Malaysians tune in quietly as Singaporeans head to the ballot box
JOHOR BARU: With Singaporeans heading to the polls today, many Malaysians are watching the general election with quiet interest.
They are not just drawn by the regional proximity but also by how politics is conducted across the Causeway.
Tuition teacher Goh Teck Kuan, 54, who went to the island republic to visit some friends recently, said he came across some political rallies and was impressed with the candidates.
“Their candidates can speak not only good English and Bahasa Melayu but also various Chinese dialects such as Teochew and Hokkien. This is beneficial as it demonstrates their efforts to connect with the electorate.
“Furthermore, they never made any personal attacks against their opponents; there was no mudslinging. Candidates were focused on sharing their respective policies,” he said here.
Goh believes this is due to Singaporeans’ constant focus on practical matters and enhancing their country’s economy.
“Maybe Malaysian politicians and even our future election candidates could learn a thing or two from their Singaporean counterparts,” he said.
Lawyer S. Selvantheran, 30, uses social media to stay informed about the developments in Singapore’s polls.
“I scroll through social media, where I come across their candidates delivering speeches during their campaigns.
“Many of their candidates are able to speak really well in public. But overall, our politics are much more interesting than theirs,” he added.
Marketing officer Raden Mohammad Azwan Naharudi, 33, said that whatever decision Singaporeans make, Malaysia, in particular Johor, would be keeping a close watch on its outcome.
“Over the years, the relationship between both countries has been very positive, which offers benefits for Johor, especially the Rapid Transit Link System here and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
“This is due to Singapore being consistent in its foreign policy, especially when it comes to cooperation with Malaysia,” he added.
He said that if there was a change, not only would it impact ongoing development projects shared by the two countries – it could also affect Malaysians currently working in Singapore.
The polls will be the 14th general election held since Singapore’s split from Malaysia in 1965.
The People’s Action Party (PAP) has won every election.
The election is also the first test for Lawrence Wong since he succeeded Lee Hsien Loong, who stepped down last year after two decades as premier.
The Singapore Parliament was dissolved on April 15. Nomination was held on April 23. A total of 211 candidates are contesting with 46% representing the PAP.
