The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) formally launched its campaign for the upcoming General Election on 19 April, unveiling its new slogan “Thrive, not just Survive.”
The announcement was made by SDP secretary-general Chee Soon Juan during a walkabout at Block 257 Bangkit Road, within Bukit Panjang Single Member Constituency (SMC), a ward where the party is set to contest.
The slogan reflects the party’s focus on socio-economic policies designed to improve quality of life for Singaporeans. Dr Chee stated that the aim is to move beyond subsistence towards enabling citizens to prosper in an inclusive and fair society.
Key among SDP’s campaign proposals is a reduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to 5 per cent. The party also advocates abolishing the GST on daily necessities, citing rising living costs as a major pressure point for households.
SDP also intends to push for a Minimum Wage Act, a long-standing policy plank in its platform. The party argues that such a measure is necessary to protect low-income workers and reduce income inequality.
In addition, the party is drawing attention to mental health concerns, which it links to overpopulation and financial stress. It plans to introduce support systems aimed at reducing the prevalence of mental health issues arising from the pressures of urban living.
Dr Chee was joined by Alfred Tan and Damanhuri Abas during the event. Both men are named as candidates for Sembawang Group Representation Constituency (GRC).
They will be joined in the Sembawang team by SDP deputy head of policy James Gomez and party vice-chairman Bryan Lim.
The party has confirmed that it will contest four constituencies in the coming election. These include the Sembawang and Marsiling-Yew Tee GRCs, and the Sembawang West and Bukit Panjang SMCs.
Dr Chee will stand in Sembawang West SMC. This marks a shift from his previous candidacy in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC.
Party chairman Paul Tambyah will return to contest Bukit Panjang SMC, a seat he previously contested in the 2020 General Election.
The SDP is pursuing what it calls a “northern strategy,” focusing its efforts on constituencies located in the northern part of Singapore.
Its campaign presence has been visible in recent weeks across Sembawang, Marsiling-Yew Tee, and Bukit Panjang, as it introduces potential candidates and conducts walkabouts.
The Sembawang GRC is shaping up to be one of the more contested areas. The National Solidarity Party (NSP) has indicated it will field a team there, creating the possibility of a three-cornered contest.
NSP secretary-general Spencer Ng has positioned his party as the “incumbent opposition” in the ward, noting NSP’s participation in Sembawang in the past two elections.
SDP also has a history in the constituency, having contested in Sembawang GRC during the 2006 and 2011 elections.
The party’s strategy appears focused on appealing to voters with economic proposals and social policies that it says better reflect the needs of everyday Singaporeans.
Dr Chee emphasised that the SDP is offering “clear alternatives” to current government policies, and is calling on voters to support change that prioritises fairness, wellbeing, and opportunity.
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