Chitchat WP and 15 Jan 2021- the last dance ?

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An honorable member of the Coffee Shop Has Just Posted the Following:

Success is always a double edged sword. Sweet yet cruel and more so in politics than anywhere else.

Since 2006, with Hougang safely in their hands they went forth with a strategy that worked in 2 general elections. It gave the nation hope. It broke down the GRC citadel. It is an interesting strategy and very similar to what Chiam had done - win the people over with hard work and dedication on the ground. It also meant avoid facing the PAP outside Parliament as the votes came from ordinary citizens. In 2015, that strategy surprisingly did not come thru. It certainly was not due to the lack of quality candidates. In fact it had a solid slate and better than any other time in their history at least in terms of academic qualifications and professional exposure.

Yes, there was the other side of the coin as well - the PAP worked hard to address or cover-up the pain points. And there is no doubt in anyone's mind that they did it by misappropriating public purse and pubic agencies to campaign on their behalf. And yes it was unfair and an uphill battle. But it does show the need for a better strategy. I am sure now that the PAP has found a formula that works, they are going to stick to it.

The challenge that WP now faces is that they have 4 years to create and maintain a position of an effective opposition by challenging and holding the PAP accountable and to be seen actually doing inside and outside Parliament.

It no longer can be a situation of raising questions in Parliament and Parliament only. That tactic is short sighted. Firstly the language of parliament will immediately remove the majority of citizens who have difficulty following and the state controlled press will play no part in telling the people what it all means. Secondly working the ground hard is no longer a forward moving tactic, it has become a defensive tactic to hold on to the existing seats. It is time that broader strategy where a myriad of platforms to engender discourse and discussions on politics and social issues of the day has to come into play. That means the WP must be prepared to challenge and engage the pubic and the Government in every issue that is of importance and a concern to Singaporeans.

In other words, they cannot be seen as mere municipal council staff diligently looking after town council matters. They also cannot be seen as reticent yet concerned individuals in a think tank environment quietly analysing policy proposals and offering alternatives as much as the PAP wants them to behave as such. It means to be seen, to be heard and to take the cause in a more energetic and more pronounced manner.

During the Hep C deaths, nothing was heard, during the train defects episode only Leon and Gerald made strong and effective comments but it quietened down within a day with a Pravda like statement on their website on the questions to be raised. No press conferences even for something as important as this.

If nothing changes, it will certainly be the last dance for quiet a while.


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