SDP’s Chee Soon Juan: We’ll Be Full-Time MPs, Unlike PAP’s Part-Timers

Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan told voters at a rally in Sembawang on April 27 that if elected, SDP candidates would outperform their People’s Action Party (PAP) counterparts in both running town councils and raising issues in Parliament.

Dr Chee emphasised that SDP MPs would serve full-time, unlike PAP MPs who often juggle their MP roles with full-time jobs. “Most, if not all, PAP MPs have a full-time job on the side... I just don’t see how anyone can possibly do it on a part-time basis,” he said. Speaking next to Sun Plaza, Dr Chee pointedly referred to his opponent Poh Li San’s previous comments that voters could discern between candidates who had done "real work" versus those who only appeared during elections.

He countered that “real work” demands full-time presence in the constituency, Monday to Friday, not just weekend appearances. Dr Chee also noted the irony that part-time MPs receive an allowance of about $16,000 monthly. "Tell me how many of you can work part-time and draw $16,000 a month," he said to applause.

Dr Chee is contesting Sembawang West SMC against PAP’s Ms Poh, who is a senior vice-president at Changi Airport Group. Besides Sembawang West, the SDP is also contesting Sembawang GRC, Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, and Bukit Panjang SMC.

The SDP Sembawang GRC team — vice-chairman Bryan Lim, treasurer Surayah Akbar, deputy head of policy James Gomez, and members Damanhuri Abas and Alfred Tan — also addressed the rally, taking aim at Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who leads the PAP team.

Mr Tan criticised the government for overspending, particularly in the healthcare sector. He questioned the need for three healthcare clusters in a small country, saying it led to duplicated administrative and manpower costs. "Stop asking where the money is coming from; ask instead where the money is going to," he urged.

James Gomez called out rising healthcare costs and caregiver stress, blaming Ong Ye Kung’s leadership, labelling him "unresponsive" and "underperforming".

SDP chairman Professor Paul Tambyah argued that Singapore needs fresh ideas amid global uncertainty. He said the opposition brings diversity and honest debate, and electing opposition MPs would strengthen Singapore, not destabilise it.

The SDP also faces the National Solidarity Party (NSP) in Sembawang GRC. Mr Damanhuri highlighted this, saying Ong Ye Kung had previously had an easier time facing the NSP, but now must contend with a serious SDP challenge. In 2020, the PAP beat the NSP with 67.29% of the vote.

Damanhuri closed by stressing the SDP's readiness: "We are serious contenders for this GRC; we want to win."

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