Suffrage In Singapore Is A Paradox

I am still perplexed as to why Singaporeans can not vote at the age of eighteen. Let us dwell deeper into this issue.

Background
Singaporeans are only allowed to vote in parliamentary and presidential elections when they are twenty one years old.

Argument
I certainly do not agree with such rules and regulations. Male Singaporeans are obliged to undergo National Service once they turn eighteen under the Enlistment Act. In National Service (Full) (NSF) as well as reservist call-up, with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Royal Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Royal Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF), guys are made to learn how to handle, maintain and fire weapons such as the AR15, M16, SAR21, Taurus revolver, H&K MP5, etc and also operate military vehicles. Certainly, these devices, both at the wrong and right hands, can alter lives. However, why can not they on the other hand vote? In another words, why are male Singaporeans, as well as our female counterparts, denied suffrage at the age of eighteen? Just like handling weapons and military vehicles, voting too can alter lives.

PAP's Possible Reasons
I would be certain that one of the main reasons that the PAP would dish out would be 'maturity'. If we are not mature enough to vote at the age of eighteen, what makes the PAP think that we are mature enough to handle weapons and military vehicles at that age too?

Can not the PAP see that voting is part of National Service in a sense that we are also providing service to our beloved republic by voting to determine who lead our country to glory, success and development?

Another Issue About Voting
If the PAP would not allow us to vote when we turn eighteen, why then make voting mandatory and compulsory in which failing to do so, one will be subjected to persecution? This is very paradoxical. In one hand you deny people to vote and on the other, you force people to vote. Voting is supposed to be our rights in which we the citizens of Singapore have the rights to vote, not to participate or even to veto upon turning eighteen.

Anyway, who oversees our electoral department? Are they civil servants? Are they neutral? Who vote for them to be in that department. Period.

Dr Chee Soon Juan

Personally, i respect Dr Chee because he is a man that believes in setting right from wrong. Kudos to you. However, i do not agree with his method on challenging the government in a suicidal manner. Don't he has to think of his family? I agree when he made a point on stating that the government is using her powers to block out opposition voices. True. What the opposition parties in Singapore should do is to unite. Leave your differences aside and unite to voice out your causes for the sake of Singapore. Look at the opposition parties in Malaysia. They are becoming immensely, although not that quick enough, strong because they unite.

It is true that Singaporeans would rather choose a government that can ensure them stability and wealth rather than freedom that comes with a cost and this will be a logical decision by most sane people. Do not blame them because they have never being oppressed before. You need to lose something to miss it. Thus, that describes the collective and uniform behaviour of most Singaporeans in not being able to truly understand and value justice, democracy and freedom.

I am not a fan of democracy and neither am i a fan of communism but i can see where the PAP is heading to. PAP is very smart in mixing both ideologies to best suit Singapore and this accounts for the unique style of governing in Singapore. Communism failed in both USSR and Communist China and democracy seems to be failing too in USA (during George Bush's regime).

No government is perfect and this applies to PAP but they are trying their best to make Singapore a force to be reckon with. If you look at the opposition parties' lineup, you would not see that many credible individuals. Of course you can not judge them by their track records because they have never govern Singapore before. You can judge them by their education background and community work. My advise to the opposition parties is to engage with the society and nurture them to like politics. If i am a virgin at politics, i would be put off from politics totally because i would be too afraid to get involved with Dr Chee and hang around with people who would drag me into troubles like getting sued.

Personally, I find it hard to contact the opposition parties. I have always wanted to be an opposition member but i really do not know where to start. I e-mailed Workers' Party twice but i have yet to receive any reply since 2005. How disappointing!

There are many mistakes and weaknesses of the PAP that the opposition parties can point out to the public but they have failed to devise a proper channel so that their voices can be heard. Stop complaining about the government censoring the media to block out dissent. What can you gain from complaining? Nothing basically except useless sympathy of helpless Singaporeans. If the PAP is using the law to their advantage, then play their game. Bring this matter to the ICJ or apply for Queen's Council (if it is possible that is). If it fails, no harm trying again and again.

Let me assure you that demonstrations, protests and strikes are never constructive but always destructive be it peaceful or violent. It disrupts business activities. You have to understand the nature of our economy as we depend heavily on investments from abroad and thus disruption to businesses is never welcome here.

Opposition parties are necessary to us because it keeps the PAP on its toes. Opposition parties must not squander any chances in any general elections. They must persuade the public aggressively to be with them. Be united as one big opposition party and they will be strong. Educate the public.

If no one else have the guts to give punches to the government, then i advocate Dr Chee. Someone has to do it. I salute you for that. I have always believe that justice will prevail. Good always triumph over evil. God-willing. Enjoy the clip below..

Dr Yaacob, A Muslim, Owes Singapore Muslims An Apology

forzasingapore.blogspot.com and Singaporean Muslims demand that Dr Yaacob make a formal apology to all Muslims in Singapore because of his un-Islamic comments and suggestions.

'Muslims can work in IR' by straitstimes.com.sg
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_324868.html

Muslims here should not rule out working in the upcoming integrated resorts where there are jobs, as long as it is not in their gaming sections, said Minister Yaacob Ibrahim on Sunday.
- Dr Yaacob, staitstimes.com.sg-

Firstly, Islam forbids Muslim from taking part or associating with any thing or activity that is haram. There is no exception in this issue. It is only halal if a person works in the Integrated Resorts (IR) under another company that is being hired by the IR itself. If possible, try to avoid what is haram. In this case, the person has no choice but to work in the IR because his company is being hired by the IR.

Dr Yaacob lauds S'pore Muslims' rational response to Mideast conflict' by channelnewsasia.com
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/401711/1/.html

"Israel is a state, we have to recognise it as a state and we are recognising it as a state."
- Dr Yaacob, channelnewsasia.com-

Secondly, Dr Yaacob has no right to force Singaporean Muslims to recognise Israel as a state. Israel was formed illegally. Period.

If he has no intention to say what he has just said in the above-mentioned paragraphs, then there is not a need to apologise but we still need a clarification from him. If he said it with intention, we need both apology and clarification from him.

As a Member of Parliament (MP) who is in-charge of Muslim Affairs, he should be responsible with his public comments and suggestions. It is an irony to have a MP who is in-charge of Muslim Affairs blabbering un-Islamic comments and suggestions. He should not hold that port folio if he is not fit to lead Singapore Muslims. It would be more credible for such post to be held by a MP who is well versed in Islam and is a Muslim scholar himself. Other wise, the government is making a mockery out of herself.

The bottom line is, Dr Yaacob owes Singapore Muslims a sincere apology. C'mon Doctor, an apology is not that hard to say. Do not worry because we are very forgiving. Insha-allah.

You Can Never Imprison My Mind

"You can fine me,
You can sue me,
You can cane me,
You can even put me in the ISD,
But you can never imprison my mind."

- Ahmad Fathi (Since 14th February 1986)