Disclaimer: Opinions expressed below belong solely to the author.
When the PAP unveiled its Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC slate just two days before Nomination Day, I noted that the lineup was so formidable that the Workers’ Party might rethink going head-to-head.
And yesterday, Singapore’s largest opposition party did just that—surprising many with a last-minute pivot.
Instead of contesting Marine Parade, it fielded its star candidate, senior counsel Harpreet Singh, to lead the charge in Punggol GRC.
The move came as a huge surprise to many voters in the East. Harpreet Singh had been seen on party walkabouts in the area over the past two to three years, fueling speculation that he would contest Marine Parade—or, if not, East Coast GRC.
A unique opportunity?
Back in March, after the EBRC report was released, I noted that the newly redrawn Punggol constituency appeared to be an appealing target for the Workers’ Party—its close proximity to Sengkang and similar size and demographics made it a natural fit.
It’s clear the WP leadership saw the same opportunity and made the calculated decision to contest Punggol—though it came at the cost of abandoning voters in the East Coast.
It’s a bold and contentious move, especially after years of groundwork and public signals pointing toward a run in Marine Parade. If it pays off, though, the party could strengthen its foothold in the North-East region.
Still, voters in Marine Parade may feel let down, and many Singaporeans might view the sudden switch as unfair. After all, expectations had been built.
That said, PAP’s team in that particular GRC might have spooked the Workers’ Party, which doesn’t want to see Harpreet Singh lose—or at least not without a good fight.
The problem is that the fight in Punggol is not going to be easy either.
PAP responds with Gan Kim Yong
In response to the unfolding developments, the PAP swiftly reshuffled its slate, moving Tan See Leng from Marine Parade to Chua Chu Kang, where he steps in for DPM Gan Kim Yong, who has been deployed to counter the Workers’ Party challenge in Punggol.
Tan is now tasked with filling the shoes of Teo Chee Hean, who retired from politics this year, leaving the area without a heavyweight anchor. But it remains to be seen whether he’ll prove to be a formidable opponent for the Workers’ Party in this battleground.
Somewhat unusually, the PAP’s strongest asset in Punggol may not be a heavyweight minister, but Sun Xueling, whose likability is hard to rival.
Soft-spoken and warm in demeanour, the Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development is known for her relatable presence—she even reads children’s books online in her spare time. She’s an MP whom few Singaporeans would want to see exit Parliament.
That’s partly because much of the opposition’s appeal lies in discontent with certain policies and personalities. But Sun isn’t one of them—she’s largely free from controversy, making her a difficult figure to campaign against.
Now paired with DPM Gan Kim Yong, who also serves as Minister for Trade and Industry and Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the PAP has reinforced its frontline with a high-powered duo.
From a tactical standpoint, Punggol presents a high-upside opportunity for the Workers’ Party.
Its adjacency to Sengkang, coupled with a relatively young and diverse demographic, makes it fertile ground for opposition inroads. However, the PAP’s response—deploying both a well-regarded incumbent and a senior national leader—raises the stakes considerably.
For the WP, this is not just a high-reward contest; it is also the most formidable team they will likely face this election.
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Featured Image Credit: Workers’ Party/ Graphic designed by Vulcan Post
