I have read some comments on a forum that advocate that WP should just declare where it will contest and not negotiate with any other opposition parties in the next GE. The following is my response: Sorry, Scroobal and the rest, I have serious doubts of your analysis and views, though I agree part of them. First of all, it would be overly optimistic for anyone to proclaim that WP can just announce where it wants to go and then just fight. Thats really full of arrogance and ignorance. I dont blame you guys but it is really painful to see people who have not fought any electoral battles in opposition politics to utter such profound words. Well, there are some WP members who hold on to that view as well but LTK is pretty clear that those are of minority view. This is why, LTK would still attend NSP Anniversary Dinner on Saturday and went around ALL tables (I believe over 40 tables) to shake hands and chit chat with everybody. He is after all a shrewd politician who understands the importance of DIPLOMACY when you are still small as compared to the biggest opponent PAP. As a Chinese educated leader, he would have read the Chinese history, particularly on how small tribes in Mongolia became the most formidable force that ruled almost 70% of the known civilized world under Genghis Khan. Right from East Asia, China, passing through the whole Asian continent to middle east. It is all about DIPLOMACY. No doubt that TJS has strategically chose his partys name as Singaporean First Party to zoom in on the neglected part of public discourse by WP, that doesnt mean that he will definitely go into three corner fight with WP in East Coast. Although it is a bit strange for him to choose East Coast area to announce his partys formation, but his intention is yet to be determined. Well, yes, SFP may possibly capture the votes from people who are disappointed of WPs relatively quiet stance on various issues as well as the perception of WP as Chinese Party, but I do not think any serious opposition party which seek to win elections would decide to go into three corner fights with WP in such a manner. They may be FORCED into three corner fight with WP when WP wanted to encroach into their turfs but wont initiate such bold move to attack WPs turf for no reasons. Having said that, as you have already identified the weaknesses of WP, it would naturally UNWISE for WP to just declare where it wanted to contest and refuse to negotiate with other parties. That would be suicidal in terms of damaging its party branding. I believe WP would be by now, realize the very weaknesses you have pointed out and be wise to select its battlefield carefully. All opposition parties, including WP, have limited resources. In by-elections, it would be manageable to have multi-corner fights but when it comes to General Elections, it will be totally different ball game because it involves huge logistics arrangement. Even with 23 seats contested for last GE, WP has already seen strains on its logistics. WPs posters and banners in East Coast were not up until the third or forth day after the campaign started! And yet, there are people who are talking about aggressive expansion of battleground which will definitely stretch its logistics very thin! I do believe WP will drop the idea of contesting in Tampines but may choose to fight Punggol Pasir Ris and Marine Parade instead. Tampines has too large a Malay voting block comparatively and as you have said, WP is seen as too Chinese at the moment. And Tampines has never been a soft ground to begin with. NSP was lucky to have a good swing of Malay votes in support of us back in 2011. Constrains on logistics and the apparent of weaknesses will make WP think twice on taking the path of solo adventure. So please lah, be realistic. In conclusion, skillful exercise of diplomacy will still be needed to minimize wastage of scarce resources as well as optimizing chances of winning. Goh Meng Seng
Posted on: Sun, 25 May 2014 17:37:27 +0000
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