Leong Mun Wai vows PSP will regroup and return stronger despite GE2025 defeat
Leong Mun Wai, Secretary-General of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), has vowed that the party will not be deterred by its defeat in the General Election 2025, emphasising its enduring commitment to transparency, fairness, and an inclusive society.
In a message posted on Facebook on the morning of 7 May 2025, Leong addressed supporters with what he described as 'a heavy heart,' but maintained a determined tone.
'Though this result is disappointing for us, it is not the end,' he wrote. 'Our call for checks and balances, an inclusive society and fairer opportunities for all remains unshaken. We will regroup, reflect, and return stronger.'
Leong's remarks come in the wake of PSP's defeat in all six constituencies it contested in GE2025. These included West Coast–Jurong West GRC, Chua Chu Kang GRC, Pioneer SMC, Kebun Baru SMC, Marymount SMC, and Bukit Gombak SMC.
In West Coast–Jurong West GRC — the contest that drew the most public attention and anticipation for the party — PSP's team, led by Leong, party chairman Dr Tan Cheng Bock, and vice-chair Hazel Poa, secured 39.99% of the vote.
They were defeated by the People's Action Party (PAP) team, led by National Development Minister Desmond Lee, which garnered 60.01%.
Final results confirmed on 4 May 2025 showed PAP with 88,347 votes and PSP with 58,863, out of 147,210 valid votes. A total of 1,437 ballots were rejected.
Leong thanked residents, volunteers, and supporters, saying it had been an 'honour to walk alongside' the community and promising to continue advocating for the people.
Despite the defeat, Leong congratulated PAP and Minister Desmond Lee, calling him 'a worthy opponent' and acknowledging the professionalism of the ruling party's campaign.
The outcome marks a significant shift from GE2020, when PSP nearly won West Coast GRC with 48.31% of the vote and was awarded two Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) seats.
With a reduced vote share of 39.99% this year, PSP no longer qualifies for NCMP representation, leaving it without any parliamentary presence for the first time since its formation.
This result also coincides with the planned retirement of PSP founder Dr Tan Cheng Bock from electoral politics.
In a separate Facebook message on 4 May, Dr Tan acknowledged the party's defeat while highlighting systemic challenges.
He cited 'boundary line changes and limitless resources' as key structural disadvantages faced by opposition parties during the campaign.
The newly configured West Coast–Jurong West GRC, formed through changes that absorbed parts of Jurong and West Coast GRCs, expanded the electorate to 158,581.
Dr Tan also congratulated the PAP team and praised their campaign conduct, while encouraging supporters not to be discouraged by the outcome.
'You have punched above your weight for PSP,' he wrote, urging supporters to continue engaging with the party's values.
PSP's 2025 campaign, run under the slogan 'Progress for All,' proposed policy measures including a reduced Goods and Services Tax, a universal minimum wage, and mandatory asset declarations for Members of Parliament.
Observers have drawn comparisons between GE2025 and GE2015, both of which saw electoral swings in favour of the ruling party during times of national uncertainty.
Many analysts believe concerns over rising costs of living and global instability led voters to favour political continuity, even if the concerns themselves were linked to government policies.
The loss of its two NCMP seats, previously held by Leong and Poa, removes a key avenue for parliamentary engagement and deprives the party of funding support tied to those positions.
Leong and Poa had donated their annual NCMP stipends of S$28,900 to help finance party operations, including maintaining its headquarters in Bukit Timah. The loss of this funding may impact future organisational stability.
Nevertheless, Dr Tan concluded his message with a call to PSP's younger members, stating that 'the scars we carry will not be marks of defeat, but lasting reminders that we dared to stand up… for the common good of all Singaporeans.'
In his closing remarks, Leong reiterated his commitment to public service and PSP's founding principles.
'I will continue to speak up, to serve, and to uphold the values we hold dear — transparency, independence and accountability,' he affirmed.
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