Here are some of the key issues that I will be following closely for the upcoming 2011 General Elections. These issues are something that concerns me and will have a significant impact on how I will vote.
Rising cost of HDB Flats: Mah Bow Tan had stated recently that he expects the value of flats to appreciate. This is not what I wanted to hear. While his words may be good news for current homeowners, it spells big trouble for those of us planning to purchase a flat. What can the government offer to the people looking to purchase their own homes?Currently available subsidies and loans are a joke with the rising prices, and I've seen prices skyrocket so much that I've despaired of ever getting my own home. Surely measures are needed to stabilise the housing market.
Rising cost of living: From coffeshop meals, basic necessities and transport fares, everything has been going up, up, up. The government keeps blaming inflation but what is the main reason for the inflation in the first place? And don't give me that bullshit about the fluctuating world economy. Sure, that may play a part, but blaming everything on the global economy is irresponsible and avoids the micro issues that our city faces. What about the influx of foreign labour? The losses incurred by our investments? How can our GST and transport expenses keep rising when our pay remains stagnant? And how do those Ministers make those decisions when they hardly eat at coffeeshops, or take public transport? I'll like to see more coverage and accountability on these issues.
The high MP salaries: Yes, I do believe that you have to pay to get top talent for a job. But $4m a year for our Prime Minister? And an additional 8 month bonus to boot? That is just bloody ridiculous. We have often heard from the government that the high pay dissuades our politicians from becoming corrupt. Then I ask this. According to the 2010 Corruption Index from Transparency International, Denmark and New Zealand were ranked ahead of Singapore as the least corrupt countries, yet the Prime Minister of Denmark earns around 4 times lesser that that of Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong. I'm pretty certain the PMs of New Zealand, Finland and Sweden (both of which are ranked just below Singapore) draws a lesser salary as well. So that 'high salary is a buffer against corruption' argument does not hold water with me at all.
Accountability of our MP's: Without a strong opposition in place, who holds the PAP government accountable for their actions? We have often heard that the PAP have strong checks and balances in place, but I have yet to see these described in more detail. Why is no blame assigned when Mas Selamat escaped? Why is no action taken when the Orchard Road floods occurred? Why is there not even a dissenting voice raised when the President's salary was increased? The government is supposed to serve us, the people, but what say do the people have in the governments rulings and regulations?
The upcoming election may be a watershed event in Singapore political history. We have a strong core of opposition candidates and the use of social media had broken down boundaries and allowed for unfettered exchange of information. The onus is now on the PAP to show that it is the people's champion and fight for our rights (and not just humour us and look the other way once the elections are over). Otherwise, the final electoral boundaries may suddenly display another colour other than the white of the PAP.
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