The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) recently held a rally ahead of the General Election 2025, where the party’s leaders urged voters to address the Goods and Services Tax (GST) hikes and the challenges posed by the rising cost of living.
Party chairman Paul Tambyah emphasised the importance of making bold changes to improve the quality of life for Singaporeans. He stated, “What we are looking for is someone who is prepared to make the bold changes to turn Singapore around. To reverse the self-inflicted wounds, in particular, the raised GST … together with all the other charges which have severely affected the quality of life of Singaporeans.”
Echoing the concerns raised by Tambyah, SDP secretary-general Chee Soon Juan criticised the government’s decision to increase the GST despite the financial difficulties faced by Singaporeans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chee highlighted the government’s allocation of funds towards initiatives like the Founders’ Memorial and questioned the prudence of such spending. He also scrutinised the approach of providing vouchers to residents to cope with rising costs, likening it to “the arsonist that sets your house on fire and then comes and gives you a cup of water to help you put it out.”
Chee and other SDP candidates outlined their proposals, including abolishing the GST on essential items and revisiting the Central Provident Fund (CPF) minimum sum scheme.
Candidate Surayah Akbar called for scrapping GST on crucial items and adjusting rates for luxury goods to offset revenue loss. Her husband, Jufri Salim, advocated for the full return of CPF savings to retirees, emphasising that dignity in retirement should be a right, not a privilege.
The rally also featured speeches from other SDP candidates, highlighting the party’s focus on challenging existing policies and promoting a more inclusive and representative parliament.
With calls for greater accountability, transparency, and a reevaluation of economic policies, the SDP leaders aimed to engage voters in addressing pressing issues affecting Singaporeans in the upcoming election.
