For housing, Mr Philemon questioned if it was fair to be paying “top dollar” for public flats, only for many to one day be “worth zero” when their 99-year leases end.
The party has proposed making every Housing and Development Board (HDB) estate eligible for redevelopment. It also wants to introduce rent-to-own schemes and expand public rental housing, especially for young singles and low-income families.
“Housing isn’t just about buying. It’s about belonging. No Singaporean should fear growing old under a roof that’s losing value,” the RDU chief said in his nearly five-minute-long speech.
On the healthcare front, the party recommends expanding MediShield Life, restructuring MediFund, and capping out-of-pocket costs.
“Healthcare should not be a privilege. It should be a promise,” Mr Philemon said.
He also said that the party would prioritise citizens in housing, jobs and opportunities, promising to recognise contribution over connections.
“If you’ve worked hard, served the country, paid your dues – you shouldn’t be treated like second-class citizens just because you weren’t born into privilege,” he added.
Towards the end of the broadcast, Mr Philemon said a “fairer Singapore” cannot be built without trust.
The party believes that more raw data and information – whether for housing, healthcare or jobs – must be made available to the public, so that Singaporeans can be involved in solving the problems they face together.
“In a knowledge-based economy, we must relook laws that stifle critical thinking and honest discussion. We cannot be afraid of tough questions,” said the secretary-general.
Ultimately, Mr Philemon said that RDU believes in a Singapore where “no one is left behind” and where dignity is not only “reserved for the rich”.
