We refer to the Joint MHA-ELD statement of Takedown of Foreign Online Election Advertising dated 25 April 2025 and recent media reports on our Malay-Muslim candidates.
As participants in the General Elections, The Workers’ Party (WP) candidates seek the support of all Singaporeans in the wards they are contesting in. The Workers’ Party does not have control over foreign parties who express support for our candidates. Any imputation of the same is wholly inaccurate.
Second, there have been references made in the media to a meeting involving some of our Malay-Muslim candidates and a Singaporean Islamic religious teacher, one Noor Deros.
In the course of our political work, the Workers’ Party meets with various members of our religious communities, regardless of race or religion. Our religious leaders of all faiths share varied views and opinions on public life in Singapore.
At a meeting with other religious leaders where Noor Deros was present, the Party confirms there were no promises, commitments or agreements made to any individual, including Noor Deros, in exchange for political support for WP candidates.
In Singapore, the principle of keeping religion and politics separate is well established. The WP’s commitment to this principle is a matter of public record.
In Parliament during the debate on the Maintenance of Religious Harmony (Amendment) Bill, Mr Faisal Manap affirmed:
"Religion needs to be kept aside, or apart from politics, so that religion will not be used to gain personal benefit or to benefit any political party."
Mr Pritam Singh added: "Members of Parliament must represent the interests of every community, not just their own, and must be mindful of introducing religion into politics."
The Workers’ Party commits to forge greater understanding among the different communities in Singapore, and push forward policies that benefit Singapore, and more importantly, all Singaporeans.
We remain firmly committed to Singapore’s secular, multi-racial, multi-religious society, and to protecting the integrity of our electoral process.
The Workers’ Party
26 April 2025
