Ong Ye Kung took co-driver analogy too far, distorting constructive opposition idea, says Chee Soon Juan

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung should take a good look at the 10 alternative policy papers on topics from healthcare to housing and the economy that the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has put up before criticising the opposition, said its party chief Chee Soon Juan.

- Shabana Begum

Dr Chee was speaking on the sidelines of a walkabout at Woodlands Mart on May 1, when asked for his response to Mr Ong's comments that a stronger opposition presence in Parliament could lead to paralysis in the Government.

Citing the analogy of the opposition as co-driver which was first used in 2011, Mr Ong said at a rally on April 30 that if the co-driver also wanted to steer the car along with the ruling party in the driver's seat, this might result in a crash.

He also said that instead of having a strong opposition, a strong PAP government with a constructive opposition as a check and balance would be more effective.

Dr Chee said the minister, who is leading the PAP team contesting Sembawang GRC, was taking the analogy too far, and distorting and misrepresenting the idea of a constructive opposition.

He added that "it was very disappointing" that Mr Ong would say things that are "patently untrue (when) constructive opposition is what we are talking about all this time".