SINGAPORE - The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has elected medical specialist Paul Tambyah as its new chairman.

He takes over from Dr Wong Souk Yee, who is now the party's assistant treasurer.

The SDP said on Tuesday (Sept 26) in a post on its website that Prof Tambyah "comes into the position with strong support of party cadres", including Dr Wong.

Said the outgoing chairman: "I'm proud to support Paul's chairmanship and I'm sure the rest of my colleagues look forward to his leadership in the party."

Prof Tambyah, who was elected at the party conference over the weekend, is a professor of medicine at the National University of Singapore and a senior infectious diseases consultant at the National University Hospital.

He said he hopes to see Singaporeans - in particular academics, professionals and youth - become more involved in civil society and politics.

"This is a particularly important time for our country when there are uncertainties about the economy and also serious questions about governance issues including the elected presidency," said Prof Tambyah.

"The SDP has never shied away from holding the government accountable to the people and I am happy to be a part of the SDP's efforts for the good of Singaporeans," he added.

Prof Tambyah, along with opposition veteran Chee Soon Juan, was part the SDP team in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC in the 2015 polls.

Dr Chee remains the party's secretary-general. At the conference, he told members to keep their eyes on the build-up to the general election, said the SDP in its post.

"Even though the elections are still a couple of years away, we must continue our work to raise important issues and get the party ready for the next contest," he reportedly told them.