The opposition needs to get their act together, otherwise they are just wasting their time, and the people's time.
They need to start with only 2 things:
(1) A coherent platform
What is it that they want to give Singapore? What is their value-added?
Some say:
(a) Freedom of speech? That is only to allow them to speak out. But it is not that they are allowed to speak out. It is rather that they speak out properly, clearly and relevantly. So that is more a personal characteristic for themselves.
(b) Checks and balances? That is a good point.
(c) The quality of voting - (what you vote is what you get)? That is also a good point.
(d) Real democracy? That is like shooting your own foot. What is democracy? What is Real? It will end up in stupid debates.
(2) A sense of unity
If they are not able to be united, then what is their use and relevance?
(3) Why are they in opposition?
They should bring out that point clearly.
I read a newspaper article on JBJ and the only conclusion i got is that he has a personal vendetta. When you have that, people listened, shiok shiok. Laugh laugh. That's all.
From this voter's perspective, there are only two reasons for having an opposition:
First, a second opinion on government policies
Second, an alternative government. But the current opposition crop should not talk of being an alternative government. They lack the creditability to do so at this time. They also lacked the opportunity to learn. An alternative government lends stability to the whole political, economic and social process. It functions as a checks and balances. It prevents excesses.
Perhaps the most important thing for them is their mindset. They should not view themselves as opposition, but as an alternative PAP in the making - responsible, functional and capable.
I feel that the examples set by Chiam and LTK are admirable. They have families to provide, they have to eat. At the same time, they can do some good. And within the context of singapore politics, they contribute as well as they can. Most importantly from my perspective, they do not destabilize Singapore and cause an economic backlash from investors.
Again my two cents.