Turning the WP into a faster machine
by Andrew Loh
Critics of The Workers Party have one main grouse. And this is
that the party is not being vocal enough. The WPs secretary
general Mr Low Thia Khiang responded to such criticism by
challenging the critics to step forward, join the WP and help make
it faster.
I see the criticisms as very healthy and welcome them, for I
believe that it is through such critiques that any organization can
progress and improve itself. Thus, instead of seeing the criticisms
as being negative, which the WP doesnt I am sure, I see it as a
timely reminder to the WP, almost 2 years after the GE.
I also see such criticisms directed at the WP as indication of
approval of the WP, in fact. It shows me that Singaporeans have
placed hopes on the party to represent them in a more concrete way.
These same Singaporeans feel that the party can do more and should
do more. It is a sign of confidence in the party, if you think
about it.
The confidence is borne out of how the party conducted itself
during the last General Elections in May, and also with the
credible people that it has in its ranks, especially Mr Low and Ms
Sylvia Lim, both of whom have shown that they are quite different
from opposition members of the past.
They do not adopt thunder and lightning methods of
confrontational politics. Instead, they prefer sensible, careful
and diligent study of each issue before they speak on it whether
in Parliament or outside of Parliament.
It is a calculated, mature and responsible approach.
This is why I would say that the critics accusations that the WP
has been rather silent on issues are not completely accurate.
Indeed, if one were to recall all the issues the party has brought
up since the elections, one would see that the range is quite
comprehensive.
The impression which the critics have about the WP being silent is
perhaps because of exactly the method which the party leaders have
deliberately adopted a non-confrontational, non-sensational
approach.
Bluntly put, it will be easier for the party to raise their fists,
as it were, call to the heavens, beat their collective chests and
summon the gods of confrontation if the partys main prerogative
was to get attention.
It is to the leaderships credit that this is not their aim. As Mr
Low said in the Straits Times interview, The Workers Party is a
responsible party and I do not believe in just making statements,
just making comments for the sake of making noise.
Instead, anyone who knows Mr Low will know that his main concern is
always the good of Singapore and Singaporeans. Does a policy
benefit Singaporeans?, looking at it objectively without the
partisan politics. And if it is good for Singapore, the WP does not
shy away from saying so and credit the government.
This is perhaps why some are puzzled with Mr Low giving the PAP a
passing grade so far, as reported in the media. I would
confidently say that any neutral observer would agree with Mr Low
that the PAP govt has a passing grade thus far.
Of course this does not mean that the govt is perfect and has
nothing further to improve on. Indeed, it does in many areas.
Besides, a passing grade does not mean a distinction grade.
Now, going back to the question of the WP not being vocal enough,
the ultimate solution lies with Singaporeans - if they indeed feel
the party is not doing enough.
An organization is only as good, as strong, as competent, as the
people in it.
Thus, I echo Mr Lows challenge: Those who feel that the party is
not doing enough should consider seriously coming forward and
joining the party. Your expertise, knowledge, effort, skills will
help the party do better.
What will help you shed the fear of joining the WP and or any
opposition party? Are you still haunted by phantom ghosts of
persecution, destruction and fear? Would you want to pass on such
fears to your next generation of Singaporeans?
The truth is that no amount of deliberations, discussions or
encouragement will help you overcome this fear. The only thing
which will help you do that is to just do it. It is only when you
join the party that you will overcome the fear of joining the
party. Its paradoxical but it is also true. This was my own
experience when I first joined the WP in 2006, a few months before
the elections.
But the most important question is: How much do you feel and care
for Singapore and your fellow Singaporeans? Is that enough to make
you take the next step?
Joining the WP is not a personal ego trip as any party member
will tell you. It is a collective effort by ordinary Singaporeans
who care enough to do something for their country. A collective
effort which party members and volunteers carry in the belief that
the country needs an alternative a responsible, credible, smart,
intelligent and mature party which is determined to move the
country forward, even if it is one inch at a time.
An effort which only reward is knowing that we are doing our best
and have done our best - and will continue to do our best.
To sum up, I urge the critics of the party to come forward and chip
in, put your shoulders to the wheel with us.
It is then and only then that the party will, in the words of
Mr Low be able to meet societys expectations.
PS: For those who are, for one reason or another, unable to be
party members, they can also be volunteers with the party. You can
contact the party in various ways. Please click here.
*The views presented in this article are the personal view of the
author and do not necessarily represent that of The Workers
Party.
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