Political engagement comes of age

P N BALJI

Whichever way the result goes, whatever election strategies that were used, however intense the campaign was, one unmistakable message is shaping General Election 2011.

The Singaporean voter wants to engage and he wants to do so actively and energetically. Over the last couple of weeks, I have heard enough people articulate their views — precisely and without fear or hesitation — about the candidates, their platforms and Singapore politics. Not just online or via social media but also in public chats, and even during chance meetings with candidates making their rounds.

Many of the voters I have met are even ready to declare their political allegiance without batting an eyelid and without looking around to see if there are people listening.

Sentiments like these reflect the changing mood of a population that now wants to discuss, debate and even disagree.

In a way, this shows the political maturing of a country that had always been told to leave politics to politicians.

With the Opposition shooting for nearly all the constituencies and luring bright political talent, the judicious avoidance of smear campaigns and the Prime Minister’s unusual public apology, what we are witnessing is a coming of age of political engagement that should put Singapore on the road to becoming a world class society.

This General Election is very different from the campaigns of 1984 (which saw a swing against the PAP) and 1991 (when three more Opposition MPs were voted into Parliament).

‘We have empathy, sincerity, compassion’

Shamir Osm an

shamir@mediacorp.com.sg

As his final salvo at the open field next to Chinese Garden MRT Station, NSP secretary-general Goh Meng Seng reminded the crowd what the party stood for and what would all his 24 candidates bring to the table if they went to Parliament.SINGAPORE — Compassion and an inclusive society were very much the theme of the National Solidarity Party (NSP) rally last night as the candidates wrapped up nine days of campaigning.

You know that’s not possible: Khaw

Hoe Yeen Nie

YeenNie@mediacorp.com.sg

CHINA, INDIA, IDONESIA are using  same  medicial equipments from Siemens and its competiors.

CHECK  their  citi-scan,  denture fees etc ? ? ? ?

Just a fraction  of  what  Singapore is charging  ? ? ? ?

O V E R H E A R D :

Khoo Teck  Puat  Hospital    fees  are  higher  that those  at  Tan Tock Seng Hospital  ? ? ? ? 

 

 

 

 

Budget surplus means the Government has raised more revenue than it needs to provide basic services to the public. It is good to have a slight surplus but the surpluses have consistently been very large and this means you have been severely over taxed over the years.

SDP candidate Tan Jee Say

Don’t belittle efforts, progress

of Malay community: Zainul

‘Real test of accountability occurs every 5 years’

Ansley Ng

ansley@mediacorp.com.sg