GE2025: PSP has had leadership transition plans from the beginning, says Hazel Poa
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Progress Singapore Party chairman Tan Cheng Bock (front, right) with other PSP leaders and Singapore Democratic Party chairman Paul Tambyah during a walkabout at Teban Gardens Food Centre on April 26.
ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
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SINGAPORE - The PSP has had leadership renewal plans in place since the beginning, said party first vice-chair Hazel Poa on April 26.
Speaking at a birthday celebration for party founder and chairman Tan Cheng Bock, who turned 85, Ms Poa said Dr Tan had held the secretary-general position for only two years before passing the role to younger members.
Dr Tan was PSP chief from 2019 to 2021, before he handed the reins to Mr Francis Yuen in 2021.
Mr Leong Mun Wai, the current party chief, first took over the position from Mr Yuen in 2023.
The opposition party had earlier said the 2025 General Election is likely to be the final general election that Dr Tan is running in.
“So that is the start of our renewal process to gradually leave the reins to the younger members,” Ms Poa said, in response to questions on the party’s leadership transition plans.
Ms Poa, 54, added: “So far, none of (the residents we interacted with) feel that renewal is a problem because they could see that there are other members in PSP who are able to take over the reins.”
Dr Tan’s 85th birthday celebration was held at Teban Gardens Food Centre in West Coast-Jurong West GRC, which PSP is contesting. The PSP’s five-member slate consists of Dr Tan, Ms Poa, Mr Leong, 65, and two new faces – Mr Sumarleki Amjah, 53, and Mr Sani Ismail, 49.
They will be running against a PAP team led by National Development Minister Desmond Lee
Dr Tan kicked off the celebration with a hearty breakfast of longevity noodles whipped up by one of the hawkers, with two red eggs and two cakes.
Dr Tan Cheng Bock blowing out candles on his birthday cake during a celebration at Teban Gardens Food Centre on April 26.
ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
In Chinese tradition, red eggs symbolise birth and new beginnings.
Party members and volunteers sang him a birthday song, followed by chants of: “Heng Ong Huat! PSP into the Parliament!”
Dr Tan later told the media: “My birthday wish is that Singapore will do very well in the years to come, and we want to be part of that team that is going to take Singapore far.
“Even at my age, I am only 85, I still feel that I want to contribute in whatever small way.”
Dr Tan Cheng Bock with longevity noodles whipped up by one of the hawkers at Teban Gardens Food Centre on April 26.
ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
Singapore Democratic Party chairman Paul Tambyah, whom Dr Tan called a “very good friend”, was also at the celebration.
“Dr Tan has been an old friend of the family. My dad knew him... my dad told me early on, ‘Listen to Dr Tan, he knows what’s going on in healthcare, right on the ground,’” said Professor Tambyah, an infectious diseases senior consultant at National University Hospital.
Mr Leong thanked Dr Tan for his service towards Singaporeans and said he has provided mentorship for the party.
“Actually, (party leaders) have been running the show. What Dr Tan has provided is the values, the moral support and mentorship, and that is very important, especially this election,” he said.
“After this election, (there will) probably be a lot of first-generation, second-generation leaders (who will) not be in the political scene any more. But there are many good values in the past that Singaporeans need to know,” Mr Leong added.
Ms Poa said Dr Tan – a former PAP MP – has been “very brave” in speaking up on his own conviction. For instance, he had pushed for free parking on Sundays and public holidays so that families could spend more time together.
“So I think that’s the spirit that we want to keep up, that we need to speak truth to power,” she said.
Residents wished Dr Tan well and took photos with him.
Retired lawyer Mohd Latif, 63, who has lived in Ayer Rajah for over two decades, remembered Dr Tan’s contributions, such as how he managed the estate well and pushed for free parking on Sundays.
Dr Tan was a PAP MP for 26 years for the Ayer Rajah ward that is now part of West Coast-Jurong West GRC.
“He has been here for over 20 years and I would like to see him back again. He was very friendly and always met us regularly during the Meet-the-People Sessions,” said Mr Latif.
“He never said no, he always spent more time entertaining whoever came to see him... everything was nice.”
Taxi driver Francis Thia, 68, a resident of Serangoon Central, was in the Ayer Rajah area and wanted to meet Dr Tan after hearing that he was nearby.
“I wish that he will have good health, strength and vitality... Nothing is more important than health. Without health, you can’t serve the people effectively or efficiently,” said Mr Thia.
“He is in good health and still willing to serve because of his love for the people.”
