Journey in Blue: A Peek into the Workers' Party of Singapore (Paperback Edition)
- Description
- Praise
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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 1% 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.
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"JJ's reflections in this easily digestible book provide some insights into the workings of the WP. Much work goes on behind the scenes and readers will find this book useful for perspectives that the mainstream and online media sources have not authoritatively or incompletely captured over the years."
—Pritam Singh, Leader of the Opposition, Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC Secretary-General, the Workers' Party Singapore"The battles opposition MPs and members have to face against the formidable PAP are tremendous. I am glad Jenn Jong has written Journey in Blue capturing the trials and tribulations of being in the opposition in Singapore. As he wrote, his ultimate loyalty is to Singapore and speaking against policies is not being disloyal. Reading the book, I learned about 'retail politics', of how the WP builds a relationship with voters. The book gives great insights to the WP and the life of an opposition member that Singaporeans should know about."
—Inderjit Singh, Former Member of Parliament (1996–2015), Singapore
"Journey in Blue is an interesting reflection of an entrepreneur-turned-politician. Jenn Jong's views are personal and sincere, and give the readers a rare peek into the Workers' Party of Singapore."
—Er Kwong Wah, Former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Community Development, Singapore"An interesting and insightful read about JJ's political journey. Everyone's perspective is different and there is much to learn from one another. JJ's book provided that learning opportunity, not only with his views, but also how he felt at different stages of his journey."
—Teo Ser Luck, Former Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Manpower, Former Member of Parliament (2006–2020), Singapore"Journey in Blue provides not just a rare insight into an MP's experiences in the highest law-making body of the land; it is a searingly honest account of the challenges and obstacles faced by a politician from an alternative party not many Singaporeans are privy to in a country which, until only recently, is not used to the value of diverse voices in Parliament."
—Faizah Jamal, Former Nominated Member of Parliament (2012–2014), Singapore
Page Count: 250
Year Published: 2020