General Elections in Singapore... and Respect

For those of you who do not know much about the ongoings in Singapore, the results of the General Elections for 2011 have been announced.

As expected, PAP managed to retain the majority of seats in Parliament, 81 out of 87. The Workers' Party won the remaining 6 seats, through Hougang and Aljunied.

Being a first time voter, I have been following news concerning the elections, as well as the different political parties, rather closely, via the internet, newspapers and television programmes. Furthermore, while travelling from one place to another throughout the past few days, either for work, classes or leisure, I have seen quite a few political parties and their respective members campaigning at public locations, such as stadiums, open fields, MRT stations and HDB flats.

From the various reports and images I have seen, there is a particular politician who has earned my respect - Mr Chiam See Tong. He is supposedly 76 years old and has suffered from a stroke previously, but yet he continues to work hard for Singapore. I don't know him personally, but I am quite embarrassed to say that on certain weekdays, especially Mondays, I wake up in the morning and the first thought that comes to mind is: Sianz, I have to go back to work today. Mr Chiam is old and he probably isn't in the best slate of health, but yet he works hard. On the other hand, I am so many years younger as compared to him and I am already "complaining" on a regular basis. If I were to be 76 years old, can I proudly proclaim that I will be as active and as motivated? On the bright side, perhaps this particular General Elections can spur me to take on a more enthusiastic approach and outlook to life.