Really? Isn't it the accumulation of frustration against PAP policies that's the biggest factor for the swing towards WP?
It was always going to be a tough fight: DPM Teo
The usually smiley-faced DPM strikes a sombre pose.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said on Saturday, Jan 26, 2013, that the Punggol East by-election was "always going to be difficult".
DPM Teo cited the circumstances of the by-election and local issues as reasons as to why it was a tough fight.
As long as PAP leaders do not admit it is their policies that's the main factor, they will keep losing votes. Here are some of the policies that have been affecting Singaporeans.
Cost of living - This is the biggest factor. It affects about almost everyone in Singapore, not just in Punggol East. It could be the cost hawker food, cost of education, housing, public transport, healthcare etc. No one (save for the very rich) seems to be able to retire, or for that matter, earn enough to cover their living expenses. If you are driven to this point, just above the poverty level, the by election effect is a non-issue.
Other factors played a part in the voter swing too, but in my opinion, have a much smaller role. They include PAP's arrogant attitude being out of touch, the AIM saga, over population, breakdown of MRT services, "ponding" during heavy rains, high COEs... and of course, just a little, maybe a little wee bit from the by election effect.
The fact that PAP attributes their heavy loss to the by election effect rather than their own policies means that they would probably not change their style. The same policies that irk voters will probably continue to persist.
That could mean only one thing. Next GE, the "by election effect", which saw the swing against PAP will continue.
5 comments:
So perphaps PAP should go in the direction of popular votes, like what the opposition parties are advocating?
Subsidize housing, food, transport, healthcare? just to win votes?
The opposition has proposed all these popular measures but I have yet to see any showing us how they are able to generate revenues, for the future, for that matter.
Perhaps, we can billions and can enjoy spending these until they deplete.
All we hear from the opposition are speeches and speeches on how to spend, but so far nothing on how to replenish.
Isn't it because they are not in power yet?
No need to know how to replenish, just need to stop the flow of the money from reserves into some unknown partisan companies and to cut NS.
Right now, 60% of votes translate to 90+% of seats. If the percentage of votes and parliamentary seats are roughly equal, then there will be no by-election effect.
You are right, it's not just a by-election effect, it's a report card on the management.
Something I alluded to in my blog predictions.
But because this term by-election effect has come out, I now believe this is the death knell for by-elections.
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