GE2025: PPP raises concerns over rising cost of living, job insecurities in rally
The rising cost of living, affordability of healthcare and job insecurities were among the concerns that candidates of the People’s Power Party (PPP) raised during its second rally on April 26.
Kicking off the 2½-hour rally, party secretary-general Goh Meng Seng urged people to stand up against what he termed the politics of fear, which he said has made it difficult for the PPP to rope in volunteers.
The PPP is contesting Ang Mo Kio and Tampines GRCs in the upcoming election. Its 10 candidates took the stage, criticising the PAP government on topics ranging from the national Covid-19 vaccination drive to Singapore’s immigration policy.
“It is not that we are xenophobic... But if we do not give our children, our youngsters the opportunity to have a meaningful job to train, to upgrade and access experiences, how are they going to be the top in the world?
“I see so many youngsters are so demoralised because they can’t see a future in their job,” said Goh, 55.
During his speech, William Lim, who is leading the PPP’s five-member slate in Ang Mo Kio, said he wants to help residents deal with issues like the rising cost of daily expenses.
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Lim, a limousine service provider, 47, also said he understands the struggles of the average Singaporean. “You work hard to give your family a good life, but no matter how hard you work, it is just enough to make ends meet, or in some cases, things don’t get easier.”
Fellow political newcomers, retired civil servant Martinn Ho, 64; safety coordinator Thaddeus Thomas, 43; former information technology engineer Samuel Lee, 33; and horticulturist Heng Zheng Dao, 24, are also part of the PPP’s Ang Mo Kio team. They are up against the incumbent PAP team, led by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Singapore United Party in a three-cornered contest.
Party chairman Derrick Lim, who is contesting Tampines GRC, suggested that GST for basic goods be removed to tackle the cost of living.
The PPP is involved in another multi-cornered fight in Tampines GRC, with its team led by Goh going up against the PAP, the WP and the National Solidarity Party.
During the rally, PPP’s Tampines candidate Arbaah Haroun, 50, proposed several family-related policies, including monthly support for children, and “heavily subsidised” in-vitro fertilisation treatment for couples. She said: “Our birth rates are low, but our hopes are not... Starting a family shouldn’t feel like climbing Mount Everest.”
Several of the candidates also took issue with the national Covid-19 vaccination drive.
During the rally, Mr Samuel Lee also raised the issue of graduates facing problems finding stable jobs.
Lee had gone viral on social media after singing an adapted version of the classic Chinese song A Tiny Bird with English lyrics lamenting the struggles faced by Singaporeans in securing a job.
Lee also came under the spotlight earlier this week after it emerged that he was convicted in 2022 over a road rage incident.
Goh said Lee had been cyberbullied because of the news.
“I actually had to beg him to stand for elections... He knew what he was going to face, cyberbullying and reputational damage,” said Goh, adding that Lee has not been able to find a job.
“Hopefully, he can find a job in Parliament.” THE STRAITS TIMES
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