Work together to advance

ST Forum

HOMEST FORUM > ONLINE STORY

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

 

About the Author

Leong
Leong Sze Hian has served as the president of 4 professional bodies, honorary consul of 2 countries, an alumnus of Harvard University, authored 4 books, quoted over 1500 times in the media , has been a radio talkshow host, a newspaper daily columnist, Wharton Fellow, SEACeM Fellow, columnist for theonlinecitizen and Malaysiakini, executive producer of Ilo Ilo (40 international awards), Hotel Mumbai (associate producer), invited to speak more than 200 times in about 40 countries, CIFA advisory board member, founding advisor to the Financial Planning Associations of 2 countries. He has 3 Masters, 2 Bachelors degrees and 13 professional  qualifications.