The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), which has contested Holland-Bukit Timah GRC for the past three elections, is uncertain about fielding a team in the constituency for GE2025, as it continues its search for candidates.
SDP chairman Paul Tambyah said on April 8 that the party is still assessing its options. “We’re exploring all possibilities and evaluating whether we have enough good candidates,” he told reporters at a Bukit Panjang community dialogue.
He added that the party is still conducting interviews with prospective candidates, including those from outside the party. “There are some very qualified people coming forward,” he said, noting that talks are ongoing with leaders of two other opposition parties also eyeing Holland-Bukit Timah.
Prof Tambyah said the SDP is open to yielding the constituency to another party better focused on the area if necessary. “Ultimately, all parties want what’s best for residents.”
In the last three elections, the SDP contested the four-member GRC but lost to the PAP each time. In 2020, the PAP secured 66.36% of votes, a margin similar to previous contests. The constituency is known for its concentration of high-value landed properties and condominiums.
Prof Tambyah also confirmed his intention to recontest Bukit Panjang SMC, where he narrowly lost to PAP’s Mr Liang Eng Hwa in 2020 with 46.26% of the vote. With 33,566 voters, Bukit Panjang is the largest single-member ward in GE2025.
He said residents have raised issues such as lift upgrades, connectivity, and urban nuisances like crows. “Even though the odds are stacked against us, we’ll definitely try our best,” he said.
Meanwhile, the SDP has committed to contesting Sembawang GRC and Sembawang West SMC, but a three-way fight could be on the cards, with the National Solidarity Party also expressing interest. Talks between the two parties are expected this week.
