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Make Your Vote Count

5 years ago in 2006, I was out and about attending Workers' Party rallies with Cedric. My constituency was a walkover as usual and I remember telling Cedric I should contest my GRC in the next election so as to give Singaporeans a chance to vote. It is not right living in a democracy and not being able to vote for who I would like to represent me in Parliament.


It is 2011 now and I am very proud that I am finally able to vote. Reform Party is contesting West Coast GRC and the Opposition has made a bold decision to move out of their traditional stronghold areas and contest GRCs.


In 2006's election, I remember there was alot of fear voting for the opposition because people believed that the government will be able to trace your vote. I recall the ruling party threatened to withhold HDB upgrading if voters voted against them.


In this election, we are still being threatened. Singaporeans are told if they vote for Workers' Party in Aljunied GRC, they will have to "repent". Why is it a sin to vote for the Opposition if we feel that they best represent our interests?


HDB is a national policy and all Singaporeans should benefit from upgrading. Why should we be "punished" for voting whom we think best represent us in Parliament? Do Singaporeans living in Hougang and Potong Pasir not pay taxes which contribute to nation-building? Do they not serve National Service? We are all Singaporeans no matter whom we vote for.


The proliferation of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter have seen many Internet postings on this General Election. This is the most contested GE since Independence with many Singaporeans given the privilege to vote for the first time (I am one). I will be voting from Hong Kong and I hope my fellow Singaporeans will make their vote count.




min on Monday, May 02, 2011