Strive to be a First World Electorate

In his letter “Premature to suggest Opposition can form government” (Dec 11), the writer referred to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s speech at the People’s Action Party (PAP) conference, where he raised the possibility of the PAP not forming the government.

The writer argued that as the Opposition is now fragmented and lacks a critical mass in Parliament, it is almost impossible to envisage that it has the requisite experience to form a viable government.

He opined that raising this possibility was premature and induces a “climate of fear” among the body politic.

From news reports of Mr Lee’s speech, I gathered that the message to Singaporeans is that we should not assume that the PAP will always form the government.

Indeed, if the majority of citizens were to vote for the Opposition based on this assumption, it is entirely conceivable that it would form the government. There is nothing in our electoral system that prevents this from happening.

If, as the writer suggests, there is a climate of fear over the PAP not forming the government, then voters should be all the more aware of this possibility on Polling Day.

On a separate note, besides “checking” the government and asking questions, opposition parties should address gaps in policy formulation by presenting policy alternatives. The writer cited the Singapore Democratic Party’s policy papers on issues such as education and healthcare.

These efforts are commendable. Nonetheless, if the proposals are intended to be viable policy alternatives, we should, as fair-minded voters, assess them on their objectives and workability with the same rigour as we do with government policies.

After all, these policies would affect our lives should the Opposition form the government.

During the 2011 General Election, the Workers’ Party advocated the need for a First World Parliament. On Sunday, Mr Lee iterated the need for a First World Government.

In my view, we should also strive to be a First World Electorate, one that is informed, fair-minded and considers the wider implications of the ballots we cast.