In 1993, 21 years ago, CSJ inherited a fully set-up party, 2 constituencies - Bt Gombak and Nee Soon Central as well 2 town councils. The SDP was the opposition party in ascendency. It had tremendous appeal as it was viewed as multi-racial, progressive and had no looney businessmen playing masak masaka every 5 years.
Agree with you that SDP under CSJ didn't achieve much in the early years. Those were the difficult years for the opposition, even for JBJ, he didn't win any seat during that time, since Anson. The opposition were pretty much suppressed with only CST and LTK on board. But the SDP have changed in recent years, in 2011, they have attracted some talents and am still continuing to bring new talent into the party. With his discharge from bankruptcy, CSJ can now contest in the elections. If he wins, then it is good for him, he has redeem himself. If he lose, he ought to make way for a new leader.