Latest news with #AljuniedGRC
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pritam Singh had hoped WP would ‘tip one or two more constituencies' at GE
SINGAPORE – The Workers' Party was hoping to win one or two new constituencies at the May general election, and had come close, though it was not enough to succeed, said party chief Pritam Singh on Aug 4. 'It was a difficult election for us. As a small political party, obviously, elections are going to be difficult, but we did our best,' he said, speaking on The Big Show on Kiss92 FM. The WP fielded 26 candidates, including 14 new faces, at the general election. In the end, the party won 10 seats to entrench its incumbent positions in Aljunied GRC, Sengkang GRC and Hougang SMC, but failed to make inroads in the new constituencies it contested including Punggol GRC, Tampines GRC and Tampines Changkat SMC. Asked by DJs Glenn Ong and Angelique Teo about the electoral showing, Mr Singh said that he had hoped the party would 'tip one or two more constituencies'. '(We) came close, not close enough. But that just tells you there's still work to do. So we go at it again,' he added, speaking in what he said was his first radio interview. The WP had drawn flak from other opposition parties for not contesting Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, where the party had covered the ground, leading to an unexpected walkover win for the PAP on Nomination Day. Mr Singh, who is Leader of the Opposition, said on the radio show that the party had decided to change its strategy after studying the boundary changes by the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee. WP had contested in Marine Parade GRC in the 2015 and 2020 general elections, getting 35.93 per cent and 42.26 per cent of the vote share respectively. In the most recent election, the constituency had absorbed MacPherson SMC and an adjacent polling district from Mountbatten SMC, and also ceded the Chai Chee and Joo Chiat areas to East Coast GRC. Asked about how boundary changes impacted his party's strategy, Mr Singh said: 'Before the elections, you have the boundary review committee which always sort of resets the playing board, and of course when the playing board is reset, you've got to reset your strategy.' He added that the party was looking at the electoral map not just for one election, but for the future as well, and decided it had to 'pivot'. 'Ultimately, you've got only that many cards in your hands, only that many candidates who are prepared to fly the flag, and we decided that the strategy for the party was important. 'But we still hang around a lot in the Marine Parade area. Generally we are more familiar with the eastern part of Singapore.' Mr Singh also spoke about his party's candidates at the recent general election, saying that he thought they did incredibly well, though he did not name names. He said that he was encouraged by the number of people who were prepared to step up to volunteer with the party and to contest the election under its banner. 'The value proposition we're providing you is a very difficult journey. It speaks of these candidates who have chosen to enter the ring... It speaks a lot for themselves and their character,' he said. He added that an important trait for opposition candidates is someone who is prepared to work hard, 'because you don't really have much wind behind you to push you forward, you've got to create that wind through your own energy and own effort'. Mr Singh also touched on topics ranging from his favourite sport to his favourite band, and what his childhood was like. He likes football, though he does not play frequently any more and often regrets it after a kick-around because of the muscle aches; he likes Irish rock band U2, and had a carefree childhood where his parents allowed him to do what he wanted. He also took pre-recorded questions from eight young Singaporeans ranging from four to 11 years of age. One of them asked him if politics in Singapore is fair, and if all parties play by the same rules. To this, Mr Singh said: 'I think we should always endeavour to develop and nourish a system where the rules are the same for everyone. 'I'd like to think that that's the road we're on, and we should remain on that road.' Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Business Times
27-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Times
PAP has to retain its position for Singapore to keep doing well: SM Lee
[SINGAPORE] With the opposition here to stay in Singapore politics, the ruling party will have to retain its position, and win the support of voters in order for the Republic to 'keep on doing well', said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Otherwise, it will become harder to govern Singapore well and get support for policies required to make the country work and progress, said SM Lee. Speaking at a National Day dinner in Serangoon on Sunday (Jul 27), SM Lee said the People's Action Party (PAP) government continues to deliver good results and enjoys the confidence of Singaporeans. 'But at the same time, after all these years of peace and prosperity and progress, the desire for more alternative voices in Parliament has become stronger,' he said. 'The number of opposition MPs in Parliament has also grown, and the sentiment - I think it is quite natural, it is quite understandable,' he added. Following the 2025 General Election, Singapore's 15th Parliament - which will sit for the first time on Sep 5 - will have 12 opposition MPs including two Non-Constituency MPs. The opposition had also secured 12 seats in the 2020 General Election. 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 Said SM Lee: 'So my attitude is: the opposition is here to stay in Singapore politics. But in order for Singapore to keep on doing well, the Government has to continue to hold its own, and to win votes and to win seats in elections. 'Because otherwise, beyond a point, it will become harder for us to form a team, harder for us to govern Singapore well, harder for us to get support for policies which we need, in order to make the country work and progress.' He warned that when that happens, the quality of the Government will 'go down' and that the country's future will be affected. 'You can elect more opposition MPs to check the government, to bold it to work better, but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction,' he said. Instead, he called for striking the right balance between having stronger alternative voices in Government, and supporting and electing an effective one. 'One which will deliver high standards and good results, which Singaporeans have gotten used to and have come to expect from the Government; one which will take the tough but necessary decisions to secure our long-term future, particularly in today's troubled world,' he added. SM Lee said he was glad that Singaporeans understood this and gave the PAP government a clear mandate during the elections in May. The PAP secured 65.57 per cent of the popular vote, up from the 61.24 per cent it garnered in the 2020 General Election. SM Lee was addressing a crowd that included the PAP candidates that had run in Aljunied GRC and Hougang SMC at the 2025 General Election in May - namely Ms Chan Hui Yuh, Daniel Liu, Faisal Abdul Aziz, Adrian Ang, and Jagathishwaran Rajo for Aljunied GRC; and Marshall Lim for Hougang SMC. Despite the overall swing towards the PAP, both teams lost to the Workers' Party, which retained its hold over these constituencies. The ruling party's candidates have stayed on as non-elected PAP representatives in their respective divisions. 'Now the elections are over, it does not matter who you voted for in the election,' said SM Lee, assuring Singaporeans that the PAP Government 'will continue to take care of all citizens, no matter which constituency you live in, or which party you voted for.' SM Lee added that grassroots advisers and leaders in Aljunied and Serangoon 'do not have an easy job' as they are not elected MPs who oversee the town councils in these divisions. 'But they will always do their best,' he said, pointing out that they will continue to serve residents through explaining Government policies and measures, implementing support schemes, and organising programmes for seniors, youth and families. THE STRAITS TIMES
Straits Times
27-07-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
PAP has to retain its position for S'pore to keep doing well: SM Lee
SINGAPORE - With the opposition here to stay in Singapore politics, the ruling party will have to retain its position, and win the support of voters in order for the Republic to 'keep on doing well', said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Otherwise, it will become harder to govern Singapore well and get support for policies required to make the country work and progress, said SM Lee. Speaking at a National Day dinner in Serangoon on July 27, SM Lee said the People's Action Party (PAP) government continues to deliver good results and enjoys the confidence of Singaporeans. 'But at the same time, after all these years of peace and prosperity and progress, the desire for more alternative voices in Parliament has become stronger,' he said. 'The number of opposition MPs in Parliament has also grown, and the sentiment - I think it is quite natural, it is quite understandable,' he added. Following the 2025 General Election, Singapore's 15th Parliament - which will sit for the first time on Sept 5 - will have 12 opposition MPs including two Non-Constituency MPs. The opposition had also secured 12 seats in the 2020 General Election. Said SM Lee: 'So my attitude is: the opposition is here to stay in Singapore politics. But in order for Singapore to keep on doing well, the Government has to continue to hold its own, and to win votes and to win seats in elections. 'Because otherwise, beyond a point, it will become harder for us to form a team, harder for us to govern Singapore well, harder for us to get support for policies which we need, in order to make the country work and progress.' He warned that when that happens, the quality of the Government will 'go down' and that the country's future will be affected. 'You can elect more opposition MPs to check the government, to bold it to work better, but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction,' he said. Instead, he called for striking the right balance between having stronger alternative voices in Government, and supporting and electing an effective one. 'One which will deliver high standards and good results, which Singaporeans have gotten used to and have come to expect from the Government; one which will take the tough but necessary decisions to secure our long-term future, particularly in today's troubled world,' he added. SM Lee said he was glad that Singaporeans understood this and gave the PAP government a clear mandate during the elections in May. The PAP secured 65.57 per cent of the popular vote, up from the 61.24 per cent it garnered in the 2020 General Election. SM Lee was addressing a crowd that included the PAP candidates that had run in Aljunied GRC and Hougang SMC at the 2025 General Election in May - namely Ms Chan Hui Yuh, Mr Daniel Liu, Mr Faisal Abdul Aziz, Mr Adrian Ang, and Mr Jagathishwaran Rajo for Aljunied GRC; and Mr Marshall Lim for Hougang SMC. Despite the overall swing towards the PAP, both teams lost to the Workers' Party, which retained its hold over these constituencies. The ruling party's candidates have stayed on as non-elected PAP representatives in their respective divisions. 'Now the elections are over, it does not matter who you voted for in the election,' said SM Lee, assuring Singaporeans that the PAP Government 'will continue to take care of all citizens, no matter which constituency you live in, or which party you voted for.' SM Lee added that grassroots advisers and leaders in Aljunied and Serangoon 'do not have an easy job' as they are not elected MPs who oversee the town councils in these divisions. 'But they will always do their best,' he said, pointing out that they will continue to serve residents through explaining Government policies and measures, implementing support schemes, and organising programmes for seniors, youth and families.
Independent Singapore
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
Pritam Singh announces Community Grocery Truck at Eunos to help residents with living costs
SINGAPORE: In a Facebook post on Tuesday (Jul 15), Workers' Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh wrote about a new cost-of-living support programme launched recently at Aljunied Group Representation Constituency (GRC), which his party has represented in Parliament since 2011. The Community Grocery Truck began operations at Eunos, Mr Singh's ward, on Saturday (Jul 12), with residents signing up for a S$10 package of items. Mr Singh wrote that the initiative will be held monthly and has been made possible with the help of generous donors. FB screengrab/ Aljunied GRC He explained that the Community Grocery Truck is 'prioritised for Eunos residents who are Blue CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme) card holders (one per household). Residents pay S$10 in exchange for a range of day-to-day groceries, including fruit, eggs, rice, biscuits, bread, etc., and more, all of which cost far more than S$10 in total.' FB screengrab/ Aljunied GRC Blue CHAS cardholders are from households with a monthly income of S$1,500 or less per person, or from households with no income that own a home with an annual value of S$21,000 or less. The initiative is next scheduled for Aug 30 at 10:00 a.m., specifically for residents living at Blocks 122 to 151. Over the next 12 months, the Community Grocery Truck will go to a new precinct. 'Do keep a lookout for details which will be posted at your block noticeboards about two weeks before the truck comes around! If you are a Blue CHAS holder in Eunos, do email Team Eunos at [email protected] to register your interest!' Mr Singh — Singapore's first officially designated Leader of the Opposition — added in his post. A poster featured on the Aljunied GRC Facebook account states that recipients will receive up to 18 grocery items and canned goods, all of which are Halal-certified. The poster also asked participants to bring their own reusable bags and trolleys. FB screengrab/ Aljunied GRC The initiative can serve 100 households on a first-come, first-served basis. 'Another ground-up initiative by MP Pritam Singh and his grassroots volunteers in helping residents to address # costofliving concerns received during community events' engagements,' the post from Aljunied GRC, which showed photos of the WP team and its volunteers working on putting the goods together, noted. Many Facebook users thanked Mr Singh and the WP for the initiative, saying it would be helpful to the families in the area. 'Great Initiative. No Vouchers needed. #workingforthepeople,' wrote one. 'That's a great help to low-income households. God bless you and your team, Mr Pritam,' another added. 'Like this Community Grocery Truck. It's a great idea,' a Facebook user commented. /TISG Read also: Better support system needed for Serangoon seniors for accessing public services, says WP MP Kenneth Tiong
Free Malaysia Today
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Pritam Singh's appeal against conviction for lying to Parliament set for Nov 4
Pritam Singh was fined S$14,000 on Feb 17 after being found guilty of two charges of wilfully lying to Singapore Parliament's Committee of Privileges. (EPA Images pic) PETALING JAYA : The appeal hearing for Singapore's Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh, who was convicted earlier this year of lying under oath to a parliamentary committee, has been scheduled for Nov 4. Pritam's lawyer, Andre Jumabhoy, confirmed the date, The Straits Times reported. On Feb 17, the Aljunied GRC MP was fined S$14,000 after being found guilty of two charges of wilfully lying to the Committee of Privileges, making him Singapore's first sitting opposition MP in nearly four decades to be convicted of a criminal offence. The opposition leader received the maximum fine of S$7,000 for each charge and said at the time that he would appeal both the conviction and sentence. In his ruling, deputy principal district judge Luke Tan found that Pritam had lied about how he handled the false claims made by former WP MP Raeesah Khan in Parliament on Aug 3, 2021. Raeesah falsely told the House she had accompanied a sexual assault victim to a police station. She repeated the claim on Oct 4 that year before eventually admitting it was untrue. The 13-day trial began on Oct 14, 2024, with Pritam, Raeesah and other former WP officials taking the stand. While the defence portrayed Raeesah as a habitual liar, prosecutors led by then deputy attorney-general Ang Cheng Hock argued that Pritam had attempted to cover up his own role in the matter. Despite the conviction, Pritam retained his seat in Parliament after the recent general election, in which WP held on to Aljunied GRC with 59.68% of the vote, defeating PAP, which received 40.32%. Following the election, prime minister Lawrence Wong said Pritam would remain as leader of the opposition and continue to receive staff and resources to carry out his responsibilities.
