Politics
SDA holds thank-you event, donates S$16,000 to charity and outlines plans for future elections
The Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) held a thank-you event on 25 May 2025, where it honoured supporters and donated S$16,000 to ST’s charity. Funds were raised from used campaign poster sales, topped up by chairman Desmond Lim. SDA also pledged stronger grassroots efforts and addressed future electoral plans.
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) held a gratitude event on 25 May 2025 at its headquarters in the PKMS Building, located at 218-F Changi Road.
The event, which began at 10:00 AM, aimed to recognise the efforts of volunteers, supporters, and media allies who contributed to the party’s campaign during and after the General Election.
Party leaders addressed attendees with messages of thanks and reflection, highlighting how grassroots volunteers, content creators, and social media influencers played pivotal roles in amplifying SDA’s messaging and engaging with the public.
SDA chairman Desmond Lim expressed special appreciation to traditional media outlets, social media platform owners, hosts, and influencers.
He commended their fair and consistent coverage, citing their role in fostering civic discourse and upholding democratic principles.
Lim matches donations, presents S$16,000 to children’s charity
A central feature of the event was the presentation of charitable donations raised from the sale of used campaign posters.
The fundraising initiative involved contributions from residents of Pasir Ris–Changi and across Singapore. Proceeds amounted to S$7,930.
To complete the round figure, Lim added S$70 personally. He then matched the total amount with an additional S$8,000 from his own funds, resulting in a total donation of S$16,000.
During a formal handover ceremony, this full sum was presented to representatives of the ST School Pocket Money Fund.
The charity supports students from low-income families by providing financial assistance for daily school allowances.
Additionally, Lim donated S$5,000 to Willing Hearts, a volunteer-driven non-profit organisation that prepares and distributes meals to those in need throughout Singapore.
Lim affirms SDA’s commitment to Pasir Ris–Changi GRC
The Q&A session that followed saw active participation from attendees, with questions ranging from party strategy to community development plans.
Lim responded to questions about SDA’s commitment to Pasir Ris–Changi GRC, stating the party would “continue to serve the community and remain committed to its residents.”
He also mentioned increased use of social media to reach younger Singaporeans and attract passionate, capable youth to the party.
He pledged more grassroots and charitable initiatives, ensuring no one would be left behind.
An artist present asked about Lim’s plans for Pulau Ubin, part of Pasir Ris–Changi GRC.
Lim noted that while he is not an elected Member of Parliament, he hopes to organise free medical check-ups for elderly residents on the island, minimising their need to travel to the mainland.
He added that if elected in 2030, he would submit proposals to NParks, the government, and the Ministry of National Development to improve living standards on Pulau Ubin.
Another supporter raised concerns about SDA’s strategy, comparing it with other opposition parties like Red Dot United and the Singapore Democratic Party, which announced initiatives following the 3 May poll.
In response, Lim said SDA prioritises practical aid such as food banks, which provide direct help without financial hurdles.
He commented on the idea of a shadow cabinet, noting that such models might function within a single party due to ideological unity.
However, in coalitions like SDA — which includes the Singapore Justice Party (SJP) and Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Melayu Singapura (PKMS) — he emphasised the need for long-term commitment to avoid collapse.
Lim warned against forming “families of convenience” that risk internal friction and potential disintegration.
The alliance’s secretary-general Abu bin Mohamed further clarified that SDA already fulfils roles akin to a shadow cabinet through its existing departments, such as welfare, cultural, and educational outreach.
He asserted that the SDA is actively working on the ground, not merely imitating other parties or adopting symbolic roles.
SDA plans to recruit ‘star players’ with strong grassroots ties for 2030
The conversation also turned to SDA’s future plans for improving its vote share — which exceeded 30 percent in the recent election — and its candidate recruitment strategy.
Lim said previous candidates were humble and community-focused. For future elections, including 2030, SDA intends to introduce more prominent candidates.
However, he stressed that these individuals must connect with residents and avoid appearing as outsiders “parachuted” into the constituency.
Lim invited attendees to consider joining SDA, noting that while the party has historically focused on community outreach, it now aims to build a stronger national presence.
He acknowledged that SDA’s limited online presence led some to label it a “fly-by-night” party, but pointed to sustained community work as evidence to the contrary.
Moving ahead, SDA plans to raise its national profile, present detailed policy proposals, and recruit candidates aligned with its long-term goals.
Chia Yun Kai notably absent from SDA’s post-election gratitude event
Notably absent from the 25 May event was Chia Yun Kai, a 32-year-old entrepreneur. Chia initially intended to contest East Coast GRC under the Most Valuable Party (MVP) but later joined SDA to run in Pasir Ris–Changi GRC.
In the General Election held on 3 May 2025, Pasir Ris–Changi GRC was won by the People’s Action Party (PAP) with 67.66 percent of the vote.
The PAP, led by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah, secured 60,887 votes.
SDA, led by Lim and comprising Abu Mohamed, Harminder Pal Singh, and Chia, received 29,109 votes.
A total of 89,996 valid votes were cast from 100,639 registered voters.
The current Pasir Ris–Changi GRC was formed by merging sections of the former Pasir Ris–Punggol GRC and parts of East Coast GRC.
The PAP slate included Indranee Rajah, Desmond Tan, Sharael Taha, and Valerie Lee.
SDA has contested in the Pasir Ris–Punggol region since 2006 but has not secured a parliamentary seat.
In the 2020 General Election, SDA secured 23.67 percent of the vote in the same area, with the PAP winning 64.16 percent. The People’s Voice lost its deposit in that contest.
