A roundup of key messages raised by PAP, RP, SDA and WP as they meet in a final by-election face-off today (Jan 26) to contest for Punggol East Single Member Constituency

Workers’ Party: Ms Lee Li Lian, 34, Trainer

Key Messages: 

1. Equal workfare bonus for stay-at-home parents

2. Same parenthood benefit packages (meant for married parents) for single parents 

3. Urged voters to strengthen WP in Parliament so as to push PAP to work harder

Speaking at the WP’s rally on Tuesday, Ms Lee raised the key issues that “take priority” on her list, namely, benefits for stay-at-home and single parents.

She proposed that workfare bonus, that’s currently only paid out to individuals with an income, be extended to stay-at-home parents. That includes infant and child care subsidies that only working mothers are eligible for at present.

She said: "These stay-at-home parents or home makers have chosen to stay at home, to take care of the house and family so that other members of the family can go out to work and attend school and have piping hot meals to serve them when they come home. They are the CEO of the house. But they are given no or very little recognition for their valuable contribution to home and society.”

“They have chosen a profession that is no less important than any salaried job, and have often put their careers on hold to nurture the next generation. They should not be forgotten.”

On single parents, Lee also proposed that more housing options be given to single parents, who are Singapore Citizens, to purchase HDB flats and receive the same parenthood benefit packages as married parents

The youngest candidate amongst the four contesting parties, Ms Lee said, “If I am elected, the immediate and most important thing is to take over the town council and ensure a smooth operation, to serve Punggol East residents and take good care of the constituency…”