The 2011 general elections in Singapore is said to be the most exciting in half a century for watchers and participants. Other than the early years when the PAP struggled to form a government from a small opposition to an equal power sharing in parliament with alleged communists, the ruling PAP now faces the toughest challenge ever.
Fret not, Lee Kuan Yew, He has earned credit for developing a regional trading post into an international icon for commerce, finance, biotechnology, education and more.
eyond the impressive economic indicators, the test of a country's developmental success is in national cohesion, diversity, community spirit and a common love for the country.
Ironically, despite the concerns and uncertainties surrounding 2011 General Elections, the ground sentiments is testimony that the nation has come of age.
Lee Kuan Yew's team was returned unopposed on nomination day. He will have to mentor the first time MPS in the Tanjong Pagar GRC in a tougher environment that is more critical of the popularity, not just capability, of parliamentarians.
Apart from the hotly contested Aljunied GRC, the PAP is likely to maintain a strong hold over parliament with a few other seats that the opposition parties might clinch.
Albeit belated, it is fortuitous to ponder on what is the best legacy that LKY has left for Singapore that he has painstakingly built. Without mass and quality education and public services that are the envy of many developed countries, the conditions for a stable transition and continuity would not be possible today. LKY should take pride in providing a conducive environment which hesitantly paved the way for greater freedom of intellectual debate to prosper so that better policies can emerge.
Having established a foundation, most Singaporeans believe they are ready to face the next lap of challenges as one united people. The citizens are keen to work steadily towards a more progressive nation. LKY and the PAP should take heart that candidates with better credentials running for public office will remove fears that the nation will fall apart in the event of freak election outcome. Prove that love for the country is not about amassing power and wealth for which only the elite are entitled to.
As all things in life, we should let nature take its own course. The passing away of LKY's wife who has meant so much to his life and career would have loosen him a little. Singapore has grown up so let the voters decide on their future. That is probably the best legacy LKY could leave Singapore. This will be another first and great achievement for Singapore on the international map.
Albeit belated, it is fortuitous to ponder on what is the best legacy that LKY has left for Singapore that he has painstakingly built. Without mass and quality education and public services that are the envy of many developed countries, the conditions for a stable transition and continuity would not be possible today. LKY should take pride in providing a conducive environment which hesitantly paved the way for greater freedom of intellectual debate to prosper so that better policies can emerge.
Having established a foundation, most Singaporeans believe they are ready to face the next lap of challenges as one united people. The citizens are keen to work steadily towards a more progressive nation. LKY and the PAP should take heart that candidates with better credentials running for public office will remove fears that the nation will fall apart in the event of freak election outcome. Prove that love for the country is not about amassing power and wealth for which only the elite are entitled to.
As all things in life, we should let nature take its own course. The passing away of LKY's wife who has meant so much to his life and career would have loosen him a little. Singapore has grown up so let the voters decide on their future. That is probably the best legacy LKY could leave Singapore. This will be another first and great achievement for Singapore on the international map.
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