GE2025: Red Dot United unveils candidates for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, including former WP member

Key Concepts:

• Social inequality in Singapore
• Fairness and dignity for all citizens
• Empowering small businesses
• Ageism in the workforce
• Importance of listening and learning in leadership
• Unity and inclusivity across races and religions
• Politics serving people, not power

Social Inequality and Fairness:

The speaker emphasizes the growing divide in Singapore, warning against a two-tiered system where the super-rich and connected thrive while the rest struggle. She argues that "we cannot have two Singapore One for the super rich for the connected for the elites and their families Where else the other is for the rest of us." She stresses the importance of fairness, not as handouts, but as a matter of dignity and respect, ensuring every citizen feels like a "first class citizen" in their own country. Her experience volunteering with the MOS management board taught her that "doing the legal thing is not enough. We must do what is morally right."

The "Strawberry Generation" and its Concerns:

The speaker identifies herself as part of the "strawberry generation," a generation that has witnessed Singapore's successes but also feels the pressures of stress, inequality, and the sense that hard work doesn't always translate to progress. This generation is concerned about the future and seeks a more equitable society.

Red Dot United and its Principles:

She chose to join Red Dot United because it is a party that believes "in politics should serve people not power." She believes in democracy, compassion, and creating space for ordinary citizens to lead. She emphasizes the importance of listening, learning, and building a Singapore that reflects all its people, not just the privileged few.

Unity and Inclusivity:

The speaker highlights the diversity within her own family, representing different races and religions, yet sharing the same struggles and dreams. She envisions this unity across Singapore, not just as social cohesion, but as the foundation for a strong, inclusive economy.

Empowering Small Businesses:

Small businesses are described as the "heart of Singapore economy." The speaker criticizes government policies that she believes pay "lip services to uplifting local businesses," while the majority of support goes to GLCs (Government-Linked Corporations) and large multinational corporations. She advocates for empowering small businesses and communities to think long-term and creating policies that truly support enterprise from the ground up, ensuring "no one is left behind on our pursuit of progress."

Ageism and Workforce Challenges:

The speaker shares a personal experience of retrenchment during COVID-19 and the subsequent struggle to find employment in her mid-50s. Despite experience, discipline, and a strong track record, she faced silence and realized that age had become a barrier. She highlights the plight of many individuals in their 50s and 60s who are still capable and willing to work but are "quietly sidelined." She is stepping forward to speak for these individuals, those who have been told they are "too old to be useful or too overexperienced to be hired."

Notable Quotes:

• "We cannot have two Singapore One for the super rich for the connected for the elites and their families Where else the other is for the rest of us."
• "doing the legal thing is not enough. We must do what is morally right."
• "politics should serve people not power."

Conclusion:

The speaker's message centers on the need for a more equitable and inclusive Singapore. She advocates for fairness, dignity, and respect for all citizens, particularly those who are struggling or being left behind. She emphasizes the importance of empowering small businesses, addressing ageism in the workforce, and ensuring that government policies truly serve the needs of the people, not just the privileged few. Her personal experiences and commitment to listening and learning position her as a voice for the ordinary citizen seeking a better future for Singapore.