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2/26/2010
Kenneth calling for abolition of GRC
I totally and vehemently disagree with this call to abolish GRCs. Yes, it used to be advantageous to the PAP to run in GRCs and with strong ministers carrying weak and newbie MPs into parliament. That was long long ago. History.
The ball game today is completely different. The GRCs are no longer that formidable and favourable to the PAP. I can sense fear in the vulnerability of GRCs. What could happen today is that GRCs would be the nemesis of weak ministers, and there are quite a few, and the GRCs will present them to the oppositions, plus the weak and strong MPs. Looking at the mood and situation today, two or three GRCs could easily go to the oppositions. And with a few more if nothing changes from now till the GE.
The opposition should just go with the GRC system. The time is never better than now. Believe me, the GRCs are favouring the oppositions instead.
Maybe oldies like us will be given two votes and the rebellious young half vote.
ReplyDeleteIn this scenario, GRCs or no, it will be status quo without the winds of change.
Hehe.
Then they have to come up with a good reason to abolish GRCs, because the main argument then was to enable minority candidates to enter Parliament.
ReplyDeleteDo we still have minorities in our country? How to justify their representation? They may then come up with an even more radical system, more unfavorable to the opposition.
Careful what we wish for. We may be jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.
I used to be against the GRC's before because they were obvious ball-lickers of the PAP. However what redbean says is perhaps true to a degree -- the GRC's are now made up of people who can (at least some of them) think independently.
ReplyDeleteTo ensure freedom and the possibility of reducing corruption by a single absolutely powerful entity -- like the state -- power should be "spread out". i.e. the more the merrier.
The downside is of course if the GRCs become corrupted and get into bed with the PAP, all is lost, or put another way all is gained by the usurpers.
Glad to see the blog's back up and running. It was too clumsy to post over at the big-media place.
Matilah, if you still don't appear I might think that you already mati or become a monk hibernating in some caves.
ReplyDeleteGood to have you.
It makes more strategic sense for underdogs with limited resources to always fight One on One, bearing in mind to avoid the strongest.
ReplyDeleteI doubt very much Wee Siew Kim, Lee Bee Wah, Irene Ng, Lim Hwee Hua, Teo Ser Luck, Vivian, Tharman, Shanmugam and those sleeping, daydreaming in parliament can win on their own merit.
Just imagine taking the PM and MM out in single seat wards by committing only 2 personnel.
ps: it should be the top priority.
Kenneth need not worry. Tampines GRC is likely to be scrapped. But not sure if it would be broken up into single wards. And if your assessment is right, a few more GRCs too will be scrapped.
ReplyDeleteI suspect they may dismantle the weaker GRCs, eg Aljunied GRC. It could be logical thinking to cut losses arising from a bad situation, by not risking and losing the whole team but rather hoping to salvage some of the seats.
ReplyDeleteThis will be an interesting election.
The bookies can start thinking of how many GRCs will be dismantled and how many single wards coming out of it. Or the bet could be how many ministers will not be elected, may be prematurely retired.
ReplyDeleteThe oldies today are more rebellious than the youngs if coffeeshops and market manifestions are any guide. Even ladies in the market are cursing while buying.
ReplyDeleteRedbean is right in saying that the Oppositions should aim at the GRCs.
Ok, something is no not right, despite signs of election, the Oppositions are too mute and inactive.
Never in the history of Singapore has the feeling been so negative. It is quite unbelieveable! But those in the clouds will still believe it is fair weather.
ReplyDeleteGood luck.