Singapore Votes

I’ve always found Singapore and Singaporeans an interesting bunch to observe. Mainly because the country is darn efficient, the government so darn ‘corporate like’, the country so darn organized, the whole place just feels rather... creepy... in a  sterile sort of way.

I’ve always been interested to know how this affects the mentality of the people who live (or make a living ) there. Just a few weeks ago, I read this story about how a woman got killed over an argument over a pair of chopsticks. I guess the stress really gets to people there.


But for the last 2 weeks or so, something else has been brewing in the hearts and minds of Singaporeans. And it all boils down to one word – Election.

I’ve spoken to a lot of Singaporeans over the past few years. A typical Singaporean would be intelligent, hardworking and well exposed to the world, but also frustrated, tired and also resigned to obeying all the numerous laws, regulations and rules imposed by every arm of the Government (and just like the Indian God Kali.. the Government has MANY arms)..

Elections have also been something of a joke here, mainly because there simply has been no need for it. Since independence, the ruling party has won no less than 95% of the seats in every election. Supposedly because the Opposition just aren’t qualified enough to run the country just yet. An interesting thing about Singapore politics is this – academic / corporate pedigree seems to be a big thing. Candidates touted for elections are often highly qualified people, with Ivy league degrees or high flying corporate positions. Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his son are both double degree holders from Cambridge University. To counter that, the opposition have recruited a guy with a TRIPLE degree, all from Ivy League universities.

Back in Malaysia, I don’t think we even know what our Prime Minister studied in university… or if he even went to university.

Elections really are the talk of the town this week. Even the radio gives instructions on how to vote.

And although everyone generally knows that there is a 99.9% chance the ruling party will retain government easily… I think Singaporeans are excited because for the first time in a generation, there is actually an alternative they can vote for. Whether or not they actually do so is a different matter. But suddenly having an option to choose has given the people here a sense of empowerment. What more when voting is actually compulsory here. You can see it in their eyes when they talk about it. There is a spark in their eyes.

Happy Voting Singapore.