[GE2025] The Workers' Party (WP) Discussion Thread

[jericho75]

Overly optimistic.

Probably may stand a chance if all of Singapore's boomer or pioneer generation people have passed away.

A friendly reminder: EDMW or online opposition supporters form only the minority of voters.

The king makers will always be the silent majority, who will vote guess you know who lor.

that uncle that point finger issit bloomer?

 

[Eureka75]

that uncle that point finger issit bloomer?

Some uncles hate PAP with a passion

 

[jericho75]

Some uncles hate PAP with a passion

ppl also thinking stay private and landed means papaya supporker. when they see holland bukit timah why so many landed but sdp votes so high?

 

[jimboyboy]

that uncle that point finger issit bloomer?

Don't know leh.. Maybe just a siao lang who happened to cross path with Edwin Tong.

I'm more curious about that young couple with a kid who dared to ignore him completely, with no eye contact at all after Edwin went to their table. That's surely no way to treat an esteemed Senior Counsel!

 

[jericho75]

Don't know leh.. Maybe just a siao lang who happened to cross path with Edwin Tong.

I'm more curious about that young couple with a kid who dared to ignore him completely, with no eye contact at all after Edwin went to their table. That's surely no way to treat an esteemed Senior Counsel!

ppl wanna eat in peace but kenna disturb. for me also same lor.

 

[jimboyboy]

I'm not boomer but i don't get the boomer blame. Most of my boomer colleagues hate pap.
Meanwhile its the millennials who are earning above median salary, everyday drink starbucks eat good food, enjoying their life who votes for the incumbent

Cos the boomer generation were led by very capable people from PAP such as LKY and GKS, and are forever grateful to PAP.

Since they are old people, it's very difficult to change their thinking, unless they themselves kena hardships and are not able to get help from PAP government.

 

[yperic]

GE2025: 10 real issues WP hopes to tackle for S’poreans, according to its manifesto​

Proposals include a national minimum wage and allowing younger singles to apply for BTO.

10 key issues WP aims to tackle for Singaporeans as part of GE2025 manifesto​

The Workers’ Party (WP) released its 2025 General Election (GE) manifesto at a press conference held on Thursday (17 Apr) at its headquarters, outlining 125 policy proposals across five sections.

A three-member panel, Mr Gerald Giam, Associate Professor Jamus Lim, and Ms He Ting Ru, guided the media through the various sections of the manifesto.
The five sections are namely affordability and cost of living, economic growth and opportunities, inclusion and equality, accountability and democracy, and security and geopolitics.

Here are 10 proposals that stood out from the 122-page manifesto for the upcoming election.

1. Implement a national minimum wage​

To ensure fair compensation for all Singaporeans, the WP proposes a national minimum wage of S$1,600 per month for full-time workers, pro-rated for part-time work.

This initiative seeks to boost wages while enhancing worker welfare and productivity across all income levels.

The WP recommends that the National Wages Council (NWC) should deliberate and recommend updates to the National Minimum Wage.

2. Introduce redundancy insurance​

Acknowledging the challenges of job displacements like retrenchments, the WP suggests a redundancy insurance scheme.

Under this scheme, workers who are involuntarily retrenched would receive 40% of their last drawn salary for up to six months.

This will be capped at 40% of Singapore’s current median income.

Employers and employees will contribute equally each month — amounting to 0.1% of each worker’s salary — to finance the Employment Security Fund, which will provide the payouts.

3. Establish a SkillsFuture education loan​

To promote continuous learning, the WP proposes a zero-interest SkillsFuture education loan as part of its manifesto.

This will serve as a supplement to the S$4,000 SkillsFuture Credit top-up and the SkillsFuture Training Allowance.

Source: SkillsFuture SG on Facebook

The initiative would support individuals pursuing private Continuing Education and Training (CET) programs, especially in high-growth industries lacking local manpower.

4. Abolish the statutory retirement age​

Eliminating the official retirement age would allow individuals to keep working for as long as they are capable and willing.

This gives them greater flexibility in deciding when to retire.

It also helps to remove age discrimination at work, as employers would no longer be able to justify avoiding older hires by citing their limited time before retirement as a poor business decision.

5. Lower the eligibility age for singles to purchase BTO flats​

Recognising the housing needs of singles, the WP proposes reducing the eligibility age for singles to apply for BTO flats from 35 to 28 years old.

Source: PropertyGuru

This policy aims to provide singles between the ages of 28 to 35 with greater access to affordable housing options.

The WP added that this reduction is unlikely to discourage marriage and family formation.

6. Reinstate Thaipusam as a public holiday​

In 1968, when the government cut down the number of public holidays, the Hindu community was given a choice between keeping Deepavali or Thaipusam—and they chose to retain Deepavali.

Thaipusam holds deep spiritual meaning and is a joyful celebration for Hindus in Singapore.

It is time to restore Thaipusam as a national public holiday to honour Hindu religious observance, while also increasing Singapore’s total number of public holidays to 12.

7. Abolish the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system​

To enhance electoral fairness, the WP calls for the removal of the GRC system, advocating for elections to be conducted solely in single-member constituencies (SMC).

The GRC system, established in 1988, was intended to ensure that minority racial communities in Singapore will be represented in Parliament.

However, the WP notes that Singaporeans have progressed, and there’s no longer evidence that they vote purely along racial lines.

Maintaining the GRC system could inadvertently imply that minority candidates are unable to be elected independently.

All GRCs should revert to SMCs, ensuring candidates are fully accountable to voters in their constituencies.

8. Lower the voting age to 18 years old​

Currently, Singapore is just one of eight countries with a minimum voting age of 21.

This limit excludes a significant number of young people from the voting process.

Since the nation trusts 18-year-old Singaporeans to serve and defend it, it should also allow them to have a say in its governance.

WP recommends lowering the voting age to 18 as part of its manifesto.

Letting younger Singaporeans vote empowers more meaningful civic engagement at a younger age.

It could also encourage them to develop a stronger interest in understanding public affairs.

9. Raise NSFs’ allowances​

National service (NS) carries major opportunity costs for Singaporean men and second-generation PRs, who start their careers two years after their female peers, first-generation PRs, new citizens, and foreigners.

Source: The Singapore Army on Facebook

This impacts their career advancement and presents challenges for those aspiring to be athletes or artists.

To recognise young men’s sacrifices, the median NS allowance should be set at least S$1,600 per month.

The term “NS allowance” should also be revised to “NS salary” and should include CPF contributions.

10. Recognise the state of Palestine​

Many Singaporeans are deeply concerned about the suffering in Israel and Palestine, and hope for a peaceful resolution.

Singapore supports a negotiated two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine, as democratic states, coexist peacefully within secure, recognised borders.

WP believes that Singapore should officially recognise the State of Palestine, even before negotiations on a two-state solution are finalised.

This recognition would reinforce the legitimacy of our two-state stance.

Four new faces introduced by WP on 17 Apr​

At the same press conference, WP secretary-general Pritam Singh and chairwoman Sylvia Lim also unveiled four new candidates who will contest in the upcoming general election.

The candidates are:

• Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat, 36, director of tech start-up Sensemake.ai (Aljunied GRC)
• Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik, 36, a senior property manager at Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (Sengkang GRC)
• Ms Siti Alia Abdul Rahim Mattar, 43, a legal counsel in a MNC
• Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan, 33, a former diplomat who now works at Singapore-based charity Asia Philanthropy Circle

It is still unclear which constituencies Ms Alia and Ms Chong will contest.

Featured image from MS News.

 

[Shion]

should propose proportional representation system

 

[rstopel]

10 real issues WP hopes to tackle? these are not real issues. most of them ordinary sinkies don't care about. nothing related to lower cost of living and sabo ft?
I applaud WP for not going the populist route. it does show some maturity. wish them well


Read HWZ Forum Rules!

 

[s-ghost]

 

[jeffprobst]

10 real issues WP hopes to tackle? these are not real issues. most of them ordinary sinkies don't care about. nothing related to lower cost of living and sabo ft?
I applaud WP for not going the populist route. it does show some maturity. wish them well


Read HWZ Forum Rules!

Hello. The first icon already say exemption of essential product from gst.

 

[s-ghost]

 

[glarerder]

Workers’ Party (WP) member Jamus Lim outlined the party’s position on the US-imposed tariff situation during the launch of the party’s manifesto on Thursday (Apr 17). Mr Lim said he had framed some of their policy proposals “in terms of how they would help Singaporeans to cater to the ongoing trade tensions” and added that he looks forward to being able to “scrutinise and debate these issues in the context of parliament” if given the opportunity to.

WP member Gerald Giam emphasised that it is important “not to only focus on the negatives” when it comes to tariff issues. “Because in every crisis, there will always be opportunities that we can take advantage of. And we must be nimble and we must be able to make a shift quickly in policies,” he said.

#GE2025 #sgnews #singapore

Read more: https://cna.asia/43XRs4u

Eileen the most outspoken followed by Kenneth, female solicitor and soon to be father.

 

[yperic]

 

[yperic]

WP confirms Sengkang GRC team with new face Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik​

He was one of four new faces unveiled by the party earlier today.

The Workers' Party (WP) has confirmed its candidates for Sengkang GRC for the 2025 General Election.

The team will comprise incumbents He Ting Ru, Jamus Lim and Louis Chua.

36-year-old Abdul Muhaimin Bin Abdul Malik, who was one of four new faces unveiled by the party earlier today (Apr. 17), will be joining the team.

Muhaimin is a Senior Property Manager with Aljunied-Hougang Town Council, and has been spotted on many walkabouts with Sengkang GRC Members of Parliament (MPs).

The team will face off against People's Action Party's Lam Pin Min, Theodora Lai, Bernadette Giam and Elmie Nekmat.

Volunteered since 2020​

In a Facebook post, He said the team was delighted to welcome Muhaimin on board.

She shared that Muhaimin has been volunteering with WP as early as GE2020, and has been involved in various ground activities over the years.

He has also been the team lead for the
Compassvale division since 2023.

New faces​

The three other new candidates WP introduced are Kenneth Tiong, Siti Alia Binte Abdul Rahim Mattar, and Eileen Chong Pei Shan.

Tiong, 36, will be contesting Aljunied GRC. He is the director of tech start-up Sensemake AI.

It is unclear where the other two faces will be running.

The party also launched their manifesto, which includes five sections and 125 policy proposals.

• The first section includes measures to target affordability and cost of living concerns;
• The second section covers economic growth and opportunities;
• The third section address inclusion and equality within the society;
• The fourth calls for greater levels of accountability and democracy in Singapore, and;
• The fifth section deals with security and geopolitics, with proposals for strengthening external and internal resilience.

Top photo from He Ting Ru Instagram

 

[Ghostpel]

WP confirms Sengkang GRC team with new face Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik​

He was one of four new faces unveiled by the party earlier today.

The Workers' Party (WP) has confirmed its candidates for Sengkang GRC for the 2025 General Election.

The team will comprise incumbents He Ting Ru, Jamus Lim and Louis Chua.

36-year-old Abdul Muhaimin Bin Abdul Malik, who was one of four new faces unveiled by the party earlier today (Apr. 17), will be joining the team.

Muhaimin is a Senior Property Manager with Aljunied-Hougang Town Council, and has been spotted on many walkabouts with Sengkang GRC Members of Parliament (MPs).

The team will face off against People's Action Party's Lam Pin Min, Theodora Lai, Bernadette Giam and Elmie Nekmat.

Volunteered since 2020​

In a Facebook post, He said the team was delighted to welcome Muhaimin on board.

She shared that Muhaimin has been volunteering with WP as early as GE2020, and has been involved in various ground activities over the years.

He has also been the team lead for the
Compassvale division since 2023.

New faces​

The three other new candidates WP introduced are Kenneth Tiong, Siti Alia Binte Abdul Rahim Mattar, and Eileen Chong Pei Shan.

Tiong, 36, will be contesting Aljunied GRC. He is the director of tech start-up Sensemake AI.

It is unclear where the other two faces will be running.

The party also launched their manifesto, which includes five sections and 125 policy proposals.

• The first section includes measures to target affordability and cost of living concerns;
• The second section covers economic growth and opportunities;
• The third section address inclusion and equality within the society;
• The fourth calls for greater levels of accountability and democracy in Singapore, and;
• The fifth section deals with security and geopolitics, with proposals for strengthening external and internal resilience.

Top photo from He Ting Ru Instagram

The weakest link in the team. The team has been doing well without RK. It proves that it is really not necessary to have a new member if not because of the system.

 

[yperic]

Get to know our candidate - Kenneth Tiong 张文杰

Kenneth began his career as a Business Analyst at McKinsey & Co. (2014–2016), followed by a role as a Quant Analyst at Millennium Hedge Fund (2016–2018). Kenneth later served as Head Quant Developer and Portfolio Manager at Brahman Capital (2018–2022), and as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at a tech startup (2022–2023). Since 2023, he has been the Director of Sensemake.ai, a news intelligence platform.

Kenneth graduated from Brown University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics-Computer Science and Philosophy.

Kenneth believes strongly in the potential of Singaporeans, particularly in their ability to be drivers (rather than passengers) of technological advancement. He envisions Singapore as a protagonist in the technological age, rather than simply being a back-office for multinational corporations. Kenneth envisions a Singapore where young people feel optimistic about their future, unburdened by issues like housing affordability and job creation. He believes that such reforms are crucial for building a sense of national mission and creating broad-based prosperity for all Singaporeans.

Follow Kenneth Tiong at:
Instagram: / kennethtiong_sg
Facebook: / kennethtiongsg

Read his profile here: www.wp.sg/candidate/tiong-boon-kiat-kenneth

#wpsg #WorkingForSingapore #StepUp #GE2025

 

[yperic]

Get to know our candidate - Abdul Muhaimin Bin Abdul Malik 穆海民

Muhaimin is a Senior Property Manager in Aljunied-Hougang Town Council. He has been involved with the Workers’ Party for more than 5 years since late 2019, where he had assisted in house visits. He was involved during the 2020 General Election, helping to distribute calling cards and also serving as a polling agent and counting agent. Muhaimin was also the de facto coordinator for Compassvale since February 2023, helping to plan House Visits, MPS and other Community Events such as volunteering for the distribution of porridge during Ramadan and conducting a community iftar. Muhaimin is also active within the Workers’ Party Policy team.

Muhaimin hopes to see a more diverse and inclusive political landscape in Singapore. He believes it is important for the country to have a variety of voices and perspectives represented in the political arena, so that the diverse needs and aspirations of all Singaporeans can be meaningfully reflected. To him, this is crucial because a single-party system limits the space for meaningful debate and healthy competition—both of which are essential for national progress. By joining the Workers’ Party, Muhaimin is advocating for a political environment where alternative policies are given a platform and different ideas can be discussed openly. He believes this not only promotes accountability but also empowers citizens to actively shape the future of the nation.
Follow Muhaimin at: Instagram: / abdulmuhaiminam
Facebook: / abdulmuhaiminbinabdulm...

Read his profile here: www.wp.sg/candidate/abdul-muhaimin-bin-abdul-malik

#wpsg #WorkingforSingapore #StepUp #GE2025

 

[yperic]

Get to know our candidate - Eileen Chong Pei Shan 蒋佩姗

Eileen currently works in the social impact sector, where she leads the early childhood development, education, and youth mental health and wellbeing portfolios at Asia Philanthropy Circle (APC). She joined APC in June 2024.

From 2017 to 2024, Eileen served at the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At MFA Headquarters, she covered Singapore’s bilateral ties with China, Thailand, the Philippines, and Laos. She was subsequently posted to the Singapore Embassy in Beijing, where she served as First Secretary (Political) from 2020 to 2023, and concurrently as Deputy Head of the Political Section in her final year.

Eileen was awarded the Singapore Government Scholarship (Foreign Service) in 2011 and went on to pursue higher studies in China and South Korea. She holds an M.A. in Global Affairs and Policy from Yonsei University, South Korea (2017), and a B.A. in International Politics from Peking University, China (2015). She graduated from ACS (Independent) with an International Baccalaureate diploma in 2010, and attended Jurong Secondary School and Xingnan Primary School prior to that.

Eileen wants voters to know that she cares—not just about what Singapore is today, but what it could become tomorrow. She believes that open conversations, respect and empathy build a stronger Singapore. Eileen is committed to building a more inclusive Singapore where diverse voices unite rather than divide, and where every Singaporean feels heard and supported. To this end, Eileen has volunteered as a casework volunteer at the HOME shelter for domestic workers in distress and been a mentor for a youth social challenge organised by ItsRainingRaincoats.

Eileen hopes to see more kindness and empathy in Singapore’s political discourse. She believes this can set a positive tone for civil society and create safe spaces for open conversations that challenge biases and prejudices. Such exchanges are essential for building genuine understanding—not just tolerance—and for fostering a renewed social compact from the ground up, where diverse viewpoints strengthen rather than divide us.

Read her profile here: www.wp.sg/candidate/eileen-chong-pei-shan

#wpsg #WorkingforSingapore #StepUp #GE2025

 

[yperic]

Get to know our candidate - Siti Alia Binte Abdul Rahim Mattar 艾莉雅

Alia practised as a private legal practitioner for close to two years, focusing on family and corporate litigation in a small firm (Mallal & Namazie).

From 2008 to 2016, she served in the Legal Department at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, where she reviewed and negotiated contracts, advised on regulatory compliance, reviewed policy documents, and drafted legislation. Her work covered statutes such as the Securities and Futures Act and the Deposit Insurance and Policy Owners’ Protection Act.

Alia subsequently had a short stint as a Legal and Compliance Officer in an investment management firm.

Since 2017, she has been a Legal Counsel in an MNC, covering all legal matters including drafting and negotiating contracts, advising on the applicability of laws, and reviewing investment fund documentation.

Alia believes that the future lies in the hands of the next generation, and believes that it is very important to bring up a generation of empathetic, honest and compassionate youths who will understand their roles as global citizens.

Alia hopes to see a more balanced system of government — one where policies are debated, and opposing views taken into account, especially when they reflect the views of average Singaporeans. As a fourth-generation Singaporean, this is the only homeland she, her parents, and her grandparents have ever known. She wants the same for her children — for them to want to be, and continue being, Singaporean.

Read her profile here: www.wp.sg/candidate/siti-alia-binte-abdul-rahim-mattar

#wpsg #WorkingforSingapore #StepUp #GE2025