GE2015: WP's Lee Li Lian says opposition needs to be built up 'just in case'

Ms Lee attending a walkabout at Punggol East SMC on Sept 6, 2015. ST PHOTO: STEPHANIE YEOW

SINGAPORE - Workers' Party Punggol East Lee Li Lian called on voters to help build up a credible opposition as an insurance against the decline of the ruling party.

She questioned if Singaporeans can be confident of the country's leadership if a clear successor to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in the People's Action Party has not yet been chosen.

"If the PM steps down, can you think of who among the newer MPs can take over his place? Are you confident of the next leader of the country when we don't even know who (he or she is)?" she said at a rally in Serangoon Stadium on Tuesday night.

Singapore should have a back-up in place "just in case" things go wrong, she added.

"Just in case plan A fails we have plan B. Just in case my tyre punctures, I have an additional one in the car boot. Just in case my battery goes flat I better bring my portable charger along. Just in case someone gets sick at home I have some Panadol; it is the same politically."

Ms Lee also raised the example of the city of Venice, which thrived for a period of time but gradually declined.

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.