Red Dot United calls for transparent KPIs and greater accountability at third GE rally

Red Dot United (RDU) on 30 April, 2025, strongly criticised government agencies and ministerial salaries at its third rally for the General Election, calling for greater transparency and accountability across the public sector.

The rally was held at the field at Boon Lay Way in Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, one of four constituencies where RDU is fielding candidates.

RDU candidate Pang Heng Chuan, speaking to a crowd gathered under overcast skies, said governance in Singapore had lost its “sense of responsibility”. He called for all ministries and statutory boards to adopt public key performance indicators (KPIs) that are “clear, measurable and transparent”.

Mr Pang, a 56-year-old company director contesting in Nee Soon GRC, argued that if ministers are to receive million-dollar salaries, they should also accept CEO-level accountability.

“In the private sector, individuals are held accountable for results. If you overspend, you answer for it. If your team fails, you step up,” he said. “Ministers want CEO pay, fine. Then they must accept CEO accountability.”

The party reiterated that failures must have real consequences. “If major lapses occur, we expect resignations, not just a press release,” Mr Pang added.

Calling for a more active and independent legislature, he emphasised that Parliament “must not be a rubber stamp”, and large projects should undergo independent risk evaluations before approval.

He also criticised the existence of what he described as “bloated ministries”, suggesting the removal of roles like mayors and parliamentary secretaries without defined portfolios. Resources should instead be redirected to essentials such as housing, healthcare, and eldercare.

Sharad Kumar, RDU’s candidate for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, reinforced the party’s accountability message. He cited incidents involving senior ministers, including the Ridout Road property rental controversy and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan’s hot mic remark, as signs of eroding public trust.

“This is not about one mistake. This is about a troubling pattern,” said Mr Kumar. “If ministers can live like aristocrats while young families struggle for basic housing, something has gone terribly wrong.”

Marcus Neo, leading the RDU team in Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, raised issues around local employment. He highlighted his personal experience with a foreign HR manager, which ended in court, to illustrate the need for a “citizens-first” hiring policy.

While acknowledging the value of foreign talent, Mr Neo insisted on the need for balanced immigration policies and legal safeguards to ensure equal opportunities for Singaporeans in the workforce.

“We need to be dead honest with ourselves. Are we giving our own people a fair shot?” he asked.

Candidate Liyana Dhamirah echoed the theme of dignity and equality for locals. “It’s time to raise the standard,” she said. “Singaporeans are not asking for riches, but for dignity—to be treated as first-class citizens in their own country.”

Emily Woo, contesting in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, spoke on the party’s proposed “citizen’s dividend”—a regular, unconditional payout that would recognise Singaporeans’ lifelong contributions to the country.

“It’s not a handout. It’s a recognition,” said Ms Woo, a 59-year-old music teacher.

RDU’s secretary-general Ravi Philemon addressed the crowd toward the end of the rally, as light rain fell and a lightning warning was issued. He said he told fellow candidates to put away their umbrellas.

“If we can’t brave the rain for our people, how will they trust us?” said Mr Philemon, who is also contesting in Nee Soon GRC.

Jurong Central SMC candidate Kala Manickam concluded the rally by drawing a contrast between herself and her opponent, PAP’s Xie Yao Quan. While acknowledging that Mr Xie is perceived as approachable and active on the ground, she criticised his parliamentary performance.

“Many residents say, ‘He’s a nice person, but he doesn’t speak up for us in Parliament,’” she said.

Ms Manickam, 52, reassured voters that constituency development plans would continue even under opposition representation. “These budgets are already planned. Your vote is secret. There is no risk in voting for the opposition, but there is something to gain—a true voice in Parliament.”

The rally concluded with all 13 RDU candidates taking the Singapore pledge together onstage, signalling their commitment to their vision of reform and accountability.