WP's Alexis Dang says she's not limited by comments on her looks, Harpreet Singh calls such comments 'unacceptable'

Society tends to view women politicians in a certain light, said Workers' Party (WP) candidate for Punggol GRC Alexis Dang.

At a May 1 doorstop at Punggol Central, Dang shared her thoughts on people who may make comments or have preconceived notions about her based on her appearance.

People may have expectations about how women politicians like herself should behave and carry themselves, she acknowledged.

But she doesn't let these ideas limit who she is.

"All of us here are multifaceted individuals, so I don't think one image can define us," she said.

She added that on the other hand, she and her Punggol teammate Siti Alia Mattar have been approached by many young girls over the course of the campaign period.

"They really looked up to Alia and I, for stepping forward and for taking an active role in politics to bring about a more balanced system," she told reporters.

"And I think it's a true privilege and an honour for us to be that example for them to start this change."

"Unacceptable"

Her fellow Punggol candidate Harpreet Singh also chimed in on the matter, addressing "unacceptable comments" made about his women teammates' appearances.

"I'm going to chime in on that as a man. This is my message for men out there," he said.

"Those types of comments are unacceptable, and they must stop. We must respect women...we must first and foremost see them as individuals."

He added that his eldest son attended a rally the other night and was angered by some people's comments. While it wasn't the right forum to deal with the matter, he was "very, very proud" of him, he said.

Singh concluded:

"I can say this about our team down here, the men, Jackson [Au] and I — if any man tries to make that kind of comment within earshot of us, you're going to have to deal with us."

Top image by Eileen Lee.