Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) secretary-general Chee Soon Juan will stand as a candidate in the newly established Sembawang West Single Member Constituency (SMC) at the 2025 general election.
The announcement was made on 23 March 2025 during a walkabout in the constituency. Flyers distributed to residents featured a message from Dr Chee, affirming his commitment to serve the community.
“My decision to stand here is fueled by a steadfast commitment to you and your family,” Dr Chee wrote in the flyer.
He referenced his past efforts in the former Bukit Batok SMC, saying he had “poured (his) energy, dedication and organisational competence into serving the residents” there.
Dr Chee first contested Bukit Batok SMC during the 2016 by-election, securing 38.8 per cent of the vote. In the 2020 general election, he improved his performance, receiving 45.2 per cent of the vote.
Following the recent changes to electoral boundaries, Bukit Batok SMC has been merged into the newly created Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC.
“That means I have to leave Bukit Batok, and I do it with a heavy heart. You don’t spend 10 years getting to know the residents, building up the community, entering the lives of the residents there and then have it yanked away from you with the stroke of a pen without feeling that void,” Dr Chee said.
He pledged to carry his previous experience and enthusiasm at the dissolved SMC into his campaign for Sembawang West.
“And I am ready to bring the same passion to Sembawang West,” he said.
“I believe that Sembawang West is not just a constituency, but a vibrant community full of promise – one that can shine as a beacon for all of Singapore,” he added.
The Sembawang West SMC was established following recommendations from the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC), which released its report earlier in March.
The SMC was carved out from the Sembawang Group Representation Constituency (GRC), where population growth has led to a realignment of constituencies.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who serves as the anchor minister for Sembawang GRC, stated that the changes were expected.
According to him, the area has seen significant population growth due to new housing developments and increased residential density.
“The change is not surprising as more residents have moved into Sembawang, and the population has expanded considerably over the past few years,” said Mr Ong, as cited by The Straits Times.
While Dr Chee is the first confirmed candidate for Sembawang West SMC, the National Solidarity Party (NSP) has also indicated its interest in contesting the seat.
The NSP has not yet officially named a candidate, but their intent was signalled shortly after the EBRC report was made public.
It remains unclear whether the People’s Action Party (PAP) will field Ms Poh Li San, current Member of Parliament (MP) for the Sembawang West division under the GRC, in the new SMC.
Poh has served as part of the five-member team representing Sembawang GRC since 2020, alongside Mr Ong, Mr Vikram Nair, Dr Lim Wee Kiak and Ms Mariam Jaafar.
She was also spotted at the SDP gathering along with her volunteers on Sunday.
Dr Chee added that the party’s chairman, Professor Paul Tambyah, will once again contest Bukit Panjang SMC, where he previously stood in the 2020 General Election.
The SDP has yet to disclose further details of its broader campaign strategy, including whether additional candidates will be fielded in nearby constituencies.
With the formation of new SMCs and GRCs, the 2025 general election is expected to feature competitive races in several redefined areas, including Sembawang West.
Dr Chee’s candidacy marks his continued involvement in electoral politics after several high-profile contests. Despite never securing a parliamentary seat, he remains a central figure in Singapore’s opposition landscape.
The exact date of the 2025 general election has not yet been announced, but political parties have begun preparations, with new candidates and re-drawn constituencies shaping the landscape ahead.
The post Chee Soon Juan to contest newly formed Sembawang West SMC in 2025 general election appeared first on The Online Citizen.
