Australia Panic

Election Day

well, congratuations to those who had finished their exams. Enjoy yr 3 mths holiday. It will be short, but fun. Good luck when the results out.

Today is election, how i wish i am back in singapore to feel the atmosphere there. I want to attend the rallies for once to listen how the speakers buy the votes from its supportors over. My brother, who just finished his exams yesterday, went to Ajunied to see what the opposition had to offered. Even though i am finally eligible to vote, I won't be able to do so because I am in Australia and my area is a walkover. Just to let you know guys, i am one who are interested in current affairs, just like my mom.

I guess the most heated area is Potong pasir and Hougang. I asked my mum and she said that Mr Chaim may likely lose his seat this election. Personally i feel Mr Chiam is a good politican who never fails to put the residents under his consituties at the highest concern.

Just get a short paragraph from CNA.

Dismissing it as a "real election gimmick", Mr Chiam said: "Potong Pasir residents have been promised a swimming pool, upgrading and they were also threatened with the MRT station. We had a fair share of their election tactics and we have managed to go through every one of them with the support of the residents."

He added: "They know it's definitely for elections. I mean suddenly, you give a so-called $80 million package just before Polling Day. If it's not for elections and to win votes, what's it for?"

But Mr Goh countered: "That's what the elections are about. Who's in charge of resources? The PAP will be in charge of governmental resources and town council resources. Chiam will only be in charge of town council resources if he wins. So, residents have to decide if they want the plans of Sitoh Yih Pin."

He added: "If for some strange reason, they do not want the plan, then they cannot blame the Government for not giving them the $80 million. Chiam never asked for a budget of $80 million for Potong Pasir. It's not a matter of carrot. It's my vision for Potong Pasir. It's entirely fair. It's morally principled."
- Channel NewsAsia.

I was kinda shock to heard that. It is obvious that the PAP have money from the government. But the people at Potong Pasir had paid tax too! It is not like those under opposition do not need to pay tax. Those $80 million are generated from people's pocket! How can you say is fair and morally principled. Even if Mr Chaim asked for a $80 million budget to develop Potong Pasir, I don't even think he has any chance to receive such a package from HDB. That is why for the past 20 years, Potong Pasir remained to be run-down.

Well, campaigning is over. Let us just watch the election and let the voters decide the people who will make decisions for them in the next five years. I beleive Singaporeans should not only look at short-term benefits like upgrading, but rather look, weigh and think what is good for him in the long term.

"A First World voter would be more persuaded by the bigger picture than who gives the most entertaining rally speech. He would not be swayed by sniping and potshots aimed at the political opponent - empty talk that rates high on style but low on substance.

He will compare visions, weigh the philosophies and examine the personnel before him - without double standards for the incumbent or the opponent. After all, why should the First World voter settle for anyone less capable or with less integrity? "
- TODAY /dt

posted by Gabriel Chan @ 8:46 AM