We got a mail from the opposition party!

We got a mail from the opposition party last week, which came far ahead of the nomination day (27th April). It was a booklet which details the backgrounds of its candidates, the party’s manifesto and most interestingly, what the candidates promised to do if they are elected. By the way, we are still waiting for mail from the other party.

It appears that this round, the opposition parties have clearer strategies and more qualified candidates. Whether that will translate into votes is hard to say. The stronger ones do offer some worthwhile ideas such as:

• Isn’t it better to go for ‘quality’ economic growth which is more sustainable than for ‘coarse’ growth which depends on huge influx of foreign workers (especially low-skilled) to achieve that ‘extra’ growth? What about the social cost involved?
• Do we have far too many political appointments (eg.MPs & ministers) given the size of the population?
• Is market-driven pricing for new HDB flats makes it still affordable for the first-time buyers? ‘Affordable’ is meaningless when one has to take on a 30-year loan, and probably has to depend on two persons’ combined income for low-income group.
• Policy for children to live near parents be extended to those live near siblings and close relatives.
• Promote first world parliament.

I find the opposition team contesting here’s ‘Constituency Plan: develop relationship & building bonds’ refreshing and enticing (can they deliver?):

• Each elected MP will conduct 4 meet-the-people sessions. For those who are physically disabled and sick, arrangement will be made for the MP to meet them at their homes.
• Each month, the elected MPs will conduct at least one outreach program weekly e.g. residents’ get-together.
• Each month the elected MPs will host and organise a policy discussion forum.
• Each elected MP will lead at least one support group to render assistance.
• There will be a contact number to lodge complaints which will be attended by elected MPs within 48 hours.
• Each elected MP will contribute at least 10% of MP’s allowance to fund the support groups and social assistance programmes.

Competition is good for voters as candidates will have to work harder to win votes. This is democracy all about. For me, it means that I have opposition team consists of scholar married couples to choose from. As for my close friend, she is so privilege to be in Aljunied GRC . For that, she saw her MP and his team going round the wet market on weekends at least 10 times for the past year. As for my brother and sister who are staying in Potong Pasir and Hougang, they have no complaint about how their places are maintained by their MPs.

I hope this time round no character smearing tactics will be used. I find strange that a candidate’s long absence from Singapore should become an issue. We should not question a person’s loyalty and motive unless proven otherwise. Many Singaporeans can be staying here for years but remain apathetic to national issues, only care for their self-centred concerns.

Meanwhile, my family and I have to bear the ‘social noise pollution’ now and then, especially over the weekends with the stepping up of all kinds of ‘feel good’ activities been carried out at the vacant state land next to our place late into the night. We will have to wait after polling day to enjoy the ‘peace’ again!