Chiam’s legacy should motivate capable politicians to step forward

Thank you for the Big Read feature on the legacy of Mr Chiam See Tong, the former Member of Parliament for Potong Pasir.

I would suggest that I am not alone in my admiration for the man and his principles.

Mr Chiam succeeded because he genuinely cared for those he represented. Armed with this righteousness, he made an effective Opposition member admired by all across the aisle.

Singapore needs an Opposition. No democracy succeeds in the long term without healthy debate between those who represent the Government and those who speak for people who oppose it. And no representative is effective if he or she, first and foremost, does not have the interests of the people at heart.

The standard of the Opposition in Singapore has been blighted by those who have not lived up to Mr Chiam’s legacy.

Singapore has many good and capable men and women with the ability to serve the people, but without the drive and sense of duty to step forward. I hope Mr Chiam’s legacy motivates those who can contribute to do so.

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