Pritam Singh said he hoped WP could 'tip 1 or 2 more constituencies' in 2025 GE during 1st-ever S'pore radio interview

In his first Singapore radio interview on Kiss92's "The Big Show", Secretary-General of the Workers' Party (WP) Pritam Singh shared that he had hoped to "tip one or two more constituencies" in the 2025 General Election.

However, the party was unable to do so, although it did hold on to Sengkang GRC and will send two NCMPs, Eileen Chong and Andre Low, to Parliament.

While it was a difficult election for the party and WP came close to its goal, Singh said that the results show that there was still work to do.

He also praised his candidates, saying they performed well and were encouraged by the number of people willing to step up and run in the election.

The makings of a good candidate

When asked about what makes a good candidate, like having a "likeable face" and seeming sincere and knowledgeable, Singh said that such traits are a "good entry" point, but by themselves are not sustainable in the long run.

Singh added that candidates need to be passionate and believe in the cause, and that is what would see them through "the darkest days".

While he acknowledged that certain character traits are attractive in a political candidate, Singh would not place too much emphasis on them.

"You need a balanced personality in many ways, and someone who is prepared to work hard.

Especially in the Opposition, because you don't really have much wind behind you to push you forward.

You've got to create that wind through your own energy and your own effort."

Boundary changes

Responding to a question on boundary changes and how they affected the WP's strategy in the 2025 General Election, Singh described the boundary changes done by the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee as "reset[ting] the playing board", which required the party to "reset" their strategy.

Singh touched on WP's decision not to contest in Marine Parade GRC, a move that sparked anger, sadness and surprise from other opposition parties.

WP was widely expected to contest there, but no prospective candidates showed up at the Kong Hwa School nomination centre on Apr. 23.

Had to pivot in Marine Parade

He mentioned that he had friends in Marine Parade who expected the WP to contest there, but ultimately the party only had "that many cards" in hand.

Singh explained that the WP had been walking the ground for years, and, having done the work all those years and seeing the electoral map, the party had to pivot.

When asked about whether politics in Singapore is fair and if all political parties play by the same rules, Singh replied:

"I think we should always endeavour and nourish a system where the rules are the same for everyone.

And I would like to think that's the road we are on, and we should remain on that road."

Getting in the zone

As Parliament is set to open in September 2025, Singh shared that it's part of the elected Members of Parliament's responsibilities, so he does not feel "tired" when Parliament sits, as it is all about getting into the zone.

"So however you feel about it, you've got to be on top of your game when Parliament sits," he said.

He added that it is a serious place, and it is essential to take Parliament seriously.

While comparing to Parliament in the past with "fierce" debates, Singh acknowledged that Parliament debates these days are different as "a generation has moved on" and "everyone comes to politics differently".

While debates can get heated, Singh said it was the nature of the space.

Singh added that one should anchor themselves by remembering they are not there to put on a show, but to raise issues that people feel strongly about.

Singh also shared at the start of the show that he had accepted the interview invite from Kiss 92 before he went on the podcast Keluar Sekejap, a Malaysian politics podcast hosted by former Malaysian Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and former UMNO Information Chief Shahril Hamdan.

Singh's appearance caused a stir as the People's Action Party called him out for sharing his view on Singapore politics on foreign soil.

WP responded with a statement titled "PAP opposing for the sake of opposing; LO's podcast had no impact on Singapore’s national interests".

Khairy himself commented on the issue, saying the PAP needs to "grow up" and hinting that he would not host his show in Singapore.

Top photos via Pritam Singh/Facebook