Believer in a greater contest of ideas in the political arena
Mr Dennis Tan. Photo: Robin Choo
SINGAPORE — With Singapore on course to face more complicated challenges than she did in in her first 50 years, Mr Dennis Tan feels Singaporeans should have a “strong say” in the way they want to nation to move forward.
“To achieve this, there is a need for greater political competition and greater contest of ideas in the political arena,” said Mr Tan, 45, a shipping lawyer. “There should be a (better) balance in Parliament with greater diversity in political representation.”
For a start, Mr Tan said Singapore should have a “strong and responsible Opposition” to provide “effective checks and balances” in Parliament. “In the longer term, we should look to have a two-party system whereby another party must be ready to form the Government as the ruling party declines,” he added.
When asked to comment if the WP is ready to play that role now, Mr Tan said: “The WP is not at the stage where we can form the Government tomorrow. I will be realistic to admit that.”
He added that the WP is a “rational opposition party” and the party wants to “take things rationally, progressively”, prepare themselves and recruit more people. “That’s why I always like to share with people that if anybody would like to step forward and serve Singapore in this way, please do step forward, join us or any other political party,” said Mr Tan.
He started volunteering with the Workers’ Party for its fight in Joo Chiat Single Member Constituency in the 2011 General Election. He has also been involved in the WP’s grassroots work at the Kaki Bukit and Paya Lebar divisions in Aljunied GRC. AMANDA LEE
About the candidate
Dennis Tan Lip Fong, 45
Shipping lawyer at DennisMathiew
FACT FILE:
• Bachelor of Laws (Honours), University of Nottingham; Master of Maritime Law, University of Southampton
• Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingdom
• Married
WHAT HE SAID: “There is a need for greater political competition and greater contest of ideas in the political arena ... In the longer term, we should look to have a two-party system whereby another party must be ready to form the Government as the ruling party declines.”
