Post-GE thoughts

The General Election was just last week and yet, it's beginning to seem distant already. But anyway, it is finally over, and to be honest, I'm quite relieved that it is so. I'm not one that is very political and I didn't like the whole aggressive canter and sometimes, vulgarities going on, which as a conflict-averse, peace-loving person, it was pretty disturbing. Sometimes I feel if people are more vicious online. But I'm glad that it was all still civilised such that no rioting, physical fights, etc. occurred, which is one good thing about Singapore, although the verbal (or online) onslaught was merciless.

As things begin to get settled back to normal, some are still arguing/complaining about how to oust the PAP. As understandable as the unhappiness is, I feel it's time to let go. Not let go of the ideals, but let go of the bitterness and think of what's next in moving forward.

For one thing, I think this elections has really proved to shake up the ruling party. As a friend mentioned, if it were not for the all-round contest, except Tanjong Pagar, the ruling party would not have known the real sentiments of the nation. And shaken up and taken aback they were, from what we have seen from their response. They were simply unprepared for the uprising. Honestly, I feel we should cut them some slack, and with the clear shifts in political power, we should be open to watching them change for the better (I usually like to be hopeful of the good in people). And I'm sure PAP knows now that they can't have political dominance as before and will tread carefully and really listen to people now. At least that is my hope. I feel that all this backlash is actually proof of us still living in the shadow of the past. I don't know how to explain this deduction, but well... Anyway, the PAP entourage is aging but there is new blood too, although I can't say if they'll be competent for the job. Now is the time to watch what they will do, as their seats aren't as secured. With the low margin of 60.14%, they should know that it is clear that the scales can tip either way. Actually, most people are mainly harped up about the ministers' pay in comparison to what as been done, among other things. If they can at least cut that down or put that money to good use, I'm sure they'll win back some support.

And I agree with Professor Ang Peng Hwa, acting head for the division of journalism and publishing at the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at NTU, about this statement he made with reference to the petitions going on, as published here.

"...such actions may be a sign that Singaporeans have not arrived "at some level of maturity".

"People should respect the outcome of the election, painful as it may be for the parties involved," he said, noting that the results represent the wishes of tens of thousands of people and comes after a long process of campaigning.
"You just have to respect the outcome of the election, otherwise it (the petitioning) may never end," he said.

We should accept the outcome and move on. It will never end if we keep harping on it. There's always the next round, and the 6 seats gained is already a big step from the 1 seat from previous elections. Who knows how much it might be multiplied in the next election, as those who voted otherwise might have gained confidence upon seeing the work done by the opposition when they carry out their promises. It will be a time of testing for both sides. I feel that the supporters should now focus on seeing how to support the parties they want tangibly. And really, instead of continuing to put down PAP, we should pray for the new government as I believe that the outcome will serve some purpose. We can't change it for now and it's not permanent. No government is infallible but each has its time. So if we want change, pray, whether it's PAP or opposition. Unity.

(as a side thought. maybe the opposition should plant some people in the ruling party)