Singapore Democrats

A step towards GE2016. I like ^_^

GREAT! This should be the way in the engagement with several other opposition parties too!

In my personnel view, it's best to merge with NSP and SPP, who shares similar capacity and image, though SPP may be a reluctant lot due to chiam see tong's previous tenure with SDP. But think given the time and considerations, believe things may just coagulate in moving ahead with the demographics of times and expectations for a winning formula.

Thus, look forward having two main influential credible opposition parties, i.e. SDP and WP in singapore politics, instead of having a big mess-up of parties for a red dot country like singapore.

Next, would suggest to use the influence and strength of Mr.Tan Jee Say in try coaxing former foreign minister George yeo and retired/ex-ministers, as well as, certain PAP and union members in try joining the SDP, which I strongly think will definetly boost-up the image with an much needed strength of SDP now, spurring the party into greater heights.

Well, who knows SDP could even be ready to form an alternative government by the next GE 2016! CHEERS&GOOD LUCK!

NSP lacks direction, SDP lacks groundwork...
This is good publicity... I hope SDP stays in the news... worst case scenario is total blackout of SDP in Manistream media...

I was puzzled when I heard the news from TV. Instintively I checked out SDP's website...am glad it came out with a clarification.

As always, half-truths from mainsream media.

I thought SDP has always been advocating close working relationship with other opposition parties? In fact it appears that certain opposition parties are the ones that does not want to be closely associated with SDP (for whatever reason).

To me it is crucial that all opposition parties should work together and support each other instead of seemingly only concern for their own survival. However that does not equate to a need for a merger, for unless both parties are very similar in terms of leadership style, ideology, agenda etc, a merger may only lead to future complications.

I'm once again posting my earlier comment.

"Based on the outcome, its about time SDP looks at leadership renewal.

Chee should make way for newer breed of credible party stalwarts such as Vincent W who clearly won all hearts and souls during this GE.

Chee should now pass the Sec General baton to Vincent W to lead SDP in its next leg.

Chee should seriously consider this for the betterment of the party if SDP wants to go forward".

Tan Jee Say told Shin Min Daily: "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.”[1]

There is a colossal gulf between "merge" and "cooperate".

What is SDP (with or without TJS) going for?

It's encouraging and heartwarming to hear that SDP is preparing for the GE2016! I personally feel that parliament should have opposition party members so that the ruling party will know its limit, not does things whatever and whenever it likes. Even if PAP listens to the people, the opposition party members can still be the guardians. SDP should visit the constituencies it will be contesting in 2016. The party should bond with the residents on a Saturday or Sunday. Soon residents will treat SDP members like old friends.

One area of cooperation among the opposition party (or parties) that the SDP is in talks with is in the formation of a shadow cabinet. Ideally, this should be an SDP-only project, but I am making this suggestion on the assumption that resources are scarce.

However, to help boost capacity all round, the shadow cabinet could be "teams" instead, led by the shadow cabinet member and assistants which could include youth members as well, and these should ideally correspond to a) personal interests; knowledge; skills; aptitude; and b) professional training in the area. There could even be mid-term rotations as well.

One possibility is the setting up of the required number of FBs - one for each ministry - in which even readers can participate as well by contributing additional information so as not to overstrain the teams.

I think that this should start soon so that as soon as the new cabinet is formed, new material will become available which can then be accumulated for use at the next elections.

I am one of those who shun Dr DR Chee because of his public outburst.

However I have a change of heart about Dr Chee after reading more and more articles in regards to his cause on citizen rights and freedom of speech. It does not make any sense in the past, but GE 2011 gives us more exposure about politics.

Dr Chee should be given credit for one the best manifestos , took advantage of his yourSDP.org (always updated) and his recruitment of ex MAS, ex colonel, ex PM secretary and ex RI Principal son should not be overlook.

I would welcome any merger with any OPP for the sake of democracy.

I would like to congrats the SDP team for their courage and commitment. Some singaporean vote based on stability and their bread and butter issue. It is frustrating that we need 11% more to suffer till next GE. They should read the manifestos b4 voting. However 8 days to rally and campaign is a big joke.

PS: yoursdp.org is one of the best among all OPP. and DR Chee took full advantage of it. PAP can tweak our laws and constitution but they would not dare intervened n helpless to ban yoursdp.org. Good job!

Like everyone else who wishes to see more opposition unity, it would happen in the next five years for the following reasons.

1. WP already has a far superior brand name and Low Thia Khiang will see no value in diluting it with other parties.
2. As much as SDP fans here look up to Chee Soon Juan, other parties are reluctant to go anywhere near SDP for 3 reasons - History of defamation suits, civil disobedience campaigns and legacy of break with Chiam See Tong.
3. NSP and SPP pulled a higher percentage than SDP. Why would they see the need to merge with SDP?
4. It was reported that Chee had offered chiam leadership position in SDP before this elections but the latter rejected. Put it simply, Chiam will not co-operate with Chee.
5. The old guards in SDP will delude themselves that they have superior branding and organisational skills, so why share with others?
6. NSP fielded 24 candidates compare to SDP's 11. They would not see any benefit to risk merger with SDP or SPP.
7. Chiam is known to want full control of any party or alliance he is in. Just refer to the Desmond Lim saga and the break up of SDA. No one will relinquish their leadershs posts for him.
8. NSP left SDA because of Chiam's autocratic style. Why would they resume partnership with him?

Bottomline - old habits die hard.

@Worker:

Are you trying to pass off what you wrote as "serious political analysis"?

All I am seeing that comes through is pure spite, something that all you WP supporters are well known to be fully endowed with.

As for some voters, to win their votes for the candidates, they prefer that the candidates will come and talk to them instead of purely using internet as main of communication.
It show more passion and sincere to the voters when the candidates come personally to visit their house.

I'm reminded by events in the 1950s where PAP contested in only 3 constituencies in 1955 and LKY went on to work very hard to make sure that PAP gain the mandate of majority of the voters and became the only party to contest in every single constituency in 1959. Unity is not only strength, but it also gives a lot of confidence to the voters. If we need to capture the mind and the heart of the voters, the next step is certainly to give them the confidence that SDP-NSP-SPP-RP can unite amidst their differences, possess the organization skills of SDP, be excellent in groundwork like the NSP, doesn't give up like CST, produce excellent multimedia resources and utilize wisely the database of email addresses and social media. Important thing is to work on the branding and image once these opposition parties have a single logo. Stay very very cool when they use smear tactics on you. This will instill fear in them and the voters can feel. If there are issues with leadership, work along the co-leadership or rotational leadership models. Tap on each other's strength and show that you possess the exact opposite of PAP: Arrogance and Viciousness versus Humility and Passion. With the capacity of supporters now, we probably don't need to go into the Parliament to have our voice heard. =)

I'm glad to hear this, for news of a possible merger had me more than a little worried, and disappointed.

SDP today has a strong manifesto, and is quite different from NSP's. Each of them speaks to a very specific base. A merger so early in its rebirth as it works its way back into the good graces of Singaporean politics would do neither party justice.

Corporation between any, and every, party as separate entities can mean good things - that is, after all, the nature of any healthy professional relationship - but the annulment of each party's identities, and hence also of their respective supporters, which will come of a merger would appear both fickle and sloppy, whatever the momentary benefits.

Singapore is a multi-cultural society made up of 91 cultural groups. The fact that we can live together in peace and harmony today in this small congested little island is precisely because albeit still having our own individual identities, we have laid aside differences to strike a compromise with each other for the greater good of the nation. And if we can't even put aside these differences between opposition parties that share relatively similar values and capacity, how are we going to convince the nation that we can do it at the national level? Please learn from the mistakes of the opposition parties in 1959.
Having said that, I understand a merger is no simple task. The "merged party" will also have to draft out periodical showcases to the public that they are growing in experience, coherence and strength. Perhaps making a video having opposition leaders singing "We are Singapore" and have each of them saying some taglines to win people's heart, coincide the event during National Day period may be worth considering?

Work with NSP! There are more positive than negative. Remember, respect differences and be fair.