On the last day of campaigning, the SDP held its lunchtime rally at UOB Plaza accusing the PAP of not tackling hot-button issues and attacked the Prime Minister’s apology made on Tuesday.
Seven SDP candidates spoke to a packed Plaza.
Mr Ang Yong Guan who is contesting in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, said: “As a professional, you make a mistake, you pay for it.”
Dr James Gomez who is contesting in Sembawang GRC, charged that the PAP was running a “divided campaign” – with internal splits in the party.
He said: “They have no confidence, they are using the last salvo of apologies and sympathy appeal.”
He also accused the PAP of not playing fair, and asked why the Elections Department was under the Prime Minister’s charge.
The party reiterated the broad themes of its campaign – and pressed for its alternative proposals, to be heard.
Mr Alec Tok who is standing in Bukit Panjang SMC, added: “We face intense competition globally, we’ve not solved the problem of job instability, nor the rising cost of living, stagnant wages and the ever-widening income gap. We’ve a spur stuck into our hide – we’ve been told to be cheaper, faster and better. We find ourselves stretched to breaking points by overcrowded trains and runaway healthcare costs.”
Some of the loudest cheers were reserved for Ms Michelle Lee, the mother of three who is standing in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, when she spoke about an issue close to the hearts of many – their families.
She said: “Our family regeneration plan will tackle the root cause of Singapore’s declining birth rates and shrinking family size, by taking away the stress and significant portion of the costs of bringing up children for families.
“We advocate measures such as cash grants of $100 to $300 a month to families with children and waiver of all school fees up to university level, free medical and health benefits for mothers and children”.
She also called for improved maternity leave terms for mothers, the introduction of paternity leave and affordable day care for children and the elderly in housing estates.
Dr Vincent Wijeysingha, the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC team leader repeated the party’s stand on a minimum wage, set at $6.50 an hour, which the SDP believes will help close the income gap.
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