Leadership Transition in Progress Singapore Party Amid Election Setbacks

SINGAPORE – On July 5, 2025, Tan Cheng Bock, the founder and chairman of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), along with vice-chair Hazel Poa and party treasurer S. Nallakaruppan, announced their resignation from the party's Central Executive Committee (CEC). This leadership shift follows a disappointing performance in the May 2025 general election, where the PSP faced significant losses, leading to calls for new leadership and direction within the party.

The PSP, founded in 2019 by Dr. Tan, has struggled to gain traction against the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP). In the recent election, the party's candidates, including Dr. Tan, Ms. Poa, and Mr. Nallakaruppan, did not secure any seats. Their resignations mark a pivotal moment for the party as it seeks to redefine its leadership and strategy moving forward.

Dr. Tan, a former Member of Parliament and presidential candidate, will be succeeded by A’bas Kasmani, who previously served as the second vice-chair. The new treasurer will be Anthony Neo, taking over from Nallakaruppan. Despite stepping down from leadership roles, Dr. Tan, Ms. Poa, and Mr. Nallakaruppan will remain as members of the party, indicating a commitment to its future.

The CEC also appointed three new members: Sani Ismail, Lawrence Pek, and Stephanie Tan, all of whom contested in the 2025 general election. This recruitment is part of the PSP’s effort to rejuvenate its leadership and involve newer faces in its decision-making processes, despite their electoral setbacks.

The May 3 election was particularly challenging for the PSP, as it saw a drop in support compared to its debut performance in the 2020 general election. The party had initially gained momentum when it secured two Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) seats. However, the recent performance indicates a need for introspection and reevaluation of the party's strategies.

Dr. Tan's decision to retire from electoral politics is reflective of a broader trend within Singaporean opposition parties, which often face substantial barriers in challenging the long-standing dominance of the PAP. The PSP’s leadership transitions are seen as essential for revitalization and positioning the party for future electoral contests.

Political analysts, such as Dr. Jennifer Lee, a political scientist at the National University of Singapore, argue that these leadership changes may offer the PSP an opportunity to recalibrate its approach. "The PSP needs to engage more deeply with the electorate and articulate clear policy alternatives to gain traction against the PAP," Dr. Lee stated in her analysis published in the Singapore Political Review (June 2025).

As the PSP navigates this transitional phase, the implications of these changes extend beyond internal party dynamics. The leadership shake-up could have significant ramifications for Singapore’s political landscape, particularly as opposition parties prepare for future elections in a highly competitive environment. The PSP must leverage this leadership transition to rebuild its image and connect with a broader voter base.

In conclusion, the PSP’s leadership changes underscore the challenges and opportunities facing opposition parties in Singapore. The coming months will be critical as the party seeks to regroup, redefine its objectives, and reaffirm its role in Singapore’s political discourse. This transition may set the stage for a more resilient opposition, as political dynamics in the city-state continue to evolve.