SINGAPORE - The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) is making waves in Boon Lay with the debut of three promising candidates during a walkabout alongside party vice-chair Hazel Poa on April 5. This emerging leadership in the new West Coast-Jurong West Group Representation Constituency (GRC) is capturing the attention of residents eager for representation and change.

The three new candidates are Mr. Sani Ismail, an in-house legal counsel; Mr. Sumarleki Amjah, who formerly volunteered with the Workers' Party and currently heads packaged food and business development at Del Monte Pacific; and Ms. Stephanie Tan, a full-time homemaker with a law degree from the National University of Singapore, as noted in a PSP newsletter.

Joining this dynamic group was Ms. Poa’s husband, Mr. Tony Tan, also a former member of the Reform Party and National Solidarity Party, now dedicated to the PSP's mission. Together with party volunteers, they engaged the community by distributing pamphlets and tissue packets featuring proposals aimed at alleviating the cost of living, with specific emphasis on healthcare and food affordability. This initiative attracted over 20 party members and volunteers, all working to connect with the community.

Boon Lay plays a crucial role in the upcoming elections as part of the newly formed five-member West Coast-Jurong West GRC. In the previous General Election of 2020, the PSP team narrowly lost to the People's Action Party (PAP), which was led by prominent figures like former minister S. Iswaran and current Minister for National Development Desmond Lee. This close contest highlighted the PSP's potential as a formidable contender in Singapore's political landscape.

Post-walkabout, Mr. Sani shared his motivations for joining the PSP, which he did about seven to nine months ago. “I’ve got a lot of passion, and I found that the energy within PSP mirrors my own aspirations,” he stated. During his interactions with residents, he gathered valuable feedback on their concerns, particularly regarding the rising cost of living, the demand for affordable housing, and the widening social divide.

When asked what makes him appealing to voters, he expressed, “I hope residents see me as a genuine and approachable person who truly cares for their interests and actively listens.” His sentiments reflect a broader desire among the PSP to resonate with the community's concerns and enhance their engagement in local affairs.

Local hawkers echoed the sentiment of increased visibility, noting that they have observed PSP's efforts in Boon Lay multiple times. Retiree Linda Lim, 74, shared her perspective, saying it was her first encounter with the PSP and commented that it's “not bad” to see opposition parties competing in her area.

As the party gears up for the upcoming election, their grassroots efforts seem aimed not only at garnering votes but also at reconnecting with the community and addressing pressing issues at the heart of local interests. Will these new faces of the PSP capture the hearts of Boon Lay residents in the upcoming polls? Only time will tell!