Forum: MPs play a big role in getting voters’ voices heard
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I refer to the Forum letter “ Election gives parties a good opportunity to debate issues rationally
Elections are inherently high-stakes, emotive and time-constrained. Political parties often prioritise winning votes over fostering nuanced dialogue, which can lead to oversimplification or sensationalism of issues.
This is especially true for an issue such as immigration, where concerns about jobs, cultural identity and infrastructure strain are visceral, and require careful and deeper discussion and dialogues.
That being said, while elections may not be the ideal forum for debates, dismissing voters’ anxieties over such issues can deepen resentment.
A cohesive society requires mechanisms to acknowledge, address and alleviate fears without capitulating to populism.
It is important that voters choose representatives who will be their voices because MPs play a big role in shaping policies, scrutinising legislation and ensuring that the concerns of ordinary Singaporeans are heard and addressed.
Singapore’s survival as a thriving, cohesive nation depends on voters electing MPs who have empathy to feel the ground’s pulse, and have the heart to speak up for their residents even on controversial issues so that voters know that their concerns are being heard.
When voters prioritise these qualities, they empower a Parliament that reflects Singapore’s diversity, and allow for debates with rigour and for the ruling party to govern with compassion.
Jag Kuo Soon Yong
