The Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) has confirmed it will contest the newly formed Pasir Ris-Changi Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in the next General Election, reaffirming its presence in the area despite shifting electoral boundaries and a history of mixed results.
SDA chairman Desmond Lim made the announcement during a walkabout on 23 March, 2025, at Loyang Point and Flora estate—areas incorporated into the new four-member GRC.
The SDA, a coalition comprising the Singapore Malay National Organisation (PKMS) and the Singapore Justice Party (SJP), has contested in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC since 2006.
The constituency has now been dissolved and its districts redistributed, with parts merged into Pasir Ris-Changi GRC and others forming the new Punggol GRC.
Lim told reporters that the party remains committed to residents, emphasising the importance of consistency in political engagement regardless of boundary shifts.
“We are here because Changi is a part of Pasir Ris-Changi GRC,” he said. “It’s our duty to extend our service to its residents.”
He added that Singaporeans’ main concerns—such as the cost of living, transport, job security, housing, and education—remain unchanged regardless of boundary redraws.
“No matter how they change the boundaries, the issue is always there.”
Following the release of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) report on 12 March, Lim issued a statement recognising the changes and thanking residents for their support over the years.
“Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC has been around since 2001, and the SDA first contested here in 2006. How time flies,” he wrote. “We are very happy to welcome Changi residents. And, as we have been doing over the past 18 years, we will work hard and serve you with all our heart. This is our promise to you.”
Addressing the formation of Punggol GRC, Lim said, “The new Punggol GRC is centred around the former Punggol West SMC, which was contested by the Workers’ Party in 2020.”
He confirmed that the SDA is in contact with the Workers’ Party (WP), stating: “We will speak honestly and sincerely with the Workers’ Party about the boundary changes. And how, together, we can put forward an arrangement that will make sure the wellbeing of Punggol residents comes first.”
Lim emphasised the commonalities between the two opposition parties: “The WP and the SDA share the same goal of bettering the quality of life of all Common Singaporeans. No matter how the boundaries change, the SDA will always have a heart for the people.”
The SDA’s electoral history has been marked by persistence but limited success. In GE2020, the SDA fielded a five-member team against the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and People’s Voice (PV), eventually placing second with 23.67 per cent of the vote.
The PAP team led by Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean won with 64.16 per cent.
Lim, along with Abu Mohamed, Kuswadi Atnawi, Kelvin Ong, and Harminder Pal Singh, made up the 2020 team.
Among those joining the walkabout on Sunday were PKMS president Abu Mohamed, Kuswadi Atnawi, and new face Muhammad Faizal Mohmad, a 42-year-old entrepreneur and founder of digital marketing agency Hyperwave Digital.
Lim’s political journey has also seen setbacks, notably during the 2013 Punggol East by-election where he garnered just 0.57 per cent of the vote, losing his deposit. His online rally videos during that campaign were widely mocked for poor diction.
In response to criticism at the time, Lim said, “Judge me on how I can help others, not how I speak.”
Analysts attributed the weak performance to the SDA’s lack of a distinct political identity, a challenge it has grappled with since its formation.
Despite these hurdles, Lim continues to lead the alliance. Though he initially announced plans to step down after GE2020, he was persuaded by party members to stay on.
“My colleagues in the party think that I should stay on, to assist them and help run the party,” he said. “The party’s calling and the nation’s interest is greater than myself.”
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