Overview

In a bold move leading up to the next general election, the People’s Power Party (PPP) has announced its intention to contest the Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency (GRC), placing itself directly in the path of Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Secretary-General Goh Meng Seng made this announcement on April 5 while engaging with locals at Chong Boon Market and Food Centre.

Campaign Focus

Goh is positioning the party's campaign around what he termed the "mismanagement of population policies" over the past two decades — a period that coincided with Lee's tenure as Prime Minister. He believes it's crucial to hold Lee accountable now that he has stepped down from his long-held position.

Previous Election Performance

In the 2020 elections, Lee’s People's Action Party (PAP) successfully garnered 71.9% of the valid votes against the Reform Party. Goh acknowledged the PAP’s strong performance perhaps was bolstered by the Covid-19 pandemic, as many Singaporeans opted for stability during crisis times, favoring the known leadership of Lee.

Optimism and Strategy

Despite the uphill battle against such longstanding incumbents, Goh expresses optimism about the PPP's chances in the upcoming election, considering that even a loss could still yield them a significant result in Ang Mo Kio GRC.

Candidates and Leadership

Heading the PPP's line-up in the GRC is party treasurer William Lim, a 47-year-old veteran of the transport industry. Lim has made it clear that if elected, he will advocate fiercely for policies that respect the rights of Singaporeans. The party is yet to announce its full team for Ang Mo Kio GRC.

Avoiding a Diluted Race

Interestingly, Goh aims to avoid a diluted race by seeking an amicable arrangement with the Singapore United Party (SUP), which has also indicated a presence in the constituency, as confirmed on its social media platforms.

Party Manifesto and Slogan

During the campaign, the PPP revealed its slogan "Make Singapore Home Again" and its manifesto, which criticizes the government for failing to make Singapore livable due to soaring housing prices, poor job prospects for youths, and a declining birth rate. Goh articulated a strong opposition to certain policies, specifically stating that the "LGBT agenda should not be prioritized at this time."

Medical Interventions Stance

The topic of mandatory vaccinations came up, with Goh reaffirming the party’s stance against forcing any medical interventions on individuals, a point of contention he’s raised since the pandemic began.

Nuclear Power Discussion

In a surprising extension of the discussion, Goh touched on the feasibility of nuclear power use in Singapore, expressing doubt about the government's ability to manage such technology, given past issues with public transport safety.

Additional Candidates

Alongside Lim, the PPP is also considering three new candidates for the election: Thaddeus Thomas, a 43-year-old safety coordinator; Heng Zheng Dao, a youthful 24-year-old horticulturist; and Samuel Lee, 33, who is currently exploring employment opportunities.

Conclusion

As the political landscape heats up in Singapore ahead of the GE2025, the strategies and manifestos of parties like the PPP will be pivotal in shaping voter decisions and potentially altering the established parliamentary order. Stay tuned as we cover this developing story!