On April 25, 2025, Progress Singapore Party (PSP) founder and chairman Dr Tan Cheng Bock delivered a passionate call for a more balanced and representative parliament during the party’s political broadcast ahead of the General Election.
Dr Tan said the PSP is ready to serve as a loyal opposition, offering constructive policy alternatives that reflect the needs of everyday Singaporeans. Citing the work of former Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) Leong Mun Wai and Hazel Poa in the 14th Parliament, he said the party now seeks to continue that work as elected MPs in the 15th Parliament.
Dr Tan, together with Mr Leong and Ms Poa, will contest in the newly formed West Coast-Jurong West GRC—considered PSP’s A-team. Other PSP candidates are fielded in Chua Chu Kang GRC, as well as in four Single Member Constituencies: Kebun Baru, Marymount, Pioneer and Bukit Gombak. In total, the party is contesting 13 seats in this election.
In his roughly four-minute speech, Dr Tan described the significant economic and geopolitical challenges facing Singapore. He warned of a rapidly changing global environment where free trade—the lifeblood of Singapore’s economy—is under threat due to rising protectionism and shifts in global power structures. He also highlighted domestic changes, including the disruption of traditional job markets caused by artificial intelligence and the rise of gig work.
Dr Tan cautioned that the ruling party’s newer candidates increasingly come from the civil service or military, and are often placed into safe Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs). “Do you want a parliament made up of a small group of elites that engages in groupthink?” he asked. “Will that be enough to help us chart our way through the challenges that we are about to face?”
He argued that a more diverse and balanced parliament—one that includes views beyond the government’s—is crucial for Singapore’s long-term stability and growth. “What we need is a more balanced parliament that represents the diverse views of Singaporeans,” he said.
Acknowledging that PSP is only fielding 13 candidates, Dr Tan was frank that forming a government was not the party’s objective in this election. However, he stressed that if elected, PSP MPs will “speak up fearlessly” and push for policy changes that can improve Singaporeans’ lives.
He highlighted the party’s manifesto, which contains 61 policy proposals covering key issues such as the cost of living, housing, healthcare, jobs, and wages. According to Dr Tan, these proposals are built on the belief that progress must be inclusive and benefit all Singaporeans—not just a privileged elite. “Progress should not only benefit an elite class at the top. No one should be left behind,” he said.
The party’s campaign slogan, “Progress For All”, reflects this vision. Dr Tan said that Singapore’s economic and social development must serve everyone, and warned against leaving segments of the population behind in the pursuit of growth.
He praised PSP’s slate of candidates, describing them as well-qualified individuals with strong moral conviction and a deep desire to serve the country. “They are loyal Singaporeans who love Singapore and want the best for our country,” he said.
Dr Tan added that the decision to enter politics was not taken lightly by his team. “They could have chosen the easier path of staying out of politics altogether,” he noted. “But these men and women are brave. They have put themselves forward to serve Singaporeans and be your voice in parliament.”
He concluded by reinforcing PSP’s commitment to shaping Singapore’s future through open debate and diverse representation. “We are here to help the government find the best way forward for Singapore,” he said. “This is what a loyal opposition does.”
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