Pritam Singh refutes PM Wong’s football analogy, urges voters to back WP for balanced Parliament

Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh has refuted Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s football analogy, saying the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) has a much deeper bench of talent than the opposition. Singh urged voters to support WP in the upcoming General Election (GE). Speaking to media on 1 May 2025 during a walkabout in Punggol, Singh emphasised that WP’s focus remains on contesting 26 seats. He said the party’s goal is to ensure at least one-third representation in Parliament. PM Wong, at the May Day Rally earlier that morning, likened PAP’s ministerial team to a football squad. He claimed that if several key players are lost, the team’s performance would inevitably suffer, despite having substitutes. Singh responded by saying, “PAP has a deep bench. They’ve got a bench of another 10 reserves easily. But for the WP, it’s a lot more difficult.” He added, “In fact, it is the PAP who has got a depth of talent. I am sure they will continue looking after Singaporeans in the future, while being assured there is a rational, responsible opposition in the shape of the WP.”

Highlighting the role of substitutes

Using a football analogy of his own, Singh remarked, “No football team enters the pitch with 11 players. The substitutes are a critical part of any football team. Just ask Steven Tan from our Malaysia Cup days.” Steven Tan, a 1990s Singapore national football team member, was well-known as a “Super Sub”, frequently coming off the bench to score crucial goals. Singh argued that PM Wong’s analogy, also used during the PAP’s 70th anniversary in November 2024, is flawed. He noted that sometimes the formation has to change, highlighting the adaptability of political teams.

WP’s focus on renewal and balance

Singh reaffirmed WP’s commitment to renewal, describing it as essential for Singapore’s democratic future. He pointed out that the party is fielding strong candidates this election, with the aim of ensuring WP remains a “permanent part” of Singapore’s political landscape. “There are excellent individuals on every WP team this election,” Singh said. “These candidates, in my opinion, give up a lot more than the average PAP candidate to enter the political arena. Singaporeans should give them serious consideration.” He urged voters to back WP to ensure a more balanced Parliament, stating that a strong opposition presence is crucial for accountability.

Spotlight on Punggol GRC contest

Singh was speaking while supporting WP’s Punggol GRC team, which includes Harpreet Singh, Jackson Au, Alexis Dang, and Siti Alia Mattar. The PAP team in Punggol is led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who is currently overseeing key tariff negotiations. PAP leaders have highlighted Gan’s role as vital, underlining the importance of his re-election. Asked about the challenge of replacing Gan, Harpreet Singh said, “If the future of this country turns on one person being elected, it tells you something has gone terribly, terribly wrong.” He pointed out that PAP should look within its ranks for succession, adding that PAP’s strength lies in its depth.

Assurances to Punggol residents

Harpreet Singh pledged to be “practically full-time on the ground” if elected, ensuring he would be available both for municipal concerns and national issues. He reiterated WP’s commitment to grassroots engagement, promising regular town halls and feedback platforms. “We listen,” he said, adding that residents will “drive the agenda”. Singh assured voters that national projects such as the Punggol Digital District and local upgrading works would continue under WP’s stewardship. He cited the example of Aljunied GRC, where projects like new MRT stations proceeded despite WP’s leadership since 2011.

Town council transition plans

DPM Gan had earlier announced that if PAP’s team is elected, a new town council chaired by Minister of State Sun Xueling would be formed. This follows the dissolution of Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council after electoral boundary changes. Harpreet Singh noted that DPM Gan is already “going to be busy”, given his role chairing the national taskforce for economic resilience. Harpreet Singh delivered a final message to residents voting on 3 May: “Remember, as you go, you are voting not just for your municipal concerns about who is going to represent you in Punggol. Thousands upon thousands of Singaporeans’ hopes are on your shoulders for a better, more open Singapore.”