Singaporean situation

"Yes, we thank MM Lee for what he has done since the 1950s but we wish to be allowed to shape our country's future in our own way," wrote Clement Wee Hong En in a letter to Today newspaper.

"A great father is one who nurtures his children to prosper in adverse circumstances, but even greater is one who knows when to let go, and who trusts that his children can take care of their future," he added.

He couldn't be more right in summing up my own sentiments.

His son, the current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his People's Action Party (PAP) want nothing less than a crushing victory in tomorrow's election - one that will obliterate the opposition and confirm Lee's right to rule.

Lee Hsien Loong, current Singaporean PM

A stronger showing by the opposition parties could also help attract young, well-educated voters, as well as Singaporeans who have been reluctant to speak out against the monolithic PAP.

Despite the pitfalls such as defamation lawsuits and negative coverage by the state-owned broadcaster and pro-government newspapers, opposition parties are attracting more overseas graduates and upwardly mobile professionals.

The bedrock of PAP support has always been with older voters, who lived through Singapore's rocky post- independence years and witnessed its transformation into an economic powerhouse.

But some older voters, particularly low-income workers, have grown increasingly disgruntled because of job cuts, higher consumer taxes and rising transport and utilities costs.

About 40 percent of today's eligible voters were born after 1965. These Singaporeans faced few hardships and may be tempted to vote for the opposition.

Yet there is scant evidence of loosening up. Lee's government has cracked down on a political filmmaker, banned a gay Web site, and strictly enforces limits on public speaking and demonstrations. Last month, the government said it would require political parties and individuals to register if they wished to post political content on Web sites.

No wonder we're No 140 out 167. That's a far cry from what we're accustomed to, having the No 1 airport, seaport and all.