From 2005 to 2010, 150,000 PRs have been granted citizenship.
This is a huge political force.
Firstly, consider the impact on voter numbers. A typical GRC has
140,000 voters, an SMC has 22,000. In each constituency, 1% works
out as 1,400 and 220 voters respectively. It is easy to see how new
citizens spread across our country have huge influence.
Secondly, consider who is eligible to vote. There were 2.98
million Singapore Citizens in 2000, but only 2 million citizens
voted in 2001. Almost 1 in 3 Singapore Citizens are not eligible to
vote, they are underage or overseas. By definition, most New
Citizens come to Singapore as adults, and they are present in
Singapore to vote. This increases the impact of new citizen
votes.
Thirdly, consider the vast information resources the government
has. Singapore is divided into 27 electoral divisions, in turn
divided into small areas reporting to various polling centres. When
votes are counted, is this information edge not formidable, and
available to the best brains in the government? The government
builds new flats, which will house foreigners too, and can decide
which open field in which neighbourhood to place them in. They have
already signalled their intention to prevent PRs from congregating
in "enclaves", and want to "spread them out". Add to this the power
to redraw boundaries at every election.
Finally, considering the younger generation is not PAP-spoonfed
and always ready to investigate the truth for themselves online, is
it coincidental that the core of old, uneudcated and LKY-era voters
are passing away, just as the PRs are being granted citizenship?
There are three forces in politics today. When the old generation
passes away, there will be two.
What do you think? Is this election your "last chance"? If you
think so, spread the word to vote opposition. Every vote
counts.
