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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regimes which hold regular elections tend to last longer than dictatorships who don't.' The observation was originally made by Nic Cheeseman and Brian Klaas in their book How to Rig an Election.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.
Online Citizen
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Online Citizen
Over 5,100 sign online petition calling for electoral reforms in Singapore
SINGAPORE: An online petition launched by Chee Soon Juan, Secretary-General of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), has gained more than 5,110 endorsements from members of the public as of 3 pm on 27 May 2025. The petition, which calls for wide-ranging electoral reforms, was unveiled during a press conference on 18 May. Chee described the initiative as non-partisan and aimed at addressing long-standing concerns about fairness and transparency in Singapore's political system. 'These are foundational principles of good governance and democratic integrity,' he said. Hosted on the petition outlines six major proposals for reform. Petition lists six proposals to enhance electoral transparency, media freedom, and boundary fairness Chief among them is the removal of the Elections Department from the Prime Minister's Office, intended to ensure impartial oversight of electoral processes. Another key proposal is the abolition of the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system, which the SDP argues facilitates gerrymandering and disadvantages opposition candidates. The petition also calls for a minimum campaign period of three weeks to give voters ample time to evaluate party platforms and candidates' policies. Additionally, it proposes a mandatory six-month buffer between the release of new electoral boundaries and the dissolution of Parliament. The petition further advocates for the revision of the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act to support independent media, and the creation of an impartial Electoral Boundaries Review Committee. As of 23 May, the petition had already garnered over 4,800 signatures, reflecting growing public interest in the issue following the recent General Election. Concerns about election conduct During the 18 May press conference, Chee sharply criticised the conduct of the 2025 General Election. He characterised the election as a 'smash-and-grab' operation carried out with 'unseemly haste' by the ruling People's Action Party (PAP). He stated that the compressed campaign timeline left voters with inadequate time to absorb the issues at hand. This concern was especially pronounced among younger and first-time voters, who reportedly felt overwhelmed and disoriented. 'The electorate hardly had time to grasp the weighty national concerns that affect our society,' he said. Chee emphasised that these problems point to systemic flaws within the electoral framework and that the petition was not a reactionary move but a principled push for deeper reform. He also spoke on the disruptive impact of sudden boundary changes ahead of the election. The dissolution of Bukit Batok SMC—a constituency where he had campaigned for nearly a decade—forced him to contest in the newly formed Sembawang West SMC. In the closely fought contest, Chee received 46.82% of the vote, narrowly losing to PAP's Poh Li San. The result made it the third-closest race of the election. Chee argued that such abrupt constituency changes hinder both candidates and residents, eroding community bonds and voter engagement. He reiterated that an independent and transparent approach to boundary delineation is crucial to preserving public trust in the electoral system.
Independent Singapore
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
WP Team attends People's Labour Day Rally 2025 at Hong Lim Park
SINGAPORE: Members of the Workers' Party (WP) attended the People's Labour Day Rally 2025 at Hong Lim Park on Sunday afternoon (May 25). This year's rally was a few weeks late due to the General Election earlier this month and was attended by several hundred people. Among them were WP Members of Parliament (MPs) Dennis Tan (Hougang Single Member Constituency [SMC]) and Jamus Lim (Sengkang Group Representation Constituency [GRC]), along with new WP MPs Fadli Fawzi and Kenneth Tiong (Aljunied GRC). Jeraldine Pneah, who has been part of the WP for some time, was also present. Other opposition figures, including Singapore Democratic Party chief Chee Soon Juan and chair Paul Tambyah, were among the attendees, as well as Ariffin Sha, who had contested under the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) banner in the May 3 polls and who was one of the speakers at the rally. Progress Singapore Party's (PSP) Stephanie Tan was spotted as well. Many groups were also represented at the gathering, including Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME), SG Riders, and Transformative Justice Collective (TJC). The rally was organised by the workers' rights group Workers Made Possible, a group of volunteers who started out supporting bus drivers and conducting research, writing, campaigning and public education regarding various labour issues in Singapore. In his speech, Mr Sha shone a light on the achievements of food delivery riders, who had successfully worked together to produce the Platform Workers' Bill. 'Remember this day, the 25th of May… Today will be the new dawn for the independent labour movement in Singapore,' he said, inviting attendees to join Workers Made Possible's endeavors . 'I want you to remember the power that we workers have in our hands,' he added, leading everyone to shout 'achamillai,' which means 'have no fear.' Although it has been customary for the WP to release a statement on Labour Day, Secretary-General Pritam Singh did not do so this year, in all likelihood due to the WP just having released its Manifesto for this year, and the WP held a rally on the evening of May 1. As a recap, here are the different aspects of labour in Singapore that the WP has highlighted. In 2019, the WP's message focused on the needs of professionals, managers, executives, and technicians (PMETs), especially older ones who have recently faced 'a myriad of challenges.' In 2021, it repeated its call for a sector-wide minimum wage of S$1,300 per month to be imposed in Singapore, which would help everyone make ends meet. A year later, the WP focused on the sandwiched class, those who take care of children and elders simultaneously amid rising living costs. In 2023, Mr Singh's message revolved around the need for redundancy insurance and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for the sake of Singapore's workers. Last year, the WP noted that 'change is on the horizon,' noting the challenges Singapore and Singaporeans are facing—including increased global tensions, high costs of living and doing business, the need to protect workers—at a time when the prime ministership was about to be handed over. /TISG Read also: Workers' Party May Day Statement: Change is on the horizon
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
YAHOO POLL: Do you support SDP's petition calling for electoral reform?
The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) isn't letting its general election (GE2025) loss keep it quiet. Instead, it's kicking off a new campaign – Renew, Rebuild, Reignite – with a bold petition to reform how elections work in Singapore. From calling for longer campaign periods to abolishing the GRC system, SDP says voters need more time, transparency, and say in how democracy operates. One big ask? Moving the Elections Department (ELD) out from under the Prime Minister's Office. Critics say the system is too opaque. Supporters say it works just fine. Who's right? Other polls YAHOO POLL: Do you support harsher punishments for animal abusers? YAHOO POLL: COVID-19 cases on the rise – are you staying vigilant? YAHOO POLL: Would you approach otters if you saw them in Singapore? The petition – launched with fanfare and fried noodles at a thank-you dinner – has already sparked chatter. But SDP isn't stopping there. They're doubling down on youth engagement, with plans to bring political dialogue to campuses, publish a book for young voters, and roll out a social enterprise to build grassroots support and business savvy. Dr Chee Soon Juan says it's about starting conversations now, not just waking up every five years before polling day. If you've ever grumbled about rushed campaigns or confusing constituencies, here's your chance to be part of the reform – or at least the feedback. Of course, this isn't a one-party issue. A transparent, robust electoral process is something every voter – regardless of political leanings – should care about. After all, if you're going to queue and cast your vote, shouldn't it feel like it counts? Have your say and take the poll. Related SDP launches petition to reform election system as part of new campaign SDP presses PM Wong for answers on ministers' Su Haijin photo controvers Singapore voters seek stability as Trump roils global trade GE2025: PAP adopts our ideas as policy but won't give us any credit, says SDP's Chee Soon Juan Singapore's opposition claim 'gerrymandering' ahead of election
AsiaOne
19-05-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
SDP launches petition to reform election system as part of new campaign, Singapore News
SINGAPORE - Putting aside the results of GE2025, the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has resumed its groundwork by launching a petition calling for changes to the election system. It was launched by party chief Chee Soon Juan on May 18, during SDP's thank you dinner for its volunteers. About 180 volunteers attended the dinner, which was held at The Legacy at One North. The petition calls for six changes to the current election system in Singapore. This includes ensuring a minimum three-week campaign period, and setting a six-month gap between boundary changes and the dissolution of Parliament. It is one of the SDP's three initiatives launched as part of its new campaign "Renew, Rebuild, Reignite", in the lead-up to the 2030 General Election. SDP lost in all four constituencies it was contesting in the 2025 General Election. Speaking to the media at a press conference before the dinner, Dr Chee said that the recent election did not give the electorate sufficient time to grasp national concerns which affect society. "This has been the feedback we've been getting over and over especially (from) the younger voters, who are just coming together to learn about the (election) process." Other proposed changes in the petition include removing the election department from being under the Prime Minister's Office, abolishing the GRC system, and reviewing the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act. Dr Chee did not give details on how many signatures the party hopes to get for the petition, or what it plans to do after this. Mr Muhammad Aqmal Harris, a member of the SDP's youth wing Young Democrats, said: "This is not just a 'sign it and forget it' campaign. "This document is the beginning. A conversation starter, a rallying point, and it will evolve with your input." Mr Ariffin Sha, who was part of the SDP's slate contesting Marsiling Yew-Tee GRC, said: "The whole idea is to start this important conversation about electoral reform. "And I think one thing that has been quite interesting that we have seen is many young people, even those who are too young to vote, expressing an interest, and that's very heartening." Besides the petition, SDP will ramp up youth engagement, said Dr Chee, who added that he hopes to publish a book targeted at younger voters. The party also hopes to engage university students through dialogue in universities, and through their social media channels. He said: "We want to engage our younger voters, get them knowledgeable about what politics in Singapore (is about), and about current affairs. This is what is going to be important." The SDP also intends to launch the Orange & Teal social enterprise and cooperative (OTSEC), said Dr Chee, who added that members can join the cooperative for a $100 fee. "The OTSEC is meant to be a ground-up (initiative) where we are looking for Singaporeans to own a part of this business, and to encourage young entrepreneurs." Said Dr Chee: "I look to all of you to actively participate. Let's not go back into our comfort zone (and) keep quiet and lie low for the next four to five years and then awaken again just before the elections, only to find results like what we're seeing today. Let's go out and make the change that we want to see."
