No one left behind

I have been resisting to blog or write any notes with regards to Elections 2011. First of all, partly because I am now just a SAHM, who is seemingly out of touch with the world. Secondly, I understand that my only perception of the election and the rallies is from the Internet and social media. I may not be fully aware of what is the truth out there?

However, after rumaging through the different articles written by different people on facebook and other social media, I cannot deny that this is probably the one election that will generate the highest level of interest and passion. More people are starting to get more informed - informed of things that are previously not known to many people (like the Minister's pay); informed of alternative voices out there; informed of the debates that have been happening even within PAP itself. With this acquisition of information, some are more determined in fighting their cause; some are more determined in fighting for the party who have fed them well, who have brought prosperity to this nation.

As I read the articles written by 2 different groups of people, I feel saddened by the fact that the gap between the elites in Singapore and the ordinary folks has widened so tremendously. Although many would argue that this is ineveitable and that's how society would progress, it does not justify the fact that some should be more heard than others. I feel that when it comes to an election, everyone single person who is eligible to vote is equal; everyone whether poor or rich, highly educated or not, deserves to be heard. Everyone is now given the chance to make a choice.

With that, it comes to mind, what should be the function of a good government? What qualities should a good MP possess? What is the duty of a MP afterall?

While I do admit that in order for the country to progress in this challenging times, having highly capable and talented leaders is important. We need capable men and women to lead our nation, to make sound polices, to make wise investments, to bring Singapore to even greater heights. However, while moving forward, we should not forget that some may be left behind. What are we going to do with those who cannot catch up? Are we going to say, "Good luck to you" or "Quit complaining, march faster, work harder!"?

My greatest criticism of the Singapore society and its system has always been that of an over-emphasis on meritocracy. Meritocracy in itself is a good thing, because it ensures fairness and rewards to all everyone (regardless of race, family background) who have worked hard, who have shown their capability. However, an over-emphasis on meritocracy will only mean that those who are less able, those who are aged, those who are sick, those who are weak, can be left behind and forgotten.

In our leaders today, we have enough scholars, we have enough straight As ministers; and yes, we do need these capable men and women to lead the country. However, IF their strengths have now become their weakness in that they are now 'too busy' to understand and look into the lives of the common folks; too capable that they cannot see how the weaker Singapore students cannot compete with the foreign scholars; too 'fast' to understand what it's like to squeeze in the MRT; too 'rich' to understand what it's like to worry about about having a roof over your head; we have a serious problem.

What do we want in our MPs? What do we want in a government who tells us they will take care of us? What do the people actually mean by wanting to have a voice in parliament? The answer is, we want people to remember us, the not-so-rich, not-so-clever, not-so-capable.

In the year of 1965, there was a fine young man, who saw what his country is like - an insignificant dot on the world map, an island which have no natural resources, a country where not all men are equal. Although he spoke no mandarin then, he tried to learn; although he may not fully understand the lives of the fishermen who do not know a single word of English; he fought for them; he wept on National TV, urging Singaporeans to be united. He vowed to increase the standard of living for these people. He vowed to treat everyone equal. He wanted to leave no one behind. And he had done it, not only with talents but more importantly, with a heart.

My question now is, where has this spirit gone to? Has this spirit of serving the people been translated to the younger generation of MPs today? Or has it been shadowed by the over-emphasis of needing the most capable people to govern and lead this nation? Has it been cast aside by these young ministers, who are too busy in effort to prove themselves?

What is the core? What should be the core of the person standing on stage in these rallies?

Yesterday, I was still thinking of whether I should vote for the capable people, people whom I believe will keep everything stable (or even bring about greater prosperity) but am not sure if they might leave me behind; or shall I vote for the less capable, but heartful people whom I can understand if they botch out due to inexperience? No matter what the outcome is, my sincere wish for the government of next 5 years, is to ensure that no one gets left behind..