Lord Ripon vs Low Thia Khiang

Lord Ripon's government passed the first Factory Act in India, which regulated child labor by prohibiting employment of children under age seven and limiting working hours for those under twelve. It also required basic safety measures in factories. The act was a pioneering labor reform in colonial India.

Lord Ripon issued a resolution that laid the foundation for local self-government in India. It established municipal and local boards with elected Indian members, aiming to increase Indian participation in administration. This is often called the 'Magna Carta of local self-government' in India.

Lord Ripon repealed the Vernacular Press Act of 1878, which had restricted the freedom of Indian-language newspapers. This action restored press freedom and was welcomed by Indian nationalists, though it was criticized by some British officials as weakening control.

Lord Ripon introduced the Ilbert Bill, which sought to allow Indian judges to try European British subjects in criminal cases. The bill faced intense opposition from the European community in India and was ultimately passed in a diluted form, but it marked a significant step toward judicial equality.

Low Thia Khiang was first elected as MP for Hougang Single Member Constituency, defeating the PAP candidate. He held the seat for 29 years, becoming the longest-serving opposition MP.

Low was elected Secretary-General of the Workers' Party, leading the party for 17 years. He oversaw the party's expansion and electoral successes.

Under Low's leadership, the Workers' Party won Aljunied GRC, the first time an opposition party won a GRC. This was a historic breakthrough in Singapore's electoral landscape.

Low retired from politics and stepped down as Secretary-General of the Workers' Party, handing over leadership to Pritam Singh. He did not contest the 2020 general election.