Pritam Singh: Chee Soon Juan didn't abandon Bukit Batok, Govt redrew the boundaries

In a renewed critique of electoral boundary changes, Leader of the Opposition and Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh rejected the narrative of “abandonment” often used when opposition candidates are forced to shift constituencies following the release of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) report. Singh described the word “abandon” as being used in a “horrific sense.” He pointed to allegations that Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) Secretary-General Dr Chee Soon Juan had “abandoned” Bukit Batok in the 2025 General Election, before countering: “Chee Soon Juan didn’t abandon Bukit Batok — you [the government] redrew the boundaries.”

“We hear this language, and when very smart, intelligent people say these sorts of things, you stop and wonder — is this what it’s about? I think you really need to look at your own shop,” Singh said.

He made the remarks during an appearance on the Ya Lah But podcast with hosts Haresh Tilani and Terence Chia on 25 August, just days before the opening of Singapore’s 15th Parliament on 5 September.

Bukit Batok SMC removed in boundary changes

Although Singh did not name specific individuals, the “abandonment” charge was first raised by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung during a People’s Action Party (PAP) election rally on 24 April. Ong asked Chee to explain his decision to stand in Sembawang West, suggesting the move undermined his nine-year commitment to Bukit Batok residents. Chee at the time firmly rejected Ong’s suggestion, labelling it a personal attack. He argued that such rhetoric distracted from substantive policy debate, especially on issues such as rising living costs and immigration. Chee had campaigned extensively in Bukit Batok Single Member Constituency (SMC), but the seat was removed in the EBRC’s March 2025 report. The changes forced him to contest in the newly formed Sembawang West SMC, which sits adjacent to Ong’s GRC. Singh emphasised that this was emblematic of the challenges faced by opposition parties each time electoral boundaries were redrawn.

Singh’s consistent EBRC criticism

Singh had previously raised concerns about the EBRC process during interviews with Malaysia’s Keluar Sekejap podcast in June and The Big Show on Kiss92 FM in early August. In those discussions, he argued that gerrymandering and institutional exclusion presented systemic barriers to opposition growth. His 25 August appearance on Ya Lah But marked his third podcast interview this year. During the nearly two-hour-long recording, Singh also discussed the Workers’ Party’s decision not to contest Marine Parade in GE2025 despite years of groundwork. He described the move as “heartaching” but necessary for strategic reasons.

Workers’ Party strategy and Marine Parade

“The Workers’ Party is here to stay. Every time the EBRC produces its report, we make an assessment of the political landscape, and then things have to shift,” Singh explained. He noted that political planning takes into account factors such as the location of new Build-To-Order housing projects, which bring in new demographics with shifting priorities. Older Singaporeans often focus on job security and mortgages, while younger voters have other concerns. Unlike the ruling party, Singh added, the WP lacks access to detailed demographic data and must therefore make strategic decisions based on limited information. This sometimes requires difficult choices, including stepping back from long-contested areas like Marine Parade. Singh praised the volunteers there for their resilience and commitment, while stressing that resources had to be reallocated to maximise electoral impact.

“Thin” EBRC report

Singh reiterated his criticism of the EBRC report, calling it “thin” and unreflective of the depth of discussion expected from such a committee. “The incumbent will do as much as it can within the boundaries of the law to ensure that it stays in power. And this is a reality we have to confront,” he said. At the same time, Singh welcomed the growing public interest in electoral boundaries, particularly among younger Singaporeans, calling it “heartwarming” to see such engagement.

Appointment of new NCMPs

The WP chief also discussed the appointment of the party’s two new Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) — Eileen Chong and Andre Low. Low was automatically entitled to the seat as the “best loser” in Jalan Kayu, where he lost by the narrowest margin. The second NCMP seat was awarded from the Tampines GRC team, with Chong chosen over more senior candidates, including former MP Faisal Manap. Explaining the decision, Singh said gender representation played an important role. “We don’t have enough women in the Workers’ Party, and we want more women to take up leadership positions and to become MPs,” he said. At 33, Chong is the youngest NCMP and the only woman from the Tampines slate. Singh praised her ability to connect with voters and expressed confidence in her parliamentary contributions.