Singapore GE2020: SDP's Paul Tambyah criticises glove and PPE 'fiasco', says his party ran strong campaign

The Singapore Democratic Party's Professor Paul Tambyah (centre) speaking to media on July 11, 2020. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

SINGAPORE - The Singapore Democratic Party's (SDP) chairman and candidate for Bukit Panjang SMC, Professor Paul Tambyah, criticised the election during the pandemic as indicative of the "recklessness and opportunism" of the People's Action Party (PAP).

He was speaking at a press conference at the SDP's headquarters in Ang Mo Kio early Saturday morning (July 11) as results from the polls were streaming in.

"We've seen a number of events that occurred today. The fiasco of the gloves and the PPE, where polling agents had to leave, but we deal with the cards we are dealt and are grateful to our voters," he said.

Prof Tambyah, 55, garnered 46.26 per cent of the votes, losing to the PAP's Mr Liang Eng Hwa, who got 53.74 per cent.

SDP chief Chee Soon Juan, 57, said: "We ran a very good campaign that's focused on policies on the issues. Unfortunately, we came up short but we want to thank various voters in our constituencies and tell them we will continue to press on."

The SDP fielded 11 candidates in five constituencies in this election, focusing on placing its party leaders in single seats instead of leading a GRC as in the 2015 election. Dr Chee lost Bukit Batok SMC to PAP incumbent, Mr Murali Pillai, who won 54.80 per cent of the votes.

Prof Tambyah added: "We can hold our heads up high for a strong campaign considering the circumstances.

"Unfortunately, a miracle did not happen but we are grateful for the experience.

"I'm sure we will do better the next time."

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