About parliament

Parliamentary procedure refers to the process by which a policy is shaped. It is debated upon, and factors in the voices of all parties in parliament. At the heart of this process is the rule of the majority with respect for the minority, and I believe that this does not refer to the parties in power; rather, it refers to the various subsets of society. In Singapore's case, a minority race could refer to the Indians, or "Others", as depicted on our identity cards.

The parliament is a place whereby each subset in society, no matter how small or large their numbers are, get adequate representation.

So, how do we ensure that each subset in society has a voice?

Many believe that it is by numbers alone; by splitting the number of seats in parliament evenly among all the political parties, we can ensure that each subset of society is well taken care of. However, we have to realize that fundamentally, this is not true. If a party has managed to win a "fair share" of seats in parliament, it only demonstrates that they represent the majority adequately. Think about it, who really shakes the votes in any election? It's the majority, of course.

I propose to go by this formula:

1. Ensure that the minority's representation is accounted for.
2. Host an election to ensure the majority's representation.

The more important pointer to take note of is #1, ensuring that the minority's representation is accounted for. #2 is more trivial in nature if viewed as merely a popularity contest. A subsequent blog entry shall debate about the pros and cons of the various methodologies for choosing a party with sound policies.

How now, shall we vote? Does it really matter if the ruling party has 90% of the seats? What will happen when the now-labelled "opposition" becomes the "ruling party"? Do think about these ideas.

Questions we should ask ourselves

If you are eligible for voting, do consider these questions:

1. What do we vote for?
   Each one of us should understand that we're voting for a leader, not an ideology. Granted, ideology is important, but of far more importance is the actions taken. Ideology without action is what it is: merely an idea.
2. What does Singapore need?
   Stability, of course. This should resound clearly in each and every voter's minds. Economic stability, social stability, and certainly, political stability.
3. What constitutes political stability?
   It does not mean voting for the same party. I propose the usage of the "fair innings" theory to analyze what each party has to offer.
4. What is "fair innings"?
   It refers to the practice of using equal assumptions when weighing two or more points of view.
   Imagine the NSP to have been the ruling party all this long, and all their policies in place which has made Singapore a success. Now, in 2011, they field Nicole with her ideology as we have seen it to be. What would you think of her and the NSP?
   The opposition party is contesting one of the NSP's long-held GRC. They bring along ideas different from the ruling party. What would you think of this party?
5. What is the point?
   Support change, but support it wisely. Who is to say that, in the imaginary world mentioned earlier, you will not be sick and tired of the ruling NSP?

Introduction of Nicole Seah by the NSP