How to get youths interested in politics - a reply to TODAY
I am writing in response to the article, “Strong support for pension system
Poll respondents also favour end to scholarships” dated January 17, 2005.
I am surprised that the conducted NTUC poll shows a strong nine out of 10 respondents who feels that there is a need for youths to be interested in politics despite the popular impression that Singaporeans are living in a state of political apathy.
I agree with one of the respondents who feel that schools should encourage students to engage in politics such that they are not viewed as “boring and only for high flyers”.
However, to get youths interested in politics, there is a need to change their perception of what it is.
Youths must feel that engaging in politics can make a real difference. At the very least, current laws that restricts our various freedom of speech, assembly and association has to be modified so that they are aware of the safe space that is available for them to maneuver.
When they offer dissenting and unpopular views, the authorities should refrain from employing a “top down heavy handed” approach because it will only strengthen their impression of a tightly state controlled Singapore.
To create an open and liberal society, our political education should be based on sound fundamentals of justice, democracy and human rights.
As such political education in schools must be taught non partisan; and that the above mentioned principles be inculcated into the curriculum. Evolving models of open and liberal democracies in the world such as India, Taiwan, Sweden and America will make lively case studies.
Political education should be reinforced outside of classrooms and the media can play a part by broadcasting uncensored talk shows on general affairs featuring vigorous discussions and talks with different political parties, NGOs, and youths, in turn, creating more intellectual debate.
Ultimately, the purpose of having politics education should be one of national involvement.
As Dwight D. Eisenhower, an ex U.S. president has said, “Politics ought to be the part-time profession of every citizen who would protect the rights and privileges of free people and who would preserve what is good and fruitful in our national heritage.”
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Strong support for pension system
Poll respondents also favour end to scholarships
Monday • January 17, 2005
Lee U-Wen
u-wen@newstoday.com.sg
THE vast majority of Singaporeans want regular monthly pensions for the elderly, while nine in 10 feel more should be done to promote interest in politics among young people.
These were some of the findings of a recent survey conducted by NTUC Income in response to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's call last August for Singaporeans to "make a difference and shape the country together".
The Cooperative polled about 370 people — members of its staff and the public — a week after Mr Lee's inauguration speech. Respondents shared their views on more than 20 national issues in a questionnaire and 42 of them were invited to a session where they discussed the results and offered further suggestions.
NTUC Income CEO Tan Kin Lian said the Cooperative would present the suggestions to government leaders soon.
The respondents were unanimous in their support for monthly pensions for people 80 years of age or older.
Suggested amounts varied from $100 to $500. As civil servant Kit Putt, 26, remarked: "It's a small amount for this group of people who have contributed greatly to our country and who may not have CPF savings." It was recommended that certain conditions be imposed.
"Pensions should only go to those in need, since the money comes from taxpayers. Let's consider criteria such as income level and number of dependents," said Ms Putt.
On the topic of scholarships, seven in 10 respondents wanted them replaced with grants, loans or bursaries. This, they said, would reduce the problem of bond-breaking.
Said Mr William Foo, 33, a public relations consultant: "Providing study loans would make students responsible for repaying them. Yes, there might be less prestige but at least it would give them more job mobility."
He suggested having a probation system for scholars where they would be put on work attachments to assess their suitability for the job upon graduation. In so doing, he said, the sponsoring company would "know more about their scholars" and "ensure a right job fit".
A total of 92 per cent of the respondents felt that younger people should express their political views more openly. This would help groom them to become future leaders.
Youths should be encouraged to write in to news groups, respondents said.
Ms Lynn Ng, a corporate planning executive, said schools should help dispel the mindset that "politics are boring and only the high-flyers should be involved".
Said the 23-year-old: "On the whole, most people of my generation are not interested at all. It's important to prepare for the future as we don't want to have dinosaurs leading our country."
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