Red Dot United to contest Holland-Bukit Timah GRC with new candidates and youngest hopeful at 25

SINGAPORE: Red Dot United (RDU) has announced its four-member team for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC in the upcoming General Election, featuring one of the youngest candidates so far—25-year-old assistant engineer Sharad Kumar. The opposition party's slate also includes financial consultant Fazli Talip, 43, business owner Patrick Tan, 70, and operations manager Nizar Subair, 57. RDU secretary-general Ravi Philemon introduced the candidates at a walkabout on 18 April 2025 at a Housing Board estate near Ghim Moh Market and Food Centre. This will be the party’s first time contesting the GRC. Three of its candidates—Sharad Kumar, Nizar Subair and Patrick Tan—are making their electoral debut. Fazli Talip previously contested in East Coast GRC under the Workers’ Party banner during the 2011 General Election. Sharad Kumar, likely one of the youngest contenders in the election, highlighted mental health and climate change as key issues. He called for greater accountability from both corporations and the Government. “I believe that younger voices are important in shaping our future,” said Kumar during the introduction. “We need to address challenges that are not just imminent, but long-term.” Nizar Subair, who works in marine services, is advocating for stronger protections for mid-career workers. He cited his own experience of retrenchment during the Covid-19 pandemic as a motivating factor. Fazli Talip expressed concern for retirees living in private estates, describing them as a “less visible group” with limited income. He hopes to champion their concerns in Parliament. Patrick Tan, the oldest member of the slate, operates a business selling convenience goods. He intends to push for greater government support for local enterprises.

RDU Eyes Strategic Expansion with Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, Ties to Nee Soon and Jurong East-Bukit Batok

Ravi Philemon said the decision to contest in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC was a strategic one. The area connects two other constituencies RDU plans to target—Nee Soon GRC and the newly formed Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC. “Holland-Bukit Timah is an important piece of the puzzle,” said Philemon. “It made strategic sense for us to be present here.” The party's campaign theme, “Fair Value For All,” focuses on creating a fairer system where every Singaporean feels secure and valued, according to an RDU spokesperson. Holland-Bukit Timah GRC is home to 122,891 voters, many of whom reside in landed properties and private condominiums. It has traditionally been a stronghold of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP). The current PAP team comprises Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, 64, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and National Development Sim Ann, 50, lawyer Christopher de Souza, 49, and businessman Edward Chia, 41. This line-up secured 66.36 per cent of the vote in the 2020 General Election, defeating the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP). While the SDP has contested the GRC for the past three elections, it has not confirmed its participation this time. In neighbouring Bukit Panjang SMC, a potential rematch is expected between four-term MP Liang Eng Hwa, 61, and SDP chairman Paul Tambyah. In 2020, the PAP retained the seat narrowly with 53.73 per cent of the vote. Beyond Holland-Bukit Timah, RDU has introduced potential candidates for Nee Soon GRC and Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC. The party has also indicated its intention to contest other constituencies, including Jalan Kayu SMC, Tanjong Pagar GRC and Radin Mas SMC.