The irony is stark indeed. Dr Tambyah's global standing would likely have made him a Minister of Health elsewhere. However, in his own country - the very place he felt compelled to serve - he was not even elected when he clearly outshone his far less illustrious opponent. The residents of Bukit Panjang voted for the PAP - not their lacklustre candidate.
Up to 65% of voters asked to be whipped by the PAP for another 5 years. We could have voted 30% of the Opposition into Parliament to be a more effective check and balance to an authoritarian govt, but we chose not to.9 out of 10, if you ask them if they understand what a party whip is, they will look at you and give you that WTF look ?
Hence the need for that 1/3 oppo target in Parliament to act as a check on the PAP.9 out of 10, if you ask them if they understand what a party whip is, they will look at you and give you that WTF look ?
What is the point of your PAP MP speaking for you if they cannot vote against the wishes of the Party ? It's only chui gong lanpar song.
TCB was the only one who dared to abstain from voting. Even TCD didn't dare to vote against the Party whip.
Groupthink is so entrenched in the SG Parliament that MPs feel compelled to prioritise the party line to maintain unity and avoid potential repercussions from deviating from it. This overshadows the specific needs and concerns raised by the MPs' residents. Too bad 65% of voters decided to sign away their freedom to an authoritarian govt that has a history of passing self-serving policies that heap hardship on the general populace.
