GE2025: Red Dot United takes on PAP team led by Vivian Balakrishnan in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC

SINGAPORE: Holland-Bukit Timah GRC voters will see a contest between the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and alternative party Red Dot United (RDU) at the upcoming General Election on 3 May. PAP’s slate, unchanged since the 2020 polls, is led by Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan. He is joined by Senior Minister of State Sim Ann, Deputy Speaker Christopher de Souza, and MP Edward Chia. Challenging them is RDU’s team, fronted by financial consultant Fazli Talip and supported by three newcomers: music teacher Emily Woo, engineer Sharad Kumar, and operations manager Nizar Subair. Fazli previously contested East Coast GRC under the Workers’ Party banner in 2011 and is a former member of the National Solidarity Party. Both teams successfully filed their nomination papers at Methodist Girls’ School on Wednesday (23 April). In the last election, the PAP secured 66.36% of the vote in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC against the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP). Speaking from the nomination centre balcony, Dr Balakrishnan thanked residents for the “privilege” of serving them over the years. “We’ve walked with you, listened to you, and delivered consistently. You know us, you know what we stand for,” he said. “We’ve upgraded towns, stood with your families, protected greenery — but there’s more to do. We seek your support to secure a better future for your children and grandchildren.” Meanwhile, RDU’s Sharad called on voters to support the opposition team in their bid to enter Parliament. “We must feel like first class citizens in our own country, the only home we have. Let’s make Singapore fairer,” he said.

Last-Minute RDU Lineup Change Sparks Interest

RDU's arrival at the nomination centre in a van with tinted windows stirred speculation about a late lineup change. The party had earlier named businessman Patrick Tan for Holland-Bukit Timah, but he was replaced by Woo — who was originally expected to contest Jurong Central SMC. In another reshuffle, RDU’s Kala Manickam, previously slated for Jalan Kayu SMC, was moved to Jurong. The party announced a day earlier it would not contest Jalan Kayu to avoid a three-cornered fight with the Workers’ Party. RDU’s anchor candidate Fazli told reporters the decision to field Woo instead of Tan was made by party leadership. Tan remains a “valuable member” of the team and will contribute in a non-candidate role. Woo, reflecting on the switch, said she felt at ease contesting Holland-Bukit Timah as she grew up in Ghim Moh. “It’s like coming home. I know the area very well,” she said. “I’ve done my best for Jurong Central, and I believe Ms Kala will do her best too. She’s a hard worker, and I have full confidence in her.” 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 PAP.