The formal appointment of a Leader of the Opposition is to give expression to Singaporeans' desire for a greater diversity of ideas in politics

The formal appointment of a Leader of the Opposition is to give expression to Singaporeans' desire for a greater diversity of ideas in politics.

Make no mistake about this. No serious opposition party contests in an election without the desire to form the next government.

With the Opposition institutionalized, no longer is the role of WP merely to raise criticisms and ask questions of the government.

Their duty to Singaporeans is to put forward serious policy alternatives to be scrutinised and debated.

This way, Singaporeans will better understand the issues, choices and trade-offs.

And when we go to the polls at the next election, we can better decide for ourselves whether we want a PAP government or a WP government.

Because, to quote Calvin Cheng, 'Nowhere else in the world does a voter go to the polls and say I want Party A to govern, but I am going to vote Party B.'

Overall, the formal appointment of a Leader of the Opposition is a positive development for politics in Singapore.

The electorate must also grow in maturity to set the same standard for both the government and the opposition.

When the government and opposition are both held to the same high standard, it can only be good for Singapore.