Online posts against NSP heads deal party fresh blow

SINGAPORE — The National Solidarity Party (NSP) has found itself in greater disarray after anonymous posts that appeared on the Internet over the weekend disparaged party president Sebastian Teo and member Steve Chia, leading Mr Chia to reverse his plans to contest in MacPherson in the coming General Election (GE). 

Mr Chia, who announced his decision in a Facebook post early this morning (Aug 23), told TODAY that he had decided not to run for the sake of his children.

“Protecting my children and family from more damage and mud-slinging is more important than anything else,” said Mr Chia, who served as a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament from 2002 to 2006. “My children are at the age of greater awareness and (can be) sensitive to negative comments from their classmates and peers.”

Over the weekend, a link that was shared widely online led to a website that carried details about the nude photo scandal involving Mr Chia in 2003.

In his Facebook post, which he later removed, Mr Chia said the site was not set up by him, and “some of the facts in it (are) not correctly written”. 

A link to a similar website that levelled accusations against Mr Teo also circulated over the weekend. Mr Teo could not be reached for comment. 

The latest twist comes after Ms Hazel Poa, who was the party’s acting secretary-general, resigned last week, saying she was against the party reneging on an earlier decision not to contest in MacPherson. Fielding Mr Chia would pit the NSP against the Workers’ Party and the incumbent People’s Action Party (PAP).  

NSP members TODAY spoke to said the party’s leadership has given little direction in the wake of Mr Chia’s announcement, with some claiming they only heard about Mr Chia’s decision on Facebook. They also expressed disappointment at the personal attacks against Mr Teo and Mr Chia.

“What I can say now for the NSP is we are very, very concerned. First of all, the reputation is at stake, the credibility is at stake,” said a source who is close to the party and wanted to be anonymous. “Each of us is worried that false accusations might come up if we continue standing (for elections).”

He also said the party leadership must consolidate and look beyond this election, and at “what we really need to go on”. “It’s not about this election — there are many, many elections to come,” he said. 

Another party member, who also wanted to be anonymous, said preparations for elections have not stopped. “As politicians and public figures, we should be used to trolling. The president will still call the shots,” he added. “The youth and young adults still have a lot to offer ... These ups and downs give us a platform to learn and improve.”

Former NSP secretary-general Goh Meng Seng, who left to set up the People’s Power Party, also condemned the attacks, calling them “distasteful and downright despicable”. 

“If these things become prevalent, it will stop people from stepping up to join politics, whether it’s the PAP or the Opposition,” Mr Goh said.

Opposition watcher Wong Wee Nam, who contested in the 1997 GE on the NSP ticket, believes the series of incidents has caused the NSP to “lose all credibility”. “It won’t be easy to repair the wound at the moment, and it takes time,” he said. “There is no emergency cure.” 

Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan said the party needs to show it can remain relevant in a more competitive political landscape. 

“The NSP’s credibility is at a low, and its decision not to run in MacPherson will staunch their flagging credibility. As for their chances in other GRCs where they are likely to contest, much will depend on how quickly they will overcome their setbacks,” he said. ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY LEE YEN NEE