Singapore Politics

Read in the papers today about the 5 reasons why the ground sways against the ruling party. One pertinent point raised by the Straits Times is the 'unresolved issue' of Tang Liang Hong and the absorption of some of the most fiercely contested areas into Aljunied and Ang Mo Kio. I must admit this is what I have always felt right from the start when I saw polling results on the night results were release. It just took a long time for things like this to surface. No one mentioned it in the press, TV or commented on this obvious fact prior to this article. The pented up frustration of many were felt they were 'wrongfully absorbed' and side issues like cost of living all conspired to drive votes down for the PAP. The silver lining to all these is that MPs in thes areas have 'vowed' to work doubly hard. They have increased their meet the residents session and redouble 'their engagement efforts'. This I thing is the best result that Election 2006 did to our country. It gave our leaders a sense of reality of true ground feeling. It allows ordinary citizens like myself to impact national policies. It makes technocrats in ministry engage themselves, not at an intellect level but at the base of their heart, to sincerely address the needs and aspiration of their people. (I hope the retreat in Thailand for some community leaders and their MPs will help). And finally the best thing that happened, is that it shows that Singaporeans can choose their leaders sensibly. They are level headed, genuinely concerned about the future of their country, they shunned the SDP ( yahoo!) and they decided to give the opposition a chance. But again the opposition must note that this is not carte blanche. How they react and perform in the next few years will be critical in retaining or redoubling or re-losing the faith the public has in them (remember Lim How Doong in Bukit panjang?). For the PAP, being 'ideological-less' I am sure they could turn around themselves. My only wish is that they could get a better sense of reality of young people (like me), my parents and those who feel somewwhat 'aggrieved' Its not easy engaging these lot, it means going beyind the  rationale of policies to turn them around, but ultimately making them feel secure and contented,...at times a word or two of simple honesty, fair-play, soft persuasion and candour. (Smile more PAP!). I also hope that the newer PAP MPs will be given more opportunities to speak internally. Also imporatnt there is alot of 'group think' going on in the PAP. Many who started out as idealists in the past are now toting party liners (Vivian saying 'we need to reeducate the young...*ouch* after MM Lee TV dialogue) , when it comes to upgrading and other issues. I hope this election will allow the 'old guard' to take notice and and also those really really out of touch MPS to really listen and feel the ground for themselves and help the party that they love and have committed most of lives to build. My heart to you all. God Bless Singapore. For all of our sake.