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Singapore Management University Professor in Political Science and Nominated Member of Parliament Eugene Tan has lashed out at the Workers Party for condoning banal acts of ‘lawlessness’ during the election campaign.
In an editorial published on TODAY online analyzing the result of the Hougang by-election, Mr Tan criticized WP leaders for ‘misbehaving’:
“The WP would also have to demonstrate that it does not seek special treatment and condone in what I call banal acts of lawlessness,” he wrote.
However, Mr Tan was only able quote one example:
“For instance, the WP did not end its by-election rallies on time and overran by 10-15 minutes. It would be extremely challenging for the police to intervene to ensure that the rules governing the issue of the rally permits are observed.”
He also lampooned Mr Low for his harsh criticisms of the mainstream media:
“Further, in launching a stinging attack on the mainstream media for being a “political tool” of the PAP’s election campaign, the WP did not adequately substantiate its case. Not only was this an attempt to capitalise on the by-election victory to make political points, the WP was also effectively asking the media for nothing but favourable coverage of its party and its candidates.”
Mr Tan added that WP should talk its walk and treat Singaporeans like ‘First World’ citizens first:
“Given that Mr Low has urged Singaporeans to develop a “First World Society”, his party must demonstrate that it treats Singaporeans in similar fashion. And voters must demand from the WP the very same standards it requires of the PAP.”
The Workers Party managed to retain its stronghold of Hougang by winning 62.09% of the votes, a marginal decrease of only 145 votes from last year.
In an editorial published on TODAY online analyzing the result of the Hougang by-election, Mr Tan criticized WP leaders for ‘misbehaving’:
“The WP would also have to demonstrate that it does not seek special treatment and condone in what I call banal acts of lawlessness,” he wrote.
However, Mr Tan was only able quote one example:
“For instance, the WP did not end its by-election rallies on time and overran by 10-15 minutes. It would be extremely challenging for the police to intervene to ensure that the rules governing the issue of the rally permits are observed.”
He also lampooned Mr Low for his harsh criticisms of the mainstream media:
“Further, in launching a stinging attack on the mainstream media for being a “political tool” of the PAP’s election campaign, the WP did not adequately substantiate its case. Not only was this an attempt to capitalise on the by-election victory to make political points, the WP was also effectively asking the media for nothing but favourable coverage of its party and its candidates.”
Mr Tan added that WP should talk its walk and treat Singaporeans like ‘First World’ citizens first:
“Given that Mr Low has urged Singaporeans to develop a “First World Society”, his party must demonstrate that it treats Singaporeans in similar fashion. And voters must demand from the WP the very same standards it requires of the PAP.”
The Workers Party managed to retain its stronghold of Hougang by winning 62.09% of the votes, a marginal decrease of only 145 votes from last year.