Latest news with #GE2015
Malay Mail
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Singapore votes: Will it be continuity or change in GE2025?
SINGAPORE, May 2 — Eleven political parties and two independent candidates contesting in Singapore's general election (GE2025) will know their fate on Saturday night, following nine days of campaigning and nearly five years of groundwork since the last election. It is now in the hands of more than 2.75 million voters to decide whether the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) will once again secure a supermajority, or if opposition parties will make further inroads this year. Campaigning ended at midnight, giving voters time to reflect before deciding who deserves their vote. Political analyst Mujibu Abd Muis believes the key deciding factors in this election will be the economy, the youth vote, and how parties respond to scandals and pressing national issues, as Lawrence Wong leads the PAP into his first election as party chief. He noted that young voters, in particular, are becoming more critical and vocal in expressing their dissatisfaction. Mujibu also said that the handling of minority issues could influence the sentiments of minority voters. 'Generally, I still see that the PAP has a strong chance of remaining in power for the next term, but there may be a change in the vote margin because we have already seen this trend in the previous general election,' he told Bernama. In GE2020, the PAP won 83 out of 93 seats, securing 61.2 per cent of the overall vote share, compared to GE2015, when it secured 83 out of 89 seats and garnered 69.9 per cent of the vote. Mujibu pointed out that, as seen in other countries, a party that has held power for an extended period can be perceived as elitist and may struggle to present a fresh narrative, especially to younger voters. However, he added that Wong's extensive experience in managing the economy, along with his image as an independent leader distinct from the Lee family legacy, could offer the PAP an advantage during this generational transition. 'Personally, I see Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's image as that of a more progressive and modern leader, and most importantly, I see a possible factor in that he 'distances' himself from the Lee family legacy,' he said. Jen, a voter in the Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency (GRC), said she considers both the individual and the party when casting her vote, as 'manifestos can change at any time'. 'The main thing is bringing good people into the government. We can't expect the government to solve everything for us. We need to take some responsibility for the rest of the issues,' she said. The PAP enters polling day with five seats already secured following an uncontested walkover in the Marine Parade-Braddell Heights constituency, leaving 92 seats still up for grabs. The outcome of GE2025 will mark a pivotal moment for Singapore as it transitions to a new generation of leadership. As Singaporeans head to the polls, the focus now shifts to whether continuity or change will define the country's next political chapter amid global uncertainty. — Bernama
Borneo Post
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Singapore GE2025: Parties make final push as polling day nears, voters weigh issues
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong speaks to supporters after his nomination speech at the Nomination Centre at Jurong Pioneer Junior College on April 23. – Bernama photo SINGAPORE (May 1): With just days to go before polling, political parties contesting Singapore's general election (GE2025) are ramping up efforts to win over more than 2.75 million eligible voters. Since campaigning began following the close of nominations on April 23, parties and candidates have launched full-scale outreach efforts — including house visits, walkabouts, podcast appearances, political party broadcasts, social media campaigns, and the highly anticipated return of physical rallies, which were last held during GE2015. The rallies – held during lunchtime (12 pm to 3 pm) and in the evenings (7 pm to 10 pm) – have drawn sizable crowds. The Workers' Party (WP) has been particularly successful in attracting large turnouts, with its venues reaching maximum capacity for at least two consecutive nights. These events are also livestreamed on social media platforms, including by mainstream media, garnering strong online viewership. Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia's principal adviser, Dr Oh Ei Sun, observed that social media had been used for political propaganda well before the official campaign period, and noted that the opposition appears to have greater access to mainstream media this time. 'It remains to be seen if all these would have an impact on the election,' he told Bernama. The cooling-off period begins at midnight on May 2 and lasts until the close of polls, during which all forms of campaigning are prohibited. The police have issued permits for 11 rallies to six parties and one independent candidate on the last day of campaigning on May 1. Bread-and-butter issues such as the cost of living, housing, job security, as well as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), have taken centre stage in rally speeches. At times, pointed criticisms of rival parties and candidates have added drama to what is typically a civil political discourse in Singapore. Helmi, 60, a voter in the five-seat Tanjong Pagar Group Representation Constituency (GRC), said he believed Singaporeans tend to be pragmatic when deciding on the country's and their children's future. He and his wife, Angela, took leave from work to attend a rally, saying it was an opportunity not to be missed, as it allowed them to get a sense of the 'pulse' to listen and get up close to the candidates. 'The cost of living is an issue because I help in social services, and I see that there are people – not many, but still – who are struggling. While the majority might be able to cushion the cost of living and inflation in the short term, we must not forget those in the lower-income group who may not have that capacity. 'Who I choose is the one that I believe will take care of these people,' Helmi said, adding that his mind is already made up ahead of the May 3 polls. The father of two said party manifestos, speeches, and track records were key in shaping his decision. It's a different story for Bala and Merchan, who are still undecided about whom to vote for. Both working in the finance sector, they said all three – the candidates, the parties, and their manifestos – are equally important in making their decision. 'I've not read all the manifestos, but I read everything that is reported in the media,' Bala said, adding that job security is his key concern. Meanwhile, for Merchan, it is about ensuring 'Singapore continues to be what it is today,' especially in terms of the economy. Singaporeans will go to the polls this Saturday, with 92 out of 97 parliamentary seats being contested. A surprise walkover for the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) occurred in the five-seat Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC on nomination day. In total, 206 candidates from 11 political parties and independents are vying for the remaining seats across 32 constituencies, comprising 17 GRCs and 15 Single Member Constituencies (SMCs). According to Oh, all eyes will be on East Coast GRC – where PAP had a narrow win in GE2020 – and several newly created SMCs, to see if the opposition can make further inroads after their absence in Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC surprised many. Another hotly contested area is the newly formed four-seat Punggol GRC, which will see a straight fight between the PAP slate led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and WP's team of four newcomers, including lawyers Harpreet Singh and Siti Alia. The five-seat Tampines GRC – won by PAP in GE2020 — is also expected to be closely watched, as it features a face-off between two Malay-Muslim figures: PAP's Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli and WP's Faisal Abdul Manap. Other notable mentions include Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) secretary-general Dr Chee Soon Juan, a perennial candidate and activist who has been part of the country's political landscape since 1992. In GE2025, he is contesting the newly created Sembawang West SMC. In the last election, PAP won 83 out of 93 seats, with the remaining seats going to the WP. Polling stations will open at 8 am and close at 8 pm on polling day, with results expected to start coming in after 10 pm. – Bernama election lead politics Singapore
Malay Mail
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Singapore GE2025: Final campaign sprint heats up as voters weigh cost of living and job security
SINGAPORE, May 1 — With just days to go before polling, political parties contesting Singapore's general election (GE2025) are ramping up efforts to win over more than 2.75 million eligible voters. Since campaigning began following the close of nominations on April 23, parties and candidates have launched full-scale outreach efforts — including house visits, walkabouts, podcast appearances, political party broadcasts, social media campaigns, and the highly anticipated return of physical rallies, which were last held during GE2015. The rallies — held during lunchtime (12 pm to 3 pm) and in the evenings (7 pm to 10 pm) — have drawn sizable crowds. The Workers' Party (WP) has been particularly successful in attracting large turnouts, with its venues reaching maximum capacity for at least two consecutive nights. These events are also livestreamed on social media platforms, including by mainstream media, garnering strong online viewership. Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia's principal adviser, Oh Ei Sun, observed that social media had been used for political propaganda well before the official campaign period, and noted that the opposition appears to have greater access to mainstream media this time. 'It remains to be seen if all these would have an impact on the election,' he told Bernama. Workers' Party Secretary-General and Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh speaks during a rally ahead of the general election in Singapore April 24, 2025. — Reuters pic The cooling-off period begins at midnight on May 2 and lasts until the close of polls, during which all forms of campaigning are prohibited. The police have issued permits for 11 rallies to six parties and one independent candidate on the last day of campaigning on May 1. Bread-and-butter issues such as the cost of living, housing, job security, as well as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), have taken centre stage in rally speeches. At times, pointed criticisms of rival parties and candidates have added drama to what is typically a civil political discourse in Singapore. Helmi, 60, a voter in the five-seat Tanjong Pagar Group Representation Constituency (GRC), said he believed Singaporeans tend to be pragmatic when deciding on the country's and their children's future. He and his wife, Angela, took leave from work to attend a rally, saying it was an opportunity not to be missed, as it allowed them to get a sense of the 'pulse' to listen and get up close to the candidates. 'The cost of living is an issue because I help in social services, and I see that there are people — not many, but still — who are struggling. While the majority might be able to cushion the cost of living and inflation in the short term, we must not forget those in the lower-income group who may not have that capacity. 'Who I choose is the one that I believe will take care of these people,' Helmi said, adding that his mind is already made up ahead of the May 3 polls. The father of two said party manifestos, speeches, and track records were key in shaping his decision. Supporters of the People's Action Party (PAP) attend rally ahead of the general election in Singapore April 26, 2025. — Reuters pic It's a different story for Bala and Merchan, who are still undecided about whom to vote for. Both working in the finance sector, they said all three — the candidates, the parties, and their manifestos — are equally important in making their decision. 'I've not read all the manifestos, but I read everything that is reported in the media,' Bala said, adding that job security is his key concern. Meanwhile, for Merchan, it is about ensuring 'Singapore continues to be what it is today,' especially in terms of the economy. Singaporeans will go to the polls this Saturday, with 92 out of 97 parliamentary seats being contested. A surprise walkover for the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) occurred in the five-seat Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC on nomination day. In total, 206 candidates from 11 political parties and independents are vying for the remaining seats across 32 constituencies, comprising 17 GRCs and 15 Single Member Constituencies (SMCs). According to Oh, all eyes will be on East Coast GRC — where PAP had a narrow win in GE2020 — and several newly created SMCs, to see if the opposition can make further inroads after their absence in Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC surprised many. Workers' Party supporters attend a rally ahead of the general election in Singapore April 28, 2025. — Reuters pic Another hotly contested area is the newly formed four-seat Punggol GRC, which will see a straight fight between the PAP slate led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and WP's team of four newcomers, including lawyers Harpreet Singh and Siti Alia. The five-seat Tampines GRC — won by PAP in GE2020 — is also expected to be closely watched, as it features a face-off between two Malay-Muslim figures: PAP's Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli and WP's Faisal Abdul Manap. Other notable mentions include Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) secretary-general Dr Chee Soon Juan, a perennial candidate and activist who has been part of the country's political landscape since 1992. In GE2025, he is contesting the newly created Sembawang West SMC. In the last election, PAP won 83 out of 93 seats, with the remaining seats going to the WP. Polling stations will open at 8 am and close at 8 pm on polling day, with results expected to start coming in after 10 pm. — Bernama
CNA
23-04-2025
- Politics
- CNA
GE2025: PAP to go up against PAR in Tanjong Pagar GRC
Singapore The boundaries of Tanjong Pagar GRC, which has long been a PAP stronghold, have changed in this election. SINGAPORE: A People's Action Party (PAP) team led by Education Minister Chan Chun Sing will contest Tanjong Pagar GRC, facing off against People's Alliance for Reform (PAR) on polling day. Candidates from the two parties were confirmed after they successfully filed their nomination papers at Bendemeer Primary School on Wednesday (Apr 23). The PAP's five-member team also includes Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Culture, Community and Youth Alvin Tan, Ms Joan Pereira, Ms Rachel Ong and new face Foo Cexiang. Mr Chan, Mr Tan and Ms Pereira are incumbent MPs for the constituency. Ms Ong oversaw the Telok Blangah ward in what was West Coast GRC before the electoral boundaries were redrawn. Party newcomer Mr Foo, a former director for private and future mobility division at the Ministry of Transport, is an unexpected addition to the possible line-up for Tanjong Pagar GRC. He was expected to be fielded in the Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC slate, following multiple sightings of him walking the ground this month. The PAP team will go up against PAR's Prabu Ramachandran, a commercial banker, along with activist Han Hui Hui, educational director Nadarajan Selvamani, safety officer Rickson Giauw Joon Chai, and senior logistics assistant Soh Lian Chye. Mr Prabu previously contested in GE2020 at Pasir-Ris Punggol GRC with Peoples Voice, one of the parties in PAR. Mr Nadarajan runs a private school and previously told reporters he has been helping PV for 'quite a number of years'. Ms Han is no stranger to politics. The mother-of-three contested Radin Mas SMC as an independent candidate in GE2015 but lost her election deposit after getting 10 per cent of the votes. People's Action Party's (PAP) Joan Pereira and Chan Chun Sing at Bendemeer Primary School on Apr 23, 2025. (Photo: CNA/Mak Jia Kee) After the confirmation of candidates, Mr Chan represented his team in addressing supporters, to deafening cheers from a sea of white. He began his speech in Malay, followed by Mandarin and English. 'Thank you so much for all the support and working together with us over all these years — 60 years and more, 60 years and counting,' he said in English. 'It is our aim … it is our team's goal to make sure that we keep working with fellow residents in Tanjong Pagar and in Singapore to make sure that we will have an even brighter future regardless of the challenges ahead.' PAR's Mr Prabu led the opening speech for his five-person team going up against PAP's slate. 'You heard the PAP candidate: 60 years of Tanjong Pagar, it's time for change. No more blank checks to the PAP, not just in these 10 days of campaign period, but across five years in Parliament,' he said. He was joined by his teammate Ms Han. 'Vote for us in Tanjong Pagar because this is the time whereby we need to take back what belongs to us, and this is the time whereby we need to have a say inside Singapore parliament,' she told the crowd. Mr Prabu elaborated to journalists on the sidelines of the event that the country 'faces a period of graduate unemployment' and a low total fertility rate of 0.97. 'Every Singaporean child is a national treasure, so we have to make sure that their education, that their health care and their nutrition is provided for well in school,' he added. Ms Han said the team will campaign mainly on 'fundamental issues' like housing, healthcare and human rights, saying the PAP has not solved these problems over the past six decades. 'Since you cannot solve the problem after six decades, it's time to pass it to someone else so we can voice out and debate it in parliament to find a solution for Singaporeans,' she added. Han Hui Hui arrives at the nomination centre at Bendemeer Primary School on Apr 23, 2025. (Photo: CNA/Mak Jia Kee) Tanjong Pagar GRC, which has long been a PAP stronghold, will have 139,688 voters in the 2025 General Election. Its electoral boundaries have changed after absorbing areas in Dover and Telok Blangah from what was West Coast GRC, and carving out some Queenstown estates that form the new Queenstown SMC. At the 2020 election, PAP faced off against the Progress Singapore Party in Tanjong Pagar GRC. PAP secured 63.1 per cent of the vote, down from 77.71 per cent in the 2015 election. Two incumbent MPs for the constituency were redeployed for this election. Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth and Social and Family Development Eric Chua is contesting Queenstown SMC after some estates in Queenstown were carved out to form the new single member constituency under the redrawn electoral boundaries. He oversaw the Queenstown ward in Tanjong Pagar GRC. Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah, who has served in Tanjong Pagar GRC since 2001, is now helming PAP's four-member team in Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, after Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean said on Monday that he would step down from the constituency. Voters will head to the ballot box on May 3. GE2025 Tanjong Pagar GRC People's Action Party
Independent Singapore
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
He Ting Ru on new WP candidate Michael Thng: About time he #SteppedUp!
SINGAPORE: Over the past few days, The Workers' Party's (WP) He Ting Ru has been hyping the party's new candidates in the run-up to the May 3 polls, and on Apr 21, Michael Thng got his turn. Mr Thng, 37, who was introduced by WP chief Pritam Singh and party chair Sylvia Lim in the final day of candidate introductions on Sunday (Apr 19), has been the recipient of positive buzz, especially since reports have pointed out that he has a master's degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. While this is his first time as a candidate for Member of Parliament (MP), his history with the WP dates back 15 years, which means he and Ms He started volunteering with the party around the same time. In a social media post, she wrote that when she began with the MP, Mr Thng was one of the first people she met. 'I was always struck by his passion for Singapore, for our democratic processes, and how despite spending much time in the US, he would always fly back to be involved in election campaigns,' wrote Ms He, adding that Mr Thng had gone with her when she contested at Marine Parade for GE2015 and then again at Sengkang for GE2020. Importantly, he has also been helping the WP with policy work for more than 10 years. 'Passionate about improving policies that ensure no one is left behind—such as housing policy for singles and systematic support for single parents—Michael's voice is one Singapore needs in Parliament now,' she wrote. Mr Thng gave the public a glimpse into his journey in a Facebook post on April 19, when he wrote about a moment in 2006 that appeared to have changed his life. He wrote that his worldview shifted when he attended a WP rally, as he saw the faces of attendees showing both hope and hopelessness. 'That moment planted a question I've carried with me ever since: How did we get here, and what kind of Singapore must we build to create a more inclusive future?' he added. In the time that followed, as he volunteered with the WP, he wrote that he 'saw firsthand the real burdens many Singaporeans shoulder—and how too often, these challenges go unanswered. Infinitely solvable problems are held back by blind spots in policymaking that stifle progress. 'We're a generation searching for hope for a different way forward but resigned to the reality we are in. I've felt it too—that quiet acceptance: ' What to do… gahmen like that lor. '' Singapore's society is becoming more complex, with people's needs becoming more urgent, which is the reason for more participation in Parliament. 'But that won't happen if 30–40% of Singaporeans who vote opposition continue to be represented by just 5–10% of seats in Parliament. It's not sustainable. Participation must be inspired, not simply required. That's why I'm stepping up,' he added. Mr Thng wrote that he wants to help build a Parliament that is more reflective of the diversity of thought in Singapore and where different policy approaches are valued and not just tolerated, and 'where every Singaporean feels they belong in the conversation—and are part of shaping it.' He added that Singapore has already seen the effect of 'meaningful WP representation,' which includes, 'building momentum for greater housing access for singles, growing support and recognition for single mothers, and germinating the idea of unemployment insurance that has recently come alive in the form of the JobSeeker Support Scheme—just to name a few.' 'Representation isn't just symbolic—it does shape outcomes,' Mr Thng wrote, inviting Singaporeans to share their thoughts and tell me what matters to them. 'I'll be better for it—and so will Singapore.' /TISG Read also: 'Solid team': Singaporeans impressed with calibre of WP's new candidates for GE2025
