Progress Singapore Party (PSP) founder Tan Cheng Bock has confirmed his intention to contest the upcoming General Election.
The 84-year-old political veteran made the announcement during a walkabout at Clementi 448 Market and Food Centre on 23 February 2025.
“As long as I am able and I’m still relevant, I will be around… you all will see me there,” Dr Tan told reporters when asked about his political plans.
When pressed further on whether he would be present at the nomination centre on nomination day, he responded, “That’s a natural conclusion, right?”
Dr Tan, a former Member of Parliament for Ayer Rajah SMC from 1980 to 2006 under the People’s Action Party (PAP), reaffirmed his commitment to public service.
“I think so long as I am relevant, and I think the country needs people, and I feel that I can contribute to the country, I cannot shirk that duty,” he said.
Addressing concerns about his health, he reassured reporters, “Look at me, I can still talk to you, I can still answer questions.”
He added that he undergoes annual medical check-ups, with his latest results being satisfactory.
During the walkabout, Dr Tan was accompanied by around 20 PSP members and volunteers, including Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) Leong Mun Wai and Hazel Poa, who is also the party’s secretary-general.
The event took place in Jurong GRC, rather than West Coast GRC, where PSP had contested in the 2020 General Election.
Explaining the decision, Dr Tan said that West Coast GRC is “too big” and that the redrawing of electoral boundaries could affect constituencies.
“We have so many neighbours, we do not know what’s going to happen after the redrawing,” he said. “We could be part of them, and they could be part of us.”
In the 2020 General Election, Dr Tan led PSP’s team in West Coast GRC, securing 48.32% of the vote but ultimately losing to the PAP team.
Other former PSP candidates spotted at the walkabout included Jeffrey Khoo (West Coast GRC), Harish Pillay (Tanjong Pagar GRC), and Lim Cher Hong (Pioneer SMC).
A new face, 36-year-old Stephanie Tan, was also present at the doorstep interview with the media. She is described in PSP’s newsletter The Palm as a full-time housewife with two young children and a law graduate from the National University of Singapore.
She has been seen participating in the walkabout since July last year.
In her Palm newsletter write-up, she questioned whether young children should be subjected to high-stakes national exams like the PSLE, arguing that excessive academic pressure can harm their mental well-being and love for learning.
She also suggested that Singapore rethink its approach to exams, citing Hong Kong’s decision to abolish its PSLE equivalent.
When asked whether she would be a candidate, Dr Tan remained tight-lipped, saying, “Are you asking me my secret? I’m not telling you, you will see it on nomination day.”
Dr Tan emphasised the importance of bringing in new candidates. “Our country (has) got to be run by new people,” he said.
“They will be the ones who craft all the policies for the future … The day we are afraid that all you young people come to take my seat, I think we are gone.”
The PSP party conference, scheduled for next month, will see the election of the next Central Executive Committee.
Dr Tan acknowledged that changes are expected, saying, “I think it is good also, because there will be a renewal and change, some people may feel they are tired, (others) may want to come and take over … I think it’s a good thing.”
Mr Leong added that the party remains focused on the upcoming election, saying, “We are 120 per cent focused on the election preparation, any change at the party conference will just be part and parcel of the democratic process.”
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