How the GRC system is regressing politics in Singapore
A recent survey of 37 people by a failed presidential candidate showed that more than 92% of those surveyed opposed the GRC system. While 37 may seem like a small number, this sample falls into a normal distribution in statistics shows that this is a large enough number to give a fairly representative view.
The GRC system been seen in increasingly bad light since the GE2011, especially when some young girl went into parliament despite having childish behaviour of a video which went online and a 50,000 strong petition widely opposing her. Many people have asked that she be sent into an SMC instead, but this fell on deaf ears from the ruling party.
Why should we have more SMCs then?
Hypocrisy on part of the PAP government can be well reflected here. While the PAP has lamented the lack of political talent, it is important to note that more SMCs would result in better political diversity as smaller opposition parties with great ideas such as the SDP are able to contest on a more meritocratic basis as they otherwise lack the means to do so in a GRC.
For example, the SDP has multiple policy papers which have given good alternatives to what the PAP has done in their lack of foresight. They have proposed that HDB flats be resold to the government at a fixed price so as not to be affected by free market fluctuations while pushing for a 'shock therapy' to increase productivity by quelling reliance on foreign labour.
Perhaps similarly, the demise of political heavyweight George Yeo from the fall of Aljunied GRC was as a heavy loss to the current cabinet despite him being very popular. If he were to contest in an SMC, pareto optimality in this situation could be had in that GY could retain his seat in the cabinet as no opposition would go head-on with him on all SMC basis.
The safeguarding of whatever remaining political talent is more important given the fall of the PAP branding. The best MPs does not necessarily have to come from the PAP as evident in heavyweights such as Chiam See Tong and JB Jeyaretnam who have both gained tremendous respect form the electorate. By implying otherwise, all the more we have to disregard this fundamentally flawed mindset from the PAP. Let me explain.
The poor showing of some PAP MPs for their meet-the-peoples as well as parliament sessions is appalling. By forcing them to take part in SMCs instead, they would be better off working for the people as a result of public scrutiny on their performance as MPs. Is it not reasonable to make them work harder given their huge salaries? This will certainly give them more respect.
Clearly, the GRC system is a stumbling block in the politics of Singapore in building political diversity and encouraging talent. As the PAP has proven themselves reluctant to listen, it would be better to just kick them out for the betterment of Singapore!
Joseph Kheng-Liang Tan
*The author is a 21 year-old polytechnic graduate who is currently pursuing his law degree in Australia. Widely quoted for his views, he has contributed extensively in his personal capacity to top socio-political portals such as TRS, TRE and TAV. He is also supremely homophobic and would rather vote for the PAP should the opposition send in a homosexual representative.