Red Dot United (RDU) introduced three potential candidates on 5 April 2025 for the newly formed Jurong East-Bukit Batok Group Representation Constituency (GRC), signalling its early preparations for the next General Election.
The individuals presented were Liyana Dhamirah, an entrepreneur and author; Ben Puah, a contemporary artist; and Harish Mohanadas, a principal software engineer. They were introduced by RDU secretary-general Ravi Philemon during a walkabout at Bukit Batok Street 11.
Philemon stated that the trio are expected to “walk the ground” ahead of the election to ensure that RDU fields candidates with the right values and capabilities.
RDU’s campaign for the new GRC will be guided by the slogan “Raise the Standard”. According to Philemon, the theme reflects resident concerns about municipal issues, employment opportunities, and cost-of-living pressures.
Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, which will have 142,510 voters, was created following recent electoral boundary changes. It incorporates areas from the previous Jurong GRC, Bukit Batok East and Clementi, the entirety of Bukit Batok SMC, and parts of Hong Kah North SMC.
Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, is widely expected to lead the People’s Action Party (PAP) team in this new constituency.
RDU, a relatively new political party formed in 2020, has announced plans to contest in six constituencies during the next general election.
These include Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, as well as Jurong Central SMC, Nee Soon GRC, Jalan Kayu SMC, Tanjong Pagar GRC and Radin Mas SMC.
Philemon highlighted the party’s familiarity with the area, noting that RDU had contested in the former Jurong GRC during the 2020 election, securing 25.39 percent of the vote against the PAP team led by current President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
Liyana, 38, previously represented RDU in that contest and expressed her desire to promote dignity for all Singaporeans, referencing vulnerable groups like single mothers and elderly residents.
Puah, 48, who joined RDU in 2024, voiced concern about key national issues, including education, healthcare, housing and cost of living. Speaking in Mandarin, he emphasised that Singapore’s strong GDP should translate into better support for its citizens.
Harish, 39, a central executive council member of RDU, underscored the importance of political competition. He said, “We need a capable opposition in Parliament, not just to oppose but also to propose.”
Philemon reiterated that RDU does not aim to be adversarial despite being in the opposition. “We may disagree on certain policies, but at the end of the day, we are all Singaporeans,” he said.
During the walkabout, Philemon cited examples of resident grievances, such as job insecurity among youth, seniors struggling with rising costs, and municipal concerns like rat infestations impacting local businesses.
He referred to comments made by Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, who had advised students to value exposure over pay during internships. Philemon contrasted this with the economic pressures experienced by both the young and elderly.
He criticised the idea of political monopoly and urged for more balanced representation in Parliament. “In an unstable world, these are voices that we cannot ignore,” he said.
RDU has also taken a measured tone in responding to broader political rhetoric. Philemon commented on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s recent speech warning of global instability and calling for unity. While agreeing on the need for stability, he warned against what he termed “scaremongering”.
Addressing the previous contest in Bukit Batok SMC, Philemon acknowledged the groundwork laid by Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan, who contested there in 2020 and garnered 45.2 percent of the vote.
With the constituency now absorbed into the new GRC, Philemon said RDU would “take from where Dr Chee left off”.
Dr Chee has announced his intention to contest in Sembawang West SMC instead, following the boundary changes.
Philemon described RDU’s approach as one that seeks long-term solutions. He said the party has engaged local town councils and grassroots groups and will continue to collaborate, including with the PAP, to solve residents’ issues.
RDU also previously introduced other potential candidates such as Pang Heng Chuan, a 56-year-old international tech start-up director, and Emily Woo, a 59-year-old former educator.
However, Philemon clarified that final candidate confirmations would be made closer to the election.
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