Are Singaporeans Ready for a Female Prime Minister?

I was watching the second part of the discussion on blogtv.sg show this morning. The topic was "Are Singaporeans ready for a female Prime Minister?" The participants were students from various institutes and we have some big names sitting at the round table as moderators. Well, the views aired very very interesting and sometimes it feels as we are comparing apples with watermelons. Come on, we can at least SEE the difference there. No?

Some of the concerns were discrimination, women needing to act more like men to get into the role, Asian women are not up to it and the likes. At some instances, I felt as if the participants have actually memorized what they have to say and were trying to recollect while they were standing and airing their views. No offence meant as I sometimes had the problem as well when I am presenting some topics that I have least interest or passion in. That's besides the point. These guys were giving views on a national television.

And some interesting comparisons were made as well. Comparisons to great figures such as Megawati Sukarnoputri, Gloria Arroyo, Benazir Bhutto and Indira Gandhi. I guess we are doing the apples and bananas now. Isn't it very evident that we're talking about entirely different scenarios here. At least look at the size of Singapore and the size of the countries they are comparing with, if not the political scenario.

The competencies, skills required are entirely different. Singapore has a structure that is very well built in, although improvements and challenges are always welcome. The future leaders will have to maintain the standards at present, discard a few non-favorites and build on top of it. Corruption is under control. Theft, murder etc are there but under control so far. The police force is doing a great job. We have a strong army. Navy as well. Education wise, we are very advanced and the teaching methods we adopt are strong. Recently, I have read that an Australian school which adapted Singaporean Mathematics curriculum had seen an increase in the level of interest in the subject amongst student.

Then we see women as the person with a heart. I almost snorted when I heard that. Well yes, we do have feelings but what has that got to do with being a Prime Minister? Are we implying anything about our male counterparts here? The psychological differences are there but what is it that makes a Prime Minister? Feelings are absolutely not going to make THE difference. You need more meat than that. Singapore is a multi-racial society. We are multi-ethnic. We are also gender unbiased (according to the constitution). We have women in all sorts of occupations. We have managed to erase the notion that girls cannot do this or that. We have proven ourselves nationally and internationally. Singaporean women are intelligent as well as physically active. We are flexible and we do have a mind of our own. We deal with a heart where necessary and with an iron fist where necessary.

Although the discussion gave way to real uncalled for point of views, there were participants who were clear and particular in their presentation. One of them mentioned the core issue that is with Singapore. We are a democracy. We have freedom of press. We are liberal and free to express. However, how much of it is true? It is evident in all walks of our life that we are always bound by one rule or the other. Singapore is trying to erase this stigma. However, I think it will take some time. Singapore has always been very open to changes.

And the highlight of the entire show was this. When the question was asked, finally, as to who the participants think will be the most appropriate choice amongst the 19% of the 94 available MP's to take on the role, the room went silent. Imagine. The room went absolutely silent. Till then, there were participants talking pro topic. When it came to making the decision, we are dumb. Now this in itself is determinant that Singapore is not ready for a lady Prime Minister? Could be. I felt the hopelessness in the moderator's face and those at the round table. Although some of them tried to save face on television, it was not worth the effort. Either the country is not ready or the students of Singapore are not well versed on the political scene. It is very easy to prepare for a debate as we are very familiar with it. You give us a topic and tell us how we are supposed to fight for it. Either for it or against it. But when the real life situation arises to draw the line in bold, we are taken aback and we go silent. Maybe it is time that our curriculum involved politics from elementary level.

As I sat through the session, I was left feeling if the discussion forum was complete. I feel it would have been a more unbiased forum if we had some female bosses and their subordinates on the show instead of students. Although we have a leveled corporate playing field, it is still quite natural to think that if we dig deeper, we will be able to find the answer we are looking to find. I wouldn't be surprised if we are able to unearth the discriminations and uneasiness we have towards women bosses. If a company can't handle the iron fists of a female boss, I do not think we are ready for a female Prime Minister as yet.