The Workers' Party (WP) faces a significant challenge in retaining Sengkang GRC in GE25. Here's an in-depth analysis of their chances:
Factors Influencing WP's Chances in Sengkang GRC
GE2020 Victory: The WP won Sengkang GRC in GE2020 with 52.13% of the votes, marking a historic victory against a team of experienced PAP candidates. This established the WP's presence in the constituency.
PAP's Determination: The PAP is determined to reclaim Sengkang GRC.
Key Candidates:
WP: The WP team includes Jamus Lim and He Ting Ru, who have been active and vocal in Parliament.
PAP: The new PAP team is led by Ong Ye Kung.
Local Issues: Key concerns in Sengkang include:
Military aircraft noise
Lack of coffee shops and amenities
Youth and seniors engagement
Connectivity for multi-generational families
Halal food options
Raeesah Khan Controversy: The resignation of Raeesah Khan in 2021 due to false statements in Parliament has created challenges for the WP.
WP Campaign: The Workers' Party has launched its GE25 campaign with the slogan "Working for Singapore."
Pritam Singh's Leadership: Pritam Singh's leadership and the controversies surrounding him are important factors.
Lying Conviction: Pritam Singh was found guilty of lying under oath to a parliamentary committee in February 2025.
Impact: While still eligible to run, the conviction could tarnish the party's reputation and credibility among undecided voters.
Strengths and Weaknesses for WP
Strengths:
Established Presence: WP has an established presence in Sengkang GRC, having won it in GE2020.
Strong Candidates: Key candidates like Jamus Lim are known for their articulate interventions in Parliament and expertise in economic issues.
Local Engagement: Sengkang GRC MPs have been actively engaging with residents to address local concerns.
Policy Proposals: The WP's manifesto includes proposals focused on cost-of-living relief, housing affordability, and healthcare cost containment.
Weaknesses:
PAP's Determination: The PAP is highly motivated to reclaim Sengkang GRC and has been actively campaigning in the area.
Team Composition Challenges: Replacing Raeesah Khan and meeting the requirement for a Malay candidate may pose challenges.
Pritam Singh Controversy: The lying conviction of Pritam Singh could impact voter trust.
Resource Limitations: The WP has limited resources compared to the PAP.
Public Sentiment and Social Media Reaction
Conclusion
The WP's chances of retaining Sengkang GRC in GE25 are highly contested. The PAP's determination to win back the constituency, combined with the challenges posed by the Raeesah Khan controversy and Pritam Singh's legal issues, create a tough environment for the WP. However, the WP's established presence, strong candidates, and focus on local issues provide them with a foundation to build upon.
Follow-up questions:
Who is the new Malay candidate replacing Raeesah Khan in the WP's Sengkang GRC team?
What specific strategies is the PAP employing to try and win back Sengkang GRC?
How are the WP candidates addressing the key local issues in Sengkang GRC, such as military aircraft noise and lack of amenities?
What are the key differences in policy proposals between the WP and PAP for Sengkang GRC?
How do voters in Sengkang GRC perceive the Raeesah Khan controversy and its impact on the WP?