A Reporter’s Memoir: NO HARD FEELINGS

A fundamental shift

Last month I had lunch with a friend turned PAP leader.  Halfway through the meal, my host asked me what had changed in Singapore politics.

I said: Ten years ago most Singaporeans regarded the PAP favourably. The chief concern was the need to have opposition in Parliament to check on the PAP.

The issue today is different. Many Singaporeans have begun to question whether the PAP is still a good party. Is it still working for the interests of the people?

This is a big, fundamental shift in voter perception. 

I returned yesterday after a one week visit to Hong Kong, my second in three months.

While I was there, it struck me that Hong Kong – even without LKY, PAP, ISA, et cetera – is ahead of Singapore on many fronts.

Aside from the grandeur of its giant shopping malls and the constant oomph and buzz, everything runs like clockwork. The public transport system is first class.

There is more press freedom, more human rights and the right to dissent. I even saw a peaceful demonstration in support of a dissident artist detained by Beijing.

In Singapore, with all the restrictions and with the most brilliant leaders in charge, yet the shortcomings from flooding to overcrowding in public transport have become glaring.

On one recent occasion, several migrant workers in a sardine-packed SBS bus that I happened to be in were moved to laughter, derisively likening their experience to a bus ride in a third world country.

Yet Hong Kong leaders never glorified their capabilities or their paper qualifications or demand their pound-of-flesh for their public service. 

No Hard Feelings.

Ismail Kassim

28 April 2011