GE2025: WP supporters left with mixed emotions over results

Straits Times

04-05-2025

WP supporters at Serangoon stadium on May 3. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
SINGAPORE - The colourful party streamers were still draped on the trees outside the coffee shop at Block 322 Hougang Avenue 5 and there were smiles aplenty, but WP supporters said they had mixed feelings.
Mr Ng, a 60-year-old who declined to reveal his full name, said that a WP victory in Hougang, the party's stronghold of more than three decades, was expected.
But the party's showing in other constituencies was not.
WP contested and lost in Punggol, East Coast and Tampines GRCs, as well as in Jalan Kayu and Tampines Changkat SMCs.
'I wouldn't say that we are disappointed — but we had hope,' said the driver in Mandarin.
He had hoped for the WP to gain more seats in Parliament in the 2025 General Election, saying that cost of living concerns are top of mind.
His group of six friends - all senior citizens and long-time residents of Hougang - had gathered on May 4 near the coffee shop to greet elected MP Dennis Tan.
The 54-year-old was re-elected for his second consecutive term in the single-seat constituency.
Mr Ng, with his friends chiming in, said that WP MPs have been a consistent presence on the ground over the years.
'Unfortunately, for the PAP candidate in Hougang, they only have a chance to win if they are moved to other constituencies,' said a resident in her 60s, who declined to reveal her name.
At the polls on May 3, Mr Tan beat PAP newcomer Marshall Lim, 38, with 62.17 per cent of the vote share.
Mr Wang, a Tampines GRC voter and WP supporter, was at the coffeeshop as well.
WP supporters watching the results of the general election at the coffeeshop at Block 322 Hougang Avenue 5 on May 3.
ST PHOTO: HESTER TAN
Residents have often gathered there across the different elections to wait for results on polling day.
Mr Wang, who declined to reveal his full name, was armed with a copy of Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao .
He said : 'I thought Tampines GRC had a 50-50 chance.'
The PAP team retained the seat with 52.02 per cent of the vote in the constituency.
Hougang residents, who have collectively voted for WP MPs in the constituency since 1991, poked their heads out of their windows to applaud Mr Tan.
They shouted cheers of 'Workers' Party', when he arrived in Hougang Avenue 5 for a victory parade at about 12.20pm.
Elected Hougang MP Dennis Tan (right) waving to residents during a victory parade on May 4.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
Residents greeting Mr Tan during his victory parade in Hougang Avenue 5 on May 4.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
Mr Eric Goh, who there was with his two children, said: 'MP Dennis Tan has been such a constant presence that even my 5-year-old daughter recognises him.'
The taxi driver said Mr Tan had previously attended an event at his daughter's infant care centre .
The WP team in Sengkang GRC also held a victory parade .
The opposition party won 56.31 per cent of the vote share against the PAP in the 2025 General Election, up from 52.12 per cent in 2020.
The team - elected MPs Ms He Ting Ru, 41; Mr Jamus Lim, 49; Mr Louis Chua, 37; and Mr Abdul Muhaimin, 36 - waved to supporters from a truck.
The WP team in Sengkang GRC - (from left) Ms He Ting Ru, Mr Jamus Lim, Mr Abdul Muhaimin and Mr Louis Chua - holding a victory parade on May 4.
ST PHOTO: ANGELICA ANG
Mr Chua spoke with The Straits Times during a brief stop at Rivervale Community Club (CC).
He said: 'We're out here this morning to thank our residents for their support.
'We are very grateful for the support that they have given to us and their trust.'
Sengkang resident Andrew Yap, 60, made a s pecial trip to catch a glimpse of the 'Sengkang Four,' as they are known on social media.
The businessman, who usually spends Sundays resting at home, said he took a walk that morning in hopes of meeting them.
'They came in only five years ago but really made a difference .
'When the lift in my block was spoiled, they fixed it quickly. When any facilities are spoiled, they fix it quickly,' Mr Yap said.
Other WP supporters in Sengkang told ST that the MPs have gained residents' support over the past five years through estate improvements, including the introduction of more bus services and sheltered linkways.
Ms Shirley Leong and her friend Pamela Tan, both 30, have lived in Sengkang since they were children, but arrived too late to meet the WP at Rivervale CC.
Ms Tan, who works as a freelancer in the construction industry, said the improved infrastructure has made it easier to take public transport to her places of work.
Both attended four WP rallies during the campaign period and said GE2025 had felt more personal than the 2020 election.
Ms Tan said : 'I felt the kampung spirit, with people from different backgrounds getting together even outside the rallies.'
At around 10.30am, a handful of WP supporters waited at Kopitiam Square near the Compass One mall, but missed WP's victory parade.
Among them was a 40-year-old mother of two, who declined to give her name. She said she and her family had moved over from Punggol a few years ago because Sengkang was held by the WP.
'I'm touched by what they contribute, not just to Sengkang, but by speaking up in Parliament about issues like housing.'
She added: 'My husband asked me what we would do if they lost the election.
'I said: 'We can move again.''
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