As a political science major, I get the following question whenever i tell people what i study: ‘so you want to be a politician?’ I don’t. But if i was one, this is how my first press conference would sound like.
Walid: Hello everyone (while carrying a random baby of some resident). I am Walid, a son of simei (#sonofsimei, since every politician needs a hashtag). I have stayed here for the most part of my life and know the place very well.
Reporter: So what is your plan for Simei?
Walid: I intend to build a mega mall here! This will serve the needs of the residents here, young and old.
Reporter: Erm, but residents of Simei do not need another mall. They already have Eastpoint.
Walid: Good leadership is not about doing what the people want; it is about doing what is right. I am
not a populist.
Reporter: How much would it cost?
Walid: Around $100 million. But the eventual expenses may even triple and be in the range of $300 million.
Reporter: What???? In any other job, a person who exceeds the budget three times over would be sacked!
Walid: You must not look at the tangibles only. Look at the intangibles.
Reporter: Erm, ok. So what is your stance on political participation?
Walid: I am a firm believer in freedom of expression. Everyone should be able to state their opinions on anything. There are no sacred cows.
Reporter: How would you respond to some claims of racial discrimination by some residents?
Walid: That is a provocative question that can disrupt our social harmony. If you want to ask such questions, please drop your pen and paper, and join politics to contest against us.
Reporter: But you just said we must be free to express ourselves.
Walid: Not unconditionally. These Western notions of freedom are not applicable to societies like ours. And you journalists have a part to play; don’t just write everything. Make sure Singaporeans read the ‘right’ thing.
Reporter: What are some of the concerns that have been raised by residents?
Walid: We understand that the residents have many concerns. We will continue to seek ways to address them. Meanwhile, we will continue to have dialogues with the relevant stakeholders.
Reporter: Are there mistakes that your predecessors have made?
Walid: Let us not harp on the past. Let us move on.
Reporter: Final question Walid, as a son of Simei, will you be contesting here?
Walid: It does not really matter where I contest. Let us look at the bigger picture.
#sonofsimei