SINGAPORE - Former presidential candidate Tan Cheng Bock has applied to form a new political party.
In a Facebook post on Friday (Jan 18), Dr Tan said he and 11 "like-minded Singaporeans", including former People's Action Party (PAP) cadres, filed an application to the Registry of Societies to form the new Progress Singapore Party two days ago.
He said the move was sparked by conversations he and his team had with Singaporeans from all walks of life over the years.
"I felt a sense of duty to come forward and represent them in Parliament. So I decided to form a political party to add another voice in Parliament," he said.
"The decision to go on our own was not an easy one," said Dr Tan, a former PAP MP for Ayer Rajah who stepped down in 2006. He and his team had studied various options, such as joining an existing opposition party, taking over one, and running as an independent candidate.
"I want to thank all those who made such generous offers. I considered them all seriously and it was a difficult decision, but I feel it is the right one," he said.
Despite deciding to set up a new party, Dr Tan said he and his team "still look forward to working with others in the opposition who are passionate about putting country first before either party or self".
https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/tan-cheng-bock-applies-to-form-new-progress-singapore-party