He urged voters “regardless of race, language, or religion” to judge the WP on its manifesto and proposals and what the party can do in parliament for all Singaporeans, not specific communities only.
“I think once we go down that road, you’re going to have an unnecessary politicisation of the public space and we don’t want that. That’s not healthy for Singapore, that’s not healthy for our minority communities as well,” he said.
The WP chief was also asked to address potential concerns from voters after Ms Alia Mattar, a new face for WP who is contesting in Punggol GRC, had brought up the issue of Gaza in her rally speech on Thursday.
In response, Mr Singh said that Ms Alia’s comments were not solely her view, and noted that the party had advanced a view in their manifesto about the two-state solution and how peace should come to that region.
“Many Singaporeans, regardless of race and religion, are very sensitive to that issue, and our approach is more of a humanitarian concern,” he said.
He added that he was not surprised and it was “par for the political battle” that people would “pick on certain of our candidates”.
“We have to be ready for it,” he said.
Mr Singh then said that the WP’s approach to politics is “pan-Singaporean”, encompassing all races and religions.
“We cannot be a successful political party if we play the race and religion card.”
He added that the party will be fair to everybody and listen to everybody’s views.
“There’s a diversity of views in Singapore now – always has been, more so now with social media.
“But if we are committed to handle it thoughtfully, sensitively and within the context of our multi-racial society, we’ll be okay.”
The Workers’ Party are scheduled to have their second rally of this General Election on Saturday evening at Temasek Junior College.
Singaporeans will head to the polls on May 3.
