Based on the various posts and some other websites, it appears that working conclusions can be drawn about TOC. These conclusions may or may reflect the reality but they are useful hypotheses and can be modified as future events unfold.
(1) The TOC has strong connections to the PAP
(2) The TOC positioned themselves as moderate voices
(3) The TOC is now ready for greater limelight
By itself a blogging website does not mean much.
But if some members of the TOC go into politics under their own umbrella, then they will be able to leverage on the mindshare of the voters - that they are independent, moderate and thus are useful alternative voices to the voters.
This will effectively marginalize the votes for WP. Especially when they challenge the WP for the same ward.
This will effectively silence SDP.
This will effectively give an answer to world wide critics of the Singapore system.
This will effectively fill a need amongst the voters - that we want an opposition to represent us in Parliament.
Does it therefore matter if the opposition are independent or have strong ties to the ruling party? It pays to look at it from the voters perspective. Because that is where the battle is fought.
Most voters could not care less. They know now that there is a strong opposition. When prices increases, it will be voiced. There will be two major parties and as one keep saying, this is not a coalition, this does not come from Chee, this is good for singapore.
Yes, on a reasonable basis, voters are likely to accept the TOC.
