Where are we headed as a country? Politicians have their work cut out

The Singapore business federations and unions have come out strongly in support of Dr Tony Tan’s bid for the Presidency.  Their endorsement speaks volumes about the business community’s belief in and reliance on strong government, and thus subverts the argument that the Presidential Elections are not about day-to-day politics.  The PE is very much an extension of the General Elections and extends the debate over Singapore’s future under a one-party system.  These are both exciting and troubling times.

My sister told me yesterday that Tan Jee Say’s Facebook page has got more “likes” than Tony Tan’s.  Does this mean he’s more likely to win the Presidential Elections?  Hardly.  I’m quite certain Tony Tan will become our next President, but with a slim majority.  And the middle classes and business leaders who vote for him won’t care if he’s Tony Tan or George Yeo – they just want someone who represents the status quo.  To them, Facebook is an instrument of the effete and powerless.  They subscribe to the belief that economic progress sometimes comes at the cost of democracy.  They don’t want Singapore to go down the road of the tired Western democracies, mired in debt.  Neither do they want our country to slide into chaos Indonesia-style, post-Suharto.  Profile wise, they don’t understand the fuss over the dolphins at RWS and some of them may even have a mainland Chinese mistress or two.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are Tan Jee Say’s supporters.  They have coalesced around his campaign not so much because they truly believe in his economic manifesto or have even read it, but because he is perceived as campaigning on an anti-PAP platform.  Roping the charismatic Nicole Seah into his team has further boosted his credentials.  Tan Jee Say’s supporters are not necessarily thinking people, but they are definitely very angry people.  Some of them see the world in black and white, and will not tolerate those who disagree with them, which is why they are also very frightening to moderate Singaporeans.  I’m not saying their grievances are not legitimate – to a large extent I share their grievances too. It’s just that angry people don’t make good decisions.  I know.  I used to be terribly angry myself.

Which brings us to Tan Cheng Bock, the guitar strumming son of the earth.  I believe he will appeal to the middle classes who wish to flaunt some liberal credentials.  His supporters believe Singapore can afford to be more democratic like Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong, without compromising our economic progress.  They are annoyed at the perceived arrogance of the PAP, but they believe the transition to a two-party system should be gradual, very gradual. And provided the Workers’ Party can field more Chen Show Maos, they are likely to give both parties equal consideration at the next General Elections. Leaning slightly left of centre, they distrust the inherent radicalism of the SDP. Believe me, this is perhaps the most conflicted demographic.  They would like RWS to free the dolphins, but they want the casinos to succeed too.  Nicole Seah’s youthful candor appeals to them, but they know Sim Ann’s the real Hilary Clinton.

Now, I just want to have some good old-fashioned curry.

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