Polling Day is tomorrow and I wish everyone the very best as you exercise your birth right as a Singaporean. Much has been discussed, debated on the benefits and weaknesses of parties and candidates. I suspect that many are still undecided on whom they will vote tomorrow as this is truly a "torn election", with good candidates being pitted against one other. Regardless, I am sure that each of us will vote with our hearts. The only thing I sincerely hope for is that no one spoils their vote. This is an opportunity for each Singaporean to exercise our birth right and have a say in how we want to live and what kind of society we want to have for ourselves and our children. Spoiling our vote is tantamount to not voting and as such, disqualify ourselves from participating in the creating of our nation's identity and society.
Many that I spoke to express a reserved desire to have more Opposition presence in Parliament but yet at the same time felt that the quality of the Opposition candidates are still not quite what they come to expect when measured against the ruling party. For them, I have a couple of points that they might want to consider and reflect upon when they exercise their vote tomorrow:
1. Having good calibre representatives is of utmost importance to us - No doubt; but what do we define as good calibre representatives? I suspect that many of us equate calibre to education, sophistication and charisma. Personally, while these are definitely great qualities to have, it is not enough. A good calibre candidate should be someone who truly wants to serve, who is courageous enough to step forward and be identified. Someone who has a good heart and is compassionate to his fellow man. For far too long, we have placed education on a pedestal of status. Yes, education is important but it is only the hardware of a person, what we need is the software. If anyone is familiar with the IT world, we will recognize that the difference of performance and value of a solution lies in the software and not the hardware (which is the foundation). Hence, I encourage each of us to look beyond the physical and external that we usually associate with "quality".
2. Understand that the irrefutable law of the universal is BALANCE. Mother Nature and Life defines it. Anytime when things are OUT OF BALANCE, BAD THINGS HAPPEN – Global warming, extinction of species, new diseases, etc. Governments and societies are no different – In Singapore, there needs to be balance in our Parliament. Power corrupts and NO ONE is impervious to it. A lack of accountability and competition will only weaken the ability for our government to hold on to its mission and progress itself.
3. What have we paid for the price of progress? As I reflect on the progress of societies like Singapore and China which have moved at a tremendous pace, I conclude that while people are more affluent, have greater comfort and convenience, their lives are not necessarily that much better. Life is more pressurizing and stressful. Family ties are weaken, basic consideration for our fellow citizens have receded in our conscience. Do we want to become a nation of economic prowess but lack the heart and soul of human decency?
Hence, look beyond what a candidate can do for you. Instead, ask ourselves what kind of nation and society we want to create. Vote for the cause if the candidates do not appeal to you. In each other do we trust…God Bless.
No comments:
Post a Comment