Marshall started it in 57. JBJ took over in 72, followed by Low on 01. Until 2011' over 44 years, they had a total of 23 fallow years. In between, 3 of them secured seats in Parliament. Marshall, 61, JBJ in 81 and 84 and Low in 91' 97, 01, 06.
In 2011, they spectacularly took out 2 cabinet ministers, one senior Minister of State and a named potential minister and captured the single political obstacle - a GRC. In the process, they placed 3 Chinese, 1 Malay and 1 Indian (Sikh), a multi-racial opposition presence in parliament for the first time since Independence.
In 2012, they overcame a serious party setback and recaptured Hougang and giant killed a few months later in Punggol East.
With 7 MPs and 2 NCMPs, the law of diminishing marginal return sets in. The by elections effect begins to wane. Singaporeans have their needs met in the nice and constructive criticism category. Are they looking for change, something quicker or are they happy to coast along.
The next leg would be most important, from being a co-driver to be being the new potential driver. It is no longer about helping the current driver.
Are the Fox and Vixen up to it? My guess is that they will be. But it require a paradigm shift in local politics or even in a conventional Westminster sense. What form would that shift be?
In 2011, they spectacularly took out 2 cabinet ministers, one senior Minister of State and a named potential minister and captured the single political obstacle - a GRC. In the process, they placed 3 Chinese, 1 Malay and 1 Indian (Sikh), a multi-racial opposition presence in parliament for the first time since Independence.
In 2012, they overcame a serious party setback and recaptured Hougang and giant killed a few months later in Punggol East.
With 7 MPs and 2 NCMPs, the law of diminishing marginal return sets in. The by elections effect begins to wane. Singaporeans have their needs met in the nice and constructive criticism category. Are they looking for change, something quicker or are they happy to coast along.
The next leg would be most important, from being a co-driver to be being the new potential driver. It is no longer about helping the current driver.
Are the Fox and Vixen up to it? My guess is that they will be. But it require a paradigm shift in local politics or even in a conventional Westminster sense. What form would that shift be?