Low Thia Khiang reply DPM Teo on Opp Party Can't Deliver - 08Apr2011

SINGAPORE: Secretary-General of the Workers' Party Low Thia Khiang has said again that his party is not ready to form an alternative government.

In an interview with Channel NewsAsia, he also clarified his stand on why he thinks Singapore needs an "insurance policy" in the form of more elected opposition members from his party, in case the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) fails.

Mr Low is currently one of two opposition Members of Parliament.

Even with the addition of Non-Constituency MP Sylvia Lim from his Workers' Party, Mr Low said it is not enough as an "insurance" for Singaporeans.

On Thursday, PAP's Second Assistant Secretary-General Teo Chee Hean had challenged that stand, saying the Workers' Party was asking Singaporeans to pay a premium when it is not ready with an alternative plan.

Mr Teo, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, also questioned the WP for making the claim when it said it is not ready to form an alternative government yet.

Mr Low said: "We are not saying vote us in to form an alternative government. We are saying as a start, Singaporeans have to insure themselves by voting WP into parliament, to start the process of looking at the possibility of forming an alternative government in the future. We are not even starting yet.

"If we want to be first-world nation, you must at the same time, in tandem, move towards a first-world parliament to provide the kind of safeguard and protection against failure of the government and to protect the rights and interests of the people.

"At this point in time we can't. Let's be realistic. I'm the only elected member of parliament from the Workers' Party in parliament and we have one NCMP. And this election we probably will field 20 over candidates. And that is my worry, that if you continue like that without experienced politicians and parliamentarians and without a mechanism which we can spring out to form an alternative government, when the Government fails, I think we'd be in trouble."

Mr Low stressed that it is important to take this step now while the country is stable and enjoying good economic growth.

Separately, he said the party's manifesto is ready and would focus on creating a better future for Singapore.

Mr Low said: "This election is also about the future and the Workers' Party is also looking about the future of Singapore, the future of Singaporeans and how do we move forward as a nation in the future for a better Singapore."

Mr Low said he is still mulling over the possibility of leading a team to fight in a GRC. He pointed out that the stakes are high and his decision will only be known on Nomination Day. Mr Low said whatever that decision is, he will always be thankful for the support he has received from his Hougang residents.

-CNA/ac

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