A Kopitiam Chat About the Singapore Elections

A Kopitiam Chat About the Singapore Elections

Uncles, Kopi, and Kampung Wisdom

Scene: Tuesday morning, somewhere in Bedok. Two uncles sitting at their usual table near the fan. The kopi is hot, the curry puff still warm, and the gossip even warmer.

Uncle Lim: Wah, Raj, you hear or not? Elections coming again. Time to dig out my lucky pen.

Uncle Raj: Lucky pen? For what?

Uncle Lim: For voting lah! Every time I use that pen, the person I vote for wins. I’m like the election whisperer.

Uncle Raj: Hah, then this time you better vote carefully ah. Don’t whisper too loud, later kena summoned.

Me: (joining in with my kopi-c) You both really something else. But real talk leh, you all think this year the vibe different?

Uncle Lim: Different ah. Got new party pop up again. Every five years, like durian season. Smell strong, but sometimes not ripe.

Uncle Raj: My son say this time a lot of young people interested. All talking politics on TikTok. One even made a video dancing about CPF.

Me: Wah, serious? From CPF to CTF. Can dance, can vote. Modern problems need modern kampung solutions.

Uncle Lim: But hor, I must say, our MP not too bad lah. Last time the lift always breakdown. Now, only breakdown every third week.

Uncle Raj: Improvement already! Must give chance. Though I still waiting for them to fix the zebra crossing near my block. Cars speed past like it’s F1.

Me: I just want someone who can solve problems and don’t talk like every press conference is an awards show.

Uncle Lim: Yah, nowadays everything is “robust engagement” and “sustainable frameworks.” Just tell me when my void deck upgrade will finish can already.

Uncle Raj: You see ah, last election my neighbour vote based on which party gave better goodie bag. Got fan, got mineral water, got NTUC voucher. Win already.

Me: Bro, that’s not voting. That’s shopping.

Uncle Lim: Aiyah, old folks like that one. For them, the $5 voucher means one more bowl of mee pok.

Uncle Raj: But you know what I think? Voting is not just about who shout louder. It’s about who remember your name when the cameras go away.

Me: Wah, wise words sia. Uncle Raj dropping pearls of kopi tiam wisdom today.

Uncle Lim: Ok lah, enough politics for now. I go buy 4D. If win, I treat both of you chicken rice. If lose, you all owe me kopi next round.

Me: Deal. But remember to vote ah. Don’t just talk cock and disappear.

Uncle Raj: Vote we will. At least got say, even if small. Like chili padi. Small but shiok.

Final Thought: Elections are coming, and whether you’re a seasoned uncle with a lucky pen or a first-time voter with a TikTok account, your vote matters. So, come down, have your say. Don’t let other people decide for you while you queue for kopi.

See you at the polls. And maybe at the hawker centre after that.