Latest news with #PaulTambyah
Online Citizen
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Online Citizen
Paul Tambyah warns of political decline in Singapore, urges hope and reform post-GE2025
SINGAPORE: Chairman of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), Paul Tambyah, delivered a critique of Singapore's political environment during a party appreciation dinner held on 18 May 2025. He accused the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) of systematically limiting opposition participation and stifling democratic development. 'Singapore seems determined to be mired in mediocrity—at least as far as its political leadership goes,' Tambyah said, reflecting on the results of the General Election held on 3 May 2025. Tambyah likened the political contest to a manipulated football match, stating, 'They keep shifting the goalposts, committing professional fouls, trying to shorten access to the pitch for opposition teams.' He warned that such tactics would not only degrade the quality of politics in Singapore but lead to broader societal decline. Referencing the recent election campaign, Tambyah pointed to key issues such as rising living costs and growing inequality. He argued that fear-based narratives had dominated the electorate's decision-making process. 'Fear of the unknown, fear of an unstable US president, fear that we will not survive without vouchers and $1 deals—this seems to have won the day,' he said. Despite the disappointing election outcome, Tambyah maintained that the SDP remained committed to its principles. 'There are things we could have done better, but we should not blame ourselves or the people of Singapore,' he noted. He drew parallels between Singapore and other authoritarian regimes, suggesting that the tactics used by the PAP are consistent with broader global patterns. Quoting from political science literature, Tambyah stated, 'Authoritarian regimes which hold regular elections tend to last longer than dictatorships who don't.' The observation was originally made by Nic Cheeseman and Brian Klaas in their book How to Rig an Election. Nevertheless, Tambyah offered a message of hope. He envisioned a future in which Singapore could become a 'functioning democracy' like Japan, Taiwan, or South Korea. He urged his audience to consider the long-term view. 'One day, maybe 10, 20 years from now—but hopefully sooner—Singapore will become a functioning democracy.' Tambyah posed rhetorical questions that pointed to curbs on civil liberties: 'Where were you when it was illegal to take a picture of yourself with a smiley face outside a state building? When people couldn't walk to the Istana to deliver a letter?' He continued, 'Where were you when the POFMA law was used to silence criticism… or when ministers dined with billion-dollar money launderers and no one said anything?' He praised the SDP for being the lone political voice standing firm through these challenges. 'One political party spoke up, went to court, and took a stand—because of you,' he told members. He affirmed that the party's persistence in contesting elections, despite the odds, was driven by the belief in a better Singapore. Quoting an earlier interview with the South China Morning Post, Tambyah reiterated the spirit within the party: 'Many say the SDP doesn't have members—we have believers.' He emphasised the conviction of his fellow party members: 'Until that breakthrough comes, we stay true to ourselves, speaking truth to power.' The appreciation dinner also featured key announcements from SDP Secretary-General Chee Soon Juan, who introduced the party's five-year plan titled Renew, Rebuild, Reignite. The strategy includes three core initiatives: A coalition for electoral reform. The launch of the Orange and Teal Social Enterprise Co-operative. A youth outreach programme aimed at engaging younger Singaporeans in civic discourse. Tambyah also expressed heartfelt tribute to the party's volunteers. He credited their unwavering dedication during the GE2025 campaign, saying, 'This dinner is for you.' He acknowledged the many unseen contributions—flyer distribution, rally setup, and navigation of logistical and bureaucratic challenges. Dr Tambyah contested in Bukit Panjang Single Member Constituency (SMC) during the General Election on 3 May 2025, but was defeated by PAP candidate Liang Eng Hwa, who secured 61.41 per cent of the vote. Tambyah garnered 38.59 per cent of the vote. A total of 31,131 valid votes were cast, with 19,116 going to the PAP and 12,015 to the SDP.
Independent Singapore
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
SDP launches petition to reform Singapore's electoral system including abolishing GRC system
SINGAPORE: On Sunday (May 18), at an appreciation dinner for the members of the Singapore Democratic Party, SDP chief Chee Soon Juan announced the beginning of its 'Renew, Rebuild, Reignite' campaign, which includes seeking the reform of Singapore's electoral system. In the May 3 polls, SDP lost in all the constituencies where it fielded candidates, including Dr Chee at Sembawang West SMC and party chair Paul Tambyah at Bukit Panjang SMC. The results were a disappointment to both men. While Dr Chee's vote share was the highest in the four times he has run for Parliament, he still fell short of winning a seat. Dr Tambyah, meanwhile, lost 7.65 percentage points from when he first ran against the incumbent from the ruling People's Action Party, Liang Eng Hwa, in 2020. Nevertheless, the losses have not stopped the party from moving forward with its new campaign. On Sunday, SDP launched a petition on titled 'Reform Singapore's Electoral System' in order to reflect 'the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and democratic integrity.' It emphasised, however, that the six demands outlined in the petition are non-partisan but rather are 'foundational principles of good governance and democratic integrity.' 'Singapore is ready to take the next step forward in its political maturity by ensuring our elections are genuinely free and fair,' the petition adds. 6 Demands The petition's six demands are as follows. First, the SDP is calling for the Elections Department to be removed from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Next, the party is calling for an 'end to gerrymandering' through the reform of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC). Importantly, another call is for the abolition of the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) System, which The Workers' Party, Singapore's biggest opposition party and the only one that will be represented in the incoming Parliament, has also called for. SDP is also calling for a campaign period of a minimum of three weeks, whereas it normally lasts less than 10 days; as well as a minimum six-month time period between the announcement of boundary changes to electoral districts and the dissolution of Parliament. Finally, the party is calling for a review of the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act (NPPA), which the SDP says would allow independent media. 'A free press is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy. A comprehensive review of the NPPA to permit the establishment of independent news companies is essential for fair coverage of elections, political education, and democratic participation,' the petition reads. Dr Tambyah was quoted as saying in a CNA report that the petition is just a beginning, one that could develop into legal challenges. He added the hope that SDP would be able to sustain its momentum. So far, almost 3,000 people have signed the petition. /TISG Read also: SDP calls for 'full and transparent investigation' into Su Haijin dinners with ministers
Independent Singapore
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
After Chee Soon Juan received more votes than Poh Li San overseas, S'poreans cheer him on for next GE
SINGAPORE: The Elections Department (ELD) has published the results from registered voters overseas, which were counted on Thursday (May 15). Nothing changed concerning the final outcome, although the percentage of votes each party or candidate received shifted slightly. The overseas voter results were the most interesting in the two Single Member Constituencies (SMCs) where the Secretary-General and the Chair of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) had contested. At the newly created Sembawang West SMC, SDP chief Chee Soon Juan had stood head to head against the People's Action Party's Poh Li San and had narrowly lost. Meanwhile, at Bukit Panjang SMC, party chair Paul Tambyah contested, and lost, for the second time against Liang Eng Hwa, the incumbent from the PAP. Read also: A dream deferred: Dr Chee Soon Juan falls short in Sembawang West SMC However, more overseas voters chose Dr Chee rather than Ms Poh, with 23 casting their votes for the SDP chief, for Ms Poh's 21. For overseas Bukit Panjang voters, it was a tie, with Dr Tambyah and Mr Liang receiving 36 votes each. The results of this year's GE were a blow to both SDP leaders, perhaps especially to Dr Chee, 62. It was the fourth time for him to contest, and the closest he has gotten to a win. With him garnering 46.82 per cent of votes, it had even looked as though he might have clinched a seat as a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP). However, this seat will go to the Workers' Party's candidates at Tampines GRC, who had won 47.37 per cent of the vote. Nevertheless, the results of the votes overseas appeared to be enough for supporters to encourage Dr Chee and cheer him on. 'Well done, Dr CSJ. Looking forward to your next GE,' wrote one. 'To garner so many votes in a new SMC within a short period of time speaks volumes about him,' observed another. A commenter wrote that Dr Chee 'deserved the NCMP' seat, reflecting the opinion of many that the inclusion of the fiery SDP head in the next Parliament would have made it more interesting. Nevertheless, a commenter wrote that nothing has changed in the final tallies: ' That representative democracy for the better or worse still lies in the final result. A win is a win, even by a razor-thin margin or by just 1 vote. Everyone is entitled to a choice for change,e whether you like the incumbent or you want a stronger substitute. We can't change anything but respect the decision and mandate of the people.' /TISG Read also: 'Singaporeans have known him for longer than they've known you' – Poh Li San slammed for repeated attacks against Chee Soon Juan
Independent Singapore
04-05-2025
- Health
- Independent Singapore
The quiet rejection of Dr Paul Tambyah: What Bukit Panjang reveals about us
Featured News Singapore Politics SDP SINGAPORE: At MOE (Evans) Stadium, there was no eruption of cheers. No thunderous applause or victory dance from the supporters of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP). Just a quiet sigh, a tightening of the jaw, and a knowing glance shared among campaigners—the kind of silence that follows the extinguishing of a long-held hope. Dr Paul Tambyah, world-renowned infectious diseases expert and the face of principled opposition in Singapore, lost Bukit Panjang Single Member Constituency (SMC) with 38% of the vote not to a scandal-ridden incumbent or a dazzling new PAP candidate but to the same political machine that has long kept brilliant individuals like him out of Parliament. A man who could have been a minister anywhere else Dr Paul isn't just a good candidate. He presided over the International Society for Infectious Diseases during a global pandemic. He's trained generations of doctors, spoken at forums worldwide, and earned accolades for his clarity and calm. Had he been in almost any other country, he'd have been a Minister for Health, if not leading a major health agency. However, in Singapore, where he chose to stay and serve out of a deep sense of duty, he wasn't even elected. Not in 2020. Not now. The questions we're too afraid to ask How is it that a healthcare expert of Dr Paul's calibre still loses in the midst of a national cost-of-living crisis and rising healthcare burdens? Could it be that his policy-driven speeches—free from populism and anger—fell on ears too conditioned to value charisma over competence? Or does the answer lie deeper in something no election rally dares admit? That Singaporeans, especially in single-member constituencies, may not yet be ready to vote for a minority opposition figure—however brilliant, steady, and sincere. Singaporeans voted, but did they choose? There's no denying it: The electorate spoke. Dr Paul didn't win. However, what does that say about us? That someone so universally respected still cannot clear 40% in a solo fight suggests we may not be voting on ideas alone. We are voting on comfort, conformity, and deeply ingrained expectations. Dr Paul has said before that politics is about service, not ego. And true to form, he took his defeat with grace. But behind that smile is a scar—a reminder that Singapore's democracy, though polished and orderly, still has blind spots we refuse to see. Because if Paul Tambyah cannot win Bukit Panjang, who can?
Independent Singapore
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
PAP candidate's rally speech draft contained line instructing crowd to shout "SDP town council sucks" before it was removed
SINGAPORE: A draft rally speech prepared for People's Action Party (PAP) candidate Edward Chia has ignited debate, after it was found to include a line instructing a supporter to shout a disparaging remark about the opposition. The line, tucked into paragraph 33 of the draft prepared for a 30 April rally in Bukit Panjang Single Member Constituency (SMC), stated: 'Farizan to shout SDP town council sucks.' The directive appeared to be a planted cue for a coordinated audience disruption targeting the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), the ruling party's opponent in the ward which is facing a fierce challenge by SDP chair Paul Tambyah who earned 46.27 per cent of the vote at the last election. The draft speech had been distributed to members of the media as part of a standard pre-rally briefing. However, it was quickly flagged for the problematic line, which was reportedly not present during the rally itself. Speaking to The Online Citizen, Mr Chia clarified that the line had not been included in the final speech. 'I overruled the draft as this is not my style. The media should report as delivered,' he said. For voters, the line – whether it was scrapped or not – is problematic because of the intention behind it. Even if it was not Mr Chia who drafted it and even if the line was ultimately removed, netizens are asking what this says about how politics are being planned behind closed doors. Even if Mr Chia didn't pen the remark himself, the fact that it made it into a version shared with the media has prompted broader concerns about authenticity and accountability. Voters are asking: How much of what candidates say is really theirs, and how much is scripted by party machinery? These concerns are landing at a time when questions about visibility and engagement are already swirling around some PAP incumbents. With a growing number of residents saying they've seen little of their MPs on the ground, the impression that campaign messages are pre-written or outsourced only adds to voter frustration. Singaporeans online are clear and say they are looking for directness and sincerity from candidates—not just polished talking points or lines handed down by party strategists. For some, the controversy surrounding the draft speech has only amplified their desire for candidates to speak in their own words, stand by their values, and avoid smear tactics—even subtle or indirect ones. As the race in Bukit Panjang heats up, both PAP's Liang Eng Hwa and SDP's Dr Paul Tambyah will have to contend not only with each other, but with an electorate growing more sensitive to the tone and texture of political messaging.
