Historical Lessons: The SDP debacle post 1991 GE

[quincey_m]

In the light of WP's victory in Aljunied GRC last week, I couldn't help but think back to another milestone of yesteryear during the 1991 GE, where the SDP attained the largest number of opposition seats in parliament since 1963. That distinction has been overtaken by the WP's victory last week. However, as arm chair critics and analyst, what do you think the WP has to do to avoid making the same mistakes as the SDP did, in the light of full frontal assault of the ruling establishment given the threat to their political hegemony?

 

[steffychun]

In the light of WP's victory in Aljunied GRC last week, I couldn't help but think back to another milestone of yesteryear during the 1991 GE, where the SDP attained the largest number of opposition seats in parliament since 1963. That distinction has been overtaken by the WP's victory last week. However, as arm chair critics and analyst, what do you think the WP has to do to avoid making the same mistakes as the SDP did, in the light of full frontal assault of the ruling establishment given the threat to their political hegemony?

Back then the win was a fluke shot--given especially due to the Seet Ai Mee affair. SDP afterwards was led by the ass of a hole Chee who pushed Chiam out and failed to get his party to do anything constructive. The result--minus four seats.

 

[Rogue Trader]

Unlikely since WP is run like a tight ship under Low. Notice young turks like GMS and CTL who left the party after GE2006 over disagreements.

 

[quincey_m]

Back then the win was a fluke shot--given especially due to the Seet Ai Mee affair. SDP afterwards was led by the ass of a hole Chee who pushed Chiam out and failed to get his party to do anything constructive. The result--minus four seats.

It wasn't just the much publicized fallout between Dr Chee and Mr Chiam which mattered (and of course the MSM fully milking the situation), it also involved how there was so much disagreements and egocentric personalities within the party itself. This is where ur concept of a fluke victory comes in, it seemed as if that the SDP CEC just wasn't set up to deal with the sudden success. I'm comforted, from appearance, the current WP leadership is running a much tighter ship than Mr Chiam did back in 1991. Not to mention putting long term goals ahead short term returns, by not accepting mass exoduses of party members from other parties (I sense to the disdain of certain opposition figures who view the WP as arrogant). But one only has to look back at history to understand why this is the right decision if we recall the impact the WP exodus of 1991 into the SDP has in the political dynamics of the latter, which played a part in the eventual falling out.

 

[steffychun]

It wasn't just the much publicized fallout between Dr Chee and Mr Chiam which mattered (and of course the MSM fully milking the situation), it also involved how there was so much disagreements and egocentric personalities within the party itself. This is where ur concept of a fluke victory comes in, it seemed as if that the SDP CEC just wasn't set up to deal with the sudden success. I'm comforted, from appearance, the current WP leadership is running a much tighter ship than Mr Chiam did back in 1991. Not to mention putting long term goals ahead short term returns, by not accepting mass exoduses of party members from other parties (I sense to the disdain of certain opposition figures who view the WP as arrogant). But one only has to look back at history to understand why this is the right decision if we recall the impact the WP exodus of 1991 into the SDP has in the political dynamics of the latter, which played a part in the eventual falling out.

I tell you it was much of a rift between Chiam and Chee or Chiam wouldn't have bothered to sue Chee--and rightfully got back damages. Yes Chee may be a hero, but if a party that held such a strong majority bakc thne was reduced to nothing --tells you much about the leader and his leadership. JB yes a good man. Low yes (but not fiery). Chee, the worst of the lot.

Even so, I hope Slyvia takes more of a role than Low, giventhat she can talk. Low can connect but not debate. So if a shadow cabinet comes, I would like Slyvia to be the Shadow Leader.

 

[NoNewsGood]

Back then the win was a fluke shot--given especially due to the Seet Ai Mee affair. SDP afterwards was led by the ass of a hole Chee who pushed Chiam out and failed to get his party to do anything constructive. The result--minus four seats.

Only minus 2 - Cheo and Ling. Chiam and Low retained their seats in the 1997 election.

 

[ivebert]

Unlikely since WP is run like a tight ship under Low. Notice young turks like GMS and CTL who left the party after GE2006 over disagreements.

hahahaha

GMS is a not even a young turk

He's one decaying piece of shit

 

[Rogue Trader]

hahahaha

GMS is a not even a young turk

He's one decaying piece of shit

so you calling him an old turd?

 

[steffychun]

Only minus 2 - Cheo and Ling. Chiam and Low retained their seats in the 1997 election.

I meant all SDP MPs lost theri seats the next round. And hardly made an impact in parliament except saying "don't talk cock"