Case for multi-party politics in Singapore

PUNK'D BY ST: The Straits Times has just released a story on Nov 26 clarifying the identity of Li Hongyi... The Li Hongyi who wrote on the forum isn't the Li Hongyi whose Dad is the PM

Dear Li Hongyi,

The current flaws of our political system cannot be glossed over by comparing it to the imperfections of a dual or multi party system. There are pros and cons to both systems, and one cannot be objective by simply balancing the benefits and the shortcomings of either system.

However, I would also wish to point out that the current state of governance in Singapore is also stifling debate and independent thinking among its people.

In 2006, PM Lee said, "Right now we have Low Thia Khiang, Chiam See Tong, Steve Chia. We can deal with them. Suppose you had 10, 15, 20 opposition members in Parliament. Instead of spending my time thinking what is the right policy for Singapore, I’m going to spend all my time thinking what’s the right way to fix them, to buy my supporters votes, how can I solve this week’s problem and forget about next year’s challenges?"

Clearly, the ruling party of the state views the presence of other political parties as a pestilent nuisance and would prefer to do without debating with them. This is perfectly fine if that is really what the PAP wants. But wouldn't that also make the pledge that we have said throughout all of our schooling years masked with pretence?Is it really the government's intention to "build a democratic society"? Isn't the PAP's desire to eliminate its competitors and challengers then an opposition to the democracy that we pledge to?

Voices made against the ruling party of the state are often snuffed out by defamation suits. Even foreign publications are sued for criticising their governance of the nation. Would all of that happen if a dual-party political system exists in Singapore? Do you realise what is the message that is sent out to the emerging generation of young Singaporeans who are supposed to bring the nation forward?

Perhaps studying in MIT doesn't give you a clear picture to help answer the second question. You are 21 this year, and so am I. To be majoring in a course in a local university that is supposed to nurture journalists of the future and yet see the entire lecture theatre often going silent the lecturer prompts us to air our thoughts is alarming.

The suppression of political debate due to the lack of a dual-party political system may have already indirectly birthed forth a crop of young people who are unwilling to question or criticise authority.

Debate and criticism should not always be interpreted as an effort to bring down or oppose authority. A dual or multi-party political system would be able to encourage healthy debates and discussions, resulting then in a government that constantly seeks of better ways to improve the lives of its people.