05 May 2006

Conversations on Democracy

This evening Mr Wang was chatting with Mary, his Filipina maid. Mr Wang told her that tomorrow was Voting Day for Singapore. She asked Mr Wang which party he was going to vote for. He said that he wouldn't be voting, because his constituency (Marine Parade GRC) was a walkover.

Mary stared at Mr Wang, confused. "What do you mean, walkover?"

"You know, walkover," Mr Wang said. "It means that there's only one party who put themselves forward for this area. So they win automatically."

She stared at him, even more confused. "But you said that this is an election, right? How can there be a walkover?"

"Oh, it's quite common in Singapore," Mr Wang said. "It happens all the time."

"So they win, just like that?"

"Yup."

She had a somewhat shocked, disgusted look on her face. "In the Philippines, even if you live on one of the little islands, there will be elections. I mean, real elections, with the villagers voting," she said. "I thought that happens everywhere."

Everywhere, dear Mary, except here. Singapore is a funny little country - sometimes even Mr Wang forgets how funny it is.

"No, we do NOT agree that your lift upgrading threats are ethical."
- Bontoc Igorrote women, Philippines

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mr. Wang,

Ask your maid if the political system in her country is so wonderful, what is she doing here and calling you, Sir or Masta every morning?

Yes, yes, I know that politics and economics is different but is she educated enough to understand that each and every country on earth deserves their own political system. And the only true indicator of its value is the good it brings to its citizenry amidst its shortcomings and lesser evils. No political system is perfect. In fact, nothing on earth is perfect.

This is the kind of "foreign talent" that may be your neighbour in the far future. Thankfully, perhaps not in my lifetime.

She should indeed be disgusted but IMHO, it is for the wrong reason.

Oh, by the way, you are paranoid. A crackdown you say? Are you talking about a certain republic where even an islet gets to vote?

Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wang said...

No, I heard something about the proposed use of the ISA on someone for "inciting insecurity".

Anonymous said...

Heresay, speculation and rumours in an election week?

C'mon, I know you are more intelligent than that?

But we will never know now, won't we?

Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wang said...

Heheh. Well then, let's not add to the "hearsay", "speculation" etc, shall we. No further comments from Mr Wang.

Anonymous said...

Suit yourself.

I have said my piece to add some balance on this post.

Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wang said...

Oh, it wasn't the ISA after all. Just James Gomez being stopped at the checkpoint and being brought to the police station for six hours of questioning.

Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wang said...

And Sylvia for three hours. Heheh.

Wonder when Goh Meng Seng and the rest of the WP team in Aljunied will be brought in too.

Anonymous said...

Knew you won't let go.

Ok, what's the big deal about some "questioning"?

"questioning" and "interviewing" is a far cry from ISA.

There may be bountiful circumstances where you may have to report to the police to explain yourself further.

At least here, you may be asked to explain some details. In some third world banana republics, you may be bumped off in the middle of the night and no one would be wiser.

There may be more than what is generally perceived. Let's wait and see.

Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wang said...

Heheh. I wonder who is not letting go. I write about a conversation with my maid, and you .....

Ah well. Never mind. :)

Anonymous said...

I hope you are not so selective as to welcome only effusive comments praising youself and scoff at contradictory opinions?

If you want to talk to your maid in private why do it on the net? And blog about it for the world to read? In doing so, you invite comments and unfortunately for you, your views may not be shared.


You disappoint me.

Bah.

Thrash your blog from my daily reading.

Register as your fan? Don't waste my time.

Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wang said...

Heheh. Ok lor. Best wishes to you.

Anonymous said...

Yup Mr Wang, it's ok. You still have fans like me reading your posts religiously AND critically.

Unlike some unknowns who leave scathing messages without even having the courtesy to put up a no brainer moniker.

And really, such people have a very low level of cultural inteligence as displayed earlier wonderfully. I wonder how are they are able to cope with the flood of international talents into Singapore. Tsk tsk.

Anonymous said...

Mr Wang

I'm most impressed by your connections. :)

You obviously had some news of Gomez's arrest, before it happened.

Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wang said...

Ahem. No further comment.