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‘I didn’t change, the PAP did’: Singapore opposition politician Tan Cheng Bock pledges to ask government tough questions
Tan Cheng Bock, a long-time member of Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) who in recent years has emerged as one of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s most vocal critics, said on Friday that his new political party would ask tough questions about “eroding” standards of governance in the Lion City.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the launch of his Progress Singapore Party (PSP) on August 3, the 79-year-old Tan said he was open to working with the country’s other opposition parties – and even invited the prime minister’s estranged brother Lee Hsien Yang to join.
“I believe the processes of good governance have gone astray,” Tan said, flanked by six other core members of the new party. “Specifically there is an erosion of transparency, independence and accountability.”
Asked if his party was just another PAP, Tan said: “My simple answer to that is I didn’t change, the PAP changed."
The PSP will be the city state’s 10th active opposition party. Apart from the Workers’ Party and the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) none have ever held parliamentary seats, and observers say a combination of infighting, poor funding, and institutional restrictions put in place by the PAP hurt their electoral chances.
Said Tan: “I would love to work with the SDP, the Workers’ Party and with all the other small parties. In fact that is my intention. I have been approached by many of them … to form a very loose alliance so that when we come to the general election, we will be a much bigger force to challenge the PAP.”
“It’s difficult because a lot of personalities are involved, but it’s not impossible. I hope that I can convince all of them to come on board.” A coalition would likely inflict considerable damage on the ruling party, according to political analyst Bilveer Singh from the National University of Singapore.
“The PSP will surely dent the PAP in the west and not elsewhere, but with the Worker’s Party assaulting in the east and PSP in the west, for the first time, PAP will be stretched,” Bilveer said.
While he fielded questions on a range of topics at the press conference, Tan refused to offer details about whether he had managed to entice other establishment rebels to his new party. “If PSP wins a group representation constituency, its impact will be tremendous, if not the hype would be greater than the bite or even hope for some.”
Instead, he said more details on the party’s membership and policy platform would be unveiled during its launch on August 3. Tan has previously said his party will include “some” ex-members of the PAP who once held cadre status, meaning they had special rights to pick the party’s top leaders. Younger members will also be welcome, though Tan quipped that he will be the oldest.
- Speaking at a press conference ahead of the launch of his Progress Singapore Party, the 79-year-old said he was open to working with everyone
- He even invited Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s estranged brother Lee Hsien Yang to join – a prospect that has set political tongues wagging
Tan Cheng Bock, a long-time member of Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) who in recent years has emerged as one of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s most vocal critics, said on Friday that his new political party would ask tough questions about “eroding” standards of governance in the Lion City.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the launch of his Progress Singapore Party (PSP) on August 3, the 79-year-old Tan said he was open to working with the country’s other opposition parties – and even invited the prime minister’s estranged brother Lee Hsien Yang to join.
“I believe the processes of good governance have gone astray,” Tan said, flanked by six other core members of the new party. “Specifically there is an erosion of transparency, independence and accountability.”
Asked if his party was just another PAP, Tan said: “My simple answer to that is I didn’t change, the PAP changed."
The PSP will be the city state’s 10th active opposition party. Apart from the Workers’ Party and the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) none have ever held parliamentary seats, and observers say a combination of infighting, poor funding, and institutional restrictions put in place by the PAP hurt their electoral chances.
Said Tan: “I would love to work with the SDP, the Workers’ Party and with all the other small parties. In fact that is my intention. I have been approached by many of them … to form a very loose alliance so that when we come to the general election, we will be a much bigger force to challenge the PAP.”
“It’s difficult because a lot of personalities are involved, but it’s not impossible. I hope that I can convince all of them to come on board.” A coalition would likely inflict considerable damage on the ruling party, according to political analyst Bilveer Singh from the National University of Singapore.
“The PSP will surely dent the PAP in the west and not elsewhere, but with the Worker’s Party assaulting in the east and PSP in the west, for the first time, PAP will be stretched,” Bilveer said.
While he fielded questions on a range of topics at the press conference, Tan refused to offer details about whether he had managed to entice other establishment rebels to his new party. “If PSP wins a group representation constituency, its impact will be tremendous, if not the hype would be greater than the bite or even hope for some.”
Instead, he said more details on the party’s membership and policy platform would be unveiled during its launch on August 3. Tan has previously said his party will include “some” ex-members of the PAP who once held cadre status, meaning they had special rights to pick the party’s top leaders. Younger members will also be welcome, though Tan quipped that he will be the oldest.
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But plse dont go bedok reservoir ya. 
