- Joined
- Aug 19, 2008
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The line between party and nation
THE existence of different political parties in a country is considered a hallmark of democracy. However, there is a vast difference between many Third World countries and First World countries in how the political system works.
In some Third World countries, it is not just wholesome rivalry between parties but deep hostility that often manifests in assassination, detention and persecution. One admirable feature of some First World democracies is that when the election is over, the opponents shake hands and get down to work together for the greater good of the nation with little personal ill feelings.
The interest of the nation prevails over that of the party. In other words, the line between the party and the nation is distinct.
Not many Asian countries are able to observe that distinction thoroughly. In one general election here some time back, I was disappointed to see the leader of the winning party coming on television to warn the constituency that voted against the party that it would not enjoy the benefits other constituencies would. I feel that once a candidate is elected, he should serve all people without distinction.
On National Day, I feel something amiss when People's Action Party parliamentarians show up in party uniform. National Day, unlike a party rally, is for the whole nation, and the celebration should signify a united nation.
There is a Chinese saying that different roads can lead to the same destination. Even though there is a dominant one-party rule in Singapore, I hope different parties can see clearly the way to the ultimate, overriding interest of the nation.
I was very impressed by an unusual phenomenon in Malaysia in the 1970s when Dr Tan Chee Khoon, an opposition leader, was appointed chairman of the University of Malaya Council.
We are a small country; talent are hard to come by and they should not have a party label. I hope all our parliamentarians who have something valuable to contribute can be fully made use of in our government regardless of their party backgrounds.
Dr Ong Siew Chey
THE existence of different political parties in a country is considered a hallmark of democracy. However, there is a vast difference between many Third World countries and First World countries in how the political system works.
In some Third World countries, it is not just wholesome rivalry between parties but deep hostility that often manifests in assassination, detention and persecution. One admirable feature of some First World democracies is that when the election is over, the opponents shake hands and get down to work together for the greater good of the nation with little personal ill feelings.
The interest of the nation prevails over that of the party. In other words, the line between the party and the nation is distinct.
Not many Asian countries are able to observe that distinction thoroughly. In one general election here some time back, I was disappointed to see the leader of the winning party coming on television to warn the constituency that voted against the party that it would not enjoy the benefits other constituencies would. I feel that once a candidate is elected, he should serve all people without distinction.
On National Day, I feel something amiss when People's Action Party parliamentarians show up in party uniform. National Day, unlike a party rally, is for the whole nation, and the celebration should signify a united nation.
There is a Chinese saying that different roads can lead to the same destination. Even though there is a dominant one-party rule in Singapore, I hope different parties can see clearly the way to the ultimate, overriding interest of the nation.
I was very impressed by an unusual phenomenon in Malaysia in the 1970s when Dr Tan Chee Khoon, an opposition leader, was appointed chairman of the University of Malaya Council.
We are a small country; talent are hard to come by and they should not have a party label. I hope all our parliamentarians who have something valuable to contribute can be fully made use of in our government regardless of their party backgrounds.
Dr Ong Siew Chey
