Opposition unity a "far—fetched notion", says RP’s Jeyaretnam

SINGAPORE: Reform Party candidate for Punggol East, Mr Kenneth Jeyaretnam, has said opposition unity in Singapore is a far—fetched notion.

He was responding to questions from reporters about the comments by Workers’ Party chief Low Thia Khiang at a rally on Tuesday night that it was not workable for all opposition parties to come together.

Mr Jeyaretnam spoke to reporters at Kangkar LRT Station, where he distributed flyers and met residents.

Citing the different parties’ by—election campaigning efforts as an example, Mr Jeyaretnam said he believes some form of competition among parties is necessary.

He said: "We believe in competition of ideologies and that’s what we’re seeing —— competition of message, competition of quality of candidates which we feel we are winning on.

"What you can have is solidarity against the factors that hamper the growth of alternative parties in Singapore."

Asked why he had invited Singapore Democratic Alliance candidate Desmond Lim to speak at his party’s rally on Thursday, Mr Jeyaretnam replied that there were only two rally sites available.

He likened the situation to one of "two stables for four horses", but added that this should not prevent anyone from putting his ideas across.

Mr Lim has declined the invitation due to his packed schedule.

Mr Jeyaretnam said the theme of his rally is "Promise for a brighter future for Singaporeans".

He said he hopes to see as many residents as possible at a feedback session at 7pm at the void deck of Block 123A, Rivervale Drive.

He was unable to meet residents at a similar session on Monday as he was unwell.

— CNA/al/ac