Observers say that should a need arise, Khaw Boon Wan and Tharman Shanmugaratnam could be deployed outside their constituencies to bolster another ward

Asst Prof Eugene Tan notes that both are popular and should there be a need for a minister to boost any ward, Khaw Boon Wan is a good choice. He and Asst Prof Jack Lee also commented on the amended Parliamentary Elections Act which includes a fine or jail term of up to 12 months, or both, for anyone who publishes false statements about the personal character or conduct of a candidate.