Apparently the new party has not created as much excitement as RP in 2008. KJ was a new face and scion of JBJ. Just by that, RP recruited more than 100 members overnight. (We know what has happened since then. RP despite being formed by the majestic JBJ is now rated alongside the pathetic SDA. Opposition supporters think it is a party below even SDP, NSP or SFP.)
TJS on the other hand is not a new face. He has contested under another party and people wonder why chose that party and not return to it. He is also known to have split the presidential votes to allow TT to win.
Since RP was founded, we have seen NSP leave SDA because of SPP then SPP leave SDA because of SJP and PKMS. Then we had a Socialist Front, revival of DPP and WP occupying more space in the opposition camp. Now people think the opposition space is crowding out and do not welcome SFP.