-JAMUS LIM- The majority of interactions during our house vis | The Workers’ Party
-JAMUS LIM-
The majority of interactions during our house visits—such as those yesterday evening, when we wrapped up the lower levels of 338A #Anchorvale—are not explicitly “political” in nature. Even when we receive feedback about estate or national policy, it is typically couched in terms of issues and concerns, rather than electoral politics.
This evening, however, I had an extended conversation with Mr Tan, a self-professed PAP sympathizer. He asked me why I wanted to join (opposition) politics. He held the view that since it was the PAP that got us to where we are today, they must have done something right. The implied subtext was, perhaps, that we should therefore continue to support a PAP government, and wish for their continued success.
I actually don’t disagree with most of that sentiment. It was indeed a government, led by the PAP, that brought Singapore to where it is today. I also acknowledge that I am, indirectly, a product of that success. But the reason I joined the opposition is not because I am ungrateful for the hard work that our forefathers wrought, or that I wish to unravel the achievements that they fought so hard to accomplish. On the contrary, I did so because I believe in the importance of consolidating those gains, and bringing our country to the next stage in its evolution. I believe that we have reached a point where it is impossible to ensure our nation’s continued success without vigorous debate over the best way forward. While potentially messier and more contentious, I believe that doing so opens up a genuine conversation and deeper understanding about the choices and tradeoffs that we are truly making.
I also hope that this choice inspires the young—like Madam Siti’s son, pictured here—to imagine a political future where debates of this nature are not just viewed as a healthy reflection of the democratic process, but also a welcome part of it. That ultimately, even if we work toward a society informed by different perspectives, we are all still Singaporeans who love the country we live in, and want the best for it.
And that is why I joined the #workersparty. #makingyourvotecount #TeamSengkang #SengkangGRC
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMTIabDnSs6/
