On April 24, 2025, Workers’ Party (WP) candidate Siti Alia sparked controversy at a Punggol GRC rally by urging voters to prioritize the Palestine issue. Her remarks, highlighted in a fiery r/SingaporeRaw Reddit thread have drawn sharp criticism from netizens who see her focus as a misstep in Singapore’s pragmatic political landscape.
A Misjudged Rally Cry
Siti Alia’s call to care about Palestine, framed as relevant to voters’ choices, was met with swift pushback. The Reddit thread’s top comment captures the mood.
Netizens argue that international conflicts, however emotive, feel distant from Singaporeans’ daily struggles.
Some worry her remarks could alienate voters in Punggol GRC, a competitive constituency.
Echoes of Raeesah Khan
The thread draws stinging comparisons to Raeesah Khan, the former WP member who resigned in 2021 over false statements in Parliament. Users brand Siti Alia “Raeesah 2.0,” suggesting her Palestine focus risks similar damage to WP’s credibility.
Some commenters show skepticism about the party’s ability to challenge the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) effectively. The criticism paints Siti Alia’s speech as a self-inflicted wound, diluting WP’s appeal on bread-and-butter issues.
Singapore’s Pragmatic Pulse
The backlash reveals deeper tensions about global issues in local politics. Singapore’s official stance on Palestine—neutrality, a two-state solution, and humanitarian aid—contrasts with Siti Alia’s emotive appeal. Netizens on r/SingaporeRaw, argue that a tiny city-state has little sway over Middle East conflicts, urging focus on domestic stability.
Others accuse Siti Alia of pandering, particularly to Muslim voters.
A Risky Road Ahead for WP
While this is a bold move by WP, they run the risk of alienating their supporters. They already have limited candidates and need all the support they can get. This is not a wise move, they need to be more careful about the kind of candidates they field. We don’t want history in the form of the Raeesah Khan saga to repeat itself.
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