In a lengthy Facebook post, former PAP MP Inderjit Singh articulated why he feels that, from a public health safety standpoint, any decision on the date of the General Elections (GE) should only be made from June 2020 onwards.
While he principally concurs with the PAP's position that the GE should be held as early as possible for the quicker installation of their 4G leaders, Singh felt that now, based on the People's Republic of China (PRC) experience in managing the COVID-19 threat, is not the right time to do so.
The PRC took about 4 months to have it under control, with the cases peaking in February and March. Singapore has yet to hit its peak.
Based on the PRC's trajectory, and the best case scenario, Singapore will need about four months from the end of January to effect a similar outcome. Depending on the situation then, the PAP can choose to call for an election immediately or within a few months time.
In the meantime, in the name of fairness, the Elections Department can take the time to implement new rules for campaigning as early as possible.
In concluding, Singh emphasised his confidence in the PAP and their ability to make the right judgement calls for the benefit of all Singaporeans in both the short and long-term.
Singh is overconfident of a PAP win at the next GE. However he is absolutely right on one count - the PAP must not rush the GE at the expense of public health, no matter how much it thinks a PAP win is inevitable.
