Marvin Ng fantasises about an unlikely happy ending this elections.

THE Worker’s Party wins a GRC and a number of SMCs.  The next day, the Minister Mentor goes on TV and gives a national address.  He begins by congratulating the opposition and then Singaporeans.  Then he tells us that he is very happy to see that we, Singapore as a country, has matured.

He explains that the significant victory of the opposition, despite the sticks and carrots from the PAP, shows that we, Singaporeans, have a backbone.  And that it shows that we care more than ourselves, but also those around us.  At this point, he pauses and pulls out a disc.

He explains that he made the video on the disc a few years ago.  He continues… he knows that he is not getting any younger and is saddened to see his compatriots passing on, one by one.  These men, whom he has fought together, were exemplary Singaporeans who had spent their entire lives to uplift the lives of all Singaporeans.

Like them, he is worried about Singapore and whether we will be able to take care of ourselves when he is no longer with us.  He then explains that he has made the video so that it can be shown at the time of his passing… his final message to Singaporeans, one which he has hoped would spur us on.  He then plays the video…

We then see a slightly younger MM, perhaps in the early 2000s.  MM in the video explains that if we are seeing this, it probably means that he is no longer with us.  He explains that the video is his parting words to all Singaporeans, the people that he loved.  He apologises for being a bit too harsh on us and that his intention is good i.e. to make us stronger (more or less like Tiger Mom).  More importantly, towards the end of the video, he describes the ideal Singapore that he would have loved to see before he died.  A Singapore where people are cohesive, able to think critically and courageous enough to fight for the country.

He explains that fighting for the country includes taking the government to task if they think or feel that it is no longer doing a good job.  He adds that he has always been worried that the PAP will become too successful, so much so that it is able to brush the people’s will even when they screw up.  He was afraid that Singaporeans may never reach the level of maturity and have the gumption to do something about it when that happens.

Next, he also explains why he is so tough on the opposition.  He has set the bars high and created many obstacles for the opposition to overcome.  He believes that only when the opposition is able to overcome these obstacles and still be able to reach out and touch the people, will they be worthy to represent the people.  He wants opposition candidates that are of the same or better calibre than the PAP.  The video concludes with him lamenting how he wished he could be there in a point in the future when Singapore has reached this ideal state.

He ends with an optimistic note that Singapore will get there some day and he wishes us all well and thank us all for our support.  It ends with “I love Singapore and I love you all.”

Cut back to MM.  Wiping tears from his eyes, he explains that he can now go with peace in mind. He compliments various opposition leaders (the worthy ones, for example, Chiam See Tong, J.B Jeyaretnam, Low Thia Khiang), current and past, for their courage, commitment and passion to serve.  He again apologises to them for being tough on them and hopes that they can see through his “tough love” and be able to forgive him.

He encourages the current and future opposition leaders to strive harder and make sure to kick the PAP butt again should it falter, like this current election.  He acknowledges that the current team has failed in some aspects but hopes that together with these new opposition leaders, new ideas for ways forward can be devised.  He explains that no one in the current administration, including the Prime Minister, knows of his true feelings about this and the video.  He promises to have a good discussion with the PAP team (PM and his team going to get an earful).

Lee Kuan Yew now talks to the people.  He wants us to work hard for ourselves, our children, our family and for Singapore.  He wants us to put aside petty differences and always consider the good of the country and our fellow Singaporeans.  He hopes that one day, we will be a gracious society and one that has a strong sense of nationhood which transcends language, race and religion.  He wants us to give our full support to the government and yet be mindful and be ready to play our part should it falter.

He ends… “me and my colleagues can only do so much… the future is up to you and children and your children’s children.  Make us proud…”