Screenshot from a video by CNA. To watch the full video, please visit CNA’s YouTube channel.
Good evening.
Fellow Singaporeans, we are at a crossroads. Our economy, our society, and the very way we live our daily lives are being tested. But within these challenges lies an opportunity – a moment for us to decide what kind of Singapore we want to live in, and what kind of leaders we want to represent us.
Let’s start with what we all know is happening: our economy is under duress.
Singapore, like many countries, is being buffeted by global headwinds. Tariffs from the US and slowing global demand are not just headlines – they have real consequences. Growth forecast down to just 0-2% already tells us that these are not ordinary times. Yes, businesses are feeling the pinch; but it is the workers and the young generations that are feeling and will continue to feel the pressure.
But even more pressing than these external shocks are the struggles Singaporeans face right here. Rising housing prices, spiralling living costs, and job insecurity are eating away at the middle class. And for those who have less to begin with, life has become even tougher.
We have often been told that Singapore is a shining success story. But the truth is, only a limited few are doing well. Some Singaporeans are struggling to put food on the table. Food insecurity is a real problem. And no, this isn’t something we can just dismiss or downplay.
In response, the government has rolled out food and grocery vouchers. We know Voucher Wong is currently speaking on the other side of town. But let’s not kid ourselves: vouchers are not a solution. They are a short-term band-aid, while we brace for a much worse downfall.
These measures do little to address the underlying causes of poverty, inequality or the rising cost of living. In fact, there’s a very real risk that these policies are actually making things worse – by driving demand in a way that fuels prices even further, without fundamentally improving anyone’s long-term prospects.
So we have to ask ourselves: what kind of future are we building? Do we want a country where young families are forced to choose between starting a family or affording a home, where our seniors live in fear of being left behind and not cared for?
Or do we want something better – something fairer, more compassionate and more forward-looking?
That brings us to the next question: what kind of leaders do we need in Parliament?
The truth is, many Singaporeans are growing increasingly frustrated with the current political status quo. The ruling party – the People’s Action Party – has governed for decades. And in those decades, policies are made with too little consultation, too little transparency and too little accountability. Worse, when things don’t go well, we don’t see enough willingness to acknowledge mistakes, to listen to alternative views, or to adapt.
Instead, what we get are MPs who go along with whatever the party line is, even when it’s clear the people are suffering. In this election, if this trend is not checked, we are going to get a rubber-stamp Parliament.
But this is not the democracy we deserve.
Singaporeans are now saying, clearly and confidently, that they want a more balanced Parliament. Not for the sake of opposition, but for the sake of representation. What people want is not just voices in Parliament – they want their voices. They want MPs who are not afraid to challenge bad policies; MPs who won’t be silenced; and MPs who will ask the tough questions and fight for better answers.
That’s why we need the Singapore Democratic Party in Parliament.
The SDP has always been guided by one simple belief: the people must come first.
We don’t have millions in resources. We don’t control the narrative through mainstream media. But what we do have is a deep commitment to justice, to fairness, and to the idea that every Singaporean – regardless of background – deserves to be heard and respected.
We have clear policies, rooted in real research and people’s real needs: from cutting healthcare costs, to tackling housing affordability, to making jobs more secure. We believe that Singapore’s wealth must serve all its people – not just a privileged few.
We will speak up in Parliament when the cost of living becomes unbearable. We will speak up when policies hurt more than they help. And we will speak up when the government refuses to acknowledge the everyday struggles that Singaporeans all face.
And let me say this clearly: we will not get into Parliament only to be silent. We will not sit on our hands. We will not side with the PAP just to stay comfortable. We are not afraid to speak truth to power.
So if that’s the kind of MP you want – someone who will stand firm, ask the hard questions, and fight for your interests – then your choice is clear. Vote for the SDP. Vote for SDP MPs. Not because we promise miracles. Not because we have all the answers. But because we believe in you. We believe that Singaporeans deserve a better deal, a louder voice, and a Parliament that truly reflects the diversity and dynamism of our society.
This is not just about winning seats. This is about restoring the balance. It’s about dignity, accountability and hope. It’s about making sure that the voices of teachers, nurses, small business owners, delivery riders, retirees – your voices – are not just heard, but acted upon.
Singapore cannot move forward if we leave so many behind. Let’s build a Parliament that doesn’t just pass laws, but protects lives. A Parliament that doesn’t just talk about values, but lives them out.
So when you cast your vote, don’t just vote out of habit. Vote for change. Vote for a better tomorrow. Vote for the party that has the courage to care, the courage to care, the courage to challenge and the courage to lead. Vote SDP. Vote SDP MPs.
Thank you.