SINGAPORE: The Workers’ Party (WP) looks set to contest in Jalan Kayu SMC for Singapore’s May 3 General Election, after the Red Dot United (RDU) party announced on Tuesday (Apr 22) that it was stepping aside.
In a statement sent to the media, RDU’s secretary-general Ravi Philemon said his party had been in talks with WP leadership about the single-seat ward.
“During those exchanges, they expressed interest in contesting Jalan Kayu. As discussions progressed, it became clear they intended to field a candidate there. They requested for Jalan Kayu,” he said.
“After careful deliberation—both with the WP leadership and within our own election committee—we have made the difficult decision not to contest in this constituency. This decision was made with one guiding principle: to act in the best interest of the residents of Jalan Kayu, the best interest of Singapore citizens.”
WP has been active in outreach efforts in Jalan Kayu SMC, amid intensifying buzz around a potential showdown with the ruling People’s Action Party’s potential candidate Ng Chee Meng.
A source close to WP also told CNA earlier that the opposition party was likely to contest in the single-seat ward in the upcoming General Election.
Residents living in the newly carved out constituency northeast of Singapore have also seen WP in the area recently, with some receiving flyers handed out by volunteers.
At least one resident said he recognised Dr Ong Lue Ping from the Institute of Mental Health as one of the WP members who have been doing walkabouts.
News outlet 8world also recently reported that WP volunteers were seen distributing pamphlets shortly after PAP’s announcement that labour chief Mr Ng would be contesting in Jalan Kayu SMC.
The former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office was part of the PAP slate that lost Sengkang GRC to WP in GE2020.
The WP has so far kept silent on where it would contest, though it has revealed 14 new potential candidates in its lineup.
But contesting in Jalan Kayu SMC would be consistent with the party’s focus on northeastern parts of Singapore.
CNA has contacted the party for comment.
The People’s Power Party under longtime opposition politician Goh Meng Seng has also indicated interest in contesting Jalan Kayu SMC, but has yet to confirm a potential candidate.
