Netizens mock PAP’s ice cream tactic, comparing it to WP’s down-to-earth approach

SINGAPORE: As the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) intensifies its community outreach with an unexpected approach—handing out ice cream to residents—many netizens have mocked this new tactic.

While some have ridiculed the initiative as an attempt to garner support ahead of the upcoming general election, others have voiced disappointment that the ruling party leaders are opting for lighthearted gestures to win favour rather than addressing pressing grassroots issues such as the cost of living, housing, and healthcare.

In recent months, PAP Ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs) have prominently featured their ‘ice cream’ outreach efforts on social media.

Among those involved are Low Yen Ling, PAP MP for Chua Chu Kang GRC and Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth; Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Communications and Information, and Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment.

Mr Tan, who is also MP  for East Coast GRC noted that this approach provided a valuable opportunity for his team to gather direct feedback from residents on how to improve the constituency.

Disappointment Over PAP Ministers’ Failure to Address More Pressing Concerns

Observing the comments on PAP Tampines North and Tampines MP Mr Baey’s Facebook page, many questioned the true intention behind the ice cream distribution.

Some expressed disappointment that PAP Ministers are using trivial approaches instead of addressing the pressing concerns faced by Singaporeans.

Some comments raised pertinent questions, asking why Singaporeans are increasingly in need of rebates and handouts if, as the PAP government claims, the country has been doing well over the last two decades.

A netizen questioned whether the ice cream distribution was funded by the MPs or the party itself, through donations, or with taxpayers’ money.

One comment mockingly suggested that if the government were truly sincere, they should offer all Singaporeans aged 60 and above free bus and MRT rides.

Some referred to the ice cream distribution as a “cheap tactic,” emphasizing that Singaporeans are more concerned with how the country is managed, rather than superficial displays of showmanship.

WP’s Grounded Engagement and Outreach

Notably, in comparison, the Workers’ Party has been actively intensifying its outreach to residents amid speculation of an early General Election.

The next GE must be held by November next year.

Observing the WP’s Facebook page, the party typically adopts an all-out approach during community outreach, with notable figures such as Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh and Chairman Sylvia Lim seen walking the ground and interacting with residents.

Former WP Chief and ex-MP for Aljunied GRC, Mr Low Thia Khiang, is sometimes featured in these visits as well.

Since GE2020, WP members have been actively engaging with the community by selling the Hammer newsletter, distributing leaflets, and promoting the party’s proposals to address community issues.

It’s also worth noting that while Tampines GRC saw a contest between the PAP and the National Solidarity Party (NSP) during GE2020, there is speculation about whether Mr Low will lead the WP team to challenge the constituency in the upcoming GE.

This move would echo his strategic decision in 2011 to contest in Aljunied GRC rather than Hougang SMC, leading the party to a historic breakthrough by securing the first GRC from the PAP.

Speculation suggests that in the aftermath of an extramarital affair scandal involving former Parliamentary Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin and former Tampines MP Cheng Li Hui, the ongoing investigation against Transport Minister S Iswaran and the 2023 Ridout Road controversy involving Ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan, alternative parties might have an increased likelihood of challenging PAP strongholds.