Apr 8, 2011
A strong opposition will draw talent
I RESPECTFULLY disagree with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong ("2-party system not workable here: PM"; Wednesday).
First, a few top candidates introduced by the People's Action Party (PAP) joined the party recently after leaving the civil service and military. I believe they are standing for election because they were invited by the ruling party to do so - the key word being "ruling". If Singapore were to have a two-party system and if, say, the Workers' Party were in power and invited top civil servants to join it, I believe many would, too.
The new entrants have probably thrown their hat into the ring because of their desire to make or influence national policy at the highest levels. They would get to do so only by joining the ruling party, regardless of which one. The PAP does not have a monopoly on talent.
Second, I believe that with a strong opposition, more people with good credentials will come forward to participate in national politics than is the case now. Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng said recently that some potential top candidates declined to stand despite being invited by the PAP. These people must have diverse reasons for not joining the PAP, but one reason could be that they disagreed with certain PAP policies.
With a two-party system, well-qualified candidates would have a choice of parties to join, and that would raise the level of national debate and encourage the competition of ideas.
Third, there is no reason why Singapore being small should preclude a two-party system. New Zealand has four million plus people and Denmark has five million plus people. Both countries have robust multi-party democracies and are doing well economically. Why should Singapore be any different?
Tan Soon Meng
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_654186.html
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