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May 19, 2010
TV debates good for S'pore
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ALTHOUGH Mr Dennis Tan ('Election debates on TV all style and no substance, so not for us', May 3) may be right in believing that the British election television debates have led to a greater emphasis on style over substance, he has neglected to mention the most important change these debates have created.
The British election debates on television gave the Liberal Democrats an opportunity to shine, and to break the traditional two-party dominance of the British elections.
During an election, it is important that Singaporeans make an informed choice, and that we are exposed as much as possible to the viewpoints of all the involved parties so as to make such a choice.
A televised debate is an excellent chance to place two or more parties side by side for comparison and to see alternative viewpoints in an otherwise almost homogeneous political playing field.
This positive outcome, in my opinion, far outweighs the 'style over substance' argument.
Moreover, Mr Tan's worry is precisely what the cooling-off period is for. After the televised debate, Singaporeans will have one day to carefully weigh their options and vote rationally.
Considering that we have, over the years, consistently voted in a government that has performed well, this should not be a major worry.
Liu Hongwan
TV debates good for S'pore
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ALTHOUGH Mr Dennis Tan ('Election debates on TV all style and no substance, so not for us', May 3) may be right in believing that the British election television debates have led to a greater emphasis on style over substance, he has neglected to mention the most important change these debates have created.
The British election debates on television gave the Liberal Democrats an opportunity to shine, and to break the traditional two-party dominance of the British elections.
During an election, it is important that Singaporeans make an informed choice, and that we are exposed as much as possible to the viewpoints of all the involved parties so as to make such a choice.
A televised debate is an excellent chance to place two or more parties side by side for comparison and to see alternative viewpoints in an otherwise almost homogeneous political playing field.
This positive outcome, in my opinion, far outweighs the 'style over substance' argument.
Moreover, Mr Tan's worry is precisely what the cooling-off period is for. After the televised debate, Singaporeans will have one day to carefully weigh their options and vote rationally.
Considering that we have, over the years, consistently voted in a government that has performed well, this should not be a major worry.
Liu Hongwan
