Leadership Changes Rock Progress Singapore Party

In a surprising turn of events, the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) has announced the resignation of its founder and chairman, Tan Cheng Bock, along with vice-chair Hazel Poa and party treasurer S. Nallakaruppan from their leadership roles. This significant shakeup was revealed in a press release on July 5.

New Faces Stepping Up

Taking the reins as the new chairman is A’bas Kasmani, who previously held the position of second vice-chair. Meanwhile, Anthony Neo will be stepping in as the new treasurer, succeeding Nallakaruppan after both he and the former leaders faced setbacks during the recent May general election.

End of an Era, But Not the End of the Road

Despite stepping down from their leadership roles, Dr. Tan, Ms. Poa, and Mr. Nallakaruppan will continue as members of the party. The changes come on the heels of Dr. Tan’s earlier announcement that he would retire from electoral politics, marking the end of a significant chapter for the PSP.

New Blood Joined the Party's Leadership

The Central Executive Committee (CEC) has also welcomed three new co-opted members: Sani Ismail, Lawrence Pek, and Stephanie Tan. All three candidates unsuccessfully competed in the recent elections, running on the party ticket in GE2025.

Challenges Ahead for PSP

The PSP’s performance in GE2025 marked a noticeable decline from its debut in the 2020 election, where it had made significant inroads against the ruling People's Action Party. This marks the second leadership change for the PSP this year, highlighting ongoing turbulence within the party as it attempts to regroup and strategize for future electoral battles.

Looking Forward

As the PSP navigates this transition, the focus will be on redefining its strategy and reconnecting with voters after facing tough competition. The party, which was founded in 2019 by Dr. Tan, now faces an uncertain future but remains committed to its mission.