TODAY: An age-old debate

How young an MP are Singaporeans willing to accept?

TOR CHING LI
chingli@newstoday.com.sg


JUST A NUMBER?: (From left) WP's Lee Wai Leng, 26, Abdul Salim Harun, 24, and PAP's Christopher de Souza, 30.

WITH four in 10 voters here born after 1965, it is hardly surprising that the lineup of candidates for the May 6 polls is getting younger.

But with a couple of post-1980 candidates now vying for a seat in Parliament, it must be asked: Just how young do Singaporeans like their representative to be - and does age really matter anyway?

Half of the People's Action Party's (PAP) 24 first-time candidates are post-65ers, with lawyer Christopher de Souza checking in as its youngest contestant at 30.

The Workers' Party (WP) broke this record on Sunday with the introduction of a 26-year-old translation executive, Ms Lee Wai Leng. A day later, they set a new record for the youngest candidate in the upcoming election with 24-year-old sales executive Abdul Salim Harun.

In all, 11 of the 20 candidates from the WP are below the age of 41, along with 12 of the PAP's new candidates.

This trend did not surprise veteran MP Tan Soo Khoon, who entered Parliament 30 years ago at age 27.

He said: "As we enter the era of post-65ers, we can expect more and more politically-conscious young people to step forward to offer themselves as candidates in future elections."

Moreover, having young Opposition candidates is not unusual - National Solidarity Party's Steve Chia contested his first election in 1997 at age 26.

PAP candidate Mr Lim Chin Siong, a trade union leader, won a seat in the legislative assembly - the precursor to Singapore's Parliament - in 1955, aged 22.

And Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was only 32 when he won his first election and became a Minister of State in 1984.

WP chairman Sylvia Lim noted at a recent press conference that younger MPs were serving in parliaments worldwide.

Age should not be an issue, though it would be a consideration for voters, said Mr Tan. Other factors are the candidates' educational, working and grassroots experience, and what they intend to do for their constituents and for Singapore if elected.

"The candidate will be judged on his maturity and this means voters will listen to what he says during the campaign when he goes door-to-door and when he speaks at rallies," said Mr Tan.

The youthful candidates varied in their grassroots experience.

WP's Abdul Salim joined the party just over a year ago, whereas Ms Lee has four years of grassroots experience under her belt. The PAP's 31-year-old candidate, Zaqy Mohamad, has seven years of community work experience.

Said Mr de Souza: "Many other citizens say they are young at heart! So, what is age? The real question must be: Can I serve Singapore and deliver if the responsibility is thrust on me? If one answers 'yes' with eyes wide open, then that's the spirit. The next step is action - for nation and countrymen."

While third-term PAP candidate Sin Boon Ann, 48, was sceptical that someone half his age would be able to inspire confidence among older residents, he said: "There may be some that are mature beyond their years. Then it would be up to the voters to decide."

University student Angeline Yap, 21, said that age was not as important a factor as presentation. "New candidates who look presentable would inspire more confidence."

However, 56-year-old interior designer Frankie Chan said: "I will have some reservations about young candidates that also had to be persuaded to stand. They have barely started out in their careers. Can their desire to serve last as long as Mr Tan (Soo Khoon's)? My vote would go to an older candidate, who has seen more, experienced more, and very likely, has stronger convictions."

Once voted into Parliament, however, younger MPs should not find their youth a handicap. "Being young and a greenhorn, many of my seniors were very helpful and willing to give me valuable advice," said Mr Tan.

Mr Zaqy also credited his party with for helping to accelerate his learning curve.

"I am fortunate to be able to readily consult and confer with the more experienced ministers and MPs. This has certainly helped."