Unity Over Division: RDU's Ravi Philemon Advocates for Opposition Cooperation Ahead of GE2025

SINGAPORE: As the political landscape heats up in Singapore ahead of the General Election in 2025, Ravi Philemon, the secretary-general of Red Dot United (RDU), has emphasized the importance of unity among opposition parties. In an announcement made on March 21, Philemon stated that multi-cornered contests are detrimental to opposition interests, particularly in the key electoral area of Jalan Kayu SMC.

Philemon responded to emerging concerns regarding the increasing number of opposition parties vying for the same seats following the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) report. He expressed optimism about the "friendship and goodwill" among various opposition factions but underscored that a fragmented approach could weaken their overall efficacy.

“The reality is that a multi-cornered fight serves no one's interest, especially not that of the opposition parties,” Philemon noted, stressing RDU's commitment to fostering opposition unity for better electoral outcomes.

On the ground, about 20 RDU members were active in Jalan Kayu, distributing flyers at key locations, including Seletar Mall and Fernvale MRT station. This grassroots engagement is pivotal as political parties seek to connect with their constituents.

Following the EBRC's report, other parties, such as the People's Power Party and the People's Alliance for Reform, have also expressed intentions to contest in Jalan Kayu, a recently delineated single-member constituency extracted from the Ang Mo Kio GRC.

In a notable local event, labour chief Ng Chee Meng was spotted alongside Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, stoking speculation about whether he would represent the People's Action Party (PAP) in the upcoming elections. When questioned, Ng mentioned that the public would find out soon, suggesting a strategic decision on candidacies from the ruling party.

Philemon indicated it might be too early to speak on potential head-to-head contests with figures like Ng, whose candidacy in Jalan Kayu remains unconfirmed. Nevertheless, he assured the public that RDU is prepared to face any candidate the PAP may deploy.

Feedback from residents highlighted a desire for improved checks and balances in governance. "Red Dot United is here to fulfill that need for a serious alternative political presence in Jalan Kayu," Philemon stated emphatically.

Philemon also articulated RDU's vision for a "well-being economy," which aims to equally prioritize the welfare of people and the planet alongside economic growth. He expressed a strong commitment to ensuring that Singaporeans feel valued as first-class citizens, deserving of respect and fairness within their own country.

Two significant players in RDU's campaign are Philemon himself and Kala Manickam, a former member of the Progress Singapore Party who is steering the party's ground operations in Jalan Kayu. With her background in continuing education, Manickam aims to address pressing issues faced by voters, particularly the challenges of job retraining and the struggles of single parents, resonating deeply with her own experiences.

Manickam, who previously ran in the 2020 elections, has moved on from past affiliations, expressing goodwill toward her former party. "We resolved our differences amicably, and I wish the PSP all the best," she remarked.

Adding to RDU’s presence, former human rights lawyer M Ravi participated in community outreach activities armed with flyers. While he doesn’t currently plan to run for office, his dedication to supporting RDU remains strong, driven by his roots in Jalan Kayu.

With only two years remaining until the general election, the discourse surrounding unity among opposition parties, strategic candidate selections, and key policy proposals is set to intensify. As citizens eagerly await the electoral showdown, RDU's collaborative spirit and commitment to addressing the local populace's needs could play a crucial role in shaping the future of Singapore's political landscape.