Progress Singapore Party (PSP) vice-chairperson Hazel Poa said she is willing to contest in a Single Member Constituency (SMC) to demonstrate her commitment to the party’s calls for electoral reform.
She made the comment during a walkabout in Jurong West on 31 March, 2025, as political parties continue ramping up activities ahead of an anticipated General Election in early May.
Poa told CNA her decision was motivated by the need to align her actions with her words, after Minister-in-charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing implied in Parliament that she had benefitted from the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system.
“I do feel that there’s a need for me to walk my talk,” said Poa. “So I did indicate to the party that I’m willing to run in an SMC, but of course this is still subject to confirmation.”
She added that the party has not yet decided whether she will stay in West Coast-Jurong West GRC or contest an SMC.
In 2023, PSP tabled a motion to abolish the GRC system, arguing that it enables weaker candidates to “ride on the coattails” of more popular figures, compels voters to support ministers, and impedes political diversity by raising the bar for opposition parties.
Chan, speaking during the August 2023 debate, rejected those claims. He pointed to the example of former Workers’ Party chief Low Thia Khiang, whose “star power” contributed to the party’s breakthrough in Aljunied GRC during the 2011 General Election.
Chan also cited the PSP’s own showing in West Coast GRC in 2020, suggesting that it was significantly bolstered by the influence of PSP founder Tan Cheng Bock.
“Maybe you would also agree with me that few would deny that the star power of Dr Tan Cheng Bock has contributed much to PSP’s showing in West Coast in 2020,” Chan said.
The GRC system, introduced in 1988, requires each constituency team to include at least one candidate from a minority racial community to ensure multiracial representation in Parliament.
In the 2020 General Election, the People’s Action Party (PAP) team led by then-transport minister S Iswaran narrowly defeated PSP in West Coast GRC with 51.69 per cent of the vote.
That performance earned PSP two Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) seats, filled by Poa and Leong Mun Wai.
Leong, recently re-elected as PSP’s secretary-general on 26 March, 2025, will lead the party into the next election. Poa, who previously held the role, now serves as vice-chairperson.
Poa said the party’s leadership transition is going smoothly and that she remains actively involved in shaping the party’s direction. She also shared that she has taken on new responsibilities as a foster parent.
“I am excited to be a foster parent, and am confident in Mun Wai’s abilities to manage the party,” she said. “We still work closely together on strategic matters.”
Asked about PSP’s electoral approach, Poa said the party is aiming to be “more focused” compared to its 2020 campaign, where it fielded 24 candidates.
PSP has not yet begun discussions with other opposition parties to avoid three-cornered fights, she confirmed.
“I can’t tell you when it’s going to happen because in a way, we ourselves need to finalise our own plans first before we enter into negotiations,” she said.
During Monday’s walkabout, Poa and a team of PSP volunteers visited coffee shops at Blocks 815 and 851 Jurong West Street 81, meeting residents and distributing flyers.
Shortly after the PSP team left Block 851, PAP MP Ang Wei Neng arrived and also engaged with residents in the area.
Ang, who oversees the Nanyang division in West Coast GRC, said he believes residents are familiar with his team’s contributions and are in the best position to judge their work.
“We welcome competition,” he told CNA.
While the official election date has not yet been announced, the political climate has grown increasingly active, with several parties conducting walkabouts and outreach activities.
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