i’ve never been more happy for the state of singapore satire. the many many many videos, photoshopped photos, and the craze over Yam Ah Mee show that singaporeans have a unique brand of humour, and that they do enjoy political satire, or at the very least, parody.
the past two weeks or so have been exceptionally exciting, for me at least. getting to be part of the democratic process for the first time is really really cool. these elections have been pretty awesome because not only for the first time since independence, most of the seats in parliament were being contested, i also got to vote and managed to attend my first political rally. it is encouraging when you attend rallies and realise the number of singaporeans who care for the political future of this country and prove that singaporeans, given the chance, are not apathetic, or stupid, as some like to think of us. granted, there could be more maturity of thought in the opinions that are out across, but the ability to express discontent, is a start, especially for a people who most of the time, couldn’t care less. it was heartening to see the number of people who turned up in support of those proposing an alternative, especially that first night in hougang. sure some turn up just to heckle, and have a good time, but the fact that singaporeans are willing to give up creature comforts like aircon, is indicative of people who care. and people at rallies were so nice and polite. when you bumped into them, they said it was okay instead of the aunties who tsk at you at other places. and they respected your personal space.
i don’t really want to comment on the results because it’s been done to death but i think that these elections have been an eye-opener for me.
