As i was watching the results of this GE on the TV, my sis asked me why am i so interested in politics though I wasn't voting. I told her that its true these campaigning periods that we get to see and hear things on the other side of the whole story. I think growing up, we have been taught (or some would say brainwashed) to believing in the many good things that Singapore has achieved. But we do not get to see the "not so glamourous" side of certain policies. By going to the rallies, listening to the candidates' speeches or even reading their manifesto are really eye-opener for me (and in fact i would say for many others as well).
I would say I'm not anti-PAP. I think they have done well. The first generation of PAP leaders brought us from 3rd world to First World. The present leaders ain't that bad in dealing with certain difficult issues, like the previous economic crisis. I know there are good leaders in the PAP team. Some say, since PAP has done so much and has proven themselves, we should just let them have all parliamentary seats. Others would say that no matter what, we need to have opposition to act as a check and balance on the government. In my view, i think we need oppositions in parliament because i feel that the PAP have been focusing much on the big issues, like economic growth and stuff but has not been doing that well in hearing out what the people really wants, what are their concerns. All these i feel, the opposition will and can do a better job. I must mention that indeed there are PAP members who are concerned with those who have fallen behind and needs help. But, like what most people say, they may be concerned, they may debate this issues in parliament, but when it comes to voting for new amendments or passing new constitution, who will vote against their own party?
-> George Yeo vs Low Thia Khiang
Much have been said about the contest in Aljunied GRC. I too, have my own views on this issue. My stand has always been that George Yeo is a great minister, but the WP team is good too. Low Thia Kiang is good on the ground, Sylvia Lim have proven that she is much more capable than just NCMP.
George Yeo has said that the decision of LTK contesting in Aljunied was against the spirit of democracy and that it has caused emotional dilemma among the voters. But i think, its not LTK's decision to contest in Aljunied GRC that is against the spirit of democracy, but its the GRC system instead. If all candidates were to stand on SMCs, fighting individually, would the voters have faced any dilemma?
When LTK was still standing in Hougang SMC, PAP challenged him to contest in a GRC. When he goes to Aljunied, he says if voters chooses WP, they would lose 2 ministers. But wait, they put ministers in ALL GRCs. How then can LTK contest in a GRC and not causing any minister to lose if he were to have a serious contest and win a GRC??
They say the GRC system were implemented to protect minority rights and interests in Parliament. But everyone knows what exactly are the GRCs for, whether intentionally or not. Consider this. If the government could come up with NMPs and NCMP schemes to cater to the need of the people wanting a alternative voice in parliament, i believe they can always come up with better policies to ensure minority representation in parliament. Furthermore, i do not believe that only MPs of minority races can and will raise concerns of the minority. There's a big difference between protecting the minority interests and the hard truth of wanting to stay in power.
So it brings us to the point that the very reason why we lost a good FA minister is not because we disagree with him or the policies that he came out with, but rather, its a shortcoming of a GRC system. When you lose, you lose the whole team no matter how good an individual may be.
Next, many knows how first-timers for PAP have been sent to GRCs to "ensure" that they get into parliament to get the experience that they need and then fight the next election as incumbents. This has led to some led to some discontent among the voters since some undeserving candidates may have entered parliament through the GRC and perhaps others are still staying in Parliament because of the system.
I have not thought of any good reasons as to why we need to have a GRC system. But today, as i was watching MBT giving his victory speech, I was thinking if he were to stand as individual candidate, he will lose votes because of his appointment as MND. There will certainly be voters who vote against him simply because of the high housing prices. I started asking what mistakes have he made apart from the high cost of housing, which wasn't really he's fault, since it was the main policy deciding how new houses should be priced that caused this whole problem. And this would mean that its very likely that certain ministers get voted out each GE just because they are holding some tough appointments. And thats not necessarily good to have a new minster every 5 years.
-> CPF
This was another issue that i started thinking about after a rally speech by sylvia lim. CPF is a very complication policy which i do not fully understand how it works because i have not been reading on how it functions. But just by some simple thinking, this was what i concluded.
The whole issue was about increasing the limit for CPF to be redrawn by age 55. They are planning to increase it to close to SGD150,000. This means, by age 55, you can withdraw your money in CPF such that it leaves SGD150,000 in the account for retirement. SGD150,000 by age 55. Consider that i start work at age 25, i'll be working for 30 years. Within 30 years, i need to earn such that i contribute more than 150k. Contribution to CPF is 35.5% of your salary. So you know how much you gotta earn.
Not ignoring the very fact that you may have to buy a HDB flat too. Average 4 room flat is about SGD385,000. Consider you and your spouse each pay half of the total fee and contribution to Ordinary Account is about 21%(average), how much more will you have to earn each month? More than SGD3.5k a month?
Some feels that this amount is obtainable. But do consider this. If you/your parents/your children were to fall sick and require money from CPF, then you would be reaching SGD150,000 by 55. This is the hard truth for Singaporeans.
Too tired to continue...
Comment 1: michelle lee lost. =(
Comment 2: SPP did not win any seats. =( (i hope they go for NCMP)
Comment 3: Workers Party won 6 seats! =)
