ST Forum

Mr. Gilbert Goh's article, Two-party system better, on Wednesday's ST Forum caught my eye because he raised points that are useful for my political science exam preparations. I wrote a response to the forum, but the editor decided to publish only part of it. ZZZ...

I've included my full response here. But it'll be good to note that these points are not my own; they are from my political science lecturers. Also, I do not concur with all the points I raised; some points are just good for examinations. xP

I refer to Wednesday’s response to the article “‘Change must come’ to PAP” by Mr. Gilbert Goh. In his reply, Mr. Goh argued that a two-party system is more beneficial for Singapore in the long run.

He suggested that a two-party system would offer the state adequate checks and balances, as there would be variegated exchanges of ideas. However, this puts a two-party government at risk of a political deadlock, whereby the efficient running of the state is hampered by a difference in opinion. Further, leaders of a two-party system may become so concerned about campaigning for elections that the operation of the state is neglected. One strong party is better than two weak ones.

The one dominant party government, on the other hand, has the opportunity to be highly efficient. The government is able to implement far-sighted, but unpopular, policies that will benefit the country in the long term, without fear of rival parties abusing the public’s temporal feelings of dissatisfaction to vote them out of office.

Looking specifically at Singapore’s situation, it is unlikely that our government will develop into a two-party system. With a 4.8 million strong population as compared to the 303.8 million of Americans living in the United States, we are inherently disadvantaged by a smaller pool of people, from which to choose our leaders. It would be easier said than done to groom Singapore’s Barrack Obama and John McCain. Further, individuals with aptitude to run a country would sensibly join the People’s Action Party in Singapore because that is the place where they are given the opportunity to be stretched and developed to ‘go far’.

In conclusion, I applaud the PAP’s continued endeavour to steer towards change and developing a self-check system. May it continue to lead our nation towards greater heights.