There are very few politicians that I believe have impeccable integrity.
Faisal Abdul Manap is one.
Chee Soon Juan is another. Chee Soon Juan’s integrity I believe, come from his deep commitment to his Christian beliefs.
It is this commitment and integrity that I am sure, helped him to weather the challenges of opposition politics in Singapura.
Soon Juan has done a lot for Singapura’s political space. He has sacrificed and suffered. He gave all that he had to the cause.
Like JBJ, he has fought the good fight.
But fighters do not necessarily become leaders. And while the system remain, they may not necessarily be fully appreciated.
Singapurans may not generally recognise his sacrifices. The system and instruments of the state have been successful in painting him as a rabble-rouser who may not be able to manage the state or a town council.
And while there is optimism that Singapurans may be better informed and more receptive of his message, we should recognise that accepting his ideas do not necessarily mean they are willing to have him as their representative.
The Bukit Batok By-Election
The election was a watershed moment. After the optimism from opposition gains in 2011, there was a strong sense that the PAP may lose a few more wards in 2016. SG50 and Lee Kuan Yew’s deification clearly swung support to the PAP.
While there is evidence of some remnants of the SG50/ Lee Kuan Yew effect, the by-election provided a strong yardstick, not only of where the PAP is with regard to the public, but whether Soon Juan is able to dismiss the public perception that has been created.
There are indications that he has changed some minds. However, once again, the perception change relates to his ideals and person. Not necessarily as a statesman or political administrator.
Soon Juan has helped to elevate how Singapurans view the political process. He has helped to expand political understanding.
His ideas are making its way among Singapurans not because he was elected into office but because he transmits it outside of the defined political arenas.
Redefine role
He did not need to be in parliament to transmit his ideas and ideals.
He has done a lot without needing political office.
I truly hope that Soon Juan will consider a shift. And we can help him to achieve that shift.
Not as a politician.
Not as a future MP.
But as a moral and public intellectual.
The fighter in him will want to keep fighting for parliamentary access.
But rather than focus on winning a seat, I hope he will redefine his role.
Help civil society develop.
And be an intellectual statesman.
Source: Almakhazin SG
