I thought the conversations got a bit interesting here and thus went back to the original first post to see if a context can be found. That post asked for feedback via feelers on various scenarios post-2011. The question then is why the need to get opinions.
If Perspective is in the WP CEC (and for the purposes of this post, I will assume as such) and he is tasked to gather opinions on the post-election situation using the new media, then the feedback is likely to be for the purpose of scenario planning in the formulation of WP's approach to the other parties.
As the WP grapples with its new position, essentially sandwiched between the PAP and the other parties, it has to formulate responses to potential situations. The PAP will regard them as a friendly enemy, one who knows the limits of Parlimentary questionings. That territory is familiar ground. What is uncertain is how the opposition landscape will pan out and if a threat exist.
That the WP is undergoing an internal change is expected. Given its success in the GRC and the safety of its brand, it is likely to receive many new blood in its midst - professionals, businessmen and wealthy individuals - who can replace the old-timers anytime. Given that it is helmed by two experienced politicians, the current turmoil is manageable.
What is important then is how the exodus from WP to the other parties will affect their expansion plans come the next election. That the disgruntled will seek 'revenge' via other parties is a possibility and must be factored into the WP's political strategy.
However the WP will emerge from this hiccup with three major strengths, unmatched by the others:
(1) their branding with the voters
(2) the crystallization of their operations and logistics capabilities
(3) a deepened understanding of the factors that influence the voters
Even if the disgruntled join the other opposition parties, there is no threat because these parties will adopt the same approach as they did all these ineffectual years. Silence, focus on the wrong things, not cultivating the voters, no opportunity for branding. Come the next election, the talented in the other parties will continue to come out and speak, depending on the dissatisfaction to give them wings. The WP on the other hand, comes out as a team who have been there, done that and now their promises to look after the estate if elected, will carry significant weight.
In political planning terms, the situation to look out for is when the talented in the opposition come together to form a LLP, a limited partnership as it were, allowing different strengths to develop but functioning under a single brand. Think of a law firm, many partners but a single brand. However if one of the partners has a hidden agenda that is obvious to the public, then the WP need not be afraid of the competition because a little black will gray the entire white. But if it comprises all the pure in the opposition, then accommodation strategies need to be formulated.
The worst scenario for the WP is when the talented come up with their brand, set up branches in void decks in the targeted housing estates, organize talk shows, etc on a consistent basis from year 1. A single brand, multiple talents, great fluidity. Then the WP will be faced with a strong competitor and not a distant third.
Will the WP fail as a result of internal reorganization? Unlikely. The fresh inputs are many and people are becoming more vocal. Will the WP face opposition from the PAP? Unlikely. Will the WP face opposition from the rest of the opposition parties? Likely. If the degree of opposition is like the current oppositions, then there is less need to worry. But if a strong competitor emerges, then accommodation strategies are needed.
All in, the WP is in an enviable position to forge ahead. It will evolve into an organization, more structured than what it is now, yet with more talents joining its ranks. It will be the first party to break away from the unstructured methods of the current oppositions.
That is, unless there is a deliberate attempt by the talented to define themselves. Questionings of Tanjong Pagar expenditure, publicized 'you promised me!' are individual efforts which do not inspire the voters. The oppositions by continuing in this vein makes the future look good for the WP.
So how will the opposition pan out after the GE? Two ways: a redefining of themselves away from RP, SDA, SPP, NSP into a concerted brand with clear focus and continual marketing to keep the brand for five years or the current hotpot of independent actions by RP, SDA, SPP, NSP, actions that may confirm for the voters their immaturity. From the WP perspective of strategy formulation, either one of accommodation or non-action where you let them beat themselves up.
Will the leaders retain their identities? Yes. But the concern is if there is a strong leader who can gather all the talents under one umbrella.
Current opinion for now. Will revise accordingly.
If Perspective is in the WP CEC (and for the purposes of this post, I will assume as such) and he is tasked to gather opinions on the post-election situation using the new media, then the feedback is likely to be for the purpose of scenario planning in the formulation of WP's approach to the other parties.
As the WP grapples with its new position, essentially sandwiched between the PAP and the other parties, it has to formulate responses to potential situations. The PAP will regard them as a friendly enemy, one who knows the limits of Parlimentary questionings. That territory is familiar ground. What is uncertain is how the opposition landscape will pan out and if a threat exist.
That the WP is undergoing an internal change is expected. Given its success in the GRC and the safety of its brand, it is likely to receive many new blood in its midst - professionals, businessmen and wealthy individuals - who can replace the old-timers anytime. Given that it is helmed by two experienced politicians, the current turmoil is manageable.
What is important then is how the exodus from WP to the other parties will affect their expansion plans come the next election. That the disgruntled will seek 'revenge' via other parties is a possibility and must be factored into the WP's political strategy.
However the WP will emerge from this hiccup with three major strengths, unmatched by the others:
(1) their branding with the voters
(2) the crystallization of their operations and logistics capabilities
(3) a deepened understanding of the factors that influence the voters
Even if the disgruntled join the other opposition parties, there is no threat because these parties will adopt the same approach as they did all these ineffectual years. Silence, focus on the wrong things, not cultivating the voters, no opportunity for branding. Come the next election, the talented in the other parties will continue to come out and speak, depending on the dissatisfaction to give them wings. The WP on the other hand, comes out as a team who have been there, done that and now their promises to look after the estate if elected, will carry significant weight.
In political planning terms, the situation to look out for is when the talented in the opposition come together to form a LLP, a limited partnership as it were, allowing different strengths to develop but functioning under a single brand. Think of a law firm, many partners but a single brand. However if one of the partners has a hidden agenda that is obvious to the public, then the WP need not be afraid of the competition because a little black will gray the entire white. But if it comprises all the pure in the opposition, then accommodation strategies need to be formulated.
The worst scenario for the WP is when the talented come up with their brand, set up branches in void decks in the targeted housing estates, organize talk shows, etc on a consistent basis from year 1. A single brand, multiple talents, great fluidity. Then the WP will be faced with a strong competitor and not a distant third.
Will the WP fail as a result of internal reorganization? Unlikely. The fresh inputs are many and people are becoming more vocal. Will the WP face opposition from the PAP? Unlikely. Will the WP face opposition from the rest of the opposition parties? Likely. If the degree of opposition is like the current oppositions, then there is less need to worry. But if a strong competitor emerges, then accommodation strategies are needed.
All in, the WP is in an enviable position to forge ahead. It will evolve into an organization, more structured than what it is now, yet with more talents joining its ranks. It will be the first party to break away from the unstructured methods of the current oppositions.
That is, unless there is a deliberate attempt by the talented to define themselves. Questionings of Tanjong Pagar expenditure, publicized 'you promised me!' are individual efforts which do not inspire the voters. The oppositions by continuing in this vein makes the future look good for the WP.
So how will the opposition pan out after the GE? Two ways: a redefining of themselves away from RP, SDA, SPP, NSP into a concerted brand with clear focus and continual marketing to keep the brand for five years or the current hotpot of independent actions by RP, SDA, SPP, NSP, actions that may confirm for the voters their immaturity. From the WP perspective of strategy formulation, either one of accommodation or non-action where you let them beat themselves up.
Will the leaders retain their identities? Yes. But the concern is if there is a strong leader who can gather all the talents under one umbrella.
Current opinion for now. Will revise accordingly.
. Please lah, you need to present a united front when you are dealin with the public. Fucking embarrassing but no doubt, GMS will agree with his stance since he is very into staying true to himself.
