Some people like the 16 year old boy Terence and the recent Raymond have stepped up to defend the PAP and have been bashed for it. Let me just offer a neutral point of view.
(See: 16 year old S'porean: We should be appreciative of the PAP and what they are doing - Terence; PAP bashers should focus on unsatisfied actions, not individuals or supporters - Raymond )
The PAP supporters are appreciative of the good things that have been done and they want to show their gratitude back to the PAP by offering their support. They feel that although this government makes mistakes, they are arguably the best in the world. After all, which government is perfect? Changing government will not solve any of the problems that have been pointed out, in fact it may even make things worse if inexperienced people are brought into the government. Therefore we should be realistic in our expectation.
The PAP bashers are unsatisfied with the PAP. They are aware of the good that has been done, but they do not believe that previous glory can be used as an excuse for the current mistakes. There are so many problems in Singapore right now that needs immediate attention, but the government is making things worse by massively importing foreigners. After all, most of the major problems such as high cost of living, congestion and lack of jobs are direct results of overpopulation. The government also often make sarcastic remarks and try to make us look stupid. They think we do not know what is best for us, but we obviously think we know more than they do. The previous PAP was arrogant, but at least they did a fantastic job. This PAP is still arrogant, but they are doing a lousy job. Therefore they should be replaced.
I feel that it is important to understand both perspective so that we knowwhat we are sacrificing when we pick a side come 2016. My personal take is that PAP is no longer irreplaceable, but the oppositions are not quite ready to take over yet. But I believe that there are many talents in Singapore that can do a better job than the PAP, they just need to step up, either join the PAP to change them from within or to the opposition. After all it's the people that make up the party that counts, the party is just a name. I wouldn't make a decision right now, but my decision will probably lie in the population policy. If the PAP commits to reducing the population size before 2016, then I will most likely give them my vote. Otherwise I'm more inclined to give the opposition a chance.
I'll rather give someone inexperienced a try to set things right than to let someone experienced who refuse to set things right continue to govern.
Neo Ren Jie
TRS Contributor