PERSONAL ADVISORY FOR GE2015 POLITICIANS

As a political neutral, I have observed a few things about election candidates. One of the things is that some seem to be clueless as to how they can present themselves better and maximize their positive impact on voters.

Let me give some personal advice.

LET'S HAVE MORE OF THESE:

1. Tell us about your own personal and political beliefs and why you hold them. Tell us why you join your political party and how your personal philosophy is consistent with your party's political doctrines, past policies and practices.

2. Tell us your opinions on the areas where there is room for improvement in Singapore. Give an analysis of the problem areas, their possible causes and your unique solutions.

3. Tell us your special qualities that can help you represent the people's best interests and add value to the political landscape in Singapore.

4. Tell us that you want to be in Parliament to work for ALL Singaporeans, not just your political supporters, your own racial group, your own gender, your own generation or your own niche interest group.

5. Always occupy the moral high ground.

LET'S HAVE LESS OF THESE:

1. Please do not point at or wag your index finger while talking to voters. It gives the impression that you are arrogant or condescending. Also, do not pump your fist(s) over your head too many times as it spells the message that you are likely to be aggressive and uncompromising. If you had not already realized, politics is the art of negotiation and compromise; and the tenacious and the stubborn have no place in politics. If you want, wave in a friendly manner.

2. Do not sling mud or assassinate your opponent's character. Not only will you bring discredit to yourself, your voters will read that as a sign that you are insecure and lacking in substance.

3. Even if you are the incumbent, do not rest on your laurels or talk about past glories. Do not oversell your academic or professional credentials as they are irrelevant to your potential as a good politician. In politics, everyone is a novice and you should show that you are always humble and ready to learn.

4. If you had contested before and lost in an SMC, make sure you contest in the same constituency again. If you now go to another SMC, people will think that you are an opportunist, just trying your luck. If worse, now you hide in a GRC, voters will think that you are insistent on entering Parliament despite considering yourself unworthy of it.

5. Even if you are at your wit's end, do not threaten your opponents with law suits or threaten your voters with deprivation of services.

I hope the above advice will make political campaigning more civil and productive.