Low Thia Kiang may not contest a GRC

Apr 9, 2011

WP's Low may not contest a GRC

Victory not guaranteed, he says

By Andrea Ong



Opposition leader Low Thia Khiang on Friday said a victory would not be guaranteed even if he was helming the team in the GRC battle. -- PHOTO: ZAOBAO





OPPOSITION leader Low Thia Khiang has dropped the strongest hint yet that he will remain in Hougang instead of contesting a GRC in the coming polls.

He said in an interview published on Friday in Shin Min Daily News that a victory is not guaranteed even if he was helming the team in the GRC battle.

Asked if he would personally lead a team to increase the party's chances of winning a GRC, the Workers' Party chief said: 'Do you think that's guaranteed even if I go to a GRC? Does it mean voters will definitely vote for me? It may not be the case, right?'

In contrast, the opposition veteran and long-time MP of Hougang has built 'chemistry' with voters there, he said.

His comments on Friday mean he may be backing down from remarks he made last month that he is considering a move to a GRC. He has also previously said it is crucial for the opposition to win a GRC this election if it hopes to grow and renew its leadership. The WP also aims to win at least one GRC this election.


Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/GeneralElection/News/Story/STIStory_654552.html



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What has contesting in a GRC got to do with victory guaranteed ?

Does it mean victory is guaranteed in Hougang ?

Does it mean LTK will only contest in a GRC if victory is guaranteed ?

If the latter is the rationale for his chickening out of GRC, then I must say LTK's mindset is very similar to PAP's. It's precisely the fear of defeat that PAP came up with GRC system.

Winning a seat is equivalent to a guaranteed income of about $1 million over the next five years. If he contest a GRC and there is no guaranteed victory, then it is $1 million forgone.

Did the $1 million he gain from winning Hougang goes to him or to his party WP?

If it is to him, then not having a guaranteed win in a GRC can be a problem. Also what if the money goes to the WP contestant who stands in Hougang on his behalf.

Anyway this is just guesswork. Who knows his mind except his own self?

Many assume that the oppositions are there to fight for you. Perhaps they should check their assumptions.