Melancholic Derivations

May 05, 2006

The Triumph Of Realism

Political apathy is something Singaporeans have come to be synonymous with. Ask the layman on the street what he feels about the latest economic issues or social policies introduced by the People's Action Party and you'd be hard pressed to gain a meaningful response. Simply put, Singaporeans have been brought up to focus on the now and present, making ends meet and getting rich quick. The rest doesn't matter simply because it's in the hands of the 'gah-men'.

The General Elections this year have special significance for me simply because it's the first time I'm actually a part of this electoral process even though I don't have the opportunity to vote. I'm a full-fledged adult in the eyes of the political hierarchy and not a minor in the eyes of the law. Of particular interest this time to me is Hougang SMC and the election campaigning going on there. It's simply a case of idealism vs realism, a case of wanting an opposition voice in Parliament vs upgrading a derelict estate.

Many would argue for the need for an opposition, someone to speak out against the majority PAP MPs in Parliament. Without that, the debating and discussion process in Parliament would effectively be a farce, they argue. But these same people come back home everyday to paint peeling off their HDB blocks, lifts not functioning properly and they look across the street to PAP constituencies and notice the difference. I wonder what goes on in their heads, is that voice of opposition in Parliament really worth all the sacrifice?

I believe that realism will triumph over that voice this elections. I believe the residents will vote with their heads and not their hearts. I believe Eric Low will win Hougang SMC and the PAP will enjoy a landslide victory this Elections overall. That's not to say I approve of it. This 'carrot-and-stick' politik that Low Thia Khiang insists PAP is playing, it's really not the case. It's just a case of bringing the realism to the hearts of the voters.

Traveller fell apart at 12:02 PM


	Now Spinning Heroes Theme - Heroes Soundtrack The Protagonist joel \| content \| driven \| focused \| motive-oriented \| cynical \| analytical \| God-fearing \| jaded \| Frequent Reads Ben Christie Christine Davina Eugene Jasmine Jeremy Jo-ann Kay-Lene Mac Tammy Vivek Past Rants January 2004 February 2004 March 2004 April 2004 May 2004 June 2004 July 2004 August 2004 September 2004 October 2004 November 2004 December 2004 January 2005 February 2005 March 2005 April 2005 May 2005 June 2005 July 2005 August 2005 September 2005 October 2005 November 2005 December 2005 January 2006 February 2006 March 2006 April 2006 May 2006 June 2006 July 2006 August 2006 September 2006 October 2006 November 2006 December 2006 January 2007 February 2007 March 2007 April 2007 May 2007 June 2007 July 2007 August 2007 September 2007 October 2007 November 2007 Tap My Shoulder		May 05, 2006 The Triumph Of Realism Political apathy is something Singaporeans have come to be synonymous with. Ask the layman on the street what he feels about the latest economic issues or social policies introduced by the People's Action Party and you'd be hard pressed to gain a meaningful response. Simply put, Singaporeans have been brought up to focus on the now and present, making ends meet and getting rich quick. The rest doesn't matter simply because it's in the hands of the 'gah-men'. The General Elections this year have special significance for me simply because it's the first time I'm actually a part of this electoral process even though I don't have the opportunity to vote. I'm a full-fledged adult in the eyes of the political hierarchy and not a minor in the eyes of the law. Of particular interest this time to me is Hougang SMC and the election campaigning going on there. It's simply a case of idealism vs realism, a case of wanting an opposition voice in Parliament vs upgrading a derelict estate. Many would argue for the need for an opposition, someone to speak out against the majority PAP MPs in Parliament. Without that, the debating and discussion process in Parliament would effectively be a farce, they argue. But these same people come back home everyday to paint peeling off their HDB blocks, lifts not functioning properly and they look across the street to PAP constituencies and notice the difference. I wonder what goes on in their heads, is that voice of opposition in Parliament really worth all the sacrifice? I believe that realism will triumph over that voice this elections. I believe the residents will vote with their heads and not their hearts. I believe Eric Low will win Hougang SMC and the PAP will enjoy a landslide victory this Elections overall. That's not to say I approve of it. This 'carrot-and-stick' politik that Low Thia Khiang insists PAP is playing, it's really not the case. It's just a case of bringing the realism to the hearts of the voters. Traveller fell apart at 12:02 PM