Workers' Party Secretary-General Low Thia Khiang announced on 3 Nov. 2017 that he will not contest the leadership of the party at its next executive committee election.

Low was speaking at the Workers' Party (WP) 60th Anniversary Dinner at HarbourFront Centre's Ban Heng Restaurant. During his speech, he referred to the younger generation of "leaders" within the Workers' Party, and said it was their time to step up.

"It is time for these younger leaders to step up to the steering wheel. Remember that the Workers' Party is just a vehicle for the voice of the people to be heard.

We now have a team of younger leaders who are ready to drive the party forward. I shall therefore not be contesting the post of Secretary-General in the next party election to enable the next generation of party leaders to take over completely. I would like to thank party members, volunteers, supporters and voters for their support and trust."

Low added that during his time as the Secretary-General, he had achieved his objectives for the party.

"I am pleased to report that I have achieved what I had set out to do for the Workers' Party and am pleased that Singapore has made political progress towards democracy."

WP is the biggest opposition party in Singapore with nine members in Parliament, including six elected seats representing Aljunied GRC and Hougang SMC, and also three Non-constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs).

[related_story]

Low Thia Khiang set to be longest serving opposition MP

61-year-old Low Thia Khiang has been a Member of Parliament since Aug 1991.

With a string of four SMC and two GRC wins under his belt, he has had an illustrious political career spanning nearly three-decades.

Come end of this year, he will be the longest-serving opposition Member of Parliament in Singapore’s history, beating a record of 26 years and 4 months, held by another veteran oppposition leader, former Potong Pasir MP Chiam See Tong.

AS he is currently embroiled in a series of civil lawsuits -- related to the financial management of WP’s town council Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (AHTC) and Punggol East-related claims, together with Lim and Pritam, there is increasing uncertainty about his political future. Much will depend on the proceedings and outcome of the court cases when it comes to the next GE.

Top image by Guan Zhen Tan.