The People’s Power Party (PPP) became the first political party to release its General Election 2025 manifesto, publishing the 28-page document online on 4 April.
Titled “Make Singapore Home Again”, the manifesto outlines wide-ranging proposals on population policy, retirement adequacy, healthcare, and governance.
On 5 April, PPP secretary-general Goh Meng Seng held a media event at Ang Mo Kio, where he elaborated on key policy areas and presented four of the party’s candidates for the upcoming polls.
“This is an existential threat to our nation… If they push to 10 million people, it is not going to solve the problem,” Goh told reporters. “It will only aggravate the problem of ageing population. Our medical field will collapse in time to come. Our HDB will collapse.”
Population strategy: family support, fertility incentives and immigration curbs
The manifesto responds to Singapore’s historically low Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 0.97, which the party describes as a national emergency.
It links declining fertility to high costs of living, job insecurity and housing unaffordability, and proposes a series of measures to reverse the trend.
A key proposal is a S$300 monthly allowance for children in families earning below the 70th income percentile, to be paid until the child completes secondary school.
PPP also recommends 80 percent subsidies for prenatal and three-year postnatal care, including for foreign spouses, and 90 percent subsidies for IVF treatment for eligible couples under 40.
On housing, the party proposes a “Family Kickstart Housing Programme”, offering small 2.5-room HDB flats for young couples under 30 at below-market cost. Flats would exclude land cost and be sold with resale restrictions to maintain affordability.
CPF policy is a central focus. The party recommends reducing employee CPF contributions from 20 percent to 5 percent, while raising employer contributions to 20 percent. CPF funds would only be allowed for second property purchases, thus preserving funds for retirement.
“Almost 70 percent of Singaporeans — guess how much CPF they have? Less than S$500,” said Goh. “How are they going to survive?”
PPP also calls for essential goods and services—such as groceries, fresh food, water, and healthcare—to be exempt from GST, arguing that inflation disproportionately affects the elderly and low-income groups.
Population cap and citizenship reforms
PPP’s manifesto calls for a national population cap of 6.5 million, citing infrastructure strain, social friction and national identity concerns.
It proposes that new citizens must reside in Singapore for 12 years, including five years as permanent residents, before qualifying for citizenship. Exceptions would apply to foreign spouses and their Singapore-born children.
In addition, PPP proposes that naturalised citizens receive voting rights only five years after being granted citizenship.
“We have neglected our native indigenous population and focused on getting more migrants from overseas to become newcomers,” Goh said. “Young Singaporeans are not getting the career paths they deserve. The middle-aged are losing jobs, being displaced.”
To widen healthcare funding, PPP proposes that all foreign labourers be included in MediShield Life, arguing that their contributions would offset the need for higher premiums among older Singaporeans.
“You expand the MediShield Life pool, and you can subsidise the elderly without increasing premiums,” Goh told reporters.
Governance and electoral reform
The second half of the PPP manifesto calls for structural governance reforms to reinforce checks and balances, institutional independence, and public accountability.
The party proposes transferring oversight agencies such as the Auditor-General’s Office, Elections Department, and Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau under the President’s Office. This, it argues, would ensure they operate free from executive influence.
PPP also proposes the creation of an Ombudsman Commission to investigate administrative misconduct, and an Equal Opportunities Commission to enforce anti-discrimination laws.
It further calls for replacing the current first-past-the-post electoral system with proportional representation to enhance diversity in Parliament.
On public health policy, PPP opposes mandatory medical interventions.
“No one should be forced to take any medical intervention against their will… whether you think it is safe or effective — it is our body,” said Goh.
The party also opposes the use of nuclear energy in Singapore, citing safety concerns and long-term waste risks.
“We cannot even manage the multi-track MRT system. How confident are we in our government to manage a nuclear plant?” he added.
Candidate introductions and campaign footprint
At the Ang Mo Kio event, William Lim Lian Chin was introduced as the team lead for the People’s Power Party’s (PPP) slate in the constituency.
The 47-year-old said he was “honoured” to be entrusted with leading the party’s efforts in a GRC long held by the ruling party.
Lim, who holds a business degree with a major in economics and finance, told reporters that he would focus on scrutinising legislation in Parliament and safeguarding citizens’ interests.
“If elected, I will look to improve all the policies tabled in Parliament and oppose aggressively those that act against Singaporeans’ rights and interests,” he said.
A limousine service provider by profession, Lim highlighted concerns faced by the self-employed and gig economy workers, who he said lack sufficient protections and bargaining power. He called for stronger legal and social frameworks to support freelancers and contract workers.
He also criticised what he described as an overreliance on multinational corporations and foreign capital in Singapore’s economy.
“We are under the mercy of the foreigners and MNCs,” Lim said. “How are we, as Singaporeans, able to improve our business ecosystem and create better job opportunities for ourselves?”
The party also introduced three other potential new faces who may contest under the PPP banner in the upcoming polls.
Thaddeus Thomas, 43, a construction industry professional and former member of the Reform Party, said he joined PPP “a few years ago” to pursue his political convictions. Describing himself as “the common man”, Thomas said he could relate to “what’s happening on the ground” and intended to focus on the interests of working Singaporeans.
“There’s salary disparity in the current system. We need someone relatable in Parliament — someone who can speak for you, the everyday worker,” he said.
Samuel Lee, 33, who currently serves on PPP’s Central Executive Committee, was also presented as a candidate. An IT professional by training, Lee has been with the party since late 2023 and handles media-related matters.
He said his main concerns lie in job security and employment conditions, particularly for younger Singaporeans facing longer working hours and stiffer global competition.
“We work longer hours than many developed economies, yet productivity and job stability remain major concerns,” he said. “We need to rethink how we structure protections for local workers.”
The party’s youngest new face introduced so far is Heng Zheng Dao, 24, a horticulturist who spoke about his motivations for entering opposition politics at an early age.
“I joined the opposition at such a young age because we need to have someone voice out for the people — someone who understands the common man’s life and their pains,” he said.
Heng recounted growing up in a low-income household and relying on food coupons during his school years. He shared that he began working part-time between the ages of 14 and 16 and has since taken on various jobs, including food delivery, retail, and F&B roles.
“These experiences shaped my understanding of everyday struggles. I want to be a voice for those who live these realities daily,” he added.
Uncertainty in contest plans for Nee Soon and Jalan Kayu
PPP has previously stated its intention to contest in Tampines GRC, Tampines Changkat SMC, Nee Soon GRC, Ang Mo Kio GRC, and Jalan Kayu SMC. However, the party has since withdrawn from Nee Soon GRC, and has not been seen walking the ground in Jalan Kayu, raising questions about its final line-up.
With the campaign season approaching, PPP’s manifesto and Ang Mo Kio appearance have laid down the foundation of its message — focused on population discipline, national identity, cost-of-living relief, and transparent governance.
“We want to make Singapore our home again — not just in concept, but emotionally and culturally,” Goh said in his closing remarks.
Read the full manifesto on PPP’s website
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