May 9, 2011
Work together to advance
NOW that the elections are over, it is time for both the PAP and opposition parties to work together to improve Singapore’s future.
The “us against them” mentality prevalent in our political history should stop.
More Singaporeans have played a more active role in this election, not just as supporters of the various parties but as ordinary Singaporeans helping to analyse policy issues and making suggestions.
This is a good sign and step forward.
For starters, the PAP should lift the Party Whip so that PAP members can vote against the party line in Parliament.
Whether this moment in our history will be remembered as the beginning of a golden era of democratic and political development may depend on the humility and magnanimity of the victors and the graciousness of the defeated, to work together as one.
Perhaps we could take a leaf from the book of the United States, where the defeated presidential aspirant, like Mrs Hillary Clinton who was appointed Secretary of State, as well as others from both the Democratic and Republican parties were given the opportunity to serve their country.
Leong Sze Hian
