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The Star
02-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Singapore GE2025: Polls a chance to elect more opposition to speak up for Singaporeans, says SPP
Singapore People's Party candidates contesting Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC speaking to people at Bishan Bus Interchange on May 1. - ST SINGAPORE: Voters can help opposition parties grow stronger at the coming polls and give them a chance to speak up for Singaporeans, said Singapore People's Party (SPP) secretary-general Steve Chia. Speaking to reporters near Bishan Bus Interchange on May 1, Chia said Singaporeans are now more receptive to opposition politicians. If the opposition can win one or two more group representation constituencies, Singapore is on the road to full democracy, he added. The 54-year-old said: 'We are doing whatever we can to push for change, to push for a better standard of living, a better discussion of ideas for Singaporeans and for everybody. So, this is a moment of change.' His Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC team includes SPP chairman Melvyn Chiu, 45, and new faces Muhammad Norhakim, 31, and Lim Rui Xian, 37. They are facing off against a PAP team comprising Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, 51; Saktiandi Supaat, 51; Elysa Chen, 41; and Cai Yinzhou, 35. Chia, who contested his first general election in 1997, said there was a 'great fear' at the time and people did not dare to speak to opposition politicians. This has changed. Now, people come up to them and thank them for giving them a credible alternative to the ruling party, said Chia, who was a Non-Constituency MP between 2001 and 2006. When asked about his team's chances at the end of the nine-day campaign, he said he is unsure how people will vote, but added that SPP can only do its best and reach out to Singaporeans with its message. He said: 'We don't go around scolding the opponent. We have had a very fair campaign. We fight on ideas and policies. Whether we can cross the 50 per cent plus one vote, we don't know. 'We reach out to many people, but there are still many people we are not able to reach because it's only nine days. There's only so much we can do. 'We just hope that when they listen to the interviews... they will give the consideration that we are doing the best we can to bring up the standard of politics... and democracy in Singapore.' At a PAP rally on May 1, Chee said he will push to get a hawker centre up and running in Bishan. When asked, Chia responded that his party, too, would like to build a hawker centre in Bishan if it had access to funds like the ruling party. He said: 'When we, the opposition, propose ideas, we get queried, 'Where are you going to get the money? Where to get the funding?'' - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: Polls a chance to elect more opposition to speak up for Singaporeans, says SPP
GE2025: Polls a chance to elect more opposition to speak up for Singaporeans, says SPP Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE - Voters can help opposition parties grow stronger at the coming polls and give them a chance to speak up for Singaporeans, said Singapore People's Party (SPP) secretary-general Steve Chia. Speaking to reporters near Bishan Bus Interchange on May 1, Mr Chia said Singaporeans are now more receptive to opposition politicians. If the opposition can win one or two more GRCs, Singapore is on the road to full democracy, he added. Mr Chia, 54, said: 'We are doing whatever we can to push for change, to push for a better standard of living, a better discussion of ideas for Singaporeans and for everybody. So, this is a moment of change.' His team includes SPP chairman Melvyn Chiu, 45, and new faces Muhammad Norhakim, 31, and Lim Rui Xian, 37. SPP is facing off in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC against a PAP team comprising Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, Mr Saktiandi Supaat, Ms Elysa Chen and Mr Cai Yinzhou. Mr Chia, who contested his first general election in 1997, said there was a 'great fear' at the time, and people did not dare speak to opposition politicians. This has changed, he added. Now, people come up to them and thank them for giving them a credible alternative to the ruling party, said Mr Chia, who was a Non-Constituency MP between 2001 and 2006. When asked about his team's chances at the end of the nine-day campaign, he said he is unsure how people will vote, but added that SPP can only do its best, and reach out to Singaporeans with its message. He said: 'We don't go around scolding the opponent. We have had a very fair campaign. We fight on ideas and policies. Whether we can cross the 50 per cent plus one vote, we don't know. 'We reach out to many people, but there are still many people we are not able to reach because it's only nine days. There's only so much we can do. 'We just hope that when they listen to the interviews... they will give the consideration that we are doing the best we can to bring up the standard of politics... and democracy in Singapore.' At a PAP rally on May 1, Mr Chee said he will push to get a hawker centre up and running in Bishan. When asked, Mr Chia responded that his party, too, would like to build a hawker centre in Bishan if it had access to funds like the ruling party. He said: 'When we, the opposition, propose ideas, we get queried: 'Where are you going to get the money? Where to get the funding?'' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: Trust in Potong Pasir has to be earned, says PAP's Alex Yeo
PAP candidate for Potong Pasir Alex Yeo (centre) taking a photo with supporters after the party's rally at St Andrew's Junior College on May 1. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO GE2025: Trust in Potong Pasir has to be earned, says PAP's Alex Yeo Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE - Trust cannot be inherited or demanded in Potong Pasir, it has to be earned, said PAP's Alex Yeo in a rally at St. Andrew's Junior College on May 1. Mr Yeo is one of three candidates battling for the single seat in the constituency on May 3. The others are Singapore People's Party's (SPP) Mr Williiamson Lee and People's Alliance for Reform's (PAR) Mr Lim Tean. In his sole rally this election, Mr Yeo noted that no one can fill the shoes of leaders like PAP's former MP Sitoh Yih Pin and ex-opposition MP Chiam See Tong. Mr Chiam held the seat for 27 years before losing in 2011 to Mr Sitoh, who went on to serve two more terms. 'His (Mr Sitoh) shoes, like that of Mr Chiam See Tong and others before them carry the journeys that they have walked, the relationships built and trust earned with Potong Pasir residents are theirs and theirs alone,' Mr Yeo, 46, said. 'Political party aside, Potong Pasir residents want (their) representative to build that relationship and trust with (them). I know that I have a lot of work to do to earn your trust and to get to know you and you, me.' Over the past nine days of campaigning, Mr Yeo said that he and his team have managed to visit about 82 per cent of the households in Potong Pasir. Following this, at the rally he laid out 'a top 10 list of improvements for Bidadari and Woodleigh'. These include more directional signs in the estate, more sports recreation options, and better pest control. His top priority, he added, is to 'do something about the boring playgrounds' for children. He added that he intends to hold dialogue sessions with different areas to understand the 'unique needs and aspirations' of the residents. Seniors are also on the agenda, as Mr Yeo said he will take care of older residents by offering them affordable preventive healthcare services at their doorsteps, which was a programme he implemented in Paya Lebar, where he was formerly its branch chairman. If elected into Parliament, Mr Yeo said he will listen and engage with residents who want to share their concerns and views. 'I will not shy away from dealing with difficult and sometimes hard discussions, in a constructive, safe space. I will always try to find workable solutions to your concerns,' he added. In a rally on April 26, PAR secretary-general Mr Lim had pledged to push for free education, school meals and healthcare for Singaporean children if elected. He said this could improve the country's total fertility rate by encouraging Singaporeans to have more children, which would make Singapore less reliant on foreigners. Mr Yeo said on May 1: 'If the response to your residents' concerns about the rising cost of living is to simply highlight the problem and then demand free education, free school meals and free healthcare, then I think, it not only oversimplifies the problem and is also not going to result in any real solutions.' Long-time volunteer Mr Chua Kian Meng, 67, also took to the stage at the rally. He had supported Mr Sitoh in every campaign since 2006 and he is now lending his support to Mr Yeo. Vouching for Mr Yeo's character, Mr Chua told the crowd at St. Andrew's Junior College that he has known the former since 2014, when Mr Yeo started volunteering in Potong Pasir. '(Mr Yeo) is not someone parachuted in, he is no rookie,' said Mr Chua. 'He is a good man with a heart in the right place… He has good intentions and a genuine desire to want to do work for others.' While sharing that politics was never in his plans, Mr Yeo said decided to step up after his experience volunteering in the single member constituency. He added: 'I cannot promise that I can solve all your problems. I am certainly not so arrogant to think that I have all the answers. 'But if you give me and my team the chance, the opportunity to serve you, we will spare no effort to listen to you, engage you, work with you to find solutions and speak up for you.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
CNA
25-04-2025
- Politics
- CNA
GE2025: "Our percentage is going to be a lot higher", says SPP's Steve Chia on Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC
"I think that this time round, our percentage is going to be a lot higher," said Singapore People's Party (SPP) secretary-general Steve Chia, who is contesting in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC for #GE2025. He added that it will be a "50-50 per cent chance" and that they are "working hard to make sure we cross the 50 per cent, with every hand that we shake." Mr Chia was also asked about his thoughts on his opponents from the People's Action Party (PAP) led by Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat.
Straits Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: PAP to face familiar rivals in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC and Bukit Panjang SMC
SINGAPORE - The PAP will be up against the Singapore People's Party (SPP) for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC once again, with a new anchor minister at the helm for the ruling party. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, 51, will lead the four-man PAP team for the GRC, following Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen's retirement from politics. Others on the PAP slate, which was confirmed on April 23 at the Methodist Girls' School (MGS) nomination centre, are Mr Saktiandi Supaat , 51, and political fresh faces Ms Elysa Chen, 41, a charity director, and social entrepreneur Cai Yinzhou, 35. The SPP team comprises secretary-general Steve Chia , 54, and party chairman Melvyn Chiu, 46, along with new faces operations executive Muhammad Norhakim , 31, and operations manager Lim Rui Xian , 37. PAP had bested SPP in the previous contest in 2020, taking 67.26 per cent of the votes. When asked about PAP's performance in the GRC over the last five years, Mr Chee said that it was 'something for our residents to decide', and that his team would do their 'very best to win the support, earn the trust of our residents and do more to rejuvenate our estate and improve their lives'. He added: 'Bishan-Toa Payoh is a mature estate, but we want to continue to rejuvenate our town so that it is a good home for residents of all ages... If they [residents] give us a chance to come in, if they support us, this is something that I hope we can do more for them in the next few years .' In his speech, SPP's Mr Chiu said that the short waiting time to Nomination Day 'forced' many parties to work overtime, and that it was a move to discourage them. He added: ' Unfortunately, we have to disappoint them. The Singapore People's Party, together with other opposition parties, have risen to the challenge and we have made it.' The party's secretary-general Steve Chia added: 'Time to reflect on the past five years of PAP policy. Has it made your life better?' Bukit Panjang SMC will also see a rematch between PAP incumbent MP Liang Eng Hwa , 61, and Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chairman Paul Tambyah , 60, both of whom arrived at MGS with a host of supporters. Professor Tambyah, a senior consultant in infectious diseases at the National University Hospital, told the crowd after nominations closed: 'Vote without fear, vote for a Singapore where everyone can thrive. Vote for the SDP. ' Speaking to the media afterwards, Prof Tambyah said in Mandarin: 'I'm more confident about this SMC because I understand the residents' problem more. But it'll be harder this time. As you know, PAP can give a whole tray of eggs for one dollar (but) we don't have such resources. So it'll be hard to compete with that.' Still, he said that he has a 'good team' and believes he can get 49 per cent of votes. PAP's Mr Liang said to ST that he has the resources behind him to get things done. 'I have the resources with me, behind me to help me move things and improve things. So that's probably my strength. I know how to get help and support from the agencies or from our community partners, even some businesses. 'It's going to be a very close race. So I will do my best and hope I can provide, I can serve the residents again like how I did. And then to make life better for everyone.' Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, Marymount SMC Other teams contesting for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC and Marymount SMC also showed up at MGS. The line-up for the incumbent PAP team led by Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan , 64, for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, which remains unchanged, will have to defend the constituency against RDU, which is contesting there for the first time. Dr Balakrishnan's team includes Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and National Development Sim Ann, 50, lawyer Christopher de Souza, 49, and businessman Edward Chia, 41 . Dr Balakrishnan thanked residents for the privilege of serving them for 'many years'. 'You know us, you know what we stand for, and what we believe. We've done our best, upgraded our town, stood with your families in good times and tough times, we've protected our greenery. But there's so much more to be done and the world is in an uncertain place,' he said. 'We will secure a better future for your children and your grandchildren. But we need your support, but we will need your vote.' RDU's Emily Woo, 59, who was originally set to be fielded in Jurong Central SMC, replaced business owner Patrick Tan , 70, to contest in the constituency alongside financial consultant Fazli Talip , 43, assistant engineer Sharad Kumar, 25, and operations manager Nizar Subair , 57 . The decision to replace Mr Tan with Ms Woo was a 'collective decision by the election committee', said Mr Fazli. He added: 'Emily also is a good team player to the team. And she actually grew up in Holland-Bukit Timah in her younger days, so her experience really helps the team as well.' Ms Woo, a music teacher who said she grew up in the Ghim Moh area, said: 'I believe that there are people who need help, for example, the residents in the rental blocks. So we will do our best.' As for Marymount SMC, Minister of State for Education and Manpower Gan Siow Huang , 51, will defend her seat against PSP's Jeffrey Khoo, 56. Addressing the crowd at the nomination centre, PAP's Gan said she was 'deeply touched' by the trust of the voters who elected her to serve as their MP five years ago. 'Since then I've made it my duty not just to listen, but to t ake action and to deliver with purpose,' she said, adding that she and her team have introduced new community programmes and upgraded the estate over the years. In his address to supporters, Mr Khoo said: 'It is especially in these challenging times that we need to put Singapore first, we need to have more alternative voices in parliament for a better outcome s . 'Your vote is your voice, and this is how change happens, one person, one decision, one vote. The moment is now. Vote for change, vote for progress for all.' Show of support About 200 PAP supporters arrived at MGS in buses as early as 10am. Mr Yan Tan, 40, a volunteer at the Bishan East-Sin Ming PAP branch for the past 12 years, came to support Ms Chen, a candidate for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC. Mr Tan, who works in the finance industry, said that 'PAP is the right leadership for Singapore to move forward'. He added: 'Being in the finance industry, we attract a lot of capital flows, because we are stable and have the right policies - this can only continue to happen if we have the right leadership.' SDP supporter Mr Sidney Soon, 68, was among the first to arrive at MGS at about 9am. He described Prof Tambyah as a 'balanced and rational person'. 'I'm very impressed with his achievements,' said Mr Soon, who is a former SDA candidate who contested the 2011 general election. Dr Francis Pavri, 80, an adjunct professor with SMU, turned up to support PSP's Marymount candidate Mr Khoo. Mr Pavri used to be an SDP supporter while living at Woodlands, and when he moved to the West Coast a while back, threw his support behind PSP. He said: 'I feel as a citizen it's my responsibility. There should be more voices in Parliament. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. We need more opposition voices to temper that; it's a check and balance thing.' Mr Abdillah Zamzuri, a 41-year-old entrepreneur who has been volunteering with RDU since the last election in 2020, showed up with about six to seven other supporters. He said that he supports RDU because he believes 'in their values of building a more compassionate society'. Additional reporting by Christine Tan, Rosalind Ang, Samuel Devaraj and Wong Yang Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
