Journey in Blue: A Peek into the Workers' Party of Singapore

by Jenn Jong Yee

After decades of overwhelming political domination by the People's Action Party (PAP), Singapore has entered a phase of political transition. It started with the loss of a Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in the 2011 general election (GE2011). After a huge rebound in the fortunes of the PAP in the 2015 general election following the death of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, the transition resumed in the 2020 general election with the loss of yet another GRC. This book looks at the Workers' Party, Singapore's leading opposition party, through the eyes of Yee Jenn Jong, former Non-constituency Member of Parliament and Central Executive Committee member of the party.

Jenn Jong took an unexpected leap into opposition politics just weeks before GE2011 and came out with a narrow loss of just one percent of the popular votes. In this book, he recounts his three contests in the general elections from 2011–2020, parliamentary work, and other activities in opposition politics. This book hopes to let readers better understand the nature of the work by opposition politicians in Singapore, which has been dominated by the PAP's narrative since 1959. The author also shares his thoughts on the shape of Singapore's politics going forward.

316 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2020

Reviews

[Royston Wah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never followed YJJ much prior to GE2020 even though he is a distinguished alumus of my alma mater. But it is clear that he has good intentions and is a smart individual.

I can't help but wonder how much more his journey could have been, given that YJJ had never entered parliament as an elected MP and had to work around the constraints as a NCMP. The sections detailing YJJ's personal accounts of many of WP's affairs and decision-making processes, given YJJ's status as a CEC member, surely added meaningfully to existing scholarship on Singapore politics. Despite YJJ's relatively uneventful political journey as compared to other statesmen who have published biographies of their own, this book provides enough for readers to get a little bit more intimate with Singapore's politics, made approachable with a level-headed narrative without unnecessary zeal or vitriol against the PAP.

[Faith Yee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey In Blue was exceptionally insightful and provided an in depth look into Singapore’s political scene from the perspective of the opposition party. I highly recommend this book for those those would like to further expand their understanding of politics! Enjoyable and fun read! 10/10 would recommend!

[Wilson Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems quite timely to be reading this book with the ongoing Workers' Party saga of Khan happening in real life. The book by JJ offers a humbling and insightful views on the works of the leading opposition through a personal account of how he came to be, including the real fears he faced when he decided to run for politics and how he was (and still is) strongly motivated by "I think we can do better" when he saw how Singapore has evolved. As a self proclaimed apolitical individual for much of my life, I thoroughly enjoy the way the book was written and the various anecdotal stories he had weaved into his book, which made it very genuine and relatable.

The book reminded of my younger foolish self who attempted for the role of a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) some 15 years ago, when I first met Low as part of a panel of interviewers of prospective NMP candidates (don't think I had left a good impression or any impression). Back then, all I had in mind was to champion for the environment and sustainability cause through the influence of policies. I guess the panel of interviewers' decision was right, not to have given me that role. In retrospect and after reading JJ's book, it was evident I wasn't ready then and I am not sure I ever will. It definitely takes more than just a passion to serve to be in politics, but also a good head on the shoulder to provide feedback or challenge the current system for a better way. And be able to stand toe to toe with a rival with greater resources at their disposal.

There are three key things I gained from this book:
1) A better understanding of how the Singapore political system works and what it takes to be an opposition party in Singapore.
2) The philosophy and good work of the Workers' Party, and how it choses its election candidates, under the leadership of Low Thia Khiang.
3) The ongoing policy issues that can be further improved on in Singapore - education, environment and entrepreneurship.

For anyone who is keen to learn more about politics in Singapore and those who wish to have a political career, be it as part of the ruling party or joining the opposition camp, this book definitely offers a good alternate view. And as a leisure read, it definitely is an easy one that helps to raise more questions and thoughts about our current political system. Thank you JJ.

[Juliana Poh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised to see this book prominently displayed on one of the shelves in Popular; it caught my eye with the sticker "Popular Readers' Choice Awards nominee". The cover design is very symbolic. I think the simple layout of the book made it very readable. I would have enjoyed more pictures, definitely!

This book gave an insight into how the WP functions, through the eyes of Yee JJ. I liked the way he related his observations and the book reminded me of several key incidents in the history of the opposition's brushes with the ruling party which I had forgotten, such as "PAP-lite" and the booing incidents. The rally speeches and his forum letters were reproduced in various sections of the book and his arguments were convincing, though not outright challenging the PAP. The section on myths about the opposition was interesting, and my favourite chapter was where he reflected on the Presidential Elections, political education in Singapore and unity in the opposition. Very insightful.

Highly recommended!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written memoir of the author's journey as an opposition party member and non-constituency MP in Singapore, whose parliament is overwhelmingly dominated by the People's Action Party. The memoir reads briskly, although insufficient background was given for some events - you have to already be familiar with Singapore politics for this book to really make sense. If I were his editor I would have asked him to clarify the background information for those less familiar.

I found it fascinating though and some of his thoughts and motivations for joining politics and the policies he proposed really resonated with me. I'm glad he went ahead despite the pervasive fear that the government would do something to you as an opposition member, that I remember already being in the air from the time I was a little kid. Having seen what happened during the Trump era I am more convinced than ever that checks and balances are essential, and that "ownself check ownself" (a PAP not-quite-slogan) is not viable, and I hope the Workers' Party continues to flourish as the loyal opposition.

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is not often that you come across a book written by an opposition politician in Singapore or even books about opposition politicians. Yee Jenn Jong might not be the WP party member that you would remember amongst the candidates that have contested before in elections, but in this book he comes across as measured, thoughtful and passionate about serving Singapore and Singaporeans.

I like how he does not shy away from covering some potentially controversial topics like how opposition are criticised as only coming out every 5 years, or the leadership challenge by Chen Shao Mao. I wonder what he makes of the Raeesah Khan issue.

Overall a good read. Even if you are a die hard PAP supporter, do read this and see for yourself how opposition candidates are actually pretty decent.

[Pearlyn Chua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting glimpse into life as an opposition politician and the workings of the Workers' Party. It was useful that Yee reproduced some of his writing and speeches within too, so I didn't have to look them up separately. I felt some of his positions made sense and some less so, but I definitely haven't put in the same level of research and thinking so my assessment wouldn't hold much weight. I did have doubts about the causality behind certain moves being made / adjusted after he brought them up (in Parliament, etc.), but even he acknowledges that it's likely impossible to determine the extent of his impact on the outcome.

[Caleb Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is rare, and very eye-opening, glimpse into Singapore's political scene, especially the WP's. Jenn Jong's concise, fast-paced writing immerses you in the ups and downs of his political career. He offers a balanced, rational and articulate view of why an opposition should exist, and why they make a difference, but he also touches on the heartwarming, human aspect of politics - the compassion and care displayed by volunteers and MPs. A must-read for everyone who is anyone in Singaporean politics.

[mellamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

delivers exactly what it promises: a peek into the biggest opposition party in singapore and its workings and challenges. definitely more of a personal narrative than political analysis or history, but still immensely useful considering the decided lack of literature on opposition politics in singapore.

[Ryan Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful

[s]

the writing is um kinda not great but nevertheless a good insight

[Y J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good insights on the works of the leading opposition party in Singapore in a heavily ruling party dominated political system.

[Alif Zaini · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5