“We are familiar faces. We stayed, walked the ground weekly, and listened,” he shared, referencing not just his personal involvement, but the continuous engagement of his team over the years.
GE2025: RDU unveils People-First vision in Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC campaign kick-off
SINGAPORE: Red Dot United (RDU) officially launched its campaign in the newly carved-out Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC with a walkabout and media address on Saturday (5 Apr). Aside from introducing key team members who may be seen at the polls, the party advocated for what it calls a “people-first” movement focused on practical reforms, dignity for all citizens, and honest representation in Parliament.
The party also emphasised that the area is not new to its team. RDU had contested Jurong GRC in the 2020 general election, which was called a mere three weeks after the party had been registered. The party fielded a five-man team to contest Jurong GRC, which had been a ward that the opposition was understandably hesitant to contest – it was then helmed by Tharman Shanmugaratnam and had always garnered the ruling party’s highest vote share in past elections.
In the five years since the election, the party has continued walking the ground and staying connected with the residents and their needs.
Party chief Ravi Philemon had also contested in the neighbouring Hong Kah North SMC in 2015 under the banner of the Singapore People’s Party (SPP) — an experience he says laid the groundwork for the trust he’s built with residents.
“We are familiar faces. We stayed, walked the ground weekly, and listened,” he shared, referencing not just his personal involvement, but the continuous engagement of his team over the years.
When asked about the support that Singapore Democratic Chief (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan cultivated at the ward, Mr Philemon said that he is “always very thankful to Dr Chee Soon Juan”.
Dr Chee, who contested Bukit Batok SMC at the last general election, has announced his plans to contest Sembawang West SMC at the next polls.
Mr Philemon said, “He is a guiding light to many in the opposition ecosystem, including to me, and I’m thankful to him that he has worked the ground here in the past 10 years.”
Acknowledging that Dr Chee helped to grow the political awareness of residents in the ward, Mr Philemon said that RDU is the party that plans to contest this area for the upcoming General Election, and that it will “take from where Dr Chee left off”.
“I think he has passed the baton to us in a certain sense, and we will continue to continue to run the race on the behalf of Singaporeans,” he said.
A voice for Singaporeans
Mr Philemon emphasized that since the party was founded in 2020, its mission has not been to push for abrupt change, but to give voice to Singaporeans who feel alienated by the system.
Drawing directly from years of resident engagement, Mr Philemon announced the theme of the campaign in Jurong East-Bukit Batok — Raising the Standard — which focuses on:
• Better-paying jobs for youth
• More dignity and support for seniors
• Fairer treatment for small businesses
• Higher quality municipal services
“Exposure is not enough — people need good pay, a future, and dignity,” he added, responding to recent remarks by Singapore’s Manpower Minister, who had suggested that young jobseekers should value “exposure” over starting salaries.
RDU’s position is that meaningful employment and fair compensation must come together, especially in a high-cost society like Singapore.
The secretary-general also expressed concern over the government’s increasing reliance on vouchers as a response to cost-of-living pressures: “We don’t want a food-stamp nation. That cannot be the future of Singapore.”
He clarified that in countries like the United States, vouchers and food stamps are typically reserved for the most economically vulnerable, serving as a stopgap measure rather than a long-term solution. RDU is advocating for structural reform instead — better job opportunities, wage progression, and targeted support for small business owners.
Unity — But Not Monopoly
While RDU echoed calls for unity in turbulent times, the party cautioned against the dangers of one-party dominance, using an analogy familiar to many Singaporeans.
Mr Philemon said, “Unity must not mean everyone joins the PAP. That’s not unity — that’s a monopoly.”
He went on to compare the political landscape to Singapore’s ride-hailing market, noting how Grab’s early success led to monopoly pricing. “We must avoid that in politics — not by being divisive, but by making sure that voices from all walks of life are represented,” he said.
He positioned RDU’s vision of change as incremental, thoughtful, and inclusive — not upheaval, but the addition of diverse voices in Parliament.
“We’re Not Adversaries — We’re All Singaporeans”
Red Dot United’s approach is rooted in cooperation and constructive policy-making. Mr Philemon reiterated that RDU is not running simply to oppose: “We’re not adversaries. We’re all Singaporeans.”
He stated that RDU is committed to working with all stakeholders — including the PAP, civic society, town councils, and grassroots groups — to propose actionable solutions, not just highlight problems.
When asked about younger voters, Mr Philemon reiterated one of RDU’s key youth-driven policy proposals: “One of the things that we have called for, with the input of our young people, is to lower the voting age to 18. I think if you can carry guns at 18, you should be able to vote.”
He stressed that this proposal reflects the political maturity and lived realities of Singaporean youths. He emphasized that this wasn’t just about numbers, but about recognising the lived realities of young Singaporeans — many of whom are already participating in national defence, yet remain excluded from civic decisions that affect their future.
Aside from putting forth RDU’s strategies and policy approaches, the party also introduced two key ground leads who will spearhead engagement efforts at Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC ahead of the General Election.
Liyana Dhamirah
Liyana , who contested Jurong GRC under RDU in GE2020, brings with her a message of compassion and inclusivity. In a forthcoming interview with The Independent, she shared how interactions with elderly residents, especially their unwavering sense of dignity despite hardship, moved her deeply.
“Dignity is not a luxury. Kindness is not charity. These are responsibilities we owe one another,” she said during her address.
She promised to keep listening to residents’ needs, adding that real progress is only meaningful if no one is left behind.
Harish Mohanadas
A former infrastructure engineer turned principal software engineer, Harish represents a new generation of Singaporeans — technically skilled, socially conscious, and tired of systemic barriers.
“I’ve worked on complex systems. I care about making things work — for everyone.”
Harish candidly shared how he once felt like an outsider in Singapore’s system, but through sheer resilience and commitment to innovation, he carved out his place in both public infrastructure and software development. He sees parallels between his journey and fellow Singaporeans facing similar struggles.
Looking Ahead
While the candidates for Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC have not yet been confirmed, Mr Philemon emphasized that RDU will continue to earn residents’ trust before making formal announcements.
He said, “We don’t talk about chances or outcomes — we talk about service. If and when elections are called, we will be ready, with the right team and the right intent.”
