[radikal]

WP's Low denies party split





SINGAPORE: Secretary-general of The Workers' Party (WP), Low Thia Khiang, has dismissed talk of a split in his party.

He said the party had no idea that its member Dr Poh Lee Guan had applied for a Political Donation Certificate.

Neither had Dr Poh signalled his intention to run as a candidate in the Hougang by-election on May 26.

Mr Low said he has not contacted Dr Poh, as he felt that Dr Poh should be the one to contact the party to explain his decision.

He also denied Dr Poh's claims that he was a "backup" candidate, saying the party had no backup.

Mr Low said WP had only nominated Mr Png Eng Huat as its candidate, who will contest Mr Desmond Choo of the People's Action Party in the by-election.

As to whether Dr Poh's actions were triggered by his unhappiness with not being fielded in Hougang, Mr Low said he did not want to speculate.

He stressed that the party works on collective leadership and added that members who want to assume leadership must prove themselves.

Mr Low said the issue over Dr Poh is part and parcel of politics, adding that what is most important is that the party is internally strong.

He said he does not believe the recent developments, including the resignation of former member Sajeev Kamalasanan, will affect support for the Workers' Party in Hougang.

Mr Low said these were individuals and do not represent the party.

He said the party is fully behind Mr Png's candidacy, describing him as its "collective choice".

- CNA/al