On April 25, 2025, Alfred Tan of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) delivered a firm message during the party’s first political broadcast for the General Election. Representing the party’s campaign in Sembawang Group Representation Constituency (GRC), Mr Tan emphasised the urgent need for Members of Parliament (MPs) who will actively fight for the interests of Singaporeans and ensure policies are made to improve their lives.
As inflation and the cost of living continue to weigh heavily on the population, Mr Tan pointed to growing frustrations among citizens. He cited job insecurity, mental health stressors, and financial pressures as key concerns affecting many households. In his words, “All this is happening while the PAP remains indifferent to our hardships,” accusing the ruling party of implementing price hikes—including increases in the Goods and Services Tax (GST), water bills, transport fares, and housing costs—at a time when many families are struggling both financially and emotionally.
The SDP, which is fielding 11 candidates across four constituencies—Bukit Panjang SMC, Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, Sembawang GRC, and Sembawang West SMC—aims to present itself as a strong alternative to the current government. Mr Tan outlined how SDP MPs would bring down living costs through three main policies: lowering the GST, ensuring affordable housing, and reducing healthcare expenses.
First, the party proposes to reduce GST to 7 percent or even 5 percent, and to exempt essential items from GST entirely. This measure is intended to ease the financial burden on everyday Singaporeans, especially lower-income families who are disproportionately affected by consumption taxes.
Second, Mr Tan introduced the SDP’s “Non-Open Market” housing scheme. This Build-to-Order (BTO) initiative would exclude land costs from flat pricing, which he says would allow Singaporeans to own a home without falling into long-term debt. The scheme seeks to address concerns about young families struggling to afford public housing, which has seen steady price increases in recent years.
Healthcare is another major pillar of the SDP’s proposed reforms. Although Mr Tan did not go into detail during the broadcast, the party’s manifesto outlines plans to make maternal and paediatric care largely free and funded through taxes. In addition, primary healthcare for chronic illnesses would be covered under a "risk pooling system," reducing the financial burden on individuals requiring long-term medical treatment.
Mr Tan also emphasised job protection and greater empowerment for Singaporeans. The party plans to tighten the inflow of foreign professionals, managers, executives, and technicians (PMETs) to ensure more employment opportunities for locals. He said this policy is crucial for improving job security and providing Singaporeans with room to grow and develop their careers.
To ensure fair wages, the SDP supports implementing a minimum wage law so that every Singaporean earns a salary that reflects the real cost of living in the country. The party also intends to address mental health challenges caused by overpopulation and financial stress by increasing support systems across the island.
Mr Tan described the SDP’s approach as more than just reactive management. “Our vision isn't just about managing day-to-day struggles,” he said. “We want a more compassionate Singapore where the government takes care of you, not exploits you.”
He concluded by positioning the SDP’s campaign as a movement, not merely an election run. Calling for a “bold society” filled with innovation and mutual support, Mr Tan urged voters to consider a new path forward—one led by a government that truly feels like home.
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