PAP Sengkang shows off Labubu; netizens question motive
The latest recruit for the PAP Sengkang team isn't your average volunteer. This one sports a mischievous grin, pointy ears, and comes in a pint-sized package – it's Labubu, the popular cartoon character, now sporting a PAP get-up.
Mr Lam Pin Min, branch chairman of the PAP Sengkang West branch, proudly showed off the doll decked out in full PAP regalia – a party logo t-shirt, matching pants, sneakers and a pair of trendy, black-framed glasses.
The doll's debut came in a TikTok video featuring Mr Lam alongside fellow PAP members Elmie Nekmat, Marcus Loh, and Theodora Lai.
Passing Labubu between them at an HDB void deck, the video highlighted a grocery distribution project for seniors in Compassvale Crescent.
@vpmlam Groceries distribution to Sengkang senior citizens at Compassvale Crescent #TeamSengkang #SengkangGRC #PAP4SG #everyvotecounts #TogetherWeCan ♬ original sound - Lam Pin Min
"So cute! I liike the Labubu's PAP clothing. Selling?" asked a netizen.
But not everyone was charmed by the cuddly campaign tactic.
"Why you go politicise Labubu? It's not right," said one netizen.
Another questioned: "Did Labubu agree to join the party?"
The initiative also drew criticism from those who saw it as a desperate attempt to win votes in a Workers' Party ward.
"Only see this when election is coming," added one user. "Create your own mascot! Don't use Labubu, too lovable."
Another quipped: "Once again, efforts put to all these useless things when what we want is consistency in the day-to-day."
The Labubu doll, the brainchild of Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, has seen its popularity explode in recent months, particularly in South-east Asia.
The character's association with Blackpink's Lisa has further fuelled its desirability, leading to sell-out collections across the region.
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