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

SINGAPORE: The Workers' Party (WP) left a "vacuum" by contesting in Tampines GRC instead of Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, Mr Masagos Zulkifli said on Wednesday (Apr 23).

"Well, the fact that Workers' Party is in Tampines and not in Marine Parade is a question that Workers' Party should answer," the Minister for Social and Family Development from the People's Action Party (PAP) added.

"We don't know what's happening. I don't know what happened. They apparently want to compete here and left a vacuum in Marine Parade and that's something their leadership should answer."

He was speaking to reporters at the launch of PAP's manifesto for Tampines GRC, after it was confirmed that PAP will clinch Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC in a walkover, the first since the 2011 General Election.

Mr Masagos is anchoring a five-member team in Tampines GRC, where PAP will go against WP, the National Solidarity Party (NSP) and the People’s Power Party (PPP) in a four-way fight.

WP is contesting the GRC for the first time, with the party making a surprise move to field its vice-chairman and former Aljunied MP Muhamad Faisal Manap as leader of its team there.

Mr Masagos said that it was not important how many opposition parties were contesting Tampines GRC and that residents should be "very proud" so many are vying for the constituency.

"More importantly for us, whoever comes here, we have to be ready, build on the promises that we have delivered and show what we can do as a team so that residents continue to benefit from the work that we all put in together." 

Mr Masagos added that "what matters most" was his team's plans for Tampines GRC, promising in the manifesto to create greener spaces, reimagine streets and foster inclusivity for all generations.

"Residents should ask our opposition parties – they have plans to represent them in many things in parliament, things that they want to achieve for their party – I think the real question is what do they have for the residents?” he asked

"This is what election is about, too. It’s not just about theoretical democracy. It’s also about how residents’ needs can be fulfilled."

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."

"UTMOST RESPECT" FOR WP CANDIDATE IN TAMPINES CHANGKAT SMC

Separately, in launching a manifesto for Tampines Changkat SMC, PAP's candidate Desmond Choo pledged to keep improving the constituency's shared spaces, upgrade its market and make its environment more sustainable and accessible.

Mr Choo, a former MP of Tampines GRC, will go head-to-head with WP's Kenneth Foo in the newly created SMC. Mr Choo oversaw the Tampines Changkat division after he was elected in 2015. 

Mr Choo called Mr Foo an "experienced campaigner" who has contested in a couple of elections.

"After being in politics for 15 years, you have the utmost respect for anyone with a conviction to want to contest in a General Election," Mr Choo said.

"It is difficult, not only for the individual but for the families and their team. He has my utmost respect. And I think that within the course of the next 10 days, I wish him well."

Mr Choo said that he was "confident" in the work and results that PAP had delivered for Tampines Changkat residents, but he stressed that every election "is a serious one".

"We cannot take a single voter, a single resident for granted. We need to renew their support."