<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR>PAP's self-renewal a boon for the nation
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->THE report on Monday, 'PM: New slate of future leaders ready by next GE', provides much food for thought.
The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) can pride itself on not only taking self- renewal seriously, but also doing it with much circumspection.
It can be disquieting to know that some politicians in the region indulge in money politics and resort to buying votes.
I was surprised to learn that former Philippine president Joseph Estrada has decided to run in next year's presidential election, even though he was convicted of plunder and sentenced to life imprisonment, before being pardoned by President Gloria Arroyo.
I was in Batam earlier this year, a few days before the Indonesian general election. It was common for six or seven candidates from different political parties to compete for a wakil rakyat (people's representative) post in a small district.
I asked a shopkeeper which candidate he would vote for, and he replied that he trusted none of them. He added that the politicians were more interested in gaining power and wealth than looking after the welfare of the people.
By getting committed candidates ready for the next election, the PAP will spur opposition parties to also look for candidates with integrity and dedication.
The responsible manner in which our political leaders conduct themselves during the election period and at other times goes a long way towards cementing our standing as a social, economic and political safe haven.
Jeffrey Law
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->THE report on Monday, 'PM: New slate of future leaders ready by next GE', provides much food for thought.
The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) can pride itself on not only taking self- renewal seriously, but also doing it with much circumspection.
It can be disquieting to know that some politicians in the region indulge in money politics and resort to buying votes.
I was surprised to learn that former Philippine president Joseph Estrada has decided to run in next year's presidential election, even though he was convicted of plunder and sentenced to life imprisonment, before being pardoned by President Gloria Arroyo.
I was in Batam earlier this year, a few days before the Indonesian general election. It was common for six or seven candidates from different political parties to compete for a wakil rakyat (people's representative) post in a small district.
I asked a shopkeeper which candidate he would vote for, and he replied that he trusted none of them. He added that the politicians were more interested in gaining power and wealth than looking after the welfare of the people.
By getting committed candidates ready for the next election, the PAP will spur opposition parties to also look for candidates with integrity and dedication.
The responsible manner in which our political leaders conduct themselves during the election period and at other times goes a long way towards cementing our standing as a social, economic and political safe haven.
Jeffrey Law
