dear opposition ( in light of the 2011 general election)

the first time i got to vote was 5 years ago in the 2006 GE. i was all of 25, a pol. sci. grad and so eager to exercise my democratic right. but just as i was leaving my flat, i saw a news clip on cna showing the opposition candidate of my smc, at a nearby cofeeshop cursing and talking rather loudly in mandarin with what looked suspiciously like a glass of guiness on the table in front of him (at twelve in the afternoon!).

i went into the voting booth, crushed. while on the one hand i acknowledge the need for a strong opposition in parliament to keep the govt in check, i can hardly say with all honesty that i believe that the oppo candidate would be able to represent and articulate my views and concerns. so i did what your ex-school mate did. i spoilt my vote. knowing from then on that i have relinquished my right to condemn whatever policies the govt put into place because when i had the chance to do something, i didn't.

i have recently gotten married and moved to malaysia. but even if i had moved farther away, i would have made all effort to come back and vote this time round. this election is something that all s'poreans, home and abroad, could be proud of. because for the first time we are given truly worthy alternatives to the PAP. this time round, i'm going to vote correctly and make sure my vote counts, towards a better s'pore and a more dignified system of governance.

i want to thank all of you for sticking your neck out for your beliefs and giving the rest of us a chance to truly practise and experience democracy.