It is like a pilgrimage to me. One that I make once every five years.
Today is the second last day of campaigning for political parties before Singapore goes to the polls on September 11. During the last General Election in 2011, I went to almost every single Workers’ Party rally, but this time, I have not gone to any until today.
As I walked to Serangoon Stadium, my mind went back to four years ago when I had ambled along the same path. That seemed like only yesterday. I quickened my pace to catch up with my brother, who’s clearly oblivious to the fact that his sister was not walking as fast as he was.
The crowd started getting thicker as we neared the traffic junction at the stadium. A sense of excitement welled in me.
There were people from all walks of life. People of different ages, races and backgrounds. It was evident some came from work, still dressed in collared shirts and pants. Some came in casual clothes, with family members in tow. It didn’t matter who we all are and where we came from. We were all there for the same purpose.
There was this realisation that I was losing the country that I grew up in, and I badly want my country back.
And it amuses me to see how creative and humorous Singaporeans can be in times like this. You could see flags styled in various forms, placards with witty messages, gigantic hammers, even lighted ones.
And the most beautiful part is – all these came from our hearts. There was nothing staged or contrived about it.
I smiled when I heard that. What he said is true. I have never felt more Singaporean than I did at a Workers’ Party rally.
And for me, this is home. Truly.
This article is written by Katherine Goh. All opinions expressed are the writer’s own.
Photo © Katherine Goh.
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