I REFER to Monday's report, (''Change must come' to PAP') in which Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong advocated that a single party should dominate governance in Singapore.

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Gilbert has a good point to note, that a 2-party system will act as an automatic self-checking arrangement. And for this to succeed, the current party has to accept that oppositions will come and that they cannot set up policies which are against oppositions entering the political scene in Singapore.

But I think the more important issue at hand is that the oppositions have to be worthy-adversaries. We can't just have oppositions for the sack of having it, but we need to have people who are capable to form the opposition. These capable leaders-to-be have to stick together for this course.

Only when these 2 matters are resolved, can Singapore start developing a 2-party system that would suit its politics.

Fully agree with Gilbert. Check and balances are always needed in every company, government and even non profit organisations. Most of us are taken by surpise by the losses incurred by town councils and temasek's investment in an Australian education centre due to lack of accountability perhaps?

am never much in politics, however Gilbert's had stirred some thoughts in meself. Can Singapore afford a two party system currently? do we have the people with the right calibre for the second party? we have to look at the current people in the other parties, the people involve in the law, do we want this type of people to be in the politics to guide us? am pretty sure i do now wish to have them to represent me to make decisions. they are all for their own good or are they for the good of others? the current Govt had done a good job, this i will never deny quoting my dad who was not educated once said "we have to give acknowledgement that Govt had done a good job for us to progress till this far" he said this back in the early eighties. one who had gone through the wars and see the progress giving his acknowlegement.
having said all these. if the people in the current Govt is rotten, then it will be a dissatour as well. We have to be thankful that the critical people making decisions currently are wise. the people representing us in the Govt however needs to learn to be in touch with the people with their heart, do not instruct their helpers or their surbordinates in a harsh voice in front of the public whom they are representing. i had not learn to respect him as yet for the way he told of his subordinates to follow up on issues.

although did not feel comfortable with this person, i still want to say that we have a very good govt at the moment, no matter what others had commented. although yes it would be good if there is great minded people to be in the system to check the other but we have to be very careful to see that whoever that we want to represent us need to have a good mind and manners and not just "barking" away for nothing.

Another pair of eyes is good, especially one from an alternative party. They serve as a system of checks and balances and will prevent the accumulation of too much power into the hands of one individual or party.

There is a sense of frustration here over the lack of tranparency in many areas and the apparent 'disconnect' between the ruling party and the 'little' people. Some may out of a sense of frustration and helplessness elect anyone now, including even those who wear slippers.

Another pair of eyes is good but whether the other pair of eyes can see the trick of the trade by the PAP govt is the bone of contention. I am sorry to say that presently we do not have a credible opposition. Try harder and better luck next time.

Few things need change :
1. Oppositions must adopt different name Eg democrats, republican etc.Opposition Parties ?

2. GE opp must assure if they get a GRC or ward, their Town council will release the sinking funds. Eg ppl dun need pay
convervancy for alternate months for 3 years or so. This is becos PAP town councils got money to trash to US but no money for the ppl. Raise GST, ERP, electricity, transport cost, enforce attendents to issue summons, dun wan to give free car park on sat. Do they know conservancy is very taxing for all. That money lost can alleviate many ppl woes. Yet it was dismissed so easily as to fight inflation ? Now the money gone, does it matter we can earn the inflation now ?

3. Ppl must change mindset. Old man must change thier mindset they must vote the thunder - if they dun, lighting will 'strike' them and their family. Young ppl must learn to let go, they need to see in future what can be worse for themselve? They should stop being great but starts thinking for themselve, their retirement, their children education, the medical law they face.

4. The ruling party must give more benefits near GE. It is really very effective, many will forget their greviance and turns to gratefulness. Eg I very like the PAP town council becos they recently upgrade my lift to every floor.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO MOVE FORWARD?

Gilbert has also failed to mention that the two-party system also exists outside of America. We have legacy issues and ties not to the USA but British democracy. We do not have an all-powerful President. In fact the Singapore President may have some executive powers but he exercises very few of them in reality. Second, what Gilbert was probably trying to say is that a Second House like the Senate in the USA and the House of Lords in the UK would be the kind of democratic infrastructure that is can help with policy-making checks and balances.

What we have right now is the House of Commons and the inclusion of Nominated MPs like Eunice Olsen is just appalling! People like her should not be there in the first place. She may be representing the Eurasian community, the young, females in society, etc but she has ZERO added value in the house of Parliament. The best part is that they are meant to offer an alternative voice; which she does not. She is just a little girl in a big school at best and an entertainer/actress like countries like Italy and Taiwan! She has made history- nominated twice as NMP! What kind of alternative voice is the government putting up? Definitely not a credible one.

What sort of a message do you think that our paternalistic government is sending out to the public. 1) You can get invited to talk, keyword being invited 2) Alternative voices are not necessary, we need only representation 3) Even the best of the crop have limited ability.

Ultimately this is the kind of social programming will convey the message that the government is not ready to face any real opposition. Afterall, even the mighty government with all its resources cannot field a good strong team presenting the alternative voice and representing various interest groups.

Let's all face it, the truth of the matter is this. The opposition is always made to look as people not of the calibre and not up to the task. This is only natural. If I was the ruling party tactician/strategist, I would do the same. Discredit the enemy. Second, keep saying that there are no good people out there willing to be involved in politics! After some time this rhetoric becomes the truth! Even I began believing it! Third, keep the people of Singapore busy to keep their minds off the less important things like coming into politics! Keep changing rules and regulations like CPF policy, COE, housing policy, education policy, etc to let them focus their activities on keeping up with changes! These are the real reasons why nobody thinks or wants to enter the political arena.

For those who make that bold step- in most cases, due their own shortcomings, most have ended up in court battles eg JBJ, etc with the exception being Mr Chiam from Potong Pasir and Mr Low from Hougang. How can you concentrate on politics when you are fighting for you own economic survival?

So, where are we now? Do we have the infrastructure to have an alternative group of people in politics to play the check-and-balances role? No, sadly, not quite.

Are there capable citizens in the throng? Of course there are. However, it will take time for them to come along and join the band wagon. And that can only happen after the infrastructure and mindset changes regarding a truly alternative voice in Singapore, takes place.

What do you expect a member of a dynasty to say...who is he to say what the people wnat???Head in the clouds

Singaporeasn have been brainwashed into thinking that ALL the best people are in government currently...not true...the PAP is just a politcal party ...who says that ONLY the PAP elite are smart enough to CHOSE the best and brightest...arrogacne...like the Romans