The National Solidarity Party (NSP) confirmed on 20 April, 2025, that it will contest Sembawang and Tampines GRCs in the upcoming General Election, despite strong online criticism and growing public calls for the party to withdraw in favour of more prominent opposition players.
At a media briefing outside Kampung Admiralty, party chief Spencer Ng also announced that NSP will step aside in Sembawang West and Tampines Changkat SMCs, along with Jalan Besar, Marine Parade-Braddell Heights, and Marsiling-Yew Tee GRCs.
Ng defended the party’s decision, citing the need for “responsible engagement” and a commitment to unity within the opposition bloc.
He stated, “This is not about giving up. It’s about showing up differently,” adding that NSP’s strategy reflects maturity and the prioritisation of national interest.
However, the announcement sparked a flurry of reactions online, many of them critical.
Numerous netizens questioned NSP’s visibility over the past five years, with some remarking they only see the party “in orange shirts during GE season.”
Others accused the party of diluting opposition efforts by pushing ahead with plans to contest in seats where parties like the Workers’ Party (WP) and Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) have stronger ground presence.
A common refrain was for NSP to “keep their deposit” — a reference to the financial risk of losing S$13,500 per candidate if less than 12.5% of votes are secured.
In response to suggestions that NSP swap Sembawang GRC for another ward like Holland-Bukit Timah, Ng used an analogy involving the “trading of wives”, which drew widespread condemnation.
Several online users called the analogy “distasteful” and “off-putting”, with one commenter saying, “After I watched that clip, I’m done with this party.”
Despite the pushback, Ng reiterated that NSP has put in substantial work on the ground, particularly in Sembawang.
He confirmed that he will lead the NSP slate in the five-member GRC, joined by swimming coach and private-hire driver Raiyian Chia.
This seat is expected to feature a three-cornered fight among the incumbent People’s Action Party (PAP), SDP, and NSP.
SDP leader Chee Soon Juan is expected to contest the newly carved-out Sembawang West SMC, while his party has also fielded potential candidates for the main GRC.
NSP’s stance has created tension within opposition circles. Red Dot United recently withdrew from the informal alliance known as The Coalition, citing concerns about NSP’s decision to go head-to-head with SDP.
In Tampines, a similarly crowded contest is emerging. PAP’s team, led by Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli, is set to face challenges from WP, the People’s Power Party (PPP), and NSP.
WP has introduced Jimmy Tan as a possible candidate. NSP’s slate includes president Reno Fong and vice-president Mohd Ridzwan Mohammad, both of whom contested the same ward in 2020, alongside three new faces.
Some online commenters urged NSP to “step aside for WP,” suggesting the Workers’ Party had stronger traction in the area.
Others questioned NSP’s preparedness, citing a lack of engagement on policy issues and local affairs between elections.
Ng acknowledged the challenges posed by potential three-cornered fights, warning against complacency.
“Let us not be disillusioned that the PAP can be easily dislodged,” he said.
During Sunday’s walkabout, NSP members distributed durians and engaged with residents. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who previously led PAP’s Sembawang team, was nearby and exchanged greetings with Ng.
Still, criticism remains. One netizen labelled the party “No Sense Party,” while others accused it of “wasting time and effort.”
Some raised concerns that the continued fragmentation of opposition efforts would only benefit the PAP by splitting the anti-establishment vote.
Several comments pointed out that aside from WP, most opposition parties appeared disorganised and unable to field compelling candidates.
Despite the storm, NSP remains committed to its course. It will only announce its full candidate line-up on Nomination Day.
Whether the party’s strategy of principled contestation will resonate with voters — or backfire under mounting public scrutiny — remains to be seen.
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