Opposition SDA joins in debate over WP's manifesto

SINGAPORE : The Singapore Democratic Alliance has joined in the debate over the Workers' Party recent manifesto.

It urged the public not to be swayed by criticisms levelled by the People's Action Party at the manifesto, saying this is an election tactic.

In a statement issued by SDA Chairman Chiam See Tong on Thursday evening, the SDA said it is not for the PAP to say that it is right and the WP is wrong.

Instead, he said this is a decision for the voters to make at the polls.

Speaking up for the WP, Mr Chiam said it advocates things that are good for the workers, which the PAP had similarly promised in the past but reneged on.

He says these included a cut in the employers' CPF contribution which he said went against previous PAP manifestos.

Mr Chiam said the WP's call to have more subsidies for the needy is "relatively mild" compared to what was outlined in PAP's past manifestos.

These, the SDA Chairman said, detailed the state's duty to provide for the sick, those who are unable to work for one reason or another, the young, aged or disabled through industrial injuries.

Just last month, the opposition parties had come to an agreement to avoid three-cornered fights in the constituencies they are eyeing for the next general election.

Mr Chiam said: "I think it is to show Singaporeans that the opposition is working together, they are united. The unity of the opposition is what the people want. On our part, we have already got 4 opposition parties to come together. The way the PAP minister attacked one opposition party, I think it is only right we speak up."

Mr Chiam said the SDA's own manifesto will be out in due course.

In the past week, the PAP had criticised the Workers' Party manifesto, saying it contains 'four time bombs' that are dangerous to Singapore.

These include abolishing grassroots committees, removing the ethnic quota for public housing, doing away with the Elected Presidency and having more subsidies for the needy. - CNA/de/dt