Singapore Government and Election

In Singapore, the people are talking about when is the next General Election again. Given that the recession is beginning to hit here, and its expected to long and hard, I think this is a good time for an election for the ruling party. It's strange that when the economy is down, then it's a very good time to call election. Many Singaporeans are pragmatic people, and their first worry is bread and butter issues like the economy, jobs, etc. And ruling party PAP has proven itself to be the best economic architect for Singapore, and many people would voted for the safest choice party. This was what happened during last Sept11 recession where PAP got one of their best mandate so far. Of course, some people would voted for the opposition because recession is hitting the pocket, and they would then started to blame the government. However, the current recession is unique and unprecedented where it hit the whole world. No one in Singapore would be able to completely defend itself. Given Singapore's small size and lack of natural resources, what has been achieved thus far is already remarkable. However, if recession hit many people very long and hard, ground resentment could grow so strong that the people vote for the opposition no matter who they are. It will become simply a vote of protest, rather than a choice based on merit.

Ironically sometime when the economy is good and everyone is well taken care, then it may be a bad time for election for the ruling party. When the basic needs are there, then people will start to demand more freedom, more alternative voices, more autonomy, more checks on the party, and risk-taking in choice of party leadership. As such, a myriad issue would be raised in the election speeches.

I am not necessarily a 100% pro ruling party supporter. But honestly, given what Singapore has achieved from our humble past as a tiny nation as British colony and independence in 1965, to now a city state with first world living standard and per capita GDP, I have to say our government has done well. Many countries which are bigger, older, and richer (in natural resources) than us did not done as well. Of course, not everything is nice here. There are indeed many concerns in the ways the party runs the Republic. I have lived through many elections in Singapore, over three places, but yet I have not been able to vote. My three different constituencies have always been walked over, meaning no Opposition contestion. As such, I have never been able to exercise my right as a democratic citizens to vote. But does it matter? I have learned to view Singapore as Singapore Inc company. The country is run like an enterprise. The board decide and pick the management, and staffs do not vote their management.

Given the current structure, I think it is extremely hard for Singapore to grow a strong and viable two parties system like USA or UK. Neither will a system of many small and weak opposition parties be a path. There are many reasons for this, perhaps we can talk about another day. Unless there are severe crisises, I think Singapore will continue to be ruled by one dominant ruling party, with a few small oppositions as a token alternative voices on the government.

So long as everyone is happy, got a good job with reasonable pay, we do our work and move on in life. Let the leaders do their work in continung the good work. Until such a day when the party has degenerated into a corrupt party, we will kick it out. Pray that day will never come.

We cannot expect a perfect government. Every party has its strength and flaws. Judged on it's whole, it has done well. If there are flaws, raise it as a constructive feedback and we solve it together. Just dont get into childish complaints and protest without offering a good solution.