With the General Elections coming up, many Singaporeans are eager for a chance to vote. In order to create a greater awareness of political issues amongst the younger generation in Singapore, Channelnewsasia broadcasted a talkshow called "Why my vote matters- a dialogue with Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew". I had to watch it online via google video as I rarely watch television (about 10 hours of TV a year). You can watch it and recap the major issues that were brought up below.
(FAST Broadband connection recommended to watch the streaming video)
After the show was broadcasted last week, there is now a major stir that the younger generation of Singaporeans do not show adequate respect to the Minister Mentor (MM Lee). The dialogue session was harsh and direct with normally shunned questions being brought up directly to MM Lee. The "panel" of 10 Singaporeans, below the age of 30 brought up almost every single issue that was brought up by the opposition parties with regards to the upcoming elections and Group Representative Constituency (GRC). Questions like the People's Action Party (PAP) were depriving the opposition of a level playing ground. Controversial topics like the PAP being arrogant and power crazy were brought face up to MM Lee himself. Of course, the big question of whether the PM Lee Hsien Loong was backed by MM Lee in parliament. Questions like the PAP being seemed as intimidating were also hung up. Unfazed by the barrage of direct and blunt questions, MM Lee remained sharp and gave back authoritative and candid replies. No stone was left uncovered and statements with the lack of evidence were shot back firmly.
After the broadcast, public opinion was hugely divided. One school of thought consisting predominatly of the elder generation (1st and 2nd generation) of Singaporeans claimed that the younger generation showed a lack of respect for the man behind Singapore's remarkable progress in nation building. The other school of thought, consisting of the 3rd generation of younger Singaporeans rebutted back claiming that the questions were not provocative but was meant to voice out the opinion of people and to bring up issues which were normally considered taboo.
I agree that it took courage to bring up senstive issues face on with a man of MM Lee's stature. Afterall, MM Lee has tasted more salt than what most younger singaporeans have encoutered. Thumbs up to those who brought up taboo topics, this is how society operates. The truth is never sweet tasting, and most of the time, it's sensitive to mention anything openly. I believe that this is a sign that people believe strongly in democracy. People should always have the right to say and bring up constructive criticism. This is the only way for us to strive forward. If Singapore is to maintain her worldclass standards in many aspects, locals should be more broadminded and critical on national issues. Kudos to those who braved the mental fear to voice the public's opinion.
It's ironic that despite the objective of the dialogue session was to provoke a sense of political awareness, people are complaining that the younger generation who is "politically ignorant" are being too hard on in criticising the government. I see these behavoirs as a sign of different cultural upbringing. The english educated generation is more direct and open, while the chinese educated generation believe more on moral and social values. Either way, both parties win despite their differences on opinions and thoughts. Singaporeans are now talking about politics in their daily lives. The public apathy on national issues and politics have suddenly been given an upheaval. People are now better aware on the issues like the importance of elections, government and the political systems of Singapore.
For more information, read up on news articles on this recent issue. Here's the side of the story from the people who were involved in this dialogue. Channelnewsasia will be broadcasting another episode on the aftermath of the dialogue session.
Here's what to expect from channelnewsasia
After the broadcast, public opinion was hugely divided. One school of thought consisting predominatly of the elder generation (1st and 2nd generation) of Singaporeans claimed that the younger generation showed a lack of respect for the man behind Singapore's remarkable progress in nation building. The other school of thought, consisting of the 3rd generation of younger Singaporeans rebutted back claiming that the questions were not provocative but was meant to voice out the opinion of people and to bring up issues which were normally considered taboo.
I agree that it took courage to bring up senstive issues face on with a man of MM Lee's stature. Afterall, MM Lee has tasted more salt than what most younger singaporeans have encoutered. Thumbs up to those who brought up taboo topics, this is how society operates. The truth is never sweet tasting, and most of the time, it's sensitive to mention anything openly. I believe that this is a sign that people believe strongly in democracy. People should always have the right to say and bring up constructive criticism. This is the only way for us to strive forward. If Singapore is to maintain her worldclass standards in many aspects, locals should be more broadminded and critical on national issues. Kudos to those who braved the mental fear to voice the public's opinion.
It's ironic that despite the objective of the dialogue session was to provoke a sense of political awareness, people are complaining that the younger generation who is "politically ignorant" are being too hard on in criticising the government. I see these behavoirs as a sign of different cultural upbringing. The english educated generation is more direct and open, while the chinese educated generation believe more on moral and social values. Either way, both parties win despite their differences on opinions and thoughts. Singaporeans are now talking about politics in their daily lives. The public apathy on national issues and politics have suddenly been given an upheaval. People are now better aware on the issues like the importance of elections, government and the political systems of Singapore.
For more information, read up on news articles on this recent issue. Here's the side of the story from the people who were involved in this dialogue. Channelnewsasia will be broadcasting another episode on the aftermath of the dialogue session.
Here's what to expect from channelnewsasia
That Dialogue
Was I Rude Or...?
A discussion on "Why My Vote Matters - A Dialogue with the Minister Mentor" created a stir after the programme went on air. One camp applauds the young Singaporeans for daring to brave MM Lee. The other found their manners wanting. Hear their takes on the issue. Thu, Apr 20 @ 2030 SST.
I'll catch the upcoming episode (online) if possible [even though I'm in the midst of my exams]. A good debate stimulates my inner burning desire all the time. Let the sandstorm begin and stir up some dust! Who says there is political apathy amongst the younger generation of Singaporeans?
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(Updated 8:45 pm)
On a lighter note... Check out what Mr Brown has for his latest podcast. Simply hilarious!!! Here's a spoof , tastefully done via Star Wars style.
Better Man(R) : So you wanna contest me in the
upcoming jedi election eh? Feel my lightsaber!!!
Browncast: Jedi elections special (Click to listen)
Editor's note-
*In yoda speak*
Mr Brown and Mr Miyagi - Funny... you people are. 2 thumbs up! Like podcasts... I do. Heh Heh.
