\n<\/p>\n
Given the troubles over the last five years, however, Mr Singh cannot afford to make a wrong step going forward. He also has to demonstrate that he is not bigger than the party, something that his predecessor Mr Low had imbued in the party.<\/p>\n
Leadership renewal and succession will be a priority.\u00a0Even if the party faithful had felt that change was necessary or desirable at the special conference, the question was who else could step up. There were no challengers to his position.<\/p>\n
The party has been able to attract and field new candidates at every general election, but the focus must now be on who will succeed Mr Singh as party chief, even if he will only be a youthful 50 this year. Without another politically savvy, charismatic leader like Mr Singh, it could impede the party\u2019s ambitions and growth plans.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The WP had also turned down the invitation to nominate another MP to be the Leader of the Opposition, and the position will remain vacant for the next two years.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The profile that the LO can give to the WP is a significant one and the party can use it to its strategic advantage. The LO is given the right of first response to debates on proposed Bills, policies and motions in the House. The LO is also provided with an office in Parliament, staff support and resources, as well as additional allowance to perform duties.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It would be a wasted opportunity for the WP not to profile another of its leaders even as Mr Singh continues to have an outsized presence despite no longer being the LO. But for now, all eyes are on the leading opposition party\u2019s vision for Singapore and its policy alternatives \u201cat a time of increasing global uncertainty\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n