At its first rally for the 2025 General Election, the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) centred its message on the need for checks on PAP’s dominance, rising costs of living, job security, and policy reforms to strengthen fairness and compassion in Singapore’s governance. Held at Catholic High School in Bishan on April 24, the rally featured a full line-up of PSP candidates, culminating with a fiery speech by party founder and chairman Dr Tan Cheng Bock.
Dr Tan warned of “groupthink” in government due to the overrepresentation of civil servants and ex-military officers among PAP candidates. He likened this to “inbreeding”, cautioning that such a system resists change and innovation. “For this reason, you must vote opposition,” he urged the crowd.
Earlier, PSP secretary-general Leong Mun Wai, 65, declared that Singapore’s 4G leadership had “lost its way”, pointing to a lack of compassion in socio-economic policy. He criticised the GST hike to 9% during a time of inflation and post-COVID strain, calling for a rollback to 7%.
Hazel Poa, 54, a candidate in West Coast-Jurong West GRC, tackled the dangers of prolonged PAP dominance. She acknowledged that while long-standing power ensures continuity and stability, it also enables the entrenchment of rules that create an uneven political playing field. She questioned how constitutional amendments can be made with little resistance due to the lack of opposition numbers.
In total, the PSP is contesting four SMCs — Marymount, Pioneer, Kebun Baru and Bukit Gombak — and two GRCs: West Coast-Jurong West and Chua Chu Kang.
Among the night’s most detailed proposals came from Kebun Baru candidate Tony Tan, 55, who outlined a comprehensive platform built on three pillars: strengthening education, improving parliamentary debate, and enhancing constituency-level care. Tan proposed reducing class sizes, making PSLE optional, and ensuring all students can attain at least a diploma. “Our most precious resource is our children,” he said, advocating for the use of national reserves to uplift the next generation.
On governance, he called for more parliamentary sittings and debate, criticising the lack of discussion on issues like the botched roll-out of SimplyGo and the $5 billion allocation to boost Singapore’s stock market instead of cost-of-living aid.
Tan also shared plans to open a PSP office in Kebun Baru, offering mentoring for students and support for seniors, singles, and the sandwiched generation.
Marymount SMC candidate Jeffrey Khoo, 56, focused on job security for middle-aged Singaporeans. He proposed a minimum living wage of $2,250, a 40-hour work week, 14 days of leave, extended parental leave, and a “right to disconnect” law. He also called for tighter rules on hiring foreign professionals to protect local workers.
The Chua Chu Kang GRC team featured four speakers. Lawrence Pek, 55, and Wendy Low, 48, supported proposals for a minimum wage and measures against workplace discrimination. S. Nallakaruppan, 60, emphasised the plight of displaced older workers who have lost jobs despite upskilling. “Training is not enough if there are no jobs waiting,” he warned.
The crowd, which began arriving around 6.30pm with hand clappers, whistles, and even a tambourine, responded with cheers throughout the rally, showing strong grassroots engagement with the party’s message.
Wrapping up the evening, Dr Tan, who turns 85 this week, praised the work of the party’s two NCMPs — Mr Leong and Ms Poa — noting the challenges they faced in Parliament. “They suffered many parliamentary wounds, but I tell them, carry on. Parliamentary wounds will heal. We do this for the good of the country.”
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