PSP to Field Fewer Candidates, Unveils GE2025 Manifesto Focused on Cost of Living
On April 6, the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) confirmed it will field a smaller slate of candidates in the upcoming General Election compared to its 2020 campaign, which saw it contest 24 seats. Party secretary-general Leong Mun Wai, who is also a Non-Constituency MP, did not specify how many candidates will run this time but said the party will focus its efforts on West Coast-Jurong West GRC and Chua Chu Kang GRC.
At a press conference to launch PSP’s 78-page manifesto, Mr Leong explained the decision to scale back was driven by logistical considerations, especially in securing committed manpower to canvas effectively on the ground. “Our conclusion from the last election is that we need to focus a bit more,” he said.
Mr Leong was joined by party chairman Dr Tan Cheng Bock and first vice-chairperson Hazel Poa. All three stressed that the manifesto was shaped with public feedback and highlights pressing domestic concerns—especially the rising cost of living, housing affordability, jobs, and wage protection.
Focus on Cost of Living & Economic Inequality
The manifesto identifies the rising cost of living as Singaporeans’ top concern. It criticises the GST hike from 7% to 9% and inflation in housing and transport costs, claiming wages have not kept pace. PSP proposes reversing the GST to 7% and exempting essential goods from it.
On jobs and wages, the manifesto pushes for a minimum living wage of $2,250 for all Singaporean workers, and improvements to work-life balance, such as reducing the statutory workweek to 40 hours and raising annual leave from 7 to 14 days.
Housing: Affordable Homes for Singles
PSP reiterated its Affordable Homes Scheme, which proposes that Singaporeans be exempt from land costs when buying public flats—unless they later sell their homes. It also proposes letting singles aged 28 and above buy two- and three-room BTO flats, as well as any resale flat type, in all estates (the current BTO limit is age 35 and only two-room flats).
Education & Governance Reforms
In education, the manifesto suggests a 10-year through-train programme, where PSLE is optional, along with smaller class sizes and more non-academic pathways to university.
On governance, PSP proposes cutting ministerial salaries and reviewing the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA). It also wants MPs to declare public assets and proposes environmental impact assessments for major development projects.
Global Issues & Foreign Policy Stance
The party also addressed recent geopolitical developments, including US President Donald Trump’s newly introduced global tariffs. While PM Lawrence Wong has warned of potential economic shocks, Mr Leong said Singapore’s response has been “overblown” and warned against using global uncertainty as a fear tactic in domestic politics.
Dr Tan echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the government may be using such developments to instil fear in voters ahead of GE2025. Ms Poa added that while global events are still evolving, they highlight the need for more diverse perspectives in Parliament, not fewer.
Funding & Fiscal Responsibility
When asked how PSP would fund its proposals, Ms Poa said they are largely revenue-neutral. The key funding source would be changes to how land costs are treated in public housing. Reducing GST and other programmes would cost $7–9 billion, which PSP says can be offset through land policy reforms and a proposed levy on Employment Pass holders.
A Sharper Manifesto for GE2025
The party’s new manifesto marks a significant expansion from its 13-page GE2020 version and reflects deeper engagement with the public. Mr Leong said the manifesto is still a work in progress, but it is meant to show that the party can offer “constructive, alternative solutions” for Singapore.
“Our aim is to earn the trust of Singaporeans at the ballot box so that we can champion these ideas in the next Parliament,” Mr Leong concluded.
Comments
Post a Comment