SINGAPORE: On April 3, Red Dot United (RDU) continued its campaign trail in the North-East with a media doorstop at the newly renovated Yishun Park Hawker Centre. The Independent was on the ground to speak with and hear directly from party leader Ravi Philemon, who has spent the last few weeks walking the constituency and listening to voices on the ground.
A ground-up agenda focused on pocketbook of pain
In a candid and heartfelt exchange, Philemon made it clear that the real divide in Singapore is not racial or religious—it’s socioeconomic.
“The real fault line is between the haves and the have-nots… how much money you have in your pocket or how much money you don’t have in your pocket—that’s what matters.”
He shared stories from residents: families postponing tuition, others making daily choices between cheap meal options, and workers spending up to four hours a day commuting just to make ends meet. The struggles are not theoretical—they are deeply personal.
He distilled the upcoming general election into three fundamental questions that every voter should ask: “First, how much money (d0) you have or do not have in your pocket. Second, do I have fair representation? Third, do I have dignity and fairness?”
Representation, ethics, and the trust gap
RDU also raised serious questions about political neutrality and trust, especially in light of recent moves by former Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs). Philemon pointed to a former NMP who is now reportedly contesting under the People’s Action Party (PAP).
“At what point did the NMP stop being non-partisan? At what point did he start leaning toward a party?”
The comments follow news that Raj Joshua Thomas, a former NMP, has officially joined the PAP. Meanwhile, Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, another former NMP, has been seen walking the ground with PAP in Nee Soon, although his candidacy remains unofficial.
While Minister K. Shanmugam has stated that such moves are constitutional, Philemon was quick to underscore the difference between legality and principle.
“There is a difference between what’s legally right and what’s ethically right… Just like there is nothing legally wrong with a minister renting black-and-white bungalows, but is it fair?”
Ravi Philemon mentioned that residents have expressed unease with what they see as candidates being “parachuted” in while long-serving and well-regarded MPs like Faisal appear to be on their way out—a shift many say feels uncalled for and unexplained.
RDU’s position: Addressing the cost of living
Philemon didn’t just raise concerns. When asked by The Independent, he offered solutions. RDU’s proposals aim to ease the cost-of-living burden and return financial breathing room to ordinary Singaporeans:
- Abolish the 2% GST hike, reverting the rate back to 7%
- Remove the carbon tax, which RDU argues is unfairly passed on to consumers via utilities bills
“Utilities companies should be made to pay for the carbon pollution—not the residents.”
The policies are bold, but they speak directly to the lived realities of those RDU hopes to represent.
On opposition unity: One contest, not three
RDU’s commitment to opposition unity was another major theme, especially as People’s Power Party recently pulled out of Nee Soon GRC. Philemon emphasised that three-cornered fights only serve the ruling party, diluting the voices of change.
“The sense among opposition parties is that we must avoid it.”
He confirmed that RDU is in active discussions with other parties, working to coordinate efforts and avoid unnecessary vote-splitting.
Will Ravi Philemon contest in Nee Soon?
While Philemon stopped short of confirming his candidacy, his connection to Nee Soon is clear. He has lived in nearby Sembawang, frequents Chong Pang for meals, and even worked closely with Minister Shanmugam over a decade ago.
“I am very familiar with Nee Soon… I’m weighing my options.”
One thing is certain: RDU will officially launch its campaign in Nee Soon on April 13, signalling a clear intention to contest.
Up Close with Ravi Philemon
Ravi Philemon is not a career politician; he’s a former civil society leader who has spent years on the ground. He believes he is offering voters more than just an alternative: a politics of empathy, fairness, and everyday accountability.
Once an aide to Shanmugam, today, he stands on the opposite side.
📍 Red Dot United will officially launch its campaign in Nee Soon GRC on Apr 13, 2025.
Stay with The Independent Singapore for continued updates from the ground.
