GE2025: Workers’ Party left ‘vacuum’ by not contesting Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, says Masagos

Joining Mr Masagos to complete the PAP’s team in Tampines GRC are incumbents Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon and Mr Baey Yam Keng, as well as two electoral debutants – former Chief of Army David Neo and Assistant Professor Charlene Chen.

One of the things that “differentiates” PAP from WP, Dr Koh said, is how his party builds on its manifestos for the constituency from as far as a decade back.

He added that the team has delivered on its manifesto pledge from the last election to turn Tampines into an “eco town” at the forefront of sustainable development, making it an example for other towns to follow.

“And it bring benefits to our residents, which is why, at the end of the day, beyond parliamentary debates, people do want to see their own life, their environment here, getting better,” Dr Koh continued.

“So, we have put forth a five-year plan in our manifesto and we look forward to our residents’ support, so that even as we debate issues in parliament and take our country forward, we also want to make sure that in their own locality, they live a better life with a better environment.”

Mr Masagos was asked about Mr Faisal’s candidacy in Tampines GRC and how Malay-Muslim issues might come to the fore, given that the GRC has the highest proportion of Malay voters.

In its manifesto, WP mentioned the conflict in Gaza, saying that Singapore should formally recognise the state of Palestine even before negotiations on a two-state solution are concluded.

In reply, Mr Masagos said: “I think you should ask Mr Faisal Manap himself. 

“I don’t know what he will be campaigning on, but our team, as you see here, is Tampines together. It’s not any particular group. As I mentioned, we want to make sure everyone feels included.

“And no one, no one should hurt another just because of what they want best. But even so, I think we should listen to everyone and get everybody to basically come together and work as a a cohesive community, a united Singapore.”