The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) held its first walkabout in Taman Jurong on 16 March, engaging residents ahead of the 2025 General Election (GE).
The move signals PSP’s likely interest in contesting in the newly formed West Coast-Jurong West Group Representation Constituency (GRC), which now includes Taman Jurong.
More than 30 PSP members, including party chairman Tan Cheng Bock and Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) Hazel Poa and Leong Mun Wai, were seen at Taman Jurong Market and Food Centre.
In their walkabout, PSP members approached residents, handing out newsletters and discussing their vision for Singapore.
Taman Jurong’s political shift
Taman Jurong was previously part of Jurong GRC and had been a stronghold for the People’s Action Party (PAP) under President Tharman Shanmugaratnam since 2001.
Tharman stepped down in 2023 to contest the presidential election, which he won with a landslide.
With the recent Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) changes, the ward is now part of the West Coast-Jurong West GRC.
These changes come alongside a significant voter shift, with the new West Coast-Jurong West GRC having 158,581 voters. The former West Coast GRC, which had 148,267 voters, was dissolved, and its areas were redistributed.
Some estates were absorbed into Radin Mas Single Member Constituency (SMC) and Tanjong Pagar GRC.
PSP’s electoral considerations
Speaking to the media after the walkabout, Tan Cheng Bock did not confirm whether PSP would contest in West Coast-Jurong West GRC, stating that the party would “leave our options open.”
He acknowledged that while there were other areas PSP could consider, his familiarity with the West Coast and Jurong regions provided “a lot of historical perspective.”
Dr Tan, a former PAP MP, served in Ayer Rajah from 1980 to 2006 and played a role in developing Jurong East Town Council and the South West Community Development Council.
His legacy in the area was an asset during GE2020, when PSP narrowly lost West Coast GRC to the PAP with 48.31% of the vote.
Dr Tan said that his supporters expressed sadness. During the media doorstop, he recounted, “Doc, poor thing man, you are going to a new area. You fought so hard in West Coast, and now you have to fight again in Jurong.”
However, he disagreed with this sentiment, stating, “To me, it is not. Wherever we go, we fight, because we are all fighting for the country, for Singapore, and that’s the most important thing.”
NCMP Leong Mun Wai noted that PSP faces an “uphill battle” with the addition of new voters and the loss of Telok Blangah, a constituency where PSP had built significant support.
However, he said Tan’s reputation in western Singapore remained an advantage, and the party would strive to engage residents effectively.
Voter sentiments and challenges ahead
While PSP’s walkabout was well received, online discussions indicate mixed views on the party’s chances in GE2025.
Some commenters on Reddit suggested that adding Taman Jurong to the GRC strengthens the PAP’s position, as many residents previously supported Tharman.
One user remarked, “Life is made very difficult for PSP now. Including Taman Jurong into West Coast GRC makes it quite tough for them to win the support of Tharman supporters.” Another cautioned against assuming PSP had strong backing, stating, “What happens on the ground visit and GE rally doesn’t always equate to the final result.”
However, others argued that Tharman’s departure does not necessarily mean continued strong PAP support.
“Support for Tharman does not necessarily convert to support for PAP. If PSP fields credible candidates, people may vote for them,” one commenter suggested.
A separate discussion centred on the PAP’s candidates, particularly Shawn Huang (formerly Ingkiriwang), who is replacing Tharman and was seen at a local event.
A Reddit user described his demeanour as “arrogant” and suggested he was unresponsive to audience questions. Such perceptions could influence voter sentiment in the upcoming election.
Looking ahead to GE2025
In GE2020, PSP’s Tan Cheng Bock, Hazel Poa, and Leong Mun Wai contested West Coast GRC, securing nearly half the votes. With the constituency now reshaped, the party must recalibrate its strategy.
Tan stated that a selection committee would decide PSP’s candidates for GE2025. Poa acknowledged that Taman Jurong had been a PAP stronghold but remained optimistic about PSP’s prospects.
“Today’s walkabout shows that the residents here actually received us very warmly, so we’re quite encouraged,” she said.
As the political landscape shifts, PSP’s ability to connect with new voters and leverage Tan’s legacy will be crucial in determining their performance in GE2025.
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