Can a Green Party possibly exist in Singapore?

Can a Green Party possibly exist in Singapore?

SINGAPORE - When comparing Singapore’s political scene to the likes of America, United Kingdom or Australia, there is something the latter has which the former lacks - a Green Party (s). The next question to ask is - can such a party really exist in Singapore’s context?

Perhaps, the answer lies in the nature of Singapore’s socio-political climate, i.e. if the soil of Singapore can nurture the seeds of a Green. A Green Party as its name suggests has its agenda revolving around environmental issues. However, it would be a mistake to think that a Green Party is synonymous with environmentalism. The pillars of a Green Party encompasses championing of community participation within the political process in addition to a firm adherence to pacifism and equality among all.

In as far as environmentalism is concerned, there is definitely avenue for a hypothetical Green Party to operate. The haze from forest fires in Indonesia has adversely affected air quality here in Singapore, leading to declining respiratory health among those who are susceptible. Even though the situation is physically out of Singapore’s reach, a Green Party worth its salt would have pushed for greater bilateral cooperation with our Indonesian partners to tackle the forest fire issue. This can range from transfer of new agricultural technology to farmers to the establishment of elaborate information sharing networks to monitor possible sites where fires can break out. If the need arises, a Green Party would be the first to authorize sending logistical aid or even fire fighting teams to help put out the fires.

And who will ever forget Chek Jawa? The Singapore government had originally planned for land reclamation works, but that would mean destroying the rich biodiversity in the area. Any Green Party worth its salt would be at the forefront of efforts in lobbying against the decision to proceed with the reclamation. It turned out that Singaporeans came out in full force to campaign for the preservation of Chek Jawa. They won, and their victory was made all the more sweeter with the government’s support in conservation of the area. Such an achievement would have made many a Green Party cadre proud.

How about the participation of a community in the decision-making process that concerns the latter? Unfortunately, such grassroots democracy is non-existent in Singapore. Local communities have no say over matters concerning them. Take for instance the GRCs that have experienced walkovers for many years. Some of the local communities are badly in need of upgrading. Unfortunately, upgrading in Singapore’s context has a political baggage, and it is not uncommon for communities badly in need of upgrading ending up among the last few in the queue. And if upgrading is done, does the community get to decide on the type of improvement that their area needs? A firm no.

Thus, is there avenue for a Green Party in such circumstances where the local community do not play a part in decisions that concern them? An affirmative yes. In fact, the party can establish active grassroots organizations that function as possible channels which the local communities can turn to. The Party will then lobby on the communities’ behalf and highlight their needs to the government.

Does a Green Party with its pacifist stand have any place in Singapore’s politics? A strong yes. Singapore is involved in some sort of mini arms race with her surrounding neighbors with each side acquiring increasingly sophisticated weaponry. Its defense budget was projected to increase slightly to S$11.45 billion from S$10.8 billion in 2008. Thus, a hypothetical Green Party would advocate slashing the defense budget and spending it on welfare instead. Any pacifist would have shown opposition to a policy that adds further fuel to an arms race.

In addition, the equality and fairness for everyone that a Green Party advocates is after all an important part of our national pledge:”based on justice and equality, so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation.” A Green Party’s vision of a society is one in which justice is served in all aspects, and that individuals and groups are subjected to fair and impartial treatment.

Thus, Singapore definitely has place for a Green Party. After all, it is always good to have some greenery within a concrete jungle, right?

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