Like it or not, Singaporeans do owe a debt of gratitude to GMS and all those who he named after 2001. They were not polished, loaded with academic credentials nor were they known captions of industry nor leaders in their respective profession. They however stepped forward and fought a good battle in 2006. It was also the turning point for opposition politics. I am sure people like Daniel Goh, Chen, and others would not have stepped forward if WP did not get the results and the attention that they received since 2006.
I recall the immediate years prior to GE 2006 and SBF was one of the favourites forums to discuss opposition politics. People like GMS and Melvin Tan helped educate many in this forum and raised the awareness and interest in many of the forum readers.
We all had our numerous confrontations with one or both of them but they they and their associates including their families made the first move and the rest followed. I recall I used to have the usual discussion with GMS, MT, Locke and Ramseth about WP's bucket and broom stick approach to politics. I said you must capture the national attention. They said that they will work from ground up and I laughed. I guess they had the last laugh.
I am certain without them, WP will not be on this road. Neither Singapore.