It is good to see Opposition members speak out against the CPF protestors

<above pic: NSP member Ravi Philemon & WP member Yee Jenn Jong>

It's been good to see non-PAP supporters like Yee Jenn Jong and Ravi Philemon publicly state their disagreement with how the protestors chose to conduct themselves or defend their disruption of the YMCA performance. That does take personal courage because not all segments of their supporters would understand or appreciate their "betrayal" of the opposition. Respect.

For us to mature as a balanced democracy, we need to cultivate a stronger, more credible opposition that refuses to resort to publicity stunts, easy populism or cheap stabs at the establishment. That's the only way the opposition will grow in influence and attract candidates of great caliber and maturity.

WP won their seats in parliament partly through painting their vision of what their ideal parliament would look like: "A First World parliamentary system acknowledges the diversity of interests in society. It offers a non-violent avenue for political parties and citizens to accommodate differences through civil negotiations." They said they wanted "A Singapore which is caring; where every Singaporean matters; and where every stranger is treated with consideration."

You may argue that it's all just words. But these days, our choice of words says alot about our intentions of who we hope to be, where we want to go and how we want to get there. Your choice of words gains trust and makes yourself into a real leader that all kinds of people - not just the echo chamber you are playing to - will follow.

The aspirational words of the WP won over some hearts and minds at GE2011 and and their level-headed approach to political debate while they are in Parliament secured them more influence and the ability to actually be in a position to start effecting the changes they wish to see in Singapore.

There is much the two young activists Roy Ngerng and Han Hui Hui can learn from the way the WP, Chiam See Tong & Lina Chiam and other activists in the social sector have gone about their work of shifting the Singapore landscape.

If they genuinely care to create political impact, the first thing that they must see is that you don't get heard when you publicly harangue people you disagree with.

You listen, you show respect, you give the other side the dignity of right of response and you put out your point of view with great care. You choose to win over the person, and not the argument.