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Yesterday, 10:48 AM
GE2025: Are independent candidates a new force to be reckoned with? | Deep Dive podcast
https://youtu.be/ITpvsLuyAUQ?si=Vyvqk5_IXuXJWvFN
Of course. Here is a summary of the key points from independent candidates Jeremy Tan and Darryl Lo from the CNA Deep Dive podcast.
Overall Summary
Jeremy Tan (Mountbatten SMC) and Darryl Lo (Radin Mas SMC) are two independent candidates who successfully kept their election deposits in the recent General Election. They discussed their motivations for running, the challenges they faced, their distinct campaign platforms, and their future in politics. A key shared challenge is the uncertainty of electoral boundaries, which makes it difficult to plan long-term groundwork.
Key Points from Jeremy Tan
Experience & Support: He described the support he received as "overwhelming," growing from a handful of friends to a team of 500 volunteers by Nomination Day.
Campaign Platform (Big Picture & Bitcoin): His campaign focused on large-scale national and economic issues.
He sees a housing crisis where homes are treated as appreciating retirement assets, which he believes is unsustainable.
His main proposal is for Singapore to invest a portion of its national reserves in Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical tensions between the US and China.
He is very firm on this stance, stating, "I'm early, but I know I'm right."
Challenges Faced: He was frequently "scolded" by residents who were more concerned with local municipal issues (e.g., pigeons, cleanliness) than his parliamentary-level proposals. He is also used to rejection from his previous sales jobs.
Future Plans: He is open to running again and has had conversations with other parties. He is looking for a "pro-business" party that aligns with his views.
Key Points from Darryl Lo
Experience & Motivation: He ran to bring attention to smaller, specific issues that he feels the government has no "defensible solution" for. His personal motivation was also to overcome his extreme shyness, and the campaign forced him out of his shell.
Campaign Platform (Niche & Specific): In contrast to Jeremy, his platform was targeted and specific.
His main policy proposal was to increase the penalties for drink driving, an issue he feels is on the rise without adequate deterrence.
Challenges Faced: His biggest challenge was the language barrier, as he struggled to communicate effectively in Mandarin and dialects with senior residents in his constituency.
Funding: He spent $12,000 of his own money on his campaign (flyers, etc.) and refused donations, as he felt it was wrong to ask for money when people are struggling with the cost of living.
Future Plans: He is likely to run again as he feels his work is unfinished. He has been approached by "smaller parties" and is currently looking for a job in tech policy.
Shared Advice for Aspiring Candidates
Both candidates encourage young people who are interested in politics to get involved, even in small ways. Their advice includes:
Start by writing to your MP about local issues.
Volunteer for a cause or a party to understand the groundwork.
Most importantly, run a clean campaign that focuses on ideas and avoids "mudslinging."
https://youtu.be/ITpvsLuyAUQ?si=Vyvqk5_IXuXJWvFN
Of course. Here is a summary of the key points from independent candidates Jeremy Tan and Darryl Lo from the CNA Deep Dive podcast.
Overall Summary
Jeremy Tan (Mountbatten SMC) and Darryl Lo (Radin Mas SMC) are two independent candidates who successfully kept their election deposits in the recent General Election. They discussed their motivations for running, the challenges they faced, their distinct campaign platforms, and their future in politics. A key shared challenge is the uncertainty of electoral boundaries, which makes it difficult to plan long-term groundwork.
Key Points from Jeremy Tan
Experience & Support: He described the support he received as "overwhelming," growing from a handful of friends to a team of 500 volunteers by Nomination Day.
Campaign Platform (Big Picture & Bitcoin): His campaign focused on large-scale national and economic issues.
He sees a housing crisis where homes are treated as appreciating retirement assets, which he believes is unsustainable.
His main proposal is for Singapore to invest a portion of its national reserves in Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical tensions between the US and China.
He is very firm on this stance, stating, "I'm early, but I know I'm right."
Challenges Faced: He was frequently "scolded" by residents who were more concerned with local municipal issues (e.g., pigeons, cleanliness) than his parliamentary-level proposals. He is also used to rejection from his previous sales jobs.
Future Plans: He is open to running again and has had conversations with other parties. He is looking for a "pro-business" party that aligns with his views.
Key Points from Darryl Lo
Experience & Motivation: He ran to bring attention to smaller, specific issues that he feels the government has no "defensible solution" for. His personal motivation was also to overcome his extreme shyness, and the campaign forced him out of his shell.
Campaign Platform (Niche & Specific): In contrast to Jeremy, his platform was targeted and specific.
His main policy proposal was to increase the penalties for drink driving, an issue he feels is on the rise without adequate deterrence.
Challenges Faced: His biggest challenge was the language barrier, as he struggled to communicate effectively in Mandarin and dialects with senior residents in his constituency.
Funding: He spent $12,000 of his own money on his campaign (flyers, etc.) and refused donations, as he felt it was wrong to ask for money when people are struggling with the cost of living.
Future Plans: He is likely to run again as he feels his work is unfinished. He has been approached by "smaller parties" and is currently looking for a job in tech policy.
Shared Advice for Aspiring Candidates
Both candidates encourage young people who are interested in politics to get involved, even in small ways. Their advice includes:
Start by writing to your MP about local issues.
Volunteer for a cause or a party to understand the groundwork.
Most importantly, run a clean campaign that focuses on ideas and avoids "mudslinging."
