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http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2011/02/11/rift-within-sda-grows/
Rift within SDA grows
By Faris – February 11th, 2011
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The rift within the SDA can also be attributed partly to a bid by Mr Chiam to bring the Reform Party into the alliance. (Photo: Yahoo!).
While other political parties are busy preparing for the elections, the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) on the other hand is busy dealing with an internal dispute.
Two parties in the alliance, which is made up of three opposition parties have sent its chairman, Mr Chiam See Tong, 75, a letter demanding that he explain his actions in recent months.
The show-cause letter from Singapore Malay National Organisation (PKMS) and Singapore Justice Party (SJP) was sent on Jan 21 and gave him up to Feb 3 to respond.
According to The Straits Times, Mr Chiam, who is also Member of Parliament (MP) for Potong Pasir and chief of the Singapore People’s Party (SPP), has yet to respond. When asked to comment on the issue, the opposition veteran dismissed the letter, saying, “Why should I respond to them?”.
He highlighted that the SDA is due to pick a new supreme executive council, and added that the current council’s two-year term will expire this month.
The dispute reflects the alliance’s continuing struggle to achieve its goal to unite Singapore’s opposition parties. Formed in 2001 with four member-parties, the alliance was reduced to three in 2007 when the National Solidarity Party quit, saying it wanted more room to grow.
This latest development can also be attributed partly to an abortive bid by Mr Chiam to bring the Reform Party into the alliance. It led to a falling out with his former protégé Desmond Lim, 42, whose position as SDA’s secretary-general is being disputed by Mr Chiam.
The row over Mr Lim’s position in the SDA is one of the issues raised in the show-cause letter signed by Mr Lim and SDA vice-chairman and PKMS president Ali Asjadi.
The other areas of contention include Mr Chiam’s absence from at least three SDA meetings held since last May and their difficulty in contacting him.
He was also asked to explain why his wife Lina, who does not sit on SDA’s supreme executive council, has been acting on his behalf in dealing with other political parties.
Law lecturer Eugene Tan of the Singapore Management University (SMU) said the infighting, which erupted last May, can only hurt the SDA and the SPP if it is not resolved before the General Election – due by February next year.
“Naturally, voters will expect Mr Chiam, as the MP and chairman of the SDA, to demonstrate his leadership in resolving a split that has gone on for far too long,” Mr Tan added.
On the other hand, PKMS secretary-general Nazem Suki said the letter was sent to resolve the dispute, and to project the SDA as a “healthy, well-organised institution”.
“We want Mr Chiam to lead SDA peacefully, or pass the baton constitutionally to someone else if his health does not permit him to lead.
“We will support Mr Chiam without question, on condition Mr Chiam respects the SDA Constitution,” he added.
The Constitution forbids the alliance from expelling an elected MP but it can form a special committee to look into possible disciplinary actions, such as demotion or suspension of duties.
Mr Nazem declined to comment on what actions the SDA would take if Mr Chiam failed to reply to the letter. “We’re still hoping to hear from him,” he said.
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Follow Yahoo! News on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
Rift within SDA grows
By Faris – February 11th, 2011
Email Facebook Twitter Print
400yahoo_chiamseetong
The rift within the SDA can also be attributed partly to a bid by Mr Chiam to bring the Reform Party into the alliance. (Photo: Yahoo!).
While other political parties are busy preparing for the elections, the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) on the other hand is busy dealing with an internal dispute.
Two parties in the alliance, which is made up of three opposition parties have sent its chairman, Mr Chiam See Tong, 75, a letter demanding that he explain his actions in recent months.
The show-cause letter from Singapore Malay National Organisation (PKMS) and Singapore Justice Party (SJP) was sent on Jan 21 and gave him up to Feb 3 to respond.
According to The Straits Times, Mr Chiam, who is also Member of Parliament (MP) for Potong Pasir and chief of the Singapore People’s Party (SPP), has yet to respond. When asked to comment on the issue, the opposition veteran dismissed the letter, saying, “Why should I respond to them?”.
He highlighted that the SDA is due to pick a new supreme executive council, and added that the current council’s two-year term will expire this month.
The dispute reflects the alliance’s continuing struggle to achieve its goal to unite Singapore’s opposition parties. Formed in 2001 with four member-parties, the alliance was reduced to three in 2007 when the National Solidarity Party quit, saying it wanted more room to grow.
This latest development can also be attributed partly to an abortive bid by Mr Chiam to bring the Reform Party into the alliance. It led to a falling out with his former protégé Desmond Lim, 42, whose position as SDA’s secretary-general is being disputed by Mr Chiam.
The row over Mr Lim’s position in the SDA is one of the issues raised in the show-cause letter signed by Mr Lim and SDA vice-chairman and PKMS president Ali Asjadi.
The other areas of contention include Mr Chiam’s absence from at least three SDA meetings held since last May and their difficulty in contacting him.
He was also asked to explain why his wife Lina, who does not sit on SDA’s supreme executive council, has been acting on his behalf in dealing with other political parties.
Law lecturer Eugene Tan of the Singapore Management University (SMU) said the infighting, which erupted last May, can only hurt the SDA and the SPP if it is not resolved before the General Election – due by February next year.
“Naturally, voters will expect Mr Chiam, as the MP and chairman of the SDA, to demonstrate his leadership in resolving a split that has gone on for far too long,” Mr Tan added.
On the other hand, PKMS secretary-general Nazem Suki said the letter was sent to resolve the dispute, and to project the SDA as a “healthy, well-organised institution”.
“We want Mr Chiam to lead SDA peacefully, or pass the baton constitutionally to someone else if his health does not permit him to lead.
“We will support Mr Chiam without question, on condition Mr Chiam respects the SDA Constitution,” he added.
The Constitution forbids the alliance from expelling an elected MP but it can form a special committee to look into possible disciplinary actions, such as demotion or suspension of duties.
Mr Nazem declined to comment on what actions the SDA would take if Mr Chiam failed to reply to the letter. “We’re still hoping to hear from him,” he said.
Related Articles:
* MM Lee on PAP losing power: That day will come
* Winning over the hearts and minds of youth voters
* Ruling PAP a no-show at major political forum
Follow Yahoo! News on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
