SINGAPORE: The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) officially launched its General Election 2025 campaign with a rally at Catholic High School in Bishan, where party leaders and candidates presented policy proposals aimed at addressing rising costs of living, housing unaffordability, job insecurity, and the dominance of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP).
The rally began at 7.15pm, with members of the public arriving from about 6.30pm.
Merchandise was also on sale at the rally grounds.
PSP-branded items such as caps, tote bags, and umbrellas were priced at S$15 each, while a large plushie of the party’s otter mascot “Otica” sold for S$30.
Dr Tan Warns of ‘Groupthink’ in Parliament
Party chairman and founder Dr Tan Cheng Bock arrived at about 8.20pm and delivered the final speech of the evening.
Addressing the risks of a Parliament dominated by former civil servants and military officers, Dr Tan said: “This is dangerous. There will be groupthink, which to me, is inbreeding. And when there is inbreeding, there is no way you can change policies within that system. For this reason, you must vote opposition.”
He praised the performance and dedication of PSP’s two Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs), Leong Mun Wai and Hazel Poa, noting the emotional and political toll they had endured.
“I feel sorry for them, but I say carry on, because it is for the good of the country. Don’t be afraid. Parliamentary wounds will heal,” he said.
Dr Tan also revealed that both had donated their entire MP salaries back to the party.
“These are not people who enter politics for personal gain,” he said. “They are here to serve.”
Referring to his own departure from the PAP, Dr Tan expressed concern over the party’s “overemphasis on money.”
He urged the public to vote for candidates who prioritise citizens’ everyday needs. “Let us look at the concerns of the people,” he said. “We will not leave anyone behind.”
Leong Slams GST Hike, Calls Out Lack of Transparency and Accountability
Leong, PSP’s secretary-general and candidate for West Coast–Jurong West GRC, said Singapore’s fourth-generation PAP leadership had lost its way.
He criticised the Government for a lack of compassion in its socio-economic policies, citing the decision to raise the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to 9 per cent despite ongoing inflation and post-pandemic recovery struggles. He called for the GST to be reduced back to 7 per cent.
Leong also raised issues of accountability and transparency, citing the blocked Income Insurance–Allianz deal.
He questioned why NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, who sits on both the Central Committee of NTUC and the board of NTUC Enterprise, did not appear to act on the capital reduction.
He also questioned why former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong allowed former Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin to remain in Parliament despite having tendered his resignation earlier.
Hazel Poa Criticises Unlevel Political Playing Field Under PAP Rule
Fellow West Coast–Jurong West GRC candidate Poa, 54, raised concerns about PAP’s entrenched political dominance.
She said: “On the positive side, it ensures continuity in our policies and fosters stability. On a negative side, it allows the ruling party to put and keep in place rules that create an unlevel playing field and hinder fair political competition.”
Two additional candidates in the same GRC also presented key proposals.
Candidates Address Cultural Representation, Hawker Struggles, and Housing Affordability
Sani Ismail pledged to advocate for Thaipusam to be recognised as a public holiday, a promise in PSP’s manifesto to introduce three new holidays to reflect Singapore’s cultural diversity.
Sumarleki Amjah shared PSP’s proposed hawker rental reform, suggesting a standard rate of S$500 or 3 per cent of gross revenue, whichever is higher, to address rising operational costs faced by hawkers.
In Pioneer SMC, candidate Stephanie Tan highlighted the growing unaffordability of public housing, warning that rising prices could undermine retirement security.
She rejected claims that the PSP’s housing proposals would crash the property market, arguing instead that their policies aimed to make homes affordable for ordinary Singaporeans.
Tony Tan and Jeffrey Khoo Outline Reforms in Education, Employment, and Parliamentary Oversight
Kebun Baru SMC candidate Tony Tan, 55, outlined three key priorities: strengthening education, expanding parliamentary debate, and enhancing constituency care.
He proposed smaller class sizes, making the PSLE optional, and ensuring all students could attain at least a diploma qualification. He said the nation’s reserves should be used to invest in the younger generation, calling them Singapore’s “most precious resource.”
He called for more parliamentary sittings and noted the lack of discussion on key issues like the SimplyGo rollout, which affected seniors, and the S$5 billion in taxpayer funds allocated to the Singapore stock market instead of more pressing cost-of-living concerns.
He also announced plans to set up a PSP office in Kebun Baru and launch community initiatives, including educational mentoring, elder care teams, and support for the “sandwiched generation.”
Marymount SMC candidate Jeffrey Khoo, 56, focused on employment-related issues.
He highlighted job insecurity among middle-aged Singaporeans, citing rising costs, stagnant wages, and underemployment.
He proposed a minimum living wage of S$2,250, a 40-hour work week, 14 days of annual leave, extended parental leave, a “right to disconnect” policy, and tighter rules on hiring foreign professionals.
Chua Chu Kang Candidates Call for Fair Wages and Job-Centric Retraining
Four PSP candidates from Chua Chu Kang GRC also addressed the rally. First-time candidate Lawrence Pek, 55, called for a national minimum wage to uplift low-income workers.
Wendy Low, 48, said more must be done to combat workplace discrimination and ensure fair employment practices.
S. Nallakaruppan, 60, said many Singaporeans in their 40s to 60s have been displaced by digitalisation, even after undergoing retraining. “Training alone is not enough if there are no actual jobs waiting for those who need work,” he said.
As the rally concluded, the party reaffirmed its commitment to raising issues that affect everyday Singaporeans.
Dr Tan’s closing remarks emphasised integrity, service, and the importance of independent voices in Parliament. “We must carry on—for the good of the country,” he said.
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