Minority candidates don't need GRC system to succeed

Minority candidates don't need GRC system to succeed
Letter from Michelle Liang 08:55 PM May 10, 2011
This election has thrown up many issues causing simmering unhappiness among Singaporeans, some of which have overshadowed the many good things that the PAP Government has done over the years.
One of these issues of contention is the GRC system that many view as unfair. I believe that the Government needs to take a good hard look into whether it is serving its intended purpose.

Minority representation is important but even minorities should be voted in based on individual merit. I believe Singaporeans are discerning and will vote in good candidates even if they are not from the same race. Mr Michael Palmer is a good example. And we have good MPs and ministers of minority races such as Dr Vivian Balakhrishnan and Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, whom I have no doubt would be voted in on their own merit even if they were to stand in an Single Member Constituency (SMC).
The GRC system allows people no choice in electing individuals to represent them, but forces a "buy one get all" situation which allows weaker candidates to enter Parliament. What if under an all-SMC system, like the Government might say, there comes a day when no minorities are voted in? Although I strongly believe this is unlikely due to the number of strong credible candidates from the minority races, I think if such a situation arises, we could offer a certain number of Nominated MP seats or Non-Constituency MP seats to the "best losing minority". That ensures that a minority voice will always be heard in parliament.
It is time to relook the GRC system before we lose more good men like George Yeo.
http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC110510-0000910/Minority-candidates-dont-need-GRC-system-to-succeed

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