SM: Tweaks to system yes, but the core must remain

July 27, 2008
SM: Tweaks to system yes, but the core must remain
Politics here must evolve but not in a way that leads to division or chaos
By Jeremy Au Yong
The immediate task for the ruling party is to look for good candidates, said SM Goh, speaking at the National Day dinner in the opposition-held Hougang ward. 'I hope the opposition will do likewise.' He is seen here with Mr Eric Low, the PAP's candidate for the ward in the 2006 General Election. -- PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Singapore's political system must change to keep pace with an evolving society, said Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong last night. While conceding that the 'status quo cannot last forever', he noted that certain things must not change even with tweaks to the system. 'Whatever the refinements we may make to our political system down the road, some core principles must remain the same,' he said. 'One, any changes must be fair to all parties and give them an equal chance to contest and win; two, they must not lead to democratic chaos and politics of division; and three, they must not put Singapore's unity and harmony, growth and prosperity and long-term interests at risk.' He was speaking at the National Day dinner in the opposition-held Hougang ward, returning there for the first time since the 2006 General Election. 'Ideally, our political system should facilitate the emergence of a strong, effective government after every election and a responsible, constructive opposition,' he added. Keep Low 'on his toes' in Hougang Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong had this message for grassroots leaders in Hougang last night: Keep opposition MP Low Thia Khiang on his toes. They can do so by being an 'effective opposition', he said at a National Day dinner organised by the Hougang Citizens' Consultative Committee. ... more Singapore-style democracy works Those who believe that Singapore has no democracy are 'wrong', said Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. Rebutting criticisms, especially from liberal Westerners, on Singapore's style of governance, he said it was not surprising that the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has such a large share of seats in Parliament. ... more 'But no matter how you design it...there is no guarantee because it depends on whether good, honest and competent people come forward to stand for elections and the wisdom of the electorate when they cast their ballot.' The immediate task for the ruling party was to look for good candidates. 'I hope the opposition will do likewise. Then the voters will be given a real choice.' Noting Singaporeans' 'simultaneous need for a strong government and an opposition voice', he said efforts had already been made to try and fill it. He cited newspapers, TV, new media and the government feedback unit as among the platforms already available for people to express their views. But he also warned that democracy does not guarantee an effective Parliament. 'Taiwan's democracy is more liberal than ours. But it has divided the society,' he said, citing a Taiwanese political commentator who saw its politics as that of 'hatred, not consensus'. He also pointed to how several criminals were elected into office in India, including a convicted murderer awaiting appeal. 'Our politics is not as exciting as those in other countries and I say: 'Thank goodness for that',' he said. 'We do not need coups, demonstrations in the streets, people power, plots and conspiracies, wild allegations and uncalled-for defamatory remarks to make our politics exciting.' jeremyau@sph.com.sg