SINGAPORE: Lam Pin Min, the branch chairman of the Sengkang West branch of the People’s Action Party (PAP), showcased a unique twist on local politics by presenting a Labubu doll dressed in a full PAP uniform.

The doll, humorously referred to as his team’s “latest and cutest volunteer,” is catching the attention of netizens and toy collectors alike.

The Labubu doll, which has gained immense popularity among collectors, is known for its versatility as a keychain plush that can be dressed up like a traditional doll.

This particular version is outfitted in a t-shirt emblazoned with the PAP logo, matching pants, and sneakers, complete with a stylish pair of black-framed glasses.

A TikTok video featuring Lam alongside fellow PAP members Elmie Nekmat, Marcus Loh, and Theodora Lai, further popularized the doll.

They were seen passing the Labubu down the line at an HDB void deck before Elmie placed it in front of blue and red NTUC Fairprice tote bags.

The video aimed to highlight a grocery distribution welfare project aimed at assisting senior citizens in Compassvale Crescent.

@vpmlam

Groceries distribution to Sengkang senior citizens at Compassvale Crescent #TeamSengkang #SengkangGRC #PAP4SG #everyvotecounts #TogetherWeCan

♬ original sound – Lam Pin Min – Lam Pin Min

Netizens Advise PAP to Prioritize Policies Over Using Soft Toys to Win Votes

Mixed reactions emerged among TikTok users in the comments section of TikTok and Mothership’s Facebook post.

Some humorously wondered if Labubu had agreed to join the party, while another quipped, “I want the Labubu but without the clothes, can?”

Several comments suggested that the Labubu was a strategic move to attract the Gen Z audience, with one user noting, “Labubu to attract the Gen Z, good move.”

However, A comment cautioned against politicising cartoon characters like Labubu in Singapore’s political landscape.

He questioned whether the PAP team had secured the necessary copyright authorisation to use the cartoon character.

In a more critical tone, some users sarcastically accused the PAP Sengkang team of resorting to desperate measures to win votes ahead of the upcoming General Election in a Workers’ Party ward, while others scrutinised the funding behind the doll’s production.

Additional comments urged the PAP team to focus their campaign on the strength of their policies and their ability to serve residents effectively.

One comment remarked that most seniors would prefer a meal over a doll, questioning the wisdom of spending money on such initiatives for the election.

The Labubu character, an elf with sharp teeth, a mischievous grin, and long bunny-like ears, was created by Hong Kong-born, Belgium-based artist Kasing Lung.

Initially introduced in children’s books in 2015, Labubu has since transformed into a designer toy after Lung secured a licensing agreement with the billion-dollar Chinese toy company, Pop Mart.

Labubu’s popularity skyrocketed earlier this year, particularly in Southeast Asia, following its association with Blackpink’s Lisa, leading to sell-outs in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore.

CHINA: A 10-year-old boy, a dual citizen of Japan and China, succumbed to injuries after being stabbed while on his way to school in Shenzhen on Wednesday (18 September) morning.

The incident has raised alarms within the Japanese community in China and could further strain already tense Sino-Japanese relations.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the boy was attacked in the abdomen near a Japanese school and was transported to a hospital for emergency treatment.

Despite efforts to save him, he died of his wounds early Thursday.

The assailant, a 44-year-old man, was arrested by police near the scene.

The motivations behind the attack remain unclear, and it is uncertain whether the boy was specifically targeted due to his nationality.

A local Japanese businessman expressed concerns for the safety of the community, advising vigilance and caution when speaking Japanese in public spaces.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned the stabbing as an “extremely despicable crime” and called for prompt information sharing from Beijing regarding the investigation.

昨日、中国広東省深圳市で男に襲われた深圳日本人学校の児童が、１９日未明に逝去されたとの報告を受けており、深い悲しみを禁じ得ません。心からのお悔やみを申し上げます。
極めて卑劣な犯行であり、重大かつ深刻な事案と受け止めています。

— 岸田文雄 (@kishida230) September 19, 2024

The Chinese Foreign Ministry, represented by spokesman Lin Jian, expressed condolences and emphasized the commitment to protecting foreign nationals in China.

Lin noted that such incidents could occur in any country and downplayed the potential impact on bilateral exchanges.

Eyewitness accounts described the chaotic scene, with the boy receiving immediate medical attention from passersby.

His mother was present during the attack.

This incident follows a similar knife attack in Suzhou in June, which left a Japanese mother and child injured.

In response to both attacks, Japanese officials have reiterated their demand for enhanced safety measures for their nationals in China.

Wednesday also marked the 93rd anniversary of a significant historical event—Japan’s bombing of a railroad track near Shenyang, which contributed to the Manchurian Incident and subsequent occupation of northeastern China during World War II.

In light of this, Japan had previously requested the Chinese government to bolster security at Japanese schools.

In mourning, Japan’s Ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi, ordered the national flag at the embassy to be flown at half-staff and planned to visit Shenzhen to meet the victim’s family.

The Japanese consulate in Guangzhou reported that local government officials had also extended their condolences.

Community responses in Shenzhen reflected a mix of shock and sorrow, with residents leaving flowers at the entrance of the Japanese school.

One local expressed shame over the incident as a Chinese national, while another voiced concern over the implications for Sino-Japanese relations.

As diplomatic tensions have already been heightened by issues such as espionage allegations against Japanese nationals and trade disputes, including a ban on Japanese seafood following the Fukushima disaster, this tragic event may exacerbate existing challenges.

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China has urged both governments to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens and seek clarity on the incident.

The investigation into the stabbing continues, with officials pledging to hold the perpetrator accountable under Chinese law.