You have to make your vote count. You can't rely on somebody else to cast the vote for the opposition.
The opposition's role is meaningful when voters elect an opposition with an elected mandate to speak for Singaporeans.
GST may well have to rise, but Singaporeans could be more likely to accept it if the government considers the pros and cons of moving from the established orthodoxy, and consider new approaches that improve social protection thresholds for all, and elderly Singaporeans in particular.
There are potential safety gaps that need to be considered and improvements which need to be made. I hope that these can be swiftly and thoughtfully instituted with the professionalism the SAF is known for, so that Singaporeans can rest easy knowing our military women and men are operationally ready to keep Singapore safe and secure at all times.
Referring to the PAP as uncaring so as to persuade some of our fellow Singaporeans to consider casting their vote for the WP will be self-defeating for us.
An unelected opposition in Parliament cannot change the PAP. GE 2011 and the Government's response to shift to the left proved that.
The right numerical balance is not just random number, it is an inherent checking mechanism in our parliamentary democracy against any ruling party that chooses to put its political interests first.
The public may want an elected opposition in Parliament, but we have to earn our place and work hard both in our Town Councils and in Parliament to retain the confidence and support of our people.
We want to show Singaporeans that if you vote in an opposition party, it doesn't mean your town is going to descend into chaos.
You know, when I joined the WP, I didn't join with the notion of being sec-gen or coveting any sort of leadership appointment.
Every WP member can bring in a member of any race and religion. I think it's probably healthy we do it that way rather than play up the racial dimension too much.
The WP now is not like the WP of the past. Especially after Aljunied, Hougang and Punggol East, I think we are appealing to a very broad section of Singapore society, as any party that is establishing itself at the national level has to do.
Instead of considering the tremendous contributions people of faith, including Christians and Muslims have made on society and helping those in need and providing a sacred canopy for the faithful, some of respected religious figures and friends are singularly judged through their views on Section 377A.
The Workers' Party will not be like the Japanese in World War II.
