Nation

GE2025: PPP Defends Convicted Candidate, Claims 'Remorse and Responsibility'

2025-04-25

Author: Wei

In a bold move ahead of the upcoming elections, the People's Power Party (PPP) has come to the defense of their candidate, Samuel Lee, who faced legal trouble in 2022. The party asserts that Lee is remorseful and has taken full responsibility for his actions.

Lee's past surfaced recently, with reports revealing his conviction related to a February 2022 incident where he collided with the gate of the Victory Family Centre in Toa Payoh after an altercation with a personal mobility device (PMD) rider. Driving a Mercedes-Benz, Lee was charged with two counts of rash acts and ultimately served a six-week jail sentence.

PPP’s secretary-general, Goh Meng Seng, has openly acknowledged the situation, expressing confidence in Lee’s commitment to rehabilitation and the party's values, which resonate with the principles of the Yellow Ribbon Project—advocating second chances for those who have strayed.

“Samuel is not only resilient but also familiar with the everyday struggles faced by many Singaporeans, including job insecurity and rising living costs,” Goh stated, emphasizing Lee's dedication to representing the concerns of the working class.

Lee gained media attention recently with his passionate remarks about the absence of clear career paths for Singaporeans during a press conference announcing the PPP's contesting in the Ang Mo Kio and Tampines Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs). His remarks appeared to resonate with the public.

Alongside Lee, the PPP’s team in Ang Mo Kio includes notable figures such as party treasurer William Lim and former civil servant Martinn Ho, gearing up for a challenging three-cornered contest against the People's Action Party and the Singapore United Party.

In light of Lee’s history, the PPP also referenced several prominent individuals with past convictions, including Workers’ Party leader Pritam Singh, to illustrate their stance on accepting candidates who demonstrate a genuine intent to serve the community.

The party is advocating for the election to revolve around substantial policy discussions rather than distractions from candidate pasts. "Let's focus on designing a better future for all Singaporeans—away from irrelevant issues and towards critical governance matters that will affect lives in the coming years," the PPP stated.