SDP proposes joint campaign with WP in Punggol East by—election

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has proposed to The Workers’ Party (WP) to run a joint campaign in the Punggol East by—election.

SDP’s Secretary—General Chee Soon Juan wants to field a candidate from the SDP in the joint campaign.

At a news conference on Friday evening, Dr Chee said the proposal was in the spirit of compromise and cooperation.

He explained that if the opposition wins the by—election, the SDP gets to enter Parliament and The Workers’ Party will run the Punggol East Town Council.

Dr Chee said that the SDP Member of Parliament will chair the town council, but will leave the day—to—day running of the town council to the WP.

He hopes this arrangement will signal better cooperation between opposition parties in the future.

Dr Chee said he was disappointed the WP hasn’t replied to his earlier invitation to discuss both parties’ participation in the by—election.

He said the SDP has emailed the proposal to WP, and is seeking a meeting with WP on Saturday.

Dr Chee refused to commit if the party will continue to contest should the WP not accept its proposal.

He said the SDP will only back down if the WP has a "stronger case".

He added that talks will continue right until the last minute before Nomination Day.

"A successful unity candidate would mean another seat in Parliament for the opposition. It would lay the ground for bigger opposition representation in the next general election," said Dr Chee.

— CNA/xq/de