As the GE approaches, some of the Opposition parties (less WP of course) might be huddling together to contemplate forming an Alliance.
The advantages of having an "Alliance of Singapore Opposition" (ASO) is clear. I see a few main purposes:
* It provides a facade of Opposition Unity, one that has been ellusive for far too long. An alliance gives the perception that the Opposition is in a position to challenge the ruling party's hegemony. Under the auspices of ASO, the Opposition could go to the extent of proclaiming that it can offer an alternative government if and when the occasion arises.
* Electorally speaking, ASO serves as a platform for the Opposition parties to do horse-trade - to come to an amicable agreement on how to cut up the electoral map. They can then determine who contests which constituencies and avoid three-cornered contests.
* An alliance also works as an exchange for the various parties to beg-and-borrow candidates for the purpose of contesting GRCs. They can form stronger GRC teams, combined.
But what are the available options for an Opposition Alliance?
1. Split Bus - SDA
First we have the SDA - the split bus - the front of the bus bends in opposite direction to the rear section.
RP's predatory and lop-sided conditions for it to join SDA broke the only standing Opposition alliance we have had in our recent political history. The two existing component parties PKMS and SJP are unlikely to accept RP into this alliance unless the latter drops all its conditions.
With RP being blocked from joining SDA, there is a chance that SPP might abandon this bus altogether. CST knows that without SPP, the future of the Alliance will be in doubt. That is CST's triumph card. But he must also not forget that he does not have much of a deck in his hands either. (Lina is a "Joker", in more ways than one)
The possibility of NSP coming onboard this broken vehicle is also almost nil, especially since it left SDA in early 2007.
(BTW, I wonder whether NSP's reasons for leaving SDA still holds today should it consider joining an alliance now. It cited issues of "coordination and operational efficiency" for then)
2. Empty Bus – USD (United Singapore Democrats)
This empty shell formed by SDP's (very shy) associates continues to be parked in one corner, waiting not just for passengers, but even for a driver and route assignment. It is on perpetual standby.
The stigma of this hollow bus is its association with SDP - the “D” word is just too glaring. SDP is a party that has been ostracised by the people because of the kind of politics it pursues and unlawful tactics it employs. The other Opposition will not find comfort coming under such an umbrella.
The bus will probably still be "choping" a permanent parking-lot at the bus depot, and probably eventually abandoned to rust.
3. New Bus – No name yet, but the name "ASO" (not copyrighted) is available
Lastly, there is a possibility that the collective Opposition might resort to registering a brand new vehicle. I guess we would just have to contend with seeing a new political entity added to the bits-and-pieces that we already on the Opposition political landscape.
And seeing the amount of infighting and bickering that takes place, it is doubtful that this bus will NOT get beaten up as well.
For me, I can only hope the new bus will finally represent a credible and honourable collective Opposition that we have never been offered.
And my last advice: no more personal “vetos” ala CST, please.
The advantages of having an "Alliance of Singapore Opposition" (ASO) is clear. I see a few main purposes:
* It provides a facade of Opposition Unity, one that has been ellusive for far too long. An alliance gives the perception that the Opposition is in a position to challenge the ruling party's hegemony. Under the auspices of ASO, the Opposition could go to the extent of proclaiming that it can offer an alternative government if and when the occasion arises.
* Electorally speaking, ASO serves as a platform for the Opposition parties to do horse-trade - to come to an amicable agreement on how to cut up the electoral map. They can then determine who contests which constituencies and avoid three-cornered contests.
* An alliance also works as an exchange for the various parties to beg-and-borrow candidates for the purpose of contesting GRCs. They can form stronger GRC teams, combined.
But what are the available options for an Opposition Alliance?
1. Split Bus - SDA
First we have the SDA - the split bus - the front of the bus bends in opposite direction to the rear section.
RP's predatory and lop-sided conditions for it to join SDA broke the only standing Opposition alliance we have had in our recent political history. The two existing component parties PKMS and SJP are unlikely to accept RP into this alliance unless the latter drops all its conditions.
With RP being blocked from joining SDA, there is a chance that SPP might abandon this bus altogether. CST knows that without SPP, the future of the Alliance will be in doubt. That is CST's triumph card. But he must also not forget that he does not have much of a deck in his hands either. (Lina is a "Joker", in more ways than one)
The possibility of NSP coming onboard this broken vehicle is also almost nil, especially since it left SDA in early 2007.
(BTW, I wonder whether NSP's reasons for leaving SDA still holds today should it consider joining an alliance now. It cited issues of "coordination and operational efficiency" for then)
2. Empty Bus – USD (United Singapore Democrats)
This empty shell formed by SDP's (very shy) associates continues to be parked in one corner, waiting not just for passengers, but even for a driver and route assignment. It is on perpetual standby.
The stigma of this hollow bus is its association with SDP - the “D” word is just too glaring. SDP is a party that has been ostracised by the people because of the kind of politics it pursues and unlawful tactics it employs. The other Opposition will not find comfort coming under such an umbrella.
The bus will probably still be "choping" a permanent parking-lot at the bus depot, and probably eventually abandoned to rust.
3. New Bus – No name yet, but the name "ASO" (not copyrighted) is available
Lastly, there is a possibility that the collective Opposition might resort to registering a brand new vehicle. I guess we would just have to contend with seeing a new political entity added to the bits-and-pieces that we already on the Opposition political landscape.
And seeing the amount of infighting and bickering that takes place, it is doubtful that this bus will NOT get beaten up as well.
For me, I can only hope the new bus will finally represent a credible and honourable collective Opposition that we have never been offered.
And my last advice: no more personal “vetos” ala CST, please.
