GE2025: WP's Sengkang team on going from new faces to first-term MPs, and the journey so far
Are we seeing WP fielding their strongest slate of candidates in recent years?
The Usual Place Podcast GE2025: WP's Sengkang team on going from new faces to first-term MPs, and the journey so far
Follow our live coverage here.
As first-term MPs, they had to navigate both constituency work and team dynamics after winning Sengkang GRC in GE2020 with 52.13 per cent of the vote – the biggest upset of the election then.
The WP took 60,136 votes, while the PAP got 55,214 votes.
Since then, have there been any growing pains, and how has their working relationship evolved ? How do they split roles in the team?
Meet Ms He Ting Ru, 41 ; Associate Professor Jamus Lim, 49; and Mr Louis Chua, 37, who are contesting Sengkang GRC again – this time with newcomer Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik, 36. They are up against the PAP team led by Dr Lam Pin Min.
At noon on April 30, I will sit down with the WP team to find out how they feel about winning Sengkang in the last election, and what they're learning so far during campaigning for GE2025 .
The Usual Place – a podcast by The Straits Times – has moved from a weekly show to a half-hour daily live stream at noon from April 24 till May 1, the day before Cooling-off Day.
Watch the video above at noon to catch the interview.
Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
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Straits Times
a day ago
- Straits Times
How GE2025 candidates are giving their campaign leftovers a second life
Physical advertising materials, like posters and flags, traditionally make up the biggest costs incurred during the election season. PHOTO: ST FILE How GE2025 candidates are giving their campaign leftovers a second life SINGAPORE - With the 2025 General Election now over, several political parties and candidates say they are reducing wastage of their campaign materials by reusing, recycling and even selling some of them. Those who are selling their physical advertising materials like posters told The Straits Times that they are doing so to raise funds to cover the cost of the campaign, or to donate to charity. On May 28, the Elections Department (ELD) released preliminary data showing that the average election spending per candidate worked out to be $25,285. The records showed that the five members of the PAP's Marine Parade-Braddell Heights team, which enjoyed Singapore's first walkover since 2011, were the top spenders among 35 candidates who have declared their expenses so far. Non-online election advertising was the slate's largest expense, accounting for about 60 per cent of $388,756 spent by the candidates . Physical advertising materials like posters and flags, which are grouped under non-online election advertising in ELD data, traditionally make up the biggest costs incurred during the election season . However, there are no official figures for how much of the materials wind up in the landfill once these campaigns end. A PAP spokeswoman told ST that the party sorted its election paraphernalia into recyclable and non-recyclable materials, and disposed of them properly. She said: 'Our campaigning materials are not for sale or auction.' Some items like corrugated parts may be repurposed by printers for other uses, such as cardboard standees, she added. The spokeswoman said the party also reuses some materials produced before the 2025 General Election, like banners with PAP logos . PAP volunteers and workers keeping PAP posters featuring Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and elected candidates in Ang Mo Kio GRC on May 4. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) and Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) said they recycle some of their campaign materials. SDA chief Desmond Lim said the party has used biodegradable materials since 2020, and raised $8,000 through sales of roadside posters in 2025, up from about $5,000 after the previous general election. The proceeds and another $8,000 from Mr Lim's pocket were donated to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund to help children and youth from low-income families with school-related expenses. Posters of SDA Pasir Ris-Changi GRC candidates on display near Tampines Meridian Junior College on April 28. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Mr Lim added: ' This initiative isn't just a practice; it embodies our commitment to reducing waste and championing sustainability within our community. We want to create a positive impact not only for our supporters in Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, but also for all Singaporeans.' Meanwhile, an SDP spokesperson said its leftover campaign material is recycled or used for fund-raising purposes. By June 1, the party had sold about 9 per cent of an estimated 450 roadside posters set aside for fund raising . As for its merchandise such as umbrellas and stuffed toys, the remaining stock has been stored at the party's headquarters for future use. A People's Power Party spokeswoman said its campaign materials have been distributed or sold to its volunteers and supporters to partially offset expenses. SDP bear plushies on sale during an SDP lunchtime rally at the promenade next to UOB Plaza on April 29. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM The independent candidates who ran during the recent election, Mr Jeremy Tan and Mr Darryl Lo, also said they had sought to make their campaigns environmentally friendly. Mr Lo, who took 23.52 per cent of the vote at Radin Mas SMC, said he paid more for paper from sustainably managed forests , and printed 13,000 fliers and brochures for roughly the same number of households. Less than 120 copies of each remained after the campaign. He chose to give away most of the 252 posters printed for the election. Instead of charging fees, supporters were told to donate generously to the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS). The law graduate who worked in the technology sector said he decided on SOS because of its 'profound' work to prevent suicide, which includes manning a 24-hour helpline. Mr Tan, who garnered 36.18 per cent of the vote share for Mountbatten SMC, said he used leftover plywood from a construction site for his posters. All 200 posters, except for four, have been recycled. The retired businessman said: 'It was cheaper to do things this way, so it wasn't too challenging.' He plans to set up a microsite to sell about 1,000 autographed fliers, clappers and t-shirts, with all proceeds to go to organisations like social service agency Care Corner. ST has also reached out to WP, the only opposition party in Parliament with 12 MPs, and other parties, including the PSP. The National Library Board's (NLB) collection of published heritage shows that the WP has, on occasion , donated some campaign materials through the Legal Deposit, which preserves such items. An NLB spokesperson said it has encouraged political parties and candidates to contribute materials like printed manifestos, fliers, brochures, recordings of campaign speeches, rallies, related websites and social media accounts to the board for preservation. She said: 'In line with the National Library and National Archives of Singapore's role as a memory institution, materials related to important national milestones in Singapore's history are collected, documented and preserved.' Analysts lauded the candidates' efforts to extend the lifespan of campaign materials, and urged candidates to be more ambitious in their initiatives. Dr Aidan Wong, who teaches urban studies at Singapore Management University, said the range of steps taken indicates a recognition across the life stages of printed material. 'This movement indicates a greater awareness among political parties that being environmentally sustainable is part of our DNA, and this overall consciousness is gaining good traction.' James Cook University's Professor Adrian Kuah, who advises developing countries on minimising waste and maximising resources , pointed out that strategies to reuse and repurpose existing materials are superior to using recycled materials because they reduce further production from raw resources. 'Instead of one-time use, the political party can consider producing posters that can be reused for future events and general elections,' he said. Dr Wong and Dr Kuah suggested that candidates can take further steps to protect the environment, like introducing zero-waste rallies and hosting more campaign materials online. During the 2023 Presidential Election, for instance, candidate Ng Kok Song opted to not have physical posters or banners. Still, party paraphernalia remain a part of political elections, the analysts acknowledged. Said Dr Wong: 'Not only do they make voters aware of the parties and candidates campaigning in their constituency, they also contribute to the overall atmosphere of the campaigning period.' The practice of selling and giving away party memorabilia dates back to the 1980s, but has become more visible with online platforms like Carousell, according Mr Emyr Uzayr, head of marketing at vintage shop Treasure At Home. The 21-year-old added: 'While I do not see value in the current election materials, you never know how they might be viewed in years to come... What seems unimportant today could become historically significant tomorrow.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

Straits Times
6 days ago
- Straits Times
Didn't vote in GE2025? Apply to restore your name to Registers of Electors from May 30
The Elections Department encouraged non-voters to apply to restore their names so that they are able to vote in the next election. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG Didn't vote in GE2025? Apply to restore your name to Registers of Electors from May 30 SINGAPORE - If you failed to cast your vote at the 2025 General Election , you will be able to apply to restore your name to the Registers of Electors from May 30. In a statement on May 29, the Elections Department (ELD) said that Singaporeans can check their particulars and voter status online, and apply to restore their names, on the ELD website or via the Singpass app. The names of eligible voters who did not cast their votes during GE2025 were removed from the Registers in accordance with the Parliamentary Elections Act, said ELD. It encouraged such non-voters to apply to restore their names so that they are able to vote in the next election. Under the law, ELD will not be able to restore their names once the writ for an election is issued. Those who are unable to check their particulars in the Registers electronically may do so at any community centre or club or ServiceSG Centre. They can also do so at the ELD office by making an e-appointment via the ELD website or by calling 1800-225-5353. The lists of community centres or clubs and ServiceSG Centres can be found at and respectively. Overseas Singaporeans who are unable to check their particulars online may do so at Singapore overseas missions serving as overseas registration centres. A list of such centres can be found at The 2025 General Election saw the lowest voter turnout by percentage since 1968. On Polling Day, 92.47 per cent of registered voters cast their ballots in Singapore. After the addition of overseas voters, GE2025 saw a total turnout of 92.83 per cent, with 2,438,610 of 2,627,026 registered voters in contested constituencies casting their ballots. Political observers said the likeliest explanation for the lower turnout in 2025 was that Singaporeans had already made travel plans before the election was called, taking advantage of the May Day holiday that fell on a Thursday. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Business Times
6 days ago
- Business Times
MPs must separate business and politics, be wary of conflicts of interest: PM Wong
[SINGAPORE] Members of Parliament (MPs) must separate business and politics, and be shrewd in assessing the motives of those who seek to get close to them, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in a customary letter to People's Action Party (PAP) MPs, dated May 28. The letter on 'Rules of Prudence' is traditionally sent by the prime minister to PAP MPs after each general election. PM Wong led the PAP to an improved vote share at the May 3 polls, his first electoral outing since taking the helm a year ago. In a letter largely similar to the one sent after GE2020, PM Wong called on MPs to separate their public political position from their private, professional or business interests. 'Be wary of potential conflicts between these interests and your public duties as MPs,' he urged. Those who are in business, occupy senior management positions in companies or are board directors should be 'especially vigilant', he said. They should not exploit their public position, close contacts with ministers and access to government for their personal interest or benefit of their employers. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up If MPs employed by companies or industry associations make public statements in that capacity, they should be clear that they are not speaking as an MP. Nor should they use Parliamentary questions or speeches to lobby the government on behalf of their businesses or clients. MPs may relay feedback and speak freely to political officeholders, who will 'listen carefully to arguments on principles', PM Wong said. But these officeholders will not 'change individual decisions without very good reasons which they can justify publicly', he added. 'The government must always base decisions on the merits of the issues, and not yield to pressure from interested parties.' 'Stand above' favour or influence MPs will meet many people, noted PM Wong, including 'altruistic, public spirited individuals' who will help serve residents without wanting anything in return. 'But a few will seek to cultivate you to obtain benefits for themselves or their companies, to gain respectability by association with you, or to get you to influence ministries and statutory boards to make decisions in their favour,' he warned. He cited concert tickets among the 'countless social lubricants' – alongside gift hampers, dinners and entertainment – that people use to 'ingratiate themselves to MPs'. While PM Wong did not name examples, the letter comes after former transport minister S Iswaran was jailed for 12 months last October, upon pleading guilty to obtaining valuable items – including concert tickets – from Ong Beng Seng, the tycoon behind the Singapore Grand Prix. PM Wong urged MPs to be shrewd in assessing the motives of people who seek to get close to them. In his 2020 letter, then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told MPs to 'at all times be seen to be beyond the influence of gifts or favours'. In this year's letter, PM Wong said: 'Both in conduct and perception, you must stand above any hint of favour or influence.' Directorships Noting that MPs are often invited to serve on the boards of private and publicly listed companies, PM Wong said this shows that PAP MPs' integrity and experience are valued. MPs who are offered directorships must decide for themselves whether to accept, as the party is not in a position to vet or approve them, he said. 'Turn down directorships where you feel unable to make a significant contribution, or feel that the company is hoping to benefit from your status and connections as a PAP MP.' MPs must weigh the directorship's possible impact on their political life, he added. The company must understand that MPs will act in their private capacity and not lobby the government. The letter laid out what to consider before taking up a directorship, including how well the MP knows the company and its industry, their fellow directors, and the relationship between shareholders and the company. MPs must also examine if they face conflicts of interest and if so, whether they can manage them. 'If in any doubt, you should decline,' said PM Wong. Every MP must disclose to the prime minister, in confidence, information on directorships and related income, he added. This should be done by May 31 and submitted annually thereafter. Parliament and social media PM Wong's letter also addressed other expectations of PAP MPs, in areas such as their conduct in Parliament and on social media. In Parliament, he called on MPs to 'take ownership of causes or issues' that they feel strongly about and be ready for 'sharper questioning and debate'. In engaging the opposition, MPs should 'address the issues and not the person' and not get 'carried away playing to the gallery'. Meanwhile, social media has become an 'integral' part of daily life, as a key channel of communication and primary source of news for many. He urged MPs to embrace social media to share their views and engage residents. However, it is no substitute for face-to-face engagements, he added. 'You must establish personal bonds with your residents, and attend to their needs in person.' Party reputation The PAP has been able to retain the trust of Singaporeans because of its commitment to honesty and integrity, said PM Wong. 'As PAP MPs, your personal standing can contribute to, or detract from, this high standing of the party as a whole,' he said. Every MP must 'uphold the rigorous standards' of the PAP 'and do nothing to compromise them', he added. 'Never give cause for allegations that you are misusing your position, especially your access to ministers. That would discredit both you and the party.'