'We're not running away': PSP's Tan Cheng Bock reflects on GE2025, says party will move forward, Singapore News
The PSP team for West Coast-Jurong West GRC — featuring Dr Tan, Leong Mun Wai, Hazel Poa, Sani Ismail and Sumarleki Amjah — made their rounds and greeted supporters and residents at West Coast Market on Saturday (May 10) morning, a week after the General Election (GE2025).
"We are not running away. We'll be back soon," said Dr Tan.
Despite the loss, he said that it was a good journey, having given the younger members a chance to experience "what it is like to fight in the election, with all the odds against you".
The PSP failed to emerge victorious during the rematch in West Coast-Jurong West GRC against the People's Action Party (PAP) on May 3.
The PAP slate, led by Minister for National Development Desmond Lee, received 60.01 per cent of votes over the PSP who lagged behind with 39.99 per cent of votes.
"At the end of the day, we didn't do that well," he said, adding that the focus now is to see how the PSP can move forward and train a new generation that will enter Parliament.
Noting his 26 years of experience, he emphasised that his participation in GE2025 was in hopes of bringing more young people into Parliament.
"I think maybe (the public) thinks we're not ready, but it's okay, because the Workers' Party took about 60 years to just gain 10 seats. I told them, 'Don't be discouraged'," he said.
Dr Tan also confirmed that he will be retiring from electoral politics, but will remain in the party as an advisor.
Leong reiterated Dr Tan's sentiments and said that the party will "reflect, regroup and return".
He also said that internal discussions are still ongoing, and promised to make an official statement regarding the future of the party once it has been decided.
The PSP's vote share for GE2025 was significantly lower than GE2020, where they received 48.31 per cent in West Coast GRC and earned two Non-Constituency MP (NCMP) seats.
Following their losses in all six constituencies that were contested, the PSP did not secure any NCMP seats and will no longer have a presence in Parliament for the next five years.
[[nid:717675]]
dana.leong@asiaone.com
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
37 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Trump meets with Intel CEO, along with US Commerce, Treasury secretaries
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan The CEO had invested in hundreds of Chinese firms, some of which were linked to the Chinese military. WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said on Aug 11 he met with Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, along with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Shares of Intel, considered to be at the heart of America's domestic chip manufacturing ambitions, rose 2.2 per cent in extended trading. 'The meeting was a very interesting one,' Mr Trump said on Truth Social, adding that his Cabinet members and Mr Tan are going to spend time together and bring suggestions to him during the next week. Mr Trump last week demanded Mr Tan's immediate resignation over ties to Chinese firms, injecting uncertainty into the chipmaker's years-long turnaround effort. The CEO had invested in hundreds of Chinese firms, some of which were linked to the Chinese military, Reuters reported exclusively in April. Mr Tan has been tasked to undo years of missteps that left Intel struggling to make inroads in the booming AI chip industry dominated by Nvidia, while investment-heavy contract manufacturing ambitions led to heavy losses. But the demand for Mr Tan's resignation will only distract him from that task, investors and a former senior employee have told Reuters. REUTERS
International Business Times
6 hours ago
- International Business Times
Who is Lip-Bu Tan? Top Tech CEO Faces White House Showdown After Trump Calls for His Removal
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan plans to visit the White House on Monday, just days after President Donald Trump publicly asked him to resign. The meeting was earlier on Sunday, as reported earlier by the Wall Street Journal, based on what it said were accounts from people familiar with the matter. Reuters was unable to confirm the report, and both Intel itself and the White House declined to offer comment. X According to the WSJ, Tan will also likely detail his professional experience and outline ways Intel could work closely with the U.S. government. He is banking on proving his loyalty to the country as a whole and emphasizing that Intel's manufacturing strength is critical to national security. Trump's call for Tan to step down last week marked an unusual presidential intervention in corporate leadership. Tan was "profoundly conflicted" to the tune of hundreds of investments in Chinese manufacturing and chip companies, many with alleged ties to China's military. Reuters had earlier reported that Tan invested more than $200 million in such firms. Past Roles and Controversies Tan is a Malaysian-born Chinese American. He has served in the semiconductor industry for many years. Before becoming Intel's CEO six months ago, he led Cadence Design Systems from 2008 to 2021. During his tenure at Cadence, the company sold its products to a Chinese military university specializing in nuclear simulation and management. The company pleaded guilty to related U.S. charges in April and agreed to pay more than $140 million as part of a settlement announced last month. The interest from Trump comes at a time when Tan is grappling with the task of turning around Intel's struggling business. However, two investors and a former senior employee of the firm said the recent row could lead to him being distracted from planned cost cuts. Ryuta Makino from Gabelli Funds told the Journal that Trump may pressure Intel to increase its capital spending in line with Apple and Nvidia, even though the company lacks the resources to do so. Scaling Back Ambitions The 2022 CHIPS Act was a boon for Intel under then-CEO Pat Gelsinger, who sought large U.S. chip factory initiatives. But Tan walked back those plans, saying that new plants would only be built when there is demand for them. That decision to slow factory building in Ohio raised more suspicion with Trump, who is a strong backer of expanding domestic manufacturing. Intel followed up Trump's comments with a statement reiterating its investment focus is in line with the "America First" policy, but it did not address the requests for Tan to resign. David Wagner, portfolio manager at Aptus Capital Advisors, slammed the statement as "bland" and said a protracted period of uncertainty could be damaging for the company. Tan's Defense On Thursday, Tan reiterated his loyalty to the U.S., where he has resided for more than 40 years. This country is near and dear to me—I deeply respect the land of opportunity that welcomed my great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, and siblings with open arms. The board is behind my leadership in the direction we're heading, and I love that company also," he said. Tan denied any impropriety, saying he had always acted within the law and the highest standards of ethics. Indeed, U.S. citizens are only prohibited from owning shares in Chinese firms on the Treasury's Military-Industrial Complex List, and there is no evidence that Tan held any such stakes. But Trump's comments have shed light on his record. "While the scrutiny of Corporate America is welcome, it's unfortunate that Intel is a target because it would appear to have slowed their focus on jettisoning unproductive parts and developing winning products," said Brent Wilson, a former Intel executive. The implications of Tan's possible departure are even grimmer, the source told us: "If Tan leaves, it will delay what Intel needs to do quickly."
Independent Singapore
10 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
Singapore and Johor partner to train talent for special economic zone, unveil Ascott Coronation Square
JOHOR BAHRU: Singapore and Johor are working hand in hand to ensure the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) becomes a magnet for investment and innovation, starting with its people. Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development Alvin Tan said that skills and talent development were 'one of the key ingredients' for the JS-SEZ's success. Speaking at the official signing ceremony and grand unveiling of Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru, Tan highlighted cross-border cooperation between institutes of higher learning. 'For example, our Singapore Polytechnic is working with the Johor Skills Development Council and other institutes in Johor to ensure that workers will have the skills to take on these jobs,' he said, as reported by The Star . He added that the aim was to strengthen the region's value proposition in terms of 'people, infrastructure, and businesses'. Tan emphasised the complementary strengths of both sides — Singapore as a global hub for research, development, and finance, and Johor with its growing talent pool and resources — calling it a 'win-win' partnership. A landmark moment for Johor's growth Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi described the unveiling of Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru as 'a proud moment' for the state and a step towards becoming 'a dynamic, future-ready and internationally connected state,' as reported by The Star . He stressed that Coronation Square is 'not just another development' but a catalyst project within the Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD), itself a central pillar of the JS-SEZ. The IIBD vision, Onn explained, is to create a vibrant new business and financial hub for the region, with Coronation Square as 'a centrepiece of this iconic city masterplan.' While Johor remains committed to affordable housing, rural development, and community upliftment, Onn said the state recognises the need for 'high-impact, investment-grade developments' that draw international investors, tourists, and talent. Such projects, he added, help create quality job opportunities, raise industry standards, and provide upskilling pathways for locals. Onn also noted that the arrival of Ascott Limited marks a significant shift in Johor's hospitality landscape: 'Ascott presence brings a world-renowned brand into our state, elevating Johor's profile on a global stage.' A five-star addition to the JS-SEZ Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru will occupy Tower 1 of Coronation Square within the IIBD, right at the heart of the JS-SEZ. Scheduled to open in the second half of 2029, the 207-room five-star hotel will serve leisure, business, and long-stay guests, offering facilities such as an all-day dining restaurant, swimming pool, fitness centre, residents' lounge, and meeting rooms. Designed as a sanctuary of fine living, the property will feature Ascott's signature interiors, curated art installations in the lobby, and elevated service through the Ascott Artisan. Guests can also look forward to unique touches such as Themed Suites and the Ascott Soirée — a cultural programme celebrating the arts and connecting visitors to the local scene. More than bricks and mortar For both Johor and Singapore, the twin announcements of the skills training collaboration and Ascott Coronation Square's unveiling represent more than just policy and property milestones. Together, they signal a shared vision: to create a globally competitive, investment-ready hub where talent and opportunity can flourish on both sides of the Causeway. Read also: Johor royalty and ASEAN leaders join Singapore's 60th National Day Parade
