Has the PAP been more anti-Singaporean than ever?
A handful of true-blue Singaporeans have done Singapore proud in the 2013, yet their accomplishments were not significantly aided by the PAP government. From filmmaker Anthony Chen to rower Saiyidah Aisyah to rider Laurentia Tan (whose story can be contrasted with that of foreign-talent "quitter" Feng Tianwei), it is clear that the PAP government would rather put their resources towards helping foreign talent rather than that of promising locals.
Relating more to the layman, PAP has also given $36 million a year to foreign scholars with no concrete benefits while many Singaporeans are still struggling to live on less than $1500 a month. Clearly, it is an utter disgrace to see how little support the PAP has provided for these people who do our country proud and want to break out of the poverty cycl. With the passing of the population white paper, it remains to be seen how much more the PAP would favour foreigners above that of locals.
Breeding culture of negativity?
Given the numerous incidents within the past few years, it is no surprise that Singaporeans now show a sheer and utter contempt for the PAP government (and its institutions). For example, looking at the online comments made after the breakdown of the downtown line on its first day of operations, it is clear that Singaporeans show a sceptical attitude as to whether the PAP can sufficiently improve our lives. This culture of negativity is contagious and affects almost all of the PAP’s actions.
Further disconnect with the ground?
With the cost of living has increased by approximately 2.6% year on year, Singaporeans are getting angrier that their CPF pays less interest than the rate of inflation. Internationally, this would be unacceptable for a pension fund. Yet, an MP had the audacity to flaunt his $2.50 nasi padang to much controversy. More than just being active on social media, this reflects the sheer disconnect that MP has from knowing the ground. Such antics are not new, since Singaporeans are supposedly able to afford a flat on a $1000 a month.
A question of “By how much”
Fundamentally, political feelings can be seen as a spectrum. The most hardcore of PAP supporters have come to consensus that the PAP will face an upward battle in 2016, while the most radical of opposition supporters believe that the opposition would take control given the extent of the PAP’s nonsense. If we take a moderate ground in between the two camps, it is clear that the PAP will lose more seats in the next general elections.
More trouble in the next General Elections?
With the prevalence of social media and a more sophisticated and younger electorate, Singaporeans are having less tolerance for the PAP. Furthermore, the opposition have a higher slew of high calibre candidates who will be running; most opposition parties have convincingly gained experience in walking the ground while there is now greater eligibility from people such as the fearless Dr. Chee Soon Juan who has indicated his interest in contesting in 2016. All these forces are clearly counter to the PAP’s chances of electoral survival.
Concluding Remarks?
Previously, I have concluded that the PAP has a moderate chance of losing control of the government. Given that they have not truly “repented” even though they claimed that they will, the electorate has been quick to wake up and the current ground sentiments against the PAP seems to be greater than ever. The downfall of the PAP seems more accelerated than ever.
Joseph Kheng-Liang Tan
* The author is a 21 year-old polytechnic graduate who is currently pursuing his law degree in Australia. A believer of the free press, he has contributed extensively in his personal capacity to popular socio-political sites such as TRS and TRE.