SINGAPORE: In a surprising shift from its earlier stance, the Workers’ Party (WP) appears to be quietly coordinating with fellow opposition parties—despite public statements suggesting otherwise.

Just days ago, WP chief Pritam Singh told the media that the party does not engage in opposition coordination talks to avoid multi-cornered fights. “It’s an open system, and you can certainly expect more three-cornered fights from here on.” He insisted WP would not step aside for other alternative parties.

Yet, in a quiet reversal, Red Dot United (RDU) has indicated that WP made a request for them to step aside in Jalan Kayu SMC—and RDU agreed.

RDU Secretary-General Ravi Philemon said in a press statement on Tuesday (22 Apr): “After careful deliberation—both with the WP leadership and within our own Election Committee—we have made the difficult decision not to contest in this constituency. This decision was made with one guiding principle: to act in the best interest of the residents of Jalan Kayu, the best interest of Singapore citizens.”

This withdrawal is significant. Kala Manickam, RDU’s ground operations leader, had been working the ward since March, and the party had already invested S$5,000 in its campaign, but RDU stood by its ethos: voter interest above party ambition.

Earlier this month, RDU also exited an opposition coalition it co-founded—again rooted in principle, to avoid three-corner fights. The decision in Jalan Kayu mirrors that principle.

However, the real question is: Why now?

Why would WP—who had not publicly indicated any interest in Jalan Kayu—suddenly move to clear the field just 11 days before Nomination Day?

Connecting the Dots

Rewind to GE2020, when WP clinched Sengkang GRC, defeating a PAP team led by Ng Chee Meng, a Cabinet minister and labour chief. That victory was historic, marking WP’s second GRC and knocking a heavyweight out of Parliament.

Now, in 2025, Ng Chee Meng is eyeing a comeback—this time in Jalan Kayu SMC. WP has not officially decla...