Forum: Top-quality leaders who can ignite passion and chart future path needed

With Polling Day fast approaching, I am still left uninspired and undecided on how I should cast my vote.

This election has been an interesting one, comprising live rallies and a proliferation of podcasts and social media posts, in addition to the usual physical interactions with residents.

In the ruling party’s election template, voters are warned about the dire consequences of losing key Cabinet ministers and the risks and vulnerabilities faced by Singapore as a small country, particularly during this period of unprecedented uncertainty and chaos.

All of us are aware of these realities, perhaps a tad too well. There are promised plans designed to improve residents’ quality of life or to cushion (to an extent) the challenges they face. These are all great and should be applauded, but we need a clear overarching vision – one that can fire up and unite the voters, young and old, towards a common goal. It will be our beacon of hope for our country’s next phase of renewal.

The success of the Workers’ Party in recent elections has not gone unnoticed by Singaporeans and other opposition parties. Unfortunately, repeating the same reasons for having opposition MPs in Parliament can sound hollow if it becomes repetitive.

Too little time is spent explaining what parties can bring to the table, what they stand for and, more importantly, how they plan to achieve what they promise. Repeating the same message of being the alternative voice to check on the incumbent risks making all the opposition parties seem indistinguishable.

Singapore is our country and our home. We want the best for everyone, young and old, regardless of race, language or religion. Leaders need to be inclusive, open-minded (to constructive feedback), accountable, and also have a clear vision to inspire and chart our path through the next 60 or 100 years, like the leaders who came before them. Only then can we say the best is yet to come.

Majulah Singapura.

Heng Mui Cheng