The Singapore People’s Party (SPP) unveiled its manifesto for the 2025 General Election on April 19, putting forward bold proposals aimed at tackling rising living costs and economic inequality.
Titled It Is Time, the 16-page document outlines nine key themes, with a strong emphasis on cost-of-living relief, economic fairness, and sustainable public transport. The SPP is expected to contest Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC and Potong Pasir SMC, fielding a total of five candidates.
Among its headline proposals, the party suggests that annual government budget surpluses be redistributed to Singaporeans in the form of Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers, with additional support for lower-income households. The manifesto also calls for a more progressive tax regime – including raising income taxes for the top 2% of earners and reinstating estate duties for the ultra-wealthy.
To address job insecurity, the SPP proposes a review of the India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (Ceca), citing the need to address public concerns over foreign labour inflow. The party also recommends gradually tightening foreign manpower quotas in sectors that are increasingly automated.
Public transport is another major focus. The SPP wants the Government to invest heavily in MRT maintenance to boost reliability and eliminate major service disruptions.
In GE2020, the SPP ran in the same two constituencies. In Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, its team – led by party secretary-general Steve Chia – secured 32.77% of the vote. In Potong Pasir SMC, then-chairman Jose Raymond won 39.33%.
Mr Chia is expected to return to contest Bishan-Toa Payoh in GE2025, although the full slate of candidates for both constituencies has yet to be confirmed.
As Singapore prepares to head to the polls on May 3, the SPP hopes its manifesto will strike a chord with voters looking for tangible support measures and greater fairness in policymaking.
