The Workers’ Party (WP) is a center-left political party in Singapore that was founded in 1957. Over the years, it has been a key player in the country’s politics and has advocated for social democracy, workers’ rights, and greater political diversity.
History:
The Workers’ Party was established by a group of left-wing unionists and intellectuals who believed in workers’ rights and social justice. The party was initially formed to represent the interests of blue-collar workers, but it later broadened its appeal to include white-collar workers, professionals, and the middle class. The party’s first electoral success came in 1981, when it won a by-election in the Anson constituency. Since then, the party has been a constant presence in Singapore’s political scene.
Political Program:
The Workers’ Party has a comprehensive political program that focuses on four key areas: economic growth and social justice, political reform, cultural identity, and environmental sustainability. The party advocates for a more egalitarian society, where wealth and power are distributed more fairly. It also seeks to promote political diversity and greater accountability from the ruling party. The party is committed to preserving Singapore’s cultural heritage and protecting the environment.
Successes:
The Workers’ Party’s biggest success came in the 2011 general election, when it won control of the Aljunied Group Representation Constituency (GRC). This was a historic moment for the party, as it was the first opposition party to win a GRC in Singapore’s history. The party’s leader at the time, Low Thia Khiang, was elected as the Member of Parliament for the constituency. The party has also won several other seats in the Parliament over the years, including two more GRCs in the 2020 general election.
Failures:
Despite its successes, the Workers’ Party has also faced several setbacks over the years. The party has been criticized for being too closely aligned with the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) on certain issues, particularly in the area of economic policy. The party has also been accused of lacking a clear and coherent political program, which has made it difficult for it to win over voters in certain constituencies.
Leaders:
The Workers’ Party has had several leaders over the years, including J. B. Jeyaretnam, Low Thia Khiang, and Pritam Singh. Jeyaretnam was the party’s first secretary-general and was known for his outspoken criticism of the ruling party. Low Thia Khiang served as the party’s secretary-general from 2001 to 2018 and was instrumental in the party’s electoral successes. Pritam Singh is the current secretary-general of the party, having taken over from Low in 2018. Under his leadership, the party has continued to be a key player in Singapore’s political scene.
The Workers’ Party has been an important force in Singapore’s politics for over six decades. While the party has faced challenges along the way, it has also achieved significant successes, particularly in recent years. With its commitment to social justice, political diversity, and environmental sustainability, the Workers’ Party continues to play an important role in shaping Singapore’s future. Also learn about The Debate on Democracy and Authoritarianism in Singapore: Perspectives from Foreign Experts.
