By Kenny Chee

Having a two-party system of politics is not feasible because there is not enough talent to form two first-class teams to govern Singapore well, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last night.

"The most effective way to get a two-party system is to split the People's Action Party (PAP) in two because the talent is there," he said.

Speaking at a forum on leadership renewal at the University Cultural Centre, Mr Lee said the party had "seriously considered" splitting itself in two but did not go ahead because it could not form two teams that are each as good as the combined team.

Therefore, Mr Lee said that it is best to have one strong team with the best people.

"Leadership Renewal: The 4th Generation & Beyond"

Click on thumbnail to view (Photos: ST, Cho Chwee Hua)

If the PAP split into two, he said the Government would become weaker and the chances of thing going wrong would increase, or standard of governance would drop.

Mr Lee cited how two-party systems could also arise if society splits along the lines of race and religion, or along class lines such as with Britain and the United States.

He said the first scenario was the "worst possible" for Singapore and the second was "not a good outcome".

A two-party system could also arise from two groups pushing different policies, but Mr Lee sad this is unlikely as the PAP is pragmatic and open to all good ideas.



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