Although he is stepping down as a parliamentarian after 29 years, Low Thia Khiang, Workers' Party's (WP) former Secretary-General, emphasised that he is not retiring from politics.

Low shared his convictions in Mandarin, in a video posted by WP on Facebook this morning (July 8).

The quote says:

There is a goose at the highest point in the sky,

The government is rich while the people have none,

The PAP has taxed us so ferociously,

Taxed us until there is no way out.

The discrimination he faced as a Chinese-educated student prompted him to join politics

Low shared that he had been discriminated against during his schooling days as a Chinese-educated student.

After he had graduated and started teaching, he also witnessed the impact on unfair streaming policies felt by his students.

In fact, Low broke down when he spoke about this issue three years ago in a WP 60th anniversary documentary.

These events promoted him to resign from teaching, join politics and advocate for change.

Low said that even after he was elected as Hougang's MP in 1991, people doubted if he could represent them as Parliamentary debates were conducted in English.

"Despite the attacks and ridicules against me, I persisted in voicing out, because this is my conviction".

Highlighted changes in the constitution

Low recalled that in his 38 years of serving in politics, he saw many changes within the Singapore constitution.

Notably, Low highlighted the Group-Representative Constituency scheme, the Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Scheme, and the Reserved Presidency election.

"I felt a sense of frustration when changes were made despite objections, due to the absence of a strong opposition presence in the Parliament."

With the PAP commanding a supermajority all these years, Low felt that the ruling party often did not consider alternate views often.

PAP used Parliament as a stage to launch personal attacks against the opposition

Though times have changed, said Low, the ruling party has not changed its ways.

"Having experienced lawsuits, smearing campaigns, and an unlevel playing field in the political system, I am even more concerned now that Singapore needs a rational and responsible opposition party."

Aljunied voters gave 'tight slap' to ruling party during GE 2011

In 2011, Low decided to step out of his home ground in Hougang SMC and run for elections in Aljunied GRC.

"Aljunied voters answered the call and delivered a tight slap to the ruling party."

Low is likely to be making a reference to the famous analogy he used in 2011.

During GE 2011, Low used an analogy to describe the WP as a "co-driver" to slap the main driver (PAP) when it falls asleep.

Making history, they have "effectively conveyed" the people's demand for democratic progress and improvements to their lives, said Low.

Hougang voters have also selflessly sacrificed their HDB upgrading priorities to strengthen democracy, he added.

Thanking the voters for giving opportunities to the WP, Low said that it had encouraged more young Singaporeans to join them and form the next generation of the WP.

"We owe it to the voters for where the Workers' Party stands today," said Low.

Thinking of renewal since he became Sec-Gen

Acknowledging that the fight for fairness in society cannot rest on his shoulders alone, Low had been planning for his succession ever since he took on the mantle of being the WP's Secretary-General in 2001.

His decision not to run in GE 2020 was an important milestone in the renewal plan, Low explained.

Low then affirmed his WP successors, especially Pritam Singh, saying that they had done him proud.

"Having witnessed Pritam's leadership, I am assured that he will bring the younger generation team forward."

"Do not be mistaken, I am not retiring from politics"

Low emphasised that while he was retiring from his position in the WP and as a candidate, his work in Singapore's politics is far from over.

He said that he will be advising the WP's younger generation and will continue to walk the grounds with the WP.

After 29 years in Parliament, the WP had managed to clinch six elected seats.

Low urged voters to maintain this momentum by voting for capable young candidates and establishing a rational, responsible and respected WP.

"We cannot risk disintegrating what we have achieved through hard work, planning and sacrifices in the last 29 years," said Low.

The people's support must never be taken for granted

There is no doubt that the PAP will return to power and form the Government, said Low.

But even with responsible and capable civil servants, can voters trust the PAP to take care of the people amid the economic uncertainty, he asked.

Instead, we should groom more opposition members with alternative opinions to provide a holistic discussion on politics, said Low.

"At the same time, we will let the ruling party know that the support of the people must never be taken for granted, or like a blank cheque for the Government to use at will," he added.

Top photo from The Workers' Party/FB