Predominant Party
System To End Soon in Singapore?
Written by: Gilbert
Goh
As this year draws to an end soon, I wondered if there is any
other year that is filled more with drama.
From awfully regular flooding in downtown Orchard Road to the
recent demise of Mrs Lee Kuan Yew, Singaporeans must be asking
themselves if something dramatic is about to happen soon.
It all started off in July this year when there was
much ground displeasure at how the government could easily pushed
its way through the much-inflated Youth Olympics (YOG)
$350 million budget mismanagement.
Many also believed that a single-party dominated governance may not
be ideal for the country as of late, the government seems
lost and lacking in direction.
Moreover, its growth-at-all-cost direction means that many
people suffer from the consequences of its’ open-door policy as the
effects of globalisation took its toll on the low and middle income
earners. Many struggle to make ends meet and some have succumb to
life’s pressures with adverse consequences.
Increasing
Frustration Among Voters
There is also the general belief that there is lack of
transparency among the policy makers and a PAP-dominated Parliament
has ensured that accountability can remain minimal with no apparent
consequences.
The general population is increasingly frustrated that
nothing can be done when they feel that something is amiss.
Many vented their frustration anonymously on online
socio-political platforms knowing well that nothing can be done to
change anything in real-life.
For example, the people could not really bring the government to
task when there is regular flooding in the country whenever there
is a heavy downpour. The usual rhetoria issued by the PUB
agency does not really appease the frustration faced by most
Singaporeans.
More importantly, many have questioned: “Is there any other way
that matters can be resolved than constantly threatening the
government with an alternative vote?”
Worse of all, most elections are won by the ruling party and many
have took to emigrating to escape the stifling political climate
here.
In other countries, strong interest groups have rose up and they
have spoken out on behalf of the people affected by certain
policies in place. Many interest groups were even invited by the
government to present their research papers so that they are always
in consultation before a legislation is being drafted out.
In fact, there is a fund available for some interest groups to draw
on so that their activities can be properly financed.
Our government’s ill-conceived fear that any interest
group or society that meddles into politics is harmful to the
country has deterred many from risking themselves too much in
pursuing after their cause.
After all, most social causes have a political linkage and trying
to draw a line between the two is simply too naive.
There is no perfect government in the world and those that function
well has learn to listen humbly and try to implement
policies that best meet the needs of the general
population.
There will always be some that will loathe whatever policies that
are being put up by the government but at least it must be
seen to have shown enough care and concern before a
legislation is being implemented that will affect the general
population.
This is one reason why our government is often being labelled as
autocratic and uncaring as the country is run like a corporation
derived of any compassion and emotion.
Its main aim is to generate as much GDP as possible so that it is
seen as doing well when in actual fact, much of the population is
living in poverty due to a long period of depressed wages.
Predominant Party
System To End Soon?
Though our government is trying to consult the population through
mass meet-the-people sessions, there is little to
convince the people that their ideas are being implemented.
Some have even lamented that such sessions are organised to
show that the government has done something to consult with the
people even though the legislation is already cooking in the pot
unchanged.
Many also ponder if there is going to be a general election
coming this year end. The million-dollar question to ask of
course is: “Will the opposition make any headway in our
PAP-dominated government?”
Some have optimistically predicted that one or even more GRCs
may fall to the opposition in the next election due to the very
bitter ground that the government is now treading on.
To it’s credit, the government has caught wind of
the changing tide and implemented a series of changes to appease
the population:
1.The ever-rising property prices were knocked back last month when
the government imposed a series of measures to intervene in the
property market. Many citizens have complained that they could not
buy any resale HDB flats as permanent residents compete
aggressively for such housing forcing them to retreat to a
corner.
2. Slowing down the influx of foreigners into our country. The
government has promised to slow down the intake of foreigners into
the country as citizens complained of crowded trains and lack
of space at the shopping malls. More importantly, the huge
inflow of foreigners mean that local citizens face intense
competition for jobs. Some have predicted that the reduction in
intake of foreigners may be seen as too-little-too-late as
the ramifications of the foreign-talent policy have taken root and
many citizens felt very displaced and disenchanted.
3. Knowing that ordinary Singaporeans are very pragmatic people,
the government has promised to credit $9,000 to any male
citizen who has completed national service into their CPF account.
Many netizens believed that this is a desperate vote-snatching
gesture which may not work this time round as the money could not
be immediately realised as its placed directly into the CPF
account for retirement purposes.
Escalating
Political Interest Among Voters
Not since Singapore was kicked out of Malaysia in 1965 did
political interest reached such a feverish pitch among the
populace. Socio-political internet site’ readership gained new
highs as Singaporeans tried to stay plugged into the latest
happenings. There was also heightened interest among the young
voters as they joined opposition parties in droves. However, is
this enough to drive political reform in our country?
History has shown that most democratic societies will face changes
in governance after a party has dominated for more than fifty
years. We all have seen how the powerful Malaysian UNMO party was
miraculously deposed of its majority rule by a resurgent PAS in the
recent election. PAS now controlled at least half of the
states in West Malaysia ensuring that a two-party majority system
prevails there.
Mismanagement, talks of widespread corruption in governance
and racial politics have all contributed to the political demise of
UMNO.
In Japan, the same thing happened when the Liberal Democratic party
(LDP), holding office as the governing party for the very long
period from 1955 to 1993, was knocked off its perch (source:
insideasia.typepad.com).
The party splitted into two factions during a turbulent period and
political reform came about when one reformed party managed
to break free and formed a coalition government with the
opposition.
Political infighting, corruption and a a strong opposition are all
factors that led to the downfall of the predominant party system in
Japan in 1994.
Many have also predicted that in Singapore, real political reform
will only come about when the PAP is splitted into two political
factions competing with each other at the polls.
Our weak divided opposition has ensured that the government will
remain in power even though there are enough opposition voters out
there. Many simply do not have the chance to vote due to the
walk-over effect.
It is estimated that at least one out of three voters will cast
their vote for the opposition in any contested constituency.
MM Lee Kuan Yew has mentioned this political dynamics before when
he commented that there was a split within Parliament as a
consensus could not be reached on the issue of voting for two
integrated resorts to be placed in Singapore.
Nevertheless, such political reforming looks a tall order here
as our Members of Parliament (MP) are tightly
controlled and many do not survive more than two elections.
The short tenure means that most MPs and even ministers do
not have a strong political foothold to do anything out of the
ordinary. Our squeaky-clean political environment also does
not allow any dissent to generate from the party
chambers.
Most could not even vote according to their conscience as the party
whip is hardly lifted.
Moreover, it is clear that absolute power is held by a few
strongmen in governance. Besides the PM, the current crop of senior
ministers such as Minister for National Development, Mr Mah Bow
Tan, the two deputy PMs – Mr Teo Chee Yean and Mr Wong Kan Seng,
still pull the power strings behind close doors and remain very
much in control.
Strongman MM Lee is also a influential figure that could still
hold the balance of power if there is a possible
conflict within the government.
Singaporeans will perhaps need to wait for at least another
generation to pass before real political reform can take place.
After all, history has shown that no political power can
remain in power for more than 50 years and this must have
provide clear relief for those who are young enough to see
through the political changes in our country.
