‘SDP AND
NSP SHOULD MERGE’: TAN JEE SAY
By Harold Chen
Contributor
The Singapore Democratic Party’s “star candidate”, Mr Tan Jee Say,
has suggested that the SDP should consider a merger with the
National Solidarity Party so as bring about greater unity within
the opposition as well as to strengthen and consolidate both
parties.
Mr Tan, whose team in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC managed to obtain
just under 40% of the votes, was formerly a senior civil servant
and chief aide to Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. Both the NSP and
SDP failed to win any seats in the recent general election, while
the Workers’ Party managed to win 6 seats.
Speaking to the Chinese-language Shin
Min Daily, Mr Tan said: “It is
possible that the SDP and NSP could merge to create a stronger
presence. This would enable both parties to tap on the professional
expertise and experience of both sets of candidates, to provide
different perspectives and voices for greater diversity and
representation.”
Mr Tan said that the NSP has a more “Chinese towkay” image, whereas
the SDP has a more Westernised, liberal image, which raises the
possibility that a merger might lead to more efficient
consolidation of resources. He said that he had no regrets in
joining the SDP, as its strong economic policy platform allowed him
to put forward his own economic proposals. He also confirmed that
he will be contesting the next general election in 2016.
He admitted that while the idea of a merger
between the SDP and NSP was viable, there were “practical concerns”
that had to be addressed before it could actually take
place.
He added that his personal focus would be geared towards a deeper
analysis of housing and transportation issues, followed by
healthcare and education. He said that he would also be looking
into raising funds for his research.
The original Shin Min article (in Chinese) can be
viewed here.
http://satayclub.net/2011/05/sdp-and-nsp-should-merge-tan-jee-say/