Kong Hee Fatt Choy!

Singapore Democrats

“新年快乐, 万事如意! (Happy New Year, may your wishes come true!)” the Singapore Democrats greeted residents as they went about their last minute preparations for the Lunar New Year.

The SDP went on a record-breaking six-hour walkabout starting at eight this morning, visiting its old stomping grounds at Marsiling, Bukit Panjang, Yuhua, and Ghim Moh.

The highlight of the day, however, was at Chinatown at the Tanjong Pagar GRC. The small army of Democrats, appropriately attired in party red (the Chinese colour of prosperity), turned many a-head at the Kreta Ayer food centre.

As members gave the customary oranges to the older residents, Danny our Democracy Bear dished out candy and other goodies to the little ones.

“SDP 加油! (Keep it up)” many shouted as we passed stalls selling traditional Chinese New Year cakes and cookies. Some set off electronic firecrackers to welcome us.

At one of the contituencies, we visited an elderly corner where party leaders gave out ang pows to the residents there. Many were appreciative of the gesture and returned the warm greetings.

Participants boarded a chartered bus at Toa Payoh in the morning and headed to Woodlands. After visiting shoppers at the crowded Marsiling market, we slowly made our way south, stopping along the way at the various wards that we contested in the last GE.

A recurring comment that we heard from the residents was the ministerial salaries. The public was clearly not impressed by the high pay.

One middle-aged man said that he had worked for more than 30 years and his salary is still stuck at $1,300-$1,400.

“But young ministers with no experience get such high pay. Really too much!” he said bitterly.

We assured him and others that we would continue to fight the unjust economic system and income inequality. For that we need the support of all.

“Today’s exercise was a major success in terms of party turnout & crowd response,” head of Ground Operations Bryan Lim said. “Conduct a walkabout of this magnitude in half-a-day, covering five constituencies and mobilizing such resources is a testament of our party’s progress since the last GE.”

And progress is what we wish for all Singaporeans in this year of the Dragon. 万事如意!