Dismissing views that the Workers’ Party (WP) is ruled in an “autocratic” manner, party chief Low Thia Khiang maintained that majority of members are in agreement with his direction for the party, even as he acknowledged some discontentment with his leadership.
Speaking to the media before his Meet-the-People Session at Hougang Ave 6 on Wednesday (June 1), Mr Low said there “ample opportunities and avenues” for members to raise feedback internally.
“I have been a politician for many years, people know my style. I can’t please everybody, that is part and parcel of life … But as a political party, we will have to decide, at the end of the day, who can be the best person collectively to lead the party forward. I think that has been clear,” said Mr Low, referring to the fact that he had retained his secretary-general post with a 61-45 win against fellow Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC Chen Show Mao at the party’s internal elections last Sunday.
Speaking in Mandarin, Mr Low also said that not everyone would be “comfortable” with the decisions he makes for the party. “This can cause discontent, some may feel it is autocratic, but it isn’t. Each cadre has the opportunity to express their view and show whether they support me. I am prepared to justify the decisions I make,” he said.
Mr Low was speaking after TODAY reported on rifts within the party, believed to be triggered by members who wanted to see changes in the way the party is run.
Some of the members who identified with the “reformist camp” said Mr Chen was urged to contest for the secretary-general position because he advocates a more “consultative and inclusive” leadership approach, compared to Mr Low. They also felt there is a “lack of transparency” on how individuals are appointed cadre members and selected as election candidates, and a bias towards “professional” candidates.
On Wednesday, Mr Low, who did not dispute the accusations, maintained that he welcomes a diversity of views. “Some (cadres) did (raise issues) at the conference on Sunday and I did address it,” he said.
Adding that decisions must be made amidst differences, he said: “Some may not accept (the) decisions but I have reasons to make (them) and am prepared to explain if (members) bring it up and be specific about it,” he said.
As for the claim that the party prefers white-collar professionals for its younger slate of leaders, Mr Low said: “How the WP develops and progresses depends on voters and the public, not only the members in the party. So we have to look at the big picture rather than a very narrow kind of view on who should be in the party’s leadership positions.”
Noting that some dissenters may be using disagreements within WP to paint the party in a negative light, Mr Low said the situation reflect a healthy democracy.
Asked if the strife will adversely affect the party’s growth and credibility in the eyes of Singaporeans, he said: “If a political party can accept competition…and in diversity we move on together as a party, I think Singaporeans should be more confident in the WP. So I think it should be the contrary.”
He acknowledged that the new leadership team will have to look into the misgivings aired, but said its foremost priorities are to ensure that the party’s leadership renewal process proceeds smoothly, and prepare the party for the next General Election. “I hope the WP will be more well prepared the next round,” he added.
Source: www.todayonline.com
