Workers' Party rally: Faisal Manap explains why he left Aljunied GRC for Tampines GRC

Faisal Manap, former Aljunied GRC Member of Parliament, explained why he is standing for election with a new team in Tampines GRC, during the Workers' Party rally at Temasek Junior College.

The 50-year-old, who is a three-term MP, said during the Apr. 26 rally that his move was for WP to continue its role in creating an "effective system of government", where the People's Action Party (PAP) serves as the government with the opposition as checks and balances.

Quoted PAP ministers

Faisal said, quoting former Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who is now president of Singapore: "I believe many of you here will remember that many years ago, our President Tharman, [who] was then-Finance Minister, was quoted as saying that he thinks a strong opposition was good for the PAP and for Singapore."

The WP politician also quoted Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who said recently in a March 2025 podcast interview with The Straits Times: “Of course, in people’s minds now... their thinking is a good outcome – a PAP government, but with opposition as a check and balance. That’s a good system of government. I don’t disagree.”

"I would like to thank President Tharman and Ong for acknowledging the need for a strong opposition for the betterment of Singapore," Faisal added.

He also said: "Here we are, offering our humble selves to serve Tampines residents and God willing, be the elected representatives of Tampines GRC come May 4."

He said he mentioned May 4 as Polling Day official results will usually be out after midnight.

Polling Day falls on May 3.

Asked for forgiveness from Kaki Bukit residents

Faisal also took the chance to apologise to the Kaki Bukit residents whom he had served for 14 years.

He said: "I would like to say a few words to my former constituents of Kaki Bukit ward of Aljunied GRC. Hopefully I don't cry."

"With full of humility, my heartfelt thanks to you for turning me into a better person in my 14-year life journey with you all."

Pritam Singh rose to pat Faisal on the back

Faisal continued: "Yes, I am sad that my journey has come to an end at Kaki Bukit, but I believe the wonderful residents of Kaki Bukit will understand why I must make this move."

"Again with full sincerity and humility, I seek your forgiveness for all my shortcomings during my 14 years of service in Kaki Bukit. Now allow me to pledge my commitment and recite my oath to you, residents of Tampines GRC," he said.

Faisal continued:

I am a minority candidate, a Malay Muslim. Regardless, I will serve the residents of Tampines GRC, regardless of race, language or religion equally and to the best of my ability.

Similar to how I served my multi-racial and multi-religious communities in my former Kaki Bukit ward.

This is my commitment and my oath, witnessed by all of you and God.

Joked about heart attack

Faisal also joked about his past brush with heart attack.

He said he momentarily thought he had suffered another heart attack in recent days, but realised he was instead feeling the affection shown to him by Tampines residents.

Faisal said:

Earlier yesterday and today, actually I got a bit tingling sensation in my heart. Okay?

As you know, that back in mid-2023, I had gone through a medical procedure for a heart attack.

So, I thought I was having another heart condition.

After a while, I realised that the tingling feeling might be due to a medical condition known as, "Melting heart".

You've heard about this medical condition? No?

It is a condition where I believe any heart started to melt because of so much warmth, support, and patience shown by the residents of Tampines in the last few days.

Welcoming me and my team mates here in Tampines GRC.

It makes me feel like the "balik kampung" feeling.

It makes feel like I am still in Kaki Bukit ward of Aljunied GRC

Looking forward to making Tampines GRC my second home for the next five years.

Top photo via Workers' Party