Think politics

Elections are here!! Parliament has been dissolved and we are voting on 6th May. Just what he hell am I so excited about. Smart move by the government to declare Election Day on a Saturday, companies would not have to compensate for the public holiday.

Anyway, this recent uproar about young Singaporeans being rude and ungrateful really has been a major talking point. It all stemmed from that dialogue with our MM Lee Kuan Yew. 10 young adults were on TV the other day shooting questions at the old man, and boy, they asked some really hot questions. I mean here was a man, who is practically the founding father of modern Singapore, the man who led Singapore from a backwater island-nation to one of the most respected in the world and they were questioning, hounding him like a pack of hungry wolves as a radio deejay put it this morning.

I, for one, didn't think they were rude, aggressive, yes, rude was a bit rough to label them. Think of it this way, all of the panelist were born after independence and most didn't go through the tough formative years of the nation, then again, neither did I. I mean the old man was a tiger back then, he had to be. Almost everyone wanted him to fail. The older generations were respectful to the point of fearful of the politcal power he held. Those born in the 70s and 80s saw a more mellow side of him as most political opponents were bankrupt (JB Jeyaratnam) or in jail. I would not say he was a despot though he did rule with an iron fist and I understand why.

While it was refreshing seeing the young taking on the founding father, it did ruffle some feathers in the way they approached the whole episode. In fact, some have even gone as far as labeling them as rude. Well, as some of the ministers who spoke out have highlighted, it is sign of the change in mindset and how the young are now more open and dare to bring up and debate issues which affect their lives. Compare this with the mindset of yesteryears of confirmity and obedience without questioning, I'd rather be able to have my say than follow the herd. Think wildebeest.