SINGAPORE: Red Dot United (RDU), although positioned as an opposition party, is keen on fostering a collaborative environment with the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) to tackle the pressing issues facing Singaporeans.

Ravi Philemon, the secretary-general of RDU, emphasized on Saturday that despite policy disagreements, the ultimate goal is shared. “We may disagree on certain policies, but at the end of the day, we are all Singaporeans. We all care for Singapore, and that is an important thing that we cannot forget,” he stated during a community walkabout in Bukit Batok West Avenue 6.

Addressing the party's campaign strategy for the upcoming General Election in 2025, Mr. Philemon highlighted the significance of rallying support from voters in this historically contested region. He credited the groundwork laid by Dr. Chee Soon Juan, the Singapore Democratic Party’s (SDP) chief who previously contested in the same area, saying, “He has politicized this Bukit Batok SMC, and we plan to take from where he left off.”

Dr. Chee is seeking to contest in Sembawang West SMC instead, following the constituency’s integration into the Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC.

As RDU prepares to make its mark in the Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, its campaign will be anchored around the slogan “Raise the Standard," reflecting citizens' frustrations with local issues such as job accessibility for both youth and seniors, escalating cost of living, and public health concerns, including a rat infestation impacting local businesses.

“We need to raise the standard when it comes to municipal issues; we need to focus on national policies that affect young people, and on how we treat our senior citizens,” Philemon explained, signaling a commitment to more than just complaints, but to finding genuine solutions through engagement with local councils, grassroots organizations, and even the ruling party.

Cautioning against a narrative of fear, Mr. Philemon took issue with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's recent comments urging stability in light of global uncertainties. “While I agree we need stability, we shouldn't use it as a scare tactic to consolidate support for the PAP,” he warned. Mr. Philemon noted that a significant portion of voters—30 to 40 percent in every election—support the opposition, suggesting that their voices must not be sidelined in parliament.

RDU is also making strides in its team-building efforts, introducing key figures such as Ms. Liyana Dhamirah, Mr. Ben Puah, and Mr. Harish Mohandas, who have been actively engaging with the community. Ms. Liyana, who previously contested in the Jurong GRC, expressed her vision for inclusivity, while Mr. Puah highlighted the necessity for addressing the stark contrasts in wealth despite Singapore's robust GDP.

In a bid to earn public trust, Mr. Harish promised that RDU would prioritize "consistent effort, honesty, and humility" in their approach. Additionally, the party has a range of seasoned and fresh candidates in their ranks, including tech start-up director Pang Heng Chuan and former educator Emily Woo.

As the countdown to GE2025 continues, Mr. Philemon remains optimistic, asserting that RDU will contest six constituencies across Singapore, including Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC and others, aiming to transform interest and support into tangible victories for the party and the Singaporean electorate.

With a focus on collaboration and heart for the community, RDU seeks to redefine opposition politics in Singapore—not as adversaries, but as partners in shaping a better future for all citizens.