Ok... I think people are hesitant to read because it seems long.
So I'll summarize here. If you've additional points, please feel
free to reply. The actual article tries to include points and
pictures from various forums (such as the 02/04/2011 CNA forum) and
current affairs.
Why did I spend ten hours writing the article? I wanted to write
something that is balanced. Many people are polarized into either
hating or revering the PAP. I just wanted one essay that shows both
sides of the picture as much as possible.
Law and Legislation: Generally very good. PAP
was the one who introduced tough laws against crime. Singapore,
despite recent problems, is still one of the safest places on
Earth.
Housing: Very important issue. Questions on
privitization and profit margins of HDB. Also questions on the some
issues regarding Mah Bow Tan's arguments. For example, if we
devalue houses, then that does not necessarily make those who
already own houses poorer as this is offset when they buy a house
(at a reduced price). Also, the issue on PAP only giving upgrading
perks to those who vote for them.
Sports and the arts: Made efforts such as
esplanade, YOG, sports school and community level programmes. But
are these well administrated? And are these just lip service or
not?
Medical services: PAP's polyclinics.. or at
least the idea behind them was to ensure affordable health care.
But in recent years, the price of general health care seems to be
rising...
Clean ang green city: Generally excellent
initiatives. Singapore is very clean and green considering that
over 5 million people are in it.
Energy and water: PAP has forward planning on
many key issues here. But the nuclear energy should not really be
an option unless its techonolgy progress to be virtually 100%
safe.
Helping the poor and elderly: Efforts such as
WDA and CDC. But are such efforts enough?
PAP's "entrepreneurial ventures": Such as
Casinos/IR, GLCs and our overseas investments like the one in
China. How successful are these ventures?
General cost of living: Talks about GST issue
and inflation. BOTH of these together makes it so much worse. I
also made some simple calculations that show that the rebates are
really not enough by themselves. I've also written a bit on how
most economic year one students would know that indirect taxes are
generally inequitable... and harsher on the poor, contrary to what
Mr Tharman implies. (I've also given Mr Tharman's points and try to
justify them a little. E.g. rebates)
Dealing with crisis: Generally good despite
things such as Mas Selamat's escape. Floodings in Orchard though,
could be indicative that our infrastructure is taxed beyond its
limit (tie in with foreign worker issue)
Salaries of ministers and MPs: Exceedingly
high. PAP's stance of such high salaries tied in to private sector
preventing corruption is discussed. But still... salaries are
exceedingly high. In contrast, the opposition parties do not have
such monetary compensation at all. They may even have to resort to
their own funds to help the areas they're in charge of (tie in with
PAP's "selective" upgrading programme)
Foreign workers, jobs, population growth and
infrastructure: Issue of integration, economic
implications, straining the infrastructure and a few others are
discussed. Generally, I strongly disagree with the current rate of
intake. (Relevant statistics and graphs included from singstats)
Also some quick calculations on how much real space is available to
each person.
Education: We've come a long way since our
independence.. but currently the situation is overworked students
and even more overworked teachers.
Dealing with opposition: Generally little
freedom of speech. Talks a little about the treatment of opposition
members, especially when it comes to funds. Singapore's funds are
taxpayers' money. As such, every area regardless of whether it
voted for the PAP or otherwise deserve full access to such funds
(see Housing issue). There's also the issue of the GRCs and how
less experienced candidates can "tag along" for PAP.
Foreign relations: Generally good. I didn't
mention anything about our level of humility or otherwise
though.
Conclusion: We've the backdrop of PAP's past
achievements and present concerns. This, against the bigger issues
of globalization and a changing worldscape. We've the privatization
of public services and goods, the increased cost of living and many
other important concerns. Paraphrasing Dr Vincent, we're at a
crossroads. Political apathy is not an option anymore. It's time to
make your vote count.