Sembawang West SMC SDP targets NTUC-PAP relationship in final rally

The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) took aim at the relationship between the ruling party and the labour movement NTUC during the party's final rally on the last day of hustings on May 1.

- Osmond Chia

The SDP argued on Labour Day that the interests of local workers were not truly championed under the current labour union structure and that, if elected, it will advocate better rights for employees and greater distancing between the PAP and NTUC.

The rally at Evergreen Primary School - part of Sembawang West SMC, where SDP chief Chee Soon Juan faces PAP candidate Poh Li San — saw 10 SDP candidates, including Dr Chee and party chairman Paul Tambyah, speaking in the final hours of the nine-day campaigning window ahead of Polling Day on May 3.

In his speech, Sembawang GRC candidate Damanhuri Abas said NTUC's role as a labour movement is to ensure checks and balances between workers and employers, but he added that it was too closely aligned to the ruling party.

"The PAP has timed this election to end on Labour Day at the May Day Rally. The PAP leaders showcased the partnership that has served them, but have they served you?" he said, referring to the May Day Rally speech which Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered earlier in the day.