Once the classic tale of economics trumps all, the 'Singapore story' can take an unexpected left turn come polling day, tomorrow.
In what is turning out to be a landmark election, Singapore's opposition parties are challenging 82 of 87 seats, or 94 per cent, a record high since independence in 1965. With almost every seat contested, voters have a greater opportunity to loosen the ironclad grip of the economics-savvy but socially conservative People's Action Party, and steer governance a tad closer to liberal democracy.
The frontier of this election can be said to be a battle fought on a simple choice - maintain the status quo or try something new?
If Singaporean voters opt for the former, then they are sanctioning the continuance of right-leaning policies. Although the party has incorporated elements of socialism in its policies, like the mandatory national pension plan, its social aid philosophy is based on notions of self-help, which justify its embrace of economic pragmatism. The party believes that the best way to help Singaporeans is to prioritise financial viability over social comfort, as evident from its decisions to build two casinos and import high numbers of foreign workers.
While unpopular, the surge in immigration over the past five years has been credited, in part, for the 14.5 per cent growth of Singapore's economy last year.
On the contrary, most opposition parties are championing some form of leftist agenda on bread and butter concerns, as well as issues of civil liberty.
