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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Three problems with single-party democracy

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Apr 21, 2011
Three problems with single-party democracy
MS INDRANEE Rajah contends that a multi-party Parliament will lead to inefficient governance, while one dominated by a single party is able to pass beneficial policies without hindrance, and hence, govern more effectively ('WP's fictional First World Parliament'; Tuesday).

First, Ms Indranee assumes the timeless infallibility of the People's Action Party (PAP) in passing laws which have and will always benefit the polity. Yet, this is the notion many are disputing - that we cannot rely on a single party and hope it is successful in perpetuity.
Second, and more pertinently, championing for a Parliament that will always be dominated by the same party makes a mockery of our state's Constitution and electoral process. If single-party dominance is so crucial to governance, why do we still go through the laboured process of elections? Should we not resort to Plato and Aristotle's benevolent dictatorship instead?
I would like to submit that democracy is a virtue upon which our nation is based. It is an imperative that should never be diminished.
Finally, and this is a point that the PAP has yet to address: Non-Constituency MPs and Nominated MPs do not affect the passing of legislation in any tangible form. Yes, they may effect more significant debate, but such debate is truly productive only when it is translated into influence and votes in Parliament. As it is, much of the debate which occurs in the greatest forum of our land is moot, since the party whip is seldom lifted and outcomes appear to be foregone conclusions whenever motions are moved.
Having multiple parties in Parliament might not necessarily lead to partisan politics if we ensure that candidates we vote for truly have our interests at heart, regardless of their party affiliations.
We all dream of building a Singapore that other nations will want to emulate. The model of a First World Parliament is one of these dreams that, if dismissed as out of hand now, will never be realised.
Luke Lu
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_659163.html

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