My thoughts on Singapore GE2011

Posted On Sunday, May 8, 2011 at at 10:31 AM by warriorsofwind  

It has been an exciting moment for Singaporeans for the past 2 weeks on the General Election 2011. Although my constituency was walked over, I still eagerly following the news.

This year, the election had undergone changes that differ from the previous elections - (1) the rising star of young politicians (Nicole Seah etc) ;(2) Usage of new media to connect the public ;(3) all constituencies are facing competition from opposition except mine. Putting the political view aside, I do appreciate the government's relax in the media control where the opposition's and controlling party's voice can appeal to the greater audience. More importantly, I'm glad that the younger generation has taken more interest in the political discussion and coming out to join the election. The issues that focusing in this election were: (1) rising healthcare cost; (2) rising housing prices and (3) surging foreign workers/talents which i unfortunately are falling into a victim in these issues. In addition, i am amused by the fact that the sensation created by Nicole Seah and Tin Pei Ling in this election. Not that i have anything against TPL, but i found the answers given by her was too surface and not attacking the heart of the problems concerned as compared to Nicole Seah. True enough, Singapore's strategy is focusing on economy growth which i deem is important. But, what is the point of continue focusing on economy growth and job creation where the general public is feeling a strain to support their basic necessities such as paying for their healthcare and wages not able to meet the rising cost? As always, the outcome of the election was no surprised which the PAP still controlling the majority of the seats. However, during the announcement of the results, one had to be astounded by the power of the new media where the results were sprayed across within the "netcitizens" before it was officially announced in the TV.

I do feel sad to see the leaving of our MP Chiam See Tong and Foreign Minister George Yeo. Chiam has always been fought hard to be the voice of common Singaporeans and i feel pity that he had to leave due to his ill health and age. As for our Minister George Yeo, he's been a humble person and contributed a lot in our country's foreign affairs, especially in the areas of improving our relationship with the neighbours. In the first time of Singapore's history, an opposition party has finally won a GRC. As Minister George Yea had said " A new chapter has opened... " or perhaps this signified a wind of change. Still, i have no high expectation of much improvement would be done over in the next five years but hoping at least there will be greater accountability and transparency of the government to the public.

As of now before i end my thoughts, there is a campaign happening in Facebook on the petition of removing TPL as MP. It would be interesting to see what will be happening next.

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