Good evening voters of Punggol, Sengkang and Jalan Kayu, and from all over Singapore.
Tonight I would like to discuss with you about competition.
Many of you will remember that before 1997, Singtel had a monopoly on mobile services. Prices were high, and features were limited. Then M1 entered the market, followed by StarHub in 2000. That was a game changer. M1’s entry forced prices down. StarHub upped the pressure — introducing free incoming calls and per-second billing, something unheard of until then. Singtel had no choice but to respond and provide the same. Competition worked — for you.
Today, there is a fourth mobile provider, and you can get 100GB of data for just $10. That’s what competition in the marketplace does. It makes services better, more affordable, and puts power in the hands of consumers.
Now apply that same principle to governance. When there is more competition in Parliament, all parties — both the governing party and the opposition — have to raise their game. They listen more and work harder to produce better policies. Political competition gives you, the voter, more bargaining power. And 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 family.
That’s why voting for the Workers’ Party is not a risk — it’s a strategy. It’s a smart, deliberate choice to improve the system for everyone. It’s how you get a Parliament that works for you.
Since voters first elected the Workers’ Party to Aljunied in 2011, Parliament has become more vibrant and more responsive. The 14th Parliament saw a record number of questions asked and motions filed. WP MPs from Sengkang GRC — Louis Chua, He Ting Ru and Jamus Lim — were among the most active. All of them stepped up, asked the tough questions, and pushed for better policies. That is political competition that’s Working for Singapore.
With more WP MPs, Parliament now debates harder, examines deeper and responds faster. Live streaming was introduced — also something we had called for in our last Manifesto. More voices were heard. And more accountability was demanded — by you, through us.
Voting Secrecy
But there’s still one lingering concern I want to address head-on — the fear that your vote isn’t secret.
Let me say this as clearly as I can: your vote is secret. 投票是秘密的。
I’ve contested four general elections and have followed the ballot papers from polling station to counting centre, to the Supreme Court vault and finally, to watch them burn in the incineration centre.
At the polling station, you should expect the election officials to call out your name and serial number. Polling agents from all contesting parties are there to mark off your name. This prevents double voting.
You then receive your ballot paper — yes, it has a serial number. But that number exists to prevent fraud, like ballot stuffing or counterfeiting. It does not compromise the secrecy of your vote.
What matters is this: you vote alone. You walk to the booth alone. You put the stamp next to the party of your choice! No one can see your decision. You fold the paper, drop it into the ballot box, and that’s it — you’ve made your choice.
At the counting centre, candidates and counting agents from all contesting parties are present. Ballot papers are placed face-up so that only the vote is visible. The serial number stays hidden. There are no name lists at the counting table. This process is clean, transparent and closely observed by people from every party contesting.
Once the count is complete, the ballots are sealed and locked in the Supreme Court vault. They stay there for six months. Only a court order can release them — and this has never happened in Singapore’s history.
Six months later, representatives from all the contesting parties return to the vault. We inspect the seals and confirm they haven’t been tampered with. Then we accompany the boxes to Tuas, where they are incinerated — in full view.
You can vote with confidence. So just vote according to your choice and your conscience. We can say with full confidence that the process is secret, clean and secure. And your vote matters.
Candidates
Now let me share some personal thoughts about a few of the new candidates standing in Punggol GRC and Jalan Kayu SMC.
I’ve also known Harpreet Singh for some years now, having worked with him on policy analysis and gone on house visits with him. Most of you know him as a senior counsel — a top lawyer. But beyond his impressive credentials, he is down to earth and extends warmth to everyone he meets. I hope voters in Punggol will all get a chance to meet him to discover the Harpreet that I know.
I started working with Alexis Dang soon after the 2020 GE, when she signed up as a volunteer in Aljunied GRC. She has since been volunteering in Meet the People Sessions, house visits and emceeing for events like our annual Lunar New Year celebrations in Aljunied GRC. She is an excellent communicator in both English and Mandarin and has a sharp mind. I know she will be able to relate to many residents in Punggol and articulate your concerns in Parliament.
I have worked very closely with Jackson Au in the Serangoon division of Aljunied GRC, where he was the constituency coordinator. He is a hard worker and an excellent organiser. With him around, the other Aljunied GRC MPs and I were always assured that things would get done. He is also a really nice guy and great company to be around.
Let me highlight one more new candidate — Andre Low, your WP candidate for Jalan Kayu. Andre is a bright, thoughtful individual and a soon-to-be father who brings both heart and sharp problem-solving skills to the table. I’ve worked with him on several technical matters related to the Workers’ Party website, and have seen him deliver. He’s someone who can break down complex issues and come up with creative, practical solutions. I’m confident he will be a strong, relatable voice for Jalan Kayu residents.
Some say, “What can a few opposition MPs do?” But you’ve seen how we’ve brought your voices into national conversation.
That’s why we say: a vote for the Workers’ Party is not a protest vote. It’s a positive choice for a better Parliament, better policies, and a better future.
To all of you here — especially if you’re undecided — we ask for your support. If you believe that Singapore deserves more than one voice in Parliament, then choose the Workers’ Party.
Vote for credible, capable MPs. Vote for a better balance in Parliament. Vote for a stronger voice for you and your family.
Vote for the Workers’ Party — the party that is Working for Singapore.
