Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh said only elected opposition MPs can properly pressure and push the Government, noting that Non-Constituency MPs (NCMPs) lack the same ground connection.
Speaking during a Hougang walkabout on April 29, Mr Singh said: “NCMPs have no voters, no residents to get feedback from, no office in the constituency. This is where the PAP wants to keep the opposition.”
He was responding to Minister Indranee Rajah’s comment that alternative voices are guaranteed in Parliament through the NCMP scheme, which reserves seats for the best-performing losing opposition candidates.
Mr Singh said the scheme’s true purpose was to slow opposition growth, but added that WP is not just seeking more seats without responsibility. Responding to PM Lawrence Wong’s remark that opposition parties want more seats but still expect the PAP to govern, Mr Singh said: “I welcome him to give us more responsibility,” suggesting greater opposition inclusion in parliamentary committees.
Mr Singh reiterated that a stronger opposition presence would not divide Singapore but strengthen it. “A balanced Parliament will not result in a more divided Singapore,” he said, citing WP’s support during the Covid-19 crisis.
Addressing his criticism of DPM Gan Kim Yong at a recent rally, Mr Singh explained he wanted Punggol voters to hear alternative perspectives. He questioned whether DPM Gan, at 66, was truly indispensable, and said resource allocation should not depend on personal friendships.
WP chair Sylvia Lim added that the party was fielding its strongest slate ever and urged voters not to miss this opportunity to boost parliamentary diversity.
Meanwhile, WP’s Hougang candidate Dennis Tan said the party is not taking its traditional stronghold for granted. He highlighted efforts to upgrade facilities like sheltered walkways, pledging to continue addressing residents’ needs and voicing their concerns in Parliament.
