SDP plans to contest five constituencies at next general election

The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has announced that it plans to contest Holland-Bukit Timah GRC and Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, as well as single seats in Bukit Batok, Bukit Panjang and Yuhua, at the next general election.

It is the first opposition party to announce the constituencies it intends to contest as various political parties gear up for the election, which must be held by April 2021. The SDP contested these two group representation constituencies and three single-member constituencies at the last general election in 2015.

In a statement yesterday, the SDP said it would conduct a walkabout in all five constituencies tomorrow morning, in celebration of National Day, and as it ramps up its activity beyond house visits, policy forums and sessions with volunteers.

Over 80 members and volunteers at each constituency will accompany the party's leaders, including chairman Paul Tambyah and secretary-general Chee Soon Juan.

"This ground campaign will be about the SDP's plan to tackle Singapore's high cost of living through the various policies proposed by the party members, while maintaining a special focus on the Singaporean ambition and aspirations," Professor Tambyah and Dr Chee said in a statement.

"The SDP hopes to transform Singapore into a more dynamic city ready for a rapidly changing world. We do not see the need to raise the goods and services tax, cost of healthcare and essential services.

"Instead, we would like to free our people to be creative to reduce the economy's reliance on foreign PMETs (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) to make Singapore a better home for everyone here," they added.

Dr Chee will also address the media at Yuhua Village Market and Food Centre at 9.30am tomorrow, where he will answer questions about SDP's direction, party renewal strategy and plans for the upcoming election season. He will be joined by SDP central executive committee members Damanhuri Abas and Bryan Lim Boon Heng.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 03, 2019, with the headline SDP plans to contest five constituencies at next general election. Subscribe