Dear fellow Singaporeans,
As we welcome the dawn of 2025, I extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for a year filled with joy, health, and prosperity.
The start of a new year is a time for reflection and renewal. It provides us with an opportunity to take stock of the challenges we have faced, the progress we have made, and the aspirations we hold for the future.
2024 has been an eventful year.
Globally, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine have still not ended. 2024 was also the hottest year in history as climate change continues unabated, driving intense cyclones, hurricanes, and floods. I hope that there will soon be a ceasefire and an end to the terrible atrocities of war in Gaza and Ukraine, and that the world will find the resolve to decarbonise and deal with the effects of climate change.
Here in Singapore, we entered a new political era, with Mr Lawrence Wong as our new Prime Minister and the 4G PAP team taking charge. The cost of living crisis continued, with further hikes in the GST and water prices. Just three days ago, public transport fares were increased again.
The Progress Singapore Party has spoken up vigorously in Parliament to hold the Government to account on a wide range of issues. This included the reversal of the phase-out of EZ-link cards in favour of SimplyGo in January, and the Government’s decision to block the Income-Allianz deal in October. These events showed the importance of Singaporeans speaking up on issues that matter.
Next year, there will be a general election. Every general election is a contest for whether there will be any elected opposition in Singapore. We firmly believe that Singapore benefits from having a constructive and responsible opposition in Parliament.
This year, we raised three full motions to debate the Government’s reserves accumulation policy, call on the Government to review the process by which electoral boundaries are determined, and urge the Government to do more to support hawkers and sustain our distinctive hawker culture.
In all these areas, we have put forth our alternative policy suggestions. After the major six-day disruption on the East-West Line, NCMP Leong Mun Wai also delivered an adjournment motion that provided suggestions on how to improve public transport issues in the West.
If we are elected to Parliament next year, we will continue to speak up for Singaporeans’ interests, and ensure that all Singaporeans share in and benefit from our nation’s progress. We remain steadfast in our commitment to building a society that values compassion, fairness, and accountability.
Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all members and volunteers of the PSP. These men and women of all ages and backgrounds have made diverse contributions to the party. I would also like to thank all the residents we have met at our walkabouts and house visits for their encouragement, trust, and support.
Let us step into 2025 with renewed determination to create a Singapore that we can all be proud of.
Happy New Year!
Hazel Poa
Secretary-General
Progress Singapore Party
