Red Dot United Debates Employment Stability and Allocated Budget for Founders' Memorial in Inaugural Real-Life Demonstration at GE2025
Rewritten Article:
In a bold move, Singapore's political newcomer Red Dot United (RDU) took aim at the government during their debut physical rally on Saturday, April 26. The party voiced a spectrum of concerns, from employment security to public spending - particularly the allocation on the Founders' Memorial.
Ravi Philemon, RDU's secretary-general, emphasized that "average Singaporeans deserve steady jobs and stable incomes, and that's what we're fighting for."
Though RDU came into existence just three weeks before the 2020 General Election amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this was their first physical rally ever. The event began with a minute of silence in memory of the late Pope Francis, who was remembered for championing the needs of the marginalized and underprivileged. Philemon remarked that RDU shares these values, making it necessary to pay tribute to the Pope.
As the first speaker of the 15-strong lineup at Bukit View Secondary School in Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, Philemon called on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to "prove his mettle." He noted that this was Wong's first election and encouraged voters to withhold from delegating "a blank check" to the ruling People's Action Party (PAP).
Philemon criticized the PAP for presenting candidates perceived as "establishment-linked," lacking diversity and leaning towards the interests of the wealthy elite. In contrast, he highlighted that RDU candidates represent a diverse range of backgrounds.
While RDU didn't explicitly mention their proposed policy, the Citizen's Dividend, during the rally, it's worth noting that they've previously criticized current socio-economic safety measures as inadequate[5]. The Citizen's Dividend, a proposed part of their manifesto, aims to address this issue by providing a universal basic income[5].
Sources:[1] Straits Times, Red Dot United raises cost of living, Malay-Muslim issues in rally[2] Channel NewsAsia, RDU unveils manifesto: Income support, affordable housing, and stronger multiracial society[3] CNA, Red Dot United takes a stand against economic inequality and political dominance[4] Lianhe Zaobao, RDU calls for greater social safety nets and economic equality[5] Red Dot United, Red Dot United Manifesto 2025
- In the upcoming GE2025, Red Dot United (RDU) plans to present a diverse range of candidates, challenging the People's Action Party (PAP) for their perceived reliance on establishment-linked individuals.
- During their debut physical rally, RDU voiced concerns about employment security and public spending, particularly the allocation on the Founders' Memorial, as part of their opposition to the current government.
- Ravi Philemon, RDU's secretary-general, urged Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to "prove his mettle" in the upcoming elections, suggesting that voters should not delegate a "blank check" to the ruling party.
- In a contrast to the current political landscape, RDU shares the values of the late Pope Francis, who championed the needs of the marginalized and underprivileged, and aims to address socio-economic issues in Singapore with their proposed policy-and-legislation, such as the Citizen's Dividend, which aims to provide a universal basic income.
