Apr 22, 2011
...and vital changes made by PAP
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PRIOR to the last general election, I wrote in to the Forum Page suggesting that the Government increase the number of single wards and reduce the number and size of group representation constituencies if it wants to see more contests.
I was sceptical that it would - especially raise the number of single- member constituencies - because it was risky for the People's Action Party (PAP). So, I was pleasantly surprised when the number of single wards as well as the Non-Constituency MP seats were raised.
The changes show that the PAP is in touch with voter sentiment and responds to our changing society.
The NCMP scheme is useful and if nine such credible opposition candidates get in, they will, like Workers' Party's Ms Sylvia Lim, engage the PAP well.
The PAP's dilemma is that voters want to have their cake and eat it too. We want more good years and more good opposition MPs and I hope this happens when Parliament convenes next.
While many young and first-time voters are understandably excited, I advise them to hear out the parties carefully and vote calmly and rationally.
Politics is about programmes and policies, not personalities and promises. A general election is a political socialisation process which should strengthen and not weaken our politics.
It is also a shared experience that should strengthen national identity.
When it is over, all parties should respect the results. If an opposition party loses, it should behave civilly and not incite its supporters.
If the PAP loses a GRC, it should not threaten to withdraw facilities and services or suggest that the constituency's voters did not vote wisely.
To progress, we must have politicians who seek to improve citizens' lives, not go for personal gain; and a political system that will ensure long-term prosperity.
Harry Lim
...and vital changes made by PAP
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<!-- end left side bar --><!-- story content : start -->
PRIOR to the last general election, I wrote in to the Forum Page suggesting that the Government increase the number of single wards and reduce the number and size of group representation constituencies if it wants to see more contests.
I was sceptical that it would - especially raise the number of single- member constituencies - because it was risky for the People's Action Party (PAP). So, I was pleasantly surprised when the number of single wards as well as the Non-Constituency MP seats were raised.
The changes show that the PAP is in touch with voter sentiment and responds to our changing society.
The NCMP scheme is useful and if nine such credible opposition candidates get in, they will, like Workers' Party's Ms Sylvia Lim, engage the PAP well.
The PAP's dilemma is that voters want to have their cake and eat it too. We want more good years and more good opposition MPs and I hope this happens when Parliament convenes next.
While many young and first-time voters are understandably excited, I advise them to hear out the parties carefully and vote calmly and rationally.
Politics is about programmes and policies, not personalities and promises. A general election is a political socialisation process which should strengthen and not weaken our politics.
It is also a shared experience that should strengthen national identity.
When it is over, all parties should respect the results. If an opposition party loses, it should behave civilly and not incite its supporters.
If the PAP loses a GRC, it should not threaten to withdraw facilities and services or suggest that the constituency's voters did not vote wisely.
To progress, we must have politicians who seek to improve citizens' lives, not go for personal gain; and a political system that will ensure long-term prosperity.
Harry Lim
