The election took on an added layer of meaning this year. Maybe it’s because of Trump and his tariffs, maybe it’s due to the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) leadership renewal, or perhaps it’s the growing influence of the Workers’ Party (WP) that has prompted more people to reflect on their vote.
I live in an opposition ward, which means there’s a strong chance my area will remain an opposition enclave. This north-east pocket of Singapore is home to many younger Singaporeans who, despite earning decent incomes and being able to afford at least two overseas holidays a year, often feel dissatisfied with the challenges they face.
This sense of discontent gives them reason to favour the WP over the PAP.
My secondary school teacher, 廖宝强, who sparked my love for the Chinese language, often spoke fondly of our school’s motto: 禮、義、廉、恥. While the phrase is traditionally used to guide personal conduct, it applies just as meaningfully to a nation.
When applied to a nation, 禮、義、廉、恥 are more than just personal virtues—they form the ethical foundations of governance, civic responsibility, and social harmony. As a slow learner, it took me nearly 30 years to grasp the true weight of this phrase.
Ironically, it was Trump who became the turning point in my thinking—he is the antithesis of 禮 (civility, propriety), 義 (righteousness, justice), 廉 (integrity, honesty), and 恥 (a sense of shame, moral conscience).
During the Northern Song dynasty, 欧阳修 prophesied that if a country has none of the four moral value, it will spell the end of the country.
“国有四维，一维绝则倾，二维绝则危，三维绝则覆，四维绝则灭。”
“A nation stands on four great pillars. Should one give way, the state begins to sway. Should two fall, peril looms. Should three collapse, the nation topples. But when all are lost—destruction is complete.”
- 北宋欧阳修在《新五代史·冯道传》
My hope for Singapore is that our politics never descend to the level of what we see in the U.S. However, during debates and rallies, party leaders often show a troubling tendency to engage in populism or take cheap shots—racing to the bottom rather than raising the standard of discourse.
Rallies often become platforms to stir emotions and sway the voting public. I can’t help but question whether that’s truly an honourable approach—after all, votes should be won through sound policies, not through rhetorical flair or emotional manipulation.
Between winning and losing, I believe staying true to one’s principles and values is the more meaningful choice. I’ve always felt that how you win is just as important as the victory itself. That’s why the character of our leaders—and the values they embody—matters so deeply. It reminds me of a phrase I’ve come to value, especially in uncertain times like these.
裴矩佞于隋而诤于唐
Pei Ju was sycophantic under the Sui, but remonstrative under the Tang.
-旧唐书·裴矩传
The story goes that during the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui (隋炀帝), Pei Ju rose to power by skilfully catering to the emperor’s desires, often promoting ambitious expansionist policies such as:
Advocating for massive infrastructure projects like the Grand Canal
Supporting military campaigns against Goguryeo (Korea) — which proved disastrous
Offering exaggerated or overly optimistic reports to the emperor
Historians criticise him for encouraging the emperor’s delusions of grandeur and leading him to overextend the empire, contributing to the eventual downfall of the Sui Dynasty. His behaviour was labeled “佞” (níng) — flattery, obsequiousness, or being a “yes-man.”
After the Sui collapsed, Pei Ju submitted to Emperor Gaozu of Tang (唐高祖) and later served under Emperor Taizong of Tang (唐太宗). In this new regime, Pei Ju’s behavior changed notably:
He became known for offering candid advice
He was not afraid to remonstrate (speak honestly and warn against bad policies)
He showed greater integrity in his service to the Tang
This earned him the label of “诤” (zhèng) — meaning an upright official who dares to speak truth to power.
To me, it’s a reminder that good leadership brings out the best in people. Just look at the differences in how people act around leaders like Trump—it tells its own story.
In Singapore, while the Workers’ Party may not form the government, they already play a key role as the main opposition. The outcome of each election doesn’t just decide who governs—it also reflects the kind of leadership Singaporeans value.