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Will Ng Kok Song withdraw from the race at the last minute just to save Tharman? Yes or No.

 What a strategy!

Will Ng Kok Song withdraw from the race at the last minute just to save Tharman?  Yes or No.


To prevent Tan Kin Lian from winning, “spare tyre” part II is necessary.  This time during the election campaign.  Few days back Zaobao announced the race was between Tan Kin Lian and Tharman.  Now, it is Tharman and  Ng Kok Song.  


Without any political support, Ng Kok Song is now running at the third position.   As a strategy, Ng Kok Song is aiming for the independent or the alternative votes.   However, the gap between Tan Kin Lian and Ng Kok Song is widening when Tan Cheng Bock endorses Tan Kin Lian.   To prevent Tan Kin Lian from winning, Ng Kok Song may have to sacrifice himself and give way to Tharman.   Anyway, he is rich enough to lose the deposit and all other expenses.  Money is really NOT a problem!


This is a political game.  The PAP treats every election as a learning curve and strategic forming.  We don’t know whether Ng will withdraw from the race.  It depends very much whether he is a burden or value add to Tharman.   But if you are the mastermind of this political game, what will you do? Let Kok Song remain in the race or drop him?  What is the best option to make sure Tharman wins?  Kok Song has lost his momentant and he is reaching the maximum catch of the anti-PAP votes.    


On the Kin Lian side, there is no guarantee the combined 65% in 2011 will translate into 51% in 2023.  The game plan has changed.  The team must work very hard until the last minute.  Tan Kin Lian, now joins forces with Tan Cheng Bock and Tan Jee Say to fight against the most suitable non-Chinese PM material, Tharman.  


Tharman is bigger than the PAP.  PAP is a burden to him.  Guanxi, close association, good relationship all these affect his independence.  He can only stress his independent mind.  Really, how many will believe him?  Especially those voters who prefer independence over guanxi.



Also, this is a very close-door contest.  Some 20% to 30% voters may not be aware of PE2023.  A campaign over social media, mainstream media, no rally, no house visits, and even language barrier for some voters has made this national election a very restrictive geopolitics.  Will this become the future normal if Tharman wins handsomely? 

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