[Youth Quake Reaction] Youth Parliament in Singapore?

I attended the Youth Quake discussion on yesterday at the WP HQ, titled: "Youthquake: Is there Space for a Youth Parliament?"

I came in pretty late, but still managed to catch at least 30 mins of the "debate".

There were talks and issues raised about how the youth MP should be elected, what segmentation should be used to select the youths to be represented, many emphasis on representation, talks abt how it could be a grooming ground for future MPs, whether it should be held at the actual parliament house, etc...

I did not speak, as I thought I might raise the same questions as someone else or issues that is already discussed while I was still on my way there. But one stark problem about the discussion persisted and disturbs me the entire time I was there listening: the lack of fundamentals.

Running a country in a macro-scale (read: actual government) involves the most important pillars of life: food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, leisure/rest, education and transportation. As long as all these pillars are fulfilled: meaning everyone can earn enough to pay for food, shelter, healthcare, transportation and lastly clothing and leisure as well as good access to good education- you can be assured you will be in power for a long time to come (thats how PAP under LKY, and subsequently inherited by GCT and now LHL had managed to dominate the Singapore Politics for so long).

Thus for every policy and initiatives set out by the government, its MUST fulfilled one of the above mentioned pillars (meaning it will benefit the citizens) or it must help to boost the economy of Singapore (which in turns boost the earning of Singaporeans - theoretically). So where does having Youth Parliament stands in this context?

If its like what I heard in the discussion - its really nothing more than just a political brainwash of the youth to become more "political" (than politically aware) and for that handful to become egoistic because of their perceived "power" in holding that Youth MP seat (which, in accordance to what was discussed, likely to end up having the same group of youth dominating those seats).

Someone quoted an example of how a Youth Assembly was tested in Malaysia, which was dominated by the youth from the various political parties; to avoid it becoming to partisan, the rule changed it to be non-political - the same group of youth turned up, this time round, representing their schools. <--- this is exactly what will happen if we go down the route of having a Youth Parliament without a anchoring fundamental - What is the purpose of a Youth Parliament?

Some had argued that the Youth Parliament is to give power to the youth, to give the youth the voice to speak out and be heard; for the adults to take the youth more seriously and allow the youth to contribute to the proceedings and policy shaping in the Real Parliament, etc... - I totally DO NOT concur with this "fundamental" of having a Youth Parliament. It does not do economical good, does not keep food price or housing price low, does not make transportation better and cheaper, does not earn Singaporeans more money, does not pay for our ever increasing healthcare cost.... so whats left is education. But what kindda education is there in the above mentioned "purposes" - it more likely to create more Chee Soon Quans than Low Thia Kiangs or Lee Kuan Yews.

But also because the establishment of a Youth Parliament cannot apply to any of the pillars except Education; THEN EDUCATION MUST be the focus of having a Youth Parliament.

So what do you want to educate the youths of Singapore, through having a Youth Parliament?

To me, there are several things youths can learn through a sitting in a Youth Parliament: 
- Critical Thinking (to above to see thru the haze and be constructive)
- Understanding how policies are made and shaped
- Understanding the hidden currents and hidden costs behind every policies that is crafted
- To allow the youth to think for the greater good
- To tap on the youth's creativity, thus to propose creative solutions that can be implemented by the government
- To allow the youth to become more politically aware (not becoming more political. its different)

Youth Parliament should be like what Internship for students are. It should be to experience what it is like to be in that position, understand the difficulties, the hidden problems - all in all, as an education.

Any talk abt electing the kids to the youth parliament, giving them power, telling them to discuss national issues which they would not understand the magnitude at their age, without guidance from actual MPs that were elected into the real parliament - would be prematured.

And if this is to be implemented, the Youth Parliament should be a mass participation initiatives, that every week or every session, the youths that fills up the seats are always changing and different. We do not want clouts or the same individual turning up all the time - it should never be a place to be grooming politicians. Perhaps it can be run by the People's Association or the Ministry of Education. It can also be run according to educational level, where you will not have a 14 year old (sec 2) debating against a 22 year old (undergrad).


IN CONCLUSION: Any establishment of the Youth Parliament must be of the right reasons and fundamentals. As long as it does not fulfill any pillars of life or of economic good - its can only be of the wrong reasons: of individual/partisan interest <--- which we must avoid at all cost.

What to consider on Cooling Off Day?

This edition of the General Elections, it will be the first time where a "Cooling Off Day" is introduced by the PAP which disallowed any campaigning by the political parties prior to the Polling Day on Saturday.

Majulah!, not being too sure to what extend this new rule is being applied : "- The transmission by any individual of his personal political views to another individual, on a non-commercial basis, using the telephone, Internet or other electronic means"

To be safe, this will be the last Majulah! post prior to the Polling Day.

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On this moment to the moment you step into the polling station, your thoughts (mainly the undecideds) will be switching back and forth whether to vote for the PAP or the Opposition.

My Take: Just vote for the Opposition.

The PAP had been too overwhelmingly empowered for too long. We were lucky to have Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his team to lead and bring Singapore from the 3rd World to the 1st World. But before you deciding to vote just because of this, please remember, the Election is about the Future you want; not to grade the PAP for their past glories beyond the previous term.

PAP led Singapore had been doing very well on a macro economic scale ever since Mr Goh Chok Tong took over the baton. But unknown to the Singaporeans then, Singapore the Republic is slowly transformed into Singapore Inc. Many of the corporations that were previously Government held are privatised and a profit-driven philosophy is installed. The years under Mr Lee Hsien Loong made matter worse as Singaporeans witnessed the worst ever performance by the PAP since their rise to power year prior to Independence.

HEALTHCARE
Today, healthcare cost is so high that ordinary Singaporeans are avoiding getting medical treatment despite their dire need. Many said, its better to die than to fall sick.

HDB
HDB deliberately reduced the number of HDB built, coupled with the increased population, forced HDB prices to rise like to new heights; even during the recession year, HDB pegged their apartment pricing so firmly that even the private developers wanted to compensate for the poor sales of their private condos units by lowering their prices, were unable to do so because they can't be selling condos below HDB prices. And of course, without the Free Market Correction, prices just continue to rise from where they left of.

TRANSPORTATION
The big squeeze everyday which I think I do not need to say more.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
Without enough Oppositions MP in Parliament, the PAP government could change the constitution anytime and in any way they want; the worst case scenario could be them, allowing the Permanent Resident voting rights so that they can tip that 51% they need amidst the increasing unhappiness against them.

ETC, etc... etc....

You get the drift.

PAP had a 25 years plan and while we are in the 10 or 15th year mark, they have no reason to let down and stop their plans. The lack of substance in the manifesto is a sign that they are intending to continue what they had been doing for the last 5-10 years: more foreigners, higher GST, higher ministerial salary, more ERP, higher healthcare cost, etc...

So dear Singaporeans, vote for the Oppositions, towards a more caring, more inclusive, fairer and more responsive First World Government.

Would PAP one day grant PR voting rights?

As by my previous articles, citing the possibility of PAP granting PR voting rights in future elections, I am by no means saying the PAP will do it; but the PAP will have the option to do it if they feel that their positions threatened or compromised enough.

In 10 years time, PAP would have achieve their target population of 6.5 million people in Singapore. Of which by then, there would have been at least 1 million of them gaining PR status. With only the maximum of 3 million Singaporeans Citizen voters, PR voters whom are likely to vote for the ruling party together with staunch supporters of PAP (including Civil Servants whom believe they are obligated to vote for the PAP) would almost definitely ensure power for the PAP.

But this drastic constitutional change might not happen, as it would permanently damage PAP's reputation and trust among the true blue Singaporeans. But according to history, PAP had not restrained themselves from doing anything possible to defend their position of power, so there is always such possibilities as long as the Constitution is not protected with adequate number of seats held by Oppositions.

I'm not selling fear as the previous articles seemed (because I was genuinely frightened by the possibility), but at the same time, we cannot deny the fact that PAP could do it if they want to.

When that day really comes, Singaporeans will have no rights whatsoever to revoke the Constitutional change because.... we gave them the mandate and voted them in.

This revelation is meant as an education to the people as to the importance of Opposition in the house, an additional thing to consider who you should vote and please do not construe this as an direct attack against the PAP. I will still say the same thing if one day WP is in absolute power - no party should have absolute power.

Who should the one providing the Future Plans of Singapore?

Honestly, I'm very disappointed with the way how the election is going so far because until today, just 5 days from Polling Day, I still dunno what are the macro plans PAP have for Singapore. I still dunno HOW PAP is going to tackle of the issues that had arise from PAP's last 5 years in power.

What more joke-able, is that so many People of Singapore are scrutinizing the plans and proposals from the Opposition... Do you know that MM Lee, SM Goh and PM Lee might be laughing at this "game" thats happening, and we the Singaporeans are really as daft as they believe?

"MM Lee, SM Goh and PM Lee might be laughing at this "game" thats happening, and we the Singaporeans are really as daft as they believe?"

I can't really stress enough: NO OPPOSITION PLANS WILL GET THE GO AHEAD FROM THE PAP (if PAP returns to power as a Majority Party).

I repeat again: PAP WILL NOT GIVE POLITICAL TOKENS TO THE OPPOSITION TO FULFILL THEIR ELECTION PROMISES.

I still have to say again: OPPOSITION PLANS MEANS NOTHING WITHOUT PAP'S BLESSING!



SO... why the hell are you still reading and finger pointing the proposals and points made by the Opposition which you think will not work for Singapore? Dun you think its a bit too early to scrutinize the Opposition for a credible alternative plan when everyone knows that the PAP will return to power with a massive majority ultimately in this election?


ONLY THE PAP's PLANS WILL GO THROUGH. And so, this question beckons: What is PAP's future plan for Singapore? How are the PAP going to deal with all the issues that faces Singaporeans today?



...........* silence *.............

"Why would the PAP stop what they had been doing for the past 5-15 years when their plans are planned up to 25 years in advance and had been working extremely well for them and their "report card"?"

Honestly, you know why PAP is so quiet? Because they CANNOT reveal their plans to you.... because...
- they intend to continue to bring in more foreigners
- increase the population in Singapore to 6.5 million
- continue to build more ERPs
- continue to raise their salary
- continue to raise GST to 10% for some stupid reason
- continue to let HDB prices balloon
- continue to control the number of HDB built to create a scarcity to push the prices up
- continue to give more scholarships to foreigners together with allowances
- continue to set up work fairs in China to attract for Foreigners
- continue to raise transport fees to keep the transport companies profitable
- continue to allow medical fee to increase to keep the hospitals profitable (or more profitable)
- etc...

You get my drift? Why would the PAP stop what they had been doing for the past 5-15 years when their plans are planned up to 25 years in advance and had been working extremely well for them and their "report card"?

Nothing will change under PAP in the next 5 years. Mark my words. NOTHING will change.

[READ THIS] GREATEST FEAR after GE2011

source: facebook, http://www.facebook.com/notes/windy-voice/spread-this-greatest-fear-after-ge2011/104752662945762

GREATEST FEAR after GE2011
by Windy Voice on Friday, April 29, 2011 at 1:47am

Dear fellow Singaporeans, friends, Alternative (Oppositions) Parties, PAP supporters and PAP moles who will be reading this.

This note is not going to tell a tale of whether to fire our maid anot or whether PAP is fair or unfair in the past elections or how badly or how good PAPhave perform for past 5 years but this note is going to highlight my GREATEST FEAR which so far I have yet seen any netizens posted out.

After watching TV broadcast about the WP rally host @ HG SMC, I have a chat/ discussion with my dad.I found out that for the past few elections, there're always so much viewers @ Opposition parties rallies. But however in the end, every elections, the Opposition parties do not get enough votes to get into the parliament. Hence, our parliament never have enough (>1/3) alternative voice to cancel any bills proposed by PAP.

After some research online, I've concluded something: That this election is not a joke! And do you know what I fear most? The unstoppable bills by PAP in Parliament House!

Kindly vote for all Alternative (Oppositions) Parties in your area! No matter if they are good or bad, new or old, even you trust or do not trust them! Why? Because this election we really need at least need 1/3 non-pap members inside parliament. Why?

Because if after this election, PAP still take >80 seats. Any bills proposed by them will passed through and cannot be block because we do not have enough non-pap members to voice out and reject those bills. If in the next 5 years, PAP suddenly make a bill like in Hong Kong (SAR) where they let all Permanent residents (PRs) to vote. Next election, we, the TRUE BLUE BLOOD Singaporeans' voting powers will be totally gone.Kindly take a look at this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elections_in_Hong_Kong

If in the next 5 years, PAP suddenly make a bill like in Hong Kong (SAR) where they let all Permanent residents (PRs) to vote. Next election, we, the TRUE BLUE BLOOD Singaporeans' voting powers will be totally gone.

[...Any Hong Kong permanent resident (PR) aged 18 or above may register as an elector in the geographical constituency in which he/she resides, except those mentally incapacitated and those serving in an armed force...
...Article 21 of The Basic Law of HKSAR stipulates:
Chinese citizens (PRCs) who are residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be entitled to participate in the management of state affairs according to law. In accordance with the assigned number of seats and the selection method specified by the National People's Congress, the Chinese citizens among the residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall locally elect deputies of the Region to the National People's Congress to participate in the work of the highest organ of state power...]

So, am I just another Chicken Little crying that the sky is falling? You may think PAP will not dare to create such a bill and even if they will, they would have created it long before. But think twice, if PAP create such a bill in the past, Singaporeans will be alert about there's a large inflow of PRs who can vote in elections. And the limited amount of PRs would not be able to vote and support PAP even if elections were held.

But story is different now, after these few years of largely import of Permanent Resident (PRs), we are totally surrounded by PRs, PAP are now able/ ready to propose such a bill. Anytime, just one time, they can just create a bill to allow PRs to vote in coming election 2016 and we are dead meat. These PRs will definitely vote for PAP to ensure they can stay here and replace ALL SINGAPOREANS.

Anytime, just one time, they can just create a bill to allow PRs to vote in coming election 2016 and we are dead meat.

That's why for this GE2011, if PAP are still holding at least 2/3 of the 87 seats, the Bills proposed by PAP will pass through like flowing water. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Parliament

In fact, there should never ever be any single party in a parliament in the first place because they act like a monarchy with total government powers in their hands. Any bills is exactly an orders. Whatever voting process they may go through are for public show. Tell me have you seen before who from PAP will dare to stand out and opposed their own PAP policies bill?

Hence, this GE2011 is very important, no, maybe I should say this is the MOST IMPORTANT election ever! PAP has already note on that this time the ground is not that sweet and there are many citizens are not happy with their policies. After GE2011, they try their best to make any bill to pass in Parliament in order ensure itself staying as incumbent. One of such bill maybe to let Permanent Residents (PRs) to vote to support them.

Wake up, my dear fellow Singaporeans. Do not overlook these details. Kindly avoid the same mistake again and again.We can not afford to make mistake again or we (PAP supporters and PAP moles included) will be totally replaced by PRs! Never give absolute power to a single party. Dun just think/ focus on PAP policies of economic growth, they are "icing on cake", PAP are going to replace us ALL with PRs after GE2011.

Hence, above briefly mentions my GREATEST FEAR for GE2011. Every Singaporeans, dun joke about for this election. Every vote counts. This is not a game. Vote wisely.

Vote the Alternative (Oppositions) Party in! Vote for any party! WP, SDP, SPP, NSP, RP, SDA!
Trust our future in their hands! In fact, actually we dun have a choice! It's now or never!
WE MUST REALLY HAVE >1/3 of the 87 seats filled with Alternative (Oppositions) parties!
In order to not get replace by the PRs!

Let us have a First World IDEAL Republic of Singapore - Majulah Singapura!

= Windy Voice 2011 =

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Above article is the work of Windy Voice. He/She happened to be advocating the same view as Majulah! ; but he/she went even further to highlight the potential threat that exist for Singapore - honestly, I am totally shocked by the prospect and the possibility, in fact, the existence of such law in Hong Kong already.

I strongly urge EVERYONE to VOTE AGAINST THE PAP.

PAP already have a lot of loyal votes, they wont get kicked out so suddenly. It is the undecided voters like you that will make the difference.

VOTE FOR THE OPPOSITION REGARDLESS WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES! WE NEED TO DEFEND OUR CONSTITUTION!

Oppositions' plans are irrelevant.

"Most of the Oppositions proposals will never go through, because as long as they are not part of the Majority in Parliament, none of their plans will get the go ahead nor the fundings from the Government."

A lot had been discussed and debate or even argued among the voters abt the manifestos and plans proposed forward by the Opposition. Whereas, PAP's manifesto is nothing more than just some grandeur words backed by no concrete plans what-so-ever...

Yet... the interesting thing is that, there is little finger pointing towards the lack of detail by the PAP, and a lot of debating about the intricacies of the Oppositions' proposal, especially by PAP supporters.

Voters, please remember this: most of the Oppositions proposals will never go through, because as long as they are not part of the Majority in Parliament, none of their plans will get the go ahead nor the fundings from the Government. PAP have no reasons to help Oppositions gain political points by giving the Oppositions what they want to fulfill their election promises.

"PAP have no reasons to help Oppositions gain political points by giving the Oppositions what they want to fulfill their election promises."

So: Oppositions' Plans and Manifesto = Pointless.

So you may ask, why vote for the Opposition then?

The only reason left to vote for the Opposition is this: We need at least 28 Oppositions (1/3 of all the Parliamentary seats) to block any changes to the Constitution of Singapore that is not of benefit to People of Singapore.

This is very very important because the Constitution of Singapore is the Soul of Singapore. We must at least be able to protect it from any changes thats is negative to fellow Singaporeans. And its also because of the lack Oppositions that resulted in the existence of GRC, which ultimately increased the barrier for Oppositions or anyone whom would like to represent the people to get into Parliament.

"We need at least 28 Oppositions (1/3 of all the Parliamentary seats) to block any changes to the Constitution of Singapore that is not of benefit to People of Singapore."

As for most Bills that did not require a change in Constitution, all is needed is a simple majority, which is almost a given since the Majority Party (in our case, the PAP) is always going to get their bills passed despite any opposition to it. But the existence of Oppositions will give robust debates and corrections to any proposed bills, thus enabling the bills passed to be checked and at least more well thought through than what it used to be.

"For most Bills... all is needed is a simple majority, which is almost a given since the Majority Party (in our case, the PAP) is always going to get their bills passed despite any opposition to it"

---

So under no disillusion, its almost certain that PAP will return to power as a Majority come Saturday on Election Day. What is important is, how many Oppositions will win a seat in Parliament and represent the other 49% of Singaporeans which PAP do not need to return to power.

Hope this article give you a clearer understanding why we should vote for Opposition come Election Day.

If you feel that PAP did a good job, and we can trust them to the point that we do not need Oppositions to have any check and balance to any proposed Bills or existing Legislations, Please just vote the PAP.

If you feel that, as a result of the lack of Opposition, that we are experiencing a dip in our happiness and quality of life as compared to 5 years ago in the last election; and thus realising that there is a vital need to have more Oppositions to voice our concerns: Please just vote the Opposition regardless who they are.

"The existence of Oppositions will give robust debates and corrections to any proposed bills, thus enabling the bills passed to be checked and at least more well thought through than what it used to be."

The vote is with you. Vote wisely.

Voting is Secret. Voting is compulsory.

Sylvia Lim's Parliamentary Speech against Ministerial Salary Hike

If you never knew that Worker's Party had ever raised a speech against Ministerial Pay hike, you should watch the fantastic speech by NCMP Sylvia Lim in the Parliament.



Do you still want to vote for PAP?

Learn from Obama's administration | Singapore needs CHANGE

I just caught a LIVE broadcast online of Obama's speech to the students of United States. Feeling inspired, to the point, i wish to go back to school tomorrow and study like no tomorrow.

But as it ended, I ask myself: Why can Obama do all this "logical" things the moment he is president; knowing and understanding ppl's hardship, taking steps to elevate EVERYBODY's life... while in Singapore, the Government seemed to be reluctant to take steps to go "micro"; vehemently avoiding the OBVIOUS.

I can tell you guys today: The Opposition is going to win at least a GRC in the next election. And prepare to lose even more single seats

Its getting too obvious nowadays that EVERYONE is not happy. People are getting more vocal and more willing to talk abt their unhappiness abt the situation in Singapore. Seriously, I cant really see how PAP can defend their position any better in the next election, this term is probably the WORST term in the history of PAP's governance.

Connectivity had opened our eyes to the honest and truthful rule by Barack Obama, with all his goals and changes totally in line with what a politician SHOULD DO. On the other hand, Japan's election result sending shockwave throughout the world, especially to countries like Singapore, with their Opposition victory. With Logic (make sense policies of Obama) + Hope (of a victory against powerful incumbent) , the keyword "CHANGE" is become more impactful with the passing days.

Mr. Teo Ser Luck posted on his facebook status: "Change. Nothing will stand still. The outcome of the Japan election results really got me thinking. If we don't change, we will be changed. Whether in life or in career, we have to keep up with the pace of change. The environment would not change or wait for us. Like it or not, it is a never-ending race. We can never be complacent."

Even this major PAP politician knew that the wind of change in coming. But seriously, is PAP changing better or for worse? (based on that status update, it is suggested that PAP might had been changing, just not fast enough) Seriously, PAP HAD changed over the years, since Mr Lee Kuan Yew was Prime Minister; just that PAP seemed to change to become more "greedy" financially... It reaches a point where, all those giant reserve and huge government incomes that made Singapore rich, no longer had a link to the fortunes of Singaporeans.

Is it not logical that medical fees should be lower?
Transport companies do not need that much profit, as their purpose is to serve our people?
Town councils do not need to invest money?
Old folks should be taken better care of with better facilities and lower rents since they are the people whom built our nation to what it is today?
That Singaporeans should have more spare money to spend and save?
Students should be banned from dropping out and better policies to make sure we dun lose this potential talents?
That better policies and ideas should be made and executed to ensure more babies are being born and reduction in the cost of raising a kid?
etc...

Why can Obama do the obvious and PAP cant? Why PAP have to make it always seems so complicated and changes be sounded so treacherous?

Haiz...

Oppositions, the same question is posted to you: What can you do for the country and the people?

Learn from Obama, stop closing one eye and play politics.

(p.s: The moment politics stops, like how Obama treated his Israeli ally on the Palestinian issue, the world just stop and applause.)

Changing of Electoral Rules - A Masterstroke.

sorry for the lack of "action" in this blog...
too busy..

Anyway, the biggest talking point on Singapore politics lately had been the new election rulings, abt the additional single seat wards, reduction of size in GRC, increase of minimum Opposition in parliament to 9, etc...

My view is this is a positive move by the PAP. Although WP can say all they want abt this changes is not enough or whatsoever, but think again, PAP can jolly well just continue on status quo; so lets be thankful that PAP is willing to give the Oppositions more chance to get into the parliament and put in their part in making Singapore a better place.

New single wards and reduction of GRC size is perhaps the most bewildering move, as far as PAP supporters are concerned. Because this is basically a weakening of PAP's dominance, given the history and fact that our Oppositions hardly able to build up a strong team to compete in the GRC. And additional SMC also means more chance for individual talented linguists to grab a seat for their parties.

Why such a move?
Perhaps it comes down to the lack of "quality" MPs within the PAP. As GRC is embraced, the number of the powerful-passionate-committed PAP politicians takes a dip (its just an impression). Weak PAP candidates, like Heng Chee How (who took on Low Thia Kiang and lost), is put into a GRC, to ensure their "qualification" into MP-hood.

To me, GRC is less of an avenue to protect minority groups, but more of an avenue to either putting "quiet" and "abiding" PAP members into the Parliament (which is more "strategic", to prevent infighting and less opposition within the PAP) or someone who is capable, but just cannot connect with the constituents (wish I hope is the case. But still usually, such ppl are still too quiet to make any decent contribution in Parliamentary debates).

As I mentioned earlier, the lack of "out-spoken" and "endearing" MPs from PAP could have started to backfire at PAP: losing ground support and respect; lack of contributions in parliament; just simply not "capable" enough. The general "standard" of PAP could be degenerating to a point where, the cabinet ministers close a blind eye anymore (in exchange for "parliamentary compliance"). Of course, all this is just speculations; DUN SUE ME.

Either way, quality is starting to prove to be more important than quantity, especially in the onset of a difficult era, a new age, a new world order. PAP can no longer just dominate the political scene (albeit with "mediocre" ppl) and just have the "quality" in the cabinet (the one whom really make decisions).

The new age, beyond the global economic crisis, is a treacherous one for vulnerable Singapore. In the past, manufacturing industry is easier to build up and grow Singapore; its very much a hardware thing... But the Singapore now, finance center, service sector, tourism, high tech reseach, bio-med science, IT, digital media, games development, movie industry... All the just mentioned is extremely volatile. Research can anytime be triumph by others with greater capacity and talents (China, Japan, US, etc...); games dev and movie dev is one of the highest risk possible in investment, they can just flop and you lose millions... not to mention how behind we are in term of digital media and games dev technology...

In the face of all this caprice and uncertainty, PAP must be worried abt the future, and one which they are now finding their "laid-back GRC tag-along" quite useless (or so i think).

On the other hand, Oppositions are starting to consolidate and gaining strength, in both wisdom and talents. With the leadership of Reform Party, under a man, whose credentials and paper qualifications matching, if not, beating many of the PAP members; the stability and growth of WP under Sylvia Lim and Low; its simply "untapped" Singaporean talents. Thus, with the introduction of 9 NMP slots for Oppositions, they get to acquire the views and input of the best and more talented 9 Opposition members. At the same time, it can also cause the Oppositions to "relax" on their drive to unroot the PAP, since they are like almost guaranteed a spot in the parliament; if to worst, cause infighting between Oppositions parties when they try to negotiate which wards they want to compete in (might even en up with 3 way fight, which will definitely benefit PAP).

Thus, to say the truth, this entire move, is a total masterstroke by the leadership of PAP; which kills many bird in one stone: get more talented ppl with gd views, visions and input to contribute to the parliament; reduce "animosity" of the Opposition (or appease them, but giving them almost guaranteed spots); discourage ppl from voting lousy Opposition candidates simply because they dun want to vote PAP; cause infighting among the Oppositions when they fighting for wards to compete in, especially when there are more candidates than possible seats to fight for; and lastly, put pressure on those "tag-along" PAP MP, whom their iron-bowl in parliament is perhaps, all but over.

Even for the Oppositions, there is simply nothing to lose, but all to gain. A surprising win-win situation... something that could never happen in politics, turns possible.