So election season has rolled around again.
Our four-yearly chance to effect change and hold the undivided attention of our political masters as they seek to appease and please us is finally here. Actually campaigning has dawned on us rather suddenly, buried under the catharsis of the passing of our iconic long-time leader and the euphoric celebrations marking 50 years of national survival and growth.
The banners and broadcasts promising us different versions of a brighter future seem to have sprung up from nowhere – with about two weeks of campaigning following the announcement.
It’s an exceptionally short lead time by global standards and the chance to determine our national destiny feels like a rushed after-thought tacked on at the tail end of a momentous year. Two weeks of campaigning give the contender little time to build up a platform and take their message to the people.
So, to help everyone make their choice next Friday I’ve put together a simple guide to Singapore’s political options using analogies from a world every Singaporean understands z — food.
PAP: The chicken rice of the island’s political landscape. Steamed, not roasted — because it has to be white mah. Tried and tested, iconic. Not an exciting choice but when well-executed — it is delicious.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) carried by supporters after filing his candidacy documents on Sept 1 ahead of the country’s general election. — Picture by AFPIt has served us well as a staple for many years but now it’s beginning to seem that the people want a little more variety in their meals. And without checks and balances, keep in mind that this subtle recipe for success can go wrong easily.
WP: Bak chor mee. It’s delicious, deeply Singaporean and much-loved. Its aficionados are crazy for the dish. It’s got all the elements you need for success but somehow has never made the big time.
Popular but not a national icon — it’s just no chicken rice. Destined eternally to be second best or perhaps now is the time to take the limelight?
SDP: Hai bee hiam aglio olio — this is a Singaporean twist on a Western classic much like the SDP’s liberal and progressive democratic values in our Asian heartlands. However exciting the dish might be, will Singaporeans really give up their tried and tested favourites for something new? Does party leader Chee Soon Juan — with his elegant accent and international media appeal — have mass appeal too?
Singaporeans First: Chilli crab. An unmistakable Singaporean dish for a party that is purporting to be 100 per cent Singaporean – but mostly inspired by the trademark side-step of the tasty crustacea, the Singaporeans First party is helmed by the firecracker Tan Jee Say best known for his bid at presidency in 2011 including a tense confrontation with PAP candidate Tony Tan. Beware the hint of xenophobia in the party name is something that can cause indigestion.
Singapore People’s Party: Katong laksa, a fiery blend of heritage and punch with strong local appeal. Secretary General Chiam See Tong is a veteran opposition activist and his wife Lina Chiam a proven campaigner.
Potong Pasir has been an SDP stronghold for over a decade but can they break out of their home ground? This time they will be contesting the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC and two more SMCs as well but can they convert residents of those areas to their distinct flavour?
Reform Party: Nasi goreng. A campur of political legacies, notorious lawyers and social media headliners, this party has a little of everyone all tossed into one mix. Okay, fine, I confess I chose this dish mainly for the mata lembu (fried egg) on top which resembles a sun and is this party’s logo. Led by Kenneth Jeyaratnam (son of the legendary JBJ), this party will be an interesting one to watch.
People’s Power Party: Milo Godzilla – they took a classic Milo Dinosaur and went a step too far. Does anyone really order this? Do you really need chocolate sprinkles on top of the ice-cream scoop on your Milo powder filled iced-Milo? Democracy is a good concept, having a diverse array of parties is obviously a good thing — but is the PPP one party too many?
NSP: chee cheong fun. From its heyday of pretty Peranakan candidates giving former prime ministers a run for their money — the National Solidarity Party is a dish that is almost there. It has all the basics in place but somehow just lacks the oomph — a lot like chee cheong fun without the sweet sauce. No fun.
Singapore Democratic Alliance: Rojak. After all, the SDA started as an alliance between the Singapore People’s Party (SPP), the National Solidarity Party(NSP), the Singapore Justice Party (SJP) and the Singapore Malay National Organization (PKMS) but now without some of its key ingredients, can it hold its own?
As for the independents, let’s just say that’s like a box of kueh-kueh: you never know what you’re going to get.
So there they are — one big political menu. There are definitely some indigestible elements in the mix. And while a short deadline and massive resource disparity will count against the more experimental choices, at least there is a choice.
For the first time in our post-independence history. there will be a choice for all of the seats. In past elections, the electoral dominance of the incumbent has been such that some seats and constituencies went uncontested — you got chicken rice or nothing.
This time though, it is different, we all have a choice and, of course, where there’s choice — there’s always a chance and we’ll only know for sure on September 12.
* This is the personal opinion of the columnist.
Source: www.themalaymailonline.com
