GE2025: Red Dot United calls for housing reset and ‘unconditional cash transfer’ for Singaporeans in manifesto
In addition to other initiatives, Red Dot United ( RDU) has unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming General Election, calling for an “unconditional cash transfer” for all Singaporeans and a comprehensive housing reset.
RDU called what it called” a new vision for Singapore” in its 24-page manifesto released on Saturday ( Apr 19 ). The five “pillars of progress ” that it will emphasize in its policy proposals are collective prosperity, people divide, comprehensive housing reform, caring healthcare, and civil liberty.
Secretary-general Ravi Philemon addressed journalists at the party’s Ubi headquarters, saying:” These are the new 5Cs – a platform for a Singapore where success is shared, respect is upheld, and chance is a promise for everyone.
We think Singaporeans should sign a new social agreement that restores their sense of pride and respect. “
Mr. Philemon added that a “H. E. A. R. T. for Singapore, ” specifically in the areas of housing, fair healthcare, assured success, resilience, and accountability.
The group will run for office under the slogan “First-class members, fairer Singapore”.
This will be RDU’s next day contesting the general vote. A five-member crew was put forth by the group in Jurong GRC that same year after it was established in May 2020.
25 were made available by the group. The incumbent People’s Action Party ( PAP ) slate, led by then-Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who resigned from politics in 2023 to seek the presidency, received 39 % of the vote.
RDU has so far announced its intention to contest in the four Group Representation Constituencies ( GRCs ): Holland-Bukit Timah, Jurong East-Bukit Batok, Nee Soon, and Tanjong Pagar. and three Single Member Constituencies ( SMCs ): Jalan Kayu, Radin Mas, and Jurong Central.
In addition to these, the party has announced its potential candidates for Nee Quickly GRC and Jalan Kayu SMC as well as “team leads” for Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC and Jurong Central SMC.
In the party’s poll statement, some important policy proposals are included:
UNCONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFER FOR Singapore
RDU is calling for the creation of a” Citizen’s Dividend,” which the statement refers to as an “unconditional money transfer” and would provide a financial safety net to all Singaporeans.
The group claimed that the income aims to give workers financial support in times of job shortage and underemployment, enabling them to look for better opportunities, reskill, and develop without feeling the need for “constant stress of economical survival”.
In light of a looming deal war between the United States and China, Mr. Philemon predicted that more job losses would be inevitable.
According to what we have seen so far, Singapore’s efforts to retrain and retrain resilient and under-educated workers have, regrettably, caused several to fall through the cracks, he added.
It is obvious that the jump has too many cracked waters, so it is time to install a real safety net. ”
Former deputy prime minister Tharman responded to a BBC reporter’s question about Singapore’s concept of a security net with the statement,” I believe in the idea of a bounce.” ”
RDU recommends starting with the “most susceptible employees,” before gradually expanding to all citizens to “ensure a reliable revenue ground for everyone”.
RESETTING A Complete Casing
In its manifesto, the party advocated for each Housing and Development Board ( HDB) estate to be eligible for the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme ( SERS ).
RDU thinks this may prevent older apartments from being “left to decay” and ensure that they are kept up and are renewed.
It is also promoting the introduction of a rent-to-own system and the expansion of public rental housing as another housing-related policy changes it is supporting.
By giving them a “structured pathway ” to owning a home, the party added that a proposal like this would appeal to the bottom 20 % of income-earners who are struggling to live independently and as young single Singaporeans.
The declaration also suggested that those who have completed the National Service and have a contract that has not been renewed for more than 79 years should be prohibited from purchasing resale apartments.
A “WELLBEING ECONOMY” IS SHIFT.
RDU said that in order to address rising cost of living issues “from the root,” it would include placing a priority on fair wages and ensuring job security with a” citizens-first ” hiring policy.
Every member should get paid what they deserve, according to Mr. Philemon.
The distressing truth is that the majority of Singaporeans are aware of the fact that pay increases hardly kept up with inflation next year. Singapore continues to get investment from the world’s billionaire club, but we do not see this flowing down to regular employees. ”
RDU also called on the government to support small-medium businesses ( SMEs ) by ensuring fairer procurement practices, tackling late payments, moderating rents, and making grants more accessible.
In an economy that has “increasingly prioritized ” big firms and foreign assets, it added that this would enable local businesses to prosper.
Medical, SUSTAINABILITY, and CIVIL FREEDOM
Beyond these, the party even demanded changes to legislation in terms of care and sustainability.
The manifesto argued that the current carbon tax system places an “undue burden ” on consumers while failing to effectively reduce emissions. It suggested that it be replaced with “enforceable emission limits on high-impact corporations ” to promote accountability.
RDU even made suggestions to “redesign” MediSave to make it work as a supplement account rather than as the main source of medical expenses.
Additionally, the party suggested passing a “ Freedom of Information Act ” to “empower people ” with access to information.
According to the manifesto, current laws like the POFMA and POHA have been used to” stifle dissent and silence independent voices” ( poFMA ).
Singapore’s status as a knowledge-based market is hampered by restrictions on critical thinking, creativity, and public discourse, according to RDU. ”
