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India Today
05-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
All about Pritam Singh, the Indian-origin Leader of Opposition in Singapore
The South Asian nation of Singapore just concluded its 2025 general elections. While PM Lawrence Wong's People's Action Party (PAP) registered a resounding victory, winning 87 seats, the Indian-origin Pritam Singh-led Workers' Party (WP) won ten seats in the house of 97 elected members. Singh, whose WP bettered its 2020 vote share by 3.78 percentage points, was named the Leader of the Opposition by PM the announcement of the results of the general election on Saturday, WP's Secretary-General Pritam Singh was named for the top post in the Singapore Parliament."Singh will continue as Leader of the Opposition, with staff and resources to perform his duties," Wong wrote on Facebook. "The WP fielded a strong slate of candidates and put up a tough fight in this election. They have consolidated and increased their presence in parliament – with 10 elected seats and 2 more NCMP (Non-Constituency Member of Parliament) seats," Channel News Asia (CNA) quoted Wong as development came after Singh told reporters on Sunday that he was unsure whether he would remain in the IS SINGAPORE LOP PRITAM SINGH?Pritam Singh, who is WP chief, was also appointed the Leader of the Opposition after the 2020 48-year-old leader of Indian-origin has been serving as Secretary-General of WP since 2018. He is also an author and Singh became Singapore's first official Leader of the Opposition in 2020, as his party, the WP, secured 10 parliamentary seats. This was the most number of seats an opposition party in Singapore had ever the PAP, which has dominated politics in Singapore, it was the party's 14th consecutive win in the general LOP PRITAM SINGH HAS ROOTS IN PUNJABPritam Singh, who was born in Singapore, is of Punjabi a strong academic foundation, Singh earned his Bachelor's degree in History from the National University of Singapore in 2000. He further advanced his education with a Master's degree in War Studies from King's College London, courtesy of a Chevening educational background also includes a Juris Doctor degree from Singapore Management pre-political career involved working at Donaldson & Burkinshaw, Singapore's esteemed law firm, where he focused on dispute resolution and his parliamentary election in 2011, Singh's influence within the Workers' Party grew steadily, culminating in his ascension to leadership, succeeding Low Thia Khiang, a seasoned opposition is married to Loveleen Kaur Walia, a Singaporean citizen, and they together have two SINGH FOUND GUILTY OF LYING TO PARLIAMENTadvertisementPritam Singh was found guilty in February this year on two counts of lying to a parliamentary to media reports, the ruling, which is still ongoing, could impact his political Singh was found guilty by Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan of providing false evidence to the Committee of Privileges in 2021, during an investigation into a misleading statement made in Parliament by former MP Raeesah Khan.
Straits Times
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
PM Wong looks forward to constructive, robust debates in Parliament; WP put up a ‘tough fight'
PM Lawrence Wong noted that the WP had fielded a strong lineup of candidates and had many young people with a 'desire to contribute and serve'. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO PM Wong looks forward to constructive, robust debates in Parliament; WP put up a 'tough fight' Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE – The WP gave the PAP a tough fight as expected and will now have an increased and continued strong presence in Parliament, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. This will also give the WP the opportunity to refresh some members in its slate, he added, noting that the opposition party had fielded a strong lineup of candidates and had many young people with a 'desire to contribute and serve'. The WP will have 10 elected seats and two Non-Constituency MP seats if they choose to accept them, PM Wong said at a post-election press conference in the early hours of May 4. This means they will have 12 MPs in the 15th term of Parliament, up from 10 now. The WP retained Aljunied and Sengkang GRCs, as well as Hougang SMC. Its candidates in Jalan Kayu SMC and Tampines GRC were also the losers with the highest percentage of votes, earning them the two NCMP seats. PM Wong added that he respects the opposition presence in Parliament. 'I have always taken their suggestions and views seriously, and I will continue to do so,' he said. 'So I look forward to the contributions of opposition members in Parliament, because Parliament is where key national issues are discussed, and I am sure we will have constructive and robust debates there.' On some issues, the PAP and the opposition may have to agree to disagree, he said. But at the same time they must – where critical national issues are concerned – uphold a shared responsibility to come together and to advance Singapore's interests together, he added. PM Wong, who led the PAP to a win with 65.57 of the vote, said the desire for more opposition MPs and alternative voices in Parliament was one issue that came up in this election. He said he respects Singaporeans with these views, and understands the sentiments. 'I would also ask that they consider the merits of the perspective of having a good, strong team in government to work effectively for you,' he added. 'Because, in the end, the key is to have effective governance that can take Singapore forward.' PM Wong also highlighted the PAP teams contesting constituencies held by the WP. 'They did not win, but they fought hard and made their mark,' he said. 'And I thank them for stepping forward and giving Singaporeans in these constituencies a real choice.' In Aljunied GRC, the losing PAP slate got 40.32 per cent of the vote. The team was led by second-time candidate Chan Hui Yuh, 48, and included four new faces - Dr Faisal Abdul Aziz, 37; Dr Adrian Ang, 42; Mr Jagathishwaran Rajo, 37; and Mr Daniel Liu, 40. PAP newcomer Marshall Lim, 38, secured 37.83 per cent of the vote in Hougang SMC, while in Sengkang a refreshed PAP slate – led by eye doctor Lam Pin Min, 55 – scored 43.69 per cent of the vote. Its other members are political newcomers Elmie Nekmat, 43; Bernadette Giam, 38, and Theodora Lai, 39. PM Wong added that the PAP will continue to work hard in these areas. 'We will not give up. We will continue to engage, serve and strive to win over residents,' he said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
‘I have never left': Yee Jenn Jong on his ‘one last' return as WP's East Coast candidate in GE2025
Former Non-Constituency MP Yee Jenn Jong, leader of the WP's East Coast GRC team, during a walkabout at Pasar 216 Bedok Central on April 24. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI 'I have never left': Yee Jenn Jong on his 'one last' return as WP's East Coast candidate in GE2025 Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE – Former Non-Constituency MP Yee Jenn Jong has stepped into the political ring for the fourth time in a general election, for what he says is his final charge. The 60-year-old, who is part of the WP team contesting in East Coast GRC, lost in Joo Chiat SMC by 388 votes in the watershed 2011 election, describes his 2025 bid as an 'old soldier' returning to the battleground. He had publicly announced his retirement from electoral politics in 2021. He drew a parallel to the late American general Douglas MacArthur who had to retire twice, after being recalled to active duty in 1941 when the US was dragged into war again. Quoting a saying by the US general that goes 'Old soldiers never die. They simply fade away', Mr Yee said: 'I've never left. I stepped up when called upon.' He was part of the WP team that contested in Marine Parade GRC in the last general election and lost, with 42.26 per cent of the vote. While the four-time candidate was not entrenched in the WP's outreach efforts there following its 2020 defeat, he said he 'remained a soldier with fire still burning'. Two years ago, when WP chief Pritam Singh asked if he could help prepare the ground in Punggol West SMC, and possibly the whole of Punggol, for the 2025 General Election, Mr Yee said yes. But he also made it known to the party that he need not run as a candidate. Speaking to The Straits Times in an interview at The Marketplace@58 in Bedok, Mr Yee said Mr Singh had already suspected back then that Punggol's population growth would necessitate the creation of a new group representation constituency. Punggol GRC came to pass with the redrawing of electoral boundaries on March 11. Mr Yee had led a small team to walk the ground there once a week, then twice a week – many a time with potential candidates the party sent his way to mentor and observe. Two of them are now his running mates in East Coast GRC – lawyer Sufyan Mikhail Putra, 33, a former associate director at Abdul Rahman Law Corporation, and former US Navy security administrator Paris V. Parameswari, 51. Another is now one of the party's candidates in Tampines GRC, 48-year-old Ong Lue Ping, a senior principal child psychologist at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). All three passed with flying colours – even putting aside their careers to fly the opposition flag, he noted. Dr Ong, who was director of allied health at IMH, stepped down from senior leadership at the hospital in late 2024 to prepare for his candidacy. Mr Sufyan quit his law firm due to its non-partisan policy. Ms Paris resigned from the US Navy to contest as well. Mr Yee has encouraged Mr Sufyan and Ms Paris to join him in becoming full-time MPs if they are elected. Mr Yee said Mr Singh asked him to lead the party's East Coast GRC team, given his familiarity with the Joo Chiat ward, which was absorbed into the constituency. Mr Yee said he could not say no. 'I have lived here all 60 years of my life – my kindergarten till junior college, extended family, friends and church are here. I am a true blue Eastie,' he said. (From left, in blue) The WP's East Coast GRC candidates Nathaniel Koh, Jasper Kuan, Paris V. Parameswari, Yee Jenn Jong and Sufyan Mikhail Putra greeting residents during the hustings. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE Mr Yee said WP's slate in this election, with 14 new faces, is 'the best' the party has ever assembled, and that the country stands at a 'pivotal moment of Singapore politics'. 'Does Singapore progress on to a functioning multi-party system or do we regress when we struggle to persuade good men and women to step up and allow the PAP a blank cheque,' he added, noting that it would be more difficult for the WP to recruit if there is an opposition wipeout. Asked if it was good strategy to not field former candidates such as lawyer Ang Boon Yaw, 42, and former researcher Abdul Shariff Aboo Kassim, 59, in East Coast GRC, where they continued to make weekly visits after the party's narrow loss in 2020, Mr Yee said they are 'amazing' and 'selfless' soldiers who work regardless of their candidacy. 'I don't think anyone here works expecting to be parachuted into safe seats, like someone in their 60s going into Ang Mo Kio GRC,' he added, in what was clearly a dig at the PAP's Ang Mo Kio GRC candidate Victor Lye, 63, who was part of the losing PAP team in Aljunied GRC in the last two elections. Asked if the WP stands a chance of winning in East Coast GRC, Mr Yee would only say that he had stopped thinking about the odds after his first three electoral bids. 'Every vote counts, especially after losing by 388 votes in 2011. I tell the team to press on. Push yourselves to the max but enjoy this ride,' he said. WP candidate for East Coast GRC Yee Jenn Jong speaking during the party's rally at Bedok Stadium on April 29. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI As for why this would be his last electoral bid, Mr Yee said he does not want to be a first-term MP at the age of 65. 'If I do get elected, my priority is to ensure we take over operations and run the estate well, and I will actively plan for succession, either at the next or maximum one more term,' he said. 'This shall be my last attempt to help make a breakthrough.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Independent Singapore
26-04-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
GE2025: Yee Jenn Jong—From edutech pioneer to Parliament champion, WP's voice for youth and community
SINGAPORE: As Singapore gears up for one of its most anticipated General Elections in recent memory, familiar faces are returning to the political stage—not just with fresh ideas but with a track record to show for it. One such figure is Yee Jenn Jong, a seasoned educator-entrepreneur and former Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP), making his political comeback with the Workers' Party (WP). Yee Jenn Jong will be fielded in the East Coast GRC, a traditional battleground that has seen close fights over the years. Previously, he contested in this area in GE2011 and GE2015, securing respectable vote shares and earning the NCMP seat after his debut. With rising cost-of-living pressures, education inequality, and youth disillusionment dominating the national discourse, Yee's return is both timely and strategic. The man behind the digital blackboard Many Singaporeans may not realize that the e-learning platforms they once used in school—ASKnLearn, for example—were the brainchild of Yee himself. Long before 'blended learning' became a pandemic-era buzzword, Yee launched ASKnLearn in 2000, revolutionizing how schools incorporated technology into education. With an academic background that includes a BSc and MSc from NUS and an MBA from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Yee was well-equipped to lead Singapore's edutech evolution. By 2009, ASKnLearn had grown into one of Singapore's largest edutech companies, with widespread adoption across public schools. For thousands of students in the 2000s and 2010s, ASKnLearn was a staple—an invisible hand guiding homework, tests, and online lessons. His commitment to youth and innovation didn't stop there. Yee served on the REACH Education Policy Workgroup and IDA's Infocomm Education Workgroup, influencing policy direction. In 2013, he was even appointed lead consultant to the government of Bhutan, helping with its 5-year national ICT education masterplan. A vision rooted in family and fairness Yee often speaks of wanting to build a Singapore where his children and grandchildren can thrive—not just survive. His vision for a 'kinder, bolder, and more creative' Singapore hinges on equitable access to opportunity, democratic maturity, and stronger community bonds. A Parliamentarian who spoke from the ground up When Yee Jenn Jong entered Parliament as an NCMP in 2011, he quickly became one of the WP's most constructive, policy-driven voices. Unlike those who merely critique, Yee brought facts, solutions, and lived experience to the table, especially in education and entrepreneurship. Championing holistic and equitable education In Parliament, Yee passionately argued that education must go beyond grades. He questioned whether Singapore's system had become too high-stakes and overly competitive, disproportionately benefitting families that could afford tuition and enrichment. Some of his most impactful positions included: Reducing the emphasis on Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) and streaming in order to advocate for flexible learning pathways tailored to diverse talents. Championing support for low-income students, especially in access to digital tools and inclusive learning. Calling for greater autonomy in schools in order to encourage creativity and critical thinking over rote memorization. These positions weren't just theoretical. They were drawn from his decade-long experience building and scaling edutech tools used by schools across the country—giving him a unique lens into how policy plays out in classrooms. Advocating for startups and innovation Yee was also one of the rare parliamentarians to speak up for local entrepreneurs and startup founders. Drawing from his own journey with ASKnLearn, Yee pushed for: More open and accessible government procurement, so small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could compete fairly. Independence for Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE), reducing top-down bureaucracy and encouraging grassroots innovation. Stronger IP protections, internationalisation support, and a reduction in red tape to help Singaporean startups scale globally. He cautioned that Singapore's risk-averse culture and rigid systems could stifle the very innovation needed in a fast-evolving global economy. A collaborative and respectful opposition What truly distinguished Yee was his calm, measured, and constructive presence in the House. He maintained a respectful tone in debates, offered nuanced alternatives, and acknowledged government successes where due, while still pointing out gaps. He supported the WP's call for a stronger Town Council governance framework, ensuring opposition constituencies weren't unfairly handicapped, and in education, he challenged the Ministry to go further—questioning whether their own metrics contradicted their goals of holistic development. Leaving a legacy beyond the chamber Yee's work didn't end with his NCMP term in 2015. He published two books— Journey in Blue and Behind The Blue Line —that chronicled his journey in politics and the broader mission of building an alternative voice in Singapore. These writings have become reference points for understanding the sacrifices, strategy, and spirit of principled opposition in a dominant-party system. Community builder, ground mover Even outside the political sphere, Yee walks the talk. In 2022, he co-founded The Red Collective, a food rescue initiative that distributes surplus food to over 18,000 people every month. Often, Yee, embodying hands-on leadership, can be found driving the collection trucks himself. His lifelong dedication to service spans back to his youth, having served as an officer in both the St. John's Ambulance Brigade and the Boys' Brigade. He also served as President of the Temasek JC Alumni and sat on its advisory board for over a decade—proving his enduring investment in mentorship and youth development. A valuable addition to the WP slate The WP has always advocated for a more inclusive, multi-party Parliament, where alternative views contribute to better governance. Yee Jenn Jong embodies that ideal. He's a technocrat with empathy, a grassroots worker with global vision, and a leader who sees politics not as self-advancement but as public service. As Singapore navigates complex challenges—AI disruption, climate change, rising inequality—leaders like Yee bring the perfect balance of competence and compassion. Stay tuned to The Independent Singapore for more GE2025 coverage, exclusive candidate profiles, and real stories that matter to voters.
New Paper
25-04-2025
- Politics
- New Paper
GE2025: WP candidates warn against monopoly, call for competition and diversity at Sengkang rally
The importance of political competition and diversity of thought was a theme running through the WP's first rally in a decade on April 24. Four-time election veteran Gerald Giam stressed that political competition is good because it means that all parties will raise their game. Pointing out how the end of Singtel's monopoly over mobile services resulted in lower prices, the incumbent Aljunied GRC MP said: "That's how we keep improving Singapore, not by keeping the status quo, but by making space for better ideas and greater accountability. "This all leads to better outcomes for you and your families," added the 47-year-old co-founder of a tech start-up, whose seniority was acknowledged with the crowd's cries of "lao jiao" ("old bird" in Hokkien). Four-time election veteran Gerald Giam stressed that political competition is good because it means that all parties will raise their game. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Indeed, listeners braving the mud-filled field in Anchorvale Crescent, in Sengkang, cheered as each of the 13 newcomers and veterans spoke in English, Mandarin, Malay, Teochew and Cantonese. The boisterous crowd had to be reminded repeatedly by Tampines GRC candidate Eileen Chong, and even WP chief Pritam Singh at one point, to stay within the field. Former Non-Constituency MP Yee Jenn Jong kicked off the rally by warning of the dangers of a monopoly. "The Government believes that in business, monopoly is bad. And therefore they have anti-monopoly laws. "But when it comes to politics, they want it all," said Mr Yee, who will helm the team contesting East Coast GRC. The 60-year-old was met with shouts of approval from the crowd, whose cries of "Workers' Party" was the constant refrain of the night. Former Non-Constituency MP Yee Jenn Jong kicked off the rally by warning of the dangers of a monopoly. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Hougang incumbent Dennis Tan said the global uncertainties and challenges have made it even more important for a diversity of ideas in Parliament, rather than one team "singing the same song". "No one political party can claim a monopoly on the best ideas," said Mr Tan, 54. Hougang incumbent Dennis Tan said the global uncertainties and challenges have made it even more important for a diversity of ideas in Parliament. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM The WP, in its 122-page manifesto, has asserted that government policies had been adopted from its previous proposals. Political newcomers made their rally debuts in quick succession, starting with the slate that will take on the PAP's team anchored by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong in Punggol GRC. The group's youngest member, Mr Jackson Au, 35, took aim at the ruling party's response to the growing cost of living, which earned mentions from many candidates including Team Sengkang's Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik. The corporate affairs senior manager ended his wide-ranging speech by explaining his decision to join the opposition, even though he had been a little scared to do so. Quoting hit series Game of Thrones, Mr Au said: "Can a man still be brave if he is afraid? "That is the only time a man can be brave." Teammate Alia Mattar, 43, spoke about the Education Ministry's lessons on the Israel-Palestine conflict as she underscored the need for healthy discourse to take place. Following pushback from parents on the handling of the ministry's lessons on the conflict, lessons had been amended to cater to different age groups, with more sensitivity and inclusion of diverse views. The lawyer said: "My personal vision for Singapore is one where the voices of all Singaporeans are heard, our concerns are noted and proposals put forth that will improve the life of every Singaporean and the generations to come." Advertising tech firm senior director Alexis Dang, 39, pointing to her childhood growing up in both Taiwan and Singapore, said: "Diversity of thought is not a threat, it's a strength." Capping off the slate, senior counsel Harpreet Singh, in his call for change, said the WP was not a party that tears down what has worked. "We are here to build on it, to take the best of what Singapore has achieved, and make it better for everyone, not just for today, but for generations to come," the 59-year-old said. Global fintech manager Andre Low, 33, whose fiery remarks earned a standing ovation from over 20 WP candidates sitting behind him, is squaring off with NTUC chief Ng Chee Meng for the single-seat Jalan Kayu. He cited how emergency legislation had been needed to block the Income-Allianz deal as an example of why there is a need for strong opposition voices in Parliament. The hotly debated deal between German insurer Allianz and Income Insurance was called off by the Government in October 2024 over concerns about the deal structure and the ability of the local insurer to continue its social mission. Global fintech manager Andre Low's fiery remarks earned a standing ovation from WP candidates sitting behind him. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Mr Low, who promised to ask hard questions if elected, said: "This is why we need strong opposition voices in Parliament, because without proper checks and balances, these kinds of decisions get taken behind closed doors." Another theme of the night was how active WP representatives had been in Parliament. Associate Professor Jamus Lim contrasted the volume of questions asked by both sides of the aisle in Parliament over the past five years, as reported by The Straits Times. The 49-year-old said: "We are proud of our record, and we want to keep working for you." Associate Professor Jamus Lim contrasted the volume of questions asked by both sides of the aisle in Parliament over the past five years, as reported by ST. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM While others dropped phrases in Teochew, financial analyst Louis Chua delivered his entire speech in the dialect, in the tradition of WP veteran Low Thia Khiang. Financial analyst Louis Chua delivered his entire speech in the dialect, in the tradition of WP veteran Low Thia Khiang. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Meanwhile, legal counsel He Ting Ru, who chairs the Sengkang Town Council, reflected on what had changed in the decade since the WP's last rally, including the expanded Goods and Services Tax. Legal counsel He Ting Ru reflected on what had changed in the decade since the WP's last rally. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM The 41-year-old concluded: "This future is not only the PAP, the Workers' Party or any political party, it is one that is shaped by you. "You have the power to be bold, to step up and vote for a better Singapore."
