The Workers’ Party (WP) made a spirited return to the rally stage on April 24, drawing a boisterous crowd to a mud-soaked field in Anchorvale Crescent, Sengkang, for its first physical rally in over a decade. Rallying behind the theme of political competition and diversity of ideas, the WP’s slate of newcomers and incumbents made an impassioned case for a stronger opposition presence in Parliament.
In a night filled with multilingual speeches and loud chants of “Workers’ Party!”, veteran Gerald Giam likened political monopolies to corporate ones, saying that Singapore only saw mobile data prices fall after competition entered the market.
“That’s how we keep improving Singapore — not by keeping the status quo, but by making space for better ideas and greater accountability,” said Mr Giam, who is seeking re-election in Aljunied GRC.
Echoing this message, former NCMP Yee Jenn Jong, who leads the WP’s East Coast GRC team, said: “The Government believes that in business, monopoly is bad… but when it comes to politics, they want it all.”
Hougang MP Dennis Tan, 54, added that Singapore faces global challenges that demand a wider spectrum of perspectives. “No one political party can claim a monopoly on the best ideas,” he said.
The rally featured speeches from several first-time candidates, including Jackson Au, 35, who cited rising living costs and challenged the status quo with a quote from Game of Thrones about courage in the face of fear.
Alia Mattar, a 43-year-old lawyer, weighed in on education and foreign policy discourse, referencing recent debate over school lessons on the Israel-Palestine conflict. “My vision for Singapore is one where the voices of all Singaporeans are heard,” she said.
Senior counsel Harpreet Singh, 59, framed WP’s mission as building upon Singapore’s strengths rather than tearing down existing institutions. “We are here to take the best of what Singapore has achieved, and make it better for everyone.”
Rising star Andre Low, 33, who is contesting Jalan Kayu SMC against PAP’s Ng Chee Meng, argued for greater transparency, citing the blocked Income-Allianz merger as an example of why Parliament needs watchdogs. “Without proper checks and balances, these kinds of decisions get taken behind closed doors.”
Associate Professor Jamus Lim highlighted WP’s active participation in Parliament, while Louis Chua delivered his entire speech in Teochew, paying tribute to party stalwart Low Thia Khiang.
Closing the rally, Sengkang MP He Ting Ru told the crowd: “This future is not only the PAP’s or the Workers’ Party’s – it is shaped by you. You have the power to be bold, to step up and vote for a better Singapore.”
