The Workers' Party's (WP) secretary-general Mr Low Thia Khiang said that the results of the Punggol East by-election should not be seen as a trend for the future. The opposition party has also made it clear that it is not ready to form the next or alternative government. SMU Assistant Professor of Law Eugene Tan said that Low’s comments underscored his wisdom and pragmatism, and that he is sending a message to his supporters that they should not expect too much from WP. Voters need to understand that WP could only play a supervisory role at present. Assistant Prof Tan added that WP is actually paving the way for the next General Elections. Through his comment, Low is telling voters that WP is a peaceful opposition party in search of gradual progression in politics. Hence, voters should not be afraid to vote for it. On expectations for Lee Li Lian, Associate Prof Tan was of the view that WP would take good care of its constituency even if Lee Li Lian did not become a full-time MP.