Political Views

My political science group has to present this question during our next tutorial. The statement in blue is our thesis, and is my political view too. Although some group members strongly disagree with this view, we decided to adopt it after much deliberation. It has many points for us to expound on.


This is the model that we would be putting forward. We agree that the regular changes in parliamentary and electoral rules aid the PAP, but we believe that they are of lesser importance as compared to the strengths of the PAP and the weaknesses of the opposition.


I will start the class discussion with the introduction and my group mates will lead us to these points. We would argue that the main sources of PAP's legitimacy include:

1. Strengths of the PAP
- Well organised
- Incumbency since 1959
- Ability to recruit well-educated and high profile candidates
- Provides social welfare services
- Massive party funds
- Visionaries from Old Guard
- Senario planning unit

2. Weaknesses of the Opposition
- No alternative ideology
- "Parties of personality"
- Inability to take over government
- Internal dissension
- Lack of talents

The following points no doubt aid the PAP during general elections. But they are not the main sources of legitimacy. They are more like 'insurance' against a freak election.

1. Changes in Parliamentary and Electoral rules
- Group Representation Constituencies
- Non-constituency Member of Parliament
- Nominated Member of Parliament
- Elected Presidency
- Inclusion of overseas Singaporeans
- Gerrymandering (which by the way is legal)