Tin Pei Ling - Disgrace?

In the recent General Election 2011, there have been lots of talk on the various candidates which both the PAP and the Opposition had presented. This was especially so for Tin Pei Ling from the PAP. Many criticized her for being "immature" and "childish". Some also believed that she did not have a good grasp on the topics which were raised in the GE. Videos and photos were circulated around, showing Tin Pei Ling posing with a Kate Spade bag, with her now famous "I don't know what to say" line. In addition, Tin Pei Ling's reply to the "What is the greatest regret of your life?" question by the media has already attracted a lot of attention. Many Singaporeans have criticized her for not understanding the problems that an average Singaporean face. This was ever since she told the media that "the education for children in Singapore is already very low".

Personally, I think that the main aim and reason why the PAP decided to put Tin Pei Ling as a candidate was to have candidates which could connect to the Gen Y population of Singapore. In my opinion, I believe that it was a fantastic and ingenious move on behalf of the PAP, because the votes of the Gen Y Singaporeans in GE 2011 would have played a big difference. Therefore, by putting a candidate of the same age to contest for them, it would have been extremely applicable and such candidates could appeal to the hearts of Gen Y supporters.

However, whether PAP unveiled the right Gen Y candidate was the big question. I think that Tin Pei Ling is completely unsuitable to be a member of parliament. She is unable to fully grasp the issues raised in the GE, she did not act like a matured 27-year old, and Tin Pei Ling was not completely convincing or articulate when speaking in front of the camera. Some Singaporeans say that Tin Pei Ling was just young and that she could grow up and become a more matured individual. However, I believe that if Nicole Seah, who is 24-years old and younger than Tin Pei Ling, can show a higher level of maturity than her, this cannot be used as an excuse for her immaturity. Although I have to respect Tin Pei Ling for being brave and daring enough to take on the challenge to enter the world of politics, I feel that with regards to the future of Singapore, the PAP should seek out better Gen Y candidates and groom them into becoming the next batch of leaders of Singapore. It is then can the PAP successfully earn the support of Youth.

I personally believe that the PAP is too stuck in their old ways and are becoming more old fashioned. Such an example is how PAP does not heavily tap on the connectivity which social networking sites and the internet has provided. On the other hand, the Opposition tapped on this medium as a form of communication. It was highly successfully in spreading information to Singaporeans, especially for the more tech-savvy Gen Y voters. In order to gain the support of these Singaporeans, I feel that the PAP needs to change their ways to allow Youth to relate to them easier.

So is Tin Pei Ling a disgrace? Sorry to say, I think so. However, good job to the PAP for attempting to bring the next generation of leaders into playing a part to improve Singapore. I am sure everybody would be eying on Tin Pei Ling. Let's see if she does a good job in Marine Parade GRC.