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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regimes which hold regular elections tend to last longer than dictatorships who don't.' The observation was originally made by Nic Cheeseman and Brian Klaas in their book How to Rig an Election.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.
Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: ‘This will be my best term', says veteran MP Liang Eng Hwa of upcoming term in Bukit Panjang
Bukit Panjang MP-elect Liang Eng Hwa (right) and Holland-Bukit Timah MP-elect Edward Chia (centre) at a Mother's Day event on May 4. ST PHOTO: CHRISTINE TAN GE2025: 'This will be my best term', says veteran MP Liang Eng Hwa of upcoming term in Bukit Panjang Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE - Bukit Panjang MP-elect Liang Eng Hwa is looking forward to what he says would be his 'best term' in the area, as he acknowledged surprise at the significant swing in vote share in the May 3 General Election. The backbencher's 61.41 per cent victory was an improvement of over seven percentage points from the result in the nail-biting race in 2020 with the same rival, Singapore Democratic Party's chairman Paul Tambyah. That showdown, where Mr Liang narrowly beat Dr Tambyah with only 53.73 per cent of votes, was the closest contest among all single-member constituencies in that election. So Mr Liang was surprised to see his vote share improve this time, when observers had touted Bukit Panjang as a 'hot ward' in this election. 'I also expected it to be a close race, like anyone else who observed these elections,' said Mr Liang, who was in a buoyant mood on May 4 as he thanked supporters in the Fajar area. The MP-elect credited the vote swing to the hard work he had put in to improve the town and bring people together. It was also a race which ended graciously, with Mr Liang and Dr Tambyah exchanging phone numbers at a counting centre after the sample count results were announced. He said Dr Tambyah, an infectious diseases expert and professor of medicine, had extended his congratulations. Describing the race as a 'gentleman's contest', he said of his SDP opponent: 'He's a good man. I'll find some time to meet up with him.' Mr Liang, a managing director at DBS Bank, had represented the Zhenghua ward in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC for three terms from 2006, and was moved to Bukit Panjang SMC in 2020 after the retirement of its PAP MP Teo Ho Pin. In a victory parade that took him from Bangkit Market to Fajar Shopping Centre, Mr Liang was greeted by rapturous cheers from residents who were eager for handshakes and photos. With him was Holland-Bukit Timah MP-elect Edward Chia, and the pair were greeted by a lion dance performance at Chi Hock Keng Temple in Fajar Road, where they attended a Mother's Day event. In unison, the crowd sang Teresa Teng's classic Small Town Story, a song which Mr Liang had often referenced in his speeches to describe Bukit Panjang: 'There are many stories in this small town / Filled with joy and happiness.' Asked about his upcoming term, he said: 'This will be my best term. 'Every term I get better, in terms of resourcing, effectiveness, and connectedness with the residents. I've built it up over the years,' added the four-term MP. Municipal issues he hopes to tackle immediately include resolving the lack of lift access in some Housing Board flats in Bukit Panjang, which was a talking point during the campaign. Dr Tambyah had commented about how such municipal issues were not resolved, and Mr Liang responded that HDB was already looking into solutions, and that he was confident the works could be done. Mr Liang told ST he would work with Holland-Bukit Timah 's Mr Chia - whose team, led by Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, won 79.29 per cent of the votes - on making their neighbourhood s a 'wellness heartland'. This was one of the main pitches for the PAP's campaign in both constituencies, which include new active ageing centres and the upgrading of Bukit Panjang Neighbourhood 5 Park, among other plans. On the national front, Mr Liang said he would speak up in Parliament on more support for graduate employment and mid-career individuals, and discuss how to lower or stabilise the cost of living. He said: 'I will do my best. I think that's why I'm standing, to bring about better lives.' Christine Tan is a journalist at The Straits Times reporting on crime, justice and social issues in Singapore. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Business Times
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Times
Singapore election 2025: SDP's Chee Soon Juan and Paul Tambyah fail to win seats
[SINGAPORE] Both Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) leaders failed in their bids to win seats even though the party had a mixed showing in this year's general election (GE) – secretary-general Chee Soon Juan had an improved vote share at the polls even as he contested in a new Single-Member Constituency (SMC), while chairman Paul Tambyah lost ground. Dr Chee went up against People's Action Party (PAP) candidate Poh Li San in newly created Sembawang West SMC, and lost. Poh garnered 11,978 votes, or 53.19 per cent of the valid votes, while Dr Chee trailed with 10,541 votes, or 46.81 per cent. A total of 22,519 valid votes were cast, while 269 votes were rejected. Before Sembawang West was carved out of Sembawang GRC in the latest review of electoral boundaries, Poh looked after the ward. In GE2020, the PAP won the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) with 67.29 per cent of the votes, against a team from the National Solidarity Party. The SDP previously contested Sembawang GRC in 2006 and 2011, when Dr Chee was not eligible to contest due to his undischarged bankruptcy. After his return to politics, the party did not contest the GRC in 2015 and 2020. In GE2020, Dr Chee contested Bukit Batok SMC, garnering 45.20 per cent of the votes and losing to PAP's Murali Pillai. The single seat has since been absorbed into the new Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up While Dr Chee failed to take the Sembawang West SMC seat, his 46.81 per cent vote share was among the highest of the losing parties' candidates, just behind those of the opposition candidates in Jalan Kayu SMC and Tampines GRC. In this election, 10 opposition candidates were victorious in their GRCs. Under the Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) scheme, if fewer than 12 opposition candidates are elected at a GE, the 'best losers' from among them will be declared as NCMPs to bring the total number of opposition MPs to 12. This means that Dr Chee narrowly missed out on an NCMP seat. The SDP peaked at three parliamentary seats following the 1991 election, and has not held any seats since 1997. Before this GE, 2020 was the closest that it managed to a return to the political stage, as Dr Tambyah's and Dr Chee's vote shares crept above 45 per cent. Losing steam in Bukit Panjang Meanwhile, PAP candidate for Bukit Panjang SMC Liang Eng Hwa secured 61.41 per cent of the votes for the single-seat ward – defeating SDP's Dr Tambyah by a larger margin than in their previous face-off. Liang ended up with 19,116 votes. Dr Tambyah garnered 12,015 votes, representing 38.59 per cent of the vote share. There were a total of 31,131 valid votes, while 350 votes were rejected. Liang is a managing director at DBS, while Dr Tambyah is an infectious diseases expert at the National University Hospital. Bukit Panjang SMC's boundaries remained unchanged from the election in 2020. The straight fight for the constituency this year marked a rematch between Liang and Dr Tambyah. PAP's margin of victory widened from the last election, when Liang secured 53.73 per cent of the votes, against Dr Tambyah's 46.27 per cent. That remains the slimmest margin of victory recorded for the PAP in the SMC. Dr Tambyah's profile rose significantly then, on the back of the Covid-19 crisis. Though GE2025 is the second time they are fighting against each other in Bukit Panjang SMC, they have also faced off elsewhere. In 2015, Dr Tambyah was fielded in SDP's Holland-Bukit Timah team, while Liang contested the GRC on the PAP's side. The mixed results came as the SDP was embroiled in controversy after Marsiling-Yew Tee candidate Gigene Wong went off script to refer to teammate Ariffin Sha by a racial slur and mispronounced his name as 'elephant'. She and Dr Chee apologised in later speeches. Dr Wong did not speak at any subsequent rallies. On the campaign trail, both Dr Tambyah and Dr Chee had called for more opposition voices in Parliament, which they said would improve the PAP's governance. The SDP envisions a Singapore 'where everyone can thrive', with policies from healthcare to education. PAP had criticised their policies and said they were 'mere populist calls' to win seats in Parliament. The SDP leaders also promised to make improvements on a municipal level, with more regular engagements and wise spending. In response, their opponents questioned their understanding of the roles of Members of Parliament. For more election coverage, visit our GE2025 microsite
Business Times
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Times
Singapore election 2025: PAP defeats SDP to take Bukit Panjang with 61.41% of votes
[SINGAPORE] Both Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) leaders failed in their bids to win seats even though it was a mixed showing – SDP secretary-general Chee Soon Juan saw an improved showing at the polls even as he contested in a new Single-Member Constituency (SMC), while party chairman Paul Tambyah lost ground. Dr Chee went up against People's Action Party (PAP) candidate Poh Li San in newly created Sembawang West SMC, and lost. Poh garnered 11,978 votes, or 53.19 per cent of valid votes, while Dr Chee trailed with 10,541 votes, or 46.81 per cent. A total of 22,519 valid votes were cast, while 269 votes were rejected. Before Sembawang West was carved out of Sembawang GRC in the latest review of electoral boundaries, Poh looked after the ward. In GE2020, the PAP team won Sembawang GRC with 67.29 per cent of the votes, against a team from the National Solidarity Party (NSP). SDP previously contested Sembawang GRC in 2011 and 2006, when Dr Chee was not eligible to contest due to his undischarged bankruptcy. After his return to politics, the party did not contest the GRC in 2015 and 2020. In GE2020, Dr Chee contested Bukit Batok SMC, garnering 45.20 per cent of the vote and losing to the PAP's Murali Pillai. The single seat has since been absorbed into the new Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up While Dr Chee failed to take the Sembawang West SMC seat, his 46.81 per cent vote share in the new SMC was also among the strongest of the losing parties' candidates. The SDP peaked at three Parliamentary seats following the 1991 election, and had not held any seats since 1997. The 2020 general election (GE) was previously the closest they have gotten to a return to the political stage, as chairman Paul Tambyah and secretary-general Chee Soon Juan's vote shares crept above 45 per cent. Losing steam in Bukit Panjang Meanwhile, PAP candidate for Bukit Panjang SMC, Liang Eng Hwa, secured 61.41 per cent of the votes for the single-seat ward – defeating the SDP's chairman Paul Tambyah by a larger margin than in their previous face off. Liang ended up with 19,116 votes. Meanwhile, Dr Tambyah trailed with 12,015 votes, representing 38.59 per cent of the vote share. There were a total of 31,131 valid votes, while 350 votes were rejected. Liang is a managing director at DBS, while Dr Tambyah is an infectious diseases expert at the National University Hospital. Bukit Panjang SMC's boundaries remained unchanged from the 2020 General Election (GE). The straight fight for the constituency this year marked a rematch between Liang and Dr Tambyah. PAP's margin of victory widened from the last election, when Liang secured 53.73 per cent of the vote, against Dr Tambyah's 46.27 per cent. That remains the slimmest margin of victory recorded for PAP in the SMC. Dr Tambyah's profile rose significantly then, on the back of the Covid-19 crisis. Though GE2025 is the second time they are fighting against each other in the SMC, they have also faced off elsewhere. In 2015, Dr Tambyah was fielded in SDP's Holland-Bukit Timah team, while Liang contested the Group Representation Constituency on PAP's side. The mixed results came as the SDP was embroiled in controversy after Marsiling-Yew Tee candidate Gigene Wong went off script to refer to teammate Ariffin Iskandar Sha Ali Akbar by a racial slur and mispronounced his name as 'elephant'. She and Dr Chee apologised in later speeches. Dr Wong did not speak at any subsequent rallies. On the campaign trail, both Dr Tambyah and Dr Chee had called for more opposition voices in Parliament, which they said would improve the PAP's governance. The SDP envisions a Singapore 'where everyone can thrive', with policies from healthcare to education. The PAP had criticised their policies, calling them 'mere populist calls' to win seats in Parliament. The SDP leaders also promised to make improvements on a municipal level, with more regular engagements and wise spending. In response, their opponents questioned their understanding of the roles of Members of Parliament. For more election coverage, visit our GE2025 microsite
Business Times
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Times
Singapore election 2025: PAP leads against SDP in sample count
[SINGAPORE] The People's Action Party's (PAP) candidate for Bukit Panjang SMC, Liang Eng Hwa, has secured 61.41 per cent of the votes for the single-seat ward – defeating the Singapore Democratic Party's (SDP) candidate and chairman, Paul Tambyah. He ended up with 19,116 votes. Meanwhile, Dr Tambyah trailed with 12,015 votes, representing 38.59 per cent of the vote share, based on data released on Polling Day (May 3). There was a total of 31,131 valid votes, while 350 votes were rejected. Liang is a managing director at DBS, while Dr Tambyah is an infectious diseases expert at the National University Hospital. Bukit Panjang SMC's boundaries remained unchanged from the 2020 General Election (GE). The straight fight for the constituency this year marked a rematch between Liang and Dr Tambyah. The PAP's margin of victory widened from the last election, where Liang secured 53.73 per cent of the vote, against Dr Tambyah's 46.27 per cent. That remains the slimmest margin of victory recorded for the PAP in the single member constituency (SMC). BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Though GE2025 is the second time they are fighting against each other in the Single-Member Constituency (SMC), they have also faced off elsewhere. In 2015, Dr Tambyah was fielded in SDP's Holland-Bukit Timah team, while Liang contested the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) on the PAP's side. Dr Tambyah has said on the campaign trail that municipal projects and services would continue even if SDP candidates were elected over PAP ones. Singapore's civil service and government agencies are professional and apolitical, he said. But how town councils are managed will change should the SDP win, he added, promising more regular engagements and wiser spending. In response, Liang said that it was 'naive' to think that it did not matter who a constituency's Member of Parliament was. Estate projects do not get done on 'autopilot', he said, adding that improvements happen through MPs pushing for change and continually engaging stakeholders. Prior to 2020, PAP and SDP had faced off in Bukit Panjang SMC in every GE since 1988 – which had a three-way fight – except for 1991 and 1997, as the constituency did not exist, and 2001, when Holland-Bukit Panjang GRC went uncontested. Still waiting on final results Meanwhile, in newly created Sembawang West SMC, PAP candidate Poh Li San is ahead with 53 per cent of the votes in the sample count, with SDP secretary-general Chee Soon Juan trailing with 47 per cent. Although not final, the numbers are said to be fairly indicative of the possible outcome for a constituency; sample counts typically have a confidence level of 95 per cent, plus or minus four percentage points. Before Sembawang West was carved out of Sembawang GRC ahead of the election, Poh looked after the ward. SDP previously contested Sembawang GRC in 2011 and 2006, though that year Dr Chee was not eligible to contest due to his status as an undischarged bankrupt. After his return to politics, the party did not run in the GRC in 2015 and 2020. During election hustings, Poh said that residents would be able to discern clearly between those who have 'done real work' in the SMC with commitment to stay, and those who 'just show up' shortly before the election. Taking a jab at PAP MPs, many of whom also hold full-time jobs, Dr Chee responded that 'real work' can only be done by those who spend their working hours full-time in the estate and among residents. SDP candidates would outdo the PAP in managing town councils and raising pertinent issues in Parliament if elected, as they would be full-time MPs, he said. Noting the long waiting times at Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS), he said that he would try to shorten them. He also pledged to address residents' concerns – from healthcare costs to their children's education – at town hall meetings, if elected. PAP's Poh acknowledged that MPS can take many hours. But she said that Dr Chee's speech reflected a 'fundamental mistake' of what these sessions are about. They are a 'safe, private space' for residents to share their challenges and seek help, and 'not a town hall for public political theatre', she said. Note: As this is a sample count, the election result could be different. Counting is still in progress. The public should wait for the announcement of the election result by the returning officer, Han Kok Juan, which will be broadcast live on television. For more election coverage, visit our GE2025 microsite
