The use of the new term should better describe the actual role that these parties played and should play in local politics and also reflect the realities of Singapore's political landscape.

In Great Britain the levers of government have always been balanced between the Conservative and Labour parties. Irregardless of whoever is in power, the word Opposition isn't used often as far as the discussion of local politics is concerned.

One hears more often of words like the Tories, Labourites, Centrists and the Ultra Nationalists -- terms that had been coined to describe the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and the British National parties respectively. These terms have also been used to describe the exact political platforms that each political party stands for.

In the United States the word Opposition is barely used. Instead terms such as Minority and Majority were used to differenate between ruling and non-ruling parties (Republicans or Democrats) in the House of Representatives and the Upper House of the Senate.

In Singapore the term Opposition has been used to describe all political parties other than the ruling party (PAP). While the usage of the term Opposition isn't wrong, it seems that view of the way how 'frontline' political battles have been 'fought' in parliament and at elections, its time for us to change our way of addressing these political parties.

The word Opposition has been more suited for describing people or groups (more involved in a revolution or civil war) who are entirely or totally against whatever the government or the desicion-maker(s) does for them. Each and every time this particular word is used, written or read, one cannot help notice that a strong confrontational, aggressive tone is always attached to it.

However within parliament or outside of it during election time, most of the Opposition MPs, leaders or candidates have behaved in a gentlemenly fashion and would always had the decency to have a handshake, friendly chat or discussion with their political rivals whenever they stumble upon candidates and leaders from the ruling party on their campaign trail. These have been in sharp contrast to the seemingly "oppose just for the sake of opposing" stance of some campaigners.

The two MPs of Hougang and Potong Pasir Mr Low Thia Kiang and Mr Chiam See Tong, have performed well in parliament asking sharp questions, offering alternative views and suggestions and making critical inquiries on current issues and governmental policies.

Both Opposition MPs didn't blindly adopt "oppose just for the sake of opposing" stance against the ruling PAP and conveniently ignored some positive aspects of PAP's administration. Both men had even admitted that the PAP has done a fair job except it still needs to continue to receive more alternative feedback and views,and participate in more discussions and debates in the house.

Mr Low Thia Kiang described his party's role in National politics at the last General Elections Workers' Party rally in Mandarin: "As Opposition Party, we don't oppose just for the sake of opposing. We only just want to provide checks and balances in parliament so as to make sure that the government will be more accountable to the people in regards to its policies and decisions."

Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew has lauded the positive work and contribution that both Opposition MPs have put in parliament and even expressed his wish to see both of them around after the just concluded elections.

During an election walkabout with the PAP team at Tampines GRC, Mr Lee was quoted as saying :"Its not our job to build up an opposition but its also not our responsiblity to run down a constructive opposition."

In the light of the above, there is justification to drop the word opposition and replace it with a newer and a more reflective word or term.

The new word or term would reflect clearly on how Mr Low Thia Kiang and Mr Chiam See Tong have conducted themselves and contributed to parliament. In the process, setting a new standard for the rest in their political camp to follow.This new term would also clearly signify the kind of constructive alternative politics that majority of Singaporeans are expecting.

When this new term is used, it could wake up, rejuvenate and refresh the alternative political movement and help it shake off both its past failings and opposing just for the sake of opposing while offering little else.

The word "alternative" might make a good subsitute in place of opposition. The dictionary, describes the word "alternative" as meaning "to choose, to change the way things are conducted and done, the way views and suggestions are to be expressed". Unlike the word "opposition", it doesn't mean "to oppose just for the sake of opposing" and it certainly carries a more constructive tone than the word opposition.

As advanced and matured democracies in countries such as Great Britian, the United States and much of the European Union, it has been proven that national politics is no longer conducted in a "either you support or else rebel" fashion.

It has been proven that the other political parties, given the right opportunity and the right talents, can be able to contribute positively to national development and progress.

Let us just abandon the word opposition, and call them the 'alternatives'. The alternatives who don't oppose for the sake of opposing and can also contribute positively to our country's development and progress.