Bukit Batok by-election: The volunteers in red
Singapore Democratic Party volunteer coordinator Bryan Lim (third from left), flanked by party volunteers. Photo: Nicholas Yong/Yahoo Singapore
Residents of Bukit Batok have seen them pounding the steps up and down their blocks. They knock on doors, give out flyers, chat up residents at food centres, distribute groceries to needy families and introduce Chee Soon Juan, their party’s candidate for the coming by-election. They are the red polo tee-clad volunteers of the Singapore Democratic Party.
With a by-election triggered by former Bukit Batok Member of Parliament David Ong’s resignation, the SDP machinery has been going into overdrive. Chee is up against lawyer Murali Pillai of the People’s Action Party for the single-member constituency seat. The date for the by-election has yet to be announced.
Volunteers like software developer Clarence Zeng, 32, are putting in up to 14 hours a week, including weekends, helping with the party’s activities. Zeng, who has been helping the party since 2012, said, “People volunteer at their own pace. We have full-time jobs and families to take care, but we will commit whatever we can commit.”
Since Chee announced his candidacy on 20 March, the SDP team and an average of 20 volunteers have been spotted every week in Bukit Batok.
It is hard, sweaty work in sweltering conditions, and doors are sometimes literally slammed in their faces. But SDP volunteer coordinator Bryan Lim, 39, noted, “Going in, the volunteers already know: I cannot be sitting in the office, I cannot be a keyboard warrior. I have to get my hands and feet dirty,” said Lim, a member of the SDP’s central executive committee.
Why do they do it?
SDP volunteer Matthew Tan coordinates with his party mates as they distribute groceries. Photo: Nicholas Yong/Yahoo Singapore
According to Lim, SDP has around 100 active volunteers. The youngest volunteer is 20, while the oldest is 80. Those whomYahoo Singapore spoke to said they are drawn by the party’s liberal democratic agenda. This includes social causes such as poverty, as well as advocating for human rights and constitutional rights.
Irene Tay, 44, a volunteer for the past four years, confessed to being politically “ignorant” before 2012. “There was always this feeling that whatever policy the government came up with, it’s something we cannot control. It’s just like, we take it, never think [sic] there is something we can do as a citizen,” said Tay, who works in the retail industry.
Like Tay, Zeng feels the government does not do enough for the lower-income demographic, calling it a “systemic” problem. The bachelor was also attracted to the party’s “clear ideological approach” which has enabled it to formulate alternative policies. “I did consider joining the National Solidarity Party, but I couldn’t sense any ideological approach from their party. SDP is a place where my input and ideas are welcome.”
The Chee factor
(L-R) Party volunteers Clarence Zeng, Bryan Lim and Matthew Tan discuss their plans, as Chee’s wife Huang Chih Mei looks on. Photo: Nicholas Yong/Yahoo Singapore
While Lim is quick to insist that SDP is not a personality-based party, he concedes that a fair number of volunteers are attracted by the charisma of SDP chief Chee. A controversial figure who drew thousands to SDP rallies last year, Chee also attracts more than his fair share of online vitriol.
“Megalomaniac” and “psychopath” are two terms Zeng often hears being used to describe Chee. “But the labels and what he is just doesn’t fit. He is a very dedicated family man. Someone who’s very steadfast in his stand. He will not bend on his knees and forsake his ideals.”
Staff nurse Daanaa Isa’s, 30, who knows Chee as a family friend, said, “I think Dr Chee is a very good man, and I believe he can make a difference in Singapore. He has a very never-give-up attitude.”
Tay says she was impressed by Chee’s “compassionate heart” and intellect. “He has fought so long. He does not need to do that. I respect his tenacity.”
A long-term commitment
The SDP’s Paul Tambyah and volunteers take a break. Photo: Nicholas Yong/Yahoo Singapore
While social media has helped with recruiting party volunteers, Lim says it is the long period between elections that is the “hardest time” to get through. Lim cites the Chinese proverb san fen zhong re du: Many of them act on the spur of the moment, but cannot sustain their interest.
“Only when the drums start beating harder, then you get all these volunteers coming, and they catch this virus. Then after election, they recover from the virus and tend to taper off,” said Lim with a laugh. “But between the elections, you still must do the work.”
Lim added, “Some volunteers think all opposition parties are the same. They think that we oppose for the sake of opposing. As they go along, maybe some of them realise: Maybe it’s better for me to stay in civil society.”
For now, the party’s volunteers will continue walking the streets of Bukit Batok. Among them will be technician and long-time volunteer Johnny Ho, 69, who has been with the party since 1991. He said, “I will tell residents and voters: Everyone should have a chance. Let Dr Chee speak up in parliament, then you will know whether he is good or bad.”
