Two opposition leaders received their court sentences, on the same day.
Thankfully both Pritam Singh and Lim Tean were not disqualified by their sentences, else Democracy will take many steps back.
Dr Ang Yong Guan was found guilty of professional misconduct after his appeal failed and he was suspended from his love and passion, his practice as a psychiatrist. Although he was not DQ by this suspension but PSP decided not to field him as a candidate in coming GE.
All these high profile lawsuits may not impede on the qualification of candidacy of the individual opposition members but it will effect a chilling impact on many potential budding and aspiring individuals who want to join the rank and file of opposition parties.
The lingering fear of “fix the opposition” starts to ring through the hearts and minds of the young ones.
Granted that no opposition member is perfect, but none of the PAP politicians is God as well. In fact the Iswaran corruption case and adultery saga of 2 PAP MPs are the testimony of this Golden Truth.
As a young and small nation, we must understand that to maintain Democracy, we need opposition. And good people should not be deterred by all these sagas and refrained from coming forward to serve, else politics as a whole, regardless whether it’s opposition or ruling party, will be left to the mediocre and dishonorable.
Throughout my 24 years of political participation, I am always open to share my values, policy ideals and experiences to whoever come to me, regardless of party affiliations. I would even extend my help to those who need it and ask for it, especially during GE, even though they are not from my party.
Why? It’s because I know, without their meaningful participation, there will be no opportunity for voters to vote and there will be no Democracy.
Politics is about People and Policies, not Politicking. I spent much of my waking hours to explain simple as well as complex policy issues to both my limited audience on FB as well as those aspiring candidates.
I believe it is only with a growing numbers of people who are well grounded and learned on different policies, then we will have hope in building a truly Democratic Society for Singapore.
Beyond the wayang sophistry of politicking, it’s the hard choices and debates we make on policy options that will really affect the welfare and interests of our people.
I would urge every aspiring individuals out there, do not be deterred by all these lawsuits you are seeing right now. If you have both the heart and brain to serve the Nation, just step forward.
The Future of this country and its Democracy depends on you, nobody else.
Goh Meng Seng
