A political masterstroke. Even though it is a powerful symbol; in practical terms, it doesn't cost them anything as they can easily keep pulling strings behind the scenes.
The problem is the party's policies, not individual personalities. If the policies remain as screwed up as ever, nothing will change even if these two officially step down.
However, the symbolism of it all blunts a lot of the criticism about not listening to the people. If in the future the Opposition claims they are not listening to the people, they can just point to this and say, MM and SM stepped down, what more do you want? It also helps generate political momentum to portray the PAP as being interested in reform. And they get a lot of goodwill for the things MM and SM have done in the past.
This Government is very, very smart.
Very similar to Kevin Rudd's (another political genius) apology to the Aborigines. It didn't cost him anything. Mere words, which he never proceeded to translate into any action whatsoever. But the political payout he garnered at the time was huge.
http://www.news.com.au/national/pm-moves-to-heal-the-nation/story-e6frfkw9-1111115539560
The problem is the party's policies, not individual personalities. If the policies remain as screwed up as ever, nothing will change even if these two officially step down.
However, the symbolism of it all blunts a lot of the criticism about not listening to the people. If in the future the Opposition claims they are not listening to the people, they can just point to this and say, MM and SM stepped down, what more do you want? It also helps generate political momentum to portray the PAP as being interested in reform. And they get a lot of goodwill for the things MM and SM have done in the past.
This Government is very, very smart.
Very similar to Kevin Rudd's (another political genius) apology to the Aborigines. It didn't cost him anything. Mere words, which he never proceeded to translate into any action whatsoever. But the political payout he garnered at the time was huge.
http://www.news.com.au/national/pm-moves-to-heal-the-nation/story-e6frfkw9-1111115539560
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