every morning in school?

Well, it seems that the very notion of democracy is not very well defined. In fact, it's such a broad concept that different interpretions of it will lead to very different outcomes.

Just what is Dr Chee talking about when he argues for democracy? Freedom of speech? The ability to say anything you want without worrying about the consequences? The type of democracy in Taiwan maybe? There is much greaterl freedom of speech over there and look at the state of their political scene.

Freedom of choice? The choice of choosing another party to lead Singapore? Apart from the PAP, who else is there to turn to? SDP? SDA? Workers' Party? They don't even have enough candidates to challenge for all the seats in parliament. Thanks but no thanks.

I think democracy is very much alive in Singapore. We are a democratic society not only in name but in practice as well. A great extent of freedom is available to all Singaporeans as long as we stay in line with the laws set. Do what you want. Be who you want to be. Just stay on the right side of the law and no one will bother you. Say what you think. As long as it is not a pack of lies or wild and harmful accusations that are baseless, you will be fine. Not happy with the government? Express your views. Tell your side of the story. You will not get into trouble. Want to run for election? Just get a deposit of $13-14000 and a few supporters and you can do so as an independent. Now, fancy doing that in democratic America. You will need millions of dollars there. Not to mention overcoming numerous other barriers to entry into the political scene.

Freedom is present in Singapore. But not absolute, total, unconditional freedom. That would be anarchy. Freedom comes with responsibility. And as long as you exercise that responsibility, you get your freedom.

This principle has held the country in good stead ever since independence. And will continue to do so in years to come.

I am excited about the general election. Ever since I was a young boy, my father has brought me to numerous election rallies and I never fail to be entertained, amazed and impressed by the speeches of candidates contesting.

Wah! So interested in politics ah? Are you going to be a politician Chern? No, I am not.
I am just concerned about the issues that surround my country. I am just caring about the quality of the leaders that will carry our society forward. I am just eager to know what direction my country is heading towards in the future.

Every Singaporean should.

Let this be a good election.