It has been just over a year since I joined the Workers’ Party (WP) as an ordinary member. I must say that the past year has probably been the most exciting and eventful year of my life, and there is every indication that the year ahead will top that. Although I declared months ago in the “About Me” section of my blog that I am a WP member, this will mark my first full blog post about my involvement with the opposition.
I wasn’t always an opposition supporter. I have no history of oppositionists in my family and most of my friends and teachers from school days knew me as someone who always followed the rules and did not question authority. Many, therefore, have expressed surprise that I have taken the plunge into opposition politics.
I first got interested in current affairs during my undergraduate days at the University of Southern California in the United States in the late nineties, where I majoring in electrical engineering. Although the level of political apathy on campus was still high compared to that of previous generations of students, it was enough to help me to see that what happened in the political realm had a huge impact on everyone’s life, including my own.
I brought my interest in politics back to Singapore when I returned in 1999 to serve my National Service. Back then, I used to think that being part of the PAP government machinery was the only way to effect positive change in Singapore. This was a reason why I made a drastic career switch from my first job as an IT consultant to work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in 2005. It was also why I had volunteered for more than seven years as a youth leader in South West Community Development Council, which I have since resigned from.
Ironically, it was during my time in the civil service that my eyes were opened to the reality that Singapore needs a stronger opposition in order to ensure better governance for our future generations.
The civil service is generally a very well-run organisation, with many intelligent, competent and committed officers at all levels of the hierarchy. As a political desk officer in MFA, I had the privilege of interacting with a diverse array of officials—fellow policy officers, protocol officers, management support officers, permanent secretaries, ambassadors, ministers, and officers from other ministries like the Ministry of Trade and Industry and IE Singapore.
I made a number foreign visits during my stint in MFA, usually staffing ambassadors and ministers in small delegations. This gave me an opportunity to have lots of personal interaction with them and get a sense of how they thought about issues away from the glare of the media. I remember occasionally even getting into debates with them, sometimes over the PAP’s lack of commitment to democratic principles and fair play. During one such debate, over drinks on evening in a foreign capital, I recall the wife of the ambassador turning to my director and telling him, half in jest: “Don’t suppress that idealistic spark in him!”
Fortunately my director didn’t suppress my idealism, not that I displayed much of it after that—it is generally not career enhancing to have a reputation for being too idealistic in the Singapore civil service, where hard-nosed pragmatism is a prized asset. But I realised that despite its efficiency and professionalism, the civil service can only help fulfil the political objectives of the party in power. It cannot change those objectives, because it has neither the power nor the mandate to do so. Policy directions are set by politicians in the ruling party. (By policy directions, I’m referring to issues like whether or not Singapore should provide a universal social safety net for needy Singaporeans, not whether the Public Assistance grant should be $360 or $400.)
My friends in the PAP tell me that it is more effective to change Singapore from within the PAP than from outside. I believe that changes to the finer details of policies are possible from within, but fundamental changes to the way the country is governed can only come if the top echelon of leaders in the party either radically change their mind, or are replaced. Neither is about to happen anytime soon.
The pace of change from within will be too slow to meet the challenges of this fast moving world. Our country cannot afford to allow our competitors to pass us by or for our income divide to reach dangerous levels, while we wait for some senior gentlemen at the top to pass from the scene.
The need for an effective opposition
The PAP has conditioned Singaporeans to see the political opposition as a destructive force in society. They routinely accuse the opposition of “playing politics”, engaging in “unconstructive criticism” and “opposing for the sake of it”. These are very untrue and damaging characterisations.
In the United Kingdom, where we inherited the Westminster Parliamentary system from, the official title of the largest alternative party is “Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition”. This implies that the opposition opposes the government—“Her Majesty’s Government”—and its policies, but not the state, as represented by the monarch.
Even while the PAP remains in power, there is a useful role for the opposition to play. The opposition can use its platform in Parliament to apply pressure on the government to change policies which are not serving Singaporeans well. As much as the PAP wants to portray itself as impervious to public pressure, the reality is that when they know that there is a real threat to their support at the next elections, they will have to bow to public pressure built up by the opposition.
This is the beauty of genuine political competition. Just like how commercial competition forces businesses to work harder, become more efficient and provide better services to woo their customers, political competition will force the ruling party to focus more on bettering the lives of all Singaporeans in order to earn their votes.
I joined the WP because I believe Singapore needs an alternative leadership that is capable of taking over the reins and steering our country to its next level of development, should the PAP stumble. This will ensure that Singapore will continue to prosper and thrive even without the PAP in power. I believe the WP has the potential to be that alternative government in the future, and I want to play my part to contribute to its growth and development. I hope to be able to help my party sharpen its policy proposals and broaden its outreach to Singaporeans who are not usually interested in politics.
I am under no illusions that the road ahead as an opposition activist will be long and fraught with obstacles, not to mention minefields. Many who have gone before me have paid a heavy price for their ideals. Some have lost everything they had, except their dignity. All Singaporeans are heavily indebted to these heroes, whether or not they realise it.
I hope I will not have to suffer political persecution like these heroes did, but I know many things are beyond my control. I therefore ask my friends and readers for their prayers and support, as I take my first of many steps in this long march towards building a better Singapore for all Singaporeans.
————–
Dear readers, thank you for all your kind comments and words of support. My team and I cannot fight this fight alone. We need YOU! Please click here to find out how you can join me in this cause.
Change is sometimes a good word, almost too easy to say, and difficult to execute at the same time.
Just look at the Obama administration. I’m not going to grade his performance, simply because it’s complex and controversial.
For something like a country/government, its intricacies and complexities, it’s 牵一发而动全身。civil service is but political machinery, to perpetuate the goals, vision or myths.
The reward system in Singapore does catapult such people and allow them to perpetuate the system. That’s precisely why they are strong and weak at the same time. They are strong because they reinforce and reinstate their system and beliefs. They are weak because just like any system, they will share single or similar points of failure.
The problem with the failure, I think, is that it’s not shouldered by them. You can see in the US that there are “socialised private externalities”. So all the ills of casinos, loan sharks, sky-rocketing real estate prices, staggering debts that fuels consumption, and eventually the widening of the rich-poor divide are but things that disturb the “bottom feeders” of the economy.
Since I didn’t do well in school, I wouldn’t even dare to dream about serving in the civil service, LOL. It’s almost like I’m fulfilling their prophesy of being a condemned bottom feeder perhaps.
Hey Gerald,
Finally, you’ve made it official.. ;)
You have a good heart and a good brain as well.. I wish you the very best and I want you to know that you have my support in this new endeavour of yours.
It is my fervent hope that you will make it to Parliament one day. ;))
Andrew
thank you for doing this, you have my support
Gerald, Take care brother. May God bless you.
It’s heartening to know that you have come forward to serve and change Singapore for the better. It must have taken you a lot of courage.
All the best to you, hopefully more of the better and none of the worst. Take care.
Congratulations on making this move!
It may be a rough road ahead, but at least your life is following your idealism and principles!
Best of luck on your endeavour!
For Singapore!
You have my support too , Gerald.
Good on you Gerald. I wish u success. Your bravery and sacrifice will be rewarded. The time and mood is for major change in Singapore.
wise choice! 弃暗投明
William Jennings Bryan
“Never be afraid to stand with the minority when the minority is right, for the minority which is right will one day be the majority.”
Gerald,
Your courage and the passion to help others will move those who knows you.
You have my prayers and support.
Gerald,
Wonderful piece. As a PR committed to Singapore, but who has been resisting citizenship because I know I’d have to become active in Opposition politics whilst my wife has a career with MOE (where she’s had several ‘interesting’ conversations already), I am heartened by your courage.
One thing has always bothered me: You mention the Westminster system and how the UK refers to the primary opposition party. What I can’t remember ever having seen discussed is the UK Opposition’s traditional use of “shadow” ministers, to publicly voice alternative policy directions, call the Gov on the carpet when needed, and so on. Judging from time spent there, and long-time reading of the UK political press, I’m amazed that it hasn’t been tried (or made to stick?) here.
Jeff,
“What I can’t remember ever having seen discussed is the UK Opposition’s traditional use of “shadow” ministers, to publicly voice alternative policy directions, call the Gov on the carpet when needed, and so on. Judging from time spent there, and long-time reading of the UK political press, I’m amazed that it hasn’t been tried (or made to stick?) here.”
As long as kangaroo judges and judiciary system that can only be subservient to the LKY due to high pay and status, the opp party will face difficulty in enforce check and balance. Any attempt to enforce those check will be taken as as direct defamation and accusation by LKY and his cronies and endup in summary judgement by those kangaroo systems. It has happened to Chee and JBJ.
Thank you all for your kind comments and support. In the months ahead I will need to call on every one of you to partner with me in this endeavour to help build up this alternative government–and the first step is to reach out to more Singaporeans and win more seats in Parliament.
I’ve been in the civil service since 18yrs before I decided to leave …. My own father once a great supporter of the PAP…..A political secretary for an MP .. he left a broken man. Even when they tried to call him back, he said no… he rather do social service. So here I am… continuing his legacy.
Its good to have younger generation taking interest in Politics and dare enough to be in the opposite site. I salute you. We need a healthy opposition. You know I was in KL during the March 8 election… in the streets watching the oppositing celebrating their victory. Even if just an observer, its a very powerful feeling. So young man…. hang on there…
I salute you for your endeavour to build an alternative government. So far, WP is a credible opposition and most people like you may form the alternative government if the condition is right. Any fruitful competition of ideas is always good for Singapore. Remember to learn the lessons of those oppositions who had paid a heavy price for their reckless ventures without any evidence. Do not fall into the same mould and you may one day fulfil your cherished dream. Wish you and WP all the best and hope to see you in Parliament soon!
Hi Gerald,
For too long, the silent majority has stayed silent and let the elite run the country. And for too long, the ‘silence’ of the ruling party on issues affecting our lives, our livelihood and our children is just deafening.
For too long, we have been on the wrong path to democracy allowing one party to amass such power.
Welcome to the journey to make Singapore a better place for all.
It’s admirable you’re taking the lead for this generation. Others will follow, benefiting from each step taken forward. It’s heartening for me as I come from the “lost generation” born in the 70s. I guess the time is ripe, I feel the tides are changing, ride the waves well.
Dear Mr G,
My full respect to you and your decision.
You may not remember me, but we met before.
This is a simple view of mine, may be worth considering:
Point 1:
At this point of time, you are at a solid ground to quickly claim leadership. There are many relatively young and professional man/woman who are able to reason well that will listen to you. You speak in the frequency of logic, proper reasoning, and with heart.
Point 2:
With a solid background that you have, it is a true advantage. Do treasure that advantage and leverage. Remember, leverage.
Point 3:
Though on general landscape, it seems that it is not a level playing field; but for you niche start-up position, it is to your advantage. Because it is the exact reason why your position must exist and try to change it a more a level field.
Point 4:
Remember, there is power in number. DO WORK IN TEAM OF SOLID MAN AND WOMAN.
Point 5:
Have faith in your belief, your religion, your work and the very fundamental belief that truth prevails at all time.
Good luck my friend.
Hi Gerald,
The knight decides on the road less traveled!
Two points which I suspect you have already figured out…
1) Please assure your parents you will be fine. We know too well what happens to errant opposition politicians in Singapore. Assure them you’ll be in the mold of a Chiam See Tong, not a Chee Soon Juan.
2) Have good legal counsel. I’m sure your ACSian network has no shortage of talented lawyers who share your passion. In Singapore, if they can’t sue you, they can’t get you.
All the best… and we all know the best is yet to be…
Regards,
An Old Friend
An addendum…
3) Learn to deliver in Mandarin. Throw in a dialect if you can, preferably Hokkien or Cantonese, although this is diminishing in importance.
4) You are too honest, too frank, too guileless to dabble in politics. In life, that’s great. In politics, that’s an Achilles heel. Shore up on strategems… perhaps start by reading Sun Zi, Machiavelli, 36 Strategems, Three Kingdoms etc.
Well done man. We need good opposition to tear down the familee walls.
If the PM loses his AMK, Bishan, Marine Parade GRC, I will like to parade with you fellows.
Kick the million dollar f**ker out of the systems.
Let the all retired in JB as suggested by MR f**ker Khaw Boon Wan the MALAYSIAN.
Congratulations Gerald on taking the first step. Your eloquence, your sincerity, your intelligence and your group of friends will help you all the way. I sure wish you all the success and may more young men and women like you take up the challenge to contribute to the good of Singapore
It is independent, intelligent and brave personal decision. Unless ofcourse you are feeling insecure about your decision and defensive or fear of retribution. Don’t second guess yourself, dive in with both feet. Congratulation.
You have been tuning into FM 90.5 too often and unlikely to be useful to other channels.
Sorry, no vote from me here.
Well lets hope that you will not be part of the milder to be more credible opposition, and stand out for the ideals, some of which you have written strongly – not mildly.
You have my 200% support , Gerald.
I will vote for any opposition candidate of your calibre as long as they are not ‘bicycle thieves’ which was a disparaging remark often used by LKY in the olden days to insult opposition candidates. I admire people like you who have almost nothing to gain for serving the country in this way unlike those serving the PAP.
From one older ACSian to a younger ACSian: I salute you
on your decision to take the hard but more rewarding road
to improve the lot of all Singaporeans. Along the way you
will meet with many obstacles and pitfalls, but remember
that what does not kill you will strengthen you.
May our motto come true for us all – The Best Is Yet to Be!
Thanks, Gerald. Hope more quality candidates will join opposition. You have my vote!
Hi Gerald,
After reading your article, i learn that we have somethings in common namely : IT consulting, Electrical engineering and being non-apathetic and interest in current affairs.
Unlike you, i do not have the courage to step forward. I do have the courage to support rare gems like you in the background by posting in forums and blogs.
I support you because we share the same ideals and you are doing the right thing.
regards
Rix
Hey Gerald,
Like you , i too was too honest and straigh forward and had “idealistic sparks”. When in the wrong place , this could invite unwanted things.
But this only means our thinking is right.
Dear Mr. Giam,
I salute you with my highest respect. It is people like you, rather than those who repeatedly threaten to quit over milion$$$ pay, would truly make Singapore a great country and a great place to live. You are on moral high ground and I admired your passion, courage and sacrifice. You have got what it takes to be a true great leader. You made me feel that there is hope for Singapore.
To those who are in power, I urge you to allow this young man to develop for the betterment of Singapore. You may laugh at my naiveness in politics but I hope you would consider that your children / grandchildren etc. would be glad to have a country that all of them can be proud of too.
I wish Gerald well.
All The Best,
Tony
I believe the WP has the potential to be that alternative government in the future, and I want to play my part to contribute to its growth and development.
It will be naive to think the WP can be the alternative government without including other Opposition parties.
WP needs to engage and work with other Oppositionists, otherwise it will remain a pawn in the PAP’s game plan.
Okay… without writing a thesis… I have a little response to legion.
If WP hangs out with the wrong crowd, they’ll be rolling in the mud, and be just another “also ran” that earn no respect and have no prospects. They’ll be donating their deposits to the national coffers election after election.
On the other hand, if WP plays its cards right, if they take a leaf out of the PAP play book (PAP worked with the Communists in the early days to build its base), oppose when necessary, cooperate when it is for the common good, and grow from strength to strength, WP may actually have a shot in the long run.
And if they have a few of the elite-scholar types who have not lost touch with the common people join them and build from there, they will give PAP a run for its money perhaps one election from the next.
Being a pawn on the way to the throne is no shame. Acting like a fool and yet not know, is sad to say the least.
Regards,
An Old Friend
Thank you everyone for your words of encouragement and support. I will work hard and do my very best to live up to your expectations.
For those of you who would like to do more to help the opposition cause, please click here to see how you can join me in this worthy race.
all the best. i hope that you will fight for all singaporeans.
i do hope you will be able to pull the Opps together. I believe, your biggest obstacle may not be the PAP, but the WP detractors, and you know who they are.
It seems to me the biggest enemy is almost always within. Only parasites in the lion’s bowels can feed on the mighty predator.
History is replete with examples. Our short political history is no exception…
LKY, GCT and the entire PAP machinery couldn’t do much to Chiam See Tong or the SDP then. In fact, some PAP folks had to pay him damages and SDP’s stock was rising fast. Chiam See Tong then lost SDP, to Chee Soon Juan… his protege.
LKY’s almost spotless record has, among the accolades, Teh Cheang Wan on it.
This is where we all hope the protagonist will develop the wisdom to see through shenanigans and plots. And this is where we hope all the Sun Zi and Machiavelli will come in handy.
//———–
I have never posted this many comments on a single blog. I guess this decision (by Gerald) to join the WP means a lot to me and to many of us who are following this blog.
A simple quote from someone:
“…. People need to know there are questions surrounding things. If they do not know, then they will never know that there are options…..”
So, Mr. G, do:
1. Command respect NOT fear.
2. Ask tough and valid questions, NOT necessarily with answers on hand. If you do not have answers, admit it. Ask and consult others (many willing to help). If it is really has no answer at this point of time, be frank, people will respect that.
3. Position yourself carefully as an option, NOT THE ONLY option. We are no longer in monopoly world. As An Old Friend wrote:
‘… oppose when necessary, cooperate when it is for the common good, and grow from strength to strength … ‘
(By the way, An Old Friend, you have a great insight, a very valuable adviser to Mr G. Also your language and words are very familiar.)
4. Have a TOTAL commitment (personal suggestion: do not be humble by saying ‘try to do my best’. It is a good phrase culturally, but lack of commitment professionally. Instead ensure your audience that YOU ARE DOING YOUR BEST NOW, TOMORROW AND CONTINUOUSLY.
5. Seek SUPPORT WIDELY. Treasure the ‘unthinkable’, for they may come to help at a critical time.
I, and the rest of us, HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOU. Tough responsibility my friend, but worth it.
A slight modification from the original version in 1900’s:
MEN WOMEN WANTED FOR HAZARDOUS JOURNEY.
SMALL WAGES, BITTER COLD,
LONG MONTHS OF COMPLETE DARKNESS,
CONSTANT DANGER, SAFE RETURN DOUBTFUL.
HONOR AND RECOGNITION IN CASE OF SUCCESS.
Good luck my friend.
Hi all, my responses to some of the points raised:
Jeff @23Jan – I agree that setting up a shadow govt is a good milestone that the opposition should strive for. But the milestone before that should be to elect at least 20 oppo members to parliament.
ObserverOne – If we’ve met, I hope we can meet again. Thanks for your advice. I agree.
An Old Friend – Yes I intend to fight smart and live to fight another day. I won’t let my emotions or my pride cause me to do sily things that get me in trouble. Having said that, I know that if the PAP wants to fix me, they can. It’s something I’m prepared for, but not something that consumes me.
You know any lawyers, ACSian or otherwise, who would be interested to help me?
“You are too honest, too frank, too guileless to dabble in politics. ”
I hope we can build up a different type of politics in Singapore.
soojenn – Yes I intend to continue standing up for my ideals as well as that of ordinary Singaporeans.
Rix – Joining the opposition in Singapore does not require extraordinary courage. You just need a passion for politics/policy and a love for people. I hope you can join us!
Tony – I agree. Part of my reason for joining is to build a better SIngapore for my children and grandchildren.
ObserverOne – You’re right. I’m not just going to do my best. I’m going to DO IT.
Now that the imminent challenge is the General Elections, there is an issue that I hope you and the WP can address: voter paranoia about the secrecy of their vote is and has been I think one of the biggest stumbling block to Opposition Party success next to the electoral boundary/resource lack problem.
The bulk of eligible voters used to be aged over 40 (it’s changing now)and the irrational fear of repercussions from voting Opposition has I believe worked in favour of PAP. There are also all sorts of urban legends floating around about people not getting their HDB applications approved allegedly due to their having voted Opposition.
I hope the WP recognises this social pattern and perhaps has a strategy in place to educate people on the voting process and voter confidentiality. It sounds rather minor and small, but it’s a mindset that is very hard to change cos it taps directly into people’s psychological fears that their bread and butter will be threatened by voting a certain way. And the group that has the most to lose but are now very largely represented is the MIDDLE CLASS. As long as people FEAR that something they have can be taken away, nothing can overcome that, not political ideals, not social grievances and certainly not their confidence in an opposition political party, no matter how persuasive you are.
I certainly do my best to educate people about how it works, why we have serial numbers on voting slips (one-man-one-vote, from British system) and what happens to the votes (locked and sealed in Supreme ct for 6 months before being burnt). Hope WP will also try to do this in some way.
Dear Mr G,
I am very happy that you responded to each and everyone who writes in this comment blog. This shows a great part of you to acknowledge feedback.
As for your invitation to meet again, I am in the opinion that this is not the time yet. It may not be to your advantage to meet me in person at this point of time. Perhaps at a much later time of our friendship.
However, this is my commitment to you: As far as I am able to contribute ideas, writing, strategy and analysis, I am fully committed to help you; with ONE condition that you stay truthful, focused, mindful and keeps working hard.
I remember a great quote from my mentor: “Stay hungry and humble”.
Note: you may contact me by writing on your own blog.
ObserverOne – That was a quote from Steve Jobs wasn’t it? Yes it’s good advice.
Honestly, I know nothing about politics. I find it trouble, boring, and annoying. What’s worse, is I dislike PAP’s action, but I find it hard to find a good Opposition that stands out.
But I guess I’m wrong. After reading what you wrote, it truly spark great deal of intrests to see what might happen in the next General elections. I’m not going to comment on either parties or what I think about what you said.
Bottom line, I’ll be keeping my eyes on your progress. For us Singaporeans, I hope you Oppositions don’t let us down. If there’s a time for change, that time, is now.
Go and travel a bit in our region. Look at their schools, roads, housing, defence, civil service, airports, police force, national reserves, public housing, pubilic utilites, rivers etc. Singapore 50 years ago was like them.
You got your education from the system and now you want to change the system. Great. But what make you so sure that it will be better. Arrogance? and Ignorance? or simply Naive. My friend it is not easy. Of course after the country is develope everyone is coming out wanting to serve Singapore.
I think it is good that the Opposition gets better qualified people like you to give the PAP a good fight. And if you do win, please don’t bring dont dismantle it. You don’t have to justify nor explain to us why you want to join the opposition. It is a non-issue and your right.
Dear Mr G,
This is my personal opinion, for you to digest and filter:
What Thinktok wrote is a good point to start homework. This view is solid and popular.
But it has basic flaws that you should be able to identify better than me. Start from those basic flaws, question them, and convince Thinktok that his/her view may not be the best view.
Also, do NOT position yourself as someone who know everything. In fact, at certain time it is best to ask instead of answering. Employ Socrates approach in your reasoning and persuasion.