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Man severely affected by long stretch of unemployment, says his applications only yield a 5% hit rate for HR or first-round interviews

Yoko Nicole
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Man severely affected by long stretch of unemployment, says his applications only yield a 5% hit rate for HR or first-round interviews

SINGAPORE: Five months after being laid off, a 34-year-old man took to social media to candidly share how the prolonged stretch of unemployment has taken a serious toll on his mental well-being, motivation, and outlook on life.

In a heartfelt post on Reddit’s ‘Ask Singapore’ forum, he explained that he has been actively trying to get back on his feet since losing his job, but the results so far have been downright disheartening.

“My applications are yielding around a 5% hit rate for HR or first-round interviews, but from there on, it’s 0% so far. Constantly questioning myself… where am I going wrong?” he wrote.

He also reflected on a deeper societal issue—how, from a young age, many of us are taught to focus on building a career and setting long-term professional goals. Ironically, just before the layoff, he had been contemplating a career switch to pursue something more aligned with his aspirations.

Unfortunately, the harsh reality of unemployment has shifted his priorities. He now admits he would take “the first job that pays the bills,” no matter what it is.

He further shared that, in an attempt to stay engaged and mentally occupied, he took up a new hobby during his downtime, but the novelty quickly wore off after just two months.

“Turns out, no matter how much you wanted to pick up a hobby when you were busy and employed, once unemployed, you realise you don’t like it enough to do it full-time,” he admitted, shedding light on the unexpected emotional struggles of having too much free time.

Hoping to find some comfort, support, or even useful suggestions, he reached out to the online community, asking, “How’s my unemployed/funemployed gang coping? Any low-cost, sustainable activities that help to pass the time with some degree of entertainment or pleasure?”

“Hang in there. The job for you might just be around the corner.”

His post resonated with many who are in similar situations, sparking a conversation about the mental and emotional impact of prolonged unemployment.

One user shared, “Same here. I’m currently going through the worst job market in my life so far—almost four months of active applying. I admit it’s not good for our mental health when there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, but I’m lowering my standards for now and going for PT (part-time) jobs so that I can prove to myself that I am still useful.”

Another wrote, “I haven’t been working since January this year, and this is starting to get me nuts. It’s not that we are tight with money or anything urgent, but the idea that I am not contributing much to the financial situation bothers me a lot. Especially, when I think about my aging mom and sister living overseas, who are not doing very well lately.”

Meanwhile, several users who had gone through extended unemployment themselves also offered practical tips to help the man manage his anxiety.

One user said, “What I did during my unemployment outside of applying for jobs: had a part-time job, volunteered at a pet shelter, and played computer games. I avoided going out so I didn’t have to spend money. At the time, I had no interest in hobbies or learning things for fun, so that was a cost-saving too.

Anecdotally speaking, for myself and for people I know, a job search lasting about six months, give or take, is not out of the ordinary. So hang in there. The job for you might just be around the corner. All the best.”

Another added, “I did Grab for a few months, fun-employed. Took night shift, was pretty relaxing, and had interesting passengers.”

In other news, a woman has triggered a discussion on the r/askSingapore forum after claiming that her company terminated her while she was on sabbatical leave.

In her post, she explained that she received the email about her termination the day after she informed the newly hired supervisor that she was five months pregnant.

She also mentioned that the sabbatical leave was not her idea, but rather the company’s.

Read more:  ‘Is this even legal?’: Woman on sabbatical terminated by company after learning she was pregnant

Featured image by freepik (for illustration purposes only)

From threat to teammate: Managers now see AI as a workforce ally, not a job killer

Gemma Iso
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From threat to teammate: Managers now see AI as a workforce ally, not a job killer

INTERNATIONAL: The opinion that artificial intelligence is a danger to job security is beginning to change, according to the second annual “AI’s Impact on the Workplace” survey by Beautiful.ai and published by HRD Asia.

The report disclosed that many managers are now starting to see AI as an instrument that could boost productivity instead of being a tool to fire employees. Currently, 54% of managers say they do not want to employ AI to substitute staff; this insight is a substantial 15% increase from 2024.

“As AI becomes more common, managers appear to be more hesitant around replacing workers or critical functions with AI entirely,” according to the report. In its place, businesses are taking advantage of AI to restructure workflows, boost productivity, and back human teams instead of displacing them.

Rising adoption, decreasing fear

The report also pointed out a significant rise in AI adoption among business managers. A remarkable 77% now state that they’re employing AI tools to improve productivity and augment efficiency, up from a mere 11% in 2024. Over half (57%) are using AI to aid in managing workers regularly by 2025.

Notwithstanding this integration, apprehensions still exist. Managers know of their employees’ concerns—64% admit that their personnel are afraid that AI will diminish their value at work, whereas 58% believe workers are afraid of ultimately losing their jobs.

Although the World Economic Forum reported beforehand that 41% of company managers and owners intend to lessen the headcount of tasks that can be replicated by AI, the Beautiful.ai survey demonstrates an unambiguous disparity—63% of managers now say AI cannot substitute for several workforces they manage, an increase from 20% last year.

 Wages and workforce: A complex future

While the instantaneous risk of job loss may be declining, anxieties about salaries continue. The survey indicated that 44% of managers are afraid that AI could push salaries lower in management, and 41% think that it can lead to a wide-ranging sluggishness of their remuneration. These uncertainties differ from the conclusions of a PwC report, which stated that AI-related positions command, on average, 25% higher salaries than non-AI roles in similar work fields.

Experts like AI innovation consultant Amanda Fetch recommend that organizations deal with restlessness via transparency and education. “Highlight examples where AI has successfully augmented human efforts… Emphasize the collaborative potential of AI,” Fetch said. The key, according to Fetch, is nurturing a work culture that takes in AI as a partner, not a menace.

As businesses remain exploring AI’s competencies and potential, the discussion seems to be changing, from dread of replacement to prospects of teamwork and advancement.

Pritam Singh tells rallygoers, ‘A vote for the Workers’ Party is your instrument for change’

Anna Maria Romero
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Pritam Singh tells rallygoers, ‘A vote for the Workers’ Party is your instrument for change’

SINGAPORE: At the rally at Sengkang on Thursday night (Apr 24), Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh made a forceful case for his fellow candidates to be sent to Parliament when Singaporeans troop to the polls on May 3.

“When you vote for the opposition, your views are heard” he told the voters of Sengkang GRC, Punggol GRC, and Jalan Kayu SMC.

One standout during the night was new candidate Andre Low, who will be facing off against NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng at Jalan Kayu SMC.

“I stand for Singapore, and standing for Singapore means holding those in power to account, and that is why when Pritam needed someone to step up and contest in Jalan Kayu, I put myself forward.”

YouTube screengrab/ The Workers’ Party

At this point, Mr Singh stood and applauded for Mr Low, with the other candidates following suit, as the crowd cheered.

The candidate, who also addressed the Income-Allianz deal that the NTUC endorsed, which was thwarted last year, even trended online.

Speaking to Jalan Kayu voters, he promised: “a dedicated MP (Member of Parliament), I will be a present MP. I will do the same for Jalan Kayu residents; if elected, my team and I will hit the ground running from day one.”

Mr Singh was the final speaker among the candidates. As he made his way to the microphone, the crowd’s chants changed from “Workers’ Party! Workers Party!” to “Pritam Singh! Pritam Singh!” with nary a change to the cadence.

He spoke on a range of topics but zeroed in on answering the question as to whether Singaporeans should still vote for the WP in a time of global uncertainty.

“Certainly, yes,” he said. “The Workers’ Party has been stress-tested when Singapore was in crisis. The Workers’ Party (is) a force for good. We are a loyal opposition; loyal not to the PAP, (but) loyal to Singapore and the people of Singapore.

The reality is this: when you have an opposition in Parliament, your voice and your views are heard by the government. There is real pressure on the PAP to act, particularly if the views advanced by the Workers’ Party are shared by all Singaporeans.

We cannot be passive citizens; we must be active participants in our democracy, and we have to be fighters when we need to be, just like what the people and Hougang have taught us.”

Mr Singh said that the people in Hougang became fighters not by choice but this happened when they had the “iron in their spine to vote for the Workers’ Party.”

Hougang is the longest-held opposition constituency, having been represented in Parliament by the WP since 1991.

“They cast their vote in favour of a more balanced political system when Parliament was practically all white, and then what happened?” he asked, underlining that there had been consequences to doing so, such as the removal of certain facilities, such as the wet market. In spite of this, the people have shown “even more iron” by continuing to vote for the WP.

He reassured rally goers that the WP is invested in Singapore’s success, and called on them to vote for the party that’s “working for Singapore.”

As there had been heavy rain earlier in the day, the WP chief made a request as the rally ended for attendees to take care of themselves and each other.

“The field is very muddy. Look at the person on your left and right. His safety, her safety is your responsibility. If you can take this responsibility upon yourself, all of us in the Workers’ Party would really appreciate this. Leave the rally site without one piece of litter. Let’s get home safely to our families.” /TISG

Read also: Pritam Singh: PAP’s One-dimensional perspective

James Gomez: The academic, activist, and opposition voice contesting Sembawang GRC in GE2025

A. Aman
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James Gomez: The academic, activist, and opposition voice contesting Sembawang GRC in GE2025

SINGAPORE: As Singapore gears up for the General Election 2025, the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) is fielding seasoned academic and civil society veteran Dr James Gomez in the Sembawang Group Representation Constituency (GRC). With more than two decades of experience in human rights research, regional advocacy, and democratic reform, Dr Gomez’s campaign is rooted in one unwavering message: Singapore needs a more credible opposition.

Early life and education

Born on Jan 10, 1965, in Singapore, James Gomez’s educational journey began at Serangoon Secondary School and Nanyang Junior College. He later pursued a Bachelor of Science in Political Science at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and furthered his academic pursuit with a Master of Arts in Politics and Human Rights from the University of Essex, UK. He holds a PhD in Political Science from Monash University, Australia, making him one of the more academically credentialed candidates in this election.

Academic and professional career

Dr Gomez currently serves as the Regional Director of Asia Centre, a civil society think tank with special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Based in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, Asia Centre operates at the intersection of policy research, governance, and civic engagement across Southeast Asia.

Gomez’s work focuses specifically on how emerging technologies—from social media to surveillance—are reshaping political participation, civil liberties, and governance. He has led multiple research initiatives evaluating the effectiveness of national and regional human rights mechanisms, such as:

  • National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs): Assessing their independence and ability to hold governments accountable.

  • Universal Periodic Review (UPR): Tracking whether ASEAN states implement recommendations from the UN Human Rights Council.

  • ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR): Critiquing its lack of enforcement and calling for meaningful reform.

As part of this work, Gomez collaborates with academic institutions, intergovernmental bodies, and civil society groups, helping shape policy discourse on democracy and human rights in the digital age.

Civil society leadership

In 2010, Gomez co-founded Singaporeans for Democracy (SfD)—a non-partisan civil society organization aimed at pushing for political reform and greater democratic space within Singapore.

SfD organized high-impact events like the Freedom Film Festival and advocated for reforms, including:

  • Election transparency

  • Freedom of expression and assembly

  • Abolishing the race column in NRICs

Despite its contributions, SfD was classified as a political association under Singapore’s regulatory framework and eventually dissolved in 2012, citing restrictions that stifled its advocacy efforts. This dissolution was itself a form of protest meant to draw attention to the legal constraints placed on political discourse in Singapore.

Political journey: From Aljunied to Sembawang

Dr Gomez’s political career began with the Workers’ Party (WP) in the 2001 General Election, where he attempted to contest Aljunied GRC but was disqualified due to paperwork issues. He contested Aljunied again under WP in 2006 but was unsuccessful.

In 2010, Gomez joined the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP). He contested Sembawang GRC in 2011 and Holland-Bukit Timah GRC in 2020. Although not elected, Gomez remained a consistent voice for democratic accountability and civil liberties.

Now, in GE2025, Gomez returns to Sembawang GRC with the SDP, backed by a team that includes Bryan Lim, Surayah Akbar, Damanhuri Abas, and Alfred Tan. The GRC will see a three-cornered fight between the PAP, SDP, and NSP.

Message to voters: Time for a credible opposition

Dr Gomez’s message to the people of Sembawang — and Singapore at large — is clear: “We need a more credible opposition in Parliament, not just for the sake of checks and balances but to ensure real policies serve people, not just party interests.”

He speaks passionately about the rising cost of living, shrinking space for public discourse, and the urgent need for political reform. His candidacy offers Singaporeans the rare combination of academic rigor, regional policy expertise, and grassroots activism.

Why Gomez matters

In a political landscape often criticized for a lack of diversity in thought, James Gomez brings a deep understanding of governance, a critical eye for civil liberties, and a proven track record of standing up for democratic values.

For voters in Sembawang looking beyond token opposition and seeking a candidate who understands both policy and people, Dr James Gomez may very well be that credible alternative Singapore’s Parliament needs.

Follow The Independent for more in-depth election coverage, candidate profiles, and ground reports as GE2025 unfolds.

Singaporean professional leaves high-pressure job for a more relaxed role—now he feels ‘restless’ and ‘underutilised’

Yoko Nicole
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Singaporean professional leaves high-pressure job for a more relaxed role—now he feels ‘restless’ and ‘underutilised’

SINGAPORE: Transitioning from a high-pressure work environment to a more relaxed role might sound like a dream to many. However, for one Singaporean professional, the change has been unexpectedly unsettling.

In a recent post on a local forum, he shared that while he initially appreciated the slower pace at his new workplace, after 10 months, he began to feel “restless” and “underutilised.”

“I’ve been feeling like I’m not reaching my full potential lately,” he wrote. “I only get busy a few times a month, and while it was refreshing at first, it’s starting to feel like I’m not growing. I’ve suggested new ideas and improvements, but the company culture moves slowly. Most of my proposals just sit in the backlog, and since I also handle stakeholder relationships, I can’t push too hard.”

While the Singaporean acknowledged that landing the job wasn’t easy and reminded himself that he should be grateful for this opportunity, knowing many would love to be in his position, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing.

“I’m not planning to resign yet, but I do feel the need to grow and challenge myself again,” he continued.

He also asked fellow users whether it was valid to feel this way and if others had experienced something like this. “I’d really appreciate your thoughts, or even just a big brother/sister-type insight,” he concluded.

“Find something else outside of work to fulfill your life.”

The post resonated with many Singaporeans who have experienced the same emotional tug-of-war between stability and ambition. One Redditor wrote, “It’s valid, but it also highlights the bigger issue here. Why is your worth/life/feelings tied to your job? Jobs will come and go, but you and your life will not, and your work cannot be your life. Find something else outside of work to fulfill your life. Live a life that you enjoy and have a job that supports that. Not the other way around.”

Another expressed empathy, saying, “Totally know how you feel…. I am also working on a role that has not reached my full potential lately. It’s a really negative feeling. Maybe you can do something you want to do after work to constantly engage your brain.”

A third Redditor added, “I used to feel this way, and I realised it comes from expecting the employer to meet all your needs, i.e., personal development, good friends, or whatever. In reality, it is nearly impossible for an employer to pay you the desired salary, give you the boss of your dreams, the challenges that suit your goals, your pace, and your energy level, and colleagues compatible with your personality.”

What to do if you feel ‘underutilised’ at work

Instead of waiting for tasks to be assigned, look for chances to contribute beyond your current role. Career experts from the recruitment company First Pro suggest that you could begin by proposing creative solutions to improve existing processes or help the company achieve its goals more effectively.

You could also volunteer to work on projects that are outside your usual job scope. It’s a simple way to show you’re up for a challenge and eager to learn.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to voice out your concerns. If you feel like you’re being overlooked, schedule a meeting with your manager or HR to express your interest in taking on more responsibilities.

Read also:   ‘Is this even legal?’: Woman on sabbatical terminated by company after learning she was pregnant

Featured image by freepik (for illustration purposes only)

Sylvia Lim: ‘Every GE is a battle for hearts and minds’

Anna Maria Romero
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Sylvia Lim: ‘Every GE is a battle for hearts and minds’

SINGAPORE: On Day 2 of this year’s campaign period, Workers’ Party (WP) chief Sylvia Lim noted in a social media post that “Every GE is a battle for hearts and minds.”

This is probably why some big guns for the WP were brought out to lend their star power to some of the party’s younger candidates, as Ms Lim showed in her Thursday (Apr 24) Instagram post.

“Today, retired MPs Low Thia Khiang and Png Eng Huat were on the campaign trail with us at Aljunied and Sengkang,” she wrote, sharing some photos of Mr Low and Mr Png at Aljunied with the WP teams.

Meanwhile, WP secretary-general Pritam Singh, who had delivered a rousing speech at the party’s first rally for the voters of Sengkang GRC, Punggol GRC, and Jalan Kayu SMC on Thursday night, posted a photo of himself in front of the very large crowd that showed up.

FB screengrab/ Pritam Singh

He thanked the party’s supporters for their enthusiastic support at the rally, as well as the volunteers who had organized the event. Mr Singh also had a special shout-out for the police, who had to control vehicle access to Anchorvale Crescent due to the large crowd present at the rally.

Although he had a late night, the WP Chief was up and about on Friday morning, holding a team huddle with the WP volunteers at Serangoon, who had met with residents who had breakfast in the area.

“Grateful to all new volunteers for signing up and joining Team WP, and a special thank you to all the WP volunteers who were busy helping residents and voters access the muddy field and helping everyone get home safe. You rock!” he wrote.

Yee Jenn Jong, who leads the WP slate contesting at East Coast GRC, had been the first speaker at last night’s rally. He shared his speech over social media, and towards the end, he said, “The party has had its fair share of ups and downs in recent years. I am proud to say that I am part of a team that, when the going gets tough, we step up, just like now.”

FB screengrab/ Yee Jenn Jong

He Ting Ru, who hopes to serve again as MP for Sengkang for the coming years, wrote after the rally that she was “honoured and humbled to be with you tonight. Thank you for giving #TeamSengkang strength.”

FB screengrab/ He Ting Ru

Her teammate at Sengkang, Louis Chua, wrote, “What a rally!” and added that what moved him the most, aside from the passion and conviction of his fellow candidates, was the “the strong show of support by Singaporeans of all ages… who came all the way down to the rally despite a livestream made available, undaunted by the crowds and the muddy fields, and patiently helped each other throughout the whole session.”

FB screengrab/ Louis Chua

The party’s new candidates shared that they had also been energized by the rally. Eileen Chong, who is part of the WP’s Tampines slate, emceed the event.

Afterward, she wrote, “I hope that you, like me, left feeling a little more hopeful about the Singapore of tomorrow that we can build together.”

FB screengrab/ Eileen Chong

As for WP candidate for Punggol Jackson Au, who had referenced the hit “Game of Thrones” TV series in his speech, he wrote that while the occasion had been nerve-wracking, he was “deeply encouraged by the turnout—and by how many residents and supporters showed up with conviction to listen.

FB screengrab/ Jackson Au

“I hope my first-ever political speech, about Choosing Hope, Not Fear, resonated with fellow Singaporeans. Listening back, I realise I may have spoken a little too loudly (feedback taken), but every word came from the heart. More than anything, I hope it showed that all of us can become the change we want to see.” /TISG

Read also: Low Thia Khiang, Png Eng Huat lend star power to WP campaign on the ground on Day 2

Lee Hsien Yang praises Harpreet Singh; tells Punggol residents, ‘Team WP deserves your vote’

Anna Maria Romero
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Lee Hsien Yang praises Harpreet Singh; tells Punggol residents, ‘Team WP deserves your vote’

SINGAPORE: Lee Hsien Yang, although currently not in Singapore, has continued to weigh in on political happenings in the run-up to the May 3 polls. While he is a member of the Progress Singapore Party, the younger son of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew has also featured candidates from other opposition parties.

In his latest social media post on Friday morning (Apr 25), Mr Lee spoke glowingly of Workers’ Party (WP) candidate Harpreet Singh Nehal, whom he knows personally and whom he characterised as a “conviction politician”.

He wrote, “Punggol GRC, Team WP deserves your vote.”

Mr Lee disclosed that he knew Mr Singh before he entered politics. Mr Singh, who has been a Senior Counsel for the Supreme Court of Singapore since 2007, began to volunteer for the WP during the pandemic and became a member last year.

“We discussed Singapore politics and how one might bring about a better future for Singapore. We found that we shared a lot of common ground on what was wrong and the need for change.  I encouraged him to play a bigger role in politics, but at the time, he was not ready to enter the fray.  We continued our exchanges when Harpreet visited the UK,” wrote Mr Lee.

He added that when he began seeing Mr Singh at the WP’s grassroots activities, it brought him “for the future.”

“I was glad he had chosen to step up.  His obvious professional accomplishments point to his potential contribution if he were to be elected,” Mr Lee also wrote, adding that the Senior Counsel also has some hidden talents, such as playing the saxophone and speaking some Teochew.

Mr Lee also called the WP team at Punggol, which includes new candidates Alia Mattar, Alexis Dang, and Jackson Au, “a breath of fresh air” and encouraged readers to watch the speeches these candidates had made during Nomination Day.

FB screengrab/ WP

In his speech, the Senior Counsel spoke passionately, talking about how Singapore can be made better through “far greater affordability, a better education system, proper retirement security, and fair politics where the People’s Association starts treating every Singaporean equally, no matter how you vote. After all, it’s our money, right?”

Mr Singh called it “a privilege of a lifetime” for the WP team to contest in the election, promising to speak up for Punggol residents and telling them, “Let’s make history.”

Many commenters appear to share Mr Lee’s sentiments concerning Mr Singh and the WP team at Punggol.

“My family waited for umpteen years for WP to come to Punggol. Our prayers were answered. Now is the time to confirm them as elected MPs,” one wrote.

Another urged Punggol GRC voters to send the WP team to Parliament and give Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who was announced at the last minute to lead the ruling People’s Action Party slate at Punggol, “an early retirement.”

Mr Gan represented Chua Chu Kang GRC in Parliament since 2006 and, previously, had been an MP for Zhenghua at Holland–Bukit Panjang GRC. It came as a surprise to the public that he would be fielded in Punggol, as it had been widely understood he would contest at Chua Chu Kang again this year.

“Voters of Punggol GRC now have a very good slate of WP candidates to vote for,” another observed.

“I have watched Harpreet’s interviews and speeches. (Very) impressive. He is ministerial caliber. Definitely needs to be in Parliament—I hope the people of Punggol do right in voting for WP, so we don’t get more of the same old yes men in white in Parliament,” a commenter wrote on Mr Lee’s post. /TISG

Read also: Lee Hsien Yang: Voting for the opposition is the safest choice for Singapore

Kf Seetoh: If you let ‘sweet promises determine your life in next 5 years, you may get just desserts’

Anna Maria Romero
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Kf Seetoh: If you let ‘sweet promises determine your life in next 5 years, you may get just desserts’

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s very own food guru, who is as outspoken on social media as he is in real life, weighed in on this year’s General Election, which will be held on May 3. Rather than focus on the “sweet” promises candidates will make in the days of the campaign, Kf Seetoh urged Singaporeans to see whether they have, or would, address “daily common man interests.”

Kf Seetoh joked in an Apr 25 (Friday) Facebook post that he heard so many promises from candidates the day before that he “got struck down with diabetes yesterday” as his blood sugar shot through the roof.

“The deluge of sweet rhetoric from the political candidates assailed my ears and into the system. All the air punching and cloud nine pointing… Oh man!!,” he wrote but warned that if people let the “next 7 to 8 days of hustings with the sweet promises determine what your life will be the next 5 years, well, you may get (your) just desserts.”

On a more serious note, the Makansutra founder advised that it would be better to instead ignore the next seven to eight days of campaigns and choose instead to see what they’ve done as professionals or, simply as human beings or, when applicable, during their terms as incumbents.

“Google them,” he enjoined readers.

Although he did not name names, Mr Seetoh pointed out that an opposition Member of Parliament raised a full motion on the issues that hawkers face, while another “created a coup in the region by getting Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga” to perform in Singapore, to the dismay of other Southeast Asian countries. Others, meanwhile, from the ruling and opposition parties, have advocated for sports, education, healthcare, and other issues.

He went on to zero in on what he believes is important to determine in selecting whom to vote for.

“But are your daily common man interests and concerns and small business needs, addressed? Did they deliver on what you needed and deserve? Did they act on what you don’t even know you needed? I know they’re gonna make a lot of promises. Just like at the last elections. I am still waiting for one particular MP to make good on his promise to address manpower and rising cost concerns of the F&B and retail sectors.”

He asked voters not to “look at beautiful portraits and online portrayals” but to “look into their hearts and minds and past deeds, judge them, then go make the best decision for your next five years. “

Mr Seetoh added that a reminder that no politician is perfect but appears to find it a reasonable request for them to “strive to be better” and make tomorrow “a little better than today.

This world today is very fragile cos of you know who and why. Vote wisely, folks.” /TISG

Read also: KF Seetoh: Why can’t the government give a discount or lower HDB prices for those deserving first-time buyers?

Fearmongering? — PM Wong’s comments on “formidable” opposition draw criticism

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Fearmongering? — PM Wong’s comments on “formidable” opposition draw criticism

SINGAPORE: Concerns of fear-mongering have emerged online in the wake of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s first election rally speech of the GE2025 season, yesterday (24 Apr).

Mr Wong, who faced his first election as PM, said there was already a “sizeable” number of opposition members in Parliament.

Noting that the number of opposition MPs has been increasing and “almost doubled” in the last election, Mr Wong said, “The opposition is here to stay; they are determined, and they really want to grow.”

Aside from commenting on the WP’s tactics of placing elected MPs in what he called “safe seats” and deploying new candidates to “break new ground” elsewhere, Mr Wong made special mention of how the Red Dot United (RDU) has launched the third-highest number of candidates, after his People’s Action Party (PAP) and the WP.

He said, “You have a new opposition party. You may have heard of them, RDU, Red Dot United. They are mounting a strong fight. In fact, they have the second highest number of candidates after the WP.”

He reiterated, “RDU, a very new party, the second highest number of candidates, at 15.”

Mentioning other opposition parties like the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) and the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), he continued: “And then you have the other opposition parties, PSP, SDP, NSP. They all are pushing hard. Each one contesting at least 10 seats.”

He stressed, “You add them all up, WP, RDU, PSP, SDP, NSP, it is a formidable challenge. And that is why, from the beginning, I’ve said it will be a tough contest, and I don’t assume the PAP will automatically win. And that is why we will work extra hard to earn your confidence and trust.”

The head of government went on to note the opposition’s call to refrain from giving the PAP “a blank cheque.” He said, “But I would also say, don’t give the opposition a free pass. Apply the same standards to them as you do to the PAP, in terms of integrity, competence, and readiness to serve.”

He cautioned that once the election ends, it will not be the PAP versus the opposition but Singapore versus a troubled world.

The comments that the PM has made about the opposition have stirred some criticism online, with some netizens pointing out that the “sizeable” opposition in Parliament Mr Wong was talking about comprises only eight opposition MPs compared to the PAP’s 80.

Others said that the way the PM characterised the number of candidates the opposition is putting out and how he characterised this as formidable does not accurately capture what an underdog the opposition is compared to the super-dominant ruling party. The number of candidates the opposition is fielding is not new – every election since 2011, save for this one, has seen every seat being contested.

The opposition also has to grapple with a disproportionately uneven playing field, particularly in this snap election, with the electoral map undergoing severe changes and the Writ of Election being issued just about a week before Nomination Day.

Given this reality, some observers ask why PM Wong seems to be following the old PAP playbook instead of charting his own approach. It remains to be seen whether this tactic of making the PAP appear embattled will translate at the ballot box.

PSP leaders assert PAP 4G has “lost its way”

Jewel Stolarchuk
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PSP leaders assert PAP 4G has “lost its way”

SINGAPORE: Progress Singapore Party (PSP) leaders stressed their belief that the ruling party’s fourth-generation leadership has lost its way at the party’s maiden rally for the 2025 General Election.

Speaking at the Catholic High School ground in Marymount Single Member Constituency (SMC), PSP chief Leong Mun Wai cited the leakage of identity card numbers by a government statutory board as one example of how the 4G team is not like their forebears and how there appears to be a lack of communication and coordination between government departments.

Vice Chair Hazel Poa pointed out in her speech that although the long-term one-party dominance has ensured policy continuity and promoted stability, it has also weakened the political competitiveness of the ruling party. She added that meritocracy can only continue to exist if there is fair competition.

The most anticipated speech of the night was the one by PSP founder and chairman Tan Cheng Bock. Dr Tan, a former ruling party backbencher, reminded supporters of how he quit the People’s Action Party (PAP) and formed an opposition party after he felt his former party had lost its direction.

He pointed out that in the past, PAP MPs came from all walks of life, but now they mainly come from the civil service and the military. He said he believes that this is dangerous and will form collective blind thinking and make it impossible to change policies from within the system.

Dr Tan, Mr Leong, and Ms Poa are contesting Jurong West-West Coast GRC. The contest is expected to be one of the closest fights in this election, especially given the team’s impressive 48.31 % slice of pie from GE2020.

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