Mon, Apr 19, 2010
my paper
SOME netizens have been speculating that the People's Action
Party (PAP) may lose its hold on power, with some even predicting
its downfall at the next election.
Many also say that the influx of foreigners will be the deciding
issue that will push fence-sitters to cast their vote for the
opposition.
Bread-and-butter issues have always been the top factor behind
Singaporeans voting for the PAP.
Constituents will cast their votes for the party if it provides
work for the people and makes them feel they are being taken care
of.
However, some Singaporeans, especially those aged between 40 and
60 years, have found themselves displaced by foreigners who are
younger and cheaper to hire.
Opposition parties are trying to capitalise on such issues and
have been aggressively trying to recruit candidates for the next
election.
Some are also hoping that at least one group representation
constituency will fall to the opposition.
However, while many voters would like to see more opposition
members in Parliament, they do not want a total change of
government.
The opposition parties' performance has been subdued at
best.
With Mr Chiam See Tong (Potong Pasir) and Mr Low Thia Khiang
(Hougang) the only opposition MPs, it is hard for Singaporeans to
see what the opposition can do for them.
Opposition parties cannot work together and there is still
in-fighting within parties.
They are small groups aiming for just a few seats in
Parliament.
All the bad publicity could dent their credibility.
If they are unable to get their act together, how can
Singaporeans be confident that they will do well in Parliament?
Some Singaporeans also compare the Government's candidates, who
are usually scholars, with those fielded by the opposition during
elections.
If there is going to be any change to the country's political
environment, well-educated Singaporeans need to join the
opposition.
That being said, candidates' academic credentials do not
guarantee that they can connect with the ground.
It takes a lot of heart to be a leader.
I would rather have an MP who is a taxi driver and can speak for
the common people than a well-educated one who cannot really
understand the issues on most citizens' minds.
Singaporeans want to feel that they voted for the right
candidate during an election, regardless of his or her party.
They would rather spoil their vote then vote for an opposition
candidate who is not up to the mark.
Hence, the performance of a candidate while stumping for the
polls is crucial.
His or her chances of winning more votes rest on the ability to
inspire confidence and speak eloquently.
The opposition needs to find innovative ways to let Singaporeans
know what they have done and can do for them.
Unless the opposition makes an effort to reinvent itself, the
ruling party will win at least the next few elections.
