GE2025
GE2025: Tan Cheng Bock calls for inclusive progress and a balanced parliament in PSP’s election push
Tan Cheng Bock, Chairman of the Progress Singapore Party, outlined the party’s vision for an inclusive Singapore, emphasising the need for a balanced Parliament and PSP’s commitment to raising public concerns. He also called for more loyal opposition in Parliament.
SINGAPORE: In the first public political broadcast of the 2025 General Election on 25 April, Tan Cheng Bock, Chairman of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), outlined the party’s vision for the upcoming general election, emphasising the importance of inclusivity in Singapore’s social and economic progress.
Tan introduced the party’s election slogan, “Progress for All,” stating that Singapore’s progress should benefit everyone.
“We believe that Singapore’s social and economic progress must be inclusive,” he explained.
“Everyone in Singapore must benefit from our country’s progress. Progress should not only benefit an elite class at the top. No one should be left behind.”
He went on to explain that these values form the foundation of the PSP’s manifesto, which includes over 60 policy proposals addressing key concerns such as the cost of living, healthcare costs, jobs, wages, and housing.
PSP’s Commitment to Addressing Public Concerns
Tan reiterated the PSP’s pledge to continue raising public concerns in Parliament, a role the party’s non-constituency MPs have fulfilled over the past five years.
Despite fielding only 13 candidates in this election, making it unlikely that the PSP can form the government, Tan assured voters that the party’s MPs would continue to advocate for the adoption of their policy proposals.
“We will speak up fearlessly. We will push the government to adopt some of our policy proposals because we believe our proposals will make your life better,” Tan affirmed, adding that PSP’s candidates are well-qualified, competent, and genuinely dedicated to serving the people.
Responding to Changing Political and Economic Challenges
Tan also highlighted the rapidly evolving political and economic landscape, particularly the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and the gig economy.
He noted that Singapore’s economy, which has traditionally thrived on free trade, will face considerable difficulties as countries around the world move towards protectionism.
In his broadcast, Tan also voiced his concerns about the PAP’s growing reliance on candidates from the civil service and military.
“A lot of them will be parachuted into Parliament alongside ministers in safe GRCs,” he said.
He questioned whether a Parliament dominated by a small group of elites would be sufficient to navigate the challenges Singapore faces.
“Do you want a parliament made up of a small group of elites that engages in groupthink? Will that be enough to help us chart our way through the challenges that we are about to face?”
A Call for a More Balanced Parliament
“What Singapore needs is a more balanced Parliament, one that reflects the diversity of the nation,” Tan asserted.
He added, “We need more loyal opposition that speaks up for you. We need more loyal opposition that helps the Government find the best way forward for Singapore.”
Tan concluded by reaffirming the PSP’s readiness to play a pivotal role in the 15th Parliament.
“PSP’s NCMPs have played that role in the 14th Parliament. The PSP is ready to play that role as elected MPs in the 15th Parliament,” he said.
PSP was allocated five minutes for the public political broadcast (PPBs) as it is contesting a total of 13 parliamentary seats. Eligibility for the PPBs is limited to political parties that field at least six candidates under a recognised party symbol.
The PPBs were aired across six Mediacorp television channels and 13 radio stations operated by Mediacorp, SPH Media, and So Drama! Entertainment, on top of its social media channels.
PSP Secretary-General Leong Mun Wai and First Vice-Chairperson Hazel Poa, both former NCMPs and the best-performing opposition party members from the previous election, will join Tan as part of the PSP’s A-team at the West Coast-Jurong West GRC in the upcoming election.
The PSP is also contesting Chua Chu Kang GRC, Bukit Gombak SMC, Kebun Baru SMC, Marymount SMC and Pioneer SMC.
The next political broadcast will take place on 1 May.
