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Authorities said the WP’s ability to attract prospects of a higher quality was down to the effectiveness of the group ’s last group of elected Members, and particularly their effectiveness at the last election.
“The better that they perform, the more successful their enrollment plan will be, ” said Dr Mustafa.
At the 2020 elections, the WP held on to and increased its ratio of assistance in Hougang SMC and Aljunied GRC, while even gaining four fresh seats in parliament with a gain in Sengkang GRC.
There were mixed views, however, as to how the WP’s new faces compared with those of the ruling People’s Action Party ( PAP ).
Dr Mustafa said that the PAP may be looking for candidates with a similar status but also with an attention on them as possible political business buyers.
“It’s difficult to compare the two parties ’ ( new faces ), ” he added.
Assoc Prof Chong said the WP’s new eyes were superior in “experience and history ” to the PAP’s.
“The major, however, is not what they have done in different fields, but what they can do as politicians. That is what voters may remain thinking about first and foremost, ” he added.
“That is the employment these people are seeking. In this regard, what the individuals care about issues, and what they are willing to stand up for things, since we are looking for members. ”
Dr Felix Tan, an independent political observer, described the WP slate of new faces as “PAP-lite” and “almost ( a ) reflection ” of the ruling party ’s.
But he acknowledged some variations. For one, the PAP has introduced more past civil servants and open workers, compared with the WP.
These include Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, the former chief executive of the Agency for Integrated Care.
Singapore Management University ( SMU) law don Eugene Tan said the WP’s new faces were “not as outstanding ” as the PAP’s.
Notwithstanding top lawyers Mr Singh and neurologist Dr Ong, the another WP individuals were “not at the peak of their job ladder”, he said.
“This is not at all to suggest that the WP individuals are not identical to the process of being MPs. “
According to Associate Professor Tan, citizens have different expectations of PAP candidates versus opposition candidates, across measures ranging from educational credentials, job efforts, youthfulness and having the “X-factor”.
“With different indicators in sing, the WP stone is not disadvantaged in my watch even as the PAP continues to draw the largest pool of skilled men and women who want to serve the country in the political arena, ” he said.
“Voters will probably consider ( the WP individuals ) as being of sufficient quality, boosted by their commitment to be part of the criticism. ”
Speaking on Sunday, group secretary-general Pritam Singh said the government would be the best judge of the WP’s stone of fresh faces.
But he also said this year’s crop was “some of the best persons we may find”.
The group has attracted a wide range of individuals of various origins, age groups and experience, he added.
“Everybody brings something to the table, and our candidates will take their best ahead, ” said the group key. ” We’re very privileged to have such Singaporeans join the Workers ’ Party and we look forward to working with them together as one team. ”