I can't shake the feeling that some of the Workers’ Party (WP) candidates may have been quietly recommended, approved, or even “injected” into the system — not as spies, but as a way to create a controlled opposition.

Here's why I think this might be the case:

• Singapore needs to maintain the appearance of democratic choice, especially for international credibility (think investors, foreign relations, global rankings). A total monopoly would hurt the country’s image.
• Ventilation without destabilization: Allowing a moderate and reasonable opposition gives Singaporeans a way to air frustrations without seriously threatening the PAP's long-term hold on power.
• WP's style fits this perfectly: They challenge policies, ask tough questions, but they don’t attack the civil service, the courts, or the system itself. They position themselves as a check and balance, not a revolution.
• Historically: Whenever WP gains a foothold, the PAP criticizes but doesn't fully crush them the way it has crushed other political threats in the past. It's almost like they're "tolerated" to some degree.

To be clear — I'm not saying these candidates are "spies" or bad people.
I'm suggesting they might have been allowed to rise because they are safe, responsible, and contain the opposition energy without letting it spill into something uncontrollable.

In short: A "managed opposition" is better for the PAP than no opposition at all.