The National Solidarity Party (NSP) has reaffirmed its intention to contest Sembawang Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in the upcoming General Election (GE), sparking strong reactions online from netizens and residents who have voiced concerns over the potential of a three-cornered fight.
According to a media statement on 6 April 2025, NSP’s secretary-general Spencer Ng confirmed that the party would proceed with its plans to contest the GRC.
He also introduced a new candidate, Raiyian Chia, a 46-year-old swimming coach and private-hire driver, as part of the party’s line-up.
Ng, 45, who will lead the NSP team in Sembawang GRC, made the announcement during a residents’ outreach event at Kampung Admiralty.
He also revealed that NSP is planning to hold discussions with the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) on 9 or 10 April to avoid a three-cornered contest.
The incumbent People’s Action Party (PAP) team in Sembawang GRC currently comprises Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, Lim Wee Kiak, Vikram Nair, Mariam Jaafar, and Poh Li San.
NSP defends long-term presence in Sembawang and questions SDP’s move into newly carved SMCs
In his speech, Ng emphasised that NSP has maintained a consistent presence in Sembawang since 2011 and continues to prioritise grassroots engagement.
He stressed the importance of “meaningful ground-up community work and building trust with residents.”
Ng questioned SDP’s decision to contest Sembawang GRC and the newly carved out Sembawang West Single Member Constituency (SMC), suggesting that SDP has other areas it could focus on.
“We do respect SDP’s choice on where they want to send their candidates for the election,” said Ng.
“But, for NSP, we believe in meaningful ground-up community work. So we would really like to understand why SDP would like to come in… I’m not too sure why.”
The newly formed Sembawang West SMC is one of six new single-seat constituencies introduced for the 2025 election.
In March, SDP chief Chee Soon Juan announced that he would contest Sembawang West SMC following the redrawing of Bukit Batok SMC into the new Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC.
Ng confirmed that discussions with SDP would aim to foster better understanding and potentially avoid a multi-cornered contest.
“NSP is always in for opposition unity,” he said. “We would like to avoid a three-cornered fight or multi-cornered fight as much as possible.”
NSP secured 32.71% in Sembawang GRC during GE2020
In the 2020 General Election, the PAP secured 67.29 percent of the vote in Sembawang GRC, defeating NSP, which garnered 32.71 percent.
The NSP slate then included Ng, assistant treasurer Ivan Yeo, executive council members Sebastian Teo and Yadzeth Hairis, and Sathin Ravindran. SDP last contested the GRC in 2011.
Sembawang GRC has an electorate of 133,919 for the upcoming General Election.
While NSP has sought to showcase new faces such as Chia, who has been walking the ground since 2022, scepticism remains.
Another potential candidate, Verina Ong, has also been spotted at walkabouts but was not present at the April 6 event.
The full slate of NSP candidates will be announced in due course, Ng said.
During the event, Chia spoke about the party’s mission, saying: “NSP has given a chance for everyday Singaporeans to step up and serve. The residents’ concerns are mostly over the rising cost of living, sustainability, and job security.”
Public scepticism mounts as NSP’s Sembawang GRC bid
Despite NSP’s stated willingness to coordinate with SDP, its public commitment to contest Sembawang GRC has been met with criticism online.
Commenting on the Facebook pages of state media outlets such as The Straits Times and CNA, many netizens and self-identified residents of the area took to social media to call on NSP to step aside in favour of SDP, arguing that the party lacks the support and candidate strength to mount a serious challenge.
Some online comments expressed concern that NSP’s involvement could divide the opposition vote, reducing the chances of an SDP victory and potentially benefiting the PAP.
One user summarised the sentiment by writing: “If PAP gets 40%, SDP 35%, and NSP 25%, PAP still wins. This shouldn’t happen.”
Others were more direct in their criticism, calling NSP’s decision “a waste of time and money”, with some urging the party to avoid being a spoiler.
A frequently echoed sentiment was that opposition parties should unify their efforts rather than dilute votes across multiple candidates.
Doubts over candidate quality
One remarked, “I love your courage but not your capability,” while another suggested that the lack of high-profile, experienced candidates could cost NSP their electoral deposits and further damage the credibility of the opposition.
A comment alleged to be from a long-time resident claimed, “I’ve lived in Sembawang for 25 years and have never seen NSP on the ground — not even during elections.”
A number of users expressed broader frustrations about the fragmented state of the opposition, lamenting the inability of parties to consolidate into a single, stronger force to challenge the ruling PAP effectively.
“Opposition parties are not united and not strong enough. We need the best candidates to fight,” one wrote.
Supporters of multi-cornered contest say more choices strengthen democracy
Some welcomed a three-cornered fight, arguing that it could allow residents to hear a broader spectrum of ideas and policies.
One user commented, “Let’s respect all opposition candidates. They are here to make our voices heard.”
He agreed that while Sembawang is a tough battleground, greater competition could strengthen democracy. “Obviously, like all past elections, PM’s ward will never be a walkover. And that’s democracy — what Singaporeans want to see,” read one post.
As the General Election draws closer, the outcome of the upcoming talks between NSP and SDP may determine whether Sembawang GRC sees a two- or three-cornered contest.
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