WP must prove people's trust hasn't been misplaced
SATURDAY'S election results left me with mixed feelings.
I was relieved the PAP was returned to power, garnering a respectable 60.1 per cent of the vote, considering the less than sweet ground and a credible opposition compared to the 2006 General Election.
I am confident the People's Action Party can perform better in the next elections if it addresses public concerns more carefully and compassionately.
In hindsight, it was naive of me to think that an 87-0 win for the PAP would be ideal. Now, the ball is in the court of the Workers' Party (WP), which effectively denied the PAP a clean sweep.
The WP must ensure that the trust it gained will not be misplaced. I am keen to see how much influence the opposition party can bring to bear on local issues and how much it can contribute.
If the WP performs well in Aljunied GRC and Hougang SMC, it might pave the way for more opposition MPs in Parliament. However, it would be better if there is just a single opposition party rather than a mix in Parliament because of the potential for wasteful infighting.
In my view, those who voted against the PAP were not anti-government, but believed in the sincerity and ability of the Workers' Party to serve Singapore effectively. I hope voters will give the PAP and the opposition parties a chance to prove themselves.
Derrick Lee
SATURDAY'S election results left me with mixed feelings.
I was relieved the PAP was returned to power, garnering a respectable 60.1 per cent of the vote, considering the less than sweet ground and a credible opposition compared to the 2006 General Election.
I am confident the People's Action Party can perform better in the next elections if it addresses public concerns more carefully and compassionately.
In hindsight, it was naive of me to think that an 87-0 win for the PAP would be ideal. Now, the ball is in the court of the Workers' Party (WP), which effectively denied the PAP a clean sweep.
The WP must ensure that the trust it gained will not be misplaced. I am keen to see how much influence the opposition party can bring to bear on local issues and how much it can contribute.
If the WP performs well in Aljunied GRC and Hougang SMC, it might pave the way for more opposition MPs in Parliament. However, it would be better if there is just a single opposition party rather than a mix in Parliament because of the potential for wasteful infighting.
In my view, those who voted against the PAP were not anti-government, but believed in the sincerity and ability of the Workers' Party to serve Singapore effectively. I hope voters will give the PAP and the opposition parties a chance to prove themselves.
Derrick Lee
