Ge2025: Workers’ Party’s Jackson Au Criticises Pap’s Politics Of Fear, Calls For Shift To Hope

SINGAPORE: Workers’ Party’s youngest candidate in Punggol GRC, Jackson Au, delivered a passionate and sharply worded speech at the party’s rally in Anchorvale Crescent, Sengkang, on Thursday night (24 April).

Au, 35, who is also a member of the WP media team, addressed the crowd fervently—criticising the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and calling for a shift from the politics of fear to the politics of hope.

A Call to Serve the People

Au began by explaining his motivation for joining politics, presenting himself as an ordinary Singaporean with a deep desire to contribute.

“I stand before you today not as someone special but as one of you, a proud Singaporean son,” he said.

Rejecting the notion that politics should be reserved for a privileged few, Au added, “I don’t believe that politics should be reserved for an elite class of bureaucrats. It belongs to all of us, citizens of this wonderful country.”

He recounted how he transitioned from being a “keyboard warrior” to stepping forward with the WP, driven by a need to effect real change.

“This belief is what first drew me to the Workers’ Party – to stop being a keyboard warrior and become the change I want to see.”

Promising to serve the residents of Punggol GRC with dedication, Au emphasised the value of every small effort.

“No matter how small, I promise you that I, along with my teammates, will work hard for all Singaporeans.”

He noted that through his work with the WP, he had gained experience in areas essential to the functioning of daily life and asked residents for the chance to serve.

“We will do our part to make life better for all of you.”

Sharp Critique of PAP’s Messaging Approach

Au, who works in communications professionally, used his expertise to critique the PAP’s political messaging, which he claimed had become rooted in fear rather than hope.

“When I look at the way the PAP speaks to us Singaporeans, I see more than a branding issue. I see a clear messaging problem,” he said.

Pointing to a perceived contradiction, he quipped: “For a party with ‘action’ in its name, I think it’s fair for many Singaporeans to ask, ‘Just where exactly is it?’”

He criticised the government’s response to the cost-of-living crisis as superficial, saying it relies too heavily on one-off measures like vouchers and “chicken wing gestures” instead of pursuing meaningful reforms.

Au also took aim at the lack of concrete action on worker protections, noting that the government offers only guidelines rather than enforceable measures.

He added that when it comes to rising home prices, the government merely says it is monitoring the situation.

In Malay, he delivered a stinging rhetorical line: “Hello, what’s this? Your name is ‘action’ but no action?”

Dismissiveness Towards Alternative Voices

Au accused the ruling party of being dismissive and contemptuous towards those who express alternative views.

He noted that, instead of engaging with respect, those who dared to speak up for the interests of Singaporeans are often mocked and spoken to with contempt.

“They call us illiterate, populist, and charlatans,” he said.

He highlighted what he saw as a contradiction in the PAP’s call for diverse views.

“They say they want a diversity of views—as long as your views align with theirs. They say they will walk with you – which is quite ironic given the number of recent MRT breakdowns,” he said, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.

Fear as a Political Tool

Au reserved his strongest criticisms for what he called the PAP’s deliberate use of fear during elections.

He referred to PAP warnings about potential negative consequences should it lose too many seats in Parliament.

“Perhaps more troublingly, they warn you of what might happen if the PAP loses too many seats. They tell you there’s too much at stake.”

“They tell you that there could be a so-called freak election result, that your homes may be neglected and suffer if you vote for the opposition,” he added.

He argued that the PAP’s focus on its own dominance has led to a climate of fear, where any opposition is seen as a threat.

“This reveals how the PAP views its own dominance. If it wins 90% of Parliament again, it’s business as usual. But if Singaporeans dare to vote for a rational, credible, and loyal opposition, it’s seen as a threat.”

Calling for an end to such tactics, Au declared, “The PAP feels it has too much to lose, so it needs you to feel it too. But when it comes down to it, where does the buck stop?”

“I reject the PAP’s message of fear. I do not believe in the politics of fear. I believe in the politics of hope.”

He cited the WP’s stewardship of Sengkang over the past five years as proof that opposition constituencies can flourish.

“The Workers’ Party has been taking care of Sengkang for the last five years. The sky did not fall. These estates did not crumble. The residents did not suffer or repent.”

“I know we can take care of you, the residents of Punggol GRC.”

A Call for Courage and Hope

In closing, Au acknowledged the emotional weight of being WP’s youngest candidate.

“As the youngest candidate contesting in Punggol GRC, I’ll admit it has been a challenge to come forward. Honestly, it’s a little scary too.”

He revealed that even his family and friends had questioned his decision to join the opposition.

In response, he quoted a line from Game of Thrones: “Can a man still be brave if he is afraid? That is the only time a man can be brave.”

With that, he rallied the crowd one final time.

“So I say this to you, my fellow Singaporeans—let us be brave. Let us vote without fear and vote for hope. Vote for the Workers’ Party!”

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