WP policy proposals can help ease cost of living concerns, say candidates at rally

The rising cost of living is a key concern for Singaporeans, both young and old, said Workers' Party candidates at its second election rally, as they blamed government policies for exacerbating the problem.

- Aqil Hamzah

Speaking at Temasek Junior College on April 26, they urged voters to send more of them into Parliament, adding that it would make the WP a more effective check on the Government.

"As we have highlighted in our manifesto, our presence in Parliament has undoubtedly made an impact on our public policy, and all this with just 10 elected MPs," said WP East Coast GRC candidate Sufyan Mikhail Putra, 33.

"Imagine what more can be done if me and my fellow candidates are given the chance to be your voice in Parliament."

He was among 14 speakers at the rally comprising the party's candidates in Tampines GRC, Tampines Changkat SMC, Punggol GRC and East Coast GRC, as well as WP chief Pritam Singh and party chairwoman Sylvia Lim, both seeking re-election in Aljunied GRC for a fourth term.

One after another, the candidates took aim at government policies that they said had led to escalating costs, with most of them citing the hike in goods and services tax (GST) during a time of high inflation.

Several candidates suggested exempting GST for essential items, such as cooking oil and rice, while others suggested that the Government could tap more of the investment returns from Singapore's past reserves instead of raising taxes.