Don't equate interests of party with that of nation

The Straits Times; Published on Apr 8, 2011
Don't equate interests of party with that of nation
Mr Ang Kok Thiam states his concern about opposition figures Chiam See Tong and Low Thia Khiang leaving their single-member constituencies (SMCs) to contest in a group representation constituency ("Chiam, Low should stay put"; April 2).
He advocates Mr Chiam and Mr Low remain in their SMCs for the long-term benefit of Singapore. By doing so, Singapore would retain the alternative views of these two opposition leaders and at the same time allow the People's Action Party (PAP) to continue with its self-renewal process.
However I respectfully disagree with Mr Ang's view.
I believe the potential loss of two Cabinet ministers, prospective key political appointment holders and the derailment of the PAP's self-renewal process cannot be equated to being against Singapore's long-term interest. We should not see the interest of a political party to be the same as the interest of our country.
Interestingly, if it is in the long-term interest of Singapore to both allow the PAP its leadership renewal process and to retain alternative views given by Mr Low and Mr Chiam, then perhaps while Mr Chiam and Mr Low should stay put, PAP also should not contest Potong Pasir and Hougang SMCs.
This I believe, makes a mockery of Singapore's democratic electoral system. Therefore, political parties should be free to contest wherever they choose to. Elections allow the people's will to be expressed and the best party will naturally win the elections.
Carl Yeo
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_654185.html

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