How many of us remember the time when politics was such a taboo that any discussion or debate in public were frowned upon. If you started anything of that sort, you were regarded as a rebel, a firebrand or even an irresponsible individual. Even in family circles it was done in hushed tones with cryptic undertones. It was not actually not too long ago.
Also recall if a member of public was interviewed on TV, they would be coy about policies but became quite emotional about things like carpark fines, noisy motorcyclists racing, and the usual social issues.
Things have changed a lot and many have to look towards Chiam See Tong as the single individual that brought politics to the kitchen table, the office pantry, the local watering holes and even within family interactions. He was said to have removed the sheen of politics out of every subject and issue that he raised. It was things like "how much does it cost to build a 3 bedroom HDB flat", "why is not compulsory for all children to attend school" "why are conservancy charges so high and could we have the breakdown" etc. All dear to the heart of many SIngaporeans. All everyday questions that were begging for answers.
This is a gentleman that brought down PAP version of politics from its lofty heights to sea level. This is the gentleman that made politics in SIngapore so playable.
No credit is taken away from JBJ who needled the Govt to no end and broke the drought and gave us all hope but it was Chiam that made it a wholesome meal that everyone could partake.
Even then you still can sense the caution displayed by some, the compromise offered before the first offer is made and most importantly the need to be ultra clean and well educated. That too was recently broken during the last 2 By Elections.
What more is there to come - residents of a housing estate forming their own party to take care of their estate? Lets us see and this is indeed a cryptic message.
Also recall if a member of public was interviewed on TV, they would be coy about policies but became quite emotional about things like carpark fines, noisy motorcyclists racing, and the usual social issues.
Things have changed a lot and many have to look towards Chiam See Tong as the single individual that brought politics to the kitchen table, the office pantry, the local watering holes and even within family interactions. He was said to have removed the sheen of politics out of every subject and issue that he raised. It was things like "how much does it cost to build a 3 bedroom HDB flat", "why is not compulsory for all children to attend school" "why are conservancy charges so high and could we have the breakdown" etc. All dear to the heart of many SIngaporeans. All everyday questions that were begging for answers.
This is a gentleman that brought down PAP version of politics from its lofty heights to sea level. This is the gentleman that made politics in SIngapore so playable.
No credit is taken away from JBJ who needled the Govt to no end and broke the drought and gave us all hope but it was Chiam that made it a wholesome meal that everyone could partake.
Even then you still can sense the caution displayed by some, the compromise offered before the first offer is made and most importantly the need to be ultra clean and well educated. That too was recently broken during the last 2 By Elections.
What more is there to come - residents of a housing estate forming their own party to take care of their estate? Lets us see and this is indeed a cryptic message.
