Peeling away S'pore's class layers

SMU Associate Professor of Law and former Nominated Member of Parliament Eugene Tan was quoted in this special feature on the distinctions between the working, middle and upper classes in Singapore. He said that political parties must show that the views of the upper and middle classes matter, and speak with them as equals. Associate Prof Tan also suggested that parties win over the upper class by addressing their views on "post-material" concerns, such as national identity, social justice and environmental protection, but warned that parties must be genuine, as "'window-dressing engagement' is going to result in more alienation and cynicism". He added that it may be harder especially for the ruling PAP to win over politically-alienated voters, since "the political system is very much dominated by the ruling party and these people feel somewhat alienated from it".