NUss Distinguished & outstanding Member Awards

Cover Story
Q&A session
During the question and answer
session, many members wanted to
know if there will be genuine changes
post-election.
“People say PM Lee means
business. I’m taking a wait-and-see
approach. After the 2006 elections,
a lot of sweeteners were promised.
After six months to a year, it was
back to status quo. Currently, our key
performance index (KPI) is economic
growth. Our economy is the best but
inside, our heartware is empty,” says
Ms Seah.
One member specifically raised an
issue where the ruling party appears
to be a bunch of “yes men”.
“As a member of the PAP, I’m not
a rubber stamp,” says Mr Yam, correcting
members’ perception.
Others also wanted to know the
real reasons why the GRC boundaries
are constantly redrawn, as they
believe it gives unfair advantage to
the PAP.
Responding to members’ query,
Mr Yam said redrawing was necessary
as it allows PAP MPs to better serve
their residents due to changing population
size and demographics.
However, other political parties
disagreed.
Mr Alex Yam responding to questions from the floor.
10 THE GRADUATE Jul-Sep 2011
“Redrawing is a short-term tactic
by the PAP so they do not lose,” says
Ms Seah.
“Redrawing should be done six
months to one year before the elections
and not one month before,” says
Mr Giam.
In the meantime, Dr Wijeysingha
said the true test of the PAP’s sincerity
behind the redrawing of the GRC will
be Potong Pasir.
“Politics is a dirty game. Whether
they will dissolve Potong Pasir will
be a real test,” says Dr Wijeysingha,
drawing thunderous applause from
the floor.
Moving ahead
With the general election now concluded,
the various political parties
said there are lessons to be learnt
which they want the PAP to look into.
One such issue is the need for genuine
feedback from grassroots leaders
so that PAP MPs will not second
guess each other.
Meanwhile, Dr Wijeysinga
said there is a need to inculcate
mutual respect.
“We need to jettison draconian
laws. We need to inculcate more
respect for each other’s views. For
good or bad, the SDP has been on the
Mr Gerald Giam shaking hands with fellow
members.
forefront of democracy. The SDP will
continue to do what it does – removing
the fear that lurks in society,” says
Dr Wijeysingha.
Despite the debate and various
issues raised, the dialogues session
ended on a high note with everyone
agreeing that there are qualities worth
admiring in each political party and
that they have Singapore’s best interest
in mind.
“I do admire the NSP for taking
time to talk to residents. The PAP
does have a strong mandate and
needs to move forward with the
voices of the people,” says Mr Yam.