I am 20 this year and cannot vote. But I ask myself, what if I had to. Who will I cast my vote for? Undecided. My heart is with the opposition but half of my mind if not more is with the PAP.
I am having my exams next week in NTU and do not have much time for a detailed analysis with evidences as much as I'd love to. Here are some thing that affects me alot..
I support some opposition as some speak with passion and look like they have potential (Nicole seah) probably lacking a lil maturity and experience. For new candidates, we can only judge with track records (mostly academic or work wise). And there are other opposition candidates whom have proven to be able to speak up wisely as a alternative voice (sylvia lim) and a few lucky ones with the chance to prove themselves (chiam see tong and low thia kiang). I also support WP for their practical and realistic proposals, perfect and strong alternative to the PAP who have grown so powerful and maybe sometimes of track. I also value the NSP for being the people's voice and looking at the small picture, leaving no citizens behind. Yes, their policies might be a lil unrealistic in the big picture but applaud them for the effort. I don't mind having some of such candidates in the parliament.
I am very disappointed by the lack of justice and fairness in PAP's actions in protecting their party's interest. They leave people with no choice. By creating an unfair advantage for themselves, they are forcing citizens to choose them or driving desperate citizens like some of the opposition supporters, to vote for change. The opposition parties they are voting for might not be good enough but people are desperate for something to happen. To broadcast that areas under opposition will get lesser priority, so tell me, why do we need voting secrecy? Might as well throw a bigger threat of saying people whom dont vote for them gets lesser privileges as a citizen? To me, it has the same effect.
Besides the moral problems, their extremely high pay is of a concern to me as well. Are they really attracting the right people that way? And can those money be put to greater use? Are they really acting on singaporeans' interest? I can't help but to wonder.
Correct me if I'm wrong but Im getting the feeling that the PAP are acting like controlling parents who claims to want the best for the children. And as such, autonomy is sometimes taken away, esp on important issues (election), they entice or threaten the child to direct him to make the decision they want. They might be right most of the time, but not all.. And the child will not be happy and might not understand the good will behind sometimes.. And children used to think they can't choose their parents so they suck it up and live with it, even to the extent of self-justifying their parents' actions. But today they have a chance to rebel.. Lets see what happens..
Think carefully and not let your heart rule your mind or the other way.. Make a wise decision without any cognitive dissonance. (;
