Conquer your fear, vote for change: an open letter from Tan Kin Lian

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(source: Tan Kin Lian website, 2 May 2011)


Dear fellow citizens of Singapore,

This general election will be a watershed for Singapore. More than in any previous election, the outcome of this general election will have a great impact on the future for us and our children. It is important that you think over the issues carefully, and cast your vote wisely on 7 May 2011.

Member of Parliament

In recent years, many citizens have to struggle with the rising cost of living, stagnant wages, long working hours, crowded public transport, competition with foreigners for job and a stressful life. They were disappointed that these problems were not adequately addressed by the Government, and that their elected MPs, which belonged to the ruling party, were not able to raise these issues effectively in Parliament.

This general election gives you the chance to change the situation and elect a MP that has the time to listen to you and understand the issues faced by you and your family in working and living in Singapore and be able to voice these issues for you in Parliament.

To do this job well, the elected MP should be prepared to spend sufficient time in your community. There are many capable people who are willing to work full time for the MP allowance of $15,000. You do not need a government scholar or a top corporate manager to be your MP. You only need an educated person who is honest, interested to serve the people, have a heart and ears and is able to think independently.

Examples of a good MP are Mr. Chiam See Tong and Mr. Low Thia Khiang. They spent time in interacting with their constituents and do what they can to assist them in solving their problems. The earned the respect and support of their constituents and were re-elected continuously on many elections. I know of other good MPs from the PAP – Dr. Tan Cheng Bok, Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, Mdm Ho Geok Choo and Dr. Lily Neo. Only Dr Neo will be standing for reelection.

There are many candidates who are passionate, interested to serve you and are willing to take the job of being a MP as their primary or full time job. You can hear their speeches at the election rallies or on Youtube videos. Listen to them and make your judgement.

The next Government

The candidates that are voted in at this general election will determine our government for the next five years. I like to cover four possible outcomes:

1. The People Action Party wins most of the  seats and continues to dominate the Parliament. In this case, our style of government will continue as before.

2. The People Action Party will lose many seats but will continue to hold the majority in Parliament. The elected MPs from the opposition parties will be able to bring up many of your issues in Parliament.

3. The People Action Party will lose the majority in Parliament but will still be the party with most seats. They are likely to form a coalition government with another party. The minority party in the coalition government will have an important influence on the formulation of government policies.

4. The People Action Party loses badly and does not form the government -an unlikely scenario. If it happens, we will have a new government and an uncertain future for a period, but we will recover. Remember, Hong Kong went through a bigger change of government in 1996 and has coped with the change well.

Most citizens prefer scenario 2 and 3. But If we end up with scenario 4, thing will also turn out well. I like you to read this article (which I agree with) : http://www.brianbummers.com/2011/04/03/what-the-pap-does-not-want-you-to-know/#permalink

Your vote is secret

There are citizens working in government service that are worried of the consequence to their job when the vote against the ruling party. They do not need to be worried. The vote is secret. In any case, there will be more than one million votes against the ruling party (based on the opposition vote in past elections). Is it possible for all of these voters to be discriminated?

Conclusion

This is the first opportunity in 25 years (since the formation of the GRC system) that voters have the chance to vote a new Parliament comprising of people who can look after the interest of Singaporeans. Do not miss this chance. Have the courage to vote what is best for the future of Singapore and for our children. Vote for change.

Tan Kin Lian