GE2025: Hazel Poa calls on AGC to release findings on Bukit Gombak walkabout investigation

SINGAPORE: The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) has publicly called on the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to release the outcome of investigations into a contentious walkabout incident at Bukit Gombak. Speaking at a rally on 26 April 2025 at Bukit Gombak Stadium, PSP vice-chair Hazel Poa pressed for greater transparency. Poa, who is also contesting in West Coast–Jurong West, revisited the events of 4 January 2025. She described a festive atmosphere disrupted by individuals dressed in white, later identified as People’s Action Party (PAP) volunteers. According to Poa, these individuals followed PSP volunteers closely, photographing and video recording them without clear explanation. “This was not the first time we faced unpleasantness at Bukit Gombak,” said Poa. She also recounted a similar experience in November 2024 at Hillview Estate. Following the January incident, PAP MP for Bukit Gombak, Low Yen Ling, accused a PSP volunteer of slapping a PAP supporter. Poa criticised Low’s approach, stating that instead of addressing the conduct of her volunteers, Low made serious allegations against PSP members.

PSP calls for accountability and transparency

Dr Tan Cheng Bock, PSP chairman, had earlier responded that any accusations must be investigated thoroughly. Low had agreed that the matter should be referred to the police. The controversy traces back to 5 January 2025, when PSP volunteer Stella Stan Lee filed a police report, alleging harassment during the walkabout. Stella described being followed and filmed at close range by three unidentified individuals, which left her feeling "deeply insecure and violated." She alleged that the harassment continued into a car park, with vehicle number plates photographed without consent. Calling the experience a "direct invasion of privacy," Stella urged stronger protections for women and political volunteers. Shortly after, PSP member S Nallakaruppan corroborated Stella’s account through a Facebook post, recounting similar incidents during the same walkabout. Nallakaruppan alleged that individuals believed to be PAP supporters followed PSP teams and distributed flyers immediately after their engagements with residents. He also recalled a similar occurrence in November 2024, questioning whether such conduct was becoming a trend. Azman Ibrahim, a PAP volunteer, subsequently identified himself as the alleged victim and uploaded two edited videos to Facebook. However, the videos did not show any slapping incident and were criticised for lacking continuity and context. In response, PSP at the time released unedited footage showing Azman following and filming PSP volunteers closely, allegedly taunting them.

Poa calls for apology if allegations prove baseless

By 17 February, Stella Stan Lee followed up with the police and was informed that investigations had concluded. According to her, the findings had been submitted to the AGC by the second week of February. During the 26 April rally, Poa questioned, “If the accusation that a PSP member had slapped a PAP volunteer is baseless, do you agree that an apology is due to the poor fella who is falsely accused of assault?” She stressed that political leaders must uphold fairness and accountability, and called for the AGC to promptly release the investigation findings.