Many netizens are upset with former National Solidarity Party (NSP) secretary-general Goh Meng Seng's comments regarding a possible by-election in Hougang.
He had said it might be justifiable for the NSP to perhaps send party stalwart Nicole Seah to take part in a possible contest in Hougang as a form of 'revenge' against the Workers' Party for causing the NSP to bow out of the polls at Kallang-Moulmein GRC during last year's general election.
Edmund Teo wrote on inSing's Facebook page: "Firstly, what does he take Hougang voters for? Secondly, what makes him think that the NSP will do better in Kallang-Moulmein if the WP had withdrawn?"
Oh Tham Eng wrote, "Revenge? What are you talking about, Goh Meng Seng?"
Seah reiterated on Facebook late last night (20 March) that she has no intention of taking part in a by-election if it happens.
She said, "Anyone else who does so (take part in a by-election in Hougang) is not taking into consideration the work of Worker's Party MP Low Thia Khiang in retaining one of Singapore's longest-serving opposition wards. I will continue to focus efforts on NSP's groundwork in the wards we contested in and the MacPherson community project which has been going strong. Thank you all for your support."
Netizens have welcomed Seah's comments.
Lee Yew Moon wrote, "I have little doubt that you recognize the hard work done by Low Thia Khiang and WP in Hougang and Aljunied. Still, it is really nice to hear it from you."
Robert Teh said, "Thanks Ms Nicole Seah for your magnanimous spirit. It speaks well of you."
When contacted by inSing News, Workers' Party chairman Sylvia Lim declined comment on Goh's remarks.
NSP held a meeting in February to discuss the possibility of contesting in Hougang, but the party has not confirmed if it will do so.
Also in February, both former presidential candidate Tan Jee Say and Reform Party candidate Frankie Low said they had not ruled out taking part in a future fight to take over Hougang.
