GE2025
Chee Soon Juan says Ong Ye Kung misused ‘co-driver’ analogy and dismissed constructive opposition
SDP chief Chee Soon Juan criticised Health Minister Ong Ye Kung for misusing the “co-driver” analogy during a rally speech, accusing him of misrepresenting the idea of constructive opposition. Chee also highlighted cost of living as the top concern during campaigning in Sembawang West SMC.
On 1 May 2025, Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan pushed back against comments made by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, accusing him of misrepresenting the role of the opposition in Parliament.
During a walkabout at Woodlands Mart on the final day of campaigning, Chee said Ong had taken the “co-driver” analogy too far.
The analogy, first used by Workers’ Party chief Low Thia Khiang in 2011, portrays the opposition as a co-driver in governance—alerting the driver to mistakes without taking control of the wheel.
Ong Ye Kung warns of “dangerous ride” if opposition gains more GRCs in GE2025
However, Ong had warned in a 30 April rally that if the People’s Action Party (PAP) were to lose three or four more Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs), the opposition could move from co-driver to partial controller of the government vehicle.
Ong stated that such a shift would risk policy paralysis and “crashes”, as the opposition would gain enough seats to influence key decisions but not bear full responsibility for outcomes.
Speaking in Sembawang GRC, where he leads the PAP team, Ong suggested that this would create instability.
“The PAP will still be held accountable, but policies could stall if the opposition tries to steer the car,” he said, implying potential governance deadlock.
Chee labels remarks ‘very disappointing’
Chee responded strongly to the remarks, calling them “very disappointing”.
“It is patently untrue,” he said, “when constructive opposition is what we have been talking about all this time.”
He added that even if the ruling party disagrees with SDP’s policy proposals, it should engage with them directly.
“Say you disagree with it, but don’t say that we are not constructive,” he told reporters.
Chee further urged Ong and other PAP ministers to consider the SDP’s alternative policy papers, which cover healthcare, housing, and the cost of living.
Cost of living dominates ground concerns
While visiting residents and stallholders in Sembawang West Single Member Constituency (SMC), Chee pointed to the rising cost of living as the top concern.
He criticised the government for not doing more despite having collected a S$6 billion surplus last year.
“Do they not spare a thought for those people who are struggling here just to find the next meal to eat?” Chee asked.
Chee also laid out the SDP’s economic proposals to address inequality and affordability.
He called the Goods and Services Tax (GST) “a huge, huge issue”, arguing that it unfairly burdens ordinary Singaporeans.
“You have to pay 9 per cent for your food, versus the billionaires who pay 9 per cent. They don’t have a problem with that,” he said.
To remedy this, he proposed lowering GST on basic necessities while raising it for luxury goods.
In addition, Chee advocated for the introduction of a wealth tax to better redistribute national resources.
Sembawang West SMC contest heats up
Chee is contesting Sembawang West SMC against PAP candidate Poh Li San.
The constituency has drawn significant attention due to the SDP’s efforts to highlight social and economic issues during the campaign.
Chee has emphasised his commitment to “bringing Parliament closer to the people” and ensuring that marginalised communities are not left behind.
Campaigning officially ended on 1 May, with 2 May designated as Cooling-off Day under Singapore’s electoral regulations.
No campaigning is allowed during this period, which is meant to give voters time to reflect.
Singaporeans will cast their votes on 3 May, with results expected the same night.
