Latest news with #GeneralElection2025
AsiaOne
4 days ago
- Politics
- AsiaOne
'Be humble in victory': PM Wong sends traditional 'Rules of Prudence' letter to PAP MPs after GE, Singapore News
People's Action Party (PAP) MPs must be humble in victory and serve Singaporeans responsibly, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday (May 29). In an eight-page Rules of Prudence letter traditionally sent to all PAP MPs after the General Election, PM Wong said the ruling party has been given a "clear and strong mandate", and has the responsibility of addressing Singaporeans' concerns and ensuring the Republic "continues to thrive in an increasingly turbulent world". The PAP won 87 out of 97 seats in General Election 2025 and received 65.57% of the popular vote. [[nid:717651]] "Be humble in victory. Always remember that as MPs we are servants of the people, not their masters," he said. PM Wong also said that PAP MPs should express their views frankly, whether for or against Government policies. "Take ownership of causes or issues that you feel strongly about – whether they reflect the aspirations of your constituents or address broader national concerns. "Champion the issues, and do so with conviction. Effective advocacy goes beyond speaking up. You have to research the issues thoroughly, engage diverse stakeholders, understand the trade-offs, and present well-reasoned arguments for improving policies." PAP should also be ready for sharper questioning and debate in Parliament, he added, and MPs should be prepared to engage the Opposition, clarify their interventions and scrutinise their ideas. But he cautioned to exercise good judgement. "Put your points across with clarity and purpose, address the issues and not the person, and do not get carried away playing to the gallery." Noting that social media is a key communication and a primary source of news for many, PM Wong urged MPs to "make full use" of the different platforms to inform the public about their work, share their views, and engage residents directly. "Be honest, empathetic, and constructive in all your messages. Know your audience and be sensitive to how they feel. Do not use social media to attack or disparage others," he said. However, he added that social media it is not a substitute for face-to-face engagements, and MPs must establish personal bonds with residents and attend to their needs in person. 'Stand above any hint of favour or influence' In his letter, PM Wong reiterated that a clean and incorruptible government is one of PAP's most precious asset and stressed that every MP must uphold the rigorous standards the party has set. "Never give cause for allegations that you are misusing your position, especially your access to ministers. That would discredit both you and the party," he said. He warned that a few people will seek to obtain benefits or get MPs to influence ministries and statutory boards to make decisions in their favour, and offer gifts or favours. "You must be shrewd in assessing the motives of people who seek to get close to you. Both in conduct and perception, you must stand above any hint of favour or influence." In a Facebook post, PM Wong said integrity, honesty, and incorruptibility are the bedrock of the PAP, and such values have sustained the trust of Singaporeans. "As Members of Parliament, we are first and foremost servants of the people. We will listen with humility, act with conviction, and never break faith with Singaporeans." [[nid:718138]]
Online Citizen
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Online Citizen
Dr Chee Soon Juan vows SDP will press on after GE2025 defeat, unveils Renew, Rebuild, Reignite movement
Dr Chee Soon Juan, secretary-general of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), has reaffirmed the alternative party's commitment to serve the nation, despite its recent loss in the General Election 2025. Speaking after the election, Dr Chee declared, 'Let's not wait until 2030 to start our work,' signalling the party's determination to continue engaging residents and advancing its quest to return to Parliament. He congratulated Poh Li San of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) for her victory in Sembawang West Single Member Constituency (SMC), where she secured 53.19 per cent of the votes against Dr Chee's 46.81 per cent. A challenging post-election period Reflecting on the aftermath, Dr Chee admitted, 'It's been a harrowing few days… trying to make sense of the results, figuring out the next steps and clearing up post-election work.' Despite the setback, he thanked voters and supporters, calling their messages of encouragement 'nourishment for the soul.' Dr Chee also expressed gratitude to the SDP team and volunteers, describing them as a 'dedicated group of Singaporeans answering the call of democracy.' True to the party's spirit, Dr Chee emphasised that the SDP remains 'undaunted.' Plans are underway to advance the Renew, Rebuild, Reignite Movement, which will be unveiled in the coming weeks. He promised continued engagement with residents using 'reasoned argument' and 'the force of logic, not fanciful rhetoric,' reflecting his belief that Singaporeans 'hunger for educated views and logical persuasion.' Dr Chee urged Singaporeans to join the campaign, highlighting its goal of achieving 'a democratic society based on justice and equality,' as articulated in the national pledge. Calling for public involvement, Dr Chee invited supporters to sign up as SDP changemakers via the party's website. He assured them, 'It is going to be an uplifting and gratifying endeavour.' A promise to keep fighting Despite the repeated setbacks, Dr Chee assured supporters that 'the flame of democracy kindled decades ago burns brighter now than ever before.' He pledged to keep the public updated on the SDP's initiatives and expressed confidence in the party's future. 'Believe me, the SDP is on an upward trajectory, and you are going to play a large part in it,' he declared. Dr Chee closed his address by encouraging Singaporeans to take an active role in shaping the nation's future, saying, 'Sign up now and be a part of history in the making.' SDP's performance during GE2025 The General Election on 3 May 2025 saw Poh Li San winning Sembawang West SMC with 11,978 votes, while Dr Chee garnered 10,541 votes out of a total of 22,519 valid votes. Poh, a former member of the PAP team in Sembawang Group Representation Constituency (GRC), had previously secured 67.29 per cent of the vote in the 2020 election. The Sembawang West area became an SMC after a review of electoral boundaries earlier this year. Dr Chee has a history of challenging PAP incumbents. In the 2020 General Election, he contested Bukit Batok SMC but lost to PAP's Murali Pillai with 45.2 per cent of the vote. SDP chairman Professor Paul Tambyah also contested Bukit Panjang SMC, where he lost to PAP's Liang Eng Hwa, who secured 61.41 per cent of the votes. Additionally, the SDP fielded a team in Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC and Sembawang GRC but failed to win seats.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
PAP to set up new branches in at least 6 locations, including Punggol, Tampines and Tengah
SINGAPORE – The PAP is setting up new branches in several parts of Singapore as it moves to strengthen its ground presence following the 2025 General Election. At least six new branches are being established in places such as Tengah, Punggol and Tampines, based on social media announcements and online updates seen by The Straits Times. The expansion of PAP's ground infrastructure comes after adjustments to Singapore's electoral map due to population growth, with four new seats added to bring the total number of elected seats in Parliament from 93 to 97. The PAP won 87 out of the 97 seats at the general election. In the new Punggol GRC, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong started Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS) at Block 402 Northshore Drive. ST understands that a new PAP branch will be set up there. Over in Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, MP Sharael Taha said a new branch is being set up in the constituency. He added that he and first-time MP Valerie Lee had already held their first joint MPS for residents in Changi and Pasir Ris East at Block 216 in Pasir Ris. Newly elected MP David Neo said on May 8 that his team was working to finalise arrangements for a new fifth division in Tampines GRC. He added that it would take some time to set up the necessary infrastructure and systems. In the meantime, residents can continue to visit any of the four existing MPS locations in Tampines. In Sembawang GRC, a new division called Naval Base has been carved out of the former Canberra division to support the area's expected growth and development, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung in a May 10 Facebook post. First-time MP Ng Shi Xuan will head the new Naval Base branch located at Block 319 Sembawang Close. Another PAP branch is also being set up in Tengah, which is part of Chua Chu Kang GRC. It will be helmed by new MP Choo Pei Ling, who will begin holding her MPS from May 13 at Block 236B Tengah Garden Walk. While the increase in seats has led to new branches being set up, some existing branches have been renamed or merged as the areas they previously covered did not always align neatly with the revised electoral map. In some cases, branches have had to make adjustments as the areas they used to serve have been split across two constituencies. In Ang Mo Kio GRC, new MP Jasmin Lau said the area under her charge has been renamed from Jalan Kayu to Seletar-Serangoon. Details of the exact area under her branch will be announced soon, she added. ST has contacted the PAP for comment about the party's new branches. Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan noted that the setting up of new PAP branches typically reflects the need to align the party's ground network with the latest electoral map. 'As electoral boundaries change, new SMCs (single-member constituencies) and wards in GRCs (group representation constituencies) will have to be created to align the PAP branches network with that of the extant electoral boundaries. So these new branches are significant in this alignment process,' he said. He added that the move is also part of the party's early preparations for the next general election. Dr Tan Ern Ser, adjunct principal research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies' Social Lab, noted that the creation of these new branches comes after the PAP had said that it would take in feedback from voters and the GE results, and address them. Dr Tan said setting up new branches in Punggol and Tampines, for instance, was consistent with the party's aim to strengthen its reach 'in places where they underperform'. In the newly formed Punggol GRC, the PAP team led by DPM Gan secured 55.17 per cent of the vote, defeating a team of first-time candidates from the WP. Over in Tampines GRC, which saw a four-cornered fight, the PAP received 52.02 per cent of the vote in one of the most hotly contested GRCs in the election. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Online Citizen
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Online Citizen
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.
AsiaOne
05-05-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
We may not have won Punggol, but we won something deeper: WP's Harpreet Singh on GE2025, Singapore News
It's been an "unforgettable" nine days of campaigning that culminated in a loss for this Workers' Party (WP) member, but he may not have thrown in the towel just yet. There's more to the campaign for General Election 2025 than just victory and loss, WP Punggol GRC candidate Harpreet Singh Nehal said in a Facebook post on Sunday (May 4). "We may not have won the Punggol seat last night — but we won something deeper," the 59-year-old said. "Hope. Trust. A step forward." Singh, along with teammates Alia Mattar, Jackson Au and Alexis Dang lost to the People's Action Party (PAP) team consisting Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, Senior Minister of State for Health and Digital Development and Information Janil Puthucheary, Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development Sun Xueling as well as Yeo Wan Ling. Recalling his experience during campaigning, Singh said that he and his team walked the ground and listened to residents, speaking up "for a better, fairer, more open Singapore". "Nearly half of Punggol stood with us," he stated. "That alone tells us: something is shifting." This shift represents a "spark" of belief, courage and hope, he commented. "We may not have crossed the finish line this time, but that's no reason to give up hope. Because when enough of us believe in change, and act on it — change comes." On behalf of his team, Singh also expressed his gratitude to Singaporeans for the encouragement and support his team received throughout the campaigning. "The future is ours to shape — together," he concluded. Singh and his team earned 51,663 votes, or 44.83 per cent of total votes for Punggol GRC. The PAP team received 55.17 per cent or 63,589 votes. WP failed to increase its tally of 10 elected MPs from the 2020 GE, but is set to add two Non-Constituency MPs in the new Parliament. 'Here to serve': DPM Gan DPM Gan and his Punggol GRC team took to Waterway Point on Sunday afternoon, thanking residents for their support and interacting with them. Referring to him as the "Task force man", residents snapped pictures with DPM Gan as well as his team, sharing congratulatory words with them. "I think the key message is really that I'm here to serve," DPM Gan told AsiaOne. "I'll be looking forward to talking to them." He will be organising engagement sessions with Northshore residents to better understand their concerns, he said. "We also want to better understand (residents') concerns and their worries, and see how we can help them address some of the concerns so that they can move forward with confidence," DPM Gan added. He will be holding a meet-the-people session every Monday from 8pm to 10pm at Block 402 Northshore Drive, #01-01, S820402. Sessions will be held every Monday, except for the fifth Monday of the month and on the eve of public holidays as well as public holidays. [[nid:717395]] khooyihang@
