Yah Lah But #643 ft. Ravi Philemon - Why We Need “Mosquito Parties”, Going Up Against Tharman & His Reasons for Leaving PSP
Apr 14, 2025
Ravi Philemon, Secretary-General of Red Dot United and a dynamic figure in Singapore's opposition politics, discusses his departure from the Progress Singapore Party. He sheds light on the formation of Red Dot United and the unique approach it brings to the political landscape, emphasizing the importance of smaller parties, affectionately dubbed 'mosquito parties,' for democracy. Ravi also reflects on his campaign experiences against the now-President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, challenges of building a new party, and the significance of inclusivity and discipline in political strategy.
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Independent Campaigning
- Ravi Philemon's 2015 GE campaign was largely independent, raising his own funds and volunteers.
- The experience revealed that voters' priorities often differ from activists', emphasizing financial concerns.
Shifting Perspectives
- Contesting the 2015 GE changed Philemon's perspective, shifting from activism to understanding voters' needs.
- He realized the importance of aligning with voters' financial concerns.
Early Life and Motivation
- Ravi Philemon's family experienced poverty and homelessness, motivating his community involvement.
- They later achieved economic mobility, influencing his early political views.
