GE2020: NCMP scheme is not solution for alternative voice in Parliament, says WP's Dennis Tan

SINGAPOREANS must not fall into the trap of thinking that the Non-Constituency MP (NCMP) scheme is a solution for an alternative voice in Parliament, the Workers' Party's (WP) candidate for Hougang SMC said on Tuesday.

"It will prevent us from sinking roots into the constituency because even as NCMP, not to mention normal opposition party members doing work on the ground, we are not allowed to hold events," Dennis Tan, who is running for the single-ward seat in the July 10 General Election, told reporters in a doorstop interview at the party's stronghold of Hougang shortly after he was successfully nominated.

He said this could continue to increase the "super majority" of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) in Parliament.

"So one day, whether in the near or farther future, if PAP were to fail, if PAP were to do very badly, how is another party going to take over from zero to 51 (per cent)? Does Singapore want that kind of scenario? It will be disastrous," Mr Tan said.

Mr Tan previously contested in the former Fengshan SMC in 2015 and lost to the PAP's Cheryl Chan with 42.5 per cent of the votes. Mr Tan was then appointed an NCMP in 2015.

At the same interview, WP chief Pritam Singh said the election has always been an "uphill battle", and the Covid-19 pandemic has made it more challenging as the party needs to not only devote resources to campaign on the ground but also on social media.

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But he expressed confidence in the party's slate across two SMCs and four GRCs and said they are prepared to fight for the interests of Singapore and Singaporeans, whether in Parliament, the constituency or the town councils.

For Nomination Day developments and more on Singapore GE2020, go to bt.sg/ge2020