Red Dot United’s New Vision – Every Singaporean will get cash transfer and housing reset promises.
Singapore: Red Dot United (RDU) party has brought a new wave in Singapore’s politics, who today launched their manifesto for the upcoming general election. In their 24-page document, RDU has given the vision of a new social contract for the people of the country – in which dignity, opportunity and shared prosperity have been promised to every citizen.
Party secretary-general Ravi Philemon told journalists at RDU headquarters in Ubi, “This manifesto was not created in a vacuum, but we created it by taking feedback from people on the ground. Singapore now needs new 5Cs.”
New 5Cs: A Fresh Framework
RDU has based its manifesto on 5 “Pillars of Progress” i.e. new 5Cs:
- Collective Prosperity
- Citizens Dividend
- Comprehensive Housing Reset
- Caring Healthcare
- Civil Freedom
These new 5Cs are an alternative to the old materialistic 5Cs (Cash, Car, Condo, Credit Card, Country Club), where the focus was only on individual wealth. RDU’s new model promises opportunities and security for every citizen.
Unconditional Cash Transfer: Everyone will get Citizen’s Dividend
The boldest proposal in the manifesto is “Citizen’s Dividend” – an unconditional cash transfer that every Singaporean will get. Philemon said that this will be a real safety net that will help workers during job loss or underemployment.
He said, “Job losses are going to increase in the time of US-China trade war. Many people are fired in Singapore’s reskilling schemes, which is unfair. The springs of the trampoline system have broken – now there is a need for an actual safety net.”
Citizen’s Dividend will start first for vulnerable employees and will later be extended to all Singaporeans. Its aim is to ensure a minimum income floor for all.
How much will it cost?
In response to questions from journalists, Mr. Philemon said that the cost of this dividend scheme will be approximately S$2 billion to S$4 billion, but this money will not come from national reserves.
He said, “We do not believe in draining the reserves. The government has a surplus and if there is a little reform in tax policies, this scheme can be made sustainable.” Comprehensive Housing Reset: A New Future for Every Home
RDU has proposed significant housing reforms. The first is to make every HDB estate eligible for SERS, so that old flats retain value and can be renewed.
RDU’s housing proposals include the following key points:
Expansion of public rental housing
Rent-to-own scheme – which will create a structured homeownership pathway for lower income groups and young singles
Restriction on resale flat purchases for PRs and new citizens (less than 10 years in Singapore), unless they have completed their NS – especially if the lease is less than 79 years.
Citizens-First Hiring Policy & Wellbeing Economy
RDU has proposed to tackle the cost of living crisis at the root level. They say that Singapore must shift towards a “Wellbeing Economy” – with fair wages, secure jobs and citizen-first hiring practices.
In the manifesto, they said, “Work security and wages both must improve. Local businesses must also get moderate rents so that they can thrive and create new jobs.”
Focus on Healthcare and Civil Freedoms
RDU has also kept healthcare in its priorities, which they have defined in the “Caring Healthcare” pillar. They say that healthcare must be accessible and equitable, especially for vulnerable communities.
Along with this, through the Civil Freedom pillar, the party also promised transparent governance and accountable leadership.
Election Slogan: “First-Class Citizens, Fairer Singapore”
RDU is contesting this time’s General Election with a bold slogan – “First-class citizens, fairer Singapore.” The party says that every Singaporean deserves dignity and equal opportunity, not a stratified society where only a few people take advantage of privilege.
Constituencies Where RDU Will Contest
Ravi Philemon confirmed that RDU will this time field its candidates in these constituencies:
Holland-Bukit Timah GRC
Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC
Nee Soon GRC
Jurong Central SMC
Jalan Kayu SMC
This will be RDU’s second General Election. In 2020, they contested from Jurong GRC and secured 25.39% of the vote against the PAP team led by Tharman Shanmugaratnam (now President). Will RDU be able to start new politics?
Red Dot United has set out a vision of a bold and socially inclusive Singapore through this manifesto. While economic inequality and job insecurity are on the rise, RDU’s proposals can appeal to many people – especially youth, lower-income groups and