A day after Singapore’s General Election 2025, Progress Singapore Party (PSP) founder Dr Tan Cheng Bock issued a heartfelt reflection on the party’s defeat, thanking supporters while also drawing attention to the structural challenges PSP had faced in its campaign.
In a Facebook post published on 4 May, Dr Tan wrote, “Together, we stood not just against political opponents, but against an entire machinery who came at us with boundary line changes and limitless resources.”
The 85-year-old leader, who had earlier stated this would be his final general election, framed the party’s struggle as one marked by determination in the face of systemic disadvantage.
Despite fielding candidates in 13 constituencies — a reduced slate from 24 in 2020 — the PSP failed to secure any victories.
Most notably, in West Coast–Jurong East GRC, where expectations had been high due to a strong showing in 2020, the party garnered 39.99% of the vote, down nearly 8 percentage points from the previous general election.
The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), led by Minister for National Development Desmond Lee in that GRC, secured 60.01% of the vote.
Dr Tan offered his congratulations to Minister Lee and his team, noting the gracious tone of their message to PSP and praising the conduct of their campaign.
Dr Tan also spoke directly to disappointed supporters, acknowledging the emotional toll of the campaign.
“You have punched above your weight for PSP,” he said, expressing admiration for their courage and perseverance. He emphasised the scale of the challenge, referring to structural disadvantages such as constituency boundary adjustments and the PAP’s significantly greater campaign resources.
Observers have noted that GE2025 bore similarities to GE2015, when voter preference shifted towards the ruling party amid national concerns. Many commentators have attributed the swing to a desire for political stability during uncertain economic times, including rising costs of living, even when these concerns stem from PAP policies.
PSP’s 2025 campaign had revolved around the slogan “Progress for All” and included policy calls for reducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to 7%, implementing a universal minimum wage, and requiring MPs to declare their assets.
The party also addressed longstanding issues such as HDB lease decay and labour market policies.
In his political broadcast, Dr Tan reiterated the PSP’s commitment to being a “loyal opposition” that could constructively challenge and complement the government.
The absence of parliamentary representation following GE2025 now raises questions about the party’s operational capacity and political relevance moving forward.
The end of Dr Tan’s electoral career marks a leadership transition, with figures such as Leong Mun Wai and Hazel Poa expected to take over.
Both had previously served as NCMPs and donated their annual stipends of S$28,900 to the party, helping to fund key infrastructure such as the party’s headquarters in Bukit Timah.
The loss of this financial support may strain the party’s resources. Whether it can retain its premises — and by extension, maintain morale and grassroots momentum — remains an open question.
Dr Tan concluded his message with a call for continued engagement from young supporters, asserting that PSP remains a platform for future generations.
“The scars we carry will not be marks of defeat,” he wrote, “but lasting reminders that we dared to stand up… for the common good of all Singaporeans.”
As the party reflects on its setback, the broader opposition landscape must also consider how institutional constraints, political culture, and voter behaviour continue to shape the limits of electoral competition in Singapore.
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