I finally got to watch the "Why My Vote Matters - A Dialogue with the Minister Mentor" on the re-telecast tonight and understand the reasons for some of the comments on Today. Some after thoughts from watching the show...
At times, I wondered why some of the young journalists did not have the basic courtesy of letting MM Lee finish what he wanted to say. There were numerous times when I heard MM Lee said, "Let me finish it." If you ask a question, listen to the answer, then ask another question. I am not sure why some of these young journalists do not know that it is rude to interupt someone speaking. I think it is more important to learn to listen, and speak at the right thing at the right moment.
As professionals in the media, I think they should be more responsible in what they say.
One of the participant said, "There are friends in university who don't know who the PM is, who don't know who you are..." Shame on her friends. Please don't imply your few bo chup friends represent the trend in the young people in Singapore.
To be fair, some of the participants were very well-mannered and asked very good questions. So hope is not lost.
To answer one of the question which MM Lee asked, I don't think their views completely reflect what most young people think. Young people who bother about the future themselves, their family, and their country. At least not me. Personally I think that it is not about whether there is a need to have an opposition. More importantly, it is about having a worthly opposition candidate. No matter how many choices we are given, it is likely that the best will be chosen. The people are voting for the candidate to serve their constituency, and not to voting for their favourite political party.
I don't want to see opposition in the parliament for the sake of having one. Their role should not be to keep the ruling party in check, but really to serve the people who voted for them. The fact is most of the opposition candidates have been quite disappointing. The other day, walking along the underpass at Yishun, I saw one of the party canvasing and giving away some party newsletters. One of the speaker was openly criticising about the government. I am sure it is interesting to see someone speaking out boldly against the government, but is that what we really wish to hear from the opposition? Do we want to see people who praise their leader with big banners as "courageous" for all his acts that got him into deep trouble? When did being irresponsible with what you say become a courageous act? I would very much like to hear what they can do for us. How can they improve our life? It is not about a few years of fame and more allowance for them to be an MP, and do the job like any Tom, Dick or Harry would, while the people suffer.
I would like to see them doing more grassroot work. Prove to us they are worthly of being in the parliament to represent our constituency. Do you expect people to vote for you when you appear only during election season, and making a few speeches or giving away a few newsletters?
I am sure for those who have been doing a good job, regardless of their party, the people will continue to vote for them. For those newcomers who want to make it big in politics, show us why, show us how, otherwise better buck up.
Yes, it is not about having the chance to vote, it is about choosing the right people to serve the people who will continue to pave a bright future for us.
At times, I wondered why some of the young journalists did not have the basic courtesy of letting MM Lee finish what he wanted to say. There were numerous times when I heard MM Lee said, "Let me finish it." If you ask a question, listen to the answer, then ask another question. I am not sure why some of these young journalists do not know that it is rude to interupt someone speaking. I think it is more important to learn to listen, and speak at the right thing at the right moment.
As professionals in the media, I think they should be more responsible in what they say.
One of the participant said, "There are friends in university who don't know who the PM is, who don't know who you are..." Shame on her friends. Please don't imply your few bo chup friends represent the trend in the young people in Singapore.
To be fair, some of the participants were very well-mannered and asked very good questions. So hope is not lost.
To answer one of the question which MM Lee asked, I don't think their views completely reflect what most young people think. Young people who bother about the future themselves, their family, and their country. At least not me. Personally I think that it is not about whether there is a need to have an opposition. More importantly, it is about having a worthly opposition candidate. No matter how many choices we are given, it is likely that the best will be chosen. The people are voting for the candidate to serve their constituency, and not to voting for their favourite political party.
I don't want to see opposition in the parliament for the sake of having one. Their role should not be to keep the ruling party in check, but really to serve the people who voted for them. The fact is most of the opposition candidates have been quite disappointing. The other day, walking along the underpass at Yishun, I saw one of the party canvasing and giving away some party newsletters. One of the speaker was openly criticising about the government. I am sure it is interesting to see someone speaking out boldly against the government, but is that what we really wish to hear from the opposition? Do we want to see people who praise their leader with big banners as "courageous" for all his acts that got him into deep trouble? When did being irresponsible with what you say become a courageous act? I would very much like to hear what they can do for us. How can they improve our life? It is not about a few years of fame and more allowance for them to be an MP, and do the job like any Tom, Dick or Harry would, while the people suffer.
I would like to see them doing more grassroot work. Prove to us they are worthly of being in the parliament to represent our constituency. Do you expect people to vote for you when you appear only during election season, and making a few speeches or giving away a few newsletters?
I am sure for those who have been doing a good job, regardless of their party, the people will continue to vote for them. For those newcomers who want to make it big in politics, show us why, show us how, otherwise better buck up.
Yes, it is not about having the chance to vote, it is about choosing the right people to serve the people who will continue to pave a bright future for us.
Comments
How do you know that the 'right' people you choose will not turn to worse during their term?
Are u depending on people from the same party to check on them?
Are you basing the fact that, just because they are from a particular party, they will never screw up?
2) Don't every Singaporeans have eyes to check? What kinda check are you talking about? Account auditing on how they use public funds?? New policies? Do you think the MPs are for the party first, for the country second?
3) I think I try to drive across the point that we should vote based on the candidate's credential and not the party which they belongs to.
I want to make it clear that I am not pro any party and I believe in voting for the best person to serve the community. Maybe that is naive in a way as politics is not that simple but I am just a layman and tha is just my opinion.
Hope I answered your qns. =) Thanks!