The vacancy of the opposition leader position is a setback for Singapore’s political development

In a commentary, SMU Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan opined that the vacancy of the Leader of the Opposition (LO) was a setback for Singapore’s political development. Assoc Prof Tan said that the role, though not legally enshrined, was meant to strengthen Parliament by giving the opposition more resources and recognition. He noted that the Workers’ Party’s (WP) refusal to nominate a successor reinforces its victimhood narrative while undermining the institutionalisation of a credible opposition. He said that the decision was a missed opportunity for the opposition to build legitimacy and play a constructive role in governance.