What is wrong with Reform Party???

IN the latest of a string of resignations from the Reform Party (RP), election candidate Alec Tok on Friday announced that he has quit the party. Mr Tok said he resigned as he disagreed with certain clauses in the party's protocol for CEC members which he had to sign after he was co-opted into the CEC last month. The Reform Party had named Mr Tok as its election candidate for the single-member constituency (SMC) of Radin Mas.

One of the clauses states that central executive committee (CEC) members are subject to a three-month probation period, during which they can be asked to leave without any notice or reason needed. Another clause states that any CEC member who resigns will must agree to a three-month 'gardening leave' period, which bars him or her from speaking to the media. Mr Tok said that such clauses went against the party ideals of openness and transparency. He also objected to the fact that he was not told, before joining the CEC, that he would have to agree to the protocols.

With the general elections looming near, this is definitely a massive setback to the Reform Party’s approach. If one or two persons cannot get along with another person, it might not be the fault of everyone but if so many members disagree and quit en masse, there must be something that is just not right with the leadership of the party. This latest episode is one of the reasons why it is difficult for the Opposition to gain credibility and win over the hearts of the electorate. Internal bickerings, constant disagreements, personality clashes, the ones who are laughing are none other than the ruling party. This has been going on for far too long and is precisely why Singaporeans do not have much choice but to go along with the PAP, no matter how much they want an Opposition to ensure checks and balance in Parliament.

Opposition parties have different approaches and ambitions by their varying manifestos. But they forget that the reason for their existence is to provide an alternative to the Government. Yes, they have said they want to contest all seats, but as it is, why are we still hearing things like three and four-cornered fights??? Why can’t they join forces and be under one opposition banner??? Everyone has his / her own ego to satisfy, each person is power hungry to the point that they forget their mission to check the Government.

As for the Reform Party, after this episode, they would be fortunate if they can get a decent amount of percentage vote from the electorate. Not only are we unsure of the identity of the candidates, the quality they possess and how are they going to make a difference, we have to make do with the fact that their leadership is autocratic. And who is laughing all the way to another victory in the upcoming Elections??? No prizes for saying the men in white…