SINGAPORE: Senior Counsel Harpreet Singh said that he believes it is time for Singapore to move away from “one-party domination” in order to achieve a more balanced political landscape.
Singh, who is a member of the Workers’ Party (WP), called on Singaporeans to vote for a stronger opposition in the upcoming General Election 2025 (GE2025).
While he acknowledged Singapore’s achievements under the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), Singh opined that a shift towards greater political balance may be necessary for a better future.
“It is time for a more balanced politics. Time to move away from one party domination in Singapore,” he stated in a Facebook post on 18 March. “Time for a stronger opposition.”
Singh referenced his commentary piece, titled “Should Singaporeans vote for a stronger opposition?” published last year in Jom, where he outlined the reasoning behind his call for greater political balance.
In the article, he suggested that political plurality could lead to better policy-making on complex issues facing the nation, and a more dynamic and robust society, making his case for why Singaporeans should consider voting for a stronger opposition in the GE2025.
“As I argued in my piece published last year in Jom, our future depends on it …” he stated. “The world is changing rapidly, and so must we.”
Singh’s role in WP and upcoming GE2025
Singh also reflected on his experience with WP over the past year.
He described his involvement with the opposition party as one of his most fulfilling commitments outside his legal career, having been able to work alongside WP members and volunteers while engaging residents from all walks of life.
“All of this well ahead of GE2025,” he stated.
Singh expressed that he is “immensely proud” to be associated with WP, calling it “a reasonable, sensible and responsible” political party that he believes is committed to implementing the necessary changes in making a better future for the country.
“More importantly, the Workers’ Party is equally committed to bring about the changes that Singapore needs to be stronger and better – one more ready and confident to meet the future. A Singapore where citizens can live more affordable, balanced and fulfilling lives,” he stated.
Looking ahead to the GE2025, Singh pledged to continue engaging with residents through WP’s grassroots efforts.
“Every door we knock on, every conversation we have, every mind we open – these are the building blocks of a stronger, more balanced and fairer political landscape,” he said.
Acknowledging the challenges that come with pushing for political change, Singh recognised that the journey would not be easy.
“There will certainly be some dark days. But that is no reason to give up. It is par for the course whenever citizens work to bring about any kind of meaningful change,” he remarked.
Singh seen as WP’s potential ‘game changer’ to challenge PAP stronghold in Marine Parade after Tan Chuan-Jin’s scandal
Singh has been actively involved in WP’s walkabouts since 2023, particularly in Marine Parade GRC. His frequent appearances alongside WP members have fuelled speculation that he could be among the party’s potential candidates for the constituency.
Following the release of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) report on 11 March, Marine Parade GRC has absorbed Potong Pasir SMC, MacPherson SMC, and parts of Mountbatten SMC, increasing its electorate to 131,493 and being renamed Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC.
Marine Parade GRC was fiercely contested in GE2020.
The PAP’s winning team comprised then-Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin, then-Senior Minister of State Edwin Tong, Seah Kian Peng, Tan See Leng, and Fahmi Aliman, secured 57.74% of the vote against WP’s team, which garnered 42.26%.
WP’s candidates included Ron Tan, Yee Jenn Jong, Fadli Fawzi, Nathaniel Koh, and Azhar Latip.
Following Tan’s resignation from Parliament and Marine Parade GRC in 2023 due to an extramarital affair scandal, political observers have noted WP’s intensified ground efforts in the constituency.
Many view this as a sign that WP is preparing to challenge the PAP’s dominance in the area more aggressively.
However, WP may not be the only opposition party contesting Marine Parade GRC.
The National Solidarity Party (NSP) has announced its intention to field candidates in seven constituencies, including Marine Parade GRC. This raises the possibility of a three-cornered fight in the constituency.
Singh’s stance on key Singaporean issues
Prior to joining WP, Singh was vocal on key political and legal issues in Singapore. These included the high-profile case of former domestic worker Parti Liyani and policies concerning migrant workers’ dormitories during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also questioned the decision of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) not to prosecute six former senior management members of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (KOM).
Furthermore, he commented on alleged violations of the Ministerial Code of Conduct by two Singaporean ministers regarding their leasing of properties in the Ridout Road area.
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