SINGAPORE: Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chairman Paul Tambyah will once again face the People’s Action Party (PAP)’s Liang Eng Hwa in Bukit Panjang Single Member Constituency (SMC).
Both candidates were formally nominated on 23 April 2025, Nomination Day for the upcoming General Election.
A rematch of the closest SMC race in 2020
During the previous General Election in 2020, Liang secured 53.73 per cent of the vote in Bukit Panjang, defeating Tambyah in what became the narrowest victory margin among all SMCs that year.
Liang, a managing director at DBS, previously served as a Member of Parliament in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC from 2006 to 2020. He transitioned to Bukit Panjang SMC ahead of the last election.
Tambyah, a senior consultant in infectious diseases at the National University Hospital, has chaired the SDP since 2017.
Known for his articulate public engagements, he has often linked public policy issues with his experience in healthcare.
On Wednesday morning, both candidates arrived at the nomination centre at Methodist Girls’ School about five minutes apart. They exchanged brief greetings from across the road.
Appeals to voters during balcony speeches
In his speech following the confirmation of his candidacy, Liang expressed appreciation to residents for their support over the past five years.
“Bukit Panjang is a much better place today but there’s always more that we can do. With your trust and support, you can count on me again to work very hard for you,” he stated.
Tambyah, addressing supporters shortly after, thanked the 15,576 voters who supported him previously, noting the slim margin and encouraging more to join his cause.
“Vote without fear,” he urged. “Vote for a Singapore where everyone can thrive.”
Tambyah later told the media that the contest remains respectful, calling Liang “gentlemanly” and characterising the race as a matter of differing political visions rather than a personal rivalry.
“It’s not personal. It’s not between me and him. It’s about two different parties and two different visions for Singapore,” he said.
After his speech, SDP supporters celebrated with music, playing a ukulele and singing at the venue.
Singaporeans will cast their votes on 3 May 2025 in the nation’s 14th General Election.
The contest in Bukit Panjang is expected to draw attention once more, given its history and symbolic value.
In a social media post, Tambyah reiterated his message to residents: “We promise that we will work hard for you at home and in Parliament. To speak up so all of us can thrive and not just survive.”
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