GE2025: PSP raises issues like cost of living and job security at rally in Bishan

Straits Times

24-04-2025

PSP founder and chairman Tan Cheng Bock (centre) made a surprise appearance an hour into the rally, and was the evening's final speaker. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
GE2025: PSP raises issues like cost of living and job security at rally in Bishan
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SINGAPORE - Job security, the rising cost of living, and the need to check the dominance of the PAP were among the key issues raised by party members at the PSP's rally in Bishan.
Speakers also touched on work-life balance and the well-being of seniors at the opposition party's rally held at the Catholic High School.
PSP founder and chairman Tan Cheng Bock made a surprise appearance an hour into the rally, at about 8.20pm, and was the evening's final speaker.
He spoke about the importance of having an opposition presence in Parliament to avoid group-think, especially when the ruling party's candidates are largely drawn from the civil service and armed forces.
He said: 'This is dangerous. There will be group-think, which to me, it is inbreeding. And when there's inbreeding, there is no way you can change policies within that system. For this reason, you must vote opposition.'
Earlier in the evening, Ms Hazel Poa, 54, candidate for West Coast-Jurong West GRC, said the PAP has remained dominant in Singapore politics for 66 years, and has been able to amend the Constitution without opposition, due to its majority in Parliament.
She added that the PAP's dominance in Parliament is likely to continue for some time to come, but what does it mean for Singaporeans, she asked.
She said: 'On the positive side, it ensures continuity in our policies and fosters stability. On a negative side, it allows the ruling party to put and keep in place rules that create an unlevel playing field, and hinder fair political competition.'
The PSP's West Coast-Jurong West GRC candidate Hazel Poa said the PAP has been able to amend the Constitution without opposition, due to its majority in Parliament.
ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
At this year's polls, the PSP is fielding candidates in the single seats of Marymount, Kebun Baru, Pioneer and Bukit Gombak and two group representation constituencies - West Coast-Jurong West GRC, and Chua Chu Kang GRC.
Spectators at the rally started trickling in from about 6.30pm - some brought their own stools and one even brought his own portable table.
Armed with hand clappers, shrill whistles and even a tambourine, the crowd clapped and cheered as candidates gave their speeches at the rally, which started at 7.15pm.
Mr Leong Mun Wai, 65, the party's secretary-general, said Singapore's fourth-generation leadership has lost its way.
He added that he sees as a lack of compassion in the government's socio-economic policies. Referring to the Government's decision to raise the goods and services tax to 9 per cent despite rising inflation and post-pandemic economic strain, he called for a return to the 7 per cent rate.
Kebun Baru candidate Tony Tan, 55, outlined his three key priorities - strengthening education, increasing parliamentary debate and improving constituency care.
Mr Tan, who credited education with lifting him out of poverty, proposed smaller class sizes in primary and secondary schools, optional PSLE, and guaranteed pathways for all students to attain at least a diploma.
He said the nation's reserves should be used to invest in the younger generation, calling them Singapore's 'most precious resource'.
On parliamentary reform, Mr Tan called for more sittings and debates, citing PSP's good track record despite having only NCMPs in Parliament.
He spoke about the lack of discussion around issues like the SimplyGo rollout, which affected the elderly, and the prioritisation of $5 billion in taxpayer funds for the local stock market, over addressing the cost of living.
The PSP's Kebun Baru candidate Tony Tan outlined his three key priorities - strengthening education, increasing parliamentary debate and improving constituency care.
ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
Mr Tan also said there are plans to establish a PSP office in Kebun Baru, and a range of people-focused initiatives.
These include an educational mentoring scheme for students, support for the sandwich generation, and care teams for seniors, singles, and the sick.
Mr Jeffrey Khoo, 56, candidate for Marymount SMC, said stronger job protections and a minimum living wage were needed to address growing concerns over job insecurity among middle-aged Singaporeans.
Rising costs, stagnant wages, and underemployment are key issues Singaporeans are facing today, he said.
He outlined key PSP proposals, including a minimum living wage of $2,250, a 40-hour work week, 14 days of annual leave, extended parental leave, a 'right to disconnect' after work hours, and tighter rules on hiring foreign professionals.
The PSP's Marymount candidate Jeffrey Khoo said stronger job protections and a minimum living wage were needed to address growing concerns over job insecurity among middle-aged Singaporeans.
ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
Four PSP members contesting Chua Chu Kang GRC also spoke at the rally. First-time candidate Lawrence Pek, 55, called for a minimum wage and Ms Wendy Low, 48, called for more to be done to tackle workplace discrimination.
Another member of the PSP Chua Chu Kang team, Mr S. Nallakaruppan, 60, said Singaporeans, especially for those in their 40s, 50s and 60s who have been displaced by digitalisation, need more help.
Many of his peers have lost their jobs despite upskilling, he added, and training alone is not enough if there are no actual jobs waiting for those who need work.
Rounding up the night, Dr Tan - who said he will turn 85 in two days - said the two members of his party, Mr Leong and Ms Poa, have performed well in Parliament. The two are Non-Constituency MPs, being the top two losers at the last polls.
He added that it has been a difficult experience for them, considering the number of 'parliamentary wounds' they have suffered.
He said: 'I feel sorry for them, but I say carry on, because it is for the good of the country. Don't be afraid. Parliamentary wounds will heal.'
Additional reporting by Hazel Tang
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