Today is a significant day for me and also for many Singaporeans. It is Election Day and I am voting for the first time since I turned 21 (the 'eligible' age). Previously the area where I live in had always been 'uncontested', hence there's no need to vote. It has been under Singapore's ruling party since Day 1 (don't ask me when). To make things clear, I actually do not have any preference or support any party in particular. Unfortunately, I don't care much about politics and frankly, it bores me to death. Other than some of the key Ministers, many of the rest are just names to me, and the election is just something to get over and done with. Sad... but true.
However, over the past 3 weeks, I have noticed some rather interesting phenomenons and what I see/read/ hear piqued my interest somewhat.
Out of the blue, an opposition party which I haven't heard of previously was formed and decided to contest in 'my' area. I can't help but wonder where they have been during the past 5 years. I have also noticed that many friends whom I have known for years have taken a sudden keen interest in politics. In fact, these friends from different backgrounds and professions (ranging from people working in I.T to administrative assistants to hoteliers...) have morphed overnight into 'knowledgeable' wannabe 'politicians' who are anti the ruling party. Basically my Facebook had been spammed with heaps of anti government videos/ comments.
I was rather surprised by all the anti-government sentiments in people of my age group. I think 95% of the stuff posted on my friends' Facebook pages are pro the respective opposition parties. I was seriously scratching my head in bewilderment. Since when did opposition parties in Singapore become so popular? Why are people so unhappy? What are they upset about? Frankly, I was pretty annoyed by the 'spammers' and people who try to convince others to vote for the opposition. Well, you have a vote, I have a vote. You are entitled to your choice, I am entitled to mine. Suddenly I realize that politics is akin to religion. It is a touchy subject and the best approach is to respect another person's choice.
I had a hard time deliberating... Since I have a vote, I have a say, I have a choice, so I am taking it seriously. No doubt, there are many areas that can be further improved, especially the incident of Mas Selamat. Yes, there were bad floods in Orchard Road but assuming if the opposition was in-charge, does it mean it wouldn't flood? The main (perhaps only) thing that peeves me about the ruling party is that it tends to give excuses for its shortcomings rather than being open and addressing it upfront. What took them sooooo long to apologise for the mishandling of Mas Selamat? That apology is way overdue, and even though it was given eventually, the time lapse made it seem less sincere.
For a short while, I was quite firm on giving my vote to the opposition party (whichever it is) simply for the heck of it so that the ruling party won't be so complacent. But two things keep coming to mind... Someone once told me a long time ago that 'If the horse is good, keep betting on it'. OK I confess the person who said it to me was a croupier at Crown Casino... at one of the Baccarat tables to be exact. Coincidentally, the other thing is also something I learnt during my time in Australia --- If it's not broken, don't fix it. I have lived by this 'motto' for the past 10 odd years, especially where work is concerned, and I have to say it served me well thus far.
So, will I end up tossing a coin?
********************************************
Looking back at how much I wrote, I kind of surprised myself because politics to me is as interesting as... hmmm.. dandruff? Never expected myself to get as interested in it as I got.. LOL!!
No comments:
Post a Comment