By NNN-CNA,
Singapore : Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, Wong Kan Seng, has said he welcomes contest from opposition parties in the area.
Speaking to reporters at the Bishan-Toa Payoh Inter-Faith Carnival on Sunday, Mr Wong said Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC has not been contested since it was formed in 1997.
He said having a contest would give voters in the constituency a chance to determine which would be the better team to serve them.
He also said it is good for Singapore if the opposition intends to contest all 87 seats during the General Election that is due by February 2012.
Mr Wong said: “I think that would be the first time that the whole of Singapore, all the voters in Singapore, would have the chance to cast their vote.
“I think it is a good sign that there is a great interest among the opposition parties to contest in all the constituencies. I hope they will keep up with that promise.”
Meanwhile, Workers’ Party Secretary-General Low Thia Khiang has said that any serious opposition party will need to capture a Group Representation Constituency (GRC) at the upcoming General Election to make progress.
“The GRC has been the trump card of PAP and mechanism for gerrymandering,” said the opposition MP for Hougang. “What happens if something happens to (opposition MP) Mr Chiam (See Tong) or something happens to me? Can we maintain Hougang? There’s always this question.
“If you are in GRC, perhaps you can ensure a smoother renewal and continuity…So any serious opposition candidate, serious opposition party would need to seek a breakthrough in the GRC.”
Mr Low was speaking to reporters after visiting the New Upper Changi Road Food Centre, which is part of East Coast GRC, on Sunday.
The Workers’ Party has expressed interest in contesting there.
Mr Low also said the Workers’ Party is not seeking to form the next or alternative government at this point in time and that he has no ambition to be the Prime Minister.
Mr Low was accompanied by council members including treasurer Eric Tan, youth wing president Koh Choon Yong and Gerald Giam.