1) A constituency election differs from a national election since we already know the big-picture results: the PAP forms the government. You are voting for your choice of representative at the local level while policies at the national level will not be changed because of an alternative party entering parliament.
2) When Yaw was deemed guilty of infidelity, the PM Lee was exceptionally harsh on criticising the WP and harping on how they have let the voters of Hougang down. When the same thing happened to his own party cadet Palmer, PM Lee lamented the loss of a good man instead. Do we want double-standards? Do you think the PAP has let you down?
3) Despite the PAP government apologising prior to the 2011 General Elections and promising to change, the man on the ground is still plagued by a host of problems. High inflation, unaffordable HDB prices, breakdowns in the MRT, increase in the growth of the foreign population, corruption scandals involving top officials to name a few. Do we need more pressure on them to wake up?
4) The presence of key ministers walking about Punggol East with Dr. Koh could mean more than the ministers expressing support for their own party. The fact that Dr. Koh has willing accepted their companionship suggests that he may be reliant on the party’s branding rather than his own appeal as a person. Would you prefer a blind follower of PAP or an candidate with independence?
5) It is interesting to note the PAP’s choice of candidate because of his short time as a PAP member. While they have continuously reiterated that they have looked for the best people to lead the country, sending a new member to run for a by-election with key significance questions this claim. Dr. Koh may be a successful medical expert, can we say the same about his ability to perform as an MP?
6) The words of Dr. Koh reflect the very arrogance of the PAP when he said that it is “a fallacy to believe that you can have the best of both worlds – choose a person to make a statement, but hope that the other person who is voted out is going to have all the resources, all the authority to get the work done for you.” Do you want such an arrogant person to act as your MP or would you prefer someone with more dedication?
7) The benefits of opposition representation have made way for much greater accountability from the government: In recent times, WP has gotten the PAP to admit the infrastructure growth lags behind the population growth while the AIM saga was brought to light in part because of them. By increasing the number of opposition seats, we can put pressure on the government to work better.
8) Dr. Koh said in a media interview that residents have highlighted several issues to him such as wanting more stools for the elderly to rest and more walkways for cyclists. By contrast, Lee Li Lian promised to focus on more pertinent issues such as the cost of living and pushing for more feeder bus services. Does Dr. Koh’s stand seem to look like someone who has no idea on what is happening on the ground?
9) Is the PAP just out for votes to the extent that they will make all sorts of promises regardless of whether they intend to keep to it or not? In the Hougang by-election a last year, they have promised that Desmond Choo would be there to serve the regardless of whether he won or not. Much despite his (crocodile) tears, have we seen any effort from him or his party since WP won?
10) Lastly, this cannot be considered a 4-cornered fight (unless in mere technicality) since most opposition supporters would choose the WP as their representatives. Political analysts from both sides have unanimously agreed that both the RP and the SDA would lose their deposits and have a non-existent chance of winning. Rather than helping them to win the battle and lose the overall war, it may be wise to support the WP and push for another opposition seat.
