RDU and political allies unite for community outreach in Tanjong Pagar GRC

SINGAPORE: Red Dot United (RDU), an alternative party in Singapore, recently conducted community outreach activities in Holland Close, located within the Tanjong Pagar GRC.

The pre-Christmas festive extravaganza, held on Saturday (16 Dec), featured the presence of RDU’s political partners, including the National Solidarity Party (NSP), the Singapore People’s Party (SPP), and the Singapore United Party (SUP), who collectively participated in the outreach program.

During the event, NSP President Reno Fong Chin Leong, Vice-President Mohd Ridzwan Mohammad, SPP Secretary-General Steve Chia, and SUP Secretary-General Andy Zhu were observed walking alongside the RDU team, demonstrating a united effort among alternative parties ahead of the anticipated early General Election in 2024.

Tanjong Pagar GRC, historically a stronghold of the People’s Action Party (PAP) under the leadership of the late Lee Kuan Yew, has been a steadfast constituency for many years.

The recent outreach efforts suggest the Coalition’s intention to fortify its position in the GRC, notwithstanding the prior challenge posed by the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) during GE2020.”

RDU’s Secretary-General reflects on core values within The Coalition’s alliance

Ravi Philemon, the Secretary-General of RDU, remarked, “This event highlights the core value of Respect for all component parties within the non-formal partnership of The Coalition.”

“It is the heartbeat of our collaboration and the compass that guides us toward a common purpose,” he added.

Steve Chia, Secretary-General of SPP, explained, “Just as a Gingerbread Man requires a blend of diverse ingredients like ginger, sugar, and various spices to achieve its delicious taste, the beauty of the Synergy between the different parties in The Coalition lies in the collaboration of our different strengths, flavours, and perspectives, creating a harmonious and delightful outcome in our collective efforts.”

Andy Zhu, the Secretary-General of SUP, emphasized, “This outreach wasn’t merely an event; it was a purposeful celebration where Support flowed in various forms, combining community engagement with festive joy.”

Reno Fong, President of NSP, expressed satisfaction with their mission to unite hearts and bring hope during the Christmas season.

“We were happy to spread some festive cheer and fun to the families living in the public rental flats in Holland Village.”

“The Coalition was founded on our shared commitment of “Respect, Synergy and Support”. In the true spirit of the season, we have not only brought festive joy to Holland Village but has also set an inspiring example of how collective efforts can create a lasting impact.”

RDU, NSP, SPP and SUP forge informal coalition for stronger representation

On 29 October, the four parties announced their united under a non-formal partnership, “The Coalition,” built on the pillars of support, respect, and synergy.

Their combined approach encompasses key strategies: collaborative campaigning, strategic electoral positioning to prevent multi-cornered fights, and unified efforts in developing a manifesto and selecting candidates.

Ravi Philemon, highlighted the coalition’s distinctive nature. “This partnership is grounded in mutual respect, allowing each party to maintain its unique identity while finding common ground for cooperation,” he stated.

Addressing the leadership structure, Steve Chia, secretary-general of the SPP, elaborated, “Within this non-formal Coalition, there is no hierarchy or dominant leadership. All parties stand on equal footing, guided by a Secretariat responsible for administrative tasks.”

The Coalition is strategically withholding their joint manifesto, acknowledging the importance of addressing current and forthcoming national concerns comprehensively.

This initiative comes on the heels of the “People’s Alliance,” formed earlier in June by Peoples Voice, the Reform Party, People’s Power Party, and the Democratic Progressive Party.

The Coalition has shared that it remains open to discussions with other opposition entities, affirming a shared goal of stronger, more balanced national governance.

Mr Philemon said, “We are always talking to our friends from the opposition fraternity, including the Workers’ Party, the PSP and SDP, we are not opposed to working together; in fact, we welcome working together with the other opposition parties.”

PSP contested in Tanjong Pagar GRC in GE2020

During GE2020, PSP fielded candidates Michael Chua, Harish Pillay, Wendy Low, Terence Soon, and A’bas Kasmani to contest in Tanjong Pagar GRC.

On 11 July 2020, Tanjong Pagar GRC was officially won by the PAP with 63.13% of the votes.

The PAP team, comprised of Chan Chun Sing, Indranee Rajah, Joan Pereira, Alvin Tan Sheng Hui, and Eric Chua Swee Leong, secured a total of 78,079 votes, while the PSP received 45,609 votes.

Performance of RDU, NSP and SPP in GE2020

During GE 2020, RDU led by Mr Ravi, alongside educator and counselor Michelle Lee, theatre director Alec Tok Kim Yam, entrepreneur and author Liyana Dhamirah (33), and legal engineer Nicholas Tang, contested in Jurong GRC.

PAP led by then Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, retained Jurong GRC with a commanding 74.62% of the vote.

Meanwhile, NSP led by party chief Spencer Ng, contested in Sembawang GRC.

His running mates included business consultant Ivan Yeo Tiong Boon, consultancy firm managing director Sebastian Teo, business development director Yadzeth Hairis, along with a new candidate, business owner Sathin Ravindran.

The PAP team, led by then Education Minister Ong Ye Kung, retained Sembawang GRC with 67.29% of the votes, while NSP secured 32.71%.

SPP led by Steve Chia, along with party vice-chairman Williamson Lee, former Reform Party candidate Osman Sulaiman, and former candidate for the now-defunct Singaporeans First party, Melvyn Chiu, contested in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.

The PAP, led by Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen, managed to retain the seat with 73.59% of the votes.

The Singapore United Party (SUP), newly founded on 24 December 2020, had its party secretary-general, previously a Reform Party chairman, contesting in Ang Mo Kio GRC during the election.