The year 2011 will be a year I remember at least for the next five years. It was a heated and forcefully fought “watershed” election with non-stopped rallies and media footages on the highly watched political event. “Watershed” because it marked for the first time in two decades that only 2 incumbent opposition Mps moved out from their respective strongholds and contested in the ‘Group Representation Constituencies” (GRCs) risking the situation where there would be no elected opposition MPs. The Singapore 16th General Election (GE) was held on the 7th of May 2011 where the elected Parliament of Singapore will hold a term of 5 years running the country. Voting is mandatory and we were obliged to vote? Why did I say oblige? We were given 2 choices of the party that we were supposed to vote for. So what happens when one doesn’t wish to vote for any of the party? It is a flip of a coin; either head or tail. The probability of the winning the vote is a 50-50 chance. Why aren’t there more than 2 parties contesting or weren’t the residents allowed to choose the candidate instead of the voting for the parties? Why can’t we have an elected minister and an opposition together in the same party? Wouldn’t it be better? The final result was expected for most of the Singaporeans. While PAP met most of the expectations to sweep into power (again) and claim over two-thirds of the parliamentary seats, it won 81 out of the 87 seats. Somehow or rather, I believe that the MM’s comment on Aljunied’s “To live and repent” was the most talked about topic amongst Singaporean. PAP lost Aljunied’s Group Representation Constituency to the Workers’ Party of Singapore whose ideology was on social democracy. The first time a GRC was won by an opposition party and this would include Hougang Single Member Constituency. The worker’s party ended up with six seats in the Parliament which saw it as the best opposition parliamentary result since independence. The marginal won by PAP in this election and the strong showing of the Worker’s Party led to the speculation that the elections may see the eventual emergence of a two-party political system in the future election. Maybe in the next five years!
For this election taught me lots of new words which I can add to my vocabulary. Words such as Manifesto ~ to set out strategic direction and outlines of prospective legislation should they win sufficient support in an election to serve in the government. Mandate ~ the support or commission given to a government and its policies or an elected representative and his policies through an electoral victory. Okay, it feels better now to understand the meaning of those words. The recent election saw a rise in social activism. As the knowledge in politics grow and the uprising of scholars in the country, it is not surprising hear different views that were voiced out amongst the Netizen. For I have heard of urban myth that we are not allowed to speak badly of the government. Not anymore, it is a freedom of speech! The difference now is that citizens and voters are becoming more liberal and radical in the way they think and their ideology. We do not vote for the fact that it is mandatory. We believe in voting for whom who we feel could provide us with opportunities and a better life. For a government; who improves the lives of lower-income Singaporeans and involve all Singaporeans in shaping our future. Most are more in depth in understanding the process of democracy and maybe this could be one of the reasons for the marginal percentage wins. People want to be a platform for the average Singaporean, for his views and for his opinions. As seen in medium such as Facebook, online blog and forum, there were continuous postings on the rallies, election issues, discussion which were mainly on the opposition party. People are blogging about their support and their views on opposition’s manifesto and their loathe for the government vision on the high rising living cost in Singapore, the surge in HDB housing prices, the growth in Foreign Talents, the opportunities for a higher incomes to help alleviate the cost of living, our jobs opportunities and the overpopulated situation in Singapore. Where is the balance? All I could see was the rise in support for opposition. For someone who is pro-PAP, where would he post? I don’t recall coming across a blog posting about his/her views on it. Maybe there is! Maybe one or two, Maybe. The only pro-PAP blog was at PAP website itself! So it wasn’t a level playing field in its sense. Ideally what I really want is a good debate over ideas and issues, not just being polemical. Just look at the number of turn up at the Opposition rallies if compared to the PAP. Why are these rallies infested with audiences if compared to the latter? Doesn’t this only mean that residents had enough of the government ruling and want to have a say in the government too? Action speaks louder than words doesn’t it? Are your Facebook news feeds flooded with discussion and pictorial on the Opposition parties too? Mine was! This was especially seen in the support that came from the younger generation. As it was the PAP who has shaped Singapore as it is now, it has become the responsibility of the uprising generation to decide on its future. In simple words, it is time for a change.
I didn’t make my vote based on the highly great influence from the Netizen views and the media. I need to find the balance by the constant online reading and media articles, brochures, handouts that I can get hold of. Nobody can predict the global economic crisis, the act of God such as natural disasters. One way or another, it will affect us. We can’t tell what uncertainties and surprises the coming years will bring. Thus we will need a good leader to lead steer the country. One with a vision for the future, one with a backup plan and one who listens to Singaporeans. For the first time voters, especially for those in their early twenties, most are not well aware of the current state of living in Singapore. The “Grow and Share” package helps a lot in helping them to make a decision, I must say! For I have read the PAP’s vision and I am quite impressed with their vision to “Create opportunities for higher incomes for all”, “Improve the lives of lower income Singaporeans, “Bring out the best in every child”, “Develop a vibrant city and an endearing home”, Help our senior stay active, healthy and engaged”, Involve all Singaporeans in shaping our future”. A very well planned vision by the Party and no doubt that they have helped to steer the global economic crisis safely. In most households, incomes have risen significantly over the last five years. Now that the economy has rebounded and many good jobs have been created. Many good jobs have been created! Can we clarify that statement? Many good jobs have been created for Singaporeans or for the foreign talent? Has the quota for FT raise? I was shocked and taken aback when I read the forum below on the rise of the foreign talents.
"Though i am very against the influx of FTs, i still treat them like a fellow being and have never look at them with a different perspective.
i was having lunch with a PRC colleague. She’s a 24yr old gal who just graduated from NTU and now working in a MNC while waiting for PR approval.
just started a casual topic like, wad do u like about this country and how are u coping
so we get the standard reply. Wad stuns me, was the answer to my next question.
me: " so wad makes u decide to come here"
PRC: " I didn’t"
me: " wa, ur parents force u here or ur bf is here"
PRC: "neither, ur SG gahment invited us here"
me: " huh, wad do u mean"
PRC: " ur MOE went to our school in our village and told us they URGENTLY need students here, infact they were hard selling the whole scheme and many of us signed up"
me: " huh, wad did they offer"
PRC: " they offer us, ALL Expenses paid for our fees in NTU, including lodging and we even get pocket money"
me: *mouth open
PRC: "on top of that, they have send me the INVITATION letter to apply for PR after we grad"
I seriously begin to wonder the magnitude of the FT problem has many more sides that many of us do not know,
i lose my pride as a sgporean after hearing this and i really wonder do they really care?
if u give a PR who starts a business here and bring jobs to sgporeans, by all means.
BUT if u choose to so-call groom a FT and seemingly used up tax payers money to fund it, i totally do not understand the reason why.
my guess is, they bring in more FTs, give them the candy and they bring in more FTs, which I believe is working because she told her friends about this scheme and many of her friends are here now, at the expenses of home-grown sgporeans.
i myself was deprived the chance of studying in a local U.
But yet a villager from a faraway land with no visible society contributions gets the chance of studying here, all expenses PAID.
Are we really worth this much to the gahment?
Is it really we got not enough pple here to study in NTU? Then why are they rejecting sgporeans who meet the pre-requisites?
This post has been edited by Ah_tee: May 3 2011, 08:59 PM "
I couldn’t believe on what I have just read. It might just a lie, a deception and a deceit to influence us in going against the government. I was wrong! This was shared too by many of the local Singaporeans students studying in such institution. WTH! This was known way back and why this issue wasn’t raised as a concern before and why was there hardly any media coverage on this sensitive issue? Was it banned? Here I am working hard for a better future and many whom I know of re-applying again and again for a place in the local Universities. Many were rejected and went overseas instead to pursue their higher education. With opportunities like this, I asked myself, “Dear Singaporeans, are we really that useless?” For I am not particularly concerned about the “Mas Selamat” issue as we do make mistakes but this is totally unacceptable and unjustifiable! Where are our opportunities then if more jobs are given to FTs? You have to be aware that they ~ the FTs are being paid in SGD. After working and earning high income in Singapore, they sell off their property here in Singapore and retire without liabilities. What about the Singaporeans then? We do have that 30 years housing loan being tied down. Those who are laughing their way to the bank are the foreigners and definitely not Singaporean. Are we managing this issue well? Is it really that simple for a foreigner to obtain a PR in Singapore in such a short period of time? A fully paid education in Singapore with included expenses for the foreigners. Well done! What is the rationale of doing so? Tell me! Why can’t the same thing be done to Singaporeans? We will indeed be grateful especially for those low-income families. It is time for a change! Don’t you think so?
As the verdict for the election was announced, for many ~ it was a disappointing result for some of the constituencies. We have been wanting for a change and a people’s voice in the parliament. For it was not about rebelling, it is more about voicing out our stand as Singaporeans. In these five years, most of us will look forward to the changes that will come about. We have seen many Singaporeans vending their angers, dissatisfaction and frustrations especially from those who aren’t well to do. This can be seen in rallies footages where as Singaporean for once realized that processes need to be re-engineered. As voters from Hougang stood side by side pledging the National anthem, I was awed by the patriotic atmosphere. When they won, for sure it was a great feeling knowing that you will have your say too in the government…For the rest of us; we just have to wait and see….
Signing off my thoughts,
Idah Noraidah
For this election taught me lots of new words which I can add to my vocabulary. Words such as Manifesto ~ to set out strategic direction and outlines of prospective legislation should they win sufficient support in an election to serve in the government. Mandate ~ the support or commission given to a government and its policies or an elected representative and his policies through an electoral victory. Okay, it feels better now to understand the meaning of those words. The recent election saw a rise in social activism. As the knowledge in politics grow and the uprising of scholars in the country, it is not surprising hear different views that were voiced out amongst the Netizen. For I have heard of urban myth that we are not allowed to speak badly of the government. Not anymore, it is a freedom of speech! The difference now is that citizens and voters are becoming more liberal and radical in the way they think and their ideology. We do not vote for the fact that it is mandatory. We believe in voting for whom who we feel could provide us with opportunities and a better life. For a government; who improves the lives of lower-income Singaporeans and involve all Singaporeans in shaping our future. Most are more in depth in understanding the process of democracy and maybe this could be one of the reasons for the marginal percentage wins. People want to be a platform for the average Singaporean, for his views and for his opinions. As seen in medium such as Facebook, online blog and forum, there were continuous postings on the rallies, election issues, discussion which were mainly on the opposition party. People are blogging about their support and their views on opposition’s manifesto and their loathe for the government vision on the high rising living cost in Singapore, the surge in HDB housing prices, the growth in Foreign Talents, the opportunities for a higher incomes to help alleviate the cost of living, our jobs opportunities and the overpopulated situation in Singapore. Where is the balance? All I could see was the rise in support for opposition. For someone who is pro-PAP, where would he post? I don’t recall coming across a blog posting about his/her views on it. Maybe there is! Maybe one or two, Maybe. The only pro-PAP blog was at PAP website itself! So it wasn’t a level playing field in its sense. Ideally what I really want is a good debate over ideas and issues, not just being polemical. Just look at the number of turn up at the Opposition rallies if compared to the PAP. Why are these rallies infested with audiences if compared to the latter? Doesn’t this only mean that residents had enough of the government ruling and want to have a say in the government too? Action speaks louder than words doesn’t it? Are your Facebook news feeds flooded with discussion and pictorial on the Opposition parties too? Mine was! This was especially seen in the support that came from the younger generation. As it was the PAP who has shaped Singapore as it is now, it has become the responsibility of the uprising generation to decide on its future. In simple words, it is time for a change.
I didn’t make my vote based on the highly great influence from the Netizen views and the media. I need to find the balance by the constant online reading and media articles, brochures, handouts that I can get hold of. Nobody can predict the global economic crisis, the act of God such as natural disasters. One way or another, it will affect us. We can’t tell what uncertainties and surprises the coming years will bring. Thus we will need a good leader to lead steer the country. One with a vision for the future, one with a backup plan and one who listens to Singaporeans. For the first time voters, especially for those in their early twenties, most are not well aware of the current state of living in Singapore. The “Grow and Share” package helps a lot in helping them to make a decision, I must say! For I have read the PAP’s vision and I am quite impressed with their vision to “Create opportunities for higher incomes for all”, “Improve the lives of lower income Singaporeans, “Bring out the best in every child”, “Develop a vibrant city and an endearing home”, Help our senior stay active, healthy and engaged”, Involve all Singaporeans in shaping our future”. A very well planned vision by the Party and no doubt that they have helped to steer the global economic crisis safely. In most households, incomes have risen significantly over the last five years. Now that the economy has rebounded and many good jobs have been created. Many good jobs have been created! Can we clarify that statement? Many good jobs have been created for Singaporeans or for the foreign talent? Has the quota for FT raise? I was shocked and taken aback when I read the forum below on the rise of the foreign talents.
"Though i am very against the influx of FTs, i still treat them like a fellow being and have never look at them with a different perspective.
i was having lunch with a PRC colleague. She’s a 24yr old gal who just graduated from NTU and now working in a MNC while waiting for PR approval.
just started a casual topic like, wad do u like about this country and how are u coping
so we get the standard reply. Wad stuns me, was the answer to my next question.
me: " so wad makes u decide to come here"
PRC: " I didn’t"
me: " wa, ur parents force u here or ur bf is here"
PRC: "neither, ur SG gahment invited us here"
me: " huh, wad do u mean"
PRC: " ur MOE went to our school in our village and told us they URGENTLY need students here, infact they were hard selling the whole scheme and many of us signed up"
me: " huh, wad did they offer"
PRC: " they offer us, ALL Expenses paid for our fees in NTU, including lodging and we even get pocket money"
me: *mouth open
PRC: "on top of that, they have send me the INVITATION letter to apply for PR after we grad"
I seriously begin to wonder the magnitude of the FT problem has many more sides that many of us do not know,
i lose my pride as a sgporean after hearing this and i really wonder do they really care?
if u give a PR who starts a business here and bring jobs to sgporeans, by all means.
BUT if u choose to so-call groom a FT and seemingly used up tax payers money to fund it, i totally do not understand the reason why.
my guess is, they bring in more FTs, give them the candy and they bring in more FTs, which I believe is working because she told her friends about this scheme and many of her friends are here now, at the expenses of home-grown sgporeans.
i myself was deprived the chance of studying in a local U.
But yet a villager from a faraway land with no visible society contributions gets the chance of studying here, all expenses PAID.
Are we really worth this much to the gahment?
Is it really we got not enough pple here to study in NTU? Then why are they rejecting sgporeans who meet the pre-requisites?
This post has been edited by Ah_tee: May 3 2011, 08:59 PM "
I couldn’t believe on what I have just read. It might just a lie, a deception and a deceit to influence us in going against the government. I was wrong! This was shared too by many of the local Singaporeans students studying in such institution. WTH! This was known way back and why this issue wasn’t raised as a concern before and why was there hardly any media coverage on this sensitive issue? Was it banned? Here I am working hard for a better future and many whom I know of re-applying again and again for a place in the local Universities. Many were rejected and went overseas instead to pursue their higher education. With opportunities like this, I asked myself, “Dear Singaporeans, are we really that useless?” For I am not particularly concerned about the “Mas Selamat” issue as we do make mistakes but this is totally unacceptable and unjustifiable! Where are our opportunities then if more jobs are given to FTs? You have to be aware that they ~ the FTs are being paid in SGD. After working and earning high income in Singapore, they sell off their property here in Singapore and retire without liabilities. What about the Singaporeans then? We do have that 30 years housing loan being tied down. Those who are laughing their way to the bank are the foreigners and definitely not Singaporean. Are we managing this issue well? Is it really that simple for a foreigner to obtain a PR in Singapore in such a short period of time? A fully paid education in Singapore with included expenses for the foreigners. Well done! What is the rationale of doing so? Tell me! Why can’t the same thing be done to Singaporeans? We will indeed be grateful especially for those low-income families. It is time for a change! Don’t you think so?
As the verdict for the election was announced, for many ~ it was a disappointing result for some of the constituencies. We have been wanting for a change and a people’s voice in the parliament. For it was not about rebelling, it is more about voicing out our stand as Singaporeans. In these five years, most of us will look forward to the changes that will come about. We have seen many Singaporeans vending their angers, dissatisfaction and frustrations especially from those who aren’t well to do. This can be seen in rallies footages where as Singaporean for once realized that processes need to be re-engineered. As voters from Hougang stood side by side pledging the National anthem, I was awed by the patriotic atmosphere. When they won, for sure it was a great feeling knowing that you will have your say too in the government…For the rest of us; we just have to wait and see….
Signing off my thoughts,
Idah Noraidah
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