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Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: DPM Gan says he will be ‘task force man' for hotly contested Punggol GRC
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong speaking at the PAP Punggol GRC rally held at Yusof Ishak Secondary School on May 1. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO GE2025: DPM Gan says he will be 'task force man' for hotly contested Punggol GRC Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE - On the final day of this General Election campaign, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong asked voters to cast aside any doubts about whether his age and portfolio of roles would affect his ability to serve Punggol GRC residents , and said looking after these people would be his most important task. 'Let me say this, I've been in politics for almost 25 years. Since I began in 2001, my first priority has always been my residents. I am a minister only because I'm an MP. So being your MP is my first priority,' said DPM Gan. He pointed out that some people have been 'whispering on the ground', pointing out that he was 66 years old, a Deputy Prime Minister, and the 'task force man' looking after economy and trade. DPM Gan - who is also the Minister for Trade and Industry, and leading the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, along with having co-chaired the multi-ministry task force during Covid-19 pandemic - was dubbed 'task force man' by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at PAP's lunchtime Fullerton Rally on April 28. 'Yes, I'm task force man, I have many tasks. But none are more important than looking after you. First and foremost, I'll be task force man for you, and for Punggol,' he said to spectators at the PAP Punggol rally at Yusof Ishak Secondary School on May 1. DPM Gan is leading the four-member PAP team in the newly-formed Punggol GRC, which comprises incumbent MPs Yeo Wan Ling, Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary, and Ms Sun Xueling. He had made a surprise move to the GRC on Nomination Day on April 23, after widely being expected to lead the Chua Chu Kang GRC team, which he has helmed since 2011. The PAP team is up against a Workers' Party slate helmed by four political newcomers: senior counsel Mr Harpreet Singh; senior director of publisher business development at an advertising tech firm, Ms Alexis Dang; senior manager of corporate affairs and marketing with the London Stock Exchange Group, Mr Jackson Au; and legal counsel, Ms Alia Mattar. DPM Gan, who has spent the last nine days campaigning in Punggol, called the GRC 'one of the most sought-after residential areas' with its network of green spaces and Coney Island and the waterfront views from Punggol Waterway Park. He also noted that the Punggol Digital District - a business park earmarked to spur innovation, and slated for completion in 2026 - has created over 28,000 jobs. PM Wong has previously referred to it as the nation's first smart district, where companies, research institutes and government agencies spearhead technological innovation. 'All this didn't happen by accident, it was the product of 15 to 20 years of hard work by the PAP Government,' said DPM Gan, adding that it was realised through the vision of two Prime Ministers, ministers of national development, and PAP team 'working tirelessly' over the years. 'I remember when I was briefed on (the district) as Minister for Trade and Industry...I was excited by the limitless possibilities it offers, and now I am even happier that Punggol residents will benefit from it directly,' he said. DPM Gan used his final rally speech before Cooling Off Day to list future plans he had for Punggol GRC, including building more covered linkways, and opening the new Punggol Coast Bus Interchange, and launching two-car LRTs to reduce congestion. He also listed several initiatives from his experience in Chua Chu Kang GRC that he is hoping to replicate in Punggol if elected. These include vending machines across HDB blocks that sell $3 pre-packed meals, and a fund - similar to South West CDC Caregiver Support Fund - to help with caregiving expenses. 'These may take some time to replicate here, but if elected, I promise to further explore how we can give seniors and caregivers stronger support and better peace of mind,' he said. A stacked guest speaker list appeared at the rally to stump for DPM Gan, that included PM Lawrence Wong; Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, the previous anchor minister of Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC; Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah; Senior Minister of State for Defence and Manpower Zaqy Mohamad, and former Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong speaking at the rally held at Yusof Ishak Secondary School on May 1. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO They spoke of how DPM Gan has proven to be a steady hand, 'that gets things done'. DPM Gan reminded voters that this is a high stakes election. He said: 'The stakes are high because this GE is about you – your welfare, your job, your family, your future.' He called on voters to decide who can best take Singapore forward and steer the Republic through 'uncharted waters', as well as who can best represent Singapore on the international stage. 'I may be new to this town, but I think I can say that I am no stranger to crisis, no stranger to service, and no longer a stranger to you.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: Ong Ye Kung took co-driver analogy too far, distorting constructive opposition idea: Chee Soon Juan
SDP chief Chee Soon Juan urged Singaporeans to vote into Parliament a meaningful opposition that can 'hold the Government's feet to the fire'. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE - Health Minister Ong Ye Kung should take a good look at the 10 alternative policy papers on topics from healthcare to housing and the economy that the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has put up before criticising the opposition, said its party chief Chee Soon Juan. On the sidelines of a walkabout at Woodlands Mart on May 1, Dr Chee was asked for his response to Mr Ong's comments that a stronger opposition presence in Parliament could lead to paralysis in the Government. Citing the opposition as co-driver analogy first used in 2011, Mr Ong had said at a rally on April 30 that if the co-driver also wanted to steer the car, along with the ruling party in the driver's seat, this might result in a crash. In response, Dr Chee said the minister, who is leading the PAP team in Sembawang GRC, was taking the analogy too far and distorting and misrepresenting the idea of a constructive opposition. Mr Ong had said that instead of having a strong opposition, a strong PAP government with a constructive opposition as a check and balance would be more effective. Dr Chee said 'it was very disappointing' that Mr Ong would say things that are 'patently untrue (when) constructive opposition is what we're talking about all this time'. He urged Singaporeans to vote into Parliament a meaningful opposition that can 'hold the Government's feet to the fire' and not let up until they start getting more responsive, and tell the people how they are going to lower the cost of living and address issues like under-employment. Dr Chee added: 'There's no point… in these nine days, when you come and make yourself seen and heard at the hawker centre, and just go through the motions of having a bowl of noodles. And then after the election, you disappear again, and the people are left with this high cost of living.' He proposed removing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from basic necessities such as food, medication and education supplies, while raising the GST on luxury goods to 13 or 14 per cent to compensate for the loss in revenue. At the Fullerton Rally on April 28, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong noted that foreigners, tourists and higher-income families pay the entire 9 per cent of GST, while GST vouchers ensure that the lower- and middle-income Singaporeans pay less than the headline GST rate. Dr Chee said what PM Wong pointed out reinforced the SDP's point on further raising the GST on luxury goods. 'If you increase the GST for luxury items – Gucci handbags, Bentleys and Rolex watches – they can still afford it. I don't think they will have a problem,' he added. He cautioned that Singapore's income disparity is going to widen if further support is not given to those earning $1,300 to $1,500 a month. 'Even those people who are making tons of money right now, (when) you destabilise society, you test society with this widening gap, you're looking for trouble.' Dr Chee also responded to the criticism levelled against the SDP's healthcare proposals by Mr Ong at the April 30 rally for Sembawang West SMC, where Dr Chee is standing as a candidate against the PAP's Ms Poh Li San. Mr Ong had questioned the viability of the SDP's healthcare proposal on switching to a national health insurance 'single-payer' system for hospital bills. Today, a hospital bill is paid in three parts – namely a government subsidy, a health insurance claim through MediShield Life and then MediSave. Switching to SDP's proposal would lead to 'super high' insurance premiums, Mr Ong had said. In response, Dr Chee said the 3Ms – MediSave, MediShield and MediFund – are very hard to administer, and should be streamlined. He added that Singapore's current healthcare system is based on the United States system, which he found to be 'so appallingly complicated and unaffordable'. The SDP is also contesting Sembawang GRC, Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC and Bukit Panjang SMC. While the SDP chief is new to Sembawang West SMC, he said he and his team have been doing the legwork over the past nine days to 'make sure residents know them and their message'. Dr Chee and his PAP opponent, Ms Poh, were both at the Woodlands Mart foodcourt to interact with residents on the morning of May 1, but kept a distance from each other. At the foodcourt, several people approached Dr Chee for wefies and to sign on his authored books. He reiterated that if elected, he will conduct town-hall meetings to hear about residents' concerns, in addition to holding Meet-the-People sessions. He said: 'I do worry that with the present set of PAP folks, we're not going to get very far if we keep continuing to do the same thing over and over again, have the same few people sitting in the Cabinet and then not have meaningful opposition.' Shabana Begum is a correspondent, with a focus on environment and science, at The Straits Times. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
The Star
29-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Singapore GE2025: Opposition strengthens govt with new ideas, debates on issues, says RDU candidate Kala Manickam
Kala Manickam, Red Dot United's candidate for Jurong Central SMC, during a walkabout at a wet market in Jurong Central Plaza on April 29. - ST/ANN SINGAPORE: Having opposition MPs in Parliament would strengthen, not weaken, the government because they bring new ideas and perspectives to the table, Red Dot United's (RDU) Kala Manickam said. The Jurong Central SMC candidate was asked during a walkabout in Jurong Central Plaza on April 29 about Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's statement during the Fullerton Rally the day before, when he said having more opposition voices would weaken the government amid challenging times. Kala said: 'We are actually bringing in new ideas and co-creating, and we can debate on topics and issues, which is best for Singaporeans.' 'How can they say that the opposition coming in will weaken the government? In fact, it will be better,' added the 57-year-old, who previously contested Nee Soon GRC in 2020 as part of the Progress Singapore Party. Kala was also asked for her comments on Sustainability and the Environment Minister Grace Fu's rally speech on April 28, during which the latter said tough decisions like raising the goods and services tax always come with trade-offs. The government recognises the struggles faced by those with little or no income, Fu had also said. In response, Kala said Singaporeans are stretched because of PAP's policies. If the policies are 'able to provide stress relief and happiness, then people may not necessarily seek out opposition parties', she added. Kala said: 'Who comes up with the policies? It's PAP. We only have 12 opposition party members in Parliament, how much can they do? They don't have a say in what is passed through because we don't have a one-third majority.' In Singapore, constitutional amendments require the support of a two-thirds majority in Parliament. 'Basically, they created the policy, they stretched the people, and now they're saying it is very challenging. They need to review themselves,' the former SAF officer said. Kala also disagreed with Fu's statement on April 28 that debates do not lead to better policies and good governance. The RDU candidate said credible opposition candidates can speak up on issues in a mature manner, and there will be 'a very instructive culture' if there are no debates in Parliament. She added: 'Are you saying that when children have debates in school and open up and speak up, it's not healthy for the teachers or the principal? It is developing a 'thinking society'.' Kala also countered what Fu said about it being easy for the opposition to ask the government to give out money to Singaporeans, but their proposals lack detail on where the money will come from. Kala said: 'We have a surplus of Budget every year. Why can't we take certain portions from the surplus Budget?' She added that it would help people if part of the surplus can be distributed to the people as a S$200 (US$153) dividend – a proposal in the RDU manifesto. This proposed dividend is expected to cost between S$2 billion (US$1.53 billion) and S$4 billion (US$3.07 billion), RDU secretary-general Ravi Philemon said previously, adding that the proposal would not dip into the national reserves. Kala said: 'If we are really unable to take from the Budget's surplus, then I will find ways to raise money.' She added: 'Raising money in Singapore is not a difficult thing, because Singaporeans are very kind and good-hearted people. When there are disasters in any country, Singaporeans are the first ones to actually donate money.' Kala said she hopes to emulate President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who used to anchor Jurong GRC when he was part of the PAP. Jurong Central SMC comprises part of the former GRC, as well as portions of the former Yuhua SMC. She said: 'Residents hold him in very high respect – they told me Tharman is a very nice and a very compassionate man. That is the path I want to walk.' 'If they can love Tharman, they can love Kala also.' - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: Opposition strengthens Govt with new ideas, debates on issues, says RDU's Kala Manickam
Red Dot United party candidate Kala Manickam for Jurong Central SMC during a walkabout at a wet market at Jurong Central Plaza on April 29. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE - Having opposition MPs in Parliament would strengthen, not weaken the Government, because they bring new ideas and perspectives to the table, Red Dot United's (RDU) Kala Manickam said. The Jurong Central SMC candidate was asked during a walkabout in Jurong Central Plaza on April 29 about Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's statement during the Fullerton Rally the day before, where he said having more opposition voices would weaken the Government amid challenging times. Madam Kala said: 'We are actually bringing in new ideas and co-creating, and we can debate on topics and issues which are best for Singaporeans.' 'How can they say that the opposition coming in will weaken the Government? In fact, it will be better,' added the 52-year-old, who previously contested Nee Soon GRC in 2020 as part of the PSP. Madam Kala was also asked for her comments to Sustainability and the Environment Minister Grace Fu's rally speech on April 28, where the latter said tough decisions like raising the GST always comes with trade-offs. The Government recognises the struggles faced by those with little or no income, Ms Fu had also said. In response, Madam Kala said Singaporeans are stretched because of PAP's policies. If the policies are 'able to provide stress relief and happiness, then people may not necessarily seek out opposition parties', she added. Madam Kala said: 'Who comes up with the policies? It's PAP. We only have 12 opposition party members in Parliament, how much can they do? They don't have a say in what is passed through because we don't have a one-third majority.' In Singapore, constitutional amendments require the support of a two-thirds majority in Parliament. 'Basically, they created the policy, they stretched the people, and now they're saying it is very challenging. They need to review themselves,' the former SAF officer said. Madam Kala also disagreed with Ms Fu's statement on April 28, that debates do not lead to better policies and good governance. The RDU candidate said credible opposition candidates can speak up on issues in a matured manner, and there will be 'a very instructive culture' if there are no debates in Parliament. She added: 'Are you saying that when children have debates in school and open up and speak up, it's not healthy for the teachers or the principal? It is developing a 'thinking society'.' Madam Kala also countered what Ms Fu said about it being easy for the opposition to ask the Government to give out money to Singaporeans, but their proposals lack in detail on where the money will come from. Madam Kala said: 'We have a surplus of Budget every year. Why can't we take certain portions from the surplus Budget?' She added it would help people if part of the surplus can be distributed to the people as a $200 dividend - a proposal in the RDU manifesto. This proposed dividend is expected to cost between $2 and $4 billion, RDU secretary-general Ravi Philemon said previously, adding that the proposal would not dip into the national reserves. Madam Kala said: 'If we are really unable to take from the Budget's surplus, then I will find ways to raise money.' 'Raising money in Singapore is not a difficult thing, because Singaporeans are very kind and good-hearted people. When there are disasters in any country, Singaporeans are the first ones to actually donate money.' Madam Kala said she hopes to emulate President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who used to anchor Jurong GRC when he was part of the PAP. Jurong Central SMC comprises part of the former GRC, as well as portions of the former Yuhua SMC. She said: 'Residents hold him in very high respect - they told me Mr Tharman is a very nice and a very compassionate man. That is the path I want to walk.' 'If they can love Tharman, they can love Kala also.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Online Citizen
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Online Citizen
Shiny façade with little substance: Reflections from the Fullerton Rally
by Kairen Having missed out on the pomp and circumstances normally associated with elections in GE2020, I decided to go attend the PAP's signature Fullerton Rally even as it broke through my lunch break. Luckily for me, my workplace was not 20 minutes away by bus to UOB Plaza. As speeches came and gone, I went closer and ever closer to the podium for increasingly better pictures. But in those moments where I had to bide my time within the hot sun and listen to them speak, it confused me slightly. On the one hand, they played to their strengths. Their past legacy of building Singapore. Assurances to the future that they'll build with Singaporeans still in mind. Nothing out of the usual. In fact, it would be more shocking if they didn't play to their technocratic strengths. Those segments I could immediately grasp, I agreed with them. The other half, however… Confused me greatly. They essentially said that they would be welcome to alternative voices within Parliament… So long as it wasn't the Opposition vying for their seats. Does that mean that they'll get rid of the Party Whip system and allow for internal ideological division? Or are they just throwing insults until something sticks? At some point, though, I had to leave halfway. After all, it WAS during my lunch break. But it was somehow harder to get out than in. So many people poured in that I had to move snake-like. Eventually, through these monumental crowds and slight peer pressure, I found myself in the Szechuan restaurant on UOB Plaza's 60th floor. I could've easily gathered my thoughts to go somewhere else, but I rationalised to stay and order as time was scarce. 15 minutes of half-masked anxiety later… I got myself a bowl of Dandan noodles that was less wide than the palm of my hand. It only had one piece of green mustard and a spoonful of minced meat. And the gravy didn't even numb my tongue once. I had zero illusions that it would be cheap, given the ambience surrounding my paltry meal… But the bill gave me a small aneurysm. $19 ! AND THEY CHARGED ME FOR THE PEANUTS AND PICKLES THAT YOU'D ASSUME WOULD BE FREE IN A PLACE LIKE THAT. One wonders if the restaurant would've also charged me for the tea as well. As I slowly found my way back to the office and recollected my thoughts, I realized that my lunch itself could be an apt summary of the PAP in 2025. An organisation with a shiny, grandiose facade. One that is apparently highly rated by other customers. Even goes the extra mile for a good presentation. But ultimately under-delivers even as you pay more for what you normally would get for something considerably basic. Not unlike that restaurant perched so high up in the clouds, I hope one day it gets changed or replaced with something for the better. They both kept me fed… But just about barely. Unless you consider what you've received to be 'well nourishing'. So when you go to that ballot box on the 3rd, please choose carefully to make your vote truly money worth. Or else we might have to endure more expensive 'lessons' in the future. I hope one day we get changes or replacements with something better.
