Tan Kin Lian's Blog: Damage caused by the GRC system

Monday, January 03, 2011

Damage caused by the GRC system

A friend who migrated and became a citizen 20 years ago made this observation. In the past, the MPs in Singapore were responsive to the needs and views of the people. They had to serve the people well to get re-elected.

Their changed gradually under the GRC system. They did not have to have to bother with the people and only need to please one or two persons at the top. The situation has got to be quite bad over the years.

As my friend was brought up in a different environment, he was able to see a different perspective from a local citizen. The local people tend to overlook the gradual change in environment, like the frog which was boiled in hot water.

The frog was put into a pot of cold water and felt comfortable. The water was gradually heated up. The frog adjusted to the increasing temperature of the water and did not realize the danger until the frog was finally boiled alive.

If the people of Singapore does not want to face the fate of the boiled frog, they have to get rid of the GRC system and elect MPs who are accountable to the people. The first step is to vote against the ruling party in the GRCs in the next general election so that the leaders realize the harm that is caused by this kind of bad system.

Tan Kin Lian

6 comments:

Lye Khuen Way said...: Am sure someone is going to react on this ! The electorates have had enough of the "collective -we" & racial representation safe-guard excuses.; January 03, 2011 7:15 AM
michael13 said...: GRC system is confrontational by nature. In the past few General Election, Many eligible Singaporeans did not have a chance to assess their elected government's performance through voting. The democratic gentleman agreement is not abided by this basic principle. GRC system distorts the good balance of people's views and concerns judging from the high percentage point of votes registered against PAP compared to the number of opposition members of parliament in the last two(2) General Elections.

By continuing the GRC system in the upcoming GE, PAP is in fact putting themselves in a position that they are fighting against the people instead of opposition parties because the ground is NOT sweet for them any more. An effect of backfire will likely be felt for the ruling PAP in its toughest election fights ever since 1959.

Politically, Singapore may have to get worse before she can get better. I believe many mature Singaporeans are fully prepared for such an outcome.; January 03, 2011 10:54 AM
yujuan said...: The MPs in the GRCs are not elected by the people, so they have no responsibilities towards the electronates, so now we view them with less respect, many people complain they even ignore pleas for help, become callous and cold, unlike MPs in the past.
The leader of the pack the PM, must show political leadership by coming out to campaign in a single seat ward, instead of dwelling among a safe GRC.; January 03, 2011 2:29 PM
Anonymous said...: Most MPs are not really doing anything except rubber stampping on documents produce by the RC committee helpers.; January 03, 2011 10:54 PM
symmetrix said...: The only good thing about GRC is that it can enable minority (ie race wise) representation in parliament. There were instances where a minority candidate lost out to a majority candidate in a single-seat constituency, due to the demographic nature of that constituency. A classic exception to this was JBJ winning the Anson by-election.

Having said that, the GRC system can ensure a good racial mix in parliament if a minority candidate partners a majority candidate and stand as a team. In this regard, a 2-man GRC would suffice for constituencies that should preferably have a minority MP.

What I am totally against is for this seemingly good idea to be "expanded" to become 6-man GRCs. The govt should go back to the fundamental purpose of GRC and downsize GRCs to 2-man GRCs, and only in consituencies where it is really needed. The govt seems to heading in that direction, but it is too slow for my comfort.; January 04, 2011 3:10 PM
chow koon said...: Except for the LEEder, the rest of the pack are not politicians but conscripts or draftees inducted to carry out the mission according to their master's voice. The GRC illustrates the system to enable new recruits to enter by the back door untested. Pit anyone including the LEEder against the likes of Low Thia Kiang or even the feeble Chiam See Tong and he or she will be vanquished. The GRC is an absolute abuse of power to perpectuate the LEEgime. Let's see how effective it will be when the LEEder expires. Many predict it will crumble.; February 07, 2011 10:25 AM