Good evening Singaporeans, my name is Lee Li Lian, candidate for Punggol East SMC. We have come to our last rally and we know that you have taken precious time to be here. On behalf of WP, we thank you for coming.
In the past 9 days, I’ve worked hand in hand with a group of trusted and passionate volunteers who come from all walks of life, from age 20 to 60. They were there for me when I was elected in 2013, and have been helping me in my MPS, house visits, parliamentary work and other grassroots activities. When the election was called, they stepped up readily to offer help, some taking leave from work while others try to help around their work schedule. I am very grateful for their support. I wouldn’t be standing here today if not for them, and I would like to thank them very much for their hard work.
Our volunteers are truly testament to changing times. There was a time where opposition parties had only a handful of volunteers. People were fearful or suspicious. Even if they wanted to help, they were cautious about getting too involved. Today, people are brave. They are willing to come forward because of what they believe in, to openly support us because they want to see change. Because they believe the country needs to head in a different direction. Because they want to empower their future.
It is the same for all of you here today. Our supporters and residents who are curious about what we have to say. This is all part of empowering your future and getting involved. Having a stake in your country. And this is what motivates me to stand here today.
In the last 2.5 years of being an MP, I have dedicated time to bring up issues that matter to you, both national and municipal. Many of the parliamentary questions I’ve filed are from listening to your concerns and feedback during my house visits.
The government is accusing us of not having good proposals and ideas. I want to share with you some of the ideas that the government implemented which is similar with ours. Many of the policy changes that took place after GE2011 corresponded with our GE2011 Manifesto proposals.
- In our 2011 Manifesto, we said, to recognize the important role of fathers in sharing the responsibilities of infant care, paternity leave of at least 6 days, half of which will be funded by the government, should be introduced. Since 2013, working and self-employed fathers are entitled to 1 week of Government-Paid Paternity Leave for all births, capped at $2,500 including CPF contributions.
- In our 2011 Manifesto, we said, Concession passes on public transport for the elderly should be extended to all operating hours. In late 2011, it was announced that senior citizens would enjoy all-day cheaper fares when traveling with concession passes.
- In our 2011 Manifesto, we said, to make public transport affordable to the disabled, the government should fund disabled transport concessions, in line with the best practices in other developed countries. Transport concession for the disabled was implemented in 2014.
- The plight of single mothers was brought up repeatedly in Parliament as well as by civil society. This group of mothers is not at all recognized as mothers with children to take care of simply because they are unmarried. Finally in May 2013, the government announced that single mothers will be entitled to take childcare and infant care leave. However, we know that there are other things which they are not entitled to, such as tax reliefs, family nucleus for buying HDB flat and 16 weeks of maternity leave. What the PAP is missing in this, is empathy – not just for the mother, but also for the child. A single mother requires more support, not less, to raise a healthy, financially and emotionally supported child. Recently, Mr Tan Chuan Jin announced that this discrimination towards single mothers would be reviewed.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this collective weight of your vote has seen the Government scale back, and listen to you, where they were not listening before.
What this goes to show is that only by speaking up continuously, relentlessly and persistently, only by reminding the government of issues that are affecting Singaporeans, will they hear you. If you do not speak up, you cannot be angry that your voice has not been heard! And where you feel you cannot speak up, the Workers Party and I are here to speak for you!
Fellow Singaporeans, this is the power of your vote.
Your vote can change things. Your vote can correct things. Your vote can empower your future.
Tomorrow is cooling off day.
Take this time to think about the kind of future you want for your children, your grandchildren. Take this time to digest what we have shared during our rallies and then find out about the work we have done over the last four years to be your voice.
On Sep 11, empower your future, and the future of Singapore by voting in the Workers Party in Aljunied, Hougang, Marine Parade, Nee Soon, Feng Shan, Macpherson, Seng Kang West, Jalan Besar, East Coast and vote for me Lee Li Lian in Punggol East.
Vote fearlessly.
Vote Workers’ Party, empower your future!