Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC Bread-and-butter issues take centre stage in RDU's first election rally

Red Dot United (RDU) candidates zeroed in on bread-and-butter issues, such as public housing affordability and the cost of living, in their first election rally on April 26.

- Michelle Ng

Examples raised by the 15 candidates at Bukit View Secondary School in Bukit Batok include how some Singaporeans are relying on government vouchers to help pay for daily essentials, rising housing prices that have forced some to move to Malaysia, and MRT breakdowns.

Some candidates portrayed the PAP ruling party as being out of touch with the issues Singaporeans are facing.

Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC candidate Harish Mohanadas said he met residents during his walkabouts who "felt a losing sense of control over their lives and livelihoods".

Some are concerned about the price of Housing Board flats and whether their children can afford to buy homes in the future, he said, adding: "This concern is very, very common. I believe that Singaporeans deserve better."

RDU secretary-general Ravi Philemon, who is contesting Nee Soon GRC, said his party has presented Singaporeans a slate of candidates that includes PhD holders, captains of industries, entrepreneurs and people from all walks of life.