GE 2011: Future of Singapore

With all the buzz about Singapore's General Election 2011, I am tuning in to listen to the different opinions and views from various media platforms since this is my first time voting and i feel a great sense of responsibility on my shoulders! From all the 'news' I have been reading, theres one thing i dont like about politics - its ruthlessness. All the backstabbing, the smearing, the dirty tricks.

Rationally, I do see value in both the PAP's current policies and what the opposition has to offer. It all about striking a balance between both the economic and social issues. PAP represents economic growth and progression while opposition represents closing the social divide. It undeniable that both issues are equally important and interdependent. When a country is economically viable, it would then have the resources and capabilities to assist its people. Conversely, its the people who form the essence of society and only with them working together towards a cohesive and common goal, would there then be economic success.

Why then is there this constant criticism of  each others' ideas. Clearly, both parties have valid and excellent plans. Politics just seem to complicate matters by making this into a distributive situation rather than an integrative one. Rather than fighting each other to win the bigger share of the pie, why not work together to expand the pie. Isnt the ultimate goal to serve Singapore's best interest? Somehow in the midst of this whole political saga, the big picture is somewhat lost. 

I do hope that eventually at the end of the day everything turns out well...