What a difference 7269 make

Singaporeans decided on Saturday that Dr Tony Tan will be President come 1 September 2011.

Here's the final tally:

• Dr Tony Tan (TT): 744,397 (35.19%)
• Dr Tan Cheng Bock (TCB): 737128 (34.85%)
• Mr Tan Jee Say (TJS): 529,732 (25.04%)
• Mr Tan Kin Lian (TKL): 103,931 (4.9%)

Image courtesy of http://news.insing.com

I guess this myopic nation realised that a pair of glasses was more important than having shade, a heart or a happy hand.

It was indeed a close race to the finish and I think PE2011 sent a strong signal to the ruling party: Many Singaporeans have roused from the slumber in the poppy field and will now challenge the authoritarian style of old-school indoctrination. We will no longer sit around and wait to be told what to do.

Anything can happen within the next 5 years before the General Elections and that's why PM Lee and his team must scrutinise every policy, every message and every communication that they roll out to win over the hearts and minds of Singaporeans.

Even then, there'll always be 25% who'll remain defiant and staunchly opposed to the current ruiling People's Action Party (PAP), as proven by Tan Jee Say's credible showing of 25.04%. For a relatively newcomer to politics, his 1/4 slice of the pie is worth taking note of. Of course he has his fair share of detractors, many Tan Cheng Bock fans who blame him for snatching away what they perceive to be votes from non-Tony Tan supporters.

Indeed, when Tan Jee Say received the Certificate of Eligibility to contest, many pro-opposition Singaporeans  rallied around to drum up support and encouragement. So while some may view this negatively, I believe this gave many others a choice they'd be more comfortable with rather than being forced to pick another they didn't care for.

Tony Tan is set to become Singapore's 7th Head of State. He's got an uphill task knowing that he marginally won with just 35%. Which means 65% Singaporeans didn't choose him and when the next PE rolls round, he could lose the job altogether if the nation doesn't think he deserves it.

All the best Dr Tony Tan. You've got a long road ahead of you.

TODAYonline | Hot News | This is not the end, says Tan Cheng Bock

TODAYonline | Hot News | This is not the end, says Tan Cheng Bock

Indeed it isn't.

Not when only 0.34% separated the two Dr Tans.

7,629. That's the margin of victory. Or loss.

Depending on how you view it.

If you ask me, I'd say that the good (better) doctor lost.

But my opinions don't matter now. And we'll just wait for another 6 years to watch the Battle Royal: Dr Tan vs Dr Tan (Part 2).

Failure

I've failed as a wife and mother.

I can't seem to get my priorities right and get easily distracted by frivolous things like silly FB games, Twitter, blogging and now, PE2011.

The hub's furious. He's livid. And I can't blame him.

Xian's 3rd Term CA is on Monday and instead of helping her revise her work, I'm spending hours on end in front of the computer, trying to get little nuggets of information about PE2011 and playing mind-numbing games. Such an irresponsible mother. I cannot justify my actions at all.

Th hub's right about my addiction to social media and the constant flow of information I get inundated with. It's never been a more thrilling time, with changes happening in society and the birth of digital age. And I embrace this new era because I've suddenly found a little corner where I can creep to seek refuge from the harsh realities of life. In truth, I'm sick of my responsibilities - at work and at home - and I desperately need some time-out. But I can't just drop everything and run away. I'm just trying to look for an outlet to cope with my own stress.

It's getting ridiculous. The more upset I am about work and family, the more I just want to plunge into an alternative space where I can escape from everything. I'm literally struggling to keep my head above the water. Being a mother is the toughest job I've ever taken on, and I'm beginning to realise that I'm too selfish and ill-disciplined to ever be the right role model for my kids.

But this is my outlet - writing - and it's the most effective way for me to get my emotions off my chest. I usually feel a lot better after I've poured my woes.

Ironically, it's also threatening my relationships with my loved ones.

Right now, I'm lost. Hopelessly lost.

Vote for Tan!

For some strange reason, I'm getting really excited about next week's Presidential Elections.

Exactly a week from now, Singapore will witness history in the making as one of the Tans will emerge as the People's Choice.

The trillion dollar question is, of course, who will it be?

One of the Dr Tans? Their close affiliations with the People's Action Party (PAP) will win them votes from loyal PAP supporters but none from those who want an independent, objective voice.

As for the other two Tans, one has never contested in an election while the other was in the opposition camp. Singaporeans who prefer a neutral President, or at least one who'll provide "checks and balances", might swing in their favour.

2011 proved that Singaporeans are no longer apathetic, and that more have come forward in a bid to make a difference. I would very much like to volunteer my services but can't because of family commitments. Perhaps in years to come when the kids are older, I'll be able to find some time to help out in small ways.

I can only urge my fellow Singaporeans to vote wisely and no matter what happens, don't spoil your vote. In a four-cornered fight, every single vote counts.

PE2011: President Tan

This is an interesting political year for Singapore.

In May, we experienced a watershed General Election (GE).

Come 27 August 2011, Singaporeans will once again head to the polls and this time we will vote for our 7th president of the republic.

Will the Presidential Election (PE) be any different? Judging by the social media storm that's brewing online, sentiments are at an all time high: the people want to speak up and be heard. Never before has Singapore seen such a keenly contested PE where not two or three but four candidates are racing to win over the hearts and minds of Singaporeans.

Initially, many believed it would be a 3-corner fight between former Deputy Prime Minister Dr Tony Tan, former MP Dr Tan Cheng Bock and former NTUC Income Chief Tan Kin Lian. But then former Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) Opposition Member Tan Jee Say unexpectedly received a Certificate of Eligibility to run the race and joined the fray.

Now, it's a Battle of the Four Tans.

Sure, the votes will be diluted and it's expected that the next President win with less than 50% of the majority and perhaps one or even two candidates may even lose their S$48,000 deposit should they fail to secure 12.5% of the votes.

But that's not deterring any of the four candidates and on Nomination Day, all turned up and successfully filed their papers. Last night all four made their first Presidential Candidate Broadcast over free-to-air radio and television platforms.

Here are the four potential candidates presented in alphabetical order:









It's going to an exciting fight to the finish. Campaigning has started. May the best Tan win.

As for me, I'm voting with my heart.