Tan Jee Say sets up new opposition party

SINGAPORE — In a move that has raised eyebrows among political analysts, former parliamentary and presidential hopeful Tan Jee Say yesterday unveiled plans to start a new political party.

After papers are submitted to the Registry of Societies today, the Singaporeans First party will start talks with other opposition parties, with hopes of forming a coalition — an idea he mooted in 2011 after his failed presidential bid — to contest the next General Election, which is due by 2016, he said.

Attempts to form a credible coalition have not borne fruit with the Singapore Democratic Alliance set up by Mr Chiam See Tong in 2001 being the worst-performing Opposition party in the 2011 elections.

In the lead-up to the Hougang by-elections last year, Workers’ Party (WP) chief Low Thia Khiang also made it clear — for the first time publicly — that to have all Opposition parties coming together as one political force is an “unworkable concept”.

Nonetheless, Mr Tan, who ran under the Singapore Democratic Party’s ticket in 2011 but subsequently quit to contest in the Presidential Election, expressed hope that the new party he wants to start will make it easier for him to “work with all parties” here.

This goal is difficult to fulfil if he were to join an existing party, he said. “Given the nature of the competition among the parties and the lack of rapport, it might be difficult ... whereas I’m known to all and am a familiar face, so they are willing to work with me,” he said.

He added: “I want to work with all of them (and) they also want me to work with them. I decided it is better that I form my own party, which will allow me to work with all parties and not just one party, in the coming General Election.”

Political analysts, however, believe starting a new political party is an ill-advised move because it would further fragment the Opposition and dilute votes, given that there are already two main parties in the political landscape — the People’s Action Party (PAP) and the WP.

In its manifesto, which it released at a press conference yesterday, the group of 11 members advocated using surpluses from Budgets or returns from reserves to raise social spending, and putting the interests of Singaporeans ahead of pursuing economic growth. It also called for the removal of the Goods and Services Tax, as well as bigger carrots — such as free education until university — to raise fertility rate, among other things.

However, noting that the PAP has been addressing issues such as strengthening social safety nets and creating a fairer society since the 2011 elections, analysts questioned how Mr Tan’s group can distinguish itself.

Associate Professor Bilveer Singh, of the department of political science at the National University of Singapore, said: “The question is, how different are you from the others, and if not, why are you establishing a new party? If this move is going to benefit the Opposition, how?

“This is not going to do any services to the Opposition. The more parties there are, the more it will benefit the incumbent,” he added, referring to the PAP.

Nominated Member of Parliament Eugene Tan added: “This new party will clearly have its work cut out for it. There is (the) WP, voters have shown they are willing to throw their weight behind a more established party. Would it have been better if Mr Tan had joined an existing party?”