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Online Citizen
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Online Citizen
SDA holds thank-you event, donates S$16,000 to charity and outlines plans for future elections
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) held a gratitude event on 25 May 2025 at its headquarters in the PKMS Building, located at 218-F Changi Road. The event, which began at 10:00 AM, aimed to recognise the efforts of volunteers, supporters, and media allies who contributed to the party's campaign during and after the General Election. Party leaders addressed attendees with messages of thanks and reflection, highlighting how grassroots volunteers, content creators, and social media influencers played pivotal roles in amplifying SDA's messaging and engaging with the public. SDA chairman Desmond Lim expressed special appreciation to traditional media outlets, social media platform owners, hosts, and influencers. He commended their fair and consistent coverage, citing their role in fostering civic discourse and upholding democratic principles. Lim matches donations, presents S$16,000 to children's charity A central feature of the event was the presentation of charitable donations raised from the sale of used campaign posters. The fundraising initiative involved contributions from residents of Pasir Ris–Changi and across Singapore. Proceeds amounted to S$7,930. To complete the round figure, Lim added S$70 personally. He then matched the total amount with an additional S$8,000 from his own funds, resulting in a total donation of S$16,000. During a formal handover ceremony, this full sum was presented to representatives of the ST School Pocket Money Fund. The charity supports students from low-income families by providing financial assistance for daily school allowances. Additionally, Lim donated S$5,000 to Willing Hearts, a volunteer-driven non-profit organisation that prepares and distributes meals to those in need throughout Singapore. Lim affirms SDA's commitment to Pasir Ris–Changi GRC The Q&A session that followed saw active participation from attendees, with questions ranging from party strategy to community development plans. Lim responded to questions about SDA's commitment to Pasir Ris–Changi GRC, stating the party would 'continue to serve the community and remain committed to its residents.' He also mentioned increased use of social media to reach younger Singaporeans and attract passionate, capable youth to the party. He pledged more grassroots and charitable initiatives, ensuring no one would be left behind. An artist present asked about Lim's plans for Pulau Ubin, part of Pasir Ris–Changi GRC. Lim noted that while he is not an elected Member of Parliament, he hopes to organise free medical check-ups for elderly residents on the island, minimising their need to travel to the mainland. He added that if elected in 2030, he would submit proposals to NParks, the government, and the Ministry of National Development to improve living standards on Pulau Ubin. Another supporter raised concerns about SDA's strategy, comparing it with other opposition parties like Red Dot United and the Singapore Democratic Party, which announced initiatives following the 3 May poll. In response, Lim said SDA prioritises practical aid such as food banks, which provide direct help without financial hurdles. He commented on the idea of a shadow cabinet, noting that such models might function within a single party due to ideological unity. However, in coalitions like SDA — which includes the Singapore Justice Party (SJP) and Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Melayu Singapura (PKMS) — he emphasised the need for long-term commitment to avoid collapse. Lim warned against forming 'families of convenience' that risk internal friction and potential disintegration. The alliance's secretary-general Abu bin Mohamed further clarified that SDA already fulfils roles akin to a shadow cabinet through its existing departments, such as welfare, cultural, and educational outreach. He asserted that the SDA is actively working on the ground, not merely imitating other parties or adopting symbolic roles. SDA plans to recruit 'star players' with strong grassroots ties for 2030 The conversation also turned to SDA's future plans for improving its vote share — which exceeded 30 percent in the recent election — and its candidate recruitment strategy. Lim said previous candidates were humble and community-focused. For future elections, including 2030, SDA intends to introduce more prominent candidates. However, he stressed that these individuals must connect with residents and avoid appearing as outsiders 'parachuted' into the constituency. Lim invited attendees to consider joining SDA, noting that while the party has historically focused on community outreach, it now aims to build a stronger national presence. He acknowledged that SDA's limited online presence led some to label it a 'fly-by-night' party, but pointed to sustained community work as evidence to the contrary. Moving ahead, SDA plans to raise its national profile, present detailed policy proposals, and recruit candidates aligned with its long-term goals. Chia Yun Kai notably absent from SDA's post-election gratitude event Notably absent from the 25 May event was Chia Yun Kai, a 32-year-old entrepreneur. Chia initially intended to contest East Coast GRC under the Most Valuable Party (MVP) but later joined SDA to run in Pasir Ris–Changi GRC. In the General Election held on 3 May 2025, Pasir Ris–Changi GRC was won by the People's Action Party (PAP) with 67.66 percent of the vote. The PAP, led by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah, secured 60,887 votes. SDA, led by Lim and comprising Abu Mohamed, Harminder Pal Singh, and Chia, received 29,109 votes. A total of 89,996 valid votes were cast from 100,639 registered voters. The current Pasir Ris–Changi GRC was formed by merging sections of the former Pasir Ris–Punggol GRC and parts of East Coast GRC. The PAP slate included Indranee Rajah, Desmond Tan, Sharael Taha, and Valerie Lee. SDA has contested in the Pasir Ris–Punggol region since 2006 but has not secured a parliamentary seat. In the 2020 General Election, SDA secured 23.67 percent of the vote in the same area, with the PAP winning 64.16 percent. The People's Voice lost its deposit in that contest.
Straits Times
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
‘My resolve from the start has not changed', says SDA's Desmond Lim
'My resolve from the start has not changed', says SDA's Desmond Lim Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE - Singapore Democratic Alliance chief Desmond Lim said his resolve to serve residents with a 'people first' mentality has not changed since his party began contesting in the General Elections close to two decades ago. In his pre-recorded online rally on April 30, Mr Lim told voters that his love and sense of responsibility for the community has only grown stronger. The SDA said it decided not to hold physical rallies and have only online ones so that voters would not be inconvenienced. The party - which is up against a PAP team in Pasir Ris-Changi GRC in this year's elections - has not prevailed since it began contesting the area in 2006. 'Time passes, but my resolve from the start has not changed,' Mr Lim said in his Mandarin speech. 'From 2006 until now I have been contesting in Pasir Ris-Punggol,' he added, referring to the constituency that has been split up to form two four-member GRCs, Pasir Ris-Changi and Punggol GRCs. 'I want to work together with you and fight hard to achieve our common dreams and aspirations… this is important to me.'. Mr Lim, who returned to his post as the party's chairman after announcing his decision to step down after GE2020, intends to continue the legacy of former opposition MP Chiam See Tong, having served for 14 years as Mr Chiam's Town Council adviser at Potong Pasir SMC. 'Singapore is a home for all of us, common Singaporeans. Not just for the rich and… elites, and not just for those who stay in a big bungalow… drive a Bentley or a Ferrari.' Mr Lim's team, including returning candidates SDA secretary-general Abu Mohamed, 74, Mr Harminder Pal Singh, 53, the party's communications lead, and new face Chia Yun Kai, 32, is up against a PAP team led by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah. SDA's other candidates echoed Mr Lim's sentiments, and promised to work towards addressing cost of living, housing and healthcare woes, as well as providing better job opportunities for Singaporeans amid competition from foreign talent. Mr Abu spoke about how Singaporeans have been feeling the pinch for 15 years, and that young Singaporeans have said that it is not easy to get a job, despite having a university degree or polytechnic diploma. 'Many of them have applied for hundreds of jobs, but most of those applications received no response,' he said in Malay, noting that some have resorted to doing gig work. Mr Chia said SDA will offer real solutions to ensure better wages and job security, where middle class families will no longer face 'sleepless nights' worrying about their jobs or to put food on the table. He said he had entered politics as he could not to stand back and see Singapore's dreams of a better future slipping away. 'I may have been trained by the system but it is because of this I know the feeling. I experienced the pain, and I know Singaporeans deserve better,' he said. Mr Singh told voters not to waste their vote, and said that voting for the opposition would help build a better and more balanced political system. 'A stronger opposition in Parliament... will force the PAP and the civil service to provide more thorough explanations of their policy... will prevent them form brushing aside valid questions and pushing through policies without proper scrutiny,' he said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
CNA
30-04-2025
- Politics
- CNA
GE2025: SDA reaffirms its commitment to Pasir Ris-Changi GRC residents, saying 'we do not give up'
SINGAPORE: Despite boundary changes ahead of the May 3 polls, the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) remains as committed to residents as it has over the past two decades, candidates said on Wednesday (Apr 30). In four videos posted online, they also emphasised that they will address and voice residents' concerns if elected. The party, which will not hold any physical rallies this General Election, have released two video series this week as part of their online rallies, with the first batch released on Tuesday. "From 2006 until now, I have been contesting in Pasir Ris-Punggol. Now it has become Pasir Ris-Changi. I want to work together with you and fight hard to achieve our common dreams and aspirations. Let's work together," said SDA chief Desmond Lim in a speech delivered in Mandarin. "Time passes but my resolve from the start has not changed. Every general election, my love for the community here and my sense of responsibility grows stronger." The party has contested in the area, specifically in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, for almost two decades. The group representation constituency was dissolved last month as part of extensive boundary changes ahead of the polls, with some districts merged with adjacent areas in East Coast GRC to form Pasir Ris-Changi GRC. The SDA is only contesting in Pasir Ris-Changi GRC. The party's slate consists of Mr Lim, Mr Abu Mohamed, Mr Harminder Pal Singh and Mr Chia Yun Kai. They will go up against a People's Action Party (PAP) team helmed by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah, Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Desmond Tan, Mr Sharael Taha and new face Ms Valerie Lee. Mr Chia, who joined the SDA earlier this month, said that the party was "proud" to welcome Changi residents from East Coast into the "family". "Together, we will be stronger than before. SDA has been standing with Pasir Ris residents for over 20 years. Twenty years of loyalty, twenty years of courage and twenty years of fighting for what is right," he added. "Our unwavering commitment, strength and resilience prove one thing. We do not give up and we do not walk away. We are here because we care." VOICES OF RESIDENTS MUST BE HEARD In their speeches, candidates also highlighted various causes which the party aims to address. Speaking in Malay, party secretary-general Abu Mohamed brought up how some young Singaporeans who hold polytechnic diplomas or university degrees find it difficult to find good jobs. "I am proud of the achievements, skills, and education of our young generation. They should be given chances, equal opportunities for better jobs," he said. He highlighted the party's proposal in its manifesto for a staggered levy on Employment Pass (EP) holders, where the levy would be higher for positions that require entry-level skillsets and taper down for high-skilled positions This would incentivise companies to hire and groom young Singaporeans to take on high-skilled and managerial positions, as well as level the playing field for middle-aged Singaporeans who face the prospect of being too expensive to hire, the party said previously. Candidates also stressed that they have heard and will continue to listen to residents. "We have been listening. We have been walking the streets, we have been talking to you in the hawker centers, our HDB void decks, our workplaces and we asked you what truly matters," said Mr Singh, adding that residents brought up their concerns about job security, affordable housing and healthcare. "You told us. You told us with a clarity that cuts through the noise." "We stand at a crossroads. We can continue down the path of widening inequality, of broken promises, of a society where the few thrive while many of us struggle," he added. "Or we can choose a different path. A path of compassion, a path of fairness, a path of a Singapore where every heart beats with hopes ... We the SDA offer you that choice."
CNA
23-04-2025
- Politics
- CNA
GE2025: Singapore Democratic Alliance proposes levy on EP holders, higher NSF pay in manifesto
Singapore The opposition party also suggests allowing Singaporeans to use their Medisave monies in "accredited healthcare institutions" across the ASEAN region. SINGAPORE: The Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) published its manifesto on Wednesday (Apr 23), proposing a staggered levy on Employment Pass (EP) holders and to use the proceeds to fund a higher full-time national servicemen (NSF) allowance. In a 22-page election manifesto ahead of the May 3 polls, the SDA laid out four main areas of focus. These are reducing high cost of living pressures on common Singaporeans, improving job prospects for Singaporean talents, making public housing affordable and easily obtainable, as well as increasing access to quality and affordable healthcare. The opposition bloc also announced its campaign slogan as "Make Change Happen". "Our role is simple - to raise the concerns of common Singaporeans to today's 'ivory tower' government, and to propose good policy reforms that will improve lives of the many and not just the elite," SDA chief Desmond Lim wrote in a message. "We want to better your quality of life today, and lay a good foundation for the generations to come so they will be proud to be Singaporeans." The SDA is a coalition currently comprising the Singapore Malay National Organisation (PKMS) and the Singapore Justice Party (SJP). In its manifesto, SDA also dedicated a page to how it would improve lives at Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, the only constituency it is contesting in this year's General Election. Proposals here included devoting more community spaces for "mental wellness counselling centres" as well as "community employment networks" for residents. Earlier on Wednesday, the party successfully submitted their nomination papers at Yusof Ishak Secondary School. SDA's Pasir-Ris Changi GRC slate consists of Mr Lim, Mr Abu Mohamed, Mr Harminder Pal Singh and Mr Chia Yun Kai. They will go up against a People's Action Party team helmed by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah, alongside Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Desmond Tan, Mr Sharael Taha and new face Ms Valerie Lee. As part of proposals in its manifesto to reduce the cost of living, the SDA suggested the formation of an independent body similar to the CPIB (Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau) to "proactively" check on government spending. "Cost savings from trimming wasteful spending will reduce the need for unnecessary tax hikes," the manifesto read. "The move will also improve the accountability of the government when it comes to prudent use of taxpayers' monies." The SDA also proposed rent controls on coffee shops and commercial shop spaces in residential neighbourhoods, to prevent landlords from raising rent "unfairly and exorbitantly". This will be coupled with property tax rebates to reward landlords for offering "sustainable" rent increases, the party added. "To make life better, local small businesses must be given a fair shot at starting up, competing and prospering," said SDA. "And when they can afford to offer lower prices to compete, cost of living will be reduced for common Singaporeans." HELPING NSFS The party also proposed a "staggered levy" on EP-holders, to incentivise companies to hire and groom young Singaporeans to take on high-skilled and managerial positions, as well as level the playing field for middle-aged Singaporeans who face the prospect of being too expensive to hire. Singapore Democratic Alliance chairman Desmond Lim speaking to a man on Pulau Ubin, Apr 20, 2025. (Photo: CNA/Raj Nadarajan) The levy would be higher for positions that require entry-level skillsets, and taper down for high-skilled positions, said the SDA. The party estimated that S$2 billion would be collected annually from its proposed levies. This could then be used to fund a S$1,600 base allowance for all NSFs, it said. Any unused revenue from levies would be put in a "national service fund". The S$1,600 figure brings the NSF allowance in line with the local qualifying salary of full-time local low-wage workers, said the SDA. It also proposed free local university education for NSFs who qualify for and choose to pursue higher education opportunities. The SDA also proposed allowing Singaporeans to use their Medisave monies at "accredited healthcare institutions" across the ASEAN region, pointing out that countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia have "good, advanced medical facilities and capable doctors". "More options abroad for Singaporeans will lessen the strain on our local healthcare system, which is already suffering from bed and labour shortages," said the party. "Increased competition will serve to lower the overall cost of the healthcare here, which in turn opens up more choices for Singaporeans." GE2025 Singapore Democratic Alliance
CNA
23-04-2025
- Politics
- CNA
GE2025: Gan Kim Yong joins PAP's Punggol GRC team for straight fight against WP line-up led by Harpreet Singh
Punggol, with 123,557 voters, is a new Group Representation Constituency made up of Punggol estates formerly in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC and Punggol West SMC - both now defunct. Mr Gan, in a speech after his confirmed candidacy, said: "My team and I will continue to work hard to earn your trust and confidence, to continue to serve you for the next five years and secure a better future." He was later asked by reporters for the reasons behind his surprise move, and when the decision was made. "Whenever we do deployment; it's always consideration by party leadership and many factors. Residents are always within our factors," he said. "Plans are always made depending on availability of candidates; we always need to make the adjustments." Mr Gan said he had left his residents in Chua Chu Kang, where he was an MP since 2011, in "very good hands"; and that he was happy to be in Punggol with a "capable" team which has been on the ground for many years. Asked if he had any connection to Punggol, and what would be the difference with Chua Chu Kang's residents, he said: "They have different needs and aspirations. And we have to see how we can match their visions, their dreams." He later said his move was "part and parcel of renewal". "So we always have fresh direction. We are going into an era that we are not familiar with - so we need a strong team," said Mr Gan. "What is important is among our candidates we have a mix of experience and young ideas, and from different walks of life. I'm new to the area, but I promise you I'm a very fast learner. I'll learn as fast as I can." Mr Singh from the WP slate said in his speech that it was "the privilege of a lifetime" for his team to step up and run in this election. "This, you know, is a solid, solid, solid team. We will work very, very hard. We will speak up for you. We will be there for you, always. So let's make history!" His team did not speak with media after. In 2020, a PAP team made up of Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, Dr Puthucheary, Mr Sharael Taha, Mr Desmond Tan and Ms Yeo won 64.16 per cent of the votes in a three-cornered fight in Pasir Ris-Punggol, against the Singapore Democratic Alliance and Peoples Voice. For the upcoming polls, Mr Sharael and Mr Tan are contesting in another new GRC, Pasir Ris-Changi, in a team led by Ms Indranee Rajah. Ms Sun was fielded in Punggol West SMC in the last General Election, where she beat WP's Tan Chen Chen with 60.98 per cent of the votes.
