PAP was not a "First World" government, and rather that instead the Workers' Party was the hope for a "First World" government. Lee then rebutted on 25 April that if the PAP did not have the capabilities of a "First World" government, Singapore would not have risen up to the First World standards as measured by several world bodies. He added that "The WP under Low Thia Khiang must take this opportunity, having got rid of Jeyaratnam, to begin the process of getting the WP to First World standards." James Gomez (WP) joined in the fray on 28 April, saying "Singaporeans and Singapore are "First World". There is no doubt in my mind, but it does not mean that the government and the PAP are "First World." Don't claim credit. Singaporeans and Singapore are First World, and this is the message I want to leave with you today. You are "First World", Singapore is First World but the PAP government is not." In a news release posted at WP's website on 29 April, Low reiterated that PAP was not a "First World" government and took the opportunity to raise the issue of ministerial pay. He criticised the PAP for not "bench-marking itself politically against the matured Democracies around the world although ministers' salaries are bench-marked against international corporate's standards." Other pre–nomination day events On 14 January, Workers' Party Secretary-General Low Thia Khiang revealed that the party was planning to contest in four GRCs (Ang Mo Kio, Aljunied, Sembawang, and East Coast) and in three SMCs (Nee Soon East, Joo Chiat, and Hougang). Four days later, the Singapore Democratic Alliance had announced its intention to field candidates in three GRCs (Tampines, Jalan Besar and Pasir Ris–Punggol) and five SMCs (Potong Pasir, Choa Chu Kang, Bukit Timah, Ayer Rajah and MacPherson). Sin Kek Tong, Chairman of SPP, will contest in MacPherson SMC. On 3 March, Steve Chia, Secretary-General of National Solidarity Party (NSP) had said that the party planned to contest Chua Chu Kang SMC, Bukit Panjang SMC, and Yio Chu Kang SMC. NSP will also attempt to field a team to contest Jalan Besar GRC. Following the release of the electoral boundaries, Chia expressed disappointment that there were no three-seat or four-seat GRCs that he had suggested in a parliament session. He told The New Paper: "The PAP still wants its MPs to hide behind GRCs. I'm not surprised. I'm disappointed."