Jamus Lim of the Workers' Party caused quite a buzz at the recent live debate held on July 1, between four political parties on Mediacorp.

Apart from Lim, the other three people involved in the event were Vivian Balakrishnan (People's Action Party), Francis Yuen (Progress Singapore Party) and Chee Soon Juan (Singapore Democratic Party).

Speaking to Mothership on July 2, Lim shared his impressions of Vivian, Yuen and Chee, highlighting that he had enjoyed the discussion, and was appreciative of the positions and viewpoints that the other three parties brought to the table.

As per Lim:

"Maybe it's a bit of the academic mindset I have. I enjoy the exchange of ideas. I think the exchange of ideas makes our democracy healthier."

Vivian Balakrishnan: Many years of experience

On the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lim noted that he had "many years of experience" and said that he was appreciative of his "representation of Singapore to the rest of the world."

Lim added that he had been very proud in particular, when he saw Vivian speaking on CNBC as "he represents a good image of Singapore to the rest of the world."

In noting the need for presenting unity on the international stage, Lim further highlighted that WP Secretary-General Pritam Singh had also conducted himself on such a basis at international forums.

"That's important to emphasise you know we are Singapore, and we stand as one relative to the rest of the world."

Chee Soon Juan: Many years of thinking critically about Singapore's policies

As for the SDP's Secretary-General, Lim said,"Dr Chee of course has many years of thinking very, very critically about Singapore's policies...although I personally don't share...all the policy positions he holds."

Lim further stated however, that he was "appreciative" of the position that Chee came from and added that he liked how Chee "was able to push the boundaries" of what a given argument he believes in is about.

As such,"In the end, maybe we don't agree with him and if the majority of us don't agree with him, then that's what democracy is about, right?"

Lim then said that it was still important for Chee for to be able to present his views in Parliament, explaining,"so that we have that specific perspective."

Francis Yuen: Brought a down-to-earth element to discussion

With regard to to the PSP candidate, Lim praised Yuen for bringing a "down-to-earth element" to the discussion and noted that he appeared to have many years of experience as an entrepreneur.

"So I really liked how he brought that individual private sector experience," Lim said.

Lim described his own experience of working in the World Bank as that of an "international public servant" and added that he appreciated what people with private sector experience brought to the table as there "may be a blind spot for people who have spent their entire lives in public service."

What about his own performance?

On this matter, Lim replied:

"I hope that I was able to bring that to the table to represent a set of ideas and concerns that may not have been on the radar or smartphone...I hope I was a good representative for those viewpoints."

When we asked Lim about the attention he had received as a result of his performance, Lim said:

"I have focused largely on my family, my friends. My family have told me they are proud of me, and I'm happy about that."

Top image from Zenn Tan