Strong mandate? I beg to differ

May 9, 2006
The Straits Times

I AM not alone in wanting to beg to differ that it was a strong mandate that was given to the ruling party. Being in denial that there is genuine unhappiness and discontent among Singaporeans with regard to policies, cost of living, health care, disbursement of funds, etc, will only sway more voters to favour the opposition in the next election.

For every vote that was lost represents a voice that is asking for accountability, for answers, for checks, for changes, for help and, perhaps, more transparency.

The fact that voters in the opposition wards of Hougang and Potong Pasir rejected the ruling party's $180 million offer linking ward upgrading to the election of its candidates proves that votes cannot be 'bought'.

Let's not forget that regardless of which ward they come from, each and every one of them is a taxpayer and deserves the same amenities and packages lined up for the PAP wards. The ruling party has a duty of care to all Singaporeans young and old, pro-PAP or otherwise.

Such calculated measures should have no place in a First World nation that strives to produce a gracious society. When integrity has been made to be synonymous with the name PAP, then it should be applied in this aspect as well.

I also hope that the minority-candidate-form saga would be closed for good. There are far more important issues.

The ruling party has encouraged open and serious debate and though the country may have progressed and moved forward, very little improvement has been made to help Singaporeans with the high cost of living.

There is a wide gap between the party members and the people simply because while the party members have made big leaps in this race to get us forward, the people themselves continue taking small steps to catch up.

There seems to be only one set of opinion that is allowed and I felt stifled reading the papers and watching the broadcast media in the past nine days.

Voters have evolved dramatically over the years and they should be given a choice in every aspect, for the good of this nation.

Phyllis Christe (Ms)