The PM and the laws

[Perspective]

By saying he needs to consider a by-election, PM is indirectly admitting that he has thought of going against the laws of the land. You can only delay in setting a date of a by-election, but it is a must. And as Eugene Tan said, has to be within a reasonable time limit.

As I said, PAP has lost the moral high ground to WP in the way both treat their MPs. Since PM accused the WP of dragging its feet on the Yaw matter, let's see if PAP's poor moral ground will show up if they delay the BE beyond how long WP took to settle Yaw's matter (about 3 weeks).

Yes, there is no time limit stated to hold one, but the same applies to much of the Acts in the legal backroom. For example, there is no time limit to charge a criminal. Does that mean proceedings will not even start?

PM should respect his own laws, being the PM.

 

[alantan27]

Don't forget that in nov 86 when jb jeyaretnam lost his seat and in dec 86 when teh Cheong wan lost his seat. Pap refused to hold BE

 

[Perspective]

True, but this time PM screwed up by saying he needs to "consider" holding one. Like a judge saying that he needs to consider whether to impose sentence if he finds a criminal guilty.

 

[wikiphile]

Both moves are still a lose-lose situation for them

1. Hold the By-Election.
WP is most likely to win back Hougang SMC, however at what margin this time? Anything above 60% is a black eye for the PAP

2. Not holding the By-Election
Should they choose not to do so, it would alienate the swinging electorate in the next GE. This will be the next round of ammunition to fire at the ruling party.

A real catch-22 situation for them whether they like it or not

 

[refulgence]

Pinkie is weak and indecisive, as he has always been.