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AsiaOne
25-05-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
RDU aims to form 'shadow government' to take party forward, Singapore News
Opposition party Red Dot United (RDU) on May 24 said it wants to move beyond being a check and balance on the ruling PAP, and is aspiring towards being an 'alternative government' instead. To do this, it wants to work with other 'like-minded' opposition parties to build a digital platform, tentatively called to flesh out policy positions. 'We want to make ourselves better known, so if the PAP fails, people will know there is a shadow government in place to take the country forward,' RDU secretary-general Ravi Philemon said. He was speaking at an event at the party's headquarters in Ubi Crescent to thank volunteers after the 2025 General Election. 'I think that is the responsible thing to do. We do not want to be checks and balances any more,' said Mr Philemon as he addressed the media while flanked by his RDU teammates Sharon Lin, Ben Puah and Harish Mohanadas. RDU in its media invitation to the May 24 event said that there is a necessity to change its outlook and how it approaches politics in Singapore. It will also be looking to the next 10 to 15 years to recalibrate the party, which was founded in 2020 and also took part in GE2020. The party's so-called '3B strategy' involves 'Breaking away' from being a check and balance on the People's Action Party, 'Believing' in RDU's younger generation and 'Building' a brand for the party, which may even see RDU changing its name to a more serious-sounding one. When asked whether RDU has reached out to other mainstream opposition parties about setting up a 'shadow government', Mr Philemon said that it has not done so officially. 'We have communicated to some of them on a personal basis, but not in an official capacity,' he told The Straits Times. 'But this is something that we will consciously and intentionally try to do in the next five years.' After GE2025, Parliament will have 12 Workers' Party representatives, including two who will fill the Non-Constituency MP seats. RDU contested Jurong East-Bukit Batok, Holland-Bukit Timah and Nee Soon GRCs as well as Jurong Central SMC at GE2025. Among the issues raised during its campaign were ministerial salaries, cost of living and ageing, employment and the goods and services tax. On RDU's 23.35 per cent popular vote share, Mr Philemon had said previously that it indicates the party 'remains recognised as a small but formidable force that punches above its weight'. On May 24, he noted from feedback from the ground that some of the candidates the party fielded were less known to voters. Yet they are professionals such as engineers and scientists, as well as entrepreneurs. In terms of publicity, he pointed out that compared with RDU putting up 1,000 posters in Nee Soon GRC, PAP printed an estimated three times that number. Mr Philemon was part of the RDU team that contested the group representation constituency. He added that he was 'not sure if the name Red Dot United worked in our favour' in the recent general election. When the party began its political journey at the 2020 election, where it contested only Jurong GRC, a name like Red Dot United had 'piqued people's curiosity', he said. It was a different time then with the Covid-19 pandemic which saw people staying home. 'So a unique name like Red Dot United caused people to go and look us up or read up more about us,' said Mr Philemon. 'And I think a name like Red Dot United worked in our favour in GE2020.' This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.
Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
RDU aims to form ‘shadow govt' to take party forward: Philemon
RDU secretary-general Ravi Philemon (second from right), flanked by teammates (from right) Ben Puah, Sharon Lin and Harish Mohanadas, speaking at a press conference on May 24. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI SINGAPORE – Opposition party Red Dot United (RDU) on May 24 said it wants to move beyond being a check and balance on the ruling PAP, and is aspiring towards being an 'alternative government' instead. To do this, it wants to work with other 'like-minded' opposition parties to build a digital platform, tentatively called to flesh out policy positions. 'We want to make ourselves better known, so if the PAP fails, people will know there is a shadow government in place to take the country forward,' RDU secretary-general Ravi Philemon said. He was speaking at an event at the party's headquarters in Ubi Crescent to thank volunteers after the 2025 General Election. 'I think that is the responsible thing to do. We do not want to be checks and balances any more,' said Mr Philemon as he addressed the media while flanked by his RDU t eammate s Sharon Lin, Ben Puah and Harish Mohanadas. RDU in its media invitation to the May 24 event said there is a necessity to change its outlook and how it approaches politics in Singapore. It will also be looking to the next 10 to 15 years to recalibrate the party, which was founded in 2020 and also took part in GE2020. The party's so-called '3B strategy' involves 'Breaking away' from being a check and balance on the People's Action Party, 'Believing' in RDU's younger generation and 'Building' a brand for the party, which may even see RDU changing its name to a more serious-sounding one. When asked whether RDU has reached out to other mainstream opposition parties about setting up a 'shadow government', Mr Philemon said it has not done so officially. 'We have communicated to some of them on a personal basis, but not in an official capacity,' he told The Straits Times. 'But this is something that we will consciously and intentionally try to do in the next five years.' After GE2025, Parliament will have 12 Workers' Party representatives, including two who will fill the Non-Constituency MP seats. RDU contested Jurong East-Bukit Batok, Holland-Bukit Timah and Nee Soon GRCs as well as Jurong Central SMC at GE2025. Among the issues raised during its campaign were ministerial salaries, cost of living and ageing, employment and the goods and services tax. On RDU's 23.35 per cent popular vote share, Mr Philemon had said previously that it indicates the party 'remains recognised as a small but formidable force that punches above its weight'. On May 24, he noted from feedback from the ground that some of its candidates who were fielded were lesser known to voters. Yet, they were professionals such as engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs. In terms of publicity, he pointed out PAP printed an estimated three times the number of posters in Nee Soon GRC compared with RDU's 1,000 posters. He was on the RDU team that contested Nee Soon GRC. Mr Philemon added he was 'not sure if the name Red Dot United worked in our favour' in GE2025. When the party began its political journey in GE2020 when it contested only Jurong GRC, a name like Red Dot United had 'piqued people's curiosity'. It was a different time then during the Covid-19 pandemic when people were staying home. 'So a unique name like Red Dot United caused people to go and look up for us or read up more about us,' said Mr Philemon. 'And I think a name like Red Dot United worked in our favour in GE2020.' Zaihan Mohamed Yusof is senior crime correspondent at The Straits Times. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Independent Singapore
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
RDU chief Ravi Philemon calls new Cabinet ‘disappointing' as more women, youth should be given seats at the table
SINGAPORE: After Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong announced his new Cabinet on Wednesday evening (May 21), Ravi Philemon, the secretary-general of the opposition party Red Dot United (RDU), expressed disappointment. 'Women's voices are muted. Young people's voices are not heard. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's first Cabinet announcement was a moment that should have signalled meaningful change. Instead, it reinforced the status quo,' Mr Philemon wrote in a social media post. While the announcement revealed some reshuffling and a couple of new faces from the May 3 polls were appointed to lead ministries, the members of the Cabinet have remained the same since PM Wong took office a year ago. For Mr Philemon, this appeared to be a missed opportunity for PM Wong to address 'real gaps in leadership' that had been present prior to the election, and he expressed that preserving the status quo would have 'real consequences—for working families, for women, for young people, and for the vulnerable.' The RDU chief noted that only three of the 15 full ministers are women, despite women having been nearly a third of the ruling People's Action Party's (PAP) candidates in the GE. Mr Philemon wrote that this could mean that policies that affect women, such as childcare options, work-from-home rights, legal protections at the workplace, and recognition for unpaid caregiving, would be deprioritised. 'The global research is conclusive. Governments with at least 50% women ministers score 17 points higher on the Women, Business and the Law Index, which measures legal equality in economic opportunity. Countries with more women in leadership are more likely to pass laws that remove inequality, strengthen protections for families, and invest in the long-term well-being of society. These aren't cosmetic gains—they are structural,' he wrote. Mr Philemon also noted that the average age of the new Cabinet is 55.1, adding concerns that younger Singaporeans today are 'living through a very different Singapore' in terms of job security, housing costs, climate change, mental health, and other issues. 'The issues that affect young people most are dealt with in a piecemeal way—because their voices are not present in the Cabinet room. Things must change. Let's not forget—Singapore is one of the few countries where 18-year-olds are expected to serve, to train, to carry a rifle for national defence, but cannot vote.' The RDU chief also raised the issue of what he characterised as 'bloated government and wasted resources' and again questioned why Singapore would need multiple Mayors, Senior Ministers, Ministers of State, and Senior Parliamentary Secretaries. 'For me, politics should always be about people, so Cabinets must reflect the people. That means more women at the table. More youth helping to shape the national agenda, and a leaner, more focused government that puts its weight—and its budget—behind solving real problems, not maintaining political comfort. 'RDU and I will remain committed to that fight. The fight to ensure Singaporeans are treated as first-class citizens in their own country, the only home we have,' he wrote. /TISG Read also: M Wong's New Cabinet: Masagos loses Muslim Affairs portfolio, first-term MP Jeffrey Siow and David Neo take Transport and MCCY roles
Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
GE2025: Strong support comes with huge responsibility in uncertain times, says Shanmugam
SINGAPORE – The results of the 2025 General Election reflect the 'strongest mandate' for Nee Soon GRC, said Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam, and with that comes 'huge responsibility' to Singaporeans amid an uncertain global economic climate. Mr Shanmugam led a five-member PAP team to secure 73.81 per cent of the vote against a team from Red Dot United. This represents a vote share increase of nearly 12 percentage points, and is the highest margin Nee Soon GRC has been won by since it was formed in 2011. At the 2020 General Election, PAP garnered 61.9 per cent of the vote against a team from the Progress Singapore Party. Speaking to the media during the walkabout, Mr Shanmugam said that as a cabinet minister, he would have a hand in steering Singapore out of looming economic headwinds. 'We are facing a potentially very difficult time and it looks quite certain that there will be a lot of trouble. There is a lot of uncertainty – investors are not investing, companies are not expanding. These are things we need to deal with,' he said. Ms Goh Hanyan, a former director at the Ministry of Digital Development and Information who is part of the Nee Soon GRC slate, said she felt 'extremely humbled' by the strong mandate that residents have given her team. 'The mandate that I'm grateful that we got... will help us steer Singapore through these times, given the global climate. We will stand united and firm throughout this next phase of our journey,' she said. She added that the team will spend the coming weeks meeting more residents in the area. 'We'll spend the coming weeks getting to know them, listening to them, knowing what they want, so that we can better serve their needs,' she said. All four of Mr Shanmugam's teammates had contested their first General Election and the veteran minister, who has been overseeing the Chong Pang ward within the GRC for 37 years, said he was confident his younger charges would excel. The other three members of the team are Lee Hui Ying, 36, director of communications for Temasek Foundation; Jackson Lam, 40, head of a pest control and cleaning company; and former Nominated MP Syed Harun Alhabsyi, 40. Mr Shanmugam had previously said that said the team brings a range of experiences to bear, and that it contains potential political office-holders. He added on May 4 that Nee Soon residents would expect 'old-fashioned values' such as honesty, sincerity and hard work from the team. Mr Shanmugam said: 'It is a covenant we make once every five years. Some have said – 'four new MPs, how are you going to handle (it)?' Having talked to them, having interviewed them, having seen them on the ground, I fully believe that they will discharge their duties in a way that Nee Soon residents expect and in a way that merits the tremendous support that has been given by people. 'So we will do our best. And then, at the end of five years, people will judge.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Online Citizen
04-05-2025
- Business
- Online Citizen
Red Dot United calls for transparent KPIs and greater accountability at third GE rally
Red Dot United (RDU) on 30 April, 2025, strongly criticised government agencies and ministerial salaries at its third rally for the General Election, calling for greater transparency and accountability across the public sector. The rally was held at the field at Boon Lay Way in Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, one of four constituencies where RDU is fielding candidates. RDU candidate Pang Heng Chuan, speaking to a crowd gathered under overcast skies, said governance in Singapore had lost its 'sense of responsibility'. He called for all ministries and statutory boards to adopt public key performance indicators (KPIs) that are 'clear, measurable and transparent'. Mr Pang, a 56-year-old company director contesting in Nee Soon GRC, argued that if ministers are to receive million-dollar salaries, they should also accept CEO-level accountability. 'In the private sector, individuals are held accountable for results. If you overspend, you answer for it. If your team fails, you step up,' he said. 'Ministers want CEO pay, fine. Then they must accept CEO accountability.' The party reiterated that failures must have real consequences. 'If major lapses occur, we expect resignations, not just a press release,' Mr Pang added. Calling for a more active and independent legislature, he emphasised that Parliament 'must not be a rubber stamp', and large projects should undergo independent risk evaluations before approval. He also criticised the existence of what he described as 'bloated ministries', suggesting the removal of roles like mayors and parliamentary secretaries without defined portfolios. Resources should instead be redirected to essentials such as housing, healthcare, and eldercare. Sharad Kumar, RDU's candidate for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, reinforced the party's accountability message. He cited incidents involving senior ministers, including the Ridout Road property rental controversy and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan's hot mic remark, as signs of eroding public trust. 'This is not about one mistake. This is about a troubling pattern,' said Mr Kumar. 'If ministers can live like aristocrats while young families struggle for basic housing, something has gone terribly wrong.' Marcus Neo, leading the RDU team in Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, raised issues around local employment. He highlighted his personal experience with a foreign HR manager, which ended in court, to illustrate the need for a 'citizens-first' hiring policy. While acknowledging the value of foreign talent, Mr Neo insisted on the need for balanced immigration policies and legal safeguards to ensure equal opportunities for Singaporeans in the workforce. 'We need to be dead honest with ourselves. Are we giving our own people a fair shot?' he asked. Candidate Liyana Dhamirah echoed the theme of dignity and equality for locals. 'It's time to raise the standard,' she said. 'Singaporeans are not asking for riches, but for dignity—to be treated as first-class citizens in their own country.' Emily Woo, contesting in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, spoke on the party's proposed 'citizen's dividend'—a regular, unconditional payout that would recognise Singaporeans' lifelong contributions to the country. 'It's not a handout. It's a recognition,' said Ms Woo, a 59-year-old music teacher. RDU's secretary-general Ravi Philemon addressed the crowd toward the end of the rally, as light rain fell and a lightning warning was issued. He said he told fellow candidates to put away their umbrellas. 'If we can't brave the rain for our people, how will they trust us?' said Mr Philemon, who is also contesting in Nee Soon GRC. Jurong Central SMC candidate Kala Manickam concluded the rally by drawing a contrast between herself and her opponent, PAP's Xie Yao Quan. While acknowledging that Mr Xie is perceived as approachable and active on the ground, she criticised his parliamentary performance. 'Many residents say, 'He's a nice person, but he doesn't speak up for us in Parliament,'' she said. Ms Manickam, 52, reassured voters that constituency development plans would continue even under opposition representation. 'These budgets are already planned. Your vote is secret. There is no risk in voting for the opposition, but there is something to gain—a true voice in Parliament.' The rally concluded with all 13 RDU candidates taking the Singapore pledge together onstage, signalling their commitment to their vision of reform and accountability.
