We went to the rally at Serangoon Stadium today, since this is the last rally for this election by the Workers’ Party. We had dinner at Chomp Chomp before we went over. There was a huge crowd and quite a traffic congestion starting from the Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 exit on the CTE.

There was a huge crowd, a crowd even bigger than the one at Yishun Ave 11, though probably not any bigger than the one at Hougang. The majority cheered and clapped when the WP candidates says something meaningful. At times they laughed when the candidates says something humorous. Low even mentioned that he got F9 for his English during O levels.

Sylvia Lim brought the rally to a close by leading those present to recite the pledge, as a reminder to everyone that we are all still Singaporeans, and we should all work together for a better Singapore. It was also a subtle reminder to us all that this is the way they have fought this election campaign, without attempting to divide the people on religious or racial issues, or resorting to smear their opponents. Low then led us to say the pledge in Mandarin.

Much is still at stake in the elections despite the lack of issues just like the previous elections – the primary being the future of the opposition. Just what kind of message are those who will be voting sent to the opposition parties, if the Tali-PAP has a clean sweep on May 6th? I prayed that everyone will vote wisely, even though democracy may just be an abstract idea and really not much of a bread and butter issue.

There was an interesting conversation that occurred at the entrance to the stadium between a police constable and his superior.

Superior: “I think you better close the door. The stadium is already packed. It will endanger their safety if we let more people in.”
Constable: “Sir, I cannot obey this order. I don’t know what the crowd will think if I do that. Even if you want to charge me I won’t do it.”
Superior: “Relax lah. Ok ok. I think we ask the people going in to keep left and the people coming out to keep right.”

The poor police constable must be under a lot of stress. Both the officer and the constable were definitely afraid that matters got out of hand, although each for different reasons.

I am really glad Low Thia Kiang thanked the police officers maintaining the order at the stadium when the rally was over, and reminded everyone to walk safely and look out for one another when they leave.