What is politics? Part 1

First, insing.com has two items, below, which give a somewhat disturbing glimpse into one aspect of the political dynamic in Singapore: the presence of "others" (new arrivals, PRs, foreigners, etc) in an already "multi" (racial, dialect, Channel 5 English speakers, Channel 8 Chinese speakers, Districts 9, 10, 11 vs heartlanders, etc) society.

There is a risk of polarisation (us vs them) and also vigilante behaviour by netizens. The first example, at first blush, seems ridiculous. Singaporeans are being urged to support a  "Cook a Pot of Curry" event set for 21 August and the organisers say this: "We are Singaporeans and we LOVE our curry." Here's the link:

http://news.insing.com/tabloid/singaporean-event-goes-viral/id-83763e00

The second example is just as bizarre, with the spark lit by an apparent posting by a foreigner criticising Singaporeans' reactions to MP Penny Low's cellphone gaffe during the National Day Parade. It has since taken on added twists. Here's the link:

http://news.insing.com/tabloid/foreigner-s-husband-apologises-for-insults-to-s-poreans/id-6f763e00

Meanwhile, former minister Goh Chok Tong has made what I felt were some interesting remarks concerning "which way will Singapore politics go?"

As reported in The Sunday Times (14 Aug), he asked if Singaporeans would choose "constructive politics" or "confrontational and divisive politics based on stoking envy and resentment". Singaporeans must also choose between pragmatic politics and populist politics. "In pragmatic politics, Singaporeans will accept measures with short-term pain but long-term gain. In populist politics, they want immediate gratification and ignore the long-term costs. Which way will Singapore politics go?"

Hmmm, he did not identify the pragmatic side or the populist side. Of course we should know what he means, you'll say. Still, I'll say it is strange talking from a man who had campaigned so vigorously during the last GE. So what is the nature of politics in Singapore? Is populism the opposite of pragmatism? Are all the answers found in pragmatism? Does politics have a soul? Sorry, I have no answers.