Mr Singh was also asked about Tampines GRC, where the WP has fielded a team led by party vice-chair Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap, who was previously an MP in Aljunied GRC.
It will go up against an incumbent PAP team led by Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli, as well as the opposition National Solidarity Party and People’s Power Party, in a rare four-cornered fight.
A reporter asked if Malay voters could be a deciding factor in the Group Representation Constituency.
“I can tell you something about our Malay voters. They’re also very sophisticated voters. It’s not just a question of a race matter,” said Mr Singh.
“They’re also concerned about national issues; what other things the WP can bring to the table. And I believe a lot of our voters accept that there must be a strong opposition presence in Singapore … the Workers’ Party has a certain approach that we take into politics. And I think the Malay voters are very sensitive, and they are aware of what that approach is.”
In light of Mr Faisal’s move to Tampines, Mr Singh was also asked why the WP did not move any party leaders to East Coast GRC.
He said Mr Yee was a heavyweight in his own right, pointing to how Joo Chiat SMC became defunct after Mr Yee lost the GE2011 election there by a mere 388 votes.
“I’ve got somebody with a load of experience leading the team. I’ve got someone who’s got a very big heart,” Mr Singh said of Mr Yee, who went on to contest in Marine Parade GRC in the 2015 and 2020 polls.
Following the redrawing of electoral boundaries last month, the Joo Chiat ward was shifted from Marine Parade GRC to East Coast GRC.
Mr Yee said the WP was offering a “good slate of candidates” in East Coast.
“We’re very confident that if we are elected here, we will run this estate well. We will give our very best.”
Asked about his chances against two political officeholders, Mr Yee said: “We know that every time you come against the PAP, it’s always very difficult.”
“I mean, you look at me, I’ve been through this three times before, every time, whether you feel confident or not, in the end, it’s the voters who decide, and we’ll respect their choice, whatever their choices are,” he said.
“But we really want to appeal to the residents, please do give this team a chance.”
