WP just play by the rules PAP set, thus they were able to penetrate Aljunied.
SDP have a knack of pushing alternative policies as evident in their Housing and Healthcare policies.
While many would want a voice in parliament to speak up against rising costs, FT issues, CPF, HDB prices, failing transport, minimum wage, public health fund, GIC investment funds, however, they are not prepared to vote along these lines.
They would rather go for the candidate/party that would best take care of their local needs. why should they not? this is the classic what i call the i-want-it-but-not-in-my-backyard mentality.
Most people can't see the difference between local issues vs national issues; town councillors vs members of parliament; the integration of these two is the greatest scam PAP have devised to keep opposition parties out of parliament.
food for thought : you want parliament to debate about AIMgate saga, Ministers' salaries, CPF increasing minimum sums, nationalising transport, HDB rising prices, FT and population issue; more than those about blocked toilets, birds problem, dirty corridors and noisy neighbours which should be tackled competently by town councillors outside parliament house, no?