WP's Andre Low calls for urgent BTO housing reforms and lower living costs at Jalan Kayu rally

Speaking at a political rally at Yusof Ishak secondary school on 28 April 2025, Workers’ Party (WP) candidate Andre Low sharply criticised current housing policies and cost-of-living pressures in Singapore. Low, contesting the single-member constituency (SMC), emphasised that housing remains the largest expense for most Singaporeans. He pledged that the WP would work to bring Build-To-Order (BTO) flat waiting times back to pre-crisis levels. Low pointed out that in 1989, the average wait time for a BTO flat was just two to three years. Today, he said, four- to five-year waits have become the norm. “When did this become acceptable?” he asked the crowd. He added that while the government has finally acknowledged the issue, its current solution – “re-calibrating” to deliver more flats with wait times under three years – reflects a misplaced sense of ambition. “Shouldn’t that be the maximum, not the goal?” he questioned. Low reiterated WP’s call to reduce BTO wait times immediately, not gradually, stating that such delays hinder young adults from planning their futures, particularly starting families. He further advocated for changes to eligibility rules, asserting that singles aged 28 and above should be allowed to apply for BTO flats. Currently, the minimum age is 35. “This isn’t just about singles,” he said. “Single mothers are also classified as singles. They have families. Why shouldn’t they be able to provide a roof over their children’s heads?” Low shared the story of a former schoolmate, aged 34, who earns a good salary and seeks independence. Yet due to current policies, she may not secure her own BTO flat until nearly 40. “Is this the Singapore we want?” Low asked, suggesting that it is unreasonable for hardworking adults to wait until their forties to enjoy the dignity of personal space. He argued that these policy suggestions are not isolated but reflect a fundamentally different vision of Singapore – one that puts people before statistics.

Rising living costs and disconnection from ground sentiment

Low also criticised the government’s handling of cost-of-living pressures, referencing his experiences “walking the ground” over the past two years. “In every conversation at the kopitiam, at the hawker centre – the message is the same: everything is more expensive now,” he said. He questioned recent government claims that inflation was easing, citing official statements from February. “When we go to the supermarket, do we see our prices falling?” he asked, contrasting statistical trends with daily realities faced by residents. Low expressed particular concern for retirees, who have had to cut back on basic joys due to rising costs. “This isn’t just about statistics. It’s about dignity,” he said.

GST hike, tax reform, and support for essential spending

The WP candidate reaffirmed his party’s longstanding opposition to the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) increase. He argued that such tax hikes disproportionately impact lower- and middle-income households. “That 2% increase might seem trivial to those in ivory towers,” he stated, “but for many, it’s the difference between comfort and anxiety.” As a solution, Low proposed exempting essential items from GST. These include basic foodstuffs, utilities, medicines, textbooks, and school supplies. He also suggested tiered pricing for utilities, where lower consumption would be charged at reduced rates. This would benefit smaller households, the elderly, and those conserving resources. “Why should ordinary families pay the same rates as those living in Good Class Bungalows with wine cellars and multiple air-conditioners running 24/7?” he asked.

A call for a national minimum wage

Low reaffirmed WP’s proposal for a national minimum wage of S$1,600, calling it a simple, dignified baseline that acknowledges full-time workers’ right to a living wage. He described it as part of a broader commitment to represent the everyday interests of Singaporeans. Addressing his opponent, Ng Chee Meng from the People's Action Party (PAP), Low clarified that he held no personal animosity. “I have no doubt my opponent is a good man,” he said. However, he criticised the ruling party for enabling worsening affordability, overseeing multiple GST hikes during a cost-of-living crisis, and failing to control housing prices. “This is a party that monitors while prices spiral out of reach,” he said. Low urged voters to choose meaningful change in the upcoming election. “You can vote for more of the same or vote for representatives who will fight for a more affordable Singapore – one that truly supports families.”