My (and my family’s) affair with political rallies…

I can’t quite remember when it all started. But my brothers and I (as far as we could remember) started attending rallies at a very young age. It doesn’t help (or does it) that Telok Blangah was often a hotly contested constituency. Spilled over from Anson, most of the residents from my area are Port workers and its Workers Party or none at all.

Here are some instances that I would never forget.

At the empty plot of land where NTUC now stands. I remember standing in a field filled with Indians and J B Jeyaratnam was ‘crowned’ with lots of garlands. The supporters even formed a ‘human’ sedan chair and carried him around. Often that not, Dad and my brothers were all over the place and moi, left alone. Maybe my gungho and to ‘hell with authority’ character was developed then. I was never really afraid to be at the often rowdy rallies alone. And mine you, it can be a scary sight. Boys became men at rallies. Men became monsters. I am not kidding.

The next scene I remember is at the void deck of Block 76. WP sent an Indian contestant. He enjoyed a huge turnout at the rally, again where NTUC now stands. On polling day, he demanded for a re-count. In fact, he suspected that the ballot boxes were tampered with. It was the first time I saw the riot police and guess what, they do use their batons. I witnessed (I was not more than 14 years old) them hitting rioters. Their shields were quite a sight. And yes, my Dad and brothers disappeared whilst I went through all these on my own. Oh well.

When it comes to door-to-door visits or the announcement through tackily decorated lorries, well, I have much to share as well.

I remember Dad wanted to hold a hammer whilst WP was making their rounds. We were like, “Dad, NO. That’s way TOO obvious.”. When PAP came knocking one day when Mum was at the market and moi, in bed, bra-less, I stopped breathing. I hid at my parents’ room (I couldn’t stay in mine coz the PAP guys would peep over the window. I AM NOT KIDDING) and remained silence for the longest time. Working for the media then, I couldn’t quite decide how I could react to the ruling party. I thought avoidance wouldn’t be that bad.

In TCS, we used to cover political rallies. I remember the by-election at Marine Parade. Some of us were in-charge of covering SDP, some, PAP and some, PKMS. I remember Mariam covering the latter and crying. It was raining apparently and the four chaps from PKMS were standing on top of a lorry and totally totally drenched. Mariam had wanted to hand them an umbrella but as a journalist, she didn’t’ find it appropriate to do so. She ended up tearing instead as the four old Malay folks reminded her of her family members. Me remember I covered the SDP rally with Suvene and we were ‘warned’ to disappear before Chee Soon Juan finished his speech. Apparently some kind souls took pity on the “TCS’ girls and decided to warn us that there may be some riots. True or otherwise, I am grateful to the Ah Bengs, Ah Sengs, Uncles and what not, for ‘taking’ care of us.

I also remember Viswa, the main presenter then (he was my mentor) teasing me. He actually told me he might not remember the figures/statistics and needed me to sit next to him, BUT, under the table! I was supposed to prompt him on the figures in case he forgot. Guess what? I believe him! J. I was all ready to sit below the table in the studio!

Oh, there was one year I was the 'floor' manager (except that this floor was a huge school compound). Anyways, we had to block shots before the big day. I 'doubled up' as Low Thia Kiang and a Malay PAP candidate. I 'promised' the voters that each flat would come with two Jumbans or toilets if the residents vote for me! I also promised that I will make the constituency a better 'Jia Yuan' for all. Now isn't that the phrase they often use!? Hahahahaha.

I was away for the recent elections but my second brother never fail to keep me in the loop of things. He would MSN me whenever possible and whenever he felt was necessary. For example, "I am at the Nee Soon Central Rally. So many people here. PAP got fight here." I almost always expect him to end with, "I wish u are here!".

I think its important and good for the mental well-being of a child if parents were to bring them to such rallies. It was an unique eye-opener for me and till today, I have yet to be able to truly share what I saw with my colleagues or close friends. Its an experience one has to go through yourself. It’s an initiation to politics, to life, to the real world. I hope my nephews and nieces would be exposed to the same political ‘exposure’ as their aunt one day. U have to decide if you need another toilet in your flat afterall.