Rising costs, job insecurity, and the dangers of political dominance were key themes at the Progress Singapore Party’s (PSP) rally on April 24 at Catholic High School in Bishan, as the party made its case for stronger opposition presence in Parliament.
PSP founder and chairman Dr Tan Cheng Bock capped off the night’s speeches, warning voters about the risks of “groupthink” in policymaking when Parliament is dominated by former civil servants and military officers.
“There will be inbreeding. And when there is inbreeding, there is no way you can change policies within that system,” said Dr Tan, 84.
“For this reason, you must vote opposition.”
Dr Tan urged Singaporeans to send more diverse voices into Parliament to foster critical thinking and genuine policy improvements.
Cost of Living and Jobs at the Forefront
Speakers throughout the evening homed in on kitchen-table concerns: the rising cost of living, stagnant wages, and job insecurity.
PSP secretary-general Leong Mun Wai, contesting West Coast-Jurong West GRC, criticised the government’s decision to raise the GST to 9%, calling for a return to 7%.
“There is a lack of compassion in the Government’s socio-economic policies,” said Mr Leong, who accused the 4G leadership of “losing its way”.
Hazel Poa, who is also standing in West Coast-Jurong West GRC, warned that the PAP’s longstanding dominance allows it to maintain rules that hinder fair political competition.
“It fosters stability, but it also creates an unlevel playing field,” she said.
Key Policy Proposals
The PSP laid out several proposals during the rally, including:
- A minimum living wage of $2,250,
- A 40-hour work week,
- Stronger protections for local workers,
- More affordable education, including smaller class sizes and making the PSLE optional,
- Tackling workplace discrimination, and
- Using reserves to invest in the younger generation.
Tony Tan, contesting Kebun Baru SMC, emphasised that education was Singapore’s greatest equaliser and called for bold investments in future generations.
Meanwhile, Jeffrey Khoo, standing in Marymount SMC, said more protections are needed for middle-aged workers vulnerable to underemployment and displacement by technology.
Help for Older Workers
The PSP’s Chua Chu Kang GRC team also addressed worries among Singaporeans aged 40 to 60 who struggle with digitalisation and retraining.
First-time candidate Lawrence Pek called for a minimum wage, while teammates Wendy Low and S. Nallakaruppan stressed that training must be matched by real job opportunities.
“Many have upskilled, but still cannot find work. Training alone is not enough,” Mr Nallakaruppan said.
“Parliamentary Wounds Will Heal”
Closing the night, Dr Tan praised PSP’s Non-Constituency MPs (NCMPs) Leong Mun Wai and Hazel Poa for their “courageous” performance despite challenges in Parliament.
“They have suffered many parliamentary wounds,” he said.
“But I say, carry on. It is for the good of the country. Don’t be afraid. Parliamentary wounds will heal.”
The PSP is contesting Marymount, Kebun Baru, Pioneer, Bukit Gombak, West Coast-Jurong West GRC, and Chua Chu Kang GRC in the upcoming election.
