I have mixed feelings about the SG General Election results. I am glad that despite the emotive tide that has swept through the minds, hearts and souls of Singaporeans for the past 9 days or so (and one that at times threatened to turn into a tsunami), Singaporeans are still a rational lot.
We have elected PAP as our ruling government. But we have chosen to have more elected opposition MPs even at the expense of giving up 3 ministers, 1 potential 4-G leader and another MP who has dedicated so many years of service in her constituency.
Singaporeans have made our choice. I only wish that WP will live up to its promises to achieve a First World Parliament in Singapore through its robust, rational & realistic approach to question, clarify, and as well as offer alternative solutions. Alternative views should not be confined to empty debates, criticisms, lofty and impassioned words but they must be accompanied by well considered questions, push for evidence-based justification, presentation of sound alternative policies etc. Above all, they must be based on shared values and convictions as well as a genuine desire to achieve the better good for all Singaporeans.
It's time to rein in all the ventilated emotions, calm ourselves down and heal the wounds and scars that have been ripped open during the past 2 weeks or so.
As Singaporeans, perhaps this is the best time to think hard about our Shared Values (what is it that we Singaporeans really treasure most) and together with the PAP and WP, forge a common vision anchored on this set of values to bring Singapore to the next level.
Why did WP score so well at the ground level?
I see real passion - a fire in the belly and a powerful conviction that resonates, connects and unites both the party activists as well as their supporters.
PAP has for a very very long while been very dependent and reliant on the PA & GRO machinery. Maybe the first hard look that it has to take is the channels and networks that they have long depended on - to see if the people are there for the right motivations and if they are the best people to relay the real sentiments from the grounds to the leaders.
My personal previous experience with some grassroots leaders (very few I must say) left me feeling that this could be one of the key reasons why the PAP has lost much emotional connection with the people of Singapore.
Lastly to GY - it really pained my heart so much to see him go. He is about the only Minister whom I respect and like in the entire Cabinet and PAP government. I remembered thinking in the earlier part of the campaign period that somehow there is no one in the PAP camp that I can identify, champion and pledge my undying allegiance to...not even LHL, not until he stepped forward to say sorry. In GY, we have lost a very outstanding Foreign Minister (also our former MITA minister who has brought us our world-class library system that has won many many accorlades worldwide once upon a time).
As a citizen, I am very grateful to our leaders (past and present) for where Singapore is now. I look forward to the new batch of future leaders (PAP or WP) to join forces together to lead Singapore and Singaporeans to a Better and Secure Future. I pray for the same passion and fire in the belly (even if they have different political aspirations and ideals) to remain and grow in all our elected leaders and may they be really genuine and sincere in wanting to engage, listen and act on our behalf.
Likewise, as a responsible citizen of Singapore, I should not be contented with just voicing concerns but also have a willing and open heart to engage and connect with our leaders. Constructive discontent can be a positive force to push up to up our standards and imbue a positive competitive element to help us do better.
To the defeated PAP team from Aljunied GRC - thank you so much for your dedicated work and service to Singapore!
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